Shop ‘til you drop at these general stores BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
G
eneral stores have been a pinnacle to shopping in the High Country ever since they were introduced. With a variety of goods and supplies, it’s hard to step through the doors and leave empty handed. The High Country has an array of stores to choose from, such as Mast General Store, Old Orchard Creek General Store, The Vintage Farmhouse General Store, Banner Elk Consignment Cottage and Fred’s General Mercantile. Plan your next winter getaway with these stores in mind.
PHOTO SUBMITTED Barrels filled to the brim with candy at Mast General Store in Valle Crucis
MAST GENERAL STORE
Possibly the most famous business in the Boone and Banner Elk areas, Mast General Store has been providing a wonderful shopping experience in opening in the High Country since the late 1800s. The Original Mast General Store and Annex is located in Valle Crucis, remaining the center of the community since 1883. In 1988, the location on King Street in Boone opened its doors with an array of products including winterwear, shoes, candy, drinks, trinkets and more. Mast General now has nine locations located throughout 122
PHOTO SUBMITTED Shoppers visit the Banner Elk Consignment Cottage when looking for a one-of-a-kind piece to accent a room.
North Carolina. To learn more about the historic business and for hours and contact information, visit www.mastgeneralstore.com.
OLD ORCHARD CREEK GENERAL STORE
After opening in the summer of 2021, Old Orchard Creek
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON Old Orchard Creek General Store offers coffee, books, goodies, household items and wine.
General Store has become a staple in Lansing. Located high in the mountains of Ashe County, Old Orchard Creek offers Hatchet coffee, books, homemade goods, clothing and more. In the fall of 2021, the business received the Lansing Beautification Award as well as the Order of the Long Leaf Pine given to owner Walker Clark. The store offers an outdoor patio with live music on the weekends and has been a hub in Lansing since first opening. If you’re looking for a getaway in the mountains to enjoy some good coffee and books, Old Orchard Creek
General Store is the perfect destination. The general store is located at 9350 NC-194 in Lansing, and is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, click to www.oldorchardcreek.com or call (336) 384-9350.
BANNER ELK CONSIGNMENT COTTAGE The town of woolly worms and Lees-McRae College has become the home to the Banner Elk Consignment Cottage, an incredible place to find your next living room
SEE STORES ON PAGE 123
WINTER TIMES 2021
