I don’t know about ya’ll, but fall weathers, crisp air, lattes, and apple cider just scream, let’s go holiday shopping! What better way to do it than get local, shop small, and spend my money in the local small towns rather than the big box shops. 

Early holiday shoppers can peruse over 140 craft shops in a village market which provides a diverse selection of handmade items such as pottery, jewelry, perfume, glass blown ornaments, ceramics, bath & body products, medieval costumes, hand carved candles, unique musical instruments, children’s toys, a full spectrum of clothing, and much more. Watch artisans make a masterpiece right before your eyes. Enjoy demonstrations of fine skills such as weaving, woodcarving, blacksmithing, glassblowing, pottery, and jewelry making – all using ancient skills and low technology.

The red brick-colored winery in Laurel Springs, about a 20-minute drive from Glendale Springs, West Jefferson, and Sparta, sits on the Alleghany County farm where it got its start.

The Yadkin Valley Winter Wine & Beer Passport serves up tastings at 14 wineries, three breweries and one distillery in North Carolina wine country.

Leaves of yellow, auburn, red, and brown linger a bit longer here for your leaf peeping enjoyment. The season is still perfect to experience why Stokes County ROCKS in Autumn. Cast a reel at the Hanging Rock Lake, sit back to admire the colorful array reflecting onto the water, as you catch the largest trout of a recent re-stock. Support local food banks this holiday season by attending “Soup in a Bowl” held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this year on November 20th. A unique event hosted by Stokes Arts, where attendees will receive their very own handcrafted pottery bowl, donated by a local artist, and enjoy their choice of warm soup in the heart of Danbury, NC at The Arts Place of Stokes.

Before shopping became about computer clicks and delivery trucks, shopping meant strolling down the sidewalk, peeking in windows and discussing with shopkeepers exactly what you’re looking to purchase. Shopping was an experience.

Belmont, NC The Museum of the Moon will be exhibited in downtown Belmont for three weekends serving as the backdrop for a series of lunar-inspired events. Over the centuries, the moon has been used as a timekeeper, calendar, and source of light to aid nighttime navigation. The evenings and weekends…

Davie County, NC Your family can enjoy a full day of free fun during the annual Oaks Festival. The festival is held in historic downtown Mocksville on the second Saturday in October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with our crafters while the music plays on until 8 p.m. that evening. There…

Hendersonville, NC Whether your dream day involves a rustic wedding barn, pavilion with wraparound views, a church sanctuary or a lakeside lawn, Hendersonville has a venue to accommodate your wedding ceremony and reception. Couples planning a wedding in the Blue Ridge Mountains are invited to explore Hendersonville’s offerings at the…

Hickory, NC Hickory is known for craftsmanship in many forms including furniture, wood working and more but did you know that Hickory is well known for its craft beer and craft cocktail scene. Our booming culinary destinations are pushing boundaries in a fun and artistic way by encouraging local “mixologists”…