Davis General Store of Clifton

This store is a spartan, unassuming, yet convenient outpost of amenities in the last semi-​rural pocket of Fairfax County which lies West of Rt. 123. It lacks the charming historic aesthetic that you might expect of a textbook ‘General Store’ (it looks like, and also is, a gas station), but the variety of goods provided is substantial. In addition to 7/​11-​esque food and drink options, there’s also an unexpected inventory of DIY/​home-​improvement/​painting supplies. And on top of that, there’s a deli counter from which you can purchase a wide array of made-​to-​order sandwiches and the like. Last but not least, there’s even small gun store back behind the deli area – though I have yet to investigate this aspect of the establishment.
From what I understand, the entire place is essentially family-​owned and operated, and has been a pillar (albeit somewhat controversially) of the community for quite some time. I mention controversy because, in the same vein as the aforementioned aesthetic shortcomings, Davis General can be seen as both imposing or tacky by some. Perhaps the main point of contention, from what I gather from digging through some old forum posts, is that the large ticker-​style electronic sign out front is considered by many to be an eyesore (it…is) as well as a vessel for a vaguely controversial political agenda (debateable). The short of it is, the combination of the obnoxious sign and the apparent pro-​gun message/​advertisements it displays is off-​putting to some. Personally, I couldn’t care less what the political ideology of my convenience store is, and I have no problem with guns. I do agree that the sign is an eyesore, but it’s not altogether inappropriate for the otherwise gas station-​esque vibe of the property – it’s just the context of the surrounding landscape/​area that certainly makes the image jarring.
As for the service, everyone I’ve dealt with has been helpful and friendly, if somewhat reserved. No complaints.
Other things to note:
— There are no restrooms, except a port-​a-​john out back. Yikes.
— Lots of landscaping and gardening stuff is sold outside
— Owners allow a small farmer’s market stall to set up out front during the warm months on the weekends (Sunday mornings?)
— If you’re interested in ordering from the deli, don’t worry if it seems unlit, or if nobody is behind the counter, there’s a bell at the deli counter. Just ring it and someone will help you out. I don’t think they see enough traffic to have someone at the deli counter perpetually.
— Gas prices are considerably higher than what you’d expect elsewhere in Fairfax County. As far as I can tell, this is convenience pricing, plain and simple. The rather affluent folks who live out by Davis General probably don’t mind paying the premium, but if you’re pinching pennies, don’t fill up here.
— There’s a dairy bar truck out front that used to serve some great milkshake and such, but as far as I can tell, it’s been closed for years.

Like Sheetz, except that it’s not a chain and even more unapologetically redneck. A refreshing change of pace in an increasingly blue, upper-​class area.
They aren’t kidding about the «general store» thing. It has gas, snacks galore, fishing supplies, a nursery, guns, and whatever else strikes your fancy. They also run a free-​standing ice cream shop on the premises, with decent ice cream. They now apparently offer concealed carry classes, too, though I’ve never taken one. Stop by around the holidays for great messages on the sign, such as «Santa wants your gun order.» Prices are reasonable, and the customer service is decent. It’s always clean.
The only downside is that they don’t have bathrooms. A little odd for a gas station or eatery, and especially odd for a place that combines them, but I like the rest of it enough to still give it five stars.