The Original Mast General Store is located in Valle Crucis, NC. It was opened by Henry Taylor back…read morein 1883 as the Taylor General Store and has been operating ever since, so they are definitely doing something right! The landmark is on the National Register of Historic Places and is quite a popular place. While you won't be able to park right out front as they did in the past, there is plenty of parking located conveniently behind the store. W.W. Mast bought a half stake of the business in 1897, then bought the other half in 1913, changing the name to Mast General Store It was truly the Amazon of its day, offering everything you could possibly need with the motto, "goods for the living, coffins and caskets for the dead," which prompted the local phrase, "If you can't buy it here, you don't need it ." When the economy changed and the original store closed in 1977, it was thankfully saved and reopened in 1980 by preservationists John and Faye Cooper The front corner of the store features an active town post office The store spans two levels with beautifully creaking floorboards that instantly let you know you are in a nostalgic place filled with history. A lot of the original advertising posters from Mr. Mast are still mounted on the walls alongside the vintage counters and fixtures The original cast iron potbellied wood stove is still used to heat the store, the functional wooden trap doors in the floorboards still remain from where chickens historically were traded for store credit, and you can even get a cup of coffee for just 5 cents. You will find a massive variety of cast-iron cookware, old-fashioned candy in barrels, postcards, books, high-quality clothing, footwear, toys, and traditional mercantile goods. I even bought a delicious fried apple pie! The historic Little Red Schoolhouse sits right behind the main building and offers clearance merchandise, though I just enjoyed looking at the older architecture and reading about the school.

Been coming here for a few years now, we love visiting the area and stopping in for a moon pie and…read morea spicy ginger ale or cream soda!!!! There's so much to look at here, the property itself is stunning and surrounded by amazing nature, the staff are all warm and friendly, and you could spend literally hours here perusing the shelves. There's good old fashioned candy, popcorn, snacks, there's Valle Crucis souvenirs to bring home. It's never felt like a tourist trap, it's always felt very warm, country, and welcoming. The building itself is so old and stunning! The creamy floors and woodsy smells, it's always a treat to come here and there's so much to look at and buy. There's even a Christmas shop upstairs year round, where you can stock up on goodies ahead of time for Christmas. I'd say the value is pretty good, depending on what you're buying. Snacks, drinks, candy are all very affordable, but the souvenir and brand name products of course are higher up in price, which is to be expected. All in all, a wonderful place to stop by to grab a treat or bring home some gifts for family and friends. Highly recommend!!!

Wonderful staff, excellent inventory and beautiful setting. The variety and quality of honey is…read moreonly surpassed by the beautifully painted exterior of the building!

What a wonderful place!…read more One of the perks of living in Weaverville is Honey and The Hive! If I had the skillset & time for bee keeping, this would definitely be my go-to spot. But for now, I love this place for gifts and local honey! One thing I love are the honey sticks, pretty much clear straws filled with different types of honey. They are so good to have on hand for tea, peanut butter toast or just a shot for your sweet tooth! Being a bee expert is not a requirement to enjoy this place, just a love of honey!! By the way, I'm obsessed with the exterior mural!!!!!

Gift shopping heaven! The whole store is filled with unique one of a kind local "stuff"…read more Inventory is different every time I visit. Local owner who knows local artists. I'm a regular.

A wonderful shop full of lots of fun objects/items to peruse. A nice selection of linens, candles,…read morelotions, knickknacks, etc. I will definitely make this a stop when I'm visiting near Asheville, NC.

This rating is purely for the coffee bar and guy and gal running it...(looked like they had cool…read moreunique stuff in the store too). My husband had a mocha and I got the hillbilly hot chocolate, and man was it delicious! Their slogan is correct, "We're not Starbucks, we're better!"

The atmosphere here was amazing! It's immediately cozy, the staff was very friendly and inviting,…read moregreat selection of books, coffee, and gifts from every fandom!

If I was writing this review after my first visit it would be a 5 all the way. Staff was very nice…read moreand helpful, even if I caught her mid snack she was still willing to walk around to help me find the "just right" book. Great selection of titles and organized beautifully. Upstairs has an expansive kids area with toys, books and Jellycats. I had such a great experience the first time, I went back the next day. This time however, I asked a question and kind worker needed help so she found another employee to ask and THAT employee was dismissive to both the original employee and myself. Maybe she was having a bad day, but if that was my only experience with the shop, I wouldn't return.

This place was probably one of the busiest spots in all the downtown business district. This place…read moreis beaming with Christmas spirit! Plenty of Christmas decorations, ornaments, and other source of holiday finds for that time of the year. It's a bit of a tight squeeze to get around too but it's absolutely worth checking out. Long lines checking out as well.

Such a cute place! So much to see, merchandised beautifully,…read moreand courteous staff. We drive over from Roan Mountain while camping, and so glad we did! Our visit was during their spring open house, so I even got a free gift with my purchase. They have Jim Shore collectibles, lots of Radko, and other holidays as well. Plus downtown Jonesborough is adorable!

This shop used to be in Biltmore village until the whole area was washed away in the hurricane…read more They opened downtown and carry local products made by local manufacturers and artists. The staff was very friendly and helpful. If you still need a few things for Christmas, come to the mountains and help. Everyone I talked to said they need people to come back. Not everything is open but a lot is. Come help out and get some cool stuff. My wife got some pottery that is for heating brie.

Loved their stuff! Not a typical souvenir shop at all, and lovely things for sale. Super cute…read moreshirts made with quality. The shirts are worth it! Disappointed that there weren't more mugs to choose from. Even more disappointed that the mug I chose had the decal flip over and peel within a few months of owning it.

A gorgeous little shop in the heart of downtown Asheville! The staff is incredibly kind and…read morewelcoming. You will find such fun, unique products and gifts in this cute boutique. It is an absolute joy to shop there.

This is my favorite go to when I need a unique gift or something special for a holiday. Always has…read morelocal goods so if you want a piece of Asheville, this is where you should go.