Last Updated on February 3, 2026
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we can feel our sweet tooth getting stronger—homing in on delicious chocolates, cakes, and pastries.
Tucked into the foothills of Western North Carolina, there are so many places to indulge your sweet tooth in Polk County! The charming town of Saluda alone offers a variety of top-notch amenities, including great dining. That means Saluda residents don’t have to go far to find some of the best morning pastries and late-night desserts around!
Here are just a handful of sweet spots to find great treats around Saluda, NC.
M.A. Pace General Store
M.A. Pace’s traces its history back to 1899 and has retained the look and feel of an older hardware and general store. Today, Pace’s carries staples like bread and milk, but also other essential items for mountain life. Browse the store, and you’ll find everything from local vegetables, jams, and honey to rakes and paint—and an assortment of classic candies to satisfy your sweet tooth! Original scales, carts, and cash registers are on display to illustrate the long history of the store.
60 E Main Street, Saluda | (828) 749-2401 | facebook.com/M-A-Pace-General-Store
The Orchard Inn
Newman’s Restaurant at the Orchard Inn offers fabulous mountain views from every table in the dining room or outside terrace. The serenity of the surroundings, combined with the culinary artistry of the kitchen, is sure to translate to a sumptuous three-course dinner or Sunday brunch. Their upscale, farm-to-table menu is built around locally-sourced, organic ingredients that are chosen based on seasonal availability. But save room for dessert! Their indulgent dessert menu includes something called a “chocolate decadence cake” that lives up to its name!
100 Orchard Inn Lane, Saluda | (828) 827-4708 | orchardinn.com
Purple Onion
Don’t miss this restaurant located in Historic Saluda, with outdoor dog-friendly dining available and live music on Thursday and Saturday nights. The Purple Onion features a variety of ethnically inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean’s simple and healthful cuisine. Choose from starters, salads, upscale entrees, and pizzas. And don’t miss your chance to try one of their exclusive homemade desserts, including vegan options.
16 E Main Street, Saluda | (828) 749-1179 | purpleonionsaluda.com
Wakey Monkey
Pop around the corner from Main Street, duck behind City Hall, and you’ll discover Saluda’s premier coffeeshop, Wakey Monkey. They offer something for everyone to enjoy, including an assortment of baked goods like fresh cinnamon rolls and a daily selection of pastries to start a sweet day. They also offer elevated breakfast and brunch items, and a selection of classic sandwiches for lunch. No monkeying around.
28 Church Street, Saluda | (828) 769-9040 | wakeymonkey.com
Wildflour Bakery
At Wildflour Bakery, breakfast and baked goods are served all day! Enjoy fresh local eggs, Wildflour toast, and North Carolina grits. Or try one of their delicious fresh-baked scones or sticky buns. The bakery also has a full selection of lunch items, including sandwiches on their famous breads, and delicious desserts. No wonder they’ve been a local favorite since 1981! Don’t visit alone—your leashed pup can tag along to one of the outdoor tables on their covered patio.
173 E Main Street, Saluda | (828) 749-3356 | wildflourbakerync.com
Live the sweet life in Saluda, NC!
Saluda, NC is an historic Victorian mountain village at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is famous for sitting at the top of the Norfolk Southern Railway’s Saluda Grade, the steepest mainline standard gauge railroad line in the country. At the turn of the 20th century, Saluda became a favorite mountain destination to escape the sweltering summer heat of lower latitudes. Since the 1960s, Saluda has experienced a steady growth of people seeking simpler, more peaceful lives. Today, the town of less than 1,000 is home to many artists and craftspeople, and the downtown area is recognized as a National Historic District.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home in Saluda, NC!
