In a world of big box stores and Amazon small town stores are working overtime to bring people a truly unique shopping experience. Here are a few places to check out that might just be a great destination on a road trip.

O.P. Taylor’s unique toy shopping experience

While you could buy toys at Walmart or Target, why not choose to shop at the “Coolest Toy Store on the Planet?”  I know that’s a bold statement, but after many visits to O.P. Taylor’s in Brevard, NC I think the claim is a solid one.   Just outside the doors of this 6,000 square foot store, a large toy soldier stands guard at one of the entrances with other characters greeting you at the others.

It’s quite amazing how much fun the owners manage to fit into this maze of toys, Legos, activity sets, collectible die cast cars and even a few things great for pulling pranks.  O.P. Taylor’s also means hands-on fun including a slot car racing set where you can challenge your friends to a race or two.

When you visit O.P. Taylor’s in Brevard, be sure and wander from room to room and go upstairs where you’ll find even more.  The “Coolest Toy Store on the Planet” is in the heart of Brevard, a small town about 30 minutes from Asheville known for its white squirrels and waterfalls.  If toys aren’t your thing, then there are plenty of other options for shopping and dining downtown including D.D. Bullwinkle Outdoor Gear, Rocky’s Grill and Soda Shop and the White Squirrel Shop.   

Shopping for unique gifts in Clinton, TN

Over the years, Clinton has built a big reputation for antiques.  The town even holds two festivals each year to celebrate its antiques district.  While there is no shortage of items from the past, there are plenty of newer selections to be found downtown, too.  Burville Antiques features items of yesteryear along with its own line of candles, nostalgic pillows and seasonal items. Joy in the Dawn sells boutique clothing and a variety of other items. Hoskins in the Flat provides plenty of selections of home décor and unique gifts. There’s Dogwood Carpentry a place specializing in one of a kind wood creations and Evans Candy next door.

Whatever your taste, you’re likely to find something to suit your taste in Clinton’s Historic Downtown. And if you’re hungry sit down for a meal at Apple Blossom Cafe, grab coffee and sandwiches at E’Claires or order up the daily special at the Hoskins Lunch Counter on Main Street.

Unique shopping on the square in Livingston, TN

While a mall can give you a lot of stores under one roof, there’s something special about strolling around a small-town square.  Just a few minutes north of I-40 (near Cookeville) you’ll find one of the most charming town squares anywhere in Livingston.

Start your shopping at Sassafras on the Square, a trendy boutique filled with clothing, shoes, handbags and beauty items.  There’s also the Picker’s Palace, a mix of boutique items and antiques and the Overton Department Store, a staple on the square for decades.  And for home décor and furnishings check out Keaton Place which features the artistic creations of Knoxville’s Milk Moon House (Joanna Simeone).

If shopping makes you hungry, there are two places on the square that offer up both shopping and dining.  1806 BBQ serves up daily dishes and desserts along with a selection of classic toys, games and candy. When you’re done check out the Antiques Market on the other side of the building.

T.B. Sutton Store: an old-fashioned shopping trip

There was a time when the General Store is all you needed when it came to shopping.  And while times have changed with places like Walmart, the General Store can still provide a unique shopping experience.  In the heart of tiny Granville, Tennessee (about an hour east of Nashville) on the shores of Cordell Hull Lake, you’ll find the T.B. Sutton General Store which first opened in the 1880s.

Today, the store is a mix of  shopping and dining with a dose of a museum and music venue thrown into the mix.  You’ll find local cookbooks, candy, blue jeans, cowboy hats, toys and a whole lot more.  Check out what else you can do in Granville here.  

Muddy Pond: rural shopping at its best

Homemade goodness and handmade treasures await shoppers and visitors to a small community tucked away in the southeast corner of the Overton County along the Cumberland Plateau.  Muddy Pond sits along country roads in an area heavily influenced by its Mennonite neighbors.  Many people begin a visit to Muddy Pond with a stop at the Country Porch.  From homemade baked goods and freshly made deli sandwiches, to home décor and a wide array of handmade gift items, browsing through the selections is sure to keep you busy for a while.

Muddy Pond features plenty of other places to shop including custom leather and woodworking shops, the Muddy Pond General Store and  Sorghum Mills famous for their tasty creations.

Upscale and unique shopping in Uptown Greenwood, SC

Located in the heart of South Carolina’s Old 96 District, Greenwood offers a mix of opportunities for local shopping. Start your shopping experience at Main and Maxwell, an upscale artisan market featuring the work of more than 40 artists from all over South Carolina.  Choose from selections of pottery,  handcrafted works of art, jewelry and much more.

If clothing is on your list, check out places like Sugar Boutique or David-Lindsey Clothier. The Main Street Market features unique gift items and if you’re shopping for books then check out McCaslan’s Books.

Uptown Greenwood also features a great museum, many wonderful restaurants and if you’re staying a few days, you’ll want to check in to the Inn on the Square.

Use Greenwood as a home base for even more small town shopping. Abbeville is less than 30 minutes away, a charming town filled with specialty shops including Breezy Quarters Soap and Bath Factory. Edgefield, South Carolina south of Greenwood offers up places like Carolina Moon Distillery which has a small gift shop attached and the Edgefield General Store

Small town shopping in Smithville, Tennessee

Just a few miles from the shores of Center Hill Lake in the small town of Smithville, Tennessee you’ll find several new stores and a renewed spirit for shopping locally.  Start your trip downtown, home to the Buttonwillow General Store.  Artful creations, locally made products, hats and home goods fill the store where you can also grab a cup of Joe, an Italian Cream Soda, a muffin or a slice of cake.

 The Market on Main and Magnolia Roots share a space in a bright white building along Main Street with a simple blue and white striped awning.  Inside find inspiration in a wide selection of trendsetting clothing, home décor and furniture.

 Monogramming by Sherri isn’t your run of the mill monogram shop.  This place goes all out in finding unique ways to personalize the things you buy.  It also happens to be home to a Christie Cookie shop, one of only three locations anywhere.  

 A few places to visit outside of Downtown include  F.Z. Webb & Sons Pharmacy and Gifts, the Hey Loft at Southern Splendor Farm and Harmony Lane Farm & Creamery where you’ll find dozens of soaps made with goat milk and delicious creamy fudge.  

Have you visited any of these places and if so what treasures did you find? Or perhaps you have a favorite small town where you like to shop. Be sure and let us know your unique shopping destinations in the comments.

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