The holidays – it’s a time when lots of questions are asked. How do reindeer fly? How does Santa visit everybody’s house all on one night? And what would be a good thing to get John, Susan, and Beth? While the answers to the first two questions will require a lot of research and debate, Mast Store has the answers to the last question. Here are our top 13 gift ideas for 2019.

There is a Japanese proverb that says, “One kind word can warm three winter months.” If a kind word can be so powerful, what can a kind action do? Colder weather is on the way, so coats, hats, and gloves are needed to be ready for it. During the month of November, Mast Store and Columbia Sportswear are partnering for the fifteenth time to Share the Warmth Coat Collection in our home communities

The U. S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.” Merrell Footwear, an active lifestyle brand, joins the Mast Store for the eleventh year in 2019 to provide Food for Kids (October 21-November 3), a cause that supports funding the weekend food efforts in each of Mast Store’s home communities.

Mast Store believes in recycling. And recycling on a grand scale - that’s why we have homes in historic buildings along bustling Main Streets in vibrant downtowns. We recycle internally, too, like using the back sides of our white paper for accounting forms or documents that will remain in-house. But we know we can do better … and we want to help others do better, too. That’s why we spent an afternoon at the Watauga County Recycling Center – to learn the best practices to keep the recycle loop looping.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines friend as “a favored companion; one that favors or promotes something.” Woodrow Wilson once said, “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” The Mast Store is pleased to count several active community groups among our circle of friends, and on September 7^th, we’ll introduce you to some of them and will make a donation to support their efforts.

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.  

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. 

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.