Bristol is known as the place where the “Big Bang” of country music went down, so it makes sense that The Museum Store at Birthplace of Country Music Museum would offer authentic gifts that celebrate the cities’ deep music roots. From handcrafted items made by local artisans to music-themed jewelry, The Museum Store offers a unique shopping experience this holiday season. The only problem, you’ll want to keep everything for yourself!
1. Music City Suds
The country music themed body products and candle line with names like Clove Miner’s Daughter, A Bar Named Sue, and I Walk the Lime are handmade from natural ingredients. Bars of soap are packaged in reclaimed sheet music.
2. Recycled Vinyl Jewelry, Coasters and Note Pads by Vinylux
Looking for a gift you can’t find anywhere else? The Museum Store features cuff bracelets to coasters made from old country music LPs. Yes, vinyl’s making a comeback; however, this time it doesn’t require a turntable.
3. Birthplace of Country Music Gift Baskets
The Museum Store offers gift baskets full of unique Bristol merchandise and items from regional artisans. From cool Bristol t-shirts to themed mugs, colorful scarfs, and jewelry made from guitar strings, gift baskets from The Museum Store come ready-made or can be customized.
4. Cowboy Boot Breath Mints by Amusemints
Looking for great stocking stuffers? Amusemints are packaged in colorful, cowboy boot tins. Perfect for a unique gift that serves a useful purpose with style.
5. Moon Bound Girl
The Museum Store features Bristol-born artist and muralist Leigh Ann Agee’s Moon Bound Girl series. Agee’s original paintings, posters, and note cards bring new meaning to the phrase, “the higher the hair, the closer to heaven.” Also, her children’s book, Melody’s Music, is the perfect gift for tween girls who have big dreams, as it captures an inspiring story of girl power.
6. Hardwood Toys and Games
Looking for a special gift for a child? Artisan Larry Ball’s hardwood games, toy trains, cars, and farm animals are classic and durable. The best part is that the toys are made in Abingdon, Virginia. These fun toys can be beautifully displayed under the tree without wrapping paper.
7. Artisan Quilts
The Museum Store features quilts from regional artisans, including those from Meadowview, Virginia’s Audra Rasnake. Rasnake is an award-winning artisan whom hand stitches each quilt with an amazing 16 to 18 stitches per inch, exceeding what is considered “museum quality.”
8. Bristol Post Cards
Over the years post cards have become a chic collectible from destinations all over the world. Photographer Briana Morris is a Bristol native whose line of Bristol themed post cards are totally frame worthy. The Museum Store also offers additional postcards that capture Bristol authentic downtown and unique elements of The Museum.
9. Birthplace of Country Music Gift Cards
Too many options? Get a gift card to The Museum Store. Put any dollar amount on the card, as it can be used on anything in The Museum Store, including tickets and Birthplace of Country Music Museum memberships.
10. Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Weekend Passes
Now is the best time to buy Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Weekend Passes. Thru December 31, wristbands are on sale for only $50 (plus Bristol, VA admission tax) per ticket. Also, wristbands will be packaged in a limited edition holiday gift box, no gift wrapping required!
The Museum Store at the Birthplace of Country Music is open Tuesday – Sunday in downtown Bristol.