Loft Mountain Wayside — Local services in Grottoes

Visited end of May 2023 (memorial day weekend). It was opened and had a great selection of merch and apparel. They also had snacks and other personal care items if you forgot anything. There was a restaurant connected next to it if you wanted a bite to eat. We just stopped by quickly to use the bathrooms and grab a couple of items like pins and hiking medallions.

There are also have a specific national park passport cancellation stamp here for Loft Mountain for those who are in it to collect them all. We visited earlier in March 2023 but the wayside was not yet open.

In a pinch this is a great stop for food/snacks and a break in between hikes or if you're just cruising skyline drive. Lots of picnic tables outside and plenty of parking while we visited on Friday...

Had more merchandise than the larger visitor center. Also, the poor young woman working the store was doing a great job enforcing mask policy. She offered masks to a couple who entered without masks when they said they had none. They refused, so she politely yet firmly stated No Mask, No Service, as is the Park's policy. They huffed out saying they'll take their business elsewhere. The diligence of front line workers attempting to follow the rules in order to keep EVERYONE safe in these times of COVID are not paid enough to be constantly berated for...

I am really disappointed in the buyer and the staff here. There is very little in terms of actual camping supplies, beyond a few $100 small blankets that have apparently not sold since last season. The buyers really should be able to find a single moderately price warm option to keep in stock.

We had an extremely cold night, and one of the staff decided to buy the last warm $50 blanket to take home, instead of leaving it for someone sleeping outside.

What a total disregard of stewardship. I would be ashamed to behave...