For all the “types” in your life, do your holiday shopping in Black Mountain, NC
There’s nothing like finding the perfect gift in a perfect store for that perfectly picky person in your life. You know the type. And so do we! So skip the megastores and shopping malls and come straight to Black Mountain, North Carolina on Small Business Saturday (or, frankly, any day) and put a check by everyone’s name on your holiday shopping to-do list:
🥾 For the outdoorsy type
Mountain Running Company: Gear, clothing, accessories, you name it. Mountain Running Co. is inspired by adventure and driven by passion to help others.
One Fly Outfitters: This is the go-to spot for fly-fishing gear, river-ready equipment, and fishing advice from local experts.
Epic Cycles: This awesome bike shop is perfect for the outdoor adventurer who loves to explore on wheels. Epic Cycles sells everything you need and supports trail riders with bike sales, rentals, maintenance, and trail rides.
Visit our Directory for links and more ideas!
🏡 For the homebody
Black Mountain Home & Accents: Previously Black Mountain Quilts, this shop offers locally made textiles, quilts, and decorative home items.
Chifferobe Home & Garden: A charming shop with garden accessories, your favorite homebody will adore their vintage-style home décor and small furnishings.
Tyson Furniture Company: One of the largest and finest furniture stores in the Carolinas, Tyson’s has been in Black Mountain since 1946. The store boasts over 60,000 square feet of showroom space filled with brands you know and love.
Visit our Directory for links and more ideas!
🌍 For the traveler
Town Hardware & General Store: A nostalgic general store and historic Black Mountain institution, Town Hardware sells tools, outdoor essentials, home/travel supplies, and quirky vintage finds.
Take A Hike Mountain Outfitters: Beyond its gear offerings, this store is a helpful resource for planning and packing for outdoor adventures and picking up trail guides, making it a great first stop when arriving in Black Mountain.
The Curiosity Shoppe & Curious Traveler: This whimsical shop is full of quirky treasures, travel-inspired gifts, and unique finds perfect for serious treasure hunting.
Visit our Directory for links and more ideas!
🎨 For the art lover
Mountain Nest Gallery: A curated gallery featuring over 100 Western North Carolina artists, here you’ll find original paintings, blown glass, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, and much more.
Seven Sisters Gallery: This gallery and gift shop is full of handcrafted jewelry, art, and artisan goods. Picking gifts here means directly supporting local craftspersons.
Sarah Sunshine Pottery: This gallery and studio showcases the work of potter Sarah Vekasi. Her functional ceramics include mugs, bowls, plates, and vases, and are oh so collectible.
Red House Gallery & Studios: A longtime staple in Black Mountain’s art scene, Red House Gallery is home to the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League, offering both gallery space, artist studios, and workshops.
Visit our Directory for links and more ideas!
👕 For the fashionista
Krista Anne’s Boutique: Krista Anne’s curates clothing and accessories where “simple elegance and upscale casual come together.”
Blue Tree Global Apparel: A shop that brings international flair and fair-trade fashion to your favorite fashionista’s closet, this shop is co-located with Mountain Fairy Hair.
Periwinkles: A truly unique boutique, Periwinkle features women’s clothing, hand-made accessories, and gift items, all with an interesting twist.
Visit our Directory for links and more ideas!
🎁 For your bestie
High Hopes: A charming shop that channels our relaxed mountain vibe, you’ll discover a variety of gifts, keepsakes, clothing, and more!
The Mulberry Tree: This lovely shop features organic cotton clothing, fair trade and US-made goods, and sustainable shopping.
Sassafras on Sutton: Inside this beautiful historic you’ll find two floors brimming with books, games, housegoods, puzzles, children’s clothing and toys, t-shirts, and so much more. They also have an espresso cafe so you can linger.
Visit our Directory for links and more ideas!
🍴 For the home chef
Common Housefly: Kitchen Emporium: This kitchen emporium, shop, and gathering space has it all, from cookware to gadgets to specialty ingredients.
Town Hardware & General Store: A historic staple in Black Mountain, this classic general store offers not just tools but loads of kitchen basics, nostalgic items, and gifts that feel timeless.
Thurston Woodworks: This woodworking studio is known for gorgeously crafted bowls, cutting boards, and rustic furniture pieces.
Visit our Directory for links and more ideas!
🍽️ For the foodie
Beradu Specialty Market, Kitchen & Bar: Talk about a one-stop shop! Beradu is a market, restaurant, deli, and bar that excels at curating regional flavors, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Spice it Up: In addition to their online catalog, check out their spice shop in downtown. Browse the full range of products, smell and taste, and get personalized advice from their staff of knowledgeable experts.
The Merry Wine Market: Black Mountain's friendly, affordable and knowledgeable wine store.
Visit our Directory for links and more ideas!
🕰️ For the antique/vintage collector
Key City Antiques: This beloved antique shop is full of vintage glassware, furniture, housewares, and more.
Antiques on Sutton: A multi-vendor antique store housed in a historic building, you’ll love treasure hunting through their retro decor items, jewelry, and so many other vintage collectibles.
Time Turner Vintage: Curated vintage finds are pure gold here and include decorative pieces and nostalgic treasures.
Visit our Directory for links and more ideas!
How to Make the Most of Small Business Saturday in Black Mountain
Wear comfortable shoes. Black Mountain is walkable, so plan to stroll through downtown so you can hit all the galleries and shops… and cafés, restaurants, and breweries in between!
Bring reusable bags. You’ll likely start and finish your holiday shopping in Black Mountain! A sturdy bag will help you carry your treasures back to the hotel, rental, or your car.
Ask about gift cards. Even if you’re not sure what to choose for picky Aunt Polly, buying a gift card supports the business now and gives you (or someone you love) the pleasure of returning later.
Share your experience. Post photos, tag the shops, and spread the word. Small businesses thrive on word-of-mouth.
Bonus: shop online too. Many of these stores (like Bone-a-Fide Boutique, Grace Apparel, and Mountain Nest) offer online shopping, which is a great way to support them even if you can’t be here in person.
Thank you
Whether you find that perfect holiday party sweater in Black Mountain, treat yourself to dinner out on the town, or discover an art piece that speaks to you, every purchase matters on Small Business Saturday and throughout this holiday season. Artisans and small business owners in Black Mountain and throughout Western North Carolina are still feeling the economic impact of Hurricane Helene, so your patronage will help them continue to do the work they love. Thank you for showing up for the makers, bakers, entrepreneurs, and creatives who make Black Mountain their home.
About the Author
This blog story was written by Amy J. Schultz, an award-winning author, brand/marketing strategist, and overall creative type. She, her husband Brian, and their giant dog Bentley love their downtown Black Mountain neighborhood.
