Related: Click here to read about historic Broad Street in Elizabethtown.
Named for Isaac Leinwand, the downtown store remains a family business. photograph by Matt Ray Photography
In operation since 1935, this shop is one of the oldest businesses in Bladen County. Four generations of Leinwands — including Ricky and his son, Michael (above) — have worked in this specialty department store, which sells men’s, women’s, and children’s name-brand clothing, shoes, accessories, and more.
(910) 862-3772
leinwands.com
In 1986, Walter Bullard purchased the former Rowe Cinema — built in 1947 — and converted the building into an office supply store. Today, the front of the store features photos from the building’s theater days. Bullard and Smith both reminisce about seeing double features — Westerns with live shows before the movies — for 15 cents. “Your parents gave you a dollar, and you could come to the movie, buy your popcorn and drink, and still have money left over,” Bullard says.
“My parents gave me a quarter,” Smith says. “I could get a movie and a popcorn and two packs of BBs,” which were sold at the dime store.
(910) 862-4286
bladenoffice.com
Open since 1938, Kinlaw Furniture offers bedroom, living room, and dining room sets, as well as appliances. The store has expanded over the years to encompass three buildings, one of which was once the Ben Franklin 5-and-10. Michael Sasser, who owns the business with his wife, Anne, ran the popcorn machine in the old five-and-dime when he was 14, selling the buttery snack for 25 cents a box on Saturdays.
(910) 862-3325
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A burger “all the way” at Melvin’s Hamburgers and Hot Dogs draws customers from across the state to Elizabethtown. Both the chili and the slaw recipes are closely guarded secrets. photograph by Matt Ray Photography
Melvin’s no longer features pool tables like it did when it opened in 1938, but the burgers are as good as ever: quality beef smashed on the flat-top, topped simply with chili, mustard, onions, and slaw — with optional hot sauce, ketchup, and cheese. The no-frills restaurant churns out thousands of hamburgers and hot dogs a day to folks who travel from down the street or across time zones just for a bite of the best darn burger around.
(910) 862-2763
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When an illness rendered her unable to work, Shannon Woodell began painting and making crafts at home. She eventually opened a shop in the former Bladen Automotive building, where the town’s first fire truck was housed. Here, she sells her handmade pieces — door hangers, wreaths, bows, and swags — along with other home and garden decor items and bath products.
(910) 991-3007
facebook.com/sassychick129
Shop for accessories and gifts at Fisher’s. photograph by Matt Ray Photography
Hooks hanging from the original tin ceiling hark back to the days when this building was the R.M. Johnson meat market. Today, the store sells men’s and women’s clothing, from T-shirts to suits and dresses, as well as shoes, jewelry, and accessories.
(910) 862-3718
facebook.com/fishersapparel
With an array of more than 30 flavors — including hibiscus, shortbread, and lavender — latte and frappé enthusiasts might have a difficult time deciding what to order at this charming coffee shop.
(910) 247-6161
barefootbrew.com
At the former site of Cole’s Feed & Seed, where Smith’s family used to buy “biddies” — or baby chicks — for their farm outside of town, The Corner Cafe serves up classic breakfast dishes until 2 p.m. every day of the week.
(910) 862-3273
Start your morning with one (or two) of the fried and glazed croissants at Burney’s Sweets & More. photograph by Matt Ray Photography
Scents of cinnamon and chocolate waft from the doors of the flagship location of this iconic bakery that specializes in fried and glazed croissants stuffed with every kind of filling imaginable, from cream cheese to blueberry.
(910) 862-2099
burneyssweetsandmore.com
Check out the historical photos and clippings from the Bladen Journal that paper the walls while enjoying a panini melt, a Bright Leaf hot dog, a BLT, a salad, and more.
(910) 991-3094
barefootssandwichshoppe.com
An Asheville nonprofit is helping farmers develop seeds tailored to western North Carolina’s climate and community.
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.
At a Wrightsville Beach resort, a most unexpected resident frolics through sandy dunes and secret gardens.
With just a dash of vanilla and nutmeg, the beauty of this cool and creamy pie lies in its simplicity.
