The past few years I've really made a conscious effort to shop local as much as possible. I especially like to do this during the Holiday's. Hunting for that perfect gift for my family and friends is seriously one of my favorite things to do.
So if you're heading out for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, this season or any time really, I can't recommend enough that you stop by these stores and any of the ones in downtown Hendersonville to find the perfect, unique gift for someone you love (yourself included #selflove)!
If you're on a mission and want to get in and out I've listed everything in order of walking down one side of the street and up the other side. If you find yourself on the opposite end you can start at Homestead Linens and work yourself down the list and cross over come back up to Mast General Store on the other side.
Jump start your morning with a warm coffee from Black Bear and a pastry from McFarlan Bakery.
Need a break during the day, you can't go wrong with any of the restaurants in downtown - for a quick bite stop by Mountain Deli. Wanting to sit down head over to Black Rose Public house (warm bacon spinach salad is my favorite) or Never Blue and for a treat yourself hit up Postero or Umi.
My Shopping Tips:
1. Make a List: Even if you're not a type-a, like me it'll help you stay focused during the day to have a list of names you are getting gifts for on hand so you don't forget anyone. If you know things they like or are into, I recommend adding that under their name for inspiration.
2. Take your time: I'm the master of going in and out of a store in less than 5 minutes because I don't see anything I want. This doesn't apply to these stores or this time of your because during the Holiday's stores bring in additional items for the season.
3. It's not about the numbers: It's ok if a gift cost $10 and not $50 if it's the perfect gift, it won't matter - plus the price tags come off.
4. Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover: Same goes for stores - the outside doesn't always represent the inside or perhaps some items are a lot more expensive than others but if you don't bother to continue looking around you'll miss them.
5. Have Fun: Shopping can certainly be stressful - do your best to lean into it and enjoy looking for that perfect gift for that special someone. I promise it's so much more rewarding than hoping on Amazon and purchasing two clicks later.
We do our best to keep our information as accurate as possible, however, it's always best to call or visit the site ahead before heading out as times, prices and weather can change without notice!
1. Mast General Store (527 North Main Street)
The store that has everything from home goods, kids toys, books for all ages, seasonal items, lots and lots of candy, outdoor gear and so much more! I took my dad here when he visited and he got a Hendersonville sweatshirt that he proudly wears and he bought Sawyer a onsie with the state of North Carolina and in the middle it says "born" one of my favorites he wore that I can't wait for the twins to wear as well. We also have these great plates, which we use every day in our house and I've had friends request to get some while they visited.
Extended Hours This Weekend:
November 29: 9 am - 8 pm
November 30: 9 am - 8 pm
December 1: 11 am - 6 pm
Deals: Special offers at the door on Black Friday so make sure to be there at opening!
2. Woodlands Gallery (419 N Main St)
One of my favorite stores. Just walking around it is worth the trip, which I usually walk the store three times, finding new gems each time. I've purchased so many unique gifts for friends and family throughout the years from a small unique horse painting to a hand-made chicken ornament. I don't think I've ever visited here without finding the perfect gift for someone!
Hours: Friday and Saturday 11:00am - 5:00pm
3. Moonshine & Magnolia Boutique (329 N Main Street)
I want all the things in this store! They have some beautiful home items and great pieces for the season. They also have candles, clothing and jewelry, areas dedicated to pets, sports, and the men in your life! You can find something for everyone here!
Hours:* 11:00am - 6:00pm
*Extended to 7:00pm on Saturday, November 30th
Deals:
Black Friday enjoy 20% off all game day items AND all candles
Small Business Saturday receive a FREE Custom Hendersonville tote with any $50 purchase and enjoy snacks and beverages while you shop!
4. Wag! A Unique Pet Boutique (231 N Main St)
We get our critters and our friends dogs Christmas gifts from here every year. It's usually in the form of treats since that's what they like most but we've also picked out toys for Lucy and Etta, a carrier for Bailey and more! So if you're looking for a pet collar, toy, something to keep them warm this winter or even food this is the place to go!
Hours: Friday and Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm
5. Homestead Linens (110 North Main St)
You can find beautiful home pieces here as well as lotions, candles, homemade soaps, purses and bags, linens of course and there are sections for pets and babies - lots of unique gifts to be found!
Hours: Friday and Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Deals: 20% off ONE ENTIRE PURCHASE starting November 29th through December 24th (dang)!
6. Emma's Baby Boutique (210 N Main St)
When Sawyer was younger this place saved the day! We got Sawyer a lobster nub-a-wub, which he fell in love with. We of course lost several of these mostly to our dog Lucy but we usually had a backup until we didn't. Well we did but it wasn't a lobster and Sawyer refused to accept any other kind. I frantically called asking if they had the lobster wub-a-nub in stock and they did, one. They put it aside for me and I immediately drove to pick it up - crisis averted. Recently I stopped in and got Sawyer a cute pair of rainboots because we live in North Carolina, a cute light up ball for Halloween instead of candy and last year I bought my friends son a bow-tie. This shop is adorable and so is everything inside - it's perfect for the baby, toddler or child (up to 6 years old) in your life from clothing to playing and everything in between!
They offer monogramming for that extra personal touch!
Hours: Friday 11:00am - 5:00pm, Saturday 10:30am - 5:00pm
Deals: 15% off ENTIRE STORE starting November 29th!
7. Dancing Bear Toys (418 N Main St)
Whether you're looking for the hottest toy this year or something unique this is the place to go - they have it all and for all ages! We've purchased gifts for Sawyer and my nieces and nephews from here. They carry all my favorite brands like Melissa and Doug and Fat Brain Toy Co. as well as unique toys that I haven't even seen or heard of! Kids are always welcome to play when they are there too, Sawyer loves to push the shopping cart around.
Hours: Friday and Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Deals: 25% off all Melissa and Doug products until Monday, December 1st (say what)!
8. Wine, Sage & Gourmet(416 N. Main Street)
You can rarely go wrong with a bottle of wine as a gift or bringing with you to somoeone's house over the Holiday. You can find additional gift ideas as well like those wine cups with lids and kitchen gadgets. I got Clifton ice stones one year for his stocking. This is the perfect place to shop for the host or hostesses in your life!
Hours: Friday and Saturday 11:00am - 6:00pm
Deals: Facebook Giveaway chance to win a bottle of wine, wine glass and $20 gift card - winner announced Saturday afternoon!
9. Spice of Life and Variety Tea (240 N. Main Street)
I don't know if you're like me and have family and friends in your life who love spices and teas but if you do this is the place! Perfect for anyone who enjoys time in the kitchen or a good cup of tea! We've gotten flavored olive oil and spices as gifts, which were a huge hit!
Hours: Friday and Saturday 11:00am - 5:00pm
Those are only some of my favorite shops - I've also purchased a dream catcher for my son's room to go above his crib from All Nations Trading and some of our favorite Holiday decorations are from Four Seasons Christmas Garden Decor & More! There are so many more wonderful stores to check-out that I haven't listed and I can't recommend stopping by each and every one as you never know what gem you might stumble upon!
Happy Gifting!
