Category: Shopping

Welcome to Carriage Trade Living on Main Street. This shop began as Carriage Trade Antiques in Wilkesboro in 1989. The shop in Blowing Rock has been going strong since 2000 (the original business is still open by appointment, too). Carriage Trade Living specializes in a blend of classic and modern styles for decor and accessories.   From silver to quirky tea towels, designer jewelry to regional food products, the shop always has something elegant and fun. And each year at the holidays, the store transforms into a glittering display of trees, ornaments, and seasonal gifts. Shoppers can find a huge assortment of the latest Mark Roberts fairies, Radko and Old World ornaments, and so much more. And the window displays are always so festive!   Dean Bullis and his partner Bill Brooks own several shops in the southeast, but Blowing Rock is their favorite place for business. If you’ve been to Blowing Rock, you’ve probably been in one of their shops- they have three here! Dean says that living and working in Blowing Rock is like being in a Hallmark movie. He cherishes the local support and the variety of wonderful customers from all over.   Carriage Trade Living shares a website with its sister shops in Blowing Rock, Finley House Couture and the Boutique Collection. Find them online at finleyhousecouture.com.

Welcome to Serves You Right! at SouthMarke. This shop has continued to evolve since its opening in 1993, when it began offering merchandise for entertaining in style, as well as high-end collectibles. Over the last decade, the shop has shifted focus to a different kind of entertainment: toys, books, and games. Owner Karyn Herterich says that the changes at the shop were driven by their customers- people wanted fewer possessions and instead were drawn things that made them laugh and feel good. She feels there’s a collective effort, from people of all ages, to connect face to face with one another and take a brief respite from technology. Many also preferred to buy things for their children and grandchildren rather than themselves. The Children’s Cute-tique was born, with items by Melissa and Doug, Usbourne Books, JellyCat and Douglas Plush, and over 175 others.   Serves You Right! still has plenty for the “grownups” too. Find funny greeting cards, beverage napkins, pretty paper goods, adult and family games, and their Political 101 Boutique with the mantra “we don’t care if you love him or hate him- as long as you buy something!”   After operating both Serves You Right! and the SouthMarke shopping center for a few years, the Herterichs relocated from Miami to Blowing Rock to raise their son in a smaller, more grounded community. Nearly 25 years later, Blowing Rock is still home. Karyn has some fun stories from operating a party & entertaining shop in Blowing Rock over the years- everything from overnighting designer dinnerware for glitzy, impromptu parties, to helping with creative marriage proposals. She has loved making connections with her customers for major occasions, and delights in the little moments, too, like watching children excitedly lead parents or grandparents through the shop, discovering fun surprises.   southmarke.com/year-round-stores/serves-you-right/

Welcome to Funky Tulip, which features a curated assortment of clothing, jewelry, home decor, beauty, intimates, and gifts. The shop is a bright, fun space inside a converted cottage with overflowing window boxes and an inviting lawn. The owner, Lisa, is already a familiar face in Blowing Rock- she and her mom opened Tazmaraz eight years ago. She loves running businesses in this community because of the great customers that come in and visit every time they are in town- with some even becoming like family!   The Funky Tulip carries lines like Free People, Miss Me, XCVI, and Chaser, as well as their very own exclusive jewelry line designed right here in Blowing Rock. Lisa says one of her favorite things in the store right now is the collection of Sid Dickens Memory Blocks. They even have some of the limited edition Holiday Collection. And there’s a lot more to browse, from pet-themed items to the Denim Bar. Stop in at the little cottage next time you’re in town!

Welcome to Sunset Tee’s & Hattery on Main Street. Jack and Becky Hall opened the shop in 1986 and it has become a central fixture in downtown Blowing Rock. Like the name says, it’s known for the huge selection of hats and fun t-shirts. There are over 1,000 hats at any given time in hundreds of styles- stop in to try some on! The staff is always happy to help you find the perfect fit.   Downstairs, the Sweets & Heat shop features old fashioned candies, ice cream, and a truly impressive array of hot sauces. Jack’s favorite is the sauce from Tortuga’s Lie, a restaurant in Nag’s Head, NC. The shop also has gifts, toys, produce, decor, mountain souvenirs, and more.   Each fall, you’ll see Jack and Bill unloading truckloads of apples at the shop. They keep coming in all season. You can choose from up to 30 different varieties at any time during the season! Ask for a sample and find a new favorite or stock up on a preferred type. The staff can tell you which ones are best for fresh eating, pies, or sauces & butters.

Welcome to The Mountain Thread Company, which opened in downtown Blowing Rock in 2015. The shop specializes in textile crafts and functions as an open studio and workshop where shoppers can watch art being made.   At The Mountain Thread Company, you’ll find handmade quilts, rope baskets, and decor, as well as locally sourced fabrics, supplies, and notions for your own crafting. The owner, Katherine, is a fourth-generation quilter who loves experimenting with improvisational techniques in her work. Her favorite quilt pattern is called a Wonky Log Cabin, a contemporary spin on a very traditional quilt pattern, the Log Cabin Quilt.   Katherine says there is a vibrant maker community in the High Country – inspiration is all around, and people love living here so they search for creative ways to make that possible. She wants to help inspire more people to create! The shop also hosts regular workshops for kids and adults who want to learn about making something special with their own hands. The Made in the Mountains Quilt Event (presented in collaboration with other quilters) offers a series of classes and presents a variety of quilt work to the public.