Shopping in Simpsonville

The flittering notes of flutes pipe through the doors of Musical Innovations, followed by the deep plucking of a string bass as novice musicians studiously master their instrument of choice. Students can try their hands at woodwinds, horns, percussion, and stringed instruments, renting music-making equipment from the shop if necessary. Led by accomplished musician and educational advocate Tracy Leenman, each one of the shop's employees holds a degree in music, and thus can yodel Beethoven's Ninth Symphony while leading shoppers through an inventory of sheet music and instruments that range from beginner models to professional quality, including custom flutes and specialty strings. Home-school programs take musical instruction on the road, and in-shop summer camp programs keep youngsters from practicing archery with violin bows.

After a frustratingly flip-flopless trip to Las Vegas, Flip Flop Shops’ co-founder Sarah Towne teamed up with the business-savvy Todd Giatrelis to open a store dedicated to serving people in need of comfy open-toed footwear. Each of their locations boasts a wide collection of brands – including Havaianas, Volcom, Reef, and Teva – to ensure shoppers find an ideal pair.

Savvy’s interior designers seek out singular pieces from top-tier artisans to populate their sunny 36,000-square-foot showroom. Though the curators champion mainly modern, elegant designs, they also handpick reclaimed wood furniture and rustic home accents such as southwestern-patterned throw pillows. Savvy Spaces constantly replenishes its stock, allowing patrons the chance to scout new hide-and-seek hot spots in the showroom each week.:m]]

"I am obsessed with glass," Liz Daly-Korybski states matter-of-factly, explaining the reason behind opening her titular studio. The celebrated designer whips up inimitable pieces using techniques such as fusion and slumping, painstakingly layering raw pieces before cutting, firing, polishing, and sculpting the creations into jewelry. Inspired by colors and endless creative possibilities, she currently designs 73 product lines in the form of vintage headbands and watches, bracelets, and sushi plates.

Master jewelers Margaret and Robin Newton of Diamonds Choice have adorned extremities with precious metal flourishes to fit every budget for nearly 15 years. The tasteful team specializes in bridal jewelry, one-of-a-kind pieces, and custom designs and performs in-house repairs and restoration to re-set jostled jewels and disenchant mummy-cursed rings. A rotating stock of consignment and estate jewelry presents an opportunity to find irreplaceable accouterments.:

Named the best toy store in Western North Carolina by Mountain Xpress for five years running, Dancing Bear Toys overflows its two locations in Asheville and Hendersonville with an ever-evolving stock of high-quality playthings from top designers. Co-owners since the first store’s opening in 1993 and sisters since well before, partners Erika and Sarah routinely travel to the New York City International Toy Fair to scope out the latest and most exciting boons to kids’ imaginations, from wooden trains to broccoli-eating robots. Within the shops’ colorful walls, giant stuffed animals from Melissa and Doug smile down on Playmobil action figures, educational kits and puzzles, and a variety of children’s books, movies, and games.