Noted travel journalist Charles Kuralt called the Mast Store in rural Valle Crucis “…a destination.”

Today, you can still warm up by the pot-bellied stove, mail a postcard at the corner post office, and enjoy a 5¢ cup of coffee. You can also find most everything you need for life. Don’t miss the Mast Store Annex, just 2/10 mile down the road.

Once a competing general store, it now features Mast’s eclectic collection of traditional clothing, travel and outdoor gear, and over 500 old-fashioned candy favorites. While in Boone, the Mast General Store located along King Street in the historic downtown has all of Mast’s departments in one location – a building dating back to 1913/1917.

Rivercross Market, located right beside the Original Mast Store in historic Valle Crucis, is filled with a collection of goods handmade in America. Many local artists are a part of the collection including woodworkers, weavers, painters, and stained glass creators. From pottery and jewelry to candles and paper art, you’re sure to find perfect gifts for everyone…including yourself. There’s even a fun collection for kids!

Valle Crucis: (828) 963-6511. Boone: (828) 262-0000

Valle Crucis Location: 3565 Hwy 194 S. Sugar Grove, NC 28679. Boone Location: 630 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607