With the holiday season approaching, shoppers in Polk County and Landrum are encouraged to explore local businesses for unique gifts that reflect the spirit of the community. These charming areas are filled with local merchants, artisans, and makers offering distinctive treasures that cannot be found elsewhere.
Explore Local Treasures
A prime destination for holiday shopping is the Tryon Antique Mall and Marketplace, located at 1005 S Trade St. Owner Kim Ravan emphasizes that this is not your typical antique store. “We have more than 26,000 square feet of vendors under one roof,” Ravan explained. The mall has become a beloved spot for antique enthusiasts and those searching for unique gifts. Shoppers can spend hours browsing through diverse offerings, making it an adventure that also supports local vendors. This holiday season, Ravan believes that visiting the Tryon Antique Mall is an excellent way to find something special for even the hardest-to-shop-for individuals.
In nearby Saluda, Green River BBQ remains a local favorite, bustling with both residents and visitors. Owners Tom and Brianne Haas invite holiday shoppers to consider gift certificates for future meals. “Our menu is carefully curated, and there is really something for everyone,” Tom Haas noted. A gift certificate not only offers a dining experience but also showcases the local flavor that is unique to the area.
Wineries and Local Businesses
Wine lovers can find remarkable gifts at one of the region’s three wineries: Mountain Brook Vineyards, Overmountain Vineyard, and Parker-Binns Vineyard. This area has recently received federal recognition for its connection to viticulture, making it an ideal spot for holiday gift shopping. Each winery offers award-winning wines and memorable experiences that benefit local farmers and winemakers.
Other communities, like Green Creek and Sunny View, are home to various local businesses such as hardware stores, bakeries, and salons. Kristan Holbert, owner of Red Mountain Hardware in Sunny View, encourages shoppers to support local businesses this season. “Every purchase helps small businesses like ours keep serving Sunny View,” she stated. Holbert highlighted that shopping locally not only provides competitive pricing but also fosters community growth by creating jobs and supporting local initiatives.
Even everyday gifts gain significance when purchased from local artisans. Items such as handmade pottery from Saluda artists, unique ornaments from Tryon shops, and custom furniture from Landrum’s downtown stores each tell a story. Additionally, local shops provide experiences that cannot be boxed, such as art classes, cooking workshops, tastings, and tickets to concerts or performances. Each purchase contributes to supporting families and local economies, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community.
Research indicates that approximately 68% of every dollar spent at locally owned businesses remains in the community, cycling through paychecks and taxes, ultimately benefiting everyone involved. This holiday season presents an opportunity for families to instill values of purposeful shopping in children. As Jackie, a parent from Columbus, stated, “We encourage our kids to pick gifts from local artisans or make something themselves. It’s about giving meaningfully and supporting the people around us.”
The Shop Local for the Holidays series will continue to showcase gift options across communities, highlighting the benefits of keeping holiday spending within the area. Every weekend, readers will learn more about local businesses and the positive impacts of their support.
As the holiday shopping season unfolds, it is vital to remember the individuals behind the counters and the creators of the products. By prioritizing shopping in Polk County and Landrum, consumers can give gifts that are not only thoughtful but also impactful for the community. Holbert emphasizes, “Every gift purchased locally is a vote for our community. It helps our neighbors, keeps our communities vibrant, and ensures that these businesses are here next holiday season.”
This season, let your purchases resonate with meaning, creating lasting memories for recipients while uplifting the local community.
