photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
Ofelia Killeen’s shop has all the makings of a fine department store, but her charisma elevates the experience. Originally from Peru, Killeen left her job in Manhattan 13 years ago and moved to Sparta to be closer to family. Here, she loves helping customers find North Carolina-made gifts like a Keswick Candle or a pair of Solmate Socks.
photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
Around 30 artists sell their work at this decades-old co-op and nonprofit that’s become part of a small arts district in town. Inside, visitors browse photography, quilting, jewelry, hand carvings, watercolor paintings, and crochet displays, and can even meet the participating artists, who take turns operating the Main Street location.
Passionate volunteers with Friends of the Library of Alleghany County run Books ’N Friends. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
This tiny-but-mighty used bookstore carries an impressive range of recently released cookbooks, magazines, and titles of all genres. But what makes the store stand out is its mission: All sales benefit the local Alleghany County Public Library.
Shoppers can take home stained glass suncatchers from Saddle Ridge Glass Craft or locally grown goodies, including eggs from Sparta’s Fallow Ground Farm and flowers and honey from Moccasin Creek Honey Farms. This year’s market begins on May 9. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
On Saturdays, Crouse Park — a 10-minute stroll from Main Street — transforms into a sea of well-dressed tables. About two dozen vendors bring their baked goods, locally grown food, and craftsmanship to the market that runs weekly from May through October.
Sparta Candle Co. uses molds to create scenes in soap — like golden hour — and to make the flower farm soap look like it was picked from a field of zinnias. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
When the air turns warm, Jennifer Swenk opens the front door of Sparta Candle Co. while her team pours candles. Scents of jasmine, gardenia, and juniper waft out of the shop and down Main Street, reminding folks of spring’s sweetness. Swenk opened her first storefront in 2019 to honor her hometown. A United States map near the register marks the places where customers have traveled from — some as far as Alaska and Puerto Rico — to visit the shop and meet Duane, Swenk’s father, who has become a fan favorite from the shop’s viral social media videos.
From left: Daniel and Robin Cater (sitting with her dog, Walt Whitman) and Robin Mangum work in ceramics, while April Mangum (far right) brings her artistry to life via paint and canvas. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
Natural light fills the gallery where couples Daniel and Robin Cater and Robin and April Mangum display their works, from pottery — mugs, plates, and bowls in light blues and rusty reds — to mixed-media paintings. Opening the space in 2013 was a full-circle moment for Robin Cater, who reached out to Robin Mangum decades earlier to seek advice on starting a career in clay.
The owners recreated the Jubilee’s original barn scene in its new home, now a block off Main Street. The house band, Rise and Shine, plays a tune that sends Mary Nitro and J.D. Harris spinning on the dance floor. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
The shuffle of flatfoot dancing and the twang of a banjo playing old-time music have filled downtown Sparta for more than 30 years. Agnes and Ernest Joines started the Alleghany Jubilee in an old theater in 1994. Today, Elizabeth and Ron Murray carry on its legacy of weekly live music and line dancing.
At Muddy Creek Cafe & Music Hall, patrons enjoy the Sparta Club with house-made pesto mayonnaise as Biggins, a local country-rock group, performs on the patio. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
Located at the southern end of Main Street, this gathering spot is like Sparta’s front porch, welcoming locals and newcomers to town with wonderful food and music. Owners Shana Whitehead and Bill Heath used reclaimed wood and a warm color palette to transform the former car dealership into a space that reflects its down-to-earth community.
While simple breakfast offerings like almond croissants are available daily, for Saturday brunch, co-owner Rebecca Babbitt makes a special challah French toast with strawberries. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
Rebecca Babbitt and Matthew Kobacich’s Main Street shop satisfies a range of cravings, from Thursday pizza to Saturday brunch to daily servings of chicken salad and cheesecake. But bread is what started it all. Before opening Becca’s in 2013, Babbitt sold wheat bread, challah, and cinnamon buns at the Alleghany Farmers Market.
photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
In 2024, after nearly 20 years working in the food business and running a bakery in Wilmington, Traci Feith started Talk of the Party in Sparta. She specializes in custom cakes, but her strawberry, Orange Crush, and key lime cupcakes (pictured) are springtime favorites.
Jill Harrington makes all the bread at Little Seed, but her apple tarts dusted with powdered sugar deserve a spotlight, too. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
In the back of a former Smithey’s department store, the smell of Jill Harrington’s freshly baked sourdough — flavored with jalapeño and cheddar cheese or cranberry, orange, and almond — draws people in. Harrington runs the bakery with her husband, Steve, who has garnered a reputation for putting together Asian-inspired entrées like a banh mi sandwich.
photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
Soak in the sunshine on the patio of this local wine bar and toast to good friendship. Small appetizer plates, a rotating dessert selection, and a curated tea menu also make for great refreshments.
Laconia Ale Works, opened in 2018, is Alleghany County’s first brewery. Ian Yancich also runs Mad Co. Brew House in Marshall with two business partners. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
Head brewer Ian Yancich’s love of beer-making started like it does for many brewers — at home. Now, he serves up cold, foamy glasses of (pictured) peach sour, plum gose, and Vienna lager to the Sparta community.
Alleghany County is where our state’s iconic mountain road was born. Starting at Cumberland Knob, it meanders past 32 miles of lush green hills, trailheads, and fields of flowers. Sparta is the only town in the county that the parkway runs alongside.
Book a New River kayak, canoe, tube, or fishing trip with Dusty Trails Outfitters. The business has led outdoor excursions for 10 years. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
Kayak one of the world’s oldest rivers and watch the Blue Ridge Mountains unfold around you. The New River traces Alleghany County’s western and northern borders, and just 16 miles west of Sparta, travelers can find its quiet current at New River State Park — a fitting scene to savor before roads lead you home.
photograph by Adam Mowery
Driving north on NC Highway 21 to Sparta, visitors spot the 600-foot granite dome of Stone Mountain as it rises from the landscape. A great scenic escape, the state park has several signature trails suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
This story was published on Apr 24, 2026
For 127 years, this Wilson County store has been keeping its community well supplied — by relying on people just as much as what’s on the shelves.
In art class, we learn to notice texture, form, color, and light. On the plate, those same techniques guide chefs, bakers, and makers across North Carolina, turning ingredients into compositions meant to be admired before they’re savored.
A full tray, an ice-cold sweet tea, and a midday break bring us back to our days at the K&W Cafeteria.
Explore hidden gardens and tasty places to eat and drink in Charlotte’s historic neighborhood.
