The Shadow
PETERSTOWN- Just off of Route 219 in Peterstown, sits an 80 by 80 foot building up on the top of a rolling green hillside. Built by a local, one can tell that this barn-like structure is new. The deep red paint on the outside is far from chipping stage, and there is no wear and tear yet anywhere. However, when one walks inside, the atmosphere makes it feel like this town hub has been here for decades on end.
Upon entering Appalachian Country Store, the customer is immediately immersed in the community. Shelves are stacked with homemade pumpkin bread, pepperoni rolls, pastries and more. Fridges full of local dairy and high-quality meats line the walls, and friendly local staff are hard at work in the back kitchen, ringing up customers, or making sandwiches at the Deli.
Jeff Miller, owner, tells WVDN how the place first got started. Originally from a large Amish community in Holmes County Ohio, Miller, also a minister, “moved with his little flock” to Monroe County WV, to escape growing congestion up north. In the process of moving, Miller sold his wood-working business and trusted in his faith in the Lord to find new purpose and be of a new service to the people around him.
“When we first moved here several years ago, we just kept asking the community what was needed around here, and the answer people kept giving was food”, Miller said. “There wasn’t a good place for bulk foods or deli meats/cheeses for 45 minutes each way, so we set out to change that.”
And changed that, they have indeed.
The Appalachian Country Store opened in November of 2025. Today, one year later, one will find a large variety of local food there and much more. It is a one-stop shop for a quick bite to eat, a full grocery trip, or a thoughtful gift for a special someone on your list. “We have eight local families supplying products from home,” Miller says with pride.
“A local farmer supplies us with eggs, another with cow’s milk, another with our bread and baked goods. Our produce in the summer is also supplied by the Amish community up the road in Hillsboro, WV.”
Even the Deli Menu is a tribute to then area it serves.
“We’ve named all our homemade sandwiches after the local towns nearby, such as the Ballard Blast, the Rich Creek Rumble, and the Union Upbeat,” Miller mentions with a laugh.
Additionally, the Appalachian Country Store carries reputable name brands such as Walnut Creek, Dutch Kettle, and Baltic Coffee Company.
“We also sell ice cream, custard, and milk from Homestead Creamery near Roanoke, VA,” Miller adds.
He further mentions that one of his best-sellers during the holiday season thus far has been Homestead’s eggnog. Miller chuckles, “between Thanksgiving and New Year’s in 2025 we sold 600 bottles of that stuff!”
In addition to the good eats and eggnog, one will find handmade soaps and lotions, made by local Amanda Reese with Laurel Creek Soaps.
“With her lotions being made of tallow and goat’s milk, it’s a much better natural option for people with sensitive skin”, Miller explains. Appalachian Country Store also has a beautiful selection of locally made poly and rustic wood furniture, “which will be expanded extensively in the coming year,” promises Miller.
When asked about his vision for the future of his store, Miller’s answer was simple, and still true to his original mission of public service.
“Every day, we simply ask God for wisdom, to help us in making good choices for our customers, and in honoring his Kingdom.”
His tried-and-true method of “thinking about it, talking about it, and praying about it” have stood the test of time when it comes to his business, and life in general.
You can bet your bottom dollar the author did not leave the Appalachian Country Store without buying anything, she made sure to grab a bag of “Cinna-Nut” flavored coffee and some home-made “white cranberry protein balls” that were to die for.
She will be back for that eggnog later too.
