GAP MILLS W.Va. (WVDN) – Tucked away in the quaint town of Gap Mills, visitors will find a storefront that exudes nostalgia. The Old Gap Mills Country Store is not your typical retail experience with all of the hustle and bustle. Instead, life moves a little less hurried in this part of the world. Family owned and operated by Eric, Lisa and Matthew Heavener, The Old Gap Mills Country Store is very much a labor of love. “This is for my son, so that he has a future,” says owner Lisa Heavener. “This little store is perfect for him, so that’s the main reason that we did it.”
In October 2022, the Heaveners purchased the building that was previously a furniture store and has transformed it into a specialty shop that not only carries home decor, locally made products and wellness items but also features an espresso bar where you will find hot and cold coffee, Italian soda, tea, milkshakes and hand-dipped Hershey’s ice cream.
Mike Belcher, Greenbrier County resident and customer of Old Gap Mills Country Store enjoys visiting when he travels to Monroe County. “It’s a great little country store,” he says. “It has a nice setting that makes you feel at home.”
With 2025 just underway, the owners have some ideas for the new year ahead but aren’t quite ready to release the details just yet. In the meantime, they plan to continue adding new inventory and promoting their specialty foods, wellness items and local products.
“I also carry Aunt Nan’s Jams, which is made locally here in Gap Mills,” Heavener says. Speaking of food items, tomato lovers may enjoy the Fried Green Tomato Seasoned Cornmeal Fry Mix by Calhoun Bend Mill. For those who crave local honey, you will find jars of Sweet Valley Bee Company on the shelves.
Whether you take a moment to walk into the store or scroll through their social media photos, it’s easy to see what matters most to the owners of Old Gap Mills Country Store. Family, community and tradition are clearly at the heart of this business. When asked about their customers, Lisa Heavener was quick to offer appreciation. “We are thankful to our customers for their support and look forward to serving the community for many years to come,” she says.
The Old Gap Mills Country Store is located at 8869 Sweet Springs Valley Road in Gap Mills, West Virginia. Winter hours are effective through March and are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday. For more information, search ‘Old Gap Mills Country Store’ on Facebook or call 304-772-4178.
