If you traveled anywhere near coastal Virginia in the 1980s, a visit to the Pfaltzgraff outlet at Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach was a must‑see destination. It was more than a shopping trip — it was a small event. Families made an afternoon of it, couples wandered in after lunch at the food court, and collectors treated it like a pilgrimage.
The moment you stepped inside, you could easily be overwhelmed by the volume and variety of earthenware. Shelves were packed with recognizable patterns: Yorktowne in its colonial blues, Village with warm brown Americana charm, and Heirloom in gentle neutrals that fit any kitchen. But tucked between the classics were the surprises — discontinued pieces, odd lots, and seconds that made the hunt even more fun.
Some patterns were more traditional, while others felt fresher and bolder for the era, like Rio. Its deep blues and crisp whites looked a little more modern than many of the long‑loved designs.
The outlet drew a wonderfully mixed crowd of locals and vacationers. My mother, grandmothers, sister, aunts, and cousins all had Pfaltzgraff pieces, and we made the trip to see what we could add to our collections. Traveling together to a shopping mecca was a fun ritual — one that seems to be fading as it’s now faster and more convenient to shop online.
Sadly, the Pfaltzgraff outlet at Lynnhaven Mall is long gone. Their brick‑and‑mortar stores have all closed, but the memories remain. You can still order Pfaltzgraff online and occasionally find pieces in antique and thrift stores across the U.S. When you spot one of those familiar patterns, it’s a sweet trip down memory lane.