Shopping in Lumberton

Mother and daughter team Barbara and Sheri opened shop on July 4, 2006 after an introductory knitting class inspired entrepreneurial plans instead of retiring to the center of the earth. During their one- to one-and-a-half hour basics class, curious knitters will be introduced to the basic ins and outs of needles and yarn. Students will then wield their newfound skills to knit stitches and begin a scarf, while more advanced yarn-smiths can construct octo-armed tarantula sweaters or woolly models of hydrogen atoms. Classes are offered on Wednesdays at the Fayetteville location and Tuesday–Friday at the Whiteville location. Before or after class, peruse the store's extensive inventory, which includes traditional wool and organic cotton yarns, as well as the more exotic spinnings made from bamboo, soybean, and milk.

Realizing the region's dearth of Indian eateries, the owners of Shalimar Tandoor Grill and Bar opened their doors to give their friends and neighbors a first or umpteenth taste of the subcontinent's cuisine. The decadent dining room of deep red booths and walls hosts a panoply of vibrant spices and rich aromas that emanate from curries, kebabs, and tandoor-grilled dishes custom-spiced to four levels of heat. To cool down tongues and thwart the growth of uvula cactus patches, the owners added a full bar stocked with domestic and Indian beers and an impressive list of classic and house cocktails infused with an Indian twist.

It's all about fit at SEEK EYE CARE, where licensed optician Marcus McNeill ensures customers strike a perfect match with their new corrective lenses. Polycarbonate, plastic, and glass lenses fit inside frames handcrafted in Japan and Denmark, as well as in styles from American designer Tom Ford. The shop also carries contact lenses and sunglasses, and customers are always welcome to stop in for a free cleaning or adjustment of their specs.

Apple Crate’s amply stocked nutrition centers abound with healthy goods and specialty products, including organic foodstuffs, vegan and vegetarian staples, and vitamins and minerals to keep bodies nourished and in good condition. Herbivores can bulk up on organic produce, grains, and spices, and those beset by gluten allergies or flaxseed mania can find products to meet their dietary needs. Shelves also brim with health products and body products, including master cleanse ingredients and skincare items ($13–$40) such as MyChelle face cream ($20). Stock up on coconut waters for the coming palm-tree apocalypse, or jumpstart immune systems with a dose of multivitamins ($16–$25) such as the MegaFood Women’s One Daily ($22). In its commitment to the environment, Apple Crate recycles nearly 100% of its waste and requires staff members to take hourly tree-hugging breaks. Both the stores and Apple Crate's website also offer a veritable library of healthy recipes.

For more than 100 years, Red Wing Shoes has shod workers’ feet with purpose-built, lasting footwear ideal for toiling on the job or around the home. Industrial work boots are crafted to resist gas, chemicals, and banana peels, including styles such as the 2240 men’s 6-inch boots built to protect feet from water and electric hazards ($159.99). Their lineup of classic oxfords, including the full-grain black-leather 6337 oxfords ($114.99), are triple-stitched with wax thread and sent to England for finishing school.