Wades Grocery Store in Pearisburg is closing..

[Hikerhead]

that's what the Roanoke Times said today. It will close in 2 or 3 weeks.

On the hikes I've done up there, I really looked forward to seeing that store when I came out of the woods there at 460.

I hope another grocery moves in.

[g8trh8tr]

That sux...I was glad to see it as well....Plus they sell pizza by the slice. Great after hike snack.

[warren doyle]

If only it was the large building on the other side of the bridge that was closing instead.
I considered Wade's to be the best 'on-trail' supermarket for the entire trail.
I'm sure the Super Wal-Mart on the other side of town led to its demise.

An interesting essay prompt:

Compare and contrast the loss of Randall Lee Smith with the loss of Wade's.

[Nicksaari]

this country with this economy spares no mom and pop joint. never been personally, but relished in pictures via internet. shame

[Cookerhiker]

I don't remember the store, probably because Pearisburg was my end point for 2 section hikes, one NOBO and one SOBO, but I'm sorry when any small grocery store goes out of business.

[Lone Wolf]

businesses come and go http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/165601

[Jack Tarlin]

I don't know exactly which "large building" Warren is referring to, but I suspect its the Celco plant, which is actually in Narrows VA, and not Pearisburg.

I don't know how long the Trail has been in this location, but I do know the Celco plant has been there since 1939 and is one of the area's largest employers.

Warren might wish that this place was closed, but I suspect that the families that actually live in the area might feel differently.

[earlyriser26]

I was in Pearisburg last week and was in Wades and WalMart. WalMart is nicer, but the location is poor for hikers. I bet the people of Pearisburg are glad Wades is being replaced by WalMart. Hikers, not so much.

[Jack Tarlin]

Um, WalMart is already a presence in Pearisburg, up at the other end of town.

So Wade's is NOT being replaced by WalMart; Wal-Mart's presence in town is a fait accompli and has been for years.

[Cookerhiker]

I don't know exactly which "large building" Warren is referring to, but I suspect its the Celco plant, which is actually in Narrows VA, and not Pearisburg.

I don't know how long the Trail has been in this location, but I do know the Celco plant has been there since 1939 and is one of the area's largest employers.

Warren might wish that this place was closed, but I suspect that the families that actually live in the area might feel differently.

According to the 2008 Companion, CELCO "...has been working with the ATC and the Forest Service to significantly relocate the Trail north of the river."

[Lone Wolf]

i went by Wade's this morning. they are closed

[Appalachian Tater]

There's a large Food Lion in town, as well.

[tspaquin]

Warren, if you were referring to the chemical plant that was producing the nose and lung-burning fumes we experienced during our hike of 2001 -- then I agree, if only that were the building closing down.

I remember enjoying a delicious bucket of fried chicken at Wade's -- about six months before becoming vegetarian. ;-) Wade's was a great stop indeed.

[SGT Rock]

There's a large Food Lion in town, as well.
Right across from a few good hotels and places to eat.