In a world of big box stores – stores that are run by huge corporations that make our lives easier by having them conveniently on nearly every corner, some open 24 hours a day, with items made in far off places – why would I be such a strong advocate for supporting those local, “mom and pop” stores? Because they matter. They may have been open fifty years or in their first year of business. They had an idea and this store was their dream. This store supports their family. And this store needs you.
I feel that there are a growing number of us that are craving a connection to our community. I’m so proud when I can support a local business. I can tell you who made that gray scarf I wear (and the name of the Alpaca who’s coat was combed to make it: Twilight and you can find her here: www.hermesalpacas.com/goddesses/77-llaimas-twilight ), I know my potato chip maker (yes, really, her name is Sarah and her Dill Pickle chips are amazing!), I can tell you the names of the farmers and little shops where I buy most of my food. My dogs’ food? Yes, that’s locally produced and procured as well. Lotion, body wash, shaving cream: yep, I’ve got local producers for that, too. It’s fun to shop locally and it keeps our local economy strong. Sure, it can be more “work” to go to each individual store but it’ll be worth it. Trust me.
My point is, don’t feel guilty if you do shop at big box stores but I definitely encourage you to make an effort to support the “little guys”, too.
A few turning points in my life gave me a deeper appreciation for supporting local causes. Working for Flavor Magazine, running a few small businesses, the 3/50 project, and The Story of Stuff.
Here are some of my favorite places and I do hope you like them. Who are some of your favorites?
Farm & Food
Mount Vernon Farm: www.mountvernonfarm.net
Roy & Janet’s Market, Sperryville, VA: Across the street from Mount Vernon Farm but “Not on Corner”. Turn down Old Hollow about a mile back.
Route 11: www.rt11.com
Virginia Chutney: www.virginiachutney.com
Laughing Duck: www.laughingduckgardens.com
Central Roasters: www.centralcoffeeroasters.com
Triple Oak Bakery: www.tripleoakbakery.com
Farm to Family Market: www.thefarmbus.com
(this list would be INCREDIBLY long…so please check our Flavor Magazine for more!)
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Body Care / Home / Lifestyle
Second Look Studio: www.secondlookstudio.com
Caren Wilson: www.makeupserenity.com
Green Roost: www.greennestva.com
Simply Pure Products: www.simplypureproducts.com
Biggs and Featherbelle: biggsandfeather.com
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Pets / Animal Care
All Beings Equal: www.allbeingsequal.com
Animal’s First Veterinary Care/Dr. Lori Blankenship: www.animalsfirst.com
Higher Ground BodyWork/Mary Pat Corrigan: www.highergroundbodywork.com
Harmany Equine/Dr. Joyce Harman: www.harmanyequine.com
Animal Paradise Communication: www.animalparadisecommunication.com
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Artisans
Yanna Blacy: yannaworld.com
Anna Branner Pottery: www.etsy.com/shop/ClothnClay
Lesli Devito Painting: leslidevitopaintings.blogspot.com
Culpeper General: www.etsy.com/shop/culpepergeneral
Green Label Organic: www.greenlabel.com
Rivanna River Alpacas: www.rivannariveralpacas.com
Heremes Alpacas: hermesalpacas.com
Maggie Rogers, Printmaker: www.hughesrivertrading.com
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Health and Healing
Green Comfort Herbal Apothecary: greencomfortherbschool.com
Uncommon Touch: www.uncommontouch.info
Avillion & Rev. Ingrid Jolly: www.avillion.org
Natural Therapy/Fredericksburg, VA
All Beings Equal: www.allbeingsequal.com
The Just Breathe TechniqueTM: www.thejustbreathetechnique.com
Bone Sigh Arts: www.bonesigharts.com
The Pondering Pool: ponderingpool.com
Rikka Zimmerman: www.rikkazimmerman.com
Essentially Soul: www.essentiallysoul.com
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Brick & Morter
The Man Cave & Cigar Shop: www.themancavestore.com
Horse N Hound: www.horsenhound.com
Raven’s Nest Coffeehouse: ravensnestcoffeehouse.com
RH Ballard: www.rhballard.com
Patty’s Plants: www.pattysplants.com
Southtown Creative (my great web designer): www.southtowncreative.com