Photo: Stripling's
Photo: Joe Cunningham
Photo: Stripling's
Stripling's General Store
★4.4(314 reviews)$Farm
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers are enchanted by the farm animals and simple pleasures of a country store, while elementary-aged kids enjoy picking out treats, exploring the vintage items, and learning about rural life and local food traditions.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
About
Step back in time at Stripling's General Store, a beloved historic country store that delights families with its authentic rural Virginia charm, friendly farm animals to visit, and delicious homemade treats. Kids will love exploring the old-fashioned store filled with penny candy, local goods, and vintage treasures while parents appreciate the quality meats from the butcher shop and locally-made products.
Highlights
- ✓Visiting friendly farm animals on the property
- ✓Choosing from old-fashioned penny candy selections
- ✓Exploring the vintage country store atmosphere with authentic historic charm
- ✓Sampling homemade treats and locally-made goodies
- ✓Learning about traditional butcher shop operations and local food
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit the farm animals first thing in the morning when they're most active and before it gets too hot in summer months
- 2.Bring cash for the penny candy selection - letting kids choose their own treats is a highlight of the visit
- 3.Stop by the butcher counter for their famous country ham and homemade sausages to take home for dinner
- 4.Check out the gift shop section for unique Virginia-made souvenirs and locally-crafted items you won't find elsewhere
- 5.Arrive during weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and have more personal interaction with staff and animals
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience with easier parking and more attentive service. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable weather for enjoying the outdoor farm animals, though the cozy country store atmosphere is wonderful year-round.
What to Know
This is a working general store with free admission - you only pay for what you purchase. Parking is available on-site, and the store offers a genuine shopping experience rather than a structured attraction, so visits are self-guided and casual.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with shorter Sunday hours (12:00-6:00 PM). Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor animal visits. Check for special holiday events and seasonal treats during Christmas and harvest season.
Nearby Eats
Pack a picnic with treats from the store to enjoy at nearby parks, or head into Charlottesville (about 15-20 minutes away) for numerous family-friendly dining options including farm-to-table restaurants and classic kid favorites.
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