When you think of the word "shopping" you may envision large strip malls and impersonal big box stores. But, in Nash County, that's not how we see it. Here, shopping includes home-grown specialty stores, antiques, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind artisan galleries. So, when you're on the hunt for an item as unique as the person you are buying it for, look no further. Here's a list of some local shops that will turn your shopping trip into a treasure hunt.

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THE ART LOVER:
Only uses handmade mugs, use buzzwords like "medium" and "composition" in casual conversation, their hand-whittled cheese knives are their favorite kitchen accessory, buys a new sketchbook at every destination.

WHERE THEY SHOP:
Pinspiration, Rocky Mount, NC

If you are looking for a unique and fun experience in arts and crafts, Pinspiration is the place to be. The studio's inviting atmosphere is designed to inspire creativity, and the staff is always available to help customers with their projects and provide guidance where needed. One of the best things about Pinspiration is the variety of creative options available to customers. You can either bring your idea and work on it at the studio or choose from an array of ever-changing monthly project menus based on the most popular social media projects and current craft trends.

When you think of the word "shopping" you may envision large strip malls and impersonal big box stores. But, in Nash County, that's not how we see it. Here, shopping includes home-grown specialty stores, antiques, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind artisan galleries. So, when you're on the hunt for an item as unique as the person you are buying it for, look no further. Here's a list of some local shops that will turn your shopping trip into a treasure hunt.

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THE HISTORY BUFF - Likes dead people's stuff, the phrase "did you know?" is never too far out of reach, can list off the names of every United States president, plans their vacation around battlefields and local history museums.

WHERE THEY SHOP:
Antique & Art Market, Spring Hope, NC

This shopping destination boasts the largest inventory in North Carolina of its kind, specializing in historic North Carolina antiques, pottery, and country collectibles. Owner Joseph E.A. Wilkinson has a background in history and anthropology, this expertise is obvious when you walk through the doors of the store and see items dating more than two centuries.

Ask any local and they'll tell you this place is just like a museum. Walk in the doors and you may find a blue-green blanket chest tucked in a corner dated circa 1800, a beautifully preserved desk once owned by a country doctor, and walls lined with hand-thrown ceramics each telling their own story. Take this shopping opportunity to learn about some North Carolina history, with the added benefit of getting to take a piece of history home with you.

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THE DEAL FINDER:
Has downloaded every money-saving app, "Thrifting is a lifestyle", their New Year's resolution is always focused on sustainability, and can tell you all the best places to pick up an item for under $10.

WHERE THEY SHOP:
Rocky Mount Stockyard Flea Market, Rocky Mount, NC
Nothing is guaranteed in life. Except for the fact that you will always find a treasure at a flea market. Around here, treasure hunters go to The Rocky Mount Stock Yard Flea Market. One of the largest flea markets in the area, it has over 300 vendors and both indoor and outdoor shopping spaces.

You name it, the Rocky Mount Stockyard Flea Market has it. That's not an old door, it's a coffee table. Those bull horns are the perfect way to hold your hats in the hallway. Walking around here, you'll find vendors who specialize in revitalizing recycled materials into new and functional pieces of home décor that take the trash to treasure.

Other vendors specialize in bringing you one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing and accessories. Are retro turntables your thing? You can find it here. Looking for some funky sunglasses or vintage jewelry? Browse through tables and tables of new and like new shades or pick up some lava lamp earrings. Just looking for a deal? Grab that who-done-it novel you meant to buy a couple of years ago or those sham-wow towels you always see on television -now on sale for just a dollar.

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COLLECTIBLES LOVER:
Probably has the coolest collection of something out of your entire friend group, has names for every plant they own, is a big fan of crafts and DIY videos.

WHERE THEY SHOP:
Pine Street Market Place, Spring Hope, NC

In the antique district on a picturesque street in Spring Hope, NC you'll find Pine Street Market Place. Shoppers are greeted immediately with shelves overflowing with everything from vintage décor to handmade wood crafts. We guarantee you'll spend a while in this space. Nineteen vendors pack in new items daily and each vendor has its own unique style of items they sell.

Craftsmen Scott Engler is one of the vendors located at Pine Street Market Place, with his offerings displayed in the rightfully named, Craftman Corner. If you're someone who loves handmade items with their own personality, Scott's birdhouses are definitely not lacking. Maybe it's the white beards or their patterened hats, but you can't help to want to smile when looking at them. Alongside his jolly birdhouses you'll find a variety of crafted décor that will make you think, "Do I have enough trunk space to bring this home with me?"