The Rural Retreat Depot

06/22/2026

We are so excited to see you this week! Bring a friend Bring a neighbor Bring your family!

06/20/2026

Dear Friends,
Our Depot Foundation is participating in a Giving Day event with the Community Foundation of the New River Valley. Donations made during Giving Day, using the donation portal provided by the CFNRV, may earn us additional cash bonuses. If you wish to support our Foundation’s work to preserve the historic Rural Retreat Depot we would appreciate your donation, no matter HOW small, during Giving Day.
Giving Day is a 24-hour period beginning at noon on Wednesday, June 24, and ending at noon on Thursday, June 25th. Please make your donation using the following link. There, you will find additional information about the Depot Foundation’s mission, and the donation link. Thank you in advance for your support! Note: You can make a donation through this link anytime between now and noon on June 25th. The Depot will still get you donation, and will benefit from being part of the Community Foundation’s event.
https://www.givelocalnrv.org/organization/Rural-Retreat-Depot-Foundation
If you wish to donate by check, please mail it to Rural Retreat Depot Foundation, P.O. Box 843, Rural Retreat, VA 24368. For us to not only benefit from your donation but also to be eligible for prizes from the Community Foundation, your check must be dated before June 24th. Thank you!!
The Rural Retreat Depot Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation. Donations may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax preparer for further information.

06/18/2026

The Depot Foundation has lost a very dear friend and devoted supporter with the passing of Ron Penton on June 6, 2026.
Ron and his wife Barbara moved to Rural Retreat and soon became faithful Depot volunteers. Quiet, humble, and always willing to help, Ron never sought the spotlight—he simply showed up and got things done. His efforts are still visible all around us: the large green “billboard” signs on Main Street, the Depot History display in the Museum that he built from three salvaged interior doors, and the Visitor Information box by the front door.
His famous “Chicken Coop Castles” were always popular auction items and major fundraisers, but they were only part of the story. Ron spent countless hours collecting, cleaning, and preparing donated items for every auction. He and Barbara served as docents during the Smithsonian Traveling Exposition, and Ron helped assemble the elaborate exhibit kits—not once, but twice. He even assisted in moving the entire exhibit to the Wytheville Museum. Every Wednesday you could count on Ron to help set up and take down the tents and tables for the Farmers Market. And every Christmas, he made sure our tree stood tall and shone brightly for the community.
Rest in peace, Ron. You will not soon be forgotten. Thank you for every quiet act of service you gave so generously to the Depot.

06/18/2026

Ron Penton contributed to the Depot in so many ways.

06/18/2026

The Depot Foundation has lost a very dear friend and devoted supporter with the passing of Ron Penton on June 6, 2026.
Ron and his wife Barbara moved to Rural Retreat and soon became faithful Depot volunteers. Quiet, humble, and always willing to help, Ron never sought the spotlight—he simply showed up and got things done. His efforts are still visible all around us: the large green “billboard” signs on Main Street, the Depot History display in the Museum that he built from three salvaged interior doors, and the Visitor Information box by the front door.
His famous “Chicken Coop Castles” were always popular auction items and major fundraisers, but they were only part of the story. Ron spent countless hours collecting, cleaning, and preparing donated items for every auction. He and Barbara served as docents during the Smithsonian Traveling Exposition, and Ron helped assemble the elaborate exhibit kits—not once, but twice. He even assisted in moving the entire exhibit to the Wytheville Museum. Every Wednesday you could count on Ron to help set up and take down the tents and tables for the Farmers Market. And every Christmas, he made sure our tree stood tall and shone brightly for the community.
Rest in peace, Ron. You will not soon be forgotten. Thank you for every quiet act of service you gave so generously to the Depot.

06/15/2026

Our vendors are busy this week preparing for Wednesday. We will offer a diverse selection of products, including fruits, vegetables, eggs, baked and canned goods, milled flour, and artisan crafts.
Town of Rural Retreat

06/15/2026

Employement Opportunity
The Town of Rural Retreat is accepting applications for the full time position of Town Treasurer/Clerk of Council. To view position description and application https://www.townofruralretreat.com/employment/index.php

06/15/2026