Heart of Carolina

For a shopping experience that really shows some love for North Carolina, you can’t beat Heart of Carolina at the Cotton Exchange in Historic Downtown Wilmington.

Heart of Carolina is a boutique shop that collects locally crafted and Carolina-themed products where you can experience gifts and treats native to the Cape Fear area and North Carolina. An authentically NC shopping experience, Heart of Carolina showcases the best that North Carolina has to offer. If you live nearby, you can support small businesses and artisans and invest in items handcrafted by your neighbors. If you’re a visitor, you can take home a very personal souvenir — even one made by hand by a real Carolina artisan.

Heart of Carolina Has Something for Everyone

What a treat it is to browse at this shop that truly has something for everyone, from tasty goodies to locally-forged ironworks. At Heart of Carolina you’ll find:

• Homegrown wines and hand-blown wine glasses
• Jewelry from Sea Glass, Sea Stamped, and Three Little Pearls
• Soaps, lotions, bath salts, lip balms, and more handcrafted beauty products
• Men’s shave sets
• Hand-forged oyster shuckers, fire pits, chairs, and art
• Cozy quilts
• North Carolina’s finest craft beers
• Peanuts, pecans, pickles, jams, hot sauces, and lots more yummy stuff
• Pottery, purses, wooden tables, oil lantern rocks —you name it!

Look through their gallery of products for something special you may be searching for! They are always adding new and exciting items to their eclectic mix.

Owner Has a Vision for Heart of Carolina

Owner Anna LaRue prides herself on selling quality handmade products made in North Carolina.

“Our store is all about embracing unique talent and vision,” she says. “Bringing local goods to our shop is our way of promoting the wonderful creations of the talented men and women of North Carolina.”

LaRue is a North Carolina native who grew up in St. Pauls, Robeson County, on a small farm. Her family often vacationed at the beach, so a love for salt air, sun, and surf settled in her bones. She has traveled the world and is an Air Force veteran, but she’s put down roots for good in the Wilmington area.

Heart of Carolina manager Lisa LaRue is a transplant who was born to be a Carolinian. She put in 29 years at Wells Fargo Bank and many years in snowy Pennsylvania, but she’s been here in Wilmington more than 10 years now and there’s no looking back. She’ll gladly help you find just the special, handmade Carolina items you need in Heart of Carolina.

Think Globally — Buy Local

When you buy from Heart of Carolina, you support small businessmen and women and help the local commerce in Wilmington. Your money stays right in your own neighborhood. And you support the talents of North Carolina artisans, smiths, brewers and vintners, craftspeople, and musicians.

This store’s partnership with North Carolina producers and artisans offers craftspeople a market for their products, showcases North Carolina goods and products, and offers you merchandise you can’t find elsewhere.

Heart of Carolina is at 312 Nutt Street in the Cotton Exchange in downtown Wilmington, NC.