The Coolest Place To Shop In North Carolina, Southern Secrets at Mears, Is A Unique Gift Store In 4 Historic Buildings
By Carolyn Harmon|Published August 04, 2022
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
For you appreciators of the original, check out one of the coolest places to shop in Enfield, North Carolina. Southern Secrets at Mears began as one store in historic downtown Enfield and has ambitiously grown into four just a few close steps from each other. Most of the business owners thought enough of their homes to return or stay and set-up-shop to enrich this small town’s revenue. Be sure to explore the one-of-a-kind paintings, hand-carved wooden pieces, furniture, jewelry, food, wine, and books. This charming store’s vast inventory goes beyond little-town ideas, yet don’t underestimate the value of the sweet, small-town feel that compels you to return and share it with everyone you know.
In July of 2021, this inviting Town Square was formally opened with a ceremony, just across the street from the shop.
Volunteers planted flowers, herbs, raised beds for a community garden, built a stage for live music, and arranged furniture for the people to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing green space. The project was an undertaking of the nonprofit Downtown Enfield Restoration and Preservation Association out of love for the town and its people.
As part of the district's historic inventory, this two-story brick commercial building was constructed circa 1935. Fans of architecture will enjoy the authentic details, such as the door flanked by the original metal-framed display windows. It is the brightest spot in the town, with its ever-changing storefront designs reflecting the season or some of the treasures only available here.
Stock some of these in your pantry to refresh those drop-in guests.
A few steps away you will find the men were considered at Southern Secrets in the Field. The building vibe offers the perfect sentiment, as it is a repurposed barbershop curated for southern gentlemen.
Some of the exclusive inventory are an ice bucket, a flask, a custom cocktail shaker, and glass, each with a specially-crafted leather touch. Let the staff do the shopping, as gift baskets are available.
And for those home-decorating ideas, Southern Secrets at Home, in another repurposed building dating back to about 1936, offers a beautiful place to sit and percolate ideas to make your living space more inspiring.
The well-educated staff is here with helpful ideas and support to make your dreams come true. Be sure to drop into the fourth store, Southern Secrets Gallery & Antiques, to enhance your decorating decisions.
Be sure to keep informed of the scheduled festive events throughout the year at the shop. Whether it’s a holiday, a change of season, or newly-arrived paintings, traveling to Enfield is worth the trip if only to view the exquisite window displays lighting up this interesting town. While you are in the area, visit another nearby historic town, Halifax, known as The Birthplace of Freedom.
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