Mayberry has nothing on Pickens, South Carolina. Twenty years into the new millennium, this Upstate community is still an authentic small Southern town, complete with a Main Street hardware store run by the same family for five generations.
That’s not to say Pickens doesn’t have contemporary boutiques and gift stores offering the latest fashions and necessities. But with its many antique stores and mom-and-pop shops, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time—or onto the set of a 1960s television series.
Here are some of the shopping options in Pickens you won’t want to miss:
Be Well Honey Natural Market – Serving foodies since 1999, this family-owned shop is a division of a local honey farm and supply company. Along with its own honey, you’ll find soaps, skin care products and an assortment of locally produced foods, including raw milk from Milky Farm in Anderson, grass-fed beef from Nature’s Beef in Honea Path, stone-ground grits from Timm’s Mill in Pendleton, and organic, wood fire-roasted coffee from Silva Coffee in Clemson.
Oh Joy! An Eclectic Boutique – Reminiscent of a general store, this bright and cheerful little shop sells everything from apparel, shoes and jewelry to tableware, home and garden accessories and gifts.
Aunt Sue’s Country Corner – After indulging in a burger and ice cream at Aunt’s Sue’s restaurant, shop the specialty stores in this popular destination located on Country Creek Drive just off the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway.
Antiques and Uniques – You’ll find much more than just antiques here. The shop features architectural salvage, rustic cedar furniture and vintage clothing and jewelry. You’ll have fun browsing through the assortment of eclectic inventory, from hand-painted lobster and clam pots to vintage white enamel washtubs to a Flexible Flyer III sled.
Finders Keepers Antiques & Collectibles – New things are always being brought in to this antique store on Main Street. Whether you’re looking for a country-style dining table or a vintage stove, you’ll find neat stuff for every room in your house.
Remember When Antiques and Gifts – This antique mall specializes in glassware, furniture, books and crafts. But there’s so much more to discover browsing the many booths operated by local dealers.
Bargain Exchange Flea Market – You’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes when you visit this former drag strip-turned-oversized yard sale encompassing 60 acres and dozens of vendors. From homemade caramel kettle corn to discount power tools, you’ll find it all here.
Brock’s Department Store – You know you’re in the country when you walk into this Main Street staple. Among the men’s apparel for sale are boots, overalls, jeans and a very cool collection of hats. But the real giveaway is the display of animal hides, skulls and stuffed game adorning the walls and tucked among the merchandise. It’s reason enough to pop in for a visit.
Bivens Hardware Company – Serving Pickens County since 1923, Bivens is your classic small town, family-owned hardware store. Originally the Heath, Bruce, Morrow general store, T.L. Bivens bought the Main Street business and moved operations to a building across the street in 1933. The store still uses its vintage cash register and the original Heath, Bruce, Morrow safe.
