We know you have questions about land trusts: What are they? How do they work? Where are they located? Who can help with their work? What’s in it for me? All good questions, especially that last one because there’s something in their work for all of us! 

The heart of any city is its downtown, where restaurants, boutiques, lawyers, hair salons, theaters, and many more enjoy the bustling hum of commerce. On May 25, 2011, Main Street welcomed an unconventional new retailer to its growing chorus of Downtown Columbia institutions when the Mast General Store opened its doors.  

Earth Day 2021 marks the 51st observance of this day set aside to reflect upon our home planet. April 22 was originally selected as the date to invite student participation. It was a day between spring break and final exams when young people could come together to learn more about their, OUR, impact in our “living room.” 

April 13, 1991, was a big day for Waynesville and the Mast General Store. As the doors swung open, so started a journey for the town and for the Store that is filled with long-term relationships and maybe a little bit of magic. This year, Mast Store celebrates being a part of the Waynesville community for 30 years.

When you go to your local downtown, do you ever stop to think of the events that transpired there? Downtowns are gathering places, the heart of the community, and where history happens and can be observed in the small events of every day. Let’s take a look at the interesting history of the Mast Store’s building in Winston-Salem.

The winter months are not just for curling up with a good book in front a crackling fire. They are great for hitting the trails. Your favorite trails will show you new views. It’s a great time to discover new trails, too, when there aren’t as many hikers out and about. Here are a few of our favorite winter hiking spots that make us say, “Don’t hibernate, getting outside in the winter is great!” 

“The rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated.” You may be acquainted with this quote that is widely – and inaccurately - attributed to Mark Twain. Apparently, it is also being used in reference to some locations of the Mast Store. Well, we are here to report that the rumors of our closing and going out of business are, indeed, greatly exaggerated. 

Which came first – Valentine's Day or chocolate? And why is chocolate such a popular gift on Valentine's Day? Candy, and chocolate, in particular, is so popular that purchases of chocolate total over 58 million pounds during Valentine's week alone. Now that's A LOT of chocolate!

Five weeks of winter in the books and seven more to go. Longer nights, cold temperatures, and gray days all figure into a general feeling of sadness and depression. But, there are steps you can take to reduce its effects. Here are five ways to escape the winter blues.

Here we are about to put another year in the books. How can 365 days pass by so quickly? Wait, we're referring to 2020; it couldn't pass fast enough! With the New Year just hours away, it's time to take steps toward a year filled with good luck.