This little gem of a furniture is off the beaten-path. We recently purchased a vacation home in…read moreFranklin. We are gradually replacing the existing furniture with that of our own taste. There are many furniture venues throughout NC but we stuck close to home. In and out of the many stores in Franklin we were disappointed by the high cost of furniture which most touted "man made wood". What does this mean? Well the charmless furniture was not wood, not appealing, looked like molded plastic and expensive. We found one place that had nice, well-made furniture to our liking and actually crafted using wood. The selection is small but we were able to purchase two highly crafted nightstands for the same cost as the charmless pieces in other stores. It is a family run business and the furniture is made in Tennessee. Some pieces can be special ordered. I would have given 5 stars as I would have liked more choices; I would have purchased many more pieces!

We went to lunch Nextdoor and after, we decided to walk over and check out the Gift Shop next door…read more Outside looks very inviting and my Mom and I spent quite a while looking at all the different items they had. The owner Sandy was very nice . She showed us her refrigerated room with all her flowers ready to be made into a bouquet. She said You can even bring your own vase if you like. There's all kinds of local art and crafts inside. This is a great place to stop and stretch your legs when you're driving up or through Lake Toxaway area.

BARDO the Tibetan word for "in-between state" - which according to their Facebook page makes BARDO…read morean in-between place. I found myself drifting along Main Street in Highlands, North Carolina when I gazed upon the exterior of this lovely little shop. It was filled with quirky design pieces that appeal to lovers of shabby chic interiors, so I decided to look inside. If I were in shopping mode I might have lost my mind. Furnishings like these would fill my home inside and out if my pockets were deeper. There were several pieces that spoke to my individual taste and style, including a wonderful dining room table that would probably cost $2500 or more in Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn (I forgot to take a picture of it). When I inquired of the cost I was given a price of $1800, much less that I expected. I asked if it was made here in North Carolina, a state known for its quality furniture and the owners reply was "No, it came from Atlanta!" The irony caused me to laugh out loud. Little shops like this are what made my day visit to this charming little mountain town such a pleasure. I didn't have a need to make a purchase this time, but it's such a wonderful little town that Bardo gives me an easy reason to come back! Website: https://www.facebook.com/bardo49/ Photos: https://www.facebook.com/bardo49/photos/ 2016/124

This is a combo of gift shop & gem mining in 1 spot! We were looking for a gem mining spot around…read morethe area on our way home. Came across this location open on a Monday afternoon. I was so excited to do a little mining to remember our trip by before heading home. I picked the largest bucket, which was $50. Small was $15 & Medium was $30 if I'm not mistaken. We found many large pieces but, no rose quartz. As pictured, you can see some of our findings. Even if you're not there to mine, the store has a variety of gifts to look see. There are some handmade items to find as well.

If you're in the Highlands North Carolina you have to check this place out! I honestly could spend…read morea day in there. They have everything from home decor to little knickknacks, botanicals, essential oils, Beautiful jewelry... I could go on and on. I just wish she would open one in South Florida!!

I stopped into Unique Elegance on a whim, because I saw some absolutely gorgeous tapestry in their…read morewindows. What I found inside was even better. I found lots of tribal style jewelry, lots of jewelry that relates to my hobby of bellydance and lots of other eye catching ephemera. Once inside, the owner was all too happy to help me out. He even cut me a deal on a very lovely coin necklace. It was lovely to speak with him on the subject of Middle Eastern dance.

I am beyond disappointed in the flowers I ordered for Mother's Day. The flowers were of poor…read morequality and slapped together. The total cost was over $130, and they look like they cost about $5. When I spoke to the sales rep on the phone, she promised they would be beautiful, but they were anything but, and I was embarrassed of what my mom received. Do not buy your flowers from here.

I think that this photo speaks for itself but over the years my husband has purchased flowers from…read moredifferent companies. I have never received anything this beautiful in twenty years. It has now been two weeks and the arrangement is still remarkable. I had to pull a few of the flowers to freshen it but I have never had anything last this long or that was this beautifully crafted. Worth every penny. Do t waste your time anywhere else in Highlands.

Stopped to look for some furniture and accessories for our small cabin in Franklin. Got a beautiful…read moreoval rug which was priced very reasonably plus a side table. Their furniture is gorgeous but way too expensive for us at this time. I think their furniture is well made and heavy. You can buy unfinished pieces and finish it yourself or have them customize it for you.

There are 3 separate buildings to leisurely wander through. The main buildings has mountain…read morethemed furniture, lamps & accessories. On other has kitchen tableware, dishes, etc., and the third one is bath themed. Also have lots of porch and indoor/outdoor furniture. The showrooms are little vignettes so you can see how the furnishings will fit in your house. Paul Jones is the owner & she and her staff are experienced and pleasant to deal with.