For some folks, browsing through local shops, boutiques, galleries and those one-of-a-kind retail gems you only seem to find while traveling is the highlight of any vacation. For others, unearthing those special pieces — and the stories they tell — is a lifelong quest that turns an otherwise lovely trip into a cherished memory.
Here in Mecklenburg County, we take great pride in our unusual mix of merchants, ranging from tourist friendly tchotchkes and seasonal fare to upscale art, furniture and antiques, lake themed accents and locally produced food, housewares, personal items and home décor.
No matter where you roam, you’re never far from a shopping experience you simply can’t find anywhere else.
BOAT-UP SHOPPING ON THE LAKE AT RUDDS CREEK
ADDRESS: Between Buoys 9 and 10 next to Rudd’s Creek Campground, Lake Kerr
CONTACT: Call (434) 738-7655 or visit www.ruddscreekmarina.com
Call before you go as services and hours are seasonal and subject to change
It’s not every store that lists its address by buoy number or offers parking by slip number or floating dock. But that’s how we roll — float? — in Mecklenburg. Welcome to Rudd’s Creek Marina, lake country’s answer to life on the water. Simply motor up to the marina for gas, sundries or a map or two, and give the family (and yourself) a taste of lake living like none other.
Pull up to the dock and you’re sure to be greeted by a friendly wag from the Rudd’s Creek Marina favorite four-legged employee of the month. Tie off the boat and stretch your legs on the dock, or pop inside the dockside shop for a charming mix of necessities and niceties.
Owned by locals Scott and Catherine Hughes, the full service marina offers lakeside basics like non-ethanol fuel, boat slips and storage for members and boaters. But as boaters themselves, Scott and Catherine know that any great day on the lake needs much more than just the fuel to get you there. They opened the marina shop to offer convenient access to specialized water toys, inflatables and fun-dries designed to turn an OK day into a lifetime memory. According to Catherine, the boat-friendly water toys they stock are hand-selected based on their highly personalized "Weeeeeeeeee!" rating.
It’s one of many touches the Hughes’ offer that make Rudd’s Creek Marina such a memorable experience. "Boaters are a special kind of people," Catherine explained. "Running the marina shop gives us a chance to connect with all the families and the fun happening every day on Kerr Lake. That’s a privilege." So set a course for Buoy 9 off Bugg’s Island, and bring a friend. There’s an ice cream waiting for you both.
DISCOVER LOCAL WINE, CHEESE, ART AND OBJECTS
AT THE GALLERIA
ADDRESS: 216 Virginia Avenue, Downtown Clarksville, Clarksville, Virginia
CONTACT: Call (434) 374-5999 or visit www.business.clarksvilleva.com/list/member/galleri…
Call before you as services and hours are subject to change
As Virginia’s only lakeside town, Clarksville learned early that you have to come in from the water sometime. Fortunately, the town has a host of unique and engaging shops to make any trip to land more than worth your while. One of our favorites? The Galleria on the Lake: Purveyors of Regional and Local Fine Art in Clarksville’s bustling Virginia Avenue shopping district. The Galleria offers an eclectic mix of local and regional works from over 60 different artists in original art, photography, textiles, pottery, hand crafted jewelry, sculpture, turned wood, prints, and much more. The moment you walk through the front door you’ll feel your senses tempted by the expansive array of reds, whites and rosés from award winning regional wine producers. Pair that with a pound or two of Southern Virginia’s best pimento cheese, Birdie’s, made right next door in neighboring South Hill. (Don’t waste time trying to decide between flavors — just buy them all. Your mouth will thank you for it.) Then lose yourself as you browse handmade products and quirky home décor guaranteed to remind you of this special lakeside wondershop. Where else could you find table lamps made from cue balls alongside intricately detailed Faberge style eggs?
Beyond the Galleria, Clarksville offers a bustling district full of browse-able options, including clothing, local fare and curiosities you won’t find anywhere else. So whether you’re taking a break from boating or simply looking for something different to amuse yourself, the shops of downtown Clarksville won’t disappoint.
Consider these other Clarksville shops the next time you visit Kerr Lake:
Virginia Avenue Mall
The Virginia Avenue Malls offers 40 independent retailers, including antiques, baby clothes & accessories, books, clothing, cosmetics, coffee, snacks & cold drinks, collectibles, counted cross stitching supplies, Christian books & supplies, custom picture framing, dolls, furniture, fashion handbags, garden statuary & flags, gel candles, handcrafted wood gifts, jewelry, novelties, patchwork & country crafts, packaging supplies, photo frames, prints, realty information, sewing notions, souvenirs, home products, toys, water sports equipment, wrought iron, yarn & supplies.
Grandfather’s Country Creations
Antiques, Handmade Items, Candles, Dried Arrangements, Lake Treasures, Silver, and more. Located on Virginia Avenue.
Clarksville Fine Jewelry & Distinctive Gifts
Specializing in fine jewelry and sterling silver, they also have a good selection of Yeti products, clothing and other unique gift selections.
The Cottage Barn
Not only offers scooped ice cream, but also reclaimed furniture, paint supplies and art classes.
Strum & Company
Hard to find Antiques and "Uniques" — the perfect place to get lost for a few hours, you’re guaranteed to score a few treasures.
SHOP THE UNEXPECTED AT SASS AND SAWDUST
ADDRESS: 229 West Danville St. South Hill, Virginia
CONTACT: Call (434) 584-9520 or visit www.SassandSawdust.com
Call before you as services and hours are subject to change
Part of the fun of staying overnight in Mecklenburg County is experiencing the regional décor. This is lake country, after all, where everything from front door signs to table top accents, towels, trinkets and wall art features fun, laid back sayings recalling life on (and near) the water. Best of all, most of what you’ll find is not just about life in Mecklenburg — but actually made in Mecklenburg. Our favorites come from South Hill’s famous Sass and Sawdust, the family business turned sign-making empire right in our own backyard.
What began as a creative outlet for Jordan Klein quickly turned into a full-time home based business designing and selling handmade signs in Raleigh, North Carolina. Sales grew so quickly she not only hired staff, but scoured the surrounding region for a marketplace big enough to handle their growing offerings. Today, husband Kris (who quit his job to help run the family business) and their trusty cutting machine, named Darla, are living the dream bringing their customer’s ideas to life at Sass and Sawdust.
Think of their shop as an arts-and-crafts-lover’s paradise. They offer ready made and custom options for nearly any kind of sign you can imagine — growth charts, door hangers, carved signs, layered, laser etched… the list goes on. Browse the aisles for artful door monograms, seasonal sayings and quirky, vacation-lifestyle signs, word art, housewares and accents for entertaining. Or grab a few friends and make a day of it learning how to custom-create your own sign at one of their popular workshops.
Nearly everything at Sass and Sawdust is available to ship from their online store, so sales are in full effect even before you arrive or long after you leave. Either way, a trip to Sass and Sawdust is sure to bring a smile, while bringing the crafter in you to life!
FIND EVERYTHING FOR YOUR HOME AT COLGATE SQUARE
ADDRESS: 211 E Sycamore St Chase City, Virginia
CONTACT: Call (434)372-3151 or visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Mattress-S…
Call before you go as services and hours are subject to change
Lake life is a part of our community year round here in Mecklenburg, and that means a county full of cabins, cottages, homes and hideaways that need furnishing. There’s no better place for all your lake property needs than Colgate Square Furniture in Chase City. This warehouse style store has been a fixture in downtown since Boyd Colgate opened his iconic shop in 1947 — with a vintage sign to prove it. Colgate Furniture was an instant hit. Boyd grew the initial store again and again, turning his downtown location into one of the largest retail businesses in Chase City and one of the largest home furnishing outlets in the region. The area was dubbed Colgate Square in honor of the successful store. As locals recall with pride, Colgate’s signature radio jungle from the 60’s and 70’s always ended with, "You know where, Colgate Square."
Today, seasonal visitors and lakefront homeowners alike still journey to Colgate Square for a special piece of furniture, a friendly connection with locals who know, and a step back to a simpler time.