Supporting Local Food and Beverage Businesses During the Holidays Makes a World of Difference to your Community.

As a family owned, local business we know how important it is to support our community whenever we can. With the holiday season upon us, knowing where to spend your money locally can be an obstacle for some. We’ve surveyed our staff for their favorite picks of places to eat and/or enjoy a beverage with your loved ones so you can support small businesses this year.

Barber’s Orchard

First up is a local staple, Barbers Orchard. They have been growing apples in Waynesville for five generations and baking them into pastries people regularly cross state lines for, but especially this time of year. Ashley, our events coordinator, especially loves an afternoon of apple cider donuts and u-pick flowers. Kathi, one of our leather crafters, deep dove into a tantalizing description of the Apple Pie cookie that made us all clock out for lunch.

Farm to Cake Bakery

A delicious way to support small businesses this season is to set your table with locally made baked goods. I can’t think of anyone that doesn’t love a fresh baked dessert from a local bakery as a part of their holiday tradition.

Bevel Bar

Your local speakeasy in a unique setting, with great character and fantastic cocktails that you are sure to enjoy. Open Friday and Saturday nights, this spot is the perfect location for your after holiday wind down. Located in the back of Axe & Awl Leatherworks, ring the doorbell, wait for your host and get ready for an experience to remember.

Dough Boys/ Mad Anthony’s

Our crews favorite pizza spot in all of Haywood County! Their menu offerings are amazing with a few of our favorites being The Natural, Godfather II and whatever their special pizza of the week is! We have yet to have a bad slice.

Holiday Night Market

Our favorite local pop-up market to shop handmade goods before Christmas. This unique event is entering its 5th year and each year it gets better and better. On December 13th Main street will close down for a Smoky Mountain Christmas Celebration in the evening. If you are looking for some true small town holiday charm this is the event for you. Head down Depot St. for a vendor village of local makers before heading into Axe & Awl Leatherworks for fresh eggnog, hot cider, small bites and live music. The perfect night to bring in the holiday cheer and perfect way to support small businesses this holiday!

Live Music & Breweries

WNC is known for some great breweries and Haywood County is no exception. If you find yourself Downtown on any given night be sure to check the event pages of local breweries Boojum Brewing (Main St.) and Frog Level Brewing (Frog Level). Live music, good beer and tasty bites are always a winning combo especially when you need a break from hosting! Another favorite of ours is the Blue Ridge Beer Hub. A place for community to gather and enjoy a fine crafted brew.

Small towns need us now more than ever!

In supporting your local food, beverage and event coordinating folks you are giving directly back to your community and ensuring that the heart of your neighborhood is around for years to come.

If you’d like to get a first glimpse of what we at Axe & Awl Leatherworks have to offer this holiday season be sure to sign up for our email list so you aren’t missing out on the fun!