For some first-time visitors to Highlands (and even some people who’ve lived on the Plateau for decades), the Highlands Shopping Experience extends for a couple of blocks along Main Street.
This is a bit puzzling, since serious shoppers know that the avenues leading in and out of town are laced with businesses offering unique treasures and services, each deserving of a careful browse. Since they’re not part of a chain, each offers a unique, deeply personal shopping experience.
Take 106 South (The Dillard Road). At first glance it’s a two-lane road connecting Highlands with Georgia. But make that trip with a discerning eye and you’ll be astonished by the possibilities that spring up like partridgeberry along the roadside.
Dusty Rhodes Superette is a Highlands institution. They’ve been purveyors of fine food and exceptional service for more than 65 years. This butcher shop and deli offers everything from homemade jellies and baked goods to salads and sandwiches. Their wine selection is a small, hand selected collection of customer favorites. Check out their weekend specials and their complete, ready to cook meals. They’re open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.; and 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Saturday until May. Call (828) 526-2762.
The Summer House offers complete home furnishing services from single pieces to entire homes, including porch and patio, dining and bedding, and living room décor. Take advantage of their long-distance program and have that special piece shipped anywhere in the country. They’re open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Call (828) 526-5577 or email summerhousehighlands@brmemc.net.
If you’re looking for a little local flair to add to your décor, check out Peak Experience. They specialize in American handcrafts, local pottery and estate and handcrafted jewelry. Their inventory is constantly changing, so there’s always something new to discover. Hours vary by season, so please call (828) 526-0229.
ACP Home Interiors is a one-stop shop for the home. Featuring upholstery, slip covers, case goods, gifts, jewelry, lighting, rugs…the list goes on and on. New shipments arrive every month. Come by to check out their new upholstery lines and talk to Kerri about custom bedding. They’re open by appointment until May when their hours shift to Noon to 5:00 P.M.on Mondays, and 10:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Tuesday through Saturday. Call (828) 526-4500 or email at acphighlands@gmail.com.
Cake Bar, located at 2254 Dillard Road, is an easy getaway and a dazzling showcase for the baked goods of owner Kristi Henderson and her family. The centerpiece of this entire operation is the addictive flourless chocolate cake known as “Chocolate Heaven,” but you’ll find an eye-popping selection of cakes, pies, scones, muffins, things with names like Cranberry Orange Cheesecake, Grilled Banana Bread with Bourbon Sauce, and Praline Ice Cream. You can come in for a slice or a piece and pair it with coffee, tea and espresso, or a something from the curated selection of wines – red, white, bubbly and dessert – by the glass and the bottle. Or you can take your selection home and become a legend in your home or your community. For more information, call (828) 421-2042, but this is one of those places that you should really visit.
Full House Gallery, opening this month, will sell furniture on consignment, original art, and inspirational home goods, along with kitchen and home design by Susan Elizabeth Interiors. (828) 526-6609. Come in at 66 Highlands Plaza or email interiors@fullhousegallery.com
The Blue Elephant Consignment Studio has an amazing selection of furniture, rugs and accessories for your home. Their inventory is constantly changing so there’s always something new to discover. From old hickory pieces to modern, light and airy styles, they have something for everyone. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Call (828) 526-9948 and check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
Getting ready to remodel? Talk to Phillip Potts or Yance Thompson at Highlands Doors and Windows. Their showroom displays all kinds of different doors and windows, plus all sorts of hardware and specialty products, such as phantom screens. Let them help you pick out the perfect accents for your mountain escape. They’re open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.. Call (828) 526-3719 or email highlandsdw@frontier.com.
At Highlands Decorating Center, “Service is our most important product.” Whether you’re looking for tile or hardwood flooring or a special color of paint, their skilled installers and paint specialists are here to exceed your expectations. They adapt to the individual needs of each customer, let them help you turn your house into a dream home. They’re open Monday through Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., and Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Call (828) 526-3571.
Recently renovated with fresh paint and new décor, Bryson’s Food Store still offers the freshest meat, seafood and produce available. Peruse their superior wine department and unmatched selection of craft and domestic beers. The deli is the place to go for daily lunch specials and premade dinners. They’re open every day from 7:30 A.M. until 6:30 P.M., and until 7:30 P.M. in season. Call (828) 526-3775 or email Brysonsfoodstore@mindspring.com.
Crown Heritage Flowers is the go-to place for all things fresh and floral. Formerly Cosper’s Flowers, the new owner, Danielle Hartsfield Chambers, is breathing new life into this Highlands mainstay. The shop now offers a wider selection of cut flowers, potted plants and arrangements for any occasion with a focus on local and sustainable sources. With their competitive prices, you won’t find a better bang for your buck anywhere else. Crown Heritage Flowers is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 A.M. until 5:30 P.M. and Saturday from noon until 4:00. Call (828) 526-8671.
by Ashley Stewart
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