If Thursday is Thanksgiving, then Small Business Saturday is just around the corner. We are lucky here in Landrum to have wonderful small businesses that keep our downtown a fun, attractive place to shop. Word is spreading about our interesting boutiques and restaurants. People visit from larger cities to browse our shops looking for unusual items not found in the big box stores or the malls.

I’ve decided to take a stroll on a sunny, warm day and check out some of the newest shops in town. It’s been an exciting afternoon and I’ll share my findings with you.

The first shop that I enter is called Athleisure and it’s owned by Raleigh transplant, Sabrina Ford. Sabrina opened her shop at 205 E. Rutherford a month ago and specializes in stylish athletic wear.

“I have been an athlete most of my life,” she tells me. At Virginia Tech, she said, she  was a swimmer, runner, and weight lifter. I’m impressed when she proudly shows me a photo of when she won the 2012 State Championship from the NPC Physique Association Open Category for Figure.

She explains, “Since I have a sports background, I can understand performance based pieces that can facilitate athletes as well as being fashionable. But you don’t have to be an athlete to wear many of my styles. They can be worn by all ages and I’m working on getting plus sizes.”

As I gaze around the shop, I notice yoga outfits just waiting to be the perfect gift for any teenage girl. I examine some sweaters that I could put on my own Christmas list.

Some attractive totes are labeled yoga bags but would be ideal for filling with books, notebooks and an extra sweater for school, or to pack with incidentals when traveling on a plane.

Athleisure is an exciting addition to shopping in Landrum. You can check out some of Sabrina’s offerings on her website athleisure.shoptiques.com. For questions phone Sabrina at 846-457-4201.

As I cross the street I find The Nest Artisan Market and Sly Fox sharing a location. As I enter, I’m greeted by Olivia Phillips. Olivia lets me know that The Nest represents approximately 60 local artists. It’s filled with interesting artisan pieces of pottery, jewelry, and paintings.

“We’ll be getting in handmade ornaments and Christmas decorations,” Olivia adds.

I notice a display of folk art cards made from kudzu. An attractive cheese tray decorated with local scenery catches my eye. Little frogs are part of a fairy garden collection by Joan Wheatley and mini terrariums are “living art” created by Olivia.

If there is a horse lover or teapot collector on your list, check out the very unusual horse shaped teapot.

Ashley Menetre is the store-
owner. She also has a location in the newly opened Missildine building in Tryon. She can be reached at 864-457-1444.

Sly Fox Boutique fills the back area of the store with cozy, fleece sweaters, smart apparel, and even some attractive Spanx lingerie.  There’s no reason to head to a mall for your fashion needs. Megan Hill owns Sly Fox. For information call 828-440-1165.

Before the Landrum Farmer’s Market closed in October, I had noticed a new shop, Pee Ridge Vintiques, at 142 N. Trade St., so I plan to make this my next stop. Cindy McKenzie is the owner and I find her decorating a Christmas tree in her new venue.

Pee Ridge Vintiques has been open a month and it adds another unique shopping opportunity here in Landrum.

Cindy specializes in custom chalk painted furniture. Naturally I’m curious to know what is chalk paint. She explains, “It’s a special type of paint that lets you cover vintage pieces of furniture that have been stained or painted without stripping and only occasional sanding.”

As I peruse the shop I notice that some pieces have a distressed appearance and others seem to be given new life.

Cindy adds, “We have pieces for sale that we have refurbished but we also do custom work. If there is a piece that’s been languishing in a corner, waiting to be made new again, come and talk to us about it,” she smiles. “We can visit your home to take a look at it or you can bring it into the shop. And we can mix colors to match décor.”

The Pee Ridge website, peeridgevintiques.com, displays some of the pieces available in the shop. Cindy can be reached at 864-457-1311.

My last but not least stop of the day is a charming cottage at 207 N. Church Ave., Imagination Station. Lena McCall and Brittany Burdette greet me as I enter this well stocked, specialty toy store. The store has been open eight months and offers toys for all ages beginning with the youngest infant.

Brittany tells me, “We know we have competition from big box type locations. But we seek out unique toys not often found in the larger chain stores. And being a small shop, we can help you find what you’re looking for. It’s not so overwhelming.”

I wander from room to room, discovering things in each room that would please any child. There’s a girly-girl room offering slippers, a nail studio, purses, and the mini American Girl dolls. Another area is filled with charming figures called Calico Critters.

Brittany shows me some of the boxes. “This is a popular collection and we offer some selections that aren’t always available in the bigger stores.”

I notice some amusing sacks that resemble sleeping bags called Mermaid and Sharkie Tails. They’re perfect for children to snuggle in while watching TV. If shopping for grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or your own children, a stop by Imagination Station is a must. For information, visit imaginationstationii.com or call 864-457-2005.

Plan to spend Small Business Saturday exploring the shops and restaurants in Landrum. “Shop local, shop small” is the motto. You won’t be disappointed.