On any given weekday, you’ll find parked cars lining Main Street in Lexington, people strolling the sidewalk with bags on their arms, and store doors swinging open and shut with customers going in and out. In an era of downtown revitalization, this small Piedmont town teems with activity.
This time of year, the charming uptown district becomes a destination for shoppers seeking to spend their money locally. Uptown Lexington also promises an enjoyable alternative to larger shopping centers plagued by little available parking and lots of crowds. Storekeepers go all out for the holiday window display contest, decorating their businesses with artificial snow, Christmas trees, waving Santas and signature pink pigs (the city mascot).
The Candy Factory, recognizable by its red-and-white-striped awning, is not to be missed. Creaky floorboards lead the way to baskets filled with chocolate stars, Red Bird peppermint puffs, and multihued gumdrops. A large wooden display case contains fancy chocolates in all shapes and sizes and homemade fudge. Select a gift box from the back shelf and staff members will fill it with your selection of candies and tie it with a ribbon.
Legacy businesses here have survived for decades relying largely on ample inventory and customer service. Inside the Army Navy Store, shelves stretch to the ceiling with stacks of Carhartt jeans and overalls for those on your list who enjoy working or playing outdoors. Coats, vests and flannel shirts fill rack after rack, and a side room displays heavy-duty work boots and lightweight hiking boots.
Lanier Hardware has been in business since 1940, and it takes up nearly an entire city block. The store stocks the latest trends, such as Yeti coolers and Big Green Eggs; all manner of Christmas decor; and old-fashioned standards, such as wood stoves, housewares, and sporting goods. Helpful sales clerks wait around every corner.
Downtown also has several locally owned restaurants. Go for a casual bowl of soup and a sandwich at Cafe 35. When the shopping’s done, toast your success at Sophie’s Cork & Ale with small plates and a glass of bubbly.
Known as the “capital” of North Carolina barbecue, Lexington celebrates with two major barbecue events: the BBQ Capital Cook-Off in late April and the Barbecue Festival in late October.
Lexington Tourism Authority & Visitors Center
2 North Main Street, Lexington, NC 27292
www.visitlexingtonnc.com
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