Burnsville has a collection of small town stores and shops that are unique in this day of age and that cater to the unusual and unique and a touch of yesterday. We don’t have chain stores, or malls, at least yet, or all of that kind of “todays normal”. Some examples that might be worth a visit are :

Toe River Arts Council Shop – Chock full of works from local artists, crafters and metal workers. A real treasure trove for gifts or for your households, and for others. There is a larger TRAC shop in Spruce Pine, just 20 minutes down the road. The Penland Gallery is a not to miss, but bring lots of money.

Hammond Antiques – well you know, just a lot of collector items and antiques.

Monkey Business and Something Special gift and Toy shop – this store has it all from gifts for all occasions, toys for the kids, cards and North Carolina fare, all things bear related are on the agenda.

Yummi Yarns- every kind of materials for knitting and sewing, even classes on some days.

The Design Gallery – regional artist works, from glass blowers, wood workers, potters, artists. Regular shows of local crafters work.

Needle Me This – all items for making quilts. A famous store in North Carolina, which also offers classes.

A Touch of Cass – Owned by Cass Faller, thus Cass… Everything for Interior Decorations and a unique collection of gifts.

David’s Ltd. –A boutique clothing store for men and women.

The Grapevine – A boutique and tasteful clothing store for women.

The Salamander Gallery – Fine Art Gallery.

Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina Gift Shop – maps, stories and directions to the over 200 quilt blocks in Yancey and Mitchell counties.

A Cozy Mountain Christmas – Guess what, it’s Christmas all year round in Burnsville.

Ye Olde Country Store – specializing in Amish food and gifts. Butter, cheeses, candies, homemade jams and pickles, snacks, nuts, spices, honey, soups and all the rest. www.yeoldecountrystore.com

Fox's Country Store - yes, a real old family run country store, with everything from farm materials, plants, seeds, shovels and picks, to gifts and trinkets.