Blackwater Birds and Bees
On a sun-warmed hill in Zuni, Virginia, Blackwater Birds and Bees isn’t just a honey stop, it’s a whole farm ritual. You wander past goats, chickens, a peacock, and a flock of geese before popping into the on-site shop to grab jars of local honey. In Zuni the pace slows down in a way that sticks with you. James and Kelly-Anne Rasnake are real beekeepers with a knack for making the bees and the land feel approachable, not glossy marketing. They’ll happily talk about their hives, the flowering seasons, and what makes their honey sing. The property doubles as a campsite and a little adventure, with ponds, paddling, and friendly farm animals that invite a longer visit. The store runs on old-school trust, the kind where you jot your name and tally your own jar. If you want a true Virginia honey stop that pairs rustic hospitality with honest bees, Blackwater Birds and Bees is it, and a place you’ll want to return to again and again.