Something Special Gift Shop — Local services in Burnsville

Having shopped in this store on many occasions, we were never sensed a welcoming feeling. However we continued to shop there because we believe in supporting small local businesses.

We had spent several hundred dollars in this store for our grandchildren for Christmas the month previous. We were planning another trip to visit the grandkids and wanted to load up on stuffed animals and toys.

Our arms were laden with stuffed toys when the owner approached us. He was curt, not friendly and was holding two ziplock bags with masks in them.

He said, “you need to put these on.”

I said,” Oh, we don’t wear masks. We shop here all of the time and we have never worn a mask.”

He said, “ Well I must not have seen you. ( boldface lie. He has seen us in there on many occasions. ) He than said, “This is MY store and you have to wear them in my store.”

All of this in a very rude manner.

He could have and should have greeted us with a hello, a welcoming greeting, an acknowledgement of our previous and continued support.

He did not.

My husband said, “ Ok.”

We left quietly and have not returned.

Yesterday we were having a bite to eat at a local restaurant. This same owner walked in, sat down at the bar, took his mask off, sat shoulder to shoulder with an older woman and interfaced with several other people. . Interesting...

Something Special Gift Shop is a treasure trove of quality gifts of all sorts ranging from family oriented framed quotes to mugs and everything under the sun. Housed in an historic 100+ year old building with its original wood floor and ceiling are worth seeing in itself . Owner Tina Matelski took time to provide a 30+ year history of her ownership with husband Dennis and how connected and supportive they are to the Burnsville NC community. This shop with friendly local sales people has an adjoining extensive toys and games inventory that rivals any toy store anywhere in classic family entertainment. Finding this shop was the highlight of our Burnsville visit from where we were staying in Little Switzerland just 25 minutes away. Burnsville town leaders like owners of this shop have preserved the charm and character of a 200 year old small town better than any I have seen across the USA. Just a few feet from the shop is a town center square with benches under 100+ year old shade trees providing a park like setting suited to a movie set. A true hidden gem just 45 minutes NW of Asheville, NC, this family business epitomizes American family life and small business ownership. If you love Americana visit this store and town. Talk with Tina as part of your travel back in time. You will not be...

I had the pleasure of visiting Burnsville, NC for the first time this past Labor Day weekend. One of the highlights of my visit was Something Special Gift Shop. I could have easily spent an entire day in there! Such a wonderful and large selection of items...perfect for yourself or for gifts for others. I went one day and then ended up going back the next day because I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything! The staff are so friendly, too! I can't wait to visit Burnsville again so that I can do some more shopping at...