BY
Gift giving in the
High Country
MAKAELAH WALTERS
A
s the holiday season approaches, a spirit of giving settles on the High Country. Visitors frequent the area, seeking out special gifts for loved ones. From clothing to home goods and specialty foods, the High Country’s several downtown areas offer visitors a walkable shopping experience. Blowing Rock is known for its convenient downtown area, interspersed with stores such as High Country Candles. Recognized by Southern Living magazine as a must-visit shop, the shop allows visitors to watch as wonderful wax creations are made in-store. The candles make for a perfect handmade gift for candle lovers. Downtown Boone is also a fabulous place to walk around and explore the various stores, from artisan markets to boutique clothing stores. The downtown area is the place to be on the first Friday of each month, as patrons stroll from shop to shop for the monthly Art Crawl. For art lovers on a budget, the town’s Curio Art Vending machines offer an affordable way to purchase locally WINTER TIMES 2021
PHOTO SUBMITTED At High Country Candles, staff create unique hand-sculptured wax creations. They also make and carry tri-color candles, scented pillar candles, a wide variety of highly scented jar and votive candles, as well as non-drip and smokeless taper candles.
made prints. The machines dispense artwork from local artists in exchange for coins. Visitors can check out Curio Art Vending Machines, located in Boone’s restau-
rants and cafes, including Tapp Room and Espresso News. The route from Boone to Banner Elk is lined with antique stores, where guests can find
one-of-a-kind home goods and vintage decor perfect for the holidays. Other places to find fun goods include the wonderfully refurbished downtown area in West
Jefferson in nearby Ashe County. Between Boone and Banner Elk, the beautiful valley known as Valle Crucis is marked by the Watauga River. There, at
3565 Hwy. 194 S., Sugar Grove, is the original Mast General Store. The store, first opened in the 1800s is a trip back SEE GIFT ON PAGE 120
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