Photo Courtesy of Yankee Candle Company
The best part about visiting a new place is seeing what’s unique to the region and that goes for shopping. Virginia hosts a myriad of stores where tour groups can find something special to bring home. Following is just a small sampling of one-of-a-kind stores to visit in Virginia:
Yankee Candle Flagship, Williamsburg: Known as “the best free group travel stop in Virginia,” the world’s largest candle store will surely give group travelers something to do and see around every corner. The 40,000-square-foot Yankee Candle Flagship is located on Richmond Road in the heart of Virginia’s Historic Triangle. Yankee Candle houses about 400,000 candles in more than 200 scents, but visitors will see that it’s more than just a store. Shoppers can join in with: Wax Works, where they can make wax art – from dipping their own candles and wax hands to making their own jar candle; Popcornopolis, which has flavored popcorn and gourmet popcorn treats; Dylan’s Candy Bar, a candy emporium; and a custom puzzle-making machine and laser gift engravings. Don’t forget to take a walk through Holiday Park, where it’s Christmas all year long, and visit Santa in his Toy Shop. (877-616-6510, yankeecandle.com/flagship)
Smithfield Ham Shoppe. Photo Courtesy of Smithfield & Isle of Wight CVB
Genuine Smithfield Ham Shoppe, Smithfield: On Main Street, in the heart of historic Smithfield, choose from the ever-popular Smithfield hams and other regional items such as Virginia peanuts, wines and pork products. Choose from various types of hams, sauces and spices to biscuits, cakes and desserts. Customers will be thrilled to hear they have no shipping charges for standard delivery. (757-357-1798, smithfieldhams.com)
The Christmas Attic, Alexandria: On Union Street (the oldest street in Alexandria) an 18th century tobacco warehouse is home to The Christmas Attic – a family-run business established in 1971. Described by the Washington Post as “a virtual winter wonderland,” the Christmas Attic carries thousands of holiday items to choose from such as Christmas cards and calendars, ornaments from designers like Chris Radko and accessories to create your very own holiday village. The Attic’s two floors are covered in Christmas decorations and lights. There are Easter and spring, Halloween and wedding accents as well. (703-548-2829, christmasattic.com)
The Cameleer. Photo Courtesy of the Culpeper CVB
The Cameleer, Culpeper: A cameleer is the leader of a camel train and for the people at The Cameleer this name “evoked a vision of strings of camels trekking along the Silk Road, trading in exotic goods of earlier times.” The store, located on East Davis Street, carries products from more than 80 countries; the array of distinct products ranges from arts and crafts and jewelry to clothing, housewares and stationery. (540-825-8073, thecameleer.com)
Blue Crab Bay Co., Melfa: Located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, this internationally recognized specialty food manufacturer is filled with gourmet food and gifts from the Chesapeake Bay area. Customers will get a taste of the region to take home – with products like seafood soups, seasonings, seafood dips and sea- salted snacks, not to mention their award-winning Sting Ray Bloody Mary Mixer with Ocean Clam Juice. (757-787-3430, bluecrabbay.com)
