This holiday season, shop small, shop local! Rutherfordton is brimming with unique boutiques, cozy eateries, and one-of-a-kind finds that make perfect gifts. Skip the big-box stores and support local businesses while treating your loved ones to something special. From skincare to hand-forged treasures, here’s your guide to the best gifts and dining spots in downtown Rutherfordton.
Gifts for Everyone on Your List
1. Amber Glow Esthetics
Gift Certificate for a Facial: Give the gift of relaxation with a luxurious facial experience. Perfect for anyone who could use a little pampering.
Glymed Hydrating Lip Balm: Keep lips soft and nourished this winter with this cost-effective, hydrating balm. A great stocking stuffer for anyone battling the dry winter air.
2. Enchantments Crystal Shop
Stone Pendants: Handcrafted and unique, these pendants make a thoughtful and meaningful gift for anyone on your list.
Moroccan Amethyst: Beautiful and powerful, this crystal is perfect for anyone who appreciates the healing power of stones.
Loose Leaf Tea: These thoughtfully blended teas make a perfect gift for someone who enjoys natural remedies and self-care.
3. Kefi Kanna
Magical CBD Salve: A perfect gift for anyone in need of some relaxation or relief.
CBD Grapefruit Topical Lotion: A refreshing, soothing lotion that works wonders on tired muscles and dry skin.
CBD Flower Strains: Ideal for those who enjoy top-shelf CBD products. Kefi Kanna’s selection is perfect for gifting wellness.
4. Mill Hill General Store
Wooden Boards, & Knives: These beautiful, functional pieces make perfect gifts for anyone who loves artisanal craftsmanship.
NC-Made Rum Cake: A delicious treat that’s perfect for the foodie in your life.
Specialty Foods & Snacks: Ideal for creating custom gift baskets, Mill Hill’s unique food offerings are perfect for the gourmet lover on your list. Better yet buy one of their already-made gift baskets!
5. Night Owl Iron Works
Class Gift Certificates: For the creative souls in your life, a class certificate offers a hands-on experience to forge a lasting keepsake.
6. The Guild (Art Gallery/Gift Shop)
One-of-a-Kind Art: Everything at The Guild is unique, making it the perfect place to find a meaningful gift for someone who loves original art and handcrafted goods.
7. Impulse Art and Frame Shop
Solmate Socks: Cute, comfy, and locally made—these socks are a great stocking stuffer for anyone in need of some cozy warmth.
Natural Life:Â This is the only place in the county where you can buy your favorite Natural Life items. They will even order what you need if they don't have it in stock. Be still my gypsy loving heart!
Custom Framing: Nothing beats a heartfelt gift and having a special piece of art, picture, or memorabilia framed is sure to be the best gift of the season. They have a pretty quick turnaround too if frames are in stock.
8. The Clay Trail
Pottery Classes:Â Explore creativity with a range of pottery classes offered throughout the year. Purchase a gift certificate for a future class.
Hand-made Pottery: Get custom pottery straight from the artist including mugs, plates, bowls, and even ornaments.
9. KidSenses Gift Shoppe
Teal & Pink TY Axolotl Stuffies: Adorable and soft, these stuffed animals make a sweet gift for kids or collectors.
10. Yeorie Oddities & Hydration Bar
Vintage Finds: Perfect for the vintage lovers or collectors of the unusual on your list. This store is packed with unique, vintage items that are perfect for anyone who loves a touch of nostalgia.
11. Invigorate Skincare Solutions
Custom Skincare Consultation & Treatment Package: Give the gift of personalized skincare with a consultation and customized facial treatment. Invigorate Skincare Solutions offers tailored solutions to meet individual skin needs, making it a thoughtful gift for someone looking to revitalize their skincare routine.
Hydrating Skincare Set: A beautifully packaged set of hydrating products, perfect for anyone battling dry skin during the colder months. With luxurious moisturizers and soothing serums, this set will keep skin feeling refreshed and nourished all season long.
12. Luneau Holistic WellnessÂ
Healing Herbal Teas: Luneau Holistic Wellness offers a variety of carefully crafted herbal teas designed to promote relaxation, digestion, and overall well-being.
Aromatherapy Essential Oil Set: A calming collection of essential oils tailored for stress relief, better sleep, and mental clarity. This set is a wonderful gift for anyone looking to enhance their wellness routine with the soothing power of aromatherapy.
13. Blushed and Bashful Children's Boutique
Custom Children’s Apparel: Give a unique, custom gift with personalized clothing. From onesies to embroidered dresses, these adorable outfits are perfect for gifting a special touch that will be cherished for years to come. They offer themed sets that let the whole family dress as a coordinated group. Adorable store!
14. Hill's Hardware
Decorative Flags: Offering a beautiful selection of garden flags featuring seasonal designs, inspirational quotes, and charming patterns.
Whimsical Garden Ornaments and Chimes: From charming gnomes to colorful sun catchers, these unique pieces add personality and a touch of magic to any garden, perfect for anyone who loves to spruce up their backyard or patio.
15. Kiss Our Axe
Axe Throwing Gift Certificates: Give the gift of fun and adventure with a gift certificate for axe throwing. It’s the perfect way to bond with friends or family while enjoying some friendly competition and throwing sharp objects—an experience they won’t forget!
16. Michelle Parisou Wholesale Outlet
Huge Discounts on High-Fashion Clothing: The one-of-a-kind designs from Michelle Parisou are often hard to come by in stores, but not in Rutherfordton. Stop in and shop the unique collections for the global woman!
17. Angie Brooke BoutiqueÂ
Stylish Apparel: Offers a selection of trendy handbags, boots, jeans, dresses and everything in between. A perfect gift for any fashionista.
18. Victorian Lace Antiques
Antique Jewelry: A treasure trove of finds including vintage rings, necklaces, brooches, and earrings. These timeless pieces make a thoughtful and elegant gift, perfect for anyone who loves classic style with a bit of history.
Decorative Vintage Glassware: From antique vases to delicate glass decanters and glassware sets these beautiful vintage glass pieces that can elevate any home décor.
19. Dive Bomber Vintage
Decorative Vintage Home Decor: Discover a wide range of unique pieces, from vintage metal signs to elegant glass decanters, that can add character and charm to any home. These timeless treasures are perfect for elevating your décor with a touch of vintage flair.
20. Infinity Games
Board Games for All Ages: Infinity Game Store offers a great selection of board games for all ages, from strategy games to family-friendly classics.
Collectible Card Games: For fans of Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, or other trading card games, find a wide range of collectible card packs and accessories. A perfect gift for gamers looking to expand their collections or enhance their gameplay experience.
21. Dragonfly Vendor Marketplace
Unique Home Décor Pieces: From rustic wooden signs to handmade pottery, Dragonfly Vendor Marketplace features a wide range of one-of-a-kind home décor items. These distinctive pieces add charm and personality to any space, making them great gifts for anyone looking to personalize their home.
22. La Marguerite Salon & Spa
Spray Tan Packages: Look fabulously tanned all winter long with their spray tan packages. Natural-looking results to help you keep that summer glow.
Wax and Facial Packages: Do you have stubborn skin and hair maintenance issues that keep you from feeling 100% you? La Marguerite has a number of wax and facial options that will get you back to feeling like yourself!
Where to Eat: Delicious Dining in Rutherfordton
Here are some of the top dishes, as voted by locals, that you don’t want to miss. Downtown Rutherfordton offers a delicious global culinary experience, so come hungry and treat yourself to amazing food after a day of shopping!
1. Rutherford Thai
Pad Thai: A local favorite—this Thai classic is always a hit with its rich, bold flavors.
Drunken Noodles: A spicy and savory noodle dish that will spice up any meal.
Him Ma Parn: Cashews, chili, and a savory sauce make this dish a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors.
2. Maples on Main
The Mother Clucker Sandwich: A flavorful chicken sandwich with all the right seasonings to keep you coming back for more.
Skinny Seasoned Fries: The perfect side, these fries are seasoned to perfection. Try them with the golddigger bacon for a little bit of sweet with the savory. These won't make you skinny but they are totally worth it!
3. Small Town Coffee Roasters
Blue Monkey Cold Brew with Oat Milk: A cool, refreshing cold brew that’s perfect for coffee lovers.
Infruition Canned Sparkling Tea: For something a little different, try their refreshing sparkling tea in a variety of flavors.
4. Luna’s Pizza
The Bro Pizza: A must-try for any pizza lover, with all the right toppings for a satisfying slice. If you love New York Pizza, this is as close as you are going to get in the south.
5. Main Street Market
Build Your Own Sub: Customize your sub to your liking with a wide variety of meats, cheeses, and toppings.
Charcuterie Boxes: Beautifully arranged with a variety of tasty treats, perfect for gifting or sharing.
6. Yellow Sun Pizza & Pints
Grape & Goat Cheese Pizza: A sweet and savory combo that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It sounds weird but tastes amazing!
Specialty Pizzas: Don’t be afraid to try something new—Yellow Sun’s specialty pizzas are always a hit.
7. Main Street Coffee and Ice Cream
Waffle Cone:Â Everything tastes better in a waffle cone. Fill it up with your favorite flavor, add some sprinkles and enjoy!
8. Mi Pubs
Sopa de Pollo: One of the favorites at Mi Pubelito Mexican is their comforting Sopa de Pollo (chicken soup). This flavorful, hearty dish is made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth—perfect for warming up on a cool day or satisfying your craving for authentic, home-style Mexican comfort food.
9. Gregory's
Lemon Pepper Wings: Crispy, flavorful wings with a zesty lemon pepper seasoning—perfect for a snack or a meal.
10. Whisker & Kettle Tea Room and Cat Cafe
Loose Leaf Teas: A soothing, aromatic tea is always a great gift, especially when enjoyed while playing with our adorable and adoptable kittens.
11. Copper Penny Grill
Penny’s Burger: A standout favorite, this mouthwatering burger is made with a perfectly seasoned patty, fresh toppings, and a soft bun, served with crispy fries. It's a classic go-to that always satisfies.
Fish Tacos: These flavorful fish tacos are packed with perfectly grilled fish, fresh slaw, and a zesty sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas. They offer a delicious, light option with a burst of flavor that's perfect for a casual meal.
Make It a Holiday Tradition
Whether you're shopping for a thoughtful gift or enjoying a meal with loved ones, Rutherfordton is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered including our iconic floating trees down Main Street. Support local businesses and make this holiday season memorable with unique gifts and delicious meals that will leave everyone smiling. Happy holidays from our local community to yours!
Explore even more online at explorerutherfordton.com.