LA BEE DA LOCA

Near the end of Davis Street is a charming little specialty shop that is all about bees. Felecia Chavez is the owner, beekeeper, bee educator and bee supplier of La Bee Da Loca, which is a two-story retail experience you’re hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

“I started eight years ago, and I wanted to do something important to me,” she said. “As I saw what was happening to our world, I figured it was time to get back into beekeeping.”

The first floor displays a curated collection of locally-sourced crafts and housewares that embrace a store-wide bee theme. On the second floor, you’ll hear the soft buzzing of many gentle bees — that’s because there’s an active hive on full display.

“This shop is built around this beehive. See the interworking of what a hive does daily, educational classes I hold here so kids and adults can learn about our pollinators.”

In this upper room, Chavez regularly educates guests at this hive about its great complexity and beauty. You’ll learn about different bee dances, types of bees in the hive, what roles they play, where the honey is stored and where new eggs are laid and growing. No matter your age or stage, you’ll learn something new.

As a specialty shop in Culpeper, La Bee Da Loca offers locally-sourced, sustainable home goods, arts, crafts and honey. Bee education also is a significant part of its specialty.

Homeschool groups, boy scouts, girl scouts and other guests regularly schedule tours of the hive. These classes, which teach people about the valuable roles of bees via its onsite hive, make the store more than a place to buy bee-themed items but a mission to pass on respect for bees and the earth — a legacy for future generations.

“They (guests) are enraptured by the bees,” Chavez said. “When they see them up in their faces, they become more inspired to have a dialogue with their parents, and they’ll bring their parents to the shop.”

Chavez sells a curated collection of locally-sourced artwork from art shows and other local crafters. She is highly intentional about where she sources her wares — everything is sustainable and free trade.

“I carry locally-made clothing, like these organic t-shirts and sweatshirts from a veteran-owned company using Culpeper clay as dye. We also carry home goods like epoxy cutting boards, woodwork and etched mugs from local artisans and vendors that I shop.”

She also sells handmade jewelry, candles, soap and select decor from around the world. On a given day, you can find unique goods from Mexico and Sri Lanka.

Le Bee Da Loca also has a health side to it. If you’re into natural alternatives, the shop sells relaxing CBD honey and bee propolis throat spray with reported health benefits like boosting immunity.

If it’s just honey you’re after, then you’re undoubtedly going to get one of the most comprehensive options in town. Chavez sells local honey from her hive along with other types of honey from fellow apiaries.

Folks looking to sweeten their tea or the benefits of Culpeper honey for allergies will enjoy the selection.

Over time, La Bee Da Loca has also become a well-known name in local bee conservation. When people find bees in their yard or property, they often turn to Chavez, who points them to a list of experienced bee rescuers in the area.

By educating people about the importance of our local pollinators and being a visible place to advocate for bee conservation, La Bee Da Loca is a powerful advocate for bees, educating people to make the world a friendlier place for all life.

“It’s only fair that you pay it forward,” Chavez said, who is proud to create a visible place in town to spread awareness about honoring our local pollinators.

Come see why La Bee Da Loca has just been voted Culpeper Times 2022’s Best of the Best Beekeeper. A memorable experience awaits you!

La Bee Da Loca is located at 236 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701.