On the 23rd day of Christmas shop downtown at Catawba River Trader

Catawba River Trader located at, 110 E Water Street, specializes in antiques that will make a special gift for anyone on your shopping list.

Catawba River Trader has a great selection of antiques, collectibles, an assortment of vintage pieces, and home furnishings and decor.

You will find many pieces of North Carolina crafts and southern pottery, primitive furniture, tools, dishware, clocks, decorative items, bottles, baskets, carvings… you name it, they have it or if they don’t have it they will find it.

Catawba River Trader has very nice service and great prices. You will always find quality and selection in the store along with knowledgeable staff and locals. The staff will assist you with all of your collecting and antique questions.

For a gift that holds value shop at Catawba River Trader.

For more information call 704-735-1155

On the 22nd day of Christmas shop downtown at Stroup’s Jewelers

At Stroup’s Jewelers you will find that perfect gift for that special someone during the Christmas holiday season. Stroup’s Jewelers located at, 315 E Main St, specializes in diamond retail, diamond appraisals, in-store jewelry repairs, and watch service & repair.

Stroup’s Jewelers offers a great variety of products including diamonds, gemstones and a complete line of 14K Jewelry, amongst other great jewelry selections.

Along with the great selection of jewelry, you will find friendly and satisfactory service that include estimates, watch battery replacement, watch repair, cleaning services, Goldsmith on staff, diamond specialists’ appraisals, and in store jewelry repair.

Don’t forget to make your wish list at Stroup’s Jewelers to remind your loved ones what you want for Christmas this year!

For more information call (704) 735-7112

On the 21st day of Christmas shop downtown at Fausto Coffee

For the coffee lovers on your shopping list visit Fausto Coffee, located at, 116 Court Sq NE. Fausto Coffee specializes in gourmet coffee and espresso bar that offers the finest espresso around! Owner, Chafin Rhyne says, "Fausto's Italian flair for winning is immortalized and brought to life with every cup of gourmet coffee we brew."

Fausto Coffee offers a great selection of gourmet coffees you can purchase along with other great gifts including Fausto merchandise. Come in for the featured Organic Fausto Coffee in 12 oz. bags or Whole Bean Fausto Coffee in 12 oz. bags for only $9.78! You can also enjoy a fine selection of pastries and other baked goods.

Also available are gifts certificates so your family and friends can enjoy the great coffee shop atmosphere, where free WiFi is available and you can always catch the news while enjoying a morning espresso.

For more information call (704) 735-1746

On the 20th day of Christmas shop downtown at North State Books

This holiday season shop at North State Books located at, 109 Court SQ SE. North State Books is an antique bookshop that specializes in Southern Literature and North Carolina history.

At North State Books, you will be able to find a book for everyone’s interest. The shop sells books in all fields of interest, including Civil War, military history, hunting and fishing, nature and science, textbooks and home schooling, religion and philosophy, old favorites and first editions, juvenile collectibles and children, etc.

Prices are reasonable and service is courteous. If you can’t find the book you are looking for in store, the staff will find it and mail orders are promptly processed.

So whether you are looking for an out of print, rare, used, or new book, shop with North State Books for a special gift.

For more information call 704-732-8562

On the 19th day of Christmas shop downtown at Tindall’s Professional Photography

This holiday season surprise someone you love with a family or self portrait that will leave a lasting impression. Tindall's Professional Photography located at, 409 East Main Street, specializes in color and black & white portraits and weddings.

At Tindall’s Professional Photography you will find a love for photography and artistic ability that creates an image that will touch your life for years to come. Pick from a selection of galleries including family, sports, children, pets, color, and black & white portraits. These special photographs will make great gifts for family and friends or used for holiday greeting cards.

Be sure to ask about the special creation service that allows you to pick from a selection of designer card styles to make it easier to send your photographs to family and friends this holiday season.

Let Tindall’s Professional Photography capture this special holiday season in your life in an environment that you'll enjoy both today and in years to come.

To view more galleries visit www.tindallsprofessionalphotography.com

For more information or to schedule your holiday portrait session call (704) 748-1998

On the 18th day of Christmas shop downtown at TLC Massage Therapy

Help someone you love relax this holiday season with a gift certificate from TLC Massage Therapy. Located at, 117 E Main St, TLC Massage Therapy offers techniques to relax muscles ease and soothe your aches and pains. Owner, Teresa Crabtree, is a certified professional masseur and will strive to inform you or a loved one about the services she can offer and the many benefits that can be derived.

General benefits of massages are:

• Release of emotional and physical tension
• Reduction or elimination of back pain
• Decrease in chronic pain
• Improved sleep
• Relief from sore muscles
• Better skin tone
• Increased energy
• Greater flexibility
• Improved body and mind awareness

Massages rejuvenate and restore balance to the body and being… so whether your family and friends need to relieve pain, lower their blood pressure, or are just interested in getting some much needed relaxation to relieve stress, a gift massage from TLC Massage Therapy will make them better for all the things life throws their way!

For more information call (704) 735-5569

Holiday Workshop at Personal Artist Studio & Gallery

Sunday, Dec 14th, Laurie Bostian of Personal Artist Studio & Gallery will be having a Holiday Workshop in the studio from 2:30-4:30pm! Parents can take advantage of a couple hours of shopping time while kids paint! There will be face painting, too. Cost is $20 and all materials are provided. Sign up by Friday, Dec 12th. Call the studio or email to reserve your spot. Space is limited!

Don't miss out on this great opportunity to do your kids holiday shopping while they are entertained!!

On the 17th day of Christmas shop Downtown at Personal Artist Studio

Give the gift of art and expression to someone you love this holiday season at Personal Artist Studio & Gallery. Located at 105 E Main Street, Personal Artist Studio & Gallery welcomes folks from ages 5-105 to grow their love for art by participating in weekly lessons in the studio. The flexible schedule makes it easy for even busy folks to join in the fun! Students purchase packages for 90 minute visits to the studio and use them as their schedule permits. Students sketch or paint what lights a fire in their belly and owner, Laurie Bostian, meets them at their instructional level.

Just come express yourself and enjoy spending some therapeutic time in the right side of your brain for a change at Personal Artist Studio & Gallery.

Student packages make great gifts for any age. Don’t forget the variety of prints that are available for sale in the gallery including beautiful note cards that will make great stocking stuffers and Laurie’s personal artist services to commission portraits.

Laurie is now accepting portrait commissions for February. Call, email, or visit the website for details!

Don’t miss the open house of student art work! Laurie Bostian's Personal Artist Studio & Gallery is celebrating another season of artwork! New pieces by artists and students of all ages will be displayed Thursday, Dec 11th from 5:30-7:30pm. The entire community is invited to come enjoy the new pieces, the fellowship, and the refreshments during this "floating" reception!

Appointments are encouraged and other appointments for hours not listed are also welcomed! You can call ahead to schedule a convenient time to purchase artwork, commission a portrait or pick up a commissioned piece.

Typical Hours:

Monday and Tuesday 3pm - 6:30pm

Thursday 10am - 3pm

Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

Sunday workshop days 2-4pm

For more information call 704-773-3088 or visit www.personalartist.com

2008 Lincolnton Christmas Parade Winners Announced

Best of Show
Odyssey AllStars, Tumble & Dance of Lincolnton, NC

1^st Place Ribbon
Boy Scouts of America Pack 74, Ryan Heights Methodist Church of Lincolnton, NC

2^nd Place Ribbon
South River Baptist Church of Lincolnton, NC

3^rd Place Ribbon
Anthony & Son Builders, American Family Mortgage of Lincolnton, NC

Congratulations to all of the 2008 Float Winners! All of the floats in this year’s parade were outstanding, hard work and creativity went into every one of them.

A special thanks to all of the participants and volunteers, with your help the 2008 Lincolnton Christmas Parade was a great success!!!

On the 16th day of Christmas shop Downtown at Ride-A-Bike

On the 16th day of Christmas shop Downtown at Ride-A-Bike. For the adventurous ones on your holiday shopping list shop at Ride-A-Bike located at, 116 Court Sq NE. Ride-A-Bike specializes in utility function and bike touring and has a great selection of road bikes, recreation bikes,mountain bikes, tricycles, helmets, lights, bike bags, bicycle parts, and bike repairs services.

At Ride-A-Bike you can use the custom fit bike system to help you pick the perfect bike for you or a family member. You will find great service with the Risk-Free Promise that guarantees if you are not satisfied, you can bring it back within 30 days. The staff will refit it, adjust it, exchange it, exchange certain components or give you your money back.

Also don’t forget about the Flat Tire Repair Class offered. The price is only $25.00 and you can learn about the identification, wheel removal (front and rear), quick release, flat tire repair and causes, and wheel installation. Reservations are needed at least 24 hours in advance.

If you aren’t sure what to buy, let a gift certificate come to the rescue. They're always the right size, color and exactly what your favorite bike enthusiast wants. They're also a great way to show anyone who cycles how much they're appreciated this holiday season.

For more information or to sign up for a class call
(704) 735-1746

On the 15th day of Christmas shop Downtown at 36th Street Bakery

This holiday season give a delightful treat from 36^th Street Bakery. Located at, 101 E Sycamore St, 36^th Street bakery specializes in baked goods and catering. Whether you buy a box of the signature item, Old-Fashioned Donuts or World Famous Cream Horns, you are guaranteed freshness.

Other goodies from the bakery that are sure to please include Long John, Muffins, French Butter Croissants, Turnovers, Éclairs, Pecan Crisps, Apple Strudel, Oreo Brownies, Oatmeal Cream Sandwich, Cookies, Whoopie Pies, Strawberry Bear Claw ,Gourmet Cookies, Napoleans . . . and more!

Also, don’t forget about 36^th Street Bakery catering services for your holiday events! A wide variety of items are available from your favorite dips to gourmet delights! The menu extends past the selections on its menu and 36^th Street Bakery will even create a menu that is just right for you and your holiday party.

Example catering selection… Beef that includes Jamaican beef medallions, Beef satay, and Turkish kabobs. Chicken that includes Chicken dumplings, Japanese chicken wings, Chicken guacamole, Smoked chicken mini-quesadillas, Signature chicken salad mousse tarts, Chicken satay, and Tandoori chicken. From the Sea that includes Salmon & dill mousse, Shrimp frittata, Tuna tapenade, Crab canapés, Seared shrimp, Crab stuffed mushrooms, and baked honey shrimp. Don’t forget catered desserts that include assorted pastry trays, gourmet cakes and pies available as a perfect compliment to any menu selections.

This holiday season visit 36th Street Bakery, Cafe & Catering for a variety of services combined with an exceptional array of freshly prepared gourmet dishes.

For more information call (704) 735-1117

On the 14th day of Christmas shop Downtown at Southern Charm Winery

Southern Charm Winery, located at 235-D East Main Street in the Anderson Building, features hand-crafted wines, meaning the creation of each bottle is overseen start to finish. Between the great wines and gift shop you are sure to find that perfect holiday gift.

Take a peak in the gift shop that showcases local artisans' work, such as pottery, wood-carved bowls & vases, hand-woven baskets and hand-painted wine glasses. Also featured are tantalizing selections of gourmet snacks including Ashe County Cheese, Charleston Benne Cookies and cheesecake & brownie mixes.

Southern Charm Winery offers gift baskets featuring its hand-crafted wines, Ashe County Cheese and other delectable goodies and can also customize gift baskets for any occasion.

The Snack-filled Gift Baskets feature of variety of goodies from our Gift Shop including Benne Cookies from Olde Colony Bakery, Praline Pecans and Honey-Roasted Almonds from Mingo River Plantation, Ghiradelli Chocolates, Moravian Cookies and Shortbread Cookies from Salem Baking Company. We also have a variety of small baskets perfect for teachers, hairstylists and others that you never know what to give.

Southern Charm Winery offers traditional wine favorites, such as Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, White Merlot as well as some new twists on old favorites such as Peach Chardonnay and Green Apple Riesling. Wine Tastings are offered daily; no appointment necessary. Visit our website at www.southerncharmwinery.com for our current wine selections.

From crisp whites and rich reds to soothing sweets, you're guaranteed to give the best when you shop at Southern Charm Winery. So, come on in for a taste of Southern Hospitality!

For more information call 704-240-9899

On the 13th day of Christmas shop Downtown at Tres Chic and The Shoppes on Main

Do your HOLIDAY SHOPPING at the newly expanded Tres Chic and The Shoppes on Main, NOW located at, 113 E. Main Street. This small, but filled to the brim shop features antiques and collectables, jewelry, furniture, home decor items and many, many fine consignments.

A great place to find unique, one-of-a kind gifts for that special person on your list.

A few ideas from Tres Chic and The Shoppes on Main to get you started with your holiday shopping...

• Vintage Wall Pockets starting at $5
• McCoy Cookie Jars from $15 and up
• Sterling Silver Earrings and necklaces $12 and up
• Antique Mirrors starting at $30
• Lamps and Vases from $8
• Framed Art priced as low as $10
• Japanese Tea Set $25
• Chinese Umbrella Stand $12
• French Country Side Table $35
• Antique Mahogany Card Table $90
• Antique Oak Dressers from $225 and up

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

You will also find lots of Stocking Stuffers and Christmas Decor Items in Stock!

Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10-5

Tres Chic and The Shoppes on Main is now accepting vendor applications for booth rentals at the new location of 113 E. Main Streets.

For more information call 704-732-2900.

On the 12th day of Christmas shop Downtown at Estate Jewelers

At Estate Jewelers, located at, 218 E Main St, you will find a great assortment of unique pieces from all around the world- starting at $20 and up.

Estate Jewelers carries new, old, estate (previously owned, not necessarily old) and antique (over 100 year old) jewelry that would be perfect for anyone on your holiday list. You will find watches, platinum, gold, gem stones, gem lab, diamonds, appraisals, gift certificates and custom design & jewelry repair with all work done on premise for faster pick up.

At Estate Jewelers you will find experienced gemologists, appraisers, and antique and estate jewelry experts that will be more than happy to assist you.

This holiday season shop at Estate Jewelers for a gift that has meaning and can be past down for generations!

For more information call (704) 732-1186

On the 11th day of Christmas shop Downtown at Christian Lighthouse Bookstore

Christian Lighthouse Bookstore, located at, 210 N Aspen St, has a great assortment of Bibles, books, videos, picture frames, baby gifts, Christmas gifts and décor, cards, framed art, Church supplies, commentaries and other great gift items that can be used for all occasions.

Bestsellers at Christian Lighthouse Bookstore are Willow Tree Angels. Willow Tree Angels are a personal line of figurative sculptures representing individuality and sentiments that help you feel close to others and they make excellent gifts!

Christian Lighthouse Bookstore has a great atmosphere for your holiday shopping and now you can enjoy the new sitting area where you can read books, relax, and have some coffee!

For more information call (704) 735-5901

On the 10th day of Christmas shop Downtown at The Last Picasso

Find the perfect gift this holiday season at The Last Picasso located at, 403 East Main Street. The Last Picasso is a gallery and the new cultural center gift shop with featured work from local artisans.

At The Last Picasso find unique prints, note cards, and photographs by Mooresville artist Angela Van Every Johnston. Other great gifts include Kae Wright’s “Eye on Lincoln Series”. These are her photographs mounted on plaques. It includes "ingleside" in the snow and others like, "Macpelah". They are $35.00 each. Also included in this series are courthouse photos and Christmas cards.

Other unique gifts come from Dene Smith’s “Frog Salad Series”. An avid gardener, Dene's prints include..."Frog Salad", "Dragon Fly Pie", "Bog Water Bouquet", "Spider Cider" and "Snake Bake". A book is also available for $35 illustrating the prints and poetry. There are note cards in the series as well.

Stop by and browse a menagerie of things in the shop from candles to embroidered tea towels by Dene Smith to wood turnings by Donald R. Olsen. At The Last Picasso you will find those one of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

For more information call 704.732-9055

Lincolnton Christmas Parade Rescheduled

Due to inclement weather, the 2008 Lincolnton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting has been rescheduled for Sunday, November 7, 2008. The parade will begin at the Lincolnton High School at 4:00 p.m., and progress, via Court Square and East Main Street, to the intersection of Flint Street and East Main Street. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will follow on the East side of Court Square. All activities surrounding the event will remain the same; only the date was changed in an effort to keep the many participants in the parade from marching/riding in the cold rain, and to retain the spectators that the weather may have otherwise deterred. We apologize for any inconvenience.