Gifts Made in Huntersville

We give gifts for many occasions and sometimes the best gift is one that connects back to Huntersville.

A basket of locally made items makes for a perfect housewarming present. A thank you gift to a teacher, coach, or bus driver from a local maker can feel more personal and thoughtful. A wedding or party favor made here in Huntersville carries a story guests can take home. Even a birthday gift to someone who has lived in Huntersville for a long time can feel nostalgic or exciting, depending on whether they've tried it before.

There's something else there, too. Giving something local supports small businesses and the neighborhood, and that adds another layer of meaning.

Whatever the occasion, here are products made right here in Huntersville worth giving.

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Midas Spring Water bottled water 

Midas Spring Water comes from a spring in Huntersville, adjacent to the Latta Nature Preserve and is bottled at the source. Founded in 1871, Midas is the oldest company in Mecklenburg County and was one of the first bottled water companies in the US. The water is unaltered; nothing is added or removed, and they publish the full chemistry of minerals on the label. This water comes from a protected aquifer, naturally shielded from potential groundwater contamination.  Water is sold in both plastic bottles (500 ml and 5 Gallon jugs) as well as larger (10 Liter and 5 Liter) boxes.

‍How to Use: Perfect for house guests, wedding attendees, or anyone you're hosting. This one's meant to be enjoyed during the visit rather than packed for the trip home. 

‍Where to Purchase: You can get Midas Spring Water at their facility on Beatties Ford Road.

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Murto Made small-batch spirits

Jon Murto opened Huntersville's only micro-distillery in 2017, producing small-batch spirits from a 200-gallon still. The vodka is made with North Carolina-sourced grains and Midas Spring Water, distilled six times and charcoal filtered. The lineup of spirits made in Huntersville also includes a Bananas Foster rum, a Carolina Whiskey, a homemade Amaretto, and a Cafe Mocha liqueur.  

How to Use: Serve a signature cocktail at a party or wedding, and a bottle of the associated spirit becomes a gift that can be given in the immediate future or much later. Since spirits keep indefinitely, there's no pressure to open it right away. 

Where to Purchase: Find Murto Made Distillery in an industrial business park on Ramah Church Road in a quaint, speakeasy-style cocktail lounge.

Nostalgia Chocolate chocolate bars

The chocolate made by Nostalgia Chocolate is handcrafted in small batches, start to finish, right here in Huntersville. Owner and chocolate maker Tyler Cagwin sources whole cacao beans from eight countries and roasts and grinds them himself. Cacao from different countries produces distinct flavors, and Nostalgia Chocolate carries a wide variety of options. You can watch Tyler make it in his little storefront in the heart of downtown Huntersville and sample the assorted varieties.

How to Use: Chocolate bars make for great one-off gifts but also create a tasting experience. Purchase multiple bars and let people sample and compare them. If timing allows, include a stop in at the shop as part of the visit.

Where to Purchase: You can get Nostalgia Chocolate in the storefront on Maxwell Avenue or check [his website] for current retail locations.

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Queen's Orders Honey raw local honey

Queen's Orders Honey is a Huntersville apiary run by Justin, a local who graduated from Hopewell High School and started keeping bees in 2018. Their main apiary is here in Huntersville. The honey changes with the seasons: lighter and milder in early spring, and darker and richer as summer arrives. In addition to the raw varietal honey, Queen's Orders carries seasonal options like lavender-infused honey and cut comb, which is honey still in the honeycomb as the bees left it. 

How to Use: Honey is one of the easiest gifts to give to almost anyone because it's versatile and keeps well. It works on a charcuterie board, stirred into tea, on biscuits, or straight from the jar. Buy a couple of varieties and let people taste the difference. Note that batches sell out seasonally, so check availability before you plan to give it.

Where to Purchase: Queen's Orders Honey is available through their website.

Yah’s Best Products - assorted salsas, jams, and more

Yah's Best began in 1995 when Suzanne McCord Crawford ("Yah") served a batch of salsa from fresh produce grown on their family farm on McCord Road. Today, they sell over 75 different products, from salsa to jams to pickles and baked goods, all made on site in Huntersville. Everything (except for the baked goods) is gluten free. Their products are used by individuals and restaurants around the world. The business is family owned and family run across three generations of women.

How to Use: Combine a few options and serve with a homemade charcuterie board or picnic spread, and send folks home with sealed jars so they can remember the experience. Or, follow up the next holiday season with a Gift Box of guest's favorites. 

Where to Purchase: You can get Yah's Best Products on their website or their roadside stand, or in store at Spring Water Farms Farm House or The Bradford Market.