I enrolled my 8 year old at the art classes offered here and she loves it. The instructor really…read morecares about his students and teaches the whole group in an age appropriate way. They've discuss topics like light and shadows and perspective and used various materials. I can't recommend this place enough. Make sure to stop in for any art supplies you need and give Ziggy so many pets :-).

My daughter's birthday was this month. She is 1500 miles away, coping with the state of affairs in…read moreher chosen field of medicine during COVID-times. At a loss for any kind of meaningful gift without personal access to N95 masks and other PPEs, I decided to restock her art supplies. Maybe this old love would give a little light. I combed online options to avoid stores and post office. Then I thought to support a local business in my daughter's chosen community. Art Mart & Academy is just minutes from her home. The store was not officially open, but the owner responded to my email. John talked with me at length about what I was looking for, texted me photos and was very helpful in matching the types and quality of products I'd selected online. Though he had no gift bags, he managed to find a sweet way to package all the items then texted me a photo to see if "the presentation" was ok. He also kept the required social distance from my son-in-law during pick-up. He kept a sense of humor, too. Art is a good thing to do in COVID-times. John will help you start or get better. Art Mart and Academy has customer service and the goods!

Imagine as a shopper entering a store and not only finding everything that you are looking for (all…read moreon sale!) and fully stocked shelves....pinch me....no wait. I need some assistance so hubby rustles up the sweetest young lady to help me. I was looking for canvas that was right in front of me... :) Sarah (the young sales lady) not only found me the proper size canvas but asked me if she could help in any other way. She didn't run off and hide, or act like we were in her way. She took the time to actually make sure we were satisfied. This might sound corny, but it is missing in so many businesses. Not 3 minutes after Sarah walked off I realized that the ittie-bitty watercolor paint that I needed was in a locked case.....yeah, at $16.00 for a teenie tube, I can see why!) Once again hubby fetched Sarah and she still had the sweet smile on her face. She wasn't fazed at all and continued to satisfy the customers (that would be us :) ) Thanks again, Sarah! You rock! To the management at Sarah's Michael's store in Boone, NC, ....kudos!! You found a gem when you hired Sarah! Please take good care of her....we will be back! :) Mona E. Spruce Pine, NC

Had worst in store experience ever no thanks to actions and poor attitude of current manager…read moreRichard. Because during past visits the self checkout has malfunctioned I chose to go to checkout which is normally attended. Didn't realize Richard who was chatting up customer at self checkout was only staff member in sight. Waited patiently he strolls over to me doesn't go behind register to wait on me starts lecturing me on self checkout. So I explained prior negative experiences and he comes across as condescending and arrogant and starts " trash talking" a woman who had previously " yelled at him". Now I am wondering if anyone who disagrees with him is described that way? Proceeds to try to impress me as he is manager. When I replied I had previously worked in corporate environment member of executive management for financial institution he said " I didn't mean to compare resumes" to which I replied " it seemed as if you did". Rude arrogant condescending lacks any customer service skills. Regional supervisor needs to get involved asap as he is running off loyal customers!

Beautifully nestled off the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway near Blowing Rock, this historic facility…read moreis worth the visit. Unfortunately we did not check the newly updated times they are open to go inside. On this day they were closed. The setting, grounds and trails are breathtakingly beautiful. Some were picnicking under a tree near the Manor entrance. We saw cows in a nearby pasture. One person was on a horse. The property even includes an Apple Orchard. We will return again when the Museum is open and we can also see the crafts offered for sale.

Our visit came in June of 2021 with the accompanying restrictions imposed by the pandemic and…read moreshortage of staff. That means parts of the manor are roped off, construction work on the house is in progress and the craft shop is operating out of a somewhat cramped space. That said, it's well worth a visit here. The views are amazing, and the crafts are wonderfully diverse yet so attractive (everything from lamps to trays to blown glass) and they are nicely displayed, though we should mention that the Southern Folk Art Center closer to Asheville has much larger collections in its shop and museum. The people working here couldn't be more helpful to visitors. The manor is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and parking is easy if limited. There are hiking trails nearby and restrooms also. It makes for a delightful stop with lots of do and see.

Interesting items / love supporting local artists. This is a wonderful place to find gifts.read more

Adorable shop! I purchased a beautiful pair of beaded earrings. I will return the next visit to…read moreBoone

Super cute quilt shop. Stopped in while traveling to get a gift for a friend. Great selection and…read morefriendly staff.

Ladies were friendly but the selection of fabric was less than inspiring. Not sure I will go out of…read moremy way again.

John recently visited the area and spotted the Pottery Lot and made a mental note to stop in when…read morewe made our trip in November- wow! I love the space! Bright storefront for ceramic artists and I was so enamored with looking at all the different artistic styles I initially missed that it was also a working studio space! Wheels behind the checkout counter, a kiln room and more. I picked a treasure to take home and chatted with the young woman who rung me up. I asked if she made pottery and she did- we ended up trading some art! My fav for connecting to other artists. I cannot wait to be up in this area again to explore The Pottery Lot again!

We participated in the 2 hour self led experience and it was wonderful! Michael was very nice and…read morehelpful, making it quite a fun and beginner friendly experience. And it's a great activity for a rainy or snowy day!

Took in a bracelet given to me, however I was looking to lengthen it without detracting from the…read morebeauty and love put into creating it. The woman at the counter was diligently help multiple customers simultaneously with calm ease. When it was my turn to be helped, she gave me the same quality attention she afforded the previous customers. In the end, she helped me choose some wonderful beads and then re-strung the bracelet in a short amount of time. Thank you nice lady.

Watch out for "hidden" charges that are not disclosed when a piece of jewelry is made. Additional…read morecharges are not disclosed until the clerk rings up the sale. Also, if you decide to have a cup of their coffee, ask to taste the coffee before you buy a cup. My cup of coffee was sour. When I asked for a replacement cup of coffee, the clerk wanted to charge me for another cup. When I explained the cup she gave me was sour, her response was, "nobody else complained about the coffee." Apparently, customer satisfaction is not a priority and customer service is a tertiary concern at best. I contacted the owner about my concerns without resolution. I was left feeling baited, switched and the experience definitely left a sour taste in my mouth. Needless to say, this business has lost at least one customer - not that the owner actually cares though, since she did little to turn this unsatisfied customer around. Instead, she dug the hole deeper and deeper. Beware shoppers and coffee aficionados.

This Mast General Store was the 2nd of it's kind to open, apparently about 100 years after the…read morefirst...but still an OG. The store offers a small throw back to simpler times, selling anything and everything one would need for their household under one roof. They even had a slogan early on of "if you can't buy it here, you don't need it". The store offers homewares (glassware, plates, pots, pans and cast iron), decor, snack items, jelly's/jams, milled products, soaps, gifts, clothing, camping gear, and even barrels upon barrels of candy by the pound. With 2 floors fully stocked of product, it offers a glimpse of how things were in olden times. Pricing on many items is very fare, from what I saw and was able to compare. Staff were all very friendly, checking in as we shopped to see if there is anything we could be helped with. It's a fun store to poke through, with lots of nostalgia

Such a cool place to visit with unique items and is really an old vintage store. We got items for a…read moregreat value and everyone is really nice and good service

This is a nice little boutique just off Main Street selling a variety of handmade items. On a…read morerecent visit, I bought some earrings, a necklace, and a pottery olive oil keeper. The also have artwork, wooden pens, and soaps/lotions. The prices are what you would expect in Blowing Rock, but regardless, I was happy with my purchases. I'll definitely be back!

Cute little shop with beautiful handmade items. Prices are reasonable and items are great quality…read more Bought a beautiful cheese board handmade close by in the area. They gave a paper with instructions on how to care and clean. Very sweet people. Will come again!