The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, VA (VR) – Clifton Forge has a new destination for outdoor enthusiasts and curious shoppers alike. Happie Hippie Camp Store, owned by Jason and Tracy Klein, is bringing camping essentials, friendly service, and a fresh local spirit to Main Street.
Jason and Tracy’s story began in Birmingham, Alabama, where they grew up and attended high school together. They dated briefly, reconnected on Facebook in 2011, married in 2012, and later lived in Jackson, Mississippi, until moving to Clifton Forge in 2023. Jason works remotely as an Account Executive for Mississippi Public Broadcasting, where he previously served 17 years as director of radio, while Tracy runs the store and has worked in IT, banking, teaching, and other fields. Together, they are the proud parents of three adult children: Elisabeth, Alex, and Calvin.
When asked what can be found at Happie Hippie Camp Store, the answer is simple: “a little bit of everything.” The shop offers fishing, camping, and hiking gear, along with apparel, shoes, unique candy, Baja blankets, hats, hammocks, and more. The goal is to offer something for everyone.
The Kleins said they chose Clifton Forge to open the store for several reasons. “One because we live here,” they said. “We love the community, and it has such strong female business leaders. Most of the businesses in town are run by women. We wanted to be a part of the town’s revitalization efforts and community, and we felt that something was missing in town.”
That missing piece, they said, was a local camping and outdoor store. Living near Douthat State Park, they saw a need for a place where people could buy fishing licenses, poles, and other outdoor necessities without having to travel to Walmart.
Customers can expect a welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood gathering place than a retail shop. “I always tell Jason that our store feels like the sitcom ‘Cheers’, Tracy said. “We greet everyone who comes in the door, and want them to feel at home and at ease. “We want our customers to feel valued and appreciated and a little happier when they leave our store, even if they don’t buy anything she added.”
Looking ahead, the Kleins hope to expand their selection of winter apparel and outerwear so they can better serve local shoppers during the colder months and help fill a gap in holiday and winter shopping.
For those stopping by, there’s one more thing to know they have live minnows!
Happie Hippie Camp Store is located at 531 Main St., Clifton Forge, VA and is quickly becoming more than just a place to pick up supplies. It is a local business built on community, personality, and a desire to make every customer feel welcome.
The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
