Pope Valley Market — Local services in St. Helena

If I could give this place a negative number of stars I would. Stopped by here with a group of cyclists on a ride. Bought a gallon jug of Crystal Geyser water to top off our water bottles and was charged $4.85. At my local grocery store in Calistoga, not more than 15 miles away, I paid $0.89 for the same gallon jug. I realize this is an outpost in the middle of nowhere, virtually, but I do not understand how anyone can do this kind of price gouging with a clear conscience. A fellow cyclist told me that last time he stopped here he was denied access to even tap water. When he questioned the clerk about how they wash their hands, the clerk said they only use hand sanitizer and there is no water in the building....

This is a gathering spot for a community isolated by topography from the hurry and worry of urban life. On several occasions I have had the good fortune to catch the congregation of local citizens as they loiter beneath the watchful gaze of the "no loitering" signs. I like to buy a snack and politely ask permission to join in. I usually keep my mouth shut and enjoy following the drift of the conversation. "Does a rattlesnake have a perineum?" Weighty matters for sure. To me it feels like a trip in time to a forgotten slice of America where people's common struggles with life are more important than their differences. Or maybe I am...

This store has a nice selection, however!! Pope Market is hella expensive. I have never seen a pckg of low quality off brand hotdogs for $7.95 until Pope Market. Last on the subject but huge important......nearest store from Blueridge Dr. So its 23 miles to Pope's or pack a suitcase for the economical store. Oh yea, prepare of run out of gas unless u have a huge gas can full cuz Chevron is almost 2 hrs away. Pope Market has it's grip on ur pocket and is a long drive, but the friendly cashier made it all worth it. Great customer service, capable, and she made me laugh. The 5 stars is due to the cashier being...