Summary: If you love honey, beekeeping, handmade products, or visiting places where people make you…read morefeel like family the moment you walk in, Blue Ridge Honey Company needs to be on your list. We made the 90-minute drive two days in a row because one visit simply was not enough. Between the honey tastings, incredible staff, behind-the-scenes tour, body balms, bee pollen, beekeeping supplies, handmade candles, and warm hospitality, it truly felt like stepping into a honey wonderland. We came home with lots of goodies, huge smiles, and absolutely no regrets, except maybe not buying even more Sourwood honey.
In Full: Wow! I had the time of my life touring Blue Ridge Honey Company, sampling amazing products, and meeting some truly wonderful people. I tasted Sourwood, purple, Tupelo, mountain wildflower, and several creamed honeys for the first time. The blueberry and blackberry creamed honeys were fantastic, and the habanero-infused honey was delicious. But the Sourwood honey stole the show. It was buttery smooth, slightly nutty, and hands down the best honey we have ever tasted.
Sampling the different varieties was a blast, but be warned: once you start tasting, you will want to buy everything.
Keneddi introduced me to their new Tallow Honey Balm, and she was right when she said a little goes a long way. It felt amazing, smelled wonderful, and worked so well that we literally turned the car around and went back to buy it. We also picked up the passionfruit Whipped Body Butter, which is equally impressive. Keneddi was incredibly sweet, knowledgeable, and made the experience even more enjoyable.
One thing that stood out was the atmosphere. The entire place feels like family. I actually asked if everyone was related because of how close-knit and welcoming everyone seemed. The answer was no, but it certainly feels that way. Everyone spoke highly of owners Bob and Suzette Binnie, as well as their coworkers, which says a lot about the culture they've built.
The store itself is bright, inviting, and packed with products. There was more honey than I have ever seen in one place. Even without a formal tour, visitors can view much of the operation through large observation windows, making the experience educational as well as fun.
Marilyn went above and beyond by giving us an impromptu private tour. She patiently answered our endless questions, shared the company's history, and made us feel incredibly welcome. We truly appreciated her time and generosity.
The first visit was so much fun that we drove 90 minutes back the very next day for more goodies, especially more Sourwood honey. Everyone was helpful and knowledgeable without being pushy, and the tasting experience alone is worth the trip.
Tera helped us save money on pellets by pointing us toward a larger, more economical bag. Lisa was also incredibly kind and helpful. We sampled a wide variety of honeys and learned a great deal.
I also fell in love with their bee pollen and brought home two jars. Next time, I may need the five-pound bag.
The selection is impressive: honey, candles, body products, books, apparel, beekeeping supplies, and much more. They even sell candle-making molds, supplies, and instructional books. Marilyn handcrafts many of the candles, and they are beautiful.
We also briefly met Bob, Syleena, and John while a truckload of honey was arriving in the rain. Everyone we encountered was friendly, hardworking, and genuinely happy.
As a bonus, we picked up a Dadant smoker and can confidently say it lives up to the hype. It lights easier, stays lit longer, and outperformed our old smoker in every way.
Thank you to everyone at Blue Ridge Honey Company for the incredible hospitality. You made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. To anyone considering a visit: go. It is absolutely worth the trip, and you will not be disappointed!
