Saluda – It is hard to believe that in just eight weeks Christmas will be knocking on all of our doors. It is never too early to start Christmas shopping and that is exactly how Elizabeth Smith, owner of Harbor17, feels about the most wonderful time of year. Smith will be hosting Harbor Holiday Market, November 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Established in 2017, Harbor17 has something special for all who shop. When asked why Smith decided to open the family business, she answered, “I have always wanted to have a warm and inviting home, and once I did that, I realized I wanted everyone else to have the same opportunity in their home.” 

 

Harbor17 has multiple collections, each specifically designed to the geographical location of the shoppers choice. It is interesting to know that the 17 of Harbor17 came to be from Hwy 17, which is the highway that travels up the coast. 

 

Smith, a lover of both the coast and mountains said it was of upmost importance to cover all of the bases when making this dream a reality. The coast and mountains are sentimental to the Smith family. The Nantahala is what Smith called the home base collection, “Nantahala is home to us and we love it, so we created a collection around it.” The rest of the collections range from the coast to vineyards. Smith believes it is important to notice all of the beauty, whether that is the coast or the mountains in your own backyard. 

 

Before the craziness of Christmas begins, Smith is encouraging those who come to shop on November 2 to bring a donation for Samaritans Purse, Operation Christmas Child (OCC). If shoppers bring a donation to the Harbor Holiday Market they will be entered into a drawing for a handpicked by gift basket full of Harbor17 goodies. 

 

Smith believes that this time of year is important especially for OCC and this is one small step the community can help with to give back to such a good cause. The items donated will be used at the Polk County Library OCC packing party planned for November 9. 

—By Carson Parnell