If you ever find yourself cruising along the Blue Ridge Parkway or tackling the twists of U.S. Route 250, do yourself a favor and pull over at the Rockfish Gap Country Store in Afton, Virginia. As someone who's been exploring this area for years, I can tell you this place is more than just a pit stop—it's a delightful detour into the heart of Virginia's charm.

Perched where Skyline Drive ends, the Blue Ridge Parkway begins, and Route 151 drops toward the valley, it’s the perfect place to stretch, snack, and treasure‑hunt between wineries, overlooks, and trailheads. Back in the 1930s, this building started its life as a peach packing shed for local farmers. By 1965, it transformed into the country store we know today. Located at the start of the climb up Afton Mountain, it's been welcoming visitors from all over the world ever since.

 Getting Here

You'll find the Rockfish Gap Country Store at 8860 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Afton, VA 22920. If you're coming from Charlottesville, it's a scenic drive west on US-250. From Waynesboro, head east on the same route. The store is conveniently located near the junction of I-64 and US-250, making it an easy stop for travelers.

• From Charlottesville: Follow U.S. 250 west for about 25 minutes.

• From Waynesboro/Staunton: Zip east on U.S. 250 or take I‑64 Exit 99, then merge onto 250 east.

Because the store sits two minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance and ten minutes from the first stop on the Route 151 wine & craft‑beverage trail, it’s a natural waypoint for anyone tasting Nelson County reds, chasing waterfalls, or driving the crest.

What You’ll Find Inside

Walking into Rockfish Gap Country Store feels a bit like stepping into the attic of your most interesting and stylish great-aunt — only way more organized. Every corner has something unexpected, and it’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time without even realizing it.

Here’s a deeper dive into what’s on the shelves:

Antiques & Collectibles - If you're into the thrill of the hunt, this is your spot. Think vintage glassware, old-school tins, retro toys, Civil War-era artifacts, pocket watches, rustic tools, and hand-carved walking sticks. I once found a beautiful hand-painted milk jug that now sits on my front porch with flowers spilling out of it every spring.

Local Art & Crafts - You’ll find handcrafted wooden items, Appalachian quilts, hand-poured candles, pottery, birdhouses, and woven baskets — all made by local artisans. Around the holidays, the place really shines with locally made Christmas ornaments and decorations that sell fast, so don’t wait too long.

Home Goods & Decor - There’s an entire section devoted to cozy country-style decor. Expect everything from throw pillows and table runners to framed vintage prints, quirky signs, and old windowpanes turned into mirrors. You’ll also spot an array of April Cornell linens — bright, floral, and totally charming.

Garden & Outdoor Decor - Outside and near the front windows, you’ll see colorful wind chimes, metal yard art, decorative bird baths, and even some seasonal plants. It’s a great stop if you’re trying to give your front porch or garden a little personality.

Books, Toys & Nostalgia - They have a shelf or two of regional books — think ghost stories of the Blue Ridge, local hiking guides, and cookbooks from the Shenandoah Valley. For kids and the young at heart, there’s a fun assortment of vintage-style toys: tin spinning tops, sock monkeys, and marbles in mesh bags.

Clothing & Accessories - There’s a surprisingly cute and ever-changing rack of women’s clothing, scarves, and jewelry — some new, some vintage. If you’re into that farmhouse-chic style, you’ll be in heaven.

Food & Drinks: What to Expect

Let’s talk about snacks — because let’s be honest, a good road trip stop always includes something to munch on.

No Prepared Meals, But Plenty of Nibbles - Rockfish Gap Country Store doesn’t serve hot meals or sandwiches like a deli, so don’t expect to grab lunch here. However, they more than make up for it with a killer selection of packaged goodies and local treats that are perfect for taking on a hike, back to your cabin, or even just to snack on in the car.

Local Jams, Jellies & Honey - This is one of my favorite parts of the store. They carry small-batch preserves made in Virginia — blackberry jam, apple butter, hot pepper jelly, and more. Their honey selection includes raw, local wildflower honey and honey sticks for kids.

Salsas, Sauces & Pickled Things - You’ll find shelves lined with small-batch barbecue sauces, hot sauces, chow-chow, and pickled okra. I always grab a jar of their moonshine pickles — not for the faint of heart, as they pack a punch!

Snacks & Treats - There’s a solid selection of trail mixes, old-fashioned candies (hello, peppermint sticks and candy buttons), roasted peanuts, fudge, and even kettle corn. You’ll also see locally made cheese straws and Virginia peanuts — a classic for a reason.

Beverages - They carry bottled sodas in glass bottles — the kind you haven’t seen since you were a kid. Think RC Cola, Cheerwine, birch beer, and orange cream soda. You can also find bottled water, locally roasted coffee (whole bean or ground), and an occasional local cider or juice.

Local Wines - Yes, they do sell wine! There’s a curated section with bottles from nearby vineyards, making it easy to pick up a taste of the 151 wine trail without driving the whole loop. You’ll find a tidy rack of bottles from nearby vineyards like Veritas Vineyards, Valley Road Vineyards, and Afton Mountain Vineyards. The staff is happy to give you recommendations, especially if you’re buying it as a gift.

10 Interesting & Unusual Facts

1. Peach Roots: The building began life in the 1930s as a peach‑packing shed for local orchards.

2. Re‑Imagined in 1965: It was converted into today’s country store when the peach boom slowed.

3. 7,800 Square Feet of Treasure: The store’s Instagram page proudly pegs the floor space at a labyrinth‑sized 7,800 sq ft.

4. 25+ Antique Vendors: More than two dozen dealers keep the shelves fresh with hand‑picked finds.

5. Year‑Round Christmas Room: A dedicated nook overflows with ornaments, even in July.

6. April Cornell Linens: One of the few Parkway stops stocking these bright, floral tablecloths and runners.

7. Sky‑High Altitude: At roughly 1,900 feet the shop is among the highest antique malls in Virginia, sitting right inside Rockfish Gap.

8. Raptor Central: The famous Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch platform is a short stroll uphill—thousands of hawks pass overhead each fall.

9. Glass‑Bottle Soda Haven: RC Cola, Moon Pie’s classic partner, is usually chilling in the cooler.

10. Route 151 Gateway: The storefront marks the unofficial “shop‑and‑sip” starting line for Nelson County’s craft‑beverage trail.

Pro Tips from a Local

• Plan the Restroom Stop – No public bathrooms here; hit the gas station two miles east first.

• Chat With the Staff – Ask what just came in; inventory flips fast.

• Bring a Cooler – Handy if you’re grabbing wine or heat‑sensitive sweets before cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway.

• Swing by the Blue Ridge Tunnel – The eastern trailhead is five minutes down the hill; pair the two for a half‑day mini‑adventure.

• Holiday Alert – From mid‑November on, the place morphs into a twinkly wonderland—arrive early for the best ornaments.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing fall colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway, sampling Nelson County’s craft sips on Route 151, or just craving a dose of mountain charm, Rockfish Gap Country Store is the stop you didn’t know you needed. Swing in, snack up, and leave with a piece of Blue Ridge history tucked under your arm.

FAQ: Rockfish Gap Country Store

What are the store hours?
The store is open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and most holidays. That said, if you’re heading up on a wintery weekday, it’s never a bad idea to call ahead just in case.

Where is the store located and how do I get there?
You’ll find it at 8860 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Afton, VA 22920 — right off US-250, near the junction with I-64. Coming from Charlottesville? Just head west up Afton Mountain. From Waynesboro, go east. It’s easy to spot thanks to the big red building and the mountain views out back.

Is there food available?
Kind of! The store doesn’t serve prepared meals or deli food, but they do carry a great selection of packaged snacks, local jams, pickles, sauces, trail mixes, and old-fashioned candies. You can also grab bottled sodas, local wine, and sometimes Virginia-made cider or juice.

Do they sell wine or beer?
Yes, they offer a small but well-curated selection of local wines from the nearby Route 151 wine trail. They do not sell beer, though.

Can I buy handmade or local gifts there?
Absolutely! From handcrafted wooden bowls and candles to locally made quilts, pottery, and jewelry, this is one of the best spots in the area for a truly unique gift or souvenir. It’s also a great place to shop for the holidays.

Is there parking available?
Yes — they’ve got a decent-sized parking lot right out front, and it’s free. Even if you’re in a larger vehicle or hauling a trailer, you should be able to find a spot.

Are there public restrooms?
Nope. Unfortunately, the store does not have public restrooms, so plan accordingly before you arrive.

Is the store wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the store is wheelchair accessible, including wide walkways inside for easier browsing.

Do they accept credit cards?
Yep! They take all major credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard.

Can I bring my dog inside?
They’re generally pet-friendly, especially for small, well-behaved dogs. If it’s a quiet day and your pup is on a leash, they’ll probably be welcome — though it’s always polite to ask the staff first.

Do they change inventory often?
Yes! The store’s inventory shifts seasonally, and there are always new antiques, crafts, and gifts arriving. Around the holidays, they bring out themed decorations and specialty items, so it's worth popping in more than once a year.