ST YL E
RUSTY WILLOW BOUTIQUE
Rusty Willow, one of East Davis Street’s treasured boutiques, has continuously delivered new fashions and lots of color to Culpeper’s Downtown shoppers!
What started in the home of Sonya Pancione in 2016, has now become a Downtown shopping destination. Pancione, being a mom of seven and having two grandbabies, is the ringmaster of her own circus! The dedication and love she has for family spills into the care and creativity of her boutique, allowing Rusty Willow to spread like fire! The first storefront location opened in Warrenton (2017-2019), making its way home to Downtown Culpeper in 2019.
Now, people from all the surrounding counties come in to see what’s new at the Willow. The main concept that keeps these ladies coming back is one that offers something beautiful for everyone.
“We want women to feel pretty in clothes, and be able to embrace who they are,” said Pancione. “We have different styles of clothing for all ages of women with all different body types.”
When you first come through Rusty Willow’s doors, you may feel like you are visiting a stylish girlfriend’s closet! Be delighted by extensive collections of colorful blouses and crop tops. Beautiful fabrics and light patterns; chic fuchsia and leopard prints! You may be curious about the reversible pants too.
Whatever you decide on, you can accompany it with any number of rustic and unique accessories available -- from beautifully crafted earrings to flattering necklaces to bracelets.
“I think we provide a fun atmosphere where women feel comfortable coming in and trying on clothes. They become our friends and seem to
value our opinions. They know we are going to be honest with the look they are trying on.”
The girls of Rusty Willow consider themselves stylers, not sellers. They have built a brand by assisting woman of all ages and sizes into something beautiful. The price point throughout the store is also friendly.
“We try to curate a season for a multitude of different things,” said Pancione. “Whether you are going out to a winery, or spending a weekend away in Nashville, you are going to find something. If it’s a graduation, we can show you five dresses!”
The second Thursday of every month Rusty Willow hosts a sipand-shop! If you have no plans, or want to do something fun with a girlfriend, this is a must! You can sip on some wine, or maybe a peach bellini, make some new friends and find some new fashion. Bring your partner too, as it’s a great way to kick off any date night.
While you will leave the Willow feeling great about your new attire, you can also feel good knowing that a portion of each sale is donated to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Pancione, having lost her own father, Johnny, to Parkinson’s in 2019, feels passionate about raising awareness for the cause. Her entire staff has been trained to assist individuals who may be afflicted, becoming one of the first certified Dementia Friendly stores downtown.
The Willow also hosts annual fashion shows each April to bring in funding and elevate awareness. This year alone the event raised over $3,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
So, get in here! Meet some of Downtown’s most talented and friendly stylers and add some beautiful color to your life!
Beauty begins with your roots, like a willow tree.
2 • 0 • 1 RECLAIMED VINTAGE RELICS
Where relics are treasured, and the greats are brought back to life!
The ladies of Lily Rose & Co. didn’t stop at just elevating local talent. They wanted to offer and restore those rare gems that are out there, reclaiming older items that have too much potential to merely put away. And, they wanted to create a new space that could market and showcase timeless vintage fashions, beautifully reclaimed furniture, and house local relics that tell the stories of our history.
As 201 Reclaimed Vintage Relics opened its doors this April, owners Kim Bonner, Jillian Denham, and Devon Romano are doing just that!
“Our goal is to keep the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage items to appreciate their value,” said Bonner. With the passing of her mother last January, Bonner was inspired to utilize some of the beautiful pieces that her mother had housed. Denham and Romano have been skilled at the art of painting and reclaiming furniture that has lost its luster, so the combination presented an undeniable opportunity.
“We have some beautifully refurbished pieces, but we also have unpainted items,” said Bonner. “If you come in and you want a piece of furniture, but you maybe don’t like the color, we can paint it for you!”
If vintage clothing is what you’re looking for, this is where you can thread yourself in history! Local consignor, Spruce Vintage, offers an array of clothing – handmade and tailored, spanning all the way back to 1920. You can find purses, classy heels, showy dresses or a unique handmade piece.
Treat yourself to a martini with a Gunne Sax Black Green Polka Dot dress dated from the late 1950’s or find the white and teal floral decoupage dresser that will breathe life into any room.
“We have a great blend here,” said Bonner. This is evident as you look around. You
can find an impressive selection of Tibetan jewelry, as well as some that is hand painted and designed. The ladies are mostly sourcing these items locally, but they can come from anywhere.
For those of you that appreciate the past and would treasure a piece of it, come and get a WWII ration book with OPA tokens. Or, educate yourself on Bee Culture with the poetic editions from 1929. Enjoy reading a vintage Vogue, grab a postcard, or spice up that one room with unique home interior wall art.
“I have been happy to see that a lot of the younger people of Culpeper have been excited and love what we have,” said Bonner. “Customers have been telling me that Culpeper needed this.”
Not only does 201 Reclaimed Vintage Relics bring back a little old class to Main Street, but they are adding a depth to the downtown scene that can be appreciated by all generations. So, don’t hesitate. Come out and find your next great piece!
LILY ROSE & C OM PANY
Want to know what the locals are doing? Come on over to Lily Rose & Company and find out!
What started just a couple years ago as a small retail space for local vendors on Duke Street., has now become the staging base for Culpeper’s most talented artisans and crafters! With rich and versatile collections of hand-made clothing, jewelry, home décor and much more, you can find the favored and unique items here that don’t exist anywhere else.
“Lily Rose is a home full of beautiful makers” said co-owner Kim Bonner. “You can buy something for any occasion here. Whether it is Christmas, a birthday, 4th of July! Any occasion that you can think of, we have something.”
Bonner, along with Jillian Denham and Devon Romano conceptualized the business to give a platform to local artisans, including themselves. Romano and Denham, along with their many other talents, have worked together to create a beautiful line of women’s rustic boho-chic hats.
“Sometimes it’s a wave, expressing my emotions and getting frustrations out as I take a wire brush or a torch
to a felt hat, watching it bubble up and morph into something new,” said Romano. “We source out different textures, patterns and fabric, then we put them all together and finish them off with a little western flare!”
Keep your eyes out, as these ladies are also looking to expand their line to include fun fedora and western style wedding hats.
Though stunning, their hats are just the cherry on top at Lily Rose.
Once you step into these doors, you are going to find engaging artwork that will speak to you. American Flag Etched Whisky Glasses with a decanter to accompany. Harmoniously woven macramé’s, large enough to elevate any interior space. Hand- made purses, jackets, tee shirts and soaps. You will be surrounded by the voices of Culpeper’s talent.
“We are creating a place for people to show their hard work…. there are moms that are up at night working hard at their crafts, trying to make extra money for their families. We are truly unique for this community,”
said Bonner. You can also feel the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to support local Culpeper talent and small businesses.
For those of you who are candle lovers, prepare to be amazed! Lily Rose & Company exclusively carries Too Hot to Candle, one of Culpeper’s featured local artists. Once you are finished with the amazingly scented candles, you will be left with a hand-made container that you can repurpose for so many things.
The ladies of Lily Rose are often on the lookout for new and engaging artisans from the community as well. They are open to any talented local crafters that want to showcase and sell the work of their hands.
“Our mission is to inspire and impact our community by keeping family first, and supporting local,” said Denham. So, come see for yourself what Culpeper can do. We are looking forward to sharing our talents with you!
F ULTO N FOUND
Urban meets adventure
Locals who have resided in Culpeper for a while may remember 205 East Davis Street as an old hardware store. Today, Fulton Found occupies a portion of the building and has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Culpeper’s retail landscape. You’ll find that some remnants of the old hardware store remain, like the original ceilings and hardwood floors, but the atmosphere has been completely revitalized. Tabatha and Eric Fulton designed and installed the space themselves, successfully bringing their vision to life. Think rugged elegance with modern style. Fulton Found offers an array of high-quality products, including eco-conscious clothing and accessories, premium grooming items, and outdoor and moto gear. Each piece is carefully selected for its craftsmanship, ensuring there’s something distinctive for every shopper.
Fulton Found is considered a Masculine Lifestyle Boutique, prioritizing quality and proudly featuring sustainable brands. Whether they’re Certified B Corp, have a giveback program, or use recycled materials, the goal is to ensure you feel good while doing good. Stepping into Fulton
Found feels like stepping out of Culpeper and into a big city. The owners have blended rugged outdoor style with refined urban sophistication, creating an inviting atmosphere unexpected in a small town.
“Moving forward, we want to create a space that isn’t just a store; we want to create a vibrant community hub,” says Eric. The next steps are to focus on events and clubs, like the Fulton Moto Club, where motorcycle enthusiasts can gather for regular events and rides. Eric is passionate about fostering a sense of camaraderie and inclusion during these gatherings. Recently, Fulton Found launched the Fulton Founders Club, a membership program offering exclusive access, deals, and discounts, adding another layer to their community engagement. This fall, expect exciting new additions that will provide new ways to engage. Stay tuned for more details as they continue to evolve and grow. There’s always something happening behind the scenes to keep building and growing the community and the business.
BOTANICAL DWELLINGS
A curated lifestyle boutique
In July, Botanical Dwellings made a significant move to a new location at 105 East Davis Street, right next to the town staple, Frost Cafe. The shop is now situated just one door down from Main Street, and the new space is three times larger than the previous location, allowing the store to expand its offerings. Botanical Dwellings has always been more than just a plant shop; it has evolved into a curated lifestyle boutique and become an even more integral part of the community on the main shopping strip of East Davis Street.
Founded with a vision of being a home decor shop with a botanical twist, Botanical Dwellings reflects Tabatha’s love for creating beautiful spaces filled with unique accessories and décor, making it a shop filled with her favorite things. Since the beginning, Botanical Dwellings has carried an eclectic mix of goods—so eclectic, in fact, that Fulton Found was able to start in the back of the space. Guests will find an extensive range of houseplants, plant care accessories, and planters, alongside carefully selected home décor and gift items: cute earrings, sustainable leather bags, self-care products, lamps, pillows, and much more. New plants arrive every week, and new inventory is added almost as frequently, ensuring fresh and exciting selections for every visit. The store also offers special orders, ensuring customers can get exactly what they need.
The growth of the business has also seen the team expanding. This has allowed Botanical Dwellings to continue providing excellent customer service and dedicate more time to commercial plant services, including design, installation, and consultations. They offer complimentary repotting when you purchase a plant or a pot, and repotting services for a fee otherwise. The knowledgeable staff not only helps you pick the perfect plant but also maps out the lighting conditions in your home to ensure it thrives. The store is known for greeting clients by name, maintaining a running wishlist for clients, and offering knowledgeable, kind, and welcoming service.
Botanical Dwellings is deeply involved in the community, hosting educational and interactive botanical-themed workshops, such as terrarium building, succulent wreath making, kokedama, and more. Their annual Plant Swap for a Cause, supporting Services to Abused Families (S.A.F.E.), is a much-loved event that brings together plant enthusiasts for a good cause. The new space will allow them to host these events and workshops more frequently and year-round, creating more opportunities for learning and community connection.
Botanical Dwellings is constantly evolving. The store is always exploring new brands and has recently implemented a loyalty program, promising an exciting future for their dedicated customers.
T A S TE OIL • VINEGAR • SPICE
Come in and experience wonderful tastes from around the world!
Are you looking to spice up your life with fresh, palate pleasing options? Have you been wondering how to incorporate new ingredients into your kitchen, or add a wow factor to your welltraveled staple dishes? Well, make a trip downtown to Davis Street and be in awe of the bountiful flavor options that you will find at Taste Oil Vinegar Spice!
For over eight years, owner Deb Foley has provided the Culpeper and Fredericksburg area with only the highest quality ingredients of fresh olive oils, balsamic vinegars, spices and more to enhance your favorite dishes to bring out the best flavors of nature’s bounty.
“Our extra virgin olive oil comes from all over the world; predominantly from Portugal, Chile, Australia and Spain,” said Deb. Accompanying these are a number of dark and white balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy, and an assortment of fresh spices and products from smaller American made culinary producers.
“We offer everything from Asian
flare to Italian flare and everything in between.”
With a variety of over 60 oils and vinegars to choose from and pair together, the possibilities are endless. Become a culinary master by blending oils infused with Madagascar Black Pepper, Red Cayenne Chile, Navel Orange or Basil — with beautiful and rich Maple, Black Mission Fig, Cascadian Wild Raspberry or Sicilian Lemon balsamic vinegars.
One of the perks of coming to Taste OVS is that you can literally taste everything before you purchase it, getting an idea of how the profiles are blended together. Tasting the product allows for true inspiration for what you will be able to create.
With so many products to choose from, you may not know which direction to go at first. But rest assured, you will be greeted with a friendly and knowledgeable staff member that will get to know how you cook and steer you in the right direction as to what is going to make the magic in your own kitchen. Check the website as well
to see the monthly featured oil and vinegar pairings and recipes that work with a seasonal selection of fresh foods.
“Helping people find the right combination is what is most satisfying. We all have tried them, we all have cooked with them, and we understand the high quality and nutritional values of the products,” said Deb.
Taste OVS curates all they offer with the same high standards of quality and freshness. As you make your way through the aromatic store, you will appreciate the American sourced gourmet products peppering the shelves; teas from Charleston, S.C., popcorn from Indiana, pastas from Denver, Colo. and local hot sauces from Fredericksburg to name a few!
So, come on in! Try the Traditional Balsamic and an extra virgin olive oil to drizzle on your Caprese or find another favorite pairing. Make it a family affair and bring your loved ones to experience Taste OVS.
Caprese Salad
1. In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium-low heat. Cook until the balsamic has reduced to a thicker glaze, 10 to 20 minutes. Remove it from the heat and transfer to a bowl or cruet. Allow to cool.
2. When you're ready to serve, arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter. Arrange basil leaves between the slices. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the salad, getting a little bit on each slice. Do the same with the balsamic reduction, making designs if you want. Store extra balsamic reduction in fridge for a later use.
3. End with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Serve as a lunch, with crusty bread, or serve alongside a beef main course for dinner.
N ST YL E FASHION GALLERY
Styles that are tailored for women with high-quality and fashion-forward expectations.
There are many unique options for clothing when shopping in Downtown Culpeper. If you are a discerning woman, however, there is a shop that was made just for you! With styles that are tailored for women with high-quality and fashion-forward expectations,
N Style Fashion Gallery offers a personalized experience that has generated a faithful following.
Owner and stylist, Sandra Reaves-Yates, has proudly built a place where women can come in to feel at home. Her expertise has helped create looks that reflect confidence, beauty and professionalism — celebrating the different stages of life.
“The experience offered at our shop is a relaxing, no-pressure sales zone coupled with over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry,” said Reaves-Yates. The boutique is at the corner of North Main and West Davis streets. You’ll see stylish and chic to bursts of color through the display window that offer a
glimpse of styles you are going to find. Go through the double doors, N Style Fashion Gallery is just to the right.
Some say that a well-suited woman is unstoppable! Here, you can find your force and set the town on fire! Immerse yourself in well-blended color, choosing from stylish suits, slacks, and brilliantly draped scarves and accessories. There are unique and comfortable blazers, hats and an array of handbags to choose from--all with a quality that will last for a lifetime.
“I’m particularly proud we’ve been able to gain the trust and loyalty of so many beautiful women in regard to providing their fashion needs. With all the wonderful specialty shops and restaurants in downtown Culpeper, I’m most proud to have so many visitors who consider N Style Fashion Gallery one of their destination spots,” Reaves-Yates said. No matter what the occasion, Reaves-Yates can help you find the right fit, style, and will most
likely exceed your expectations. As a personal styler, Reaves-Yates is going to give you a look that breathes confidence and matches your body type. Be dressed for that first date, or an evening out with friends, and build your wardrobe with the quality pieces that you can grace many occasions in.
N Style provides clothing lines with a continuous high standard of quality. Each piece is handpicked, and the lines are suitable for women in any season of their life. You may want a smart fresh look for work, or possibly you are in the stage of your life where you can purchase not just what you need, but also your wants.
“Even if you’re still the same size, a 68-year-old woman’s body is not the same shape as when she was 22. Many of my customers over 50 who do not feel their age, nor do they look it, and they want the outside to reveal what is on the inside. I pick N Style’s fashions with that in mind. Helping my customers embrace who they are and what their body is today and
working with their style is my specialty,” Reaves-Yates said.
Having a personal styler on hand allows N Style to stand out among the rest, creating a unique shopping experience that’s a challenge to find anywhere else. Feel free to walk in during business hours or call ahead and set up an appointment to be personally styled. Take the work out of creating your best look!
Be on the look-out for N Style’s “preferred customer” receptions as well, and enjoy drawings, music, munchies and amazing sales!
“I appreciate all our customers and never miss an opportunity to show them. I want their shopping experience to be one that alleviates stress; they’ll want to put down their phones, forget their worries and know this moment is all about them,” Reaves-Yates said.
So, don’t worry about what you are going to wear to your next event. Stop by N Style Fashion Gallery and find your next best look!
A Fresh Thai Experience in the Heart of Downtown! PI NT O THAI CULPEPER RESTAURANT & BAR
Did you know that Culpeper has one of the finest Thai Restaurant’s around? That may sound a bit bias, but-when you experience for yourself the harmony of flavors that comes together with fresh herbs, spices and ingredients, you may have to agree.
For 20 years now, the Satayaphanitkuls family has been delighting the palates of Culpeper residents with their homemade broths, hand-made dumplings, rich curries and fresh fish options. Since first opening in 2004 (as Thai Culpeper), by the family’s sister, Paranee Hopple and her husband, this family has offered a true culinary experience of Thailand.
If you are looking for that East Davis Street culinary experience, Pinto Thai Restaurant & Bar is sure to deliver!
Come in and enjoy the traditional dishes of Hoi Obb (Steamed Muscles in a lemongrass broth), Crispy Duckling, Pad See Ew or Ramen Pad Thai. Maybe you are a Soft-Shell Crab lover? If so, you are in luck! Pinto offers five separate Soft-Shell dishes, amongst many others.
The family uses traditional recipes that have been passed down for generations. They take that understanding of their cuisine to the next level, offering Thai fusions and other culinary blends. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options for appetizers or entrees, so no need to worry if you have any restrictions.
As one of the sought-after downtown restaurants, Pinto still offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. You can dine inside
with ease or enjoy the colorful seating on the sidewalk right in the heart of Downtown. If you are looking for some good conversations, head to the bar and enjoy a variety of mixed spirits, or, maybe just some Thai Tea.
This family has made such an impression on Culpeper that they have won Culpeper’s Best of the Best awards for five consecutive years! This title is one of local adoration and appreciation for providing amazing food that is reasonably priced.
Pinto’s easy dining and flavorfully fresh ingredients have allowed this family to thrive. They have been able to expand over the past 20 years, now owning two locations in Winchester and one in Staunton.
Stop in on your next trip to Downtown Culpeper! Enjoy an assortment of freshly made steamed dumplings, or homemade crab Rangoon’s. Sip on some lemongrass soup outside and follow it up with the Honey Roasted Duck. If you can’t stay, no worries! You can get it to go and bring the rich flavors of Thailand home with you.
WYS T E RI A
Discover the meaning of sustainable fashion!
As you stroll down Davis Street you are going to come across some Old Hollywood Glamour. A second-hand apparel store that tells the stories of many moons before, offering up this fabulousness at a literal fraction of the cost you would find anywhere else!
Wysteria, located at the far end of Davis Street, provides Culpeper with unique, stunning items; some new and some gently used, but all hand selected and priced to move.
“This is a place where locals can shop,” said co-owner, Audrey Curtis. Curtis officially opened Wysteria in January with her mother, Tanya Darline. The mother daughter duo have been gracing Downtown Culpeper with a vintage class that you just can’t get anywhere else.
Choose from brands like Free People, Lilly Pulitzer, Kendra
Scott, Louis Vuitton or Versace!
Come to find your next favorite pair of jeans or freshen up your wardrobe with a new bag. The kids’ section is stocked full of well-made children’s items that you will fall in love with as well.
“I want people to have a truly glamorous shopping experience, even though they are on a budget,” said Curtis. “We understand how hard people work for their money and we want you to know when you shop here that your business is truly appreciated. We are going to work with you to get some amazing pieces that are very affordable.”
You can pick up a Valentino skirt off the rack that is over 50 years old — probably someone’s cherished wear in the 1960’s. These iconic pieces are given a second, maybe even a third life. This is the true definition of sustainable fashion!
“People are shocked when they walk through the doors,” said Curtis. “The funniest reaction that people sometimes have is thinking that everything here is going to be really expensive because it is well tailored, and brand named.”
This is not the case at Wysteria. You can find items priced from $12.00 - $1,200. Depending on what you are looking for there is truly something here for everyone!
What’s just as impressive as the fashion and pricing is the organization of Special Moments Prom Closet, brought to the community through a collaboration from Wysteria and Burnt Ends, LLC. The event provided high school students with the opportunity to find their dream prom dress for free! Curtis is evolving this service to provide dresses for all occasions
that will be offered year-round. Wysteria also works with the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (D.A.R.S) to provide work experience opportunities to young people with autism and other mental impairments. Curtis wants to set an example for businesses downtown who may also be able to support unique individuals needing a chance.
“People never know what they can do, or what they are capable of until they are given the opportunity to try something” So, when you come downtown, Wysteria is a must! Get yourself a fresh look and go out to dinner with the change! Support a local business that gives all to give back and experience what real glamour looks like!
THE FRENCHMAN’S CORNER
Culpeper’s purveyors of decadent pleasures. Give in to the temptation!
No downtown experience is complete without first stopping in Culpeper’s own gourmet chocolate shop, The Frenchman’s Corner. Grace yourself with decadent flavors of Belgium Chocolate, Fresh Italian Gelato’s, or various other local gourmet items. You won’t want to fight this temptation, as these little luxuries were picked just for you!
The Frenchman’s Corner is going on 23 years of business in the downtown Culpeper area. Owned by Edward Hanlin and Larry Walters, The Frenchman has richly served the Culpeper community with assortments of artisan chocolates and other unique confections, becoming a pivotal part of the downtown experience.
“People come from Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Northern Virginia to enjoy all that is offered on Davis Street, and they come to get the chocolates that they know and love,” said Hanlin.
You will feast your eyes on a beautifully delicious selection of confiture. There are hand painted dark chocolate Biscotini Eggs, and Keylime Truffles – Mocha Truffles, Pistachio Cream Bunny’s and Gourmet Peanut Butter Cups. Give some attention to the fine Italian gelatos of Amarena Cherry and Vanilla Bean as well. With a unique chocolatier such as this you can enhance any occasion into a luxurious one. Whether it be a signature heart shaped box for someone very special, a creamy Coppa Pistachio, or a set of macarons – count on finding something that will leave you in awe!
“The Frenchman’s Corner was started with a tiny case of Neuhaus Belgium chocolate and has
expanded into our selection of seven American made chocolates, from New York to Oregon,” said Hanlin. While the gourmet Belgium chocolate company Neuhaus still serves as the cornerstone of the Frenchman, you can also enjoy a carefully curated selection of confection from chocolatiers like The Cordial Cherry of Omaha, and John Kelly of Los Angeles.
“When people get that chocolate craving and they really need something, they are coming here… they also love to look around and enjoy the ambiance of the store.”
Aside from the confections, there is much more offered here.
You can gift yourself with fine French soaps richly scented with lilac, cotton flower or lavender. Perhaps you will want to grace your kitchen with any number of the unique dining items offered, enhancing your culinary area with European flare.
The Frenchman’s Corner will also build you a one-of-a kind gift basket; you need only ask. Fill it with bone China mugs, hand-painted Japanese-style tea pots and any one of your favorite Downton Abby blends from The Republic of Tea. Maybe add some peanuts from Southeastern Virginia, or a tin of seasoning from the local Shenandoah Spice Company.
Whatever you decide on, make sure not to miss this decadent opportunity. You will be greeted by a knowledgeable and kind staff of Chocolate Consultants who will help bring your confectionary dreams to life!
LA B E E DA LOCA
Be charmed by Culpeper’s own bee boutique!
Downtown Culpeper serves as a home to many exclusive shops. However, one of the most compelling to visit is La Bee Da Loca, an actual Bee Boutique that offers a beautiful selection of natural products and an important look into the life of bees! Started in 2016 by owner Felecia Chavez, La Bee Da Loca has become a unique shopping and educational destination for the Culpeper community and tourists alike. This store is nothing short of extraordinary, having a live observation beehive upstairs, and an assortment of high-quality pollinator products to enhance your health and living space.
“The reason I decided to open this shop was that I feel so passionately about this cause,” said Chavez. “When I start talking about the bees, I may have a lot to say, but I have seen what happens if we don’t have them. I believe it is vitally important to pass that on.”
Chavez’s passion for pollinators creates a downtown shopping experience that is unlike any other! While the local honey is the center of attention, you will also find a well curated variety of organic T-shirts made by local artisans, handmade jewelry and charcuterie boards. You can choose from a beautiful selection of hand-crafted beeswax candles and deliciously scented soaps! Enjoy unique international homeware items as well, that are all free trade and responsibly sourced.
The observation hive upstairs creates an opportunity for people of all ages to see and understand the complexities of bees, their life cycles and why they are so important. The great decline in bee populations, caused mainly from the use of pesticides, pollution and encroachment of their natural habitat, affects the entire planet.
Chavez believes that education is a strong tool to combat this decline and has dedicated her life to the cause.
“We need to take better care of our environment,” said Chavez. “Without bees, our trees wont bear fruit. Our flowers die off faster and we lose an important balance of nature.”
La Bee Da Loca offers homeschool classes that demonstrate handson lessons, impacting our future generations with the benefits of living in harmony with local pollinators. However, children and adults alike can take away a plethora of knowledge from Chavez’s expertise.
“It is a magical thing for a child to help harvest the honey, and understand the difference of what fresh honey is, vs. the bear that you can buy in the store.”
Come and learn the advantages of consuming local honey and its affectedness at combating seasonal allergies. Try the propolis throat spray that is known to boost immune systems. Advance your understanding of the lost art, respect and reward of working with these important stewards of nature!
Beyond educating the local community, Chavez has traveled nationally and abroad to teach various cultures the art of apiculture. She has worked within Native American communities and has traveled to Cyprus, Cuba and small villages off the Yucatan, sharing her passionate understanding of beekeeping and the preservation of nature that comes with it.
Chavez says, “If I don’t do it, who will? People have got to step up! We have to make a difference in this world because after all, Bees are the sunshine of our souls!”
THE SIGNATURE TEAM MARIA C.
FAY
& STEPHANIE YOWELL
The real estate experts that know how to get you home!
Are you looking to make a move into the small-town community of Culpeper? Or, are you and your growing family in need of a bigger home with a yard? Whatever your housing needs are, Maria Fay and Stephanie Yowell of the Signature Team of RE/MAX Gateway are the experts that can help you start your new adventure and get you home!
With over 35 years of real estate experience, Maria and Stephanie have had the opportunity to cultivate their knowledge and understanding of this everchanging market. These ladies partake in current and constant training, allowing them to bring professionalism and know-how to each and every client that they have had the privilege to work with.
“I love matchmaking, and the
challenge of working to find exactly what a client wants and what is going to make them happy,” said Fay. “I enjoy being creative with that, because everybody’s situation and what they need is going to be something slightly different.”
The ladies of the Signature Team’s ability to do this is evident, as 98% of their business is repeat or referral. “While we have Lifetime awards, Hall of Fame awards and Local awards, we take the most pride in sharing our references from our clients. It speaks volumes, and is better than any award we could receive,” said Fay.
When you decide to work with Fay or Yowell, you are going to be working with the whole RE/MAX team; full service, full time and highly educated. This work model and the philosophy of providing
clients with the best possible outcome, rather than just buying and selling homes, is what allows The Signature Team to rise above the rest.
Let these ladies be your personal negotiators, getting you into the right home with the right financing. Beyond Culpeper, they have rich insight with working in Orange, Fauquier, Gainesville, Madison and Rappahannock counties, and are no strangers to the Fredericksburg area.
“We are passionate about real estate and committed to the communities we serve, our team does more because we love what we do. With extensive experience and a dedication to service, we strive to enrich neighborhoods and exceed your expectations,” said Yowell.
The Signature Team is also very big on giving back to the community. Fay regularly volunteers at the Culpeper Food Closet and both ladies enjoy participating in local non-profit S.A.F.E.’s (Services to Abused Families, Inc.) fundraising events. As well as volunteering their time, for going on five years now, these ladies have been donating a portion from every closing to The Children’s Miricle Network. They often fundraise within the Culpeper County Public Schools as well –sponsoring events and donating to special needs classrooms.
The Signature Team is an exemplary definition of what it is to be a part of a community. They look forward to helping you on your next adventure and getting you home!
