Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
Last week’s frigid temperatures and rainy/snowy weather didn’t make it easy for a move, but The Mtn Shop owner Yvonne Wallech managed to get her shop’s inventory from her home to its new location beside the post office in Green Bank.
This is the third location for the year-old business, which initially opened in October 2020 as part of The Green Bank Art Center. With a growing interest in gifts and homemade goods, Wallech moved the shop to her home on Wesley Chapel Road before making a move that she hopes will be her last.
“It has evolved into much, much more,” she said. “I just wanted to have a little gift shop. A little something to offer the occasional birthday or anniversary or friend gift.”
The shop has grown to include West Virginia made items, as well as homemade gifts and goodies by several Pocahontas Countians. Artwork and crafts by local artists such as Marka Kane, maple products from Frostmore Farms and Ebbie’s Honey from Ervine Farms are joined by country gifts and a selection of coffee and tea.
There is also a selection of baked goods made by Wallech and friends, including Shanna Beverage and Shirley Doolittle – whose cinnamon rolls are heavenly.
The shop had a grand re-opening Tuesday, just in time for Wallech’s favorite holiday – Valentine’s Day.
“Valentine’s is my very favorite holiday,” she said. “I don’t know why, but it just is. I do fresh flowers for Valentine’s. Last year we had great success with it and hope to this year again.”
Wallech also plans to have a variety of chocolate truffles for those wanting a special flower and chocolate combo for their Valentine this year.
In addition to the shop, Wallech has hosted monthly craft shows with local artisans, and she plans to continue those this spring. Due to parking issues, the shows will be held at her home, which is a stone’s throw from the new shop.
One of her favorite things about the shop is having a place to sit and chat with visitors – something it lost at previous locations due to cramped space.
Now, with a larger venue, Wallech is happy to have a place for customers and visitors to take a load off and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
“We give away coffee and tea, so it’s always available,” she said. “I missed having people who would just come and get their coffee and chill out for a little while. This sitting area is going to stay so people can come and relax and keep us company.”
The Mtn Shop is open Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will also be open Monday, February 14, for those who need a last minute Valentine’s Day gift.
For more information about gifts and upcoming events, visit the Mtn Shop Facebook page.
