As varied as our experiences may be, there’s one thing all our most treasured Christmas memories have in common: They’re shared with people we hold dear. 

That sentiment is precisely how Mast General Store feels about hosting its guests for the past 142 Christmases. Across those decades, Mast Store has welcomed those who’ve  perused its shelves in search of “just the right gift” for each person on their shopping lists as well as those who’ve simply dropped by to warm themselves by the wood-burning stove at the Original Store or find a rocking chair to pause from the season’s often frantic pace. Some of these guests remember the Mast Store as a destination from a distant era in their lives while, for others, it’s a fixture where new Christmas memories are made each year. Regardless of the type or frequency of the recollections, Mast Store is proud to have a role in your holiday season and honored to exist among your family’s special memories. 

As a thank you to all who’ve made a Christmas memory at Mast, we’re sharing your reflections from today’s version of an old-fashioned guest book, if you will, which is the comment section of our social media pages and website. In the spirit of the times, we’ve “replied” to each comment, too! 

While many folks took time to share kind words, we’ve selected several that share a specific impression from the past. We certainly appreciate all who messaged us with warm holiday greetings and Mast Store memories. We wish you a Christmas spent with those you love and filled with moments that last a lifetime! 

Thanks for *Sharing* the Memories! 

Molly W. 

My son’s first visit with Santa was at the Original Mast Store in 2015. He was a month old! 

MGS 

A truly once-in-a-lifetime moment we’re thrilled happened here at Mast, Molly! Santa has a few Mast Store visits planned in case your son or any other little ones want to visit him before Christmas. You can find his full schedule here... Just sayin’. 

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Carolyn S. 

My grandson Jake found his flying pig socks there! Of course, I’m getting my Mountain Strong hoodies and my chocolate-covered dried cherries there, too! Mast General Store! 

MGS 

All terrific things and more of each still available for Christmas, Carolyn. We’re especially grateful for your support of our neighbors through Mountain Strong!  

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Nancy A. 

I LOVED the Original Mast Store from the day I entered Appalachian State University in 1971. I purchased my first handmade quilt there in 1975. The upstairs was fairly disorganized and unattended to at that time. I bought that quilt, cat urine-scented and all, and I still have it. 

MGS 

And we LOVE a genuine story, Nancy! Glad to hear you kept your quilt along with the memory all these years, but you’ll be happy to know that when our current owners John & Faye Cooper reopened the Mast Store in 1980 they implemented much better organizational practices and sanitation policies Visit us anytime to pick out a beautiful, warm new blanket. Also, Go Mountaineers! 

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Kelli S. 

This brought happy memories of friends I have been there with over the years. 

MGS 

Awww, we agree that memories made with friends are some of life’s fondest, Kelli!

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Richard McC. 

I was taking my kids there for years when they were growing up. They love the candy and ice cream. An awesome store! 

MGS 

Sweet memory, Richard! Kids grow up but our taste for candy and ice cream doesn’t. You can find hundreds of tasty candies in each Mast Store and visit the Dutch Creek Ice Cream stand at the Mast Store Annex each summer.  

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Becky W. 

I used to shop there when I lived in Banner Elk back in the 70’s. A friend of mine, Sandy R., used to work there. 

MGS 

Banner Elk is just as gorgeous today as it was then and so is Valle Crucis. Shout out to your friend and Mast alum, Sandy! Come see us again soon. 

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Brantley D. 

We will see you this weekend. We make our annual trek to pluck our tree from the side of the mountain in the fine town of Crossnore. 

MGS 

Thanks for supporting us and local Christmas tree farmers, Brantley! We’ll see you soon! 

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Nancy P. 

My husband and I spent many happy times staying at the Mast Farm Inn. We loved it and coming to Valle Crucis and visiting Mast General Store made our visit complete. 

MGS 

We’re fortunate to have wonderful neighbors like the Mast Farm Inn and thoughtful guests like you, Nancy. 

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Bill W. 

My mom and dad loved the mountains. We would vacation in a cabin here in the early 1960s, and I remember quite well going to this store and there was a windup toy train in the glass case I wanted. 

MGS 

What a lovely childhood memory, Bill! We hope you come by and see us again. A person’s love for the mountains – and trains –  always stays with them. 

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Chris G. 

Is the stove on in the Original Store? If so, I would love to be there!!! 

MGS 

The Original Store’s wood-burning stove is roaring and giving the coziest vibes all winter, Chris. Head on over! 

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Peggy McL. 

Home home home 

MGS 

We’re lucky it’s home for us, too, Peggy… Love love love! 

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Renee B. 

My husband and I shared our last Christmas at the Original Mast Store before he passed from pancreatic cancer. We spent a lovely day in the area, got candy from our childhood, and even got pictures with Santa. A favorite memory. Thank you. 

MGS 

Renee, we can’t express how honored we are to have played a role in a beautiful weekend you and your husband spent here. May your love and memories last forever. Wishing you comfort and peace this Christmas.  

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Kathy R.  

Every trip to the Original Mast Store is a memory. We love to visit. 

MGS 

Well said, Kathy, and thank you for letting us be a part of your memories!  

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We’re incredibly grateful for the memories so many of our guests make each Christmas at the Mast Store. A special thanks, again, to those who shared their memories with us, and we wish all of our guests a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season filled with unforgettable moments!