Feel-Good Shopping

Issue: 2020/07 – July | Photograph By: Marjorie Christiansen Photography

Now that we can stroll downtown Highlands again, it’s time to catch up one of the town’s most popular summertime activities – shopping. 

It’s no exaggeration that over the decades, the town has built up an astonishing collection of shops and galleries and boutiques that draws casual browsers and serious shoppers from around the country. 

CK Swan and Harllee Gallery is kaleidoscopic in its range of merchandise. You’ll discover fine antiques, 18th to 21st century decorative furnishings, gifts that’ll be cherished, candles, unique jewelry, an adorable collection of children’s clothes, and the works of talented local artists. They’re located at 233 North Fourth Street, and you can find them online at Facebook.

J. Elliot Style at 215 North Fourth Street is a “Purveyor Of Fine Home Furnishings, Bespoke Goods,” and the showcase for the full interior design talents of Jamie Elliott McPherson. His love for creating classic, comfortable, and inspired living spaces brought him to create J. Elliott Style, a boutique interior furnishings and kitchen design showroom. Along with bespoke cabinetry, upholstery and case goods, J. Elliott Style offers interior design services, original local art, unique accessories, and a wide variety of specialty candles. Jamie believes, while injecting his fresh and modern approach to design, every project should be personalized for his clients and an authentic representation of who they are. You’ll also find him on Facebook.

Located at 221 North Fourth Street, Easely An Artist is like no studio you’ve encountered before. That’s because it’s animated by Artist and Nonstop Creative Spirit Jeanie Edwards. Here’s how she describes the place, “Need a place to relax, have a good time with friends and let your creative side show? Then this is the place for you! Come in during the day for open studio or at night for step by step instruction to create your one-of-a-kind masterpiece. We also would love to host your next birthday, bridal shower, corporate event or just a night out with friends! You can register for classes online at easelyanartist.com.

You’ll find The Molly Grace at 207 North Fourth Street. It’s filled with irresistible choices of home goods and decor, adorable apparel, baby gifts, hostess gifts, servingware, beautiful coffee table books, greeting cards, and jewelry. It’s a shop that demands a careful browse. You’ll also find The Molly Grace on Facebook.

Gold-N-Clipper is located at 410 Main Street, inside The Highlands Inn. The jewelry in its display window is entrancing, and the seduction grows even more intense once you step inside. This is a locally-owned jewelry store that proudly proclaims that it offers an “Exquisite and Luxurious collection of Jewelry as unique as the woman who wears it.” You’ll also find luxury watches, and, like all exotic bazaars, surprising and exquisite treasures. Gold-N-Clipper can also be found on Facebook.

With nearly 50 years in business, The Dry Sink, located at 450 Main Street, has become a Highlands institution. It’s earned that longevity with its unparalleled collection of merchandise, from kitchen cookware, gadgets and small appliances, to a huge selection of candles, glassware, bath & body items, and other gifts. The Hallmark card selection is extensive, as are the offerings of partyware and seasonal items. You can also find The Dry Sink at thedrysink.com and on Facebook.

At 468 Main Street, Smitten serves as a showcase for deeply personal art.  “Our team is made up of artists, crafters, jewelers and people fueled by passion to create. We believe that in order to understand the value of something, you must be able to see, touch and experience it. Therefore, we travel across the USA  to meet with local artisans and experience their craftsmanship first hand, bringing back not only the item, but the story behind it.” You’ll also notice more than a hint of whimsy in the collection. Smitten can be found online at smittenofhighlands.com and on Facebook. 

Mill Creek Gallery & Framing in the Highlands Village Square on Oak Street is a dynamic spotlight for the photography of owner Cynthia Strain, but that’s not all.  “The gallery features primarily my photography, but I also sell photography by Bill Lea of Franklin, North Carolina, as well as his books; books by Franklin photographer Hildegard Sandhusen; pottery by Cathy Christie; my hand-made birdhouse Christmas ornaments; and decorative birdhouses,” she says. You’ll also find Mill Creek Gallery & Framing at cystrainphotos.com. 

We already highlight Shakespeare & Company on Page 156, but this bears repeating. Visitors to this two-story bookstore can expect plenty of regional and natural history selections, a great literary biography section, as well as poetry, decorating and design coffee-table books and cookbooks, and, of course, novels galore, contemporary titles and classics. It’s located at 204 North Fourth Street and online at shakespeareandcompanyhighlands.com.