Shopping SMALL in Patrick County makes a BIG Impact
By Rebecca Adcock
Patrick County transitions from fall to the Christmas holiday season as quickly as the last candle expires in our Jack O’ Lanterns. The holiday season in Patrick County is full of school plays, church recitals, and family gatherings. Gifts are always part of the equation. So, if you need a little help with your shopping list, we have plenty of options, on Small Business Saturday, (November 25 this year), or any other day.
First off is where to shop- traditional shopping districts in Stuart and Meadows of Dan are busy spots during the festive season. In Stuart, swing by Mattie B’s for clothing, home decor, and more. The Honey Pot has Christian-themed books, floral arrangements, and home goods. More shops scattered along Main Street offer cards and gifts from Main Street Cards & Gifts, unique items from The Hatteras Pearl, and wonderful fabric to make something special can be found at Quilted Colors. The Visitor Center offers Patrick County branded t-shirts and mugs. In downtown Stuart, Pet Provisions offers plenty of goodies for your furry friends. Gift cards from our local restaurants on Main Street: El Rancho, Uptown Stagecoach, and Leonardo’s Pizzeria and Bistro make great options for stocking stuffers or co-worker gifts.
Meadows of Dan has several shopping options starting at the top of the mountain at Poor Farmers Farm for fudge, clothing, and yard sculptures. On down the road High Country Lavender offers plenty of lavender-infused items to help you and your loved ones handle the stress of the holidays. In the Meadows of Dan business area, Poor Farmer’s Market and Concord Corner Store are great places to hunt for treasures. Nancy’s Candy operates a storefront where your sugarplum dreams come true. From truffles to jelly beans, the sweet tooth on your list will be taken care of. Primitive Coffee – Antique Market & Bakery offers everything from coffee to locally produced food, and gifts. Poppy’s is a charming little shop filled with alpaca, vintage, handmade, unique gifts and collectibles. They also specialize in carrying quality yarn, with an eclectic selection of new and used books. And don’t forget The Mayberry Trading Post which is located a few miles south of Meadows of Dan on the parkway. This old-fashioned general store has a little bit of everything from artisan goods to mountain crafts, snacks, and books.
Locally produced food is always a great gift option. The aforementioned coffee shops sell coffee by the bag. Our county is home to two award-winning wineries, Stanburn Winery in Patrick Springs and Villa Appalaccia located off Blue Ridge Parkway. Across the Blue Ridge Parkway and minutes from Villa Appalaccia is Chateau Morrisette in Floyd County which offers a wide variety of wines. Wood’s Produce in Meadows of Dan creates customized fruit baskets for any budget and filled with fresh produce and goodies that make great gifts.
Christmas markets are plentiful in Patrick County. These markets and craft fairs offer customers so many wonderful options. The season starts with the Reynolds Homestead Holiday Craft Fair on the second Saturday in November, followed by the Christmas Market at Fairy Stone State Park’s Fayerdale Hall on November 25th. The Mistletoe Market at the Stuart Farmers’ Market during our Hometown Christmas weekend, the first weekend in December is a destination for county residents and visitors alike. All markets feature homemade baked items, crafts, gifts, and holiday decor.
For the person who has it all on your list, consider making a donation to one of the many local charities that serve Patrick County. Our county would not be complete without the large local nonprofits that provide many services to our residents. Caring Hearts Free Clinic provides healthcare to the uninsured, and The Patrick County Community Food Bank helps to provide food for those in need. Always appreciative of donations, one of the county volunteer fire and rescue squads that service and protect our county. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library that the Chamber, along with multiple partners, started for Patrick County is a book gifting program for county children under five years of age. The Patrick County Alzheimer’s Group gives support and supplies to families dealing with this disease.
The majority of the businesses in Patrick County are small and locally owned. Your purchases from them create a big impact for our county. Part of the holiday shopping tradition is Small Business Saturday. This day is celebrated each year since 2010 on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Many of the local shops offer Small Business Saturday events and promotions that day. For a complete listing of businesses and nonprofits, visit the chamber’s website at www.patrickchamber.com.
(Adcock is the executive director for the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce)
