Saluda, North Carolina — population 713 in the 2010 census is often billed as The Gem of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A quick trip on a crisp January day proved that to be very accurate and I am already thinking about a return trip to include a bit more sightseeing in this cute mountain town.
I was fortunate to go on a trip with a couple of friends with the main purpose of the visit being to visit a noteworthy yarn store called Kniticality.
Located outside of Saluda this charming shop boasts everything any knitter or crocheter could possibly want. Owner Amy Johnson offers yarn, tools, classes and design services and her mountain shop is well laid out. Complete with several sitting areas, bright rooms with beautiful mountain views and all the yarn that could be imagined the shop reaches customers near and far. A Facebook page allows fans to see what is going on with the shop as well.
While I am not into the yarn arts (yet) I loved being able to see and feel all of the wonderful textures and see the vivid colors. Who doesn’t remember that Granny Square afghan that their grandma made years ago? Stitched with love the ladies at Kniticality shared that they often finish up projects for clients that have been left in attics and basements from previous generations. What a gift that is to be able to put new life into old memories.
But perhaps my favorite part of the trip to the shop on Robin Lane was spending some time with Cinderella.
Another fun stop in Saluda which is a must see is the historic Thompson’s Store, the oldest grocery store in North Carolina. In the middle of downtown Saluda this is a store that is worth a stop. For over 125 years Thompson’s has served the community and beyond with fabulous offerings and great service.
So what can you find in this historical store? Fresh hand cut meats, rows upon rows of canned goods including some pretty appetizing looking jams, jellies, spreads, sauces and other speciality items. Did I mention that they carry a full line of Carolyn’s Reason to Bake gluten free cookies? You know that I loved seeing that amazing display even if I forgot to photograph it. Hint: it is right up next to the cash register.
I found this place to be very similar to the Polebridge Mercantile that we visited this past fall when we were vacationing in Montana.
Ward’s Grill is right next door with easy access from the store where the signature sage flavored sausage of the late proprietor, Charlie Ward, is served. Daily specials and a full breakfast menu are featured at Ward’s and next time I am in Saluda I am definitely eating here.
Saluda has plenty to see and the town itself is on the National Register of Historic Places . One of the major attractors is the fact that it is home to the steepest commercial railroad grade in the entire United States. If you want to check out their online shop you can click here to explore more.
Next visit I plan to walk the town, stop in all the fun shops and take it all in. Small towns like this are my favorite places to stop. They are full of charm and full of lovely people as well.
Have you ever been to Saluda, NC? Let me now in the comments section and remember that every comment goes to support our Comments for a Cause this month — The Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County.
22 Comments
Leave a commentLooks like a neat little town. No, I’ve never been to Saluda, NC, but we have a Saluda, VA – and there’s a dirt track there. So, yes, I’ve been to that one!
Oooh–dirt track! That makes sense why you would have been there. I love how so many names are used in every state. Thanks for stopping by, Dianna!
What a little gem. It is amazing how many special little places we are graced with in our country. Thanks for alerting me to this one.
Absolutely. I love finding little spots like this—it always seems like they have more to offer than originally meets the eye.
Agree – looks like a gem!
Their motto is accurate!
I love small places like this too. Forget the big malls, they just don´t do it for me anymore. I am sure you will be back to this place. How far from you is it? Maybe a nice day trip for you and Mr. Diamond. LOVE Cinderella!!
Salad is probably less than an hour from us. I kind of forget since we were talking the whole way there and back. 🙂 But yes-small towns are where it is at!
Glad to see you enjoyed our trip! When Geoff and I went, we also went to Pearson’s Falls on the outskirts of Saluda – it’s a nice short, quiet hike. If you want to see pics of it, see my photos on fb on 9/27/16.
Will have to check that one out as well. So many things to do and so little time!
Comment #2 – Yes, there is! 🙂
Give me until May, 2018 and we can have a meet-up! Moving from Montana back to North Carolina then (Charlotte area).
Whoop whoop! I just went and read it all! Good luck with the preparations. 🙂
I’m stuck in Newport TN waiting for car repairs..but hope to eventually be driving on 26. Maybe I’ll stop there if things work out.
Ugh. car repairs are no fun but maybe you could stop here and have a little fun on the way!
I would love this small town. Thanks for sharing this discovery.
Yep–your kind of town! We have a lot of them here. 🙂
As an owner of 2 business’s in Saluda that are currently not open I would like to extend our hand and invite you back to visit with us too! Being the Gem of the Mtns we felt it only plausible to open Saluda Gem Mine (almost 3 years ago). We are in the process of reopening it in the Caboose Village (nestled in between Green River Adventures and the soon to be open Saluda Whistle Stop Pizza & Wings) you will also be able to tour Saluda’s original Caboose (1929 wooden with a cupola). The Gem Mine is on the deck at the Caboose. We have raised our family here as many of the shop owners have, this little town packs a punch of nostalgic shops and even B & B! We have an Arts Festival in May and good old Coondog day in July! Some come on back now… ya hear? 🙂
I will!! I will!!!! And I will bring my husband. I love that you have Coondog Day. I grew up in Ohio and there was a big Coon Dog Trial Festival in Kenton so I am well versed in Coon Dogs. 🙂 I love all that little Saluda has and will definitely be back to take in more. Thanks so much for stopping by. The pizza sounds very inviting. 🙂
…you got a great start on discovering Saluda….Kniticality and Thompson’s Store are both so unique and run by some wonderful folks. You will find that Saluda shops are warm, welcoming and one of a kind. Hope your next trip gives you the opportunity to explore some more….the candle shop, beautiful gifts in Heartwood, Green River Adventures and the Gorge (great fun!) , really wonderful clothing shops, a soon to open outfitters store,bed and breakfasts, cabins and more…..best idea is to visit the website first (saludanc.com) because there are too many great places to list. Please include a stop at my shop, Wildflour Bakery, we have been baking breads and pastries from fresh grains stoneground here at the shop for over 35 years. We also offer breakfast and lunch in our cafe with pizza (from scratch crusts, sauce and fresh, local ingredients) on Wed and Fri nights.
Amy from Kniticality here, thanks so much for your kind words…I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit here. Cinderella is, too. We’ll all be happy to see you return (some of us will even be wagging!). Until then, be safe! Together we prosper, Amy.
Thanks for stopping by! We loved our visit and know the tour shop is one of a kind. And Cinderella was a hit–trust me. What a sweet dog. Thanks again.