John Preston Arthur, local historian and author, wrote this elegant description of Valle Crucis in his "History of Watauga County" in 1915: "There is, perhaps, more interest in this place and its romantic history than in any other in Watauga County. …There is a dreamy spell which hangs over this little valley…" And he was right!
The small community of Valle Crucis is North Carolina’s first rural historic district and is where you’ll find the Original Mast General Store and the Mast Store Annex. Still the center of the community, the Original Mast Store houses the Post Office and offers up a 5¢ cup of coffee. Traversing its creaking floorboards, you’ll find country gourmet foods, cast iron cookware, speckleware, old-fashioned toys, footwear for all walks of life, hardware, and even a pair of galluses, if you need them.
Make sure to wander back to what was once used as a potato grading room and a feed room to find the Mast Store Knife Shop. Opened in June, 2016, this shop within a store features 500 different knives - fixed blade and folders, culinary and tactical. You'll even find axes, machetes, and more. The staff members are well educated and ready to help you make the right decision for your needs and use.
Take a short walk right around the corner to our sister store Rivercross Made in USA. These hills provide inspiration to artists that are native to the area as well as those who move here. A number of the artists featured in this handmade destination live within a rock's throw of the front door, while others call the state and the southeast home. Rivercross is kid-friendly!
Who remembers Esso Service Stations?
Now they are Exxon
Memories of times gone by came rushing back as we strolled thru the
landmark.
We bought 2 very pretty coffee cups too
Guess which one is MINE?
Guess which one is MINE?
Love old gas stations....we have those way out in the country - most have turned into some sort of craft shop or maybe a diner or small grocery. I love to see them though - just think of all the cars that passed through when they WERE gas stations!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Pam
That does look like a cool old place. Mom and dad love coming across such treasures when they travel.
ReplyDeleteMom remembers Esso gas stations! What a neat little district! Of course your cup is the red one!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post - and the mugs are a great souvenir! YAM xx
That store is so cool and the Dad sure remembers Esso "service" stations!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to visit! We still have Esso stations here but you brought back memories of old ads.
ReplyDelete"The Esso sign means happy motoring" and "Put a tiger in your tank."
The RED one! Lovely fall decor on your counter. That looks like a lovely rural area!
ReplyDeleteThat place reminds me of some of the small towns we used to drive through in PA when we were kids on our family vacation some 50 years ago.
ReplyDeleteThose are very pretty cups and we do believe that the red one might be yours...
ReplyDeleteI remember the Esso and the fact we did not have to pump our gas, it did not cost a ton of money and they also checked, oil and tire pressure and cleaned windows.. I love vintage anything, which means I would love this place
ReplyDeleteOH what a cool place!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place! Brings back memories. I remember ESSO, AND like Sandra, the SERVICE at a SERVICE STATION!
ReplyDeleteI remember Esso! I sure do. And I would love love being there seeing that town and the stores. I know there is a Mast in Knoxville but it's in a part of town where the parking and traffic is not to my liking so I never have been there.
ReplyDeleteIs that red cup yours? We got us some old fogey's here in the CB.
Great photos. ANd I am certain the red mug is yours :) XO
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever been to an historic gas station.
ReplyDeleteOf course yours is the RED one!
ReplyDeleteThe Florida Furkids
What a wonderful historic place to visit. We knew the red cup was yours.
ReplyDeleteRED is yours :)
ReplyDeleteno, I don't remember ESSO.....