Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, November 25th, 2023! If you didn’t know, Small Business Saturday was created to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. Here are some small businesses located in Union County that I love to support & encourage you to check out as well! Hopefully this list inspires you to shop local and explore more of the unique small businesses that Union County has to offer.
I. The Union Exchange
photo credits: @theunionexchange on Instagram
The Union Exchange is a newly remodeled, family-run farm here in Union County. In March 2021, the Brown family purchased an existing 54 acre, 100 year old farm, & campground. After two years of renovations, The Union Exchange opened last fall. There’s plenty to do at the farm, whether that be shopping for goods from other small, local, and regional businesses at their Artisan Market Store, visiting the farm animals, shopping for local produce/plants, booking a cozy air bnb for the weekend, or listening to some live music! The farm also has multiple ponds that make up a total of 3.5 acres and are home to local birds, beaver, turtles and a variety of fish. You can also purchase catch & release fishing memberships for the ponds!
Their holiday season has just begun, and they have so much in store! Make sure to visit the Union Exchange to see beautiful holiday decorations, purchase some holiday gifts, grab a coffee & some sweet treats, listen to a lawn concert, or roast some s’mores by the bonfire (just to list a few things that they offer!!)
**This Friday, they have an all-day Black Friday Live Music event with the “Time Sawyer Band”.
And on Saturday, they have Small Business Saturday Live Music with “Rich & Single” from 5-8 pm.
Location: 2022 New Town Rd, Monroe, NC 28110
II. Union Market
photo credits: @unionmarketnc on Instagram
The Union Market is a three season, open air market specializing in local produce, prepared foods, baked goods, dairy items, and cold drinks.
They are currently selling seasonal products such as pumpkin & banana bread, pies, soups, stews, local honey, chili, apple cider, and eggnog. As well as seasonal produce such as figs, apples, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, kale, squash, and brussel sprouts.
They are also selling pumpkins, mums, gourds, corn stalks, and straw — which make the perfect home decorations for the fall!
Location: 1316 Providence Rd S, Waxhaw, NC 28173
III. Stewart's Village Gallary
photo credits :@ stewart’s gallery.com
Stewart’s Village Gallery, owned by Bill and Holly Stewart, is located in Downtown Waxhaw. It features the largest selection of stoneware and ceramics in the Charlotte area. The gallery offers beautifully hand-crafted pottery, jewelry, art glass, candles, bird feeders, fountains, fiber art, woodwork, metal, stonework, and garden art. The gallery is constantly displaying new, high quality, one-of-a-kind works from several different artisans. So each time you visit, you’re guaranteed to find a new piece of art to fall in love with!
Bill Stewart’s signature pottery is exclusively sold at his gallery. Bill works out of his studio, next to the gallery, and also offers classes in making pottery.
Location: Stewart's Village Gallery 116 McDonald Street Waxhaw, NC 28173
(one block off Main Street, across from the Water Tower)
IV. Dandelion & Friends Mercantile
Dandelion & Friends Mercantile is a charming local coffee shop, located in Downtown Monroe!
They have the cutest art & decor, outdoor/indoor seating, and there’s even a little side garden!
They offer a wide variety of drinks including iced coffee, drip coffee, lattes, mochas, americanos, matcha, chai, frappes, teas, hot chocolate, milkshakes, and lemonade. They also offer so many different flavors, from the classic vanilla and caramel to fun flavors such as lavender and cinnamon sprinkles! They have seasonal syrups including Butter Pecan, Pumpkin Spice, & Maple!
They also have some delicious fall drinks including their: Slice of Pie Latte, Sticky Situation, Honey Ginger Bliss, Spiced Orchard, & ‘Creamy Chai Delight’ Milkshake!
And they have more than just coffee! They also offer fresh prepared foods, homemade pastries, fun antiques and one of a kind specialty items mixes.
Location: 105 S Hayne St, Monroe, NC 28112
V. Refinished Emporium
photo credits: @Refininishedemporium on Facebook
Refinished Emporium offers professionally refinished furniture and home decor at affordable prices. All original furniture & decor is of high quality and their refinishings make each piece truly unique! They have so many beautiful side tables, cabinets, desks, tables, & more in various styles! Some pieces are more rustic, others are mid-century, bohemian, beachy, or a mix of all three!
Check out their Facebook, @Refinished Emporium for new listings daily! Their pieces go fast, so make sure to buy them when you can!
Location: 5910 Waxhaw Highway, Mineral Springs, North Carolina 28108