Virginia Gift Shop was opened in 1945 by Martha Lou Harnsberger.  The original location was beside the Page Theater on East Main Street (present location of King Chiropractic) and she sold items handcrafted by  artisans and craftsmen throughout Virginia.  Through the years, the shop was also owned and operated by Elizabeth Yates and Mary Kyger.  A retired schoolteacher, Mrs. Yates moved Virginia Gift Shop to the building across the street that is presently occupied by Mama's Treasures.  Later, Mary Kyger moved the gift shop into the East Luray Shopping Center as it became a booming bridal registry and tabletop business.

 

Forty-one years after her aunt opened the shop, Ann Baukhages and husband Fritz, bought the shop in June 1986.  The Baukhages' owned the business for 20 years and grew it into much more than a bridal registry.  Wanting to downsize in early 2001, Ann and Fritz decided to move the business back to East Main Street and share a storefront with Bren's Antiques. 

 

On September 1, 2006 Ann & Fritz passed the baton to Barbie Stombock who worked for them when they first bought the shop in 1986.  In November 2007, Barbie purchased the old H & H building across from Main Street Baptist Church and Virginia Gift Shop was moved once again to a new home.  The building was restored to two storefronts as it was when built in 1941 and we're so proud to have Appalachian Outdoors Adventures as our neighbors.  The new space has provided much needed room for more inventory and new lines are added throughout the year to keep things fresh and interesting.  

 

Barbie is continuing over 65 years of tradition as Virginia Gift Shop is one of Luray's longest continually running businesses.  With the help of her parents (Jane & Bobby Smith) daughters (Shannon & Cara) and many great friends, Barbie looks forward to Virginia Gift Shop being a mainstay in Luray for many more years to come.