Canyon Rim Gifts is the kind of roadside stop where you can walk in looking for a simple New River Gorge souvenir and walk out with fudge, a T-shirt, a bag of rocks and something you absolutely did not know you needed.
"Established in 1978, Canyon Rim Gifts has been a staple in the community since the New River Gorge Bridge was built in 1977. As a family-owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on offering unique souvenirs and gifts that celebrate our local heritage," reads the website.
Located on Fayette Mine Road in Lansing, just across from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, the shop is perfectly positioned for anyone visiting the New River Gorge Bridge and surrounding overlooks.
"Discover rare and fun novelties. Canyon Rim Gifts offers a delightful mix of National Park Collectibles, Whitewater Rafting Memorabilia, Hillbillly Gadgets, Gifts and Decor all celebrating the history and beauty of West Virginia and the New River Gorge area," the website continues.
Then there’s the food, which is a pretty compelling reason to stop even if you aren’t shopping for souvenirs, with the Sweet shop next door offering homemade fudge, hand-dipped ice cream and other Appalachian treats.
The fudge is made in-house, with new flavors coming out regularly, and you can sample it before deciding which variety deserves a spot in the bag for the drive home.
Beyond the fudge, the Sweet Shop carries the Appalachian sweet-and-savory things that make a good road-trip stash, including locally sourced jellies and preserves, honey, maple syrup and moonshine pickles.
And then there’s the ice cream, which is hand-dipped and can be turned into a milkshake when a scoop in a cone just isn’t enough.
That's what I did with a cookies & cream base. It's hard to go wrong with ice cream; this was super thick if that's your vibe.
I have some jellies I'll have to try soon.
Have you been?
Grade: B
