It's time to celebrate the birth of a nation—and we can think of no better time to call out the great selection of products we carry that are made right here in the USA, some not too far from our front doors! That's right. You'll find local items, hand-crafted, bottled, stitched, or hewn right in your area as well as quality goods from across the US. Our Made in USA collection has gotten quite extensive and continues to add more and more fabulous products that we're proud to carry-- and you'll be proud to own.  

For many of us, summer is our vacation time, time away from the hustle and bustle, time to relax, time to dig in to that TBR (To Be Read, for those who don't have one piled three miles high) stack and read all the delicious books we've just been itching to devour. To help you choose some great reads this summer, we asked our employees what they will be reading and shared that with you here. Whether you're looking for a steamy escape, an engrossing whodunit, or a thought-provoking nonfiction piece, our recommendations offer a little something for everyone. So, take a gander at what we're reading, and maybe you'll find something to add to your own TBR pile this summer! 

Do you find yourself staring out the window, daydreaming about being outside enjoying the sunshine, listening to the birds sing, and seeing what wildflowers are in bloom? Well, you are not alone, not by a long shot. When we’re not at work, we’re out enjoying those same things. This week we’ve asked our staff members to share some of their favorite places to hike. Next time you’re in the “neighborhood,” check one of these adventures out.

Just what do you get the man who gives his all? It's a conundrum sometimes to think of the perfect gift for your awesome dad. After all, he's done so much for you over the years, and you want to show how much you appreciate the love, the sacrifice, the joy he has brought to your life. 

When we were kids, summers seemed to stretch out forever, like the taffy we pulled or like the distance to the peaks of the hazy mountains we call home. There was so much fun to be had in cricks and mud puddles, on crawdad hunts or special-ops Hide-and-Seek missions. Whatever we played, we played hard until Dark Thirty … or when mom called us in. For many of us, in generations that we remember as the good old days, the world was our playground—outside was its own resort, the living room was a fort, and when we got together to play … watch out, world. 

Sitting on a wide wrap-around porch lined with rocking chairs, gazing out over open fields and gardens just beginning to be planted, a certain calm falls over you. A gentle breeze wafts hints of what’s for supper, and the general quiet provides ample opportunity for reflection or for spirited conversation. The Valle Crucis Conference Center is a long-time hub in the community and a place where individuals and groups seeking to reconnect, center, or grow from near and far find a sanctuary.

John Muir said, “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” That sentiment is even truer today in our fast-paced, stressed-out, move-move-move world. We need, we require, the healing touch of nature for mind, body, and soul. But not everyone has access to green spaces and undeveloped land.  

It's time to pay special attention to the woman in your life who loves you unconditionally. No, not Mrs. Buttersworth. Mom! 

It's almost Mother's Day! I know, it's LAST-minute time on gifts, but we have you covered. Read on to see our gift ideas for mom in all her moods. 

During the month of May, Mast asks that you join us as we reach out into our communities and fill a need: shoes.

The hills, and mountains and towns, are alive with the sound of music ... and the beauty of blooms, the talents of local artists, and delicious wafts of delectable treats. From music to food, popular festivals are happening near you soon. We’re highlighting several in our communities that you won’t want to miss.

With Earth Day approaching, we are turning our attention to what we need to be looking at every day. What can I do today to lessen my impact on the earth? After all, it is the only one we have AND the only place you can find chocolate. As it turns out, there’s a lot we all can do, and there are many considerations our vendors are working into their business practices too.

“In nature, nothing exists alone.” — Rachel Carson, 1962
Our world is changing. Maybe there was a boat leaving Middle Earth that we missed. But you don’t need Galadriel to tell you that mankind is having an effect on the planet. And despite chilling warnings and obvious struggles around us as Nature fights to survive humanity, we continue to pollute and punish the earth and, as a direct result, ourselves.

No one deep-cleaned like my grandma. She would gather her good old reliables, her trusted cleaning supplies she’d used since they were invented probably, and with her patented elbow grease and will power, she’d refresh, restore, and renew the whole house in one day.

I’ve been planning my 2019 garden “grow-list” since summer. Been mulling over varieties I loved, waffling on giving poor-show plants a second chance or not, and basically mapping out 2019 in my garden-crowded head … and dreaming.  Because that’s what we gardeners do. Dream. A lot. 

Warmer temperatures beckon us all to shake off the winter blues, put on a light jacket, and head outside. The call of spring is a primal urge to celebrate the end of the long nights and short days, to be outside again feeling the warmth of the sun, to begin anew. In this season of renewal, many of our local partners need your help to welcome residents and visitors who are also experiencing the whispers calling them to explore.

Sitting on the front porch is as iconic as a white picket fence— and it’s just as much a part of the American dream too.  A dream we are lulled into by listening to the sounds of cicada and crickets, drowsily watching the night lit up by lightning bugs and filtered moonlight, and rocking back and forth to the rhythm of times gone by.

Taking a break and focusing on what makes us happy every now and then is vital to our well-being, mentally and physically. And that can look like many things, but there are a few tried and true ways we know to beat the winter blues— taking time for self-care, enjoying some comfort food, and having a little bit of fun. 

Cold winter days don't mean you have to stay inside. There’s a whole new world dressed in glistening white to discover. There are winter activities for you to enjoy no matter your activity level or expertise. If you can walk, there’s something for you. So, head over to your closet and pull out those layers; we’re going to make a plan to make snow days the best days! But, you better hurry, there’s only about four or five more weeks to enjoy a good “snow day.” Read on for ways to enjoy a winter wonderland.