Business Spotlight: Europa
A visit to Black Mountain, NC during the holiday season isn’t complete without stepping into Europa, a European-themed gift shop on Cherry Street. Avid European travelers Kim and Tom McMurtry have brought a touch of Europe to Black Mountain’s downtown historic district. “Our favorite time to visit Europe is for the outdoor markets at Christmas, and we try to provide a taste of that experience for our customers,” explains Kim.
A Christmas Wonderland
From live Fraser firs lining the sidewalk to the 6-foot German nutcracker and the brightly lit Moravian stars in the storefront, Europa doesn’t disappoint. With handcrafted Christmas ornaments and decorations from countries like Germany, Italy, Sweden, Scotland, England, Poland, and the Netherlands, shoppers are sure to find a treasure. Seasonal treats are also featured, like German brandy-filled chocolates, lebkuchen, and stollen.
In addition to Christmas decorations, shoppers will discover special gifts for everyone on their lists. Europa offers handcrafts imported from 17 countries, including the largest selection of Polish pottery in Western North Carolina and an impressive selection of German cuckoo clocks. Other highlights include Italian glassware and millefiori jewelry; Scottish tartan and tweed hats, scarves, and handbags; French and Swiss pocket knives; German steins; and Celtic jewelry made in Scotland and England. Unique stocking stuffers and hostess gifts include French and Italian soaps, English teas, Scottish marmalades, and candles handmade in Lithuania.
Europa also offers a personalized gift for fans of genealogy; the McMurtrys have licensed a database of over a million surname histories from countries including Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, England, and Portugal. “We can print for you a history of your last name with your family coat of arms and family motto,” explains Tom. “Or we can print your coat of arms on a T-shirt or a baby bib. It makes a very special gift.”
Europa is located at: 125 Cherry Street in Black Mountain, next to Veranda Café. To learn more or to shop online, visit europafinegifts.com
