LakeAnna 2017/2018

culpeper|day trips
SWEETS & STUFF
Kids in tow? A trip to Lollipop Station
is a must. You won’t find much in the way
of electronics in this shop, but plenty of
imaginative, puzzling, educational and building
fun instead. Oh, and candy. Lots of candy!
Importing fine goods is Frenchman’s Corner,
distributor of Neuhaus Chocolates and boasting
nearly the entire line. Their new macarons are
out this spring and they’re sure to be delicious!
Counter Culture
In Culpeper
The Shops Of Davis Street
Davis Street is the center of what’s good, tasty and beautiful
in Culpeper. One glance will hook you, and one stroll down
the sidewalk ensures a return trip for more.
A WALK THROUGH HISTORY
Culpeper was established in 1759 and was known as Fairfax and Culpeper Court House before a
new charter gave it the final name of Culpeper in December 1870. Culpeper has seen 18th century
revolution with the Culpeper Minute Men, a gold rush and plenty of Civil War action with a
railroad at stake. In fact, the town changed hands 78 times during the war.
As you peruse the primary streets of the historic district, notice the large, Italianate building
on the northwest corner of Davis and Main Streets. It was the boyhood home of A.P. Hill, the
Confederate Army’s youngest Major General and battle-saver for Stonewall Jackson at Cedar
Mountain. The opposite corner is home to Frost Café, the second lunch counter to occupy the
space. The first was Gayheart Drug Store and Luncheonette, which operated from 1928 to 2002.
The ceiling, floor, lunch counter and soda fountain are all original.
Another Davis and Main anchor is Pepperberries, occupying two storefronts and calling all the
ladies in to check out the pretties. Upon entering, just stand and look around for a moment. The
space is so light and airy, but there’s plenty of sparkle and shine for the Southern girl in your life.
While speaking of Pepperberries, you might be interested to know that a March 1888 fire destroyed
three buildings in that same block. Only a month later the Town Council added to the building
code, stating structures must have brick or stone exteriors and slate or metal roofs.
LET’S SHOP!
Window shopping simply won’t do in Culpeper. The treasures hidden within deserve more than
your peripheral acknowledgement. Take Harriet’s General, where you’ll find only American-made
items and plenty of them. From old-school, cool stuff like Rosebud Salve and daisy dukes to soft
cotton t-shirts and dainty jewelry, this is a great place to find a trendy gift or splurge on something
for yourself.
Primitive is the vibe at Latchkey Mercantile, where handmade-in-the-USA candles tempt the
senses, and cute country phrases adorn wooden plaques. Chances are good that you’ll find owner,
Brigitte, creating something beautiful – a wreath, perhaps – in the backroom when you visit. Say
hello and ask her about her unique check-out counter.
Down at Poppy + Chalk on the corner of Davis and S. East Streets, you’ll find fantastic vintage
and reclaimed furniture and décor finished in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint or Miss Mustard Seed Milk
Paint. The space is generous and conducive to the fun painting workshops offered by the owner,
Linda. Clarke Hardware occupied this portion of the 1900’s Culpeper Freemasons’ Fairfax Lodge
No. 43 from 1980 to 2015. The Culpeper Freemasons date to 1794.
FINE IMPORTS
Vinosity is Culpeper’s go-to for learning
what’s new in wine, craft beer and cigars. A
carefully curated selection of vino from around
the world is available to you, and a healthy
portion of it is $15.99 or less. The craft beer
movement in Virginia is booming, and Vinosity
is the place to secure a new release and build
your own six-pack. Other domestics and
international brews are available as well. Toke a
stogie once in a while? Vinosity has premium
handmade imports to choose from.
Speaking of imports, Taste is all about “fresh
trumps everything” with vinegar, oil and spices
from around the world. They have 40 “taps” for
you to sample and taste for yourself. Once you
make your selection, a bottle is filled from the
very same tank to ensure that what you tasted
is what you take home.
Looking for something to spice up your
décor? The Cameleer probably has just the
thing within their collection of Aboriginal
pieces, though if you’re seeking something
Zimbabwean, you might find that there, too.
The selection is ever evolving to introduce
new products.
LOVING THE LOCAL
All natural, authentic, organic … all of those
adjectives apply to Moving Meadows Farm
Bakery and the products they produce. From
the fields come beef, pork, goat, turkey and
chicken; all humanely and lovingly raised to
ensure the very best quality meat and eggs
make it to you. Additionally, the use of an
Austrian stone flour mill to process wheat
gives you the most nutritious bread available
anywhere. The slow grind method the
Austrian mill affords means the grains can be
immediately worked into dough and baked.
There is no waiting period for the grain to cool
(like other mills), which means there’s no loss of
nutrients from the grain. #Winning.
While we’re talking good stuff, you have
to check out Green Roost, a store dedicated
to everything earth-friendly. EVERYTHING.
You’ll find charity-driven products, recycled
and upcycled items and items that are simply
kind to the world we live in.
Editorial and Images supplied by Town of Culpeper Tourism
Office. For more information go to VisitCulpeperVA.com
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