There’s no place like Locke Store for the Holidays

If you want to experience some local gems of Virginia this holiday season, you will definitely want to plan a trip to Locke Store. The rustic general store has been in business for more than 176 years. Yes, you read that right—built in 1836, the Locke Store has been operating with an unbroken succession and charm, since 1842.

The fantastic legacy alone should be reason enough to check out this little slice of American history. But, there is also a level of sophistication and quality slow-living atmosphere that you’ll get at Locke Store. That is why we’re officially naming the Locke Store as a top holiday shopping destination in Virginia for any foodie this season.

Make their Perfect Holiday Dessert or buy some freshly made

Delicious, festive spreads are important for any holiday event, but why stress over making every item yourself? Let the professionals provide you with the perfect item to add to your table or take to that upcoming family event.

Believe us when we say, the chefs here know what they’re doing. Whether you need a loaf of freshly baked artisan bread or a festive salad, you’ll find all kinds of mouth-watering goodies at the Locke Store. They use local ingredients to make incredibly high quality cuisine, perfect for sharing with the entire family. Items made in-house, from scratch, include salad dressings, compound butters, ready-to-bake biscuits, granola, pâté and more. Learn a little more about the chefs and their stories here.

Of course, in the indulgence of true holiday spirit, you obviously can’t forget about desserts and bakery items. Pastry Chef Monica Beaudoin was kind enough to share her recipe for their famous Pear Upside Down Cake, baked with local butter and full of the sweetest local pears and caramels. Make this for your holiday party and we guarantee there won’t be any leftovers to take home, so you better make two!

Festive Activities + Spirited Shopping

It’s not hard to get in the holiday spirit when you step into the Locke Store. The whimsical old-timey feel, decorations, and overall spirit make it a destination you won’t want to miss. There are places to eat outside of the store, some limited seating inside, and the Locke Store menu is constantly changing to fit the season. You’ll find down-home comfort in dishes like homemade pot pie, bacon cheddar biscuits, and apple crumb pies. Pair your meal with a local drink and a slice of pie for dessert to have a relaxing afternoon bite that’s also totally Instagram-worthy.

While you’re there, you might as well cross some names off your holiday shopping list. The store stocks many regional products, like fine wine, craft beer and cider. La Vache Caramels, Cordial Coffee, Back Creek Farm Maple Syrup, Feridies Peanuts, and their homemade tomato ginger chutney (must try) are just a few of the irresistible brands they offer. Want to make your shopping easier? They can even build you a custom basket filled with local and Virginia made products. Need some unique stocking stuffers? They got you covered.

The Locke Store is located about an hour away from Washington DC and 20 minutes from our VAFoodie home, Winchester, VA.  Want to make a day out of your trip? After getting one of everything at the Locke Store (literally, get it all), you can visit the historical Burwell-Morgan Mill or the Old Warsaw Galleries right across the street! Honestly, who doesn’t want a cute little holiday getaway like that?

Shop Small this Holiday Season

It’s not just about what you can get or experience at the Locke Store—it’s also about supporting sustainable and community-conscious businesses. When you shop small, you support real family businesses, not just large box store corporations. Not only is Locke Store a locally owned and operated Virginia business, it’s also focused on choosing quality, eco-friendly options. The store is focused on reducing waste as well as committing to making 95% of their packaging compostable to avoid unnecessary landfill bloat (Yay mother Earth!)

Looking for even more reasons to visit Locke Store? First, check out their fantastic Yelp reviews or drool over their gourmet Instagram feed. Then, plan a day trip so you can experience this ultimate foodie destination (please take us with you). Finally, slow down, take some cute pictures, and enjoy your holiday with a bit of VA history and local culinary tradition.