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Writer's pictureRylee Parsons

Local Gift Guide for McDowell County

Updated: Feb 13, 2023

As the holiday season is coming to an end, there's a smaller chance a package you order online will be here in time for your holiday party. The good news is that McDowell County is full of local businesses with quality products and experiences that will knock your holiday shopping out in record time. We've listed 10 local businesses that feature store shelves lined with perfect gifts and companies offering experiences sure to put a smile on your loved one's faces.


Stepping off of Marion's main street and into the doors of Flavors on Main, you'll find unique ornaments highlighting Marion and Bigfoot, toys and games for children of any age, and a few steps up the stairs will take you to a fly shop with gifts for beginner to novice fishermen. This general store makes for an ideal shopping destination with its pre-wrapped packages of seasonings and other flavorful products, practically ready to go under the tree. You can save extra time by giving their shop a call and their staff will curate the perfect gift for you to pick up.


Give the gift of a horseback trail ride through the beauty of the Pisgah National Forest along the Gateway Trail System. Camp Grier in Old Fort offers 1.5-2.5 hour guided rides that can either take riders along scenic creeks or to mountaintop views within their 650 acres of conservation land. All guests receive a basic skills introductory lesson and are educated. on the recovery stories and personalities of their horses. Camp Grier also offers lessons and partial leases for gifts that keep on giving.

This locally owned hardware store has a little something for everyone to match their needs from power tools and sporting goods to pet supplies and houseware. Whether you're gifting for a friend that's gearing up for home improvement projects or for a family member that's a self-proclaimed professional, Gibbs will guide you to the right tools, equipment, or products they'll need to get the job done.


4. Switzerland Inn - Midweek Getaway

If you're looking for a gift to give your favorite hardworking couple - the Switzerland Inn located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Little Switzerland provides the relaxing escape they so desperately need. The Inn offers a Midweek Getaway package treating them to a one-night stay and funds to enjoy the Chalet Restaurant and Fowl Play Pub & Tap Room. The guests will be treated to mountain view accommodations and fine dining with the prime opportunity for a spa day featuring the full-body Switzerland Inn Signature Massage.


Your search for that special gift or secret Santa find can end at Magnolia Marketplace right on Main Street of Marion. This shop is a present paradise for home decor lovers with a great selection of decor that's constantly changing. If you're unsure of your gift receiver's interior design style or unsure of your interior design skills - Magnolia Marketplace also offers gift certificates for them to come shop for themselves!


For that person in your life struggling with insomnia, depression, anxiety, arthritis or other uncomfortable stressors, cryotherapy sessions at Elemental Relaxation can provide them with a sense of relief - making their one-month unlimited membership an extra thoughtful gift this season. The first three-minute session is intense but bearable starting at minus 40 degrees and gradually reaching minus 135 degrees. The cold triggers a natural anti-inflammatory response that reduces pain while increasing metabolism and boosting the immune system.


Please the fashionista of the family with a gift from The Fruit of Her Hands Boutique. Shop online or in-store for fun styles of tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes and more in an array of sizes from small to 3X. This also makes a great place to find adorable and affordable stocking stuffer accessories and natural bath products from The Quill and Honey Company.


8. Foothills Community Theater - Season Tickets

With four to five shows each season, season tickets for Foothills Community Theater are sure to give the gift of entertainment and education to all ages. The Theater is volunteer-based and a non-profit organization, making your support through a season ticket purchase mean that much more. For the friend looking to try something different, an avid theater-goer, or anyone who loves local experiences, this makes a fun and out-of-the-box gift.


This is not your average comic book store. With new and vintage items, the perfect gift for anyone into superheroes, pop culture, card games, science fiction and more waits inside this shop. With action figures, backpacks, collector items and other unique merchandise, you're sure to find that one-of-a-kind gift you're searching for.


10. Killough's Music & Loan

For the music-lover of the friend group, Killough's will be your gift-getting destination. Killough's is home to a wide range of instruments and collector items to delight members of the music scene from beginners to advanced. They also provide instrument set-up to customers. There's even more to be found in the shop's used items section with tools, electronics and many more finds.


With this guide to local McDowell county businesses, you can make your hometown your holiday shopping headquarters while supporting members of the community! Stay tuned for next week's blog featuring last-minute gift ideas and don't miss out on our previous Gift Guide for Blue Collar Workers and Gift Guide for your Favorite Gardener.

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