Shopping in Lenoir

For thirteen years, Southern Candle has been pouring and wicking each one of their high-end, custom-blended scented candles by hand in the Blue Ridge Mountain tradition. Activate nasal flashbacks with hundreds of memorable scents, including all-American apple pie, Christmas singed bayberry, and Summer of Love-smelling patchouli. Experiment with aromatherapy by sampling Southern Candle's well being, tranquility, and common cold-curing and koala-charming eucalyptus blends. All flavors are available in 8 ounce country classic jars ($7.95), 10 ounce and 16 ounce decorator glasses ($11.95 and $17.95 respectively), and 2 ounce votive 9-packs ($13.50).

Betty's Bakery knows how to keep people happy with its selection of coffee and pastries. The bakery has both in abundance, with fresh possibilities every day. From chocolate mousse cupcakes to almond cookies and meringue pies, there's something sweet for everyone. Specialty coffee drinks and gluten-free pastries are also available.

Bordering the outstretched arm of the Pisgah National Forest and named for a storied rock formation, Blowing Rock forms the home base for summer hikes, fall foliage vigils, and football games at nearby Appalachian State University. An early home to Cherokee and Catawba tribes, the town became a refuge to families during the Civil War, and then to southern residents seeking a high-elevation shortcut to cooler weather. The scenic, serpentine Blue Ridge Parkway curves nearby, climbing undulating Appalachian slopes into the mountain air.Throughout massive swaths of nearby state parks and national forests, rafts careen over frothing whitewater rapids, bikes surge over famously striking and challenging paths, and fly-fishing lures arc toward trout lurking beneath the surface of natural and stocked lakes. Host to the annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show since 1923, the area stables a plethora of dashing steeds, enabling mountainside riding through Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and other verdant environs. Two-legged hoofing along the Linville Falls trails unveils a 90-foot waterfall among jagged, staircase-like rock formations cascading in a soothing susurrus into the Linville Gorge. Those who feel guilty about leaving a pet mannequin at home can appease it with presents culled from Tanger Outlets, a medley of upscale outlets including Banana Republic, Loft, and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Wahoo’s Adventures refers to itself as the “original” whitewater outfitter, having facilitated outdoor excursions on rafts, tubes, canoes, and kayaks for the past three decades. Whitewater-rafting tours take place upon the Watauga River, the Nolichucky River, and Wilson Creek Gorge, three waterways with differing levels of frothiness, much like three cappuccinos ordered by a family of bears. Alternatively, adults without rafting experience and children as young as 6 months can lazily drift down the New River while sprawled across tubes. As they pass rugged hillsides and scenic farmland, tubers can smell wildflowers, listen to chirping birds, and keep eyes peeled for Sasquatch footprints. Keeping clients safe is Wahoo’s main priority, which is why their experienced guides equip adventurers with high-quality life jackets, helmets, and paddles before taking the water.

Since 2001, Extreme Snowboard and Ski has populated the slopes of Sugar Mountain Resort with snow sportsters outfitted with rental and retail equipment, as well as apparel from brands such as Neff, Loki, and Grenade. The ski shop’s prime location at the entrance to mountain makes it a convenient stop for downhillers in need of rental skis or snowboards, a new pair of Spy or Smith goggles, or equipment tuning performed by the onsite repair technicians. The tech team treats skis and boards with the help of a Wintersteiger Micro 91, restoring their functionality and refining their bottoms until they can slide over snow with powder-cutting grace.

High up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greene Tree Farm grows more than 25,000 fraser fir Christmas trees. Hand-pick your own tree to decorate at home, choosing from options that range from 2 to 15 feet. Once you've settled on your perfect tree, staff members will cut it down, bale it, and load it in your car; or, for the full experience, you can borrow a hand saw from the farm and cut it down yourself. Aside from trees, the farm also sells holiday decorations, tree stands, and homemade breads, and you can stop in and visit the farm's animals and take in the mountain views.