Category: Shopping

Funky Tulip

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!

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Sunset Tees & Hattery

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.

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The Mountain Thread Company

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. 

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Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery

Welcome to Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery, celebrating 28 years in business! The gallery represents 25 local artists and has framed over 33,000 works and photos. Owner Tim is a Certified Picture Framer, as is his shop manager, Alex, and they are among the only ones in this part of the state. Tim even studied in England at the Fine Arts Trade Guild to earn the title of Guild Certified Framer. Photos of milestones like births, graduations, new pets, and other memories are treated with the same meticulous care as works of art, and customers often return for each new commemoration.   Tim takes pride in the selection at the gallery. As a friend of each of the artists represented, he can give special insights on the works for sale. Works are available in a wide range of sizes and mediums, and all original pieces from artists like Lita Gatlin, Wes Waugh, Karla Mann, and Jason Drake. The gallery also keeps collector pieces from artists like Phillip Moose and Elliot Daingerfield, and is even the nation’s leading seller of Daingerfield work. The gallery hosts special shows often, and available works change constantly.

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The Last Straw

Welcome to The Last Straw on Main Street. The shop is a Christmas wonderland right now, as it is every year from September through December! The first eight months of each year feature special home interior and garden decor for spring, summer, and autumn.   The Last Straw is a second-generation family business, operating since 1988. The owners, Roger and Julie Robertson and their son, Brock, work closely with their friendly and helpful staff to create a unique shopping experience. The Robertsons raised their family in Blowing Rock as their business grew; their two boys went to Blowing Rock Elementary School, played in Memorial Park, swam in the community pool, and played sports with parks and recreation. They have loved making Blowing Rock their home, and count it as a blessing.   The shop is located inside the historic First Baptist Church building, originally built in 1927, and it’s always beautifully overflowing with blooms, textures, scents, and homey touches. Many shoppers would say that a trip to Blowing Rock isn’t complete without a peek inside The Last Straw to see what’s new! The Robertsons also create custom designs and decor for folks all year long, and the arrangements in the shop are all created in-house. While the shop itself should be on your shopping bucket list, their extensive online store offers a decor fix for any season! Find The Last Straw online at www.thelaststrawinc.com/

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Hanna’s Oriental Rugs & Gifts

Welcome to Hanna’s Oriental Rugs & Gifts on Main Street. This shop is celebrating its 103rd year in business- in the same location!   James and Jane Hanna immigrated to the US near the turn of the 20th century and settled in Blowing Rock in 1917. The first shop they opened was inside the Green Park Inn, and they moved their shop to Main Street in 1919. Hanna’s has always specialized in unique finds and started as an import business that offered, among other beautiful items, hand-knotted oriental rugs. You’ll find an incredible selection of those in the shop today, along with antiques and collectibles.   The shop is run by Mrs. Hanna (James and Jane Hanna’s daughter-in-law), and her children and grandchildren are involved as well, making it a 4th-generation family business. Mrs. Hanna says there is a story behind every hand-picked item in the shop; ask her about a piece and her knowledge and appreciation of each treasure becomes immediately clear. Stop in and browse the treasure trove soon!

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Christmas in Blowing Rock

Welcome to Christmas in Blowing Rock, located on Main Street. This shop is ready for Christmas year round, with beautiful gifts and ornaments, many that can be personalized! The business opened in 1993 and has been a downtown staple ever since. The current owner, Felicia Keller, started working for Milt and Sue Thompson in 2006, and she was thrilled to purchase the shop at their retirement.   Over the years, Felicia has gotten to know lots of the customers, and she has noticed that the store has become a tradition for many of them. From adding to ornament collections to commemorating a special event that year, they often return to the little shop on Main Street. Felicia feels that the consistency of the shop’s theme encourages that because people can always reminisce on and plan for Christmas there, regardless of the dizzying speed of changes at other gift shops. Plus, there’s always something new at the shop to enjoy for the coming Christmas season!   Felicia notes that while Blowing Rock has grown over the last decade or so, the small-town community feeling is still strong, and she loves being a part of it. Christmas in Blowing Rock can be found online at aPerfectPresent.com

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Sunset & Vine

Welcome to Sunset & Vine, which some might remember as Christopher’s Wine & Cheese. Sharon has owned the shop for 9 years, and she loves meeting the amazing variety of people that come to Blowing Rock- often from all around the world! One of the best things about Sunset & Vine is how approachable the shop is. It’s anything but pretentious, and Sharon & her staff are excited to help people find wines to match their personal tastes and preferences. The wide selection and regular tastings & seminars make it even easier to find delicious new favorites. You might be wondering which wines a wine shop owner prefers; Sharon says her favorite changes often. Right now, because it’s warmer weather, she has been enjoying Spanish Albarinos, which she says are refreshing and a bit citrusy, with a slight saltiness that is all perfect for summer.

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Unwound

Welcome to Unwound, which has been open in Blowing Rock for eight years. Colleen has been the owner since 2015.  This shop is a special spot in Blowing Rock, because the community of knitters and crocheters make this a true gathering place. The shop is homey, with comfy chairs, friendly help, and resident pups Lizabeth (Colleen’s mini dachshund) and Rigby (manager Linda’s beagle/mountain feist mix). There is a huge variety of fibers in all colors, as well as all the tools one might need to create something special, including instruction. This shop that helps you make sweaters, shawls, and warm socks is a perfect fit in our breezy mountain town!

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neaco

Welcome to neaco, the grooviest shop in Blowing Rock! neaco has been open in town since 1998, featuring a quirky collection of gifts and decor. The owners, Keith and Russell, love having a shop in Blowing Rock- they say the small community has become like family over the years. They love seeing repeat customers, too, and say they never get tired of hearing that neaco is someone’s favorite shop (they probably hear that a lot)! Keith says one of his favorite products in the store is the Stone Booze Dispenser, and shoppers must agree because it’s their best seller ever! “I’ve visited so many small towns over the years, each unique in their own way, but I’ve yet to find a town more special than ours. Our beauty, our cool peeps, our amazing restaurants, and of course, our variety of retail keeps our awesome visitors returning on a regular basis.” -Keith

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