The Mast Store Annex is located in Valle Crucis, NC, about 2 tenths of a mile from the Original…read moreMast General Store. But it has a completely different layout, is smaller, and sells a different inventory. The building was built in 1909 by R.L. Lowe, a competing merchant. John and Faye Cooper preserved this location, officially opening it in 1982 because they needed more space for their growing business. The building has a much more open layout than the Original store and even sells ice cream outside! The Annex features a massive candy barrel room with hundreds of varieties of candies, from saltwater taffy to chocolates to old-fashioned hard candies. This location also carries more of the rugged outdoor wear, camping supplies, backpacking gear, and sleeping bags Because the two buildings feature completely separate inventory layouts, I didn't end up buying anything here. My arms were completely full with items at the original store, so I didn't go back for the rest of the stuff I wanted and just planned to get it at the other store instead. Once I got to the Annex and realized they didn't carry the same items, I almost drove back to the original store to get them, but ultimately didn't. Make sure to buy everything you want at whichever building you are at before leaving their parking lot!

I've visited a number of Mast Store locations so this store's inventory looked familiar, I stopped…read moreat this location before finding out the main store is located only a few hundred yards up the road maybe that a visit for another time. The products here have always been of good quality and there's always a great selection. This store brand has always been a sort of a novelty in my opinion although the description is "general store" all but one location I have visited is very upscale and resembles more of a general merchandise retailer offering lots of clothing and outdoor supplies verses what the original intent was at its inception. It's a great place to browse and find something unique - the staff here was very friendly and engaging it's worth stopping in...

Was in town for work and this was a constant recommendation from the locals…read more They have any cheese you can think of made fresh in house. You can even visit the processing plant across the street and watch it being made. They have such a variety of everything but especially cheeses. They also carry lots of wine and goodies that would be great on a charcuterie board. The staff was very helpful and the store was clean. If definitely visit again.

Ashe County Cheese is located in West Jefferson, NC. It was established back in 1930 by Kraft…read moreCorporation, making it the oldest cheese plant in the state. It is the only commercial plant left in the state. Ashe County Cheese produces 30,000 to 40,000 pounds of cheese a week. The Blue Ridge Mountains were chosen for the facility by Kraft as there was a surplus of milk in the region from all the dairy farming. The lush high-altitude pastures were great for dairy cattle. Kraft bought up many smaller dairy farms and made a more modern, centralized facility so the cheese could be distributed and sold outside of the mountains. West Jefferson was the chosen location to collect the milk within a 50-mile radius. Ashe County Cheese Factory has a viewing room where you can watch cheese being made. This was the highlight of my visit as I got to watch most of the cheese curd process from separating the whey and curds to draining the whey to mixing and agitating to testing the batch to adding the salt. I left at that point to allow others to view, as the viewing room was on the small side. The retail shop is across the street, and you can buy all types of cheese, including the curds. I bought some butter cheese and white cheddar trims besides the curds. They have insulated bags to buy with ice packs so you can keep it cool and refreeze the ice packs. It stayed cold for the three days I needed it to, with time in a hot car and some time in a refrigerator. Besides cheese, they sold fudge, jams, crackers, candies and wine. I found great postcards too. If West Jefferson is too far to travel to buy some squeaky cheese curds, you can order online from their website.

Friendly and helpful staff! We enjoyed finding unique candy…read moreand snacks. We parked in a garage and walked to the store. There is a large variety of candy for both savory and sweet treats.

Such a cool shop! A must for those who like new and old types of candy. Had all sorts of treats and…read moredrinks. Cute little toys for kids as well. Lots to see here! Service was also good.

Cute little candy shop next to Old Towne Soap Co. They…read morehave handmade candies as well as packaged candies and an ice cream counter. We purchased some Cheerwine Fudge and chocolate dipped Oreos. The employee was very chatty and friendly.

We stopped in while walking around the area. The place is really cute and has a retro vibe. The…read morecandy and fudge counters were pretty limited. They had worked hard to stretch the hard wrapped candy throughout the store to make it look fuller. The prices are average for a candy store. I got a Jack Daniels truffle. It was $2, very rich, and good. They also offered beverages. It was cool to walk through quickly.

Visited the shop during the 2026 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion. They have all of your typical…read morecandy shop items. They had many handmade candies, various flavored chocolate truffles and fudge and they also had ice cream. Prices were extraordinarily cheap. I had a piece of chocolate peanut butter fudge, which was amazing. The staff was super friendly. There is a little seating inside as well as outside. If you're in town, stop by for a little sweet treat.

When in Bristol VA/ TN, The Southern Churn is the "must go" if you are looking for fudge (of all…read moreflavors), and many incredible chocolate treats. Also, ice cream and many types of candies for all tastes. The friendly staff is always helpful and available with suggestions.

Amazing food, great prices, amazing staff this place rocks! Check them out for catering any of yrou…read moreparty's, really the best food in mercer county

We were walking around China Grove and happened upon this sweet shop! The decor was fun and…read morewhimsical! Everything was neat and clean. We ordered ice cream. The pistachio almond was excellent! My granddaughter had plain chocolate and it was yummy too. We did not order them but they also offer milkshakes. There is an assortment of candies, packaged and by the peice. Fun for kids and adults! Shop Local!