Take a more personal approach to gift giving this year and avoid those big box stores and online shopping. Visit Anderson County, Tennessee and shop one of the best antiquing districts in the country and find many unique shops with one of a kind treasures.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CLINTON

Step back in time and shop Downtown Clinton, one of the top rated antiquing district in the country! With over 20 antique and specialty stores right in the downtown district, you won’t have any trouble finding a one-of-a-kind treasure for everyone on your holiday list. If you’re not an antique lover, that’s ok. There are numerous stores that offer a wide variety of gifts. Stop in Hoskins in the Flat and find gorgeous home décor, Burrville Antiques for a variety of handcrafted and primitive items and hand poured candles or Dogwood Carpentry for a beautiful, handmade charcuterie board. You will love the quaint coffee shops and delicious eateries to keep you fueled up for a day of shopping.

JACKSON SQUARE

Jackson Square, the original townsite of Oak Ridge, features quaint and unique shopping and some delicious restaurants. If you are a tea lover, be sure to stop in The Ferrell Shop where you can sample tea before you buy it. They offer over 30 varieties of quality teas, among many other unique items that you just can’t find anywhere else. Southern Bliss Boutique is the place to go if you want to find some, cute, trendy items for the hard to buy for female on your list. And while you’re in Jackson Square, you must try Dean’s Restaurant! Dean serves up some of the most delicious southern food around. One of our favorite menu items is the roast beef. It’s just like momma made it, only better!

APPALACHIAN ARTS CRAFT CENTER

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center has a gallery featuring the work of more than 70 local artists, including pottery, quilts, jewelry, weavings, woodworking, photography and much more. Each piece is handmade and one of a kind. You’re sure to find something for that hard to please person on your list. And what’s even better is you’re supporting a local artist in the process too. While you’re at the Art Center, check out their list of classes they offer. There’s no better time to learn a new craft or give someone a gift certificate to do just that. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see some artists in action while you’re there.

THE MUSEUM OF APPALACHIA GIFT SHOP

Located right across the street from the Appalachian Arts Craft Center is the Museum of Appalachia that has a gift shop worth visiting. The gift shop has a little bit of everything. From locally made honey to hand made pottery, the gift shop spotlights the talents of artisans throughout our region. Cookbooks, vintage inspired décor items, jams and jellies – you name it, the Museum of Appalachia gift shop has it! In addition to the gift shop, the Restaurant at the Museum of Appalachia is worth a visit. They serve up some delicious, homemade, southern style food every day from 10 am – 2 pm. Be sure to say hi to Kristy in the kitchen. Her southern dishes are a legend in these parts!

FARMHOUSE FURNITURE

Rob and Kim Henry have something special at Farmhouse Furniture and we are excited to share it with you. When you walk into their expansive showroom in Clinton, Tennessee, you’re greeted with beautiful, handcrafted, solid wood furniture and a large variety of home décor. You’ll need a minute to take it all in, it’s that gorgeous! The quality of the woodworking is a sight to behold. Beware, you’ll want to redecorate your whole home after visiting Farmhouse Furniture. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

For other great places to shop in Anderson County, please visit our website at www.adventureanderson.com.