My Real-Life Hallmark (Minus the Snowdrifts)

Recently, a dear friend from grade school came to visit Craig and me in Morganton. She worked a shift with us at the store, joined us for dinner with friends just down the street, and the next night we did it all again at another favorite spot. Morganton magic was on full display — friendly faces, great conversation, and a whole lot of warmth.

As she hugged goodbye, she laughed and said, “You two live in a real-life Hallmark movie.”

And honestly… she’s not wrong.

I looked up what makes a Hallmark movie tick. Three things stood out:
Personal growth. Small-town setting. Festive atmosphere.

✔️ Personal growth: After years in high-stress jobs (me as a project manager, Craig managing three family stores in Vermont), we traded deadlines for dreamlines. We left our snow-covered hometown behind, said goodbye to subzero winters, and said hello to creative joy — I get to paint, Craig channels his inner Willy Wonka, and together we get to build something that makes people smile.

✔️ Small-town setting: My brother first told us about Morganton, calling it “the perfect place for you two.” He was right. We signed a lease the same day we arrived, met neighbors who became lifelong friends, and immediately knew we were home.

✔️ Festive atmosphere: Well, we did open a year-round Christmas, Fudge, and Candy store — that part pretty much writes itself!

We may never make a million dollars, but we’ve created a life full of sweetness, laughter, and friendship — and that’s our happily ever after.

Plus… did I mention the handsome leading man?