I've driven by The Beehive what seems like a zillion times over the past month or so as I've dealt…read morewith my father's hospice, subsequent death, and now dealing with his home in nearby Putnam County.
Today, I spent some time clearing out my father's home and helping my nephew, who'd been staying with him prior to his death, settled in a new residential situation.
As I was driving through Danville on the way home, I stopped at the town square and decided to have a late lunch in the area. To be honest, I headed first to Square Burger. However, as a wheelchair user I was dismayed to see a step into their establishment.
No go.
I wasn't in the mood for Mayberry Cafe despite my love for the place. I looked over and realized this was a great chance to check out The Beehive.
The Beehive is just off the square and shares a building with Two Guys Pies. The US 36 entrance is not wheelchair friendly, however, the back entrance has a nice concrete ramp (I did find the sidewalk a bit narrow - I noticed as I entered here that had I desired to visit Two Guys Pies there was a bicycle on the sidewalk that would have easily blocked my access).
This is an attractive building. The Beehive has been here a little over 10 years. I'm not sure I'll describe The Beehive accurately - it's sort of a coffeehouse meets breakfast/lunch joint where you can also get fresh, local honey and other frozen goods to take out. They do catering and offer deli sandwiches, beer/wine carryout, a build your own salad menu, local meat and produce, and the aforementioned frozen goods. They also have a small retail area where you can buy honey, t-shirts, and other items. A good amount of their sweets utilize honey instead of sugar.
I parked on the square in one of their accessible spots (parking is free, up to 5 hours for accessible parking but only two hours for others). I wheeled around the building - someone was planting plants/flowers and was super friendly and stopped his work to make sure I could get through). They close at 4pm on Saturdays - I arrived about 3ish. I ordered one of their combos that included a 1/2 sandwich, chips, and a drink. They do have unsweetened iced tea, fountain drinks, and a variety of canned/bottled drinks (including Choc-ola!). They also have a ton of coffee/latte type options.
I found the prices to be reasonable. This is especially true given these are healthier options (though certainly not everything here qualifies as "healthy.").
The employees were friendly. They were quiet, however, service was quite good.
I loved the atmosphere. I had zero issues finding a wheelchair friendly table. I could independently reach everything I needed, though I'm sure they'd have assisted if needed.
This wasn't a mind-blowing experience. It was simply a really good lunch in a pleasing atmosphere at a fair price. After an emotional experience like clearing out my family home (which isn't yet done), this was a great way to relax and calm the emotions. I enjoyed the sandwich, which is toasted, and they had Miss Vickie's potato chips.
I'm not sure why it took me so long to stop here, however, I'd easily return for the simple yet wonderful menu, great drinks, warm atmosphere, and friendly employees.
