Gift Guide: Carr Mill Mall

CARRBORO, N.C. — There are a number of great options for all types of interests in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area, but recently, Out and About visited Carr Mill Mall and enjoyed the shopping and dining options. While we are not attempting an exhaustive listing, these are a few of the places that were fun, unique, or have good values.

If there is a fashion bug in your family, stop by Classic Contemporary Fashions. Owner Duru Chellani was very courteous, and the quality of fabrics and vivid colors were dazzling. Pashmina wraps and 100 percent silk scarves were on display with very reasonable prices and beautiful dyes. They also have cozy knit winter capes. Going further in, one is surrounded by a cavernous riot of color hanging from the wall in every shape and texture. They also carry unique accessories.

Speaking of fabric, Mulberry Silks and Fine Fabrics is a great place for the crafty person in one’s life. They at times have charity specials during the holidays. The prints and exotic materials are beautiful and worth a look. They have a “Ladies’ Night In” event once a month for group sewing time with food and BYOB(everage). Have a holiday project to finish but your machine is on the fritz? You can rent sewing time and equipment by the hour onsite at a reasonable price and work on your own. They also have classes.

The Bead Store is a great stop for the Do-It-Yourself jeweler or creative kids and teens. They go beyond beads and provide interactive project ideas, supplies, and an array of pre-made jewelry. Some pieces are multi-purpose.

If décor is more on your mind, there are several options depending on one’s style and need. Yellow Chair Market is a great stop if for the vintage, steampunk, or minimalist personality. They reclaim and re-purpose wonderful old things like industrial spools, aged furniture, and other odds and ends.

For the more modern approach, La Boutique Lane stocks furnishings and miscellany with elegant appeal and unique craftsmanship. They have stools, sofas, pillows, lamps, home accessories, toiletry kits, and aromatherapy items of every stripe and shape.

Kids might enjoy Ali Cat. The novelties, toys, books, and music are fun for all ages. They recommend the Nutcracker puzzle, and the “Holiday Poppers” are selling out fast. See their Facebook page for more info on specials and updates.

If you’re not familiar with Townsend and Bertram Outdoor Co. from local events, you’ll want to stop by and take a look. They carry all manner of camping essentials, including stoves and fuel. Beyond that, they also carry a selection of hiking boots, Birkenstock shoes and non-slip clogs. Check out the 100 percent Merino Wool socks from companies like Farm-To-Feet, and extreme temperature clothing and accessories which make gift-worthy stocking stuffers for the explorer on your list. You’ll find portable hammocks, travel cups, and all manner of utility items. For share neatness, take a look at the Good-To-Go dehydrated ‘gourmet’ foods like Thai Curry for camping or long hikes.

If something more soothing is on your wish list, Carrboro Yoga Company offers classes for many life situations, as well as professional training workshops and gift cards. Children 13 years and older are welcome in adult classes. There are children’s yoga classes available as well. If you are unable to make it in for a class, you can either cancel online or stream classes via their program.

Organic Sun Skin Spa opened recently, and is a good stop for comprehensive body and cosmetic treatments. They offer lash extensions, tanning, new client facials and other specials for December.

No shopping trip is complete without good eats! There are a number of mall options for every taste, and most have been around for a while. Elmo’s Diner is a classic dining spot with the locals. Venable Rotisserie Bistro is on the other end of Carr Mill Mall, closer to Weaver Street Market. Cafe Symmetry is currently closed for revamping at this time. One option for good pizza was Carrboro Pizza Oven – which also had gluten-free NY-style crust available. It is possibly one of the best in the Triangle area. Some of these also offer gift cards.