The Chronicle’s Cindy Johnson highlights some of her favorite businesses in Batesburg-Leesville.

I have been to Batesburg-Leesville many times, and it is always a treat.

I look forward to spending time there, and always feel better after my visit.

The shop owners and residents are always delighted to sit down and talk.

Batesburg and Leesville are joined, and I am not sure when one ends and the other one begins, but the locals know.

I have been amazed at the shops and great quality of the merchandise. I feel like I am going back in time when things were slower and talking was important as “catching up with a friend.”

Mae’s is a Women’s Clothing Store in downtown Batesburg. The clothes are beautiful and current. I have found unique clothes at good prices.

I love the jewelry. Most of it comes from Europe. There is a lot to choose from.

The shoes are wonderful and look so comfortable.

However, the best thing is Mae. She gives individual attention and can tell stories of the town and of her relation to Strom Thurmond.

I could spend hours in Mae’s. The old cash register has been there for 100 years!

I will get some Christmas gifts there, as she has fun socks for men and women and other unusual things.

Also, in Batesburg is Oak Street Vintage Mall. There are several vendors located in this space. They offer many things that I have never seen before and may be one of a kind.

Oak Street offers furniture, books, glassware and lovely vintage jewelry. Everyone is friendly and loves to talk about antiques.

I love old things and they are full of them. They have extended hours during the holidays and have a festive atmosphere.

While in Leesville, I go to Palmetto Crest Sundry-CBD & More. Dora Hensley is delightful and so much fun. I got several samples of CBDgummies, candy and a cup of coffee. The coffee was perfect and I am picky about my coffee.

Customers come and go and she would find out about their needs and suggest something. She freely gives out samples and will exchange an item, if it doesn’t meet your needs.

She has a great website and is a walking textbook on CBD.

The locals go to the Root Cellar in downtown Batesburg. They have great food and daily specials. I have heard many good reviews.

They offer several burgers, steaks, salmon, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and lots of veggies. Also, they have live music, so I will not forget to slow down, find some time to enjoy a good meal and music, also.

Generations of Batesburg is such a warm and caring place. Hammie said that they are full now, which is a good sign of the great job that they are doing.

They offer independent living in homes that look like cottages. Generations offers assisted living as well. They have a cat and dog to offer some “pet therapy.” I know that they would welcome a phone call for more information.

I can’t wait to see the older, lovely homes and towns decorated for Christmas. I know I will find unusual Christmas goodies.

I think I will buy my gifts this year in Batesburg/Leesville, enjoy the experience, and the parking just outside the stores!

I now have not just acquaintances, but friends that I enjoy in this quaint town.