Everything about the High Country is unique; from the attractions to the lodging, the weather, and the views, but one of our favorite things about the High Country is the variety of unique shopping options in this area.
Whether you are looking for a fun new outfit, gifts for friends, Moon Pies & RC Cola, farm fresh vegetables, or a spot to support local artisans, here are a few of our favorite spots to shop during your visit this spring and summer:
Downtown Blowing Rock (2 min drive, 12 min walk)
Downtown Blowing Rock, just a short walk or drive from Chetola Resort is one of our favorite spots to find unique boutiques, art, jewelry, antiques, and home decor shops. With countless spots to shop for unique finds (and lots of delicious restaurants nearby for a midday snack) you could spend all day exploring everything that Downtown BR has to offer.
Tanger Outlets (4 min drive, 7 min walk)
With your favorite stores like Banana Republic, Columbia (coming soon), Gap, and stores only in the High Country like The Trading Shoppes, High Country Herbs and Holistic, and Docs Rocks Gem Mine, there is somewhere for everyone to shop at Tanger Outlets. And May – November on the first Friday and Saturday of every month, support local artisans at Tanger’s Artisan Markets!
Downtown Boone (17 min drive)
With most shopping located on the iconic King Street, experience the best of the Boone area by shopping a wide selection of great antique stores, craft venues, art galleries, and specialty shops.
Mast General Store (Boone Store – 17 min drive, Original Store – 26 min drive)
Take a step back in time at the Mast General Store. Visit the Boone location or the original Mast Store location in Valle Crucis! Whichever Mast Store you choose to experience, make sure you don’t miss out on the Candy Barrel where you can treat yourself to all your favorite nostalgic candies! Or if candy is not your thing, be sure to pick up a Moon Pie and an RC Cola!
Southern Highland Craft Guild (6 min drive)
Shop some of the best hand-crafted goods inspired by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Moses Cone Manor. After shopping, experience the beauty of the Cone Estate by hiking a few miles on some of the carriage trails surrounding the property.
Blowing Rock Farmers Market (3 min drive)
Opening May 20 and located right in the heart of Downtown Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Farmers Market hosts local vendors every week on Thursdays from 3-6pm on Park Ave in Downtown Blowing Rock. Shop for fresh flowers, local beef, local produce, plants, and more on your next visit to the Blowing Rock Farmers Market!
Watauga County Farmers Market (14 min drive)
Every Saturday morning from May until November, start your weekend out with a stop at the Watauga County Farmers Market. Whether you are a local or just up for a weekend visit, the WCFM is the place to be on Saturday mornings for live music, delicious pastries & biscuits, local produce, and handmade art. Stop by and experience one of the most enjoyable markets in western North Carolina.
Blowing Rock Art in the Park (3 min drive)
Support even more local artists when you visit a Blowing Rock Art in the Park event! Once a month, May through October, visitors are invited to enjoy arts and crafts from award-winning and acclaimed artisans. Each show will feature a different set of artists with a wide variety of artistic mediums – so be sure to stop by every month to see new artisans!
If you would rather stay on property for a shopping experience, check out the Chetola Gift Shop where we have official Chetola merchandise, Orvis® fly-fishing gear, and locally crafted gifts!
Enjoy exploring the shops of the High Country!