If you’re ready to feel like a kid again, then we have the perfect place to fuel that childlike spirit. We’re back in one of my favorite mountain towns, Brevard, N.C., and we’re visiting a place packed with two-and-a-half stories of fun. Welcome to O.P. Taylor’s toy store.

This place got its start more than two decades ago, and it’s still going strong. In fact, O.P. Taylor’s was recently named one of the top 10 toy stores in the world by USA Today. It’s easy to see why!

Walking through O.P. Taylor’s is kind of like poking around in your grandparents’ attic – if your grandparents happened to be Mr. and Mrs. Claus. It’s a maze of color, sound, and just the right amount of crazy.

There’s that corner in the back with just about every board game you can imagine; there’s science central upstairs with awesome gadgets and experiments just waiting for you; there’s the hall of stuffies ready for a snuggle; and then there’s the land of the LEGOs.

LEGO actually named this store their Retailer of the Year a while back. Whether you’re into LEGO Friends, castles, Star Wars, or Harry Potter, you’ll find it all here at O.P. Taylor’s.

One of the great things about this store is the “finding it” part. You can wander the creaking floors and let your eyes and hands explore. That’s something you just can’t replicate with online shopping. There is something at every price point, which is good for grandpa’s special birthday treat, spending that hard-earned allowance money, or emptying the change tray in the car.

Another wonderful thing about O.P. Taylor’s is its location in Brevard. Just a few steps away, Bracken Mountain Bakery has amazing cookies. The Children’s Center Emporium has great clothes for kids, and all the proceeds help children in need. Plus, Rocky’s has malts and sandwiches that’ll make your mouth water.

Places like O.P. Taylor’s are what help keep our communities connected, through caring people, cool toys, and ties to the town. If you want to visit O.P. Taylor’s, you can find it in downtown Brevard, just up the road from Ingles Markets, or online at OPTaylors.com.

It’s a good time for play time. Your weekend is waiting on The Ingles Open Road.

To learn more about Ingles Markets, visit their website at ingles-markets.com.