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A Long Time Coming
Written By: Ashley Stewart | Issue: 2019/05 - May
It’s been a long time coming, but Valerie Campbell Walker is thrilled to announce her lifelong dream: The opening of Town and Country General Store nestled off Norton Road, one mile from Highway 64 between Highlands and Cashiers. It’s an inspiration destination.
Though born in Miami, Valerie pined for the mountains, home of her grandparents. At age 12 her dad passed. Sadly, her family gathered on the Plateau to settle his affairs. Valerie stayed here with her brother, finishing high school at Blue Ridge School. With business opportunities scarce, Valerie headed back to Florida, married, raised three daughters, built and sold a successful business, and, with a divorce behind her, returned to Cashiers to water that soon-to-be fruitful seed.
Valerie had her heart set on a piece of beautiful land. It belonged to the grandson of the originator of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. He sold Valerie his acreage, which formerly served as a logging facility and a dentist’s residence. Valerie renovated it, though the only salvageable part was the dramatic fireplace. It became the focal point of a new building. She integrated many of the old materials in the new construction. It’s now a general store much like one that served locals in the area years ago. The need for such an outlet still existed, so Valerie had her niche and the perfect spot to grow her business.
The fireplace (now gas) lights up spaces where she sells milk, bread, beer, wine, cheese, candy, home decor, clothing, hot coffee, iced tea, and more. She caters to local clientele, which includes year-round residents, tourists, and more. Something for everyone, just like it used to be.
Visit Town and Country and enjoy photo ops (an old farm truck, seasonally-decorated, and a windmill, to name a few). Settle into an outdoor large-screen theater, local music performances, or rock on the porch overlooking an exquisite mountain view.
Visit online at tandcgeneralstore.com or call Valerie at (828) 547-1300 for more details. You can also check out facebook.com/Town-Country-General-Store for updates and events. Town and Country General Store is located at 14 Raggedy Lane in Cashiers.
