It’s a well-known local business that has been making and selling homemade candies for many years. They are known for a wide variety of chocolates, fudges, and other sweet treats, and it’s a popular stop for both locals and visitors in the area
In 1987, Nancy’s Homemade Fudge founder, Nancy Galli, was trying to satisfy her sweet tooth at her home in Meadows of Dan. She imagined chocolate fudge that was full of chocolate flavor, not too sweet, and just the right texture. Lots of trial and error in her kitchen resulted in her original recipe fudge.
🍬 Nancy’s Candy Company — Sweet Tradition in the Blue Ridge
Nancy’s Candy Company is a long-running confectionery factory and retail destination located at 2684 Jeb Stuart Highway in Meadows of Dan, VA, near Milepost 177.1 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a popular stop for visitors touring the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and for locals with a sweet tooth.
📍 Address: 2684 Jeb Stuart Hwy, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120
📞 Phone: (276) 952-2112 / 800-328-3834
🕐 Typical Hours:
Mon–Sat: ~10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: ~12 PM – 5 PM
Nancy’s Home Made Fudge
📜 History & Origins
Nancy’s began humbly in 1987 when founder Nancy Galli started making fudge in her kitchen in Meadows of Dan. Her goal wasn’t just to make great candy — she also wanted to create jobs and support her rural Appalachian community.
Early on, Galli’s fudge became so popular that she:
Rented commercial space for production
Sold to stores in Virginia and North Carolina
Exhibited at trade shows to grow sales regionally
By 1998, the business had grown enough that she renamed it Nancy’s Candy Company and built a 30,000-square-foot facility on 4.5 acres near the parkway to house manufacturing, warehouse space, and a large outlet store.
🍭 What You’ll Find There
Nancy’s is best known for its wide variety of handmade confections, which include:
✔ Over 45 flavors of fudge
✔ 85 different chocolates
✔ Truffles, brittle, barks, and sugar-free chocolates
✔ Classic candies, chocolate-covered pretzels, and seasonal treats
✔ Fudge Cups — a signature product that helped put Nancy’s on the map 🍫
The outlet store spans roughly 2,500 square feet and offers candy at factory outlet prices, making it a favorite for both visitors and local shoppers.
🍫 Factory Experience & Visit Tips
Watch candy being made: The store features observation windows where visitors can see confectioners at work in the factory kitchen — fun for families and anyone who loves seeing sweets being crafted.
Group tours and bus visits: The company encourages larger groups to call ahead for group discounts on purchases.
Seasonal & holiday offerings: The shop often extends hours during busy seasons and offers seasonal flavors and special candies.
Because it’s right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Nancy’s is commonly included on scenic mountain itineraries, often in combination with nearby attractions like Mabry Mill and local vineyards.
🍬 Company Growth & Legacy
Nancy’s Candy Company grew from a simple home fudge project to a well-known regional confectionery business thanks to Galli’s persistence and entrepreneurial spirit:
In its early years, she sometimes produced candy in makeshift spaces before establishing the larger factory.
At one point, the business employed around 30 people and shipped products across the United States and Canada via retailers and gift shops.
While details of ownership shifted over time, Galli remained a public face and ambassador of the brand for many years.
Today Nancy’s is not just a candy maker — it’s a sweet landmark for travelers exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains and the small town charm of Meadows of Dan.
🍬 Quick Snapshot
Feature Detail
Founded 1987 by Nancy Galli
Nancy’s Home Made Fudge
Location Meadows of Dan, Virginia
Products Fudge, chocolates, truffles, brittle, sugar-free options
Visitor Experience Factory outlet store, candy production viewing
Connection A well-known Blue Ridge Parkway stop
🍬 Insider Tip
Because of its location near scenic drives and local attractions, Nancy’s makes a great half-day stop: grab fudge and chocolates to enjoy on a picnic, or take home as gifts for friends and family.
Nancy’s Candy Company
CLICK HERE to visit Nancy’s Candy Store
Support your local business.
Our website does not receive compensation for placing this post about Nancy’s Candy Company.
