Scarlet Begonias — Local services in Mount Airy

Scarlet Begonias is a gift boutique with distinctive allure. The shop opened in Mount Airy, NC in November 2005, revealing a renovated 1920s style mercantile that offers a treasure-trove of modern luxuries and valued gifts.

The décor is an eclectic mix of the old and the new and mirrors the mixture of merchandise available for purchase. Displayed on the store’s antique oak tables, mantles, and counters one will find unusual, captivating pieces of leatherwork and clay, wrap sweaters and wrought iron accents; hand-painted serving pieces, wearable art, and classic gifts for newborns and children. Also showcased is handmade jewelry and original works from up-and-coming designers, as well as several long-celebrated artisans. Works from local, national, and international artists, musicians, writers, and craftsmen are displayed throughout the store where the open floor plan invites browsing and then more browsing.

Ensuring that the store has some of the most unique and affordable pieces available,owner Amy Slate has ventured far and wide looking for unique designs. With a passion for the handmade and the people who make it, Slate designed Scarlet Begonias as an outlet for kindred fans of the handcrafted. Many items are exclusive, limited edition, or one of a kind. “The discovery of talented designers from different parts of the world was an integral part of the make up of the store,” said Slate. “Scarlet Begonias is the first boutique to bring many of these emerging names to Mount Airy and to North Carolina.”

Scarlet Begonias seeks to pamper the customer with style, originality, quality and serendipity… in a manner that is fun and affordable. If you’re looking for something to wear that inspires, look no further than the jewelry of Dori Csengeri or Mark Edge. If you want a funky little bauble that is fun to talk about, consider the collage jewelry of Caramia Visick or the metallic bracelets and rings of Christophe Poly. Handmade salsa serving spoons in pewter make perfect gifts, and Cristella Milano scarves in 100% cashmere are the ultimate in luxury.

Scarlet Begonias has definitely put the “thought” into thoughtful gift giving. And, it is hard to deny the charm of a small, hometown boutique that offers appealing and affordable merchandise. Authentic French lavender soaps? Letter pressed stationery? Italian cashmere? These little luxuries are now available at Scarlet Begonias…right in your own backyard, which is, according to Slate, “the best place to start when looking for exactly...

Walking into Scarlet Begonias is not unlike that first glimpse of an unexpectedly beautiful sunset—surprising and familiar all at once. The first things noticed are color and space, finely shaded with light and shadow; and the immediate, subtle pleasure of having just discovered something new and unique. Everything in this charming little store blends color and space with a not-quite-identifiable nudge of meaning, from note cards to dream catchers; custom hewn knick-knacks and jewelry to clothes. From children’s toys to gauzy bright scarves. Even the greeting cards and wall sayings seem to go just one step farther: ‘To succeed in Life’ one of them beckons, ‘All you need is ignorance and confidence’, a quote by Mark Twain.

My personal favorite thing in the store is the staircase, an old wooden staircase (the steps of which are used as creative displays themselves) rising up to the second floor which isn’t there at all. The name ‘Scarlett Begonias’ is from the title a Grateful Dead song. And in the back of my mind, when I first saw that staircase, I couldn’t help but think of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway To Heaven’.

If you haven’t yet found Scarlet Begonias, you should—even if it’s a bit out of the way. Not only will you not be disappointed, you’ll be back.

“I had one of those flashes I had been there before Been there before” -- GRATEFUL DEAD from...

We shop at Scarlet Begonias as our "go to" place for unique and useful gifts and home decor. As a result, we have become familiar with the owner. There is a review that is completely off base and dishonest, and rooted in the shopper's defiance of precautions the owner has implemented to make shopping at her business safe during the pandemic. The owner is as professional, kind, and helpful as you will find, and that is the theme carried through the preponderance of the reviews she receives for...