Authentic Experiences. Big Discoveries.
Discover the places that make North Carolina unforgettable! Every Main Street has a story to tell. Some are whispered from century‑old brick storefronts; others rise from bustling cafés, family‑run shops, and creative spaces where locals greet you like an old friend.
Certified NC Destination Businesses are locally owned gems in North Carolina’s Main Street communities that turn a simple visit into a memorable adventure. Whether you’re exploring vibrant downtowns, savoring one‑of‑a‑kind flavors, or diving into arts and culture, these businesses invite you to slow down, connect, and experience each community the way locals do.
Launched by the N.C. Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center, the Certified NC Destination Business program is the first of its kind in the country, designed to highlight downtown businesses that deliver standout experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Certified NC Destination Businesses completed specialized training with The Schallert Group, a national leader in consumer destination strategy, equipping them with a step‑by‑step plan to boost foot traffic, grow revenue, and attract visitors from across the region. Certified NC Destination Businesses are located in designated Main Street communities throughout North Carolina
Unique experiences you don't want to miss!
Discover custom hats, rustic décor, and artisan-made gifts—all proudly American-made and inspired by legacy. Indigo Mountain traders is owned by North Carolina’s only certified hat master, Lisa Meadows. Specializing in quality custom designed hats and hat restoration.
Graciela Laurent Photography is Western North Carolina’s only private, forested destination studio where award-winning portraiture meets bespoke retreat experiences, offering clients unparalleled privacy, luxury, and soulful transformation. Nestled on a secluded four-acre property in Murphy, North Carolina, the studio is rooted in the brand mantra, The Art of Being Seen — honoring personal milestones, legacy, and reinvention through fine-art photography.
Client's step into a curated retreat experience designed with intention and artistry. From luxury boudoir sessions to multi-generational portraits, every detail is thoughtfully orchestrated to create meaningful, heirloom artwork. Natural forest light, styled interiors, and immersive outdoor settings blend Appalachian beauty with elevated design, creating imagery that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Visitors to Murphy often come seeking rest, mountain beauty, and meaningful connection. Our studio complements that spirit by offering an unforgettable way to mark the moment — whether celebrating an anniversary, hosting a girlfriend’s getaway, embracing a personal transformation, or commemorating a family vacation in far western North Carolina.
For travelers who want to leave with more than a souvenir, Graciela Laurent Photography provides an experience as memorable as the mountains themselves — refined, restorative, and profoundly personal. In keeping with the private, retreat-style nature of the studio, all visits are by appointment only, and guests are warmly invited to connect in advance to begin designing their experience.
Valley River Arts Guild at The MAC, Murphy Art Center
Valley River Arts Guild is a volunteer run nonprofit co-op located in The MAC, Murphy Art Center, 12 Peachtree Street, downtown Murphy, NC. We are dedicated to strengthening our community through the arts with a mission to support local artists, expand access to creative experiences, and contribute to our community through the arts.
Our organization operates a year-round local artist's retail gallery open every day of the week, offers a variety of classes for youth and adults, exhibits art installations throughout downtown, and produces arts and music events, workshops, and exhibits all year long, both inside The MAC and outside throughout downtown Murphy.
Olive’s Porch is an extension of the Folk School in downtown Murphy. The location at 27 Peachtree Street features classroom space, a retail shop showcasing the work of Appalachian artists and providing high quality art supplies. Named after the Folk School’s co-founder Olive Dame Campbell, Olive’s Porch offers Community Workshops focused on traditional Appalachian crafts, music, dance, and community events and demonstrations designed for locals and visitors.
