Last week on Quoth the Raven we shared the story of Hope Furnace near Zaleski State Park and we’re back in the area for our Activity Spotlight this week. Located almost exactly in the center of the trek from the Castle to Hope Furnace is Zaleski Candle Works. If you’re looking to add a local shopping trip to your Castle excursion, this is the ideal place!

Zaleski Candle Works opened around April 2010 and has been establishing themselves as a “must visit” ever since. The shop is located in a red barn near 107 Commercial Square in Zaleski – you can’t miss it! You are able to park to the left of the barn itself in the grassy lot.

The gorgeous red barn used to be a livery stable where horse owners would pay a weekly or monthly fee to keep their horses, and is now home to a variety of products from candles and local honey to unique antiques and candle melts. The eye-catching barn is part of The Quilt Barns of Vinton County – another perfect thing to do if you’re looking to spend a few hours seeing the area.

The owner Susan creates the handmade candles and offers an array of scents to choose from and when I say an array, I mean it! I had the honor of checking out Zaleski Candle Works for myself and was blown away by all the choices. One of the many benefits of handmade candles is they tend to not only burn longer but keep their scent longer than mass-produced store-bought candles. Looking to add a little pizzazz to your next event? A unique gift for everyone at the office? Or maybe you need a one-of-a-kind wedding favor? Susan let me know that she does custom-labeled candles for events of all kinds.

Zaleski Candle Works also sells Moonville Tunnel souvenirs and farmhouse/vintage décor. There are personal pickers who select the pieces available to purchase so you know you’re getting something one of a kind! Make sure to keep an eye out on Zaleski Candle Works Facebook page for updates about potential events later in the year or new items/scents being added to the store.

If you make your way out during your stay with us, make sure to let us know what you loved most about the shop and what cool items you picked up. If you’re looking to theme your visit, book a stay in our Candlemaker’s Cottage complete with a corner whirlpool tub, comfy queen bed, and kitchenette.

Molly Smith

Molly Smith is a member of the Ravenwood Detective Agency, and loves to hunt zombies. Her passion for guest satisfaction and love for event planning led her to Ravenwood Castle.