Shop Small in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County This Holiday Season
When you shop small in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County, you’re doing more than checking off your holiday list - you’re supporting the heart and soul of our community. Every purchase from a local shop keeps dollars in our region, strengthens small businesses, and helps preserve the charm and character that make Rockbridge County such a special place to visit and call home.
Lexington’s Charming Boutiques and Artisan Finds
Downtown Lexington is a treasure trove of unique boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores perfect for thoughtful gift-giving. Start your shopping spree at Shenandoah Attic & Victorian Parlour, a charming, multi-section boutique on Nelson Street (with a second gift shop location on South Main) that blends nostalgic general-store vibes with a refined Victorian parlour atmosphere. Pumpkinseeds has been a downtown favorite for 27 years, offering a fun mix of gifts, cute clothes, home & garden wares, and stylish accessories. Step into Sugar Maple Trading Company for a curated collection of new, vintage, and handcrafted items. Browse Walkabout Outfitter for all your outdoor gear needs, or Just Games Lexington for puzzles and games for the whole family. Artists in Cahoots and Cabell Gallery showcase local art, pottery, and jewelry that make one-of-a-kind presents. Don’t forget to stop at Lexington Mercantile for gourmet treats and Virginia-made goodies—or grab a hot cocoa from Pronto Caffe & Gelateria as you stroll down Main Street under the twinkling lights.
Buena Vista’s Hidden Gems and Hometown Spirit
Just a few minutes away, Buena Vista offers a warm, small-town shopping experience with friendly faces and distinctive finds. Visit Coiner Country Store for local & regional products, gifts, home décor, and nostalgic items. (This was formerly Amish Cupboard, so it has a cozy “country store” feel.) Stop by Leaf & Lore, a co-operative bookstore + plant studio. They sell new & used books, host author events, and also have a “studio” where you can pot plants. The atmosphere: warm, inviting, community-oriented. A nice place to linger, browse, and support indie/local enterprises. The BeeVe: Sweet Souvenirs offers Buena Vista-branded apparel, souvenirs, and homemade ice cream (from a nearby creamery). It’s a fun, local spot that captures community pride. Great for gifts, fun mementos, and treats. Swing through Vinyl Cuts for a plethora hometown pride and creativity.
Rockbridge County’s Country Charm
In northern Rockbridge County, Fairfield delivers rustic charm and farm-fresh inspiration. The Quiltery carries a wide variety of quilting supplies for both experienced and beginner quilters. It also supports the local artisan and craft community via classes, events, and connections to local history. For the foodies on your list, stop by Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery to pick up a bottle of locally made wine or craft beer- perfect for holiday gatherings. Close by, you’ll find Wade’s Mill, a historic grist mill selling stone-ground grain products, jarred fruit and vegetable products (including apple butter year-round), Highland County maple syrups, a selection of local food products including cheese, honey, and molasses, and a range of gift items.
In southern Rockbridge County, Layne’s Country Store in Glasgow is a beloved stop dating to 1954. They're known for their old-fashioned candies, local jams, hoop cheese, and country hams.
This season, make your holiday shopping meaningful by keeping it local. Whether you’re browsing boutiques in downtown Lexington, discovering new favorites in Buena Vista, or exploring country stores in Fairfield, you’ll find that every gift tells a story - rooted right here in Rockbridge County.
Shop small. Shop local. Support the places that make our community shine.
