Supporting local businesses is our passion! The business owners and their dedicated staff help to weave the fabric of our communities. Last week we shared four of our favorite neighborhood gems in Part 1. Read on to find out four more! #NestLocalLove
PICK AND GRIN
APPLE HILL ORCHARD & CIDER MILL | Morganton, NC
Nothing says fall like sinking your teeth into a juicy, ripe apple—especially one you just picked off the tree! At Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill near Morganton, five generations of family growers have perfected the pick-your-own experience. Bring your crew and enjoy scouring the orchard for the choicest apples (there are 18 varieties to choose from!) or hit the onsite farm market for fresh cider, baked goods, jellies, and more. Try the cider slushie. applehillorchard.com
More local spots we love in Morganton:
- The Olive Morganton olivemorganton.com
- High Taste Artisan Products hightasteartisanproducts.business.site
- Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation brhcfoundation.org
A FRESH LOOK
CLAY & COTTON | Louisville, KY
Clay & Cotton’s motto? “Home. Apparel. Life.” Those three words sum up everything you’ll find in this lovely Louisville boutique, which seeks to make every day delightful with products selected to spark maximum joy. From chic women’s fashion and charming jewelry to the cutest decorative throw pillows and art prints, the inventory at Clay & Cotton covers just about all of our favorite things. Pop in or check them out online to see what’s new and fresh. clayandcotton.com
More local spots we love in Greater Louisville:
- LaGrange Coffee Roasters facebook.com/LaGrangeCoffeeRoasters
- Bubbly Bliss Bar by Kayla Marie bubblyblissbarbykaylamarie.com
- Hot Buns Food Truck hotbunsfoodtruck.com
ALL A-BOARD
BOARD & BARREL CO. | Huntersville, NC
Where can you turn if you need a unique gift for that person who has it all? Board & Barrel Co. is here to help! This Lake Norman area favorite curates wine, cheese, and charcuterie gift boxes for every occasion. They even have a Certified Sommelier on hand to perfect every pairing! From brunch pastries coupled with fresh fruit to yummy kid snacks selected to complement apple juice, Board & Barrel always delivers the flavor. @boardandbarrelco
More local spots we love around Lake Norman:
- Indigo Blue Salon & Spa indigobluesalonandspa.com
- Royal Bliss Brewing Co. royalblissbrewing.com
- Allison Hinman Photography allisonhinmanphotography.com
POETRY IN PAPER
CONTEMPORARY PAPER COLLAGE BY GRANT PENNY | Asheville, NC
We may be biased, but we absolutely adore the stylized nests created by artist Grant Penny of Contemporary Paper Collage. (Pictured above: Nested, 10” x 10”, painted paper on panel.) Bright colors and intriguing textures make each little nest a gorgeous focal point for any space. Grant strives to capture the simple pleasures of life in his art, and his love for the process shines through in every piece. His collages are quirky, fun, and one of a kind—all in all a fitting reflection of Asheville. grantpenny.com
More local spots we love in Asheville:
- Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project asapconnections.org
- Baked Pie Company bakedpiecompany.com
- Spa Theology spatheology.com
We shared this Local Love article with you in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue of NEST Magazine. Tune in next week for Part 3! To view the full issue, click here.