by Mimi Montgomery

It’s no secret that the Triangle is home to a bustling entrepreneurial scene filled with artistic craftspeople. That’s clear the moment you walk into Gather, a one-of-a-kind gift shop and co-working space in downtown Cary. This eclectic spot is home to an array of home decor, jewelry, stationery, and culinary treats, most of which are made by local artisans and carefully chosen by Michelle Smith, the shop’s owner.

The back of the shop hosts a cheerful co-working community where members rent offices and meet in communal space with other local entrepreneurs. And, of course, no good work space would be complete without an ample supply of caffeine, which Gather provides with a bar stocked with handmade sodas, local chocolates and pastries, and barista-prepared, regionally roasted coffee and tea.

Be sure to sign up for one of Gather’s September classes soon. After this month, the Cary location will close and its headquarters will move to downtown Raleigh on Franklin St., where Smith is creating a studio and pop-up shop that will carry a more tailored selection of local wares. Don’t worry, you won’t have to go without your Gather fix for long – she anticipates the new place to be open by mid-October.

Upcoming Classes

Block Printing Basics with Erica Fink

Sept. 3, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$40

Weaving 101 with Erica Fink

Sept. 10 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$40

Quilting Basics with Kelsey Boes

Sept. 15, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

$40

Create your own Stationery Workshop with One & Only

Sept. 22, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$55

Poet’s Café

Sept. 24, 7 – 9 p.m.

111 West Chatham St., Cary; Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m.; Cary location closes Oct. 1; gathernc.com