About Hanna's

Over 100 years ago, James and Jane Hanna immigrated to the United States to find prosperity and live the American Dream, traveling across New England and the Southeast to sell wares collected during their world-wide travels. In 1917, they settled in Blowing Rock, NC and opened a small shop in the still-operating Green Park Inn, eventually moving the store to its current location on Main Street in 1919. At the time, the town was small, with a population of approximately 300, and was strictly seasonal; during the winter, Hanna’s would close, and James and his wife would migrate to Florida, returning to Blowing Rock for the peak Spring and Summer seasons.


After James’ death, George and Thamena Hanna - James’ son and daughter-in-law - purchased the store and continued the tradition of selling antique gifts and oriental rugs that they, too, had collected during their world-wide travels. To meet the demands of their growing business, George and Thamena expanded the store in the late 1980’s with the purchase of the former Yonahlossee Theater building. The town and business continued to grow exponentially, and the Hanna’s vision of success and prosperity for their family became a reality; the store was their life, in which their sense of pride and community togetherness was grounded.


After George’s death in 1990, Thamena elected to keep the store open and has continued to serve the Blowing Rock community with dedication and passion for the past three decades. Her perseverance and pride in the store have kept our doors open, even in the most trying of times, and continue to make Hanna’s one of the most reputable businesses in town. In February 2018, Hanna’s Oriental Rugs & Gifts was awarded the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in celebration of its status as the oldest family-owned-and-operated business currently operating in Blowing Rock; this year, we celebrate our centennial! This would have been impossible without our customers’ continued support - so, to all of our customers, a sincere Thank You - and come back soon!

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