The Balsam Shop,

Mount Mitchell Summit Trail, Burnsville, NC 28714

"A very nice shop at the Mitchell Mountain Trailhead The Mitchell Mountain state park is one of the stops off the north side of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the shop is located in the park. To get to the shop you have to turn off the parkway and drive north onto North Carolina State Road 128. Follow that road for about 4 miles, all the way to a large parking lot at the top of the mountain. The parking lot would fit about 100 cars and is the closest you can get to the top by car. There are several buildings on the west side of the lot. The trailhead is at the south end of the buildings. The trail leads up the mountain to the top and is good, fairly easy, hike along a nice path to the top. There are several informational signs along the way that tell about the park namesake’s story. One of the buildings, nearest the trailhead and the parking lot, is the Balsam Shop. It was clean and had several very interesting items. The staff was friendly and the prices seemed reasonable for the items. I think this would be a good place to shop for souvenirs or camping supplies in the area."

"The shop is cute and all but the guy who rang up my purchase was so rude. We are not from North Carolina and asked a simple question, and he answered us extremely condescendingly, like we were idiots! There was no understanding at all on his part that we're not from around here. When you work in a place that gets lots of tourists, you need to be tactful when communicating with others. Jeez."

"Friendly and well-read staff. Unfortunately, no shirts in my size were available when I visited (2XL)."

"Loved this store. Great selection of camping gear and memory items. Not like most rip-off gift shops. Prices are decent and the selection is actually really cool. Hey, Balsam Shop employees, where do you get your stickers? I bought a few and now I regret not buying twice as many. I especially like the one with the skeleton that says "see you out there". Is there a local aritst I can look up to buy more?"

"Great little gift shop, with some really friendly folks inside. Picked up some amazing smelling local Appalachian Naturals soap :)"