Turtle Lane Gift Boutique

Who They Are:
For more than forty years, and through several owners, Turtle Lane has been a staple of downtown Staunton’s gift-shop scene. Now, under the leadership of new owner and local artist Rebecca Schneider, Turtle Lane Gift Boutique offers a wide variety of local artist’s creations, decor, and accessories for savvy ladies and gentlemen. As Becca puts it, “One of the biggest strengths that Turtle Lane has is its history in downtown Staunton. As one of the oldest gift shops in town, the mention of Turtle Lane conjures a feeling of warmth and stability.” By combining the traditional qualities of the shop with a new emphasis on eclectic one-of-a-kind items goods along with an increased online presence, Turtle Lane Gift Boutique serves as “a destination point for local shoppers as well as our visiting guests.” Continue reading →

Tiller Strings

Who They Are

Tiller Strings has been owned and operated since July 2010 by Suzuki violin instructor Megan Tiller. Tiller Strings is operated out of Megan’s home in Harrisonburg, VA.  A long-time musician hailing from a wide variety of musical traditions, Megan seeks to provide an outlet where local musicians, strings students, and teachers can find high-quality instruments, music, and accessories for purchase or rental as the same price as online.  Tiller Strings specializes in “teacher approved,” high-quality violins, violas, cellos, and string basses and accessories for musicians and students of all ages and levels of experience.  Megan will also use Tiller Strings as a venue where interested buyers can find locally and regionally handcrafted instruments including guitars, banjos, mandolins, dulcimers, and more! Continue reading →

The Sacred Circle

Who They Are:

Owner and operator Carey McCallum has created a socially conscious, independent bookstore and gift shop located at 112 E. Beverly St. in Staunton, VA. An eclectic selection of new and used books, fair trade arts and crafts, music, jewelry and other unique gifts can be found at The Sacred Circle, representing the diversity of the world’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Continue reading →

Stella, Bella & Lucy’s

Who They Are:

Stella, Bella & Lucy’s is a “fine cafe” in downtown Waynesboro that combines breakfast and lunch food service with consignment antiques and an art gallery. Co-owned by Cynthia Doyle, Barbara Stratton, and Dale Johnston, this fun, unique space will be a venue for locals and tourists to hold meetings, get morning coffee, eat a light breakfast, have lunch, get afternoon tea/coffee, or browse the artworks and antiques. Continue reading →

Staunton Fresh

Who They Are:

Michael Reeps, owner of Staunton Fresh, has over ten years’ experience in front-end web development, search engine optimization, web analytics, and internet marketing. “In my professional web career,” Michael says, “I have been involved in several large-scale projects using the internet to connect individuals around a common interest.” This background has positioned him to play a unique role in the local foods network with Staunton Fresh, which serves as an online or virtual “market” to connect local food producers with local customers. Members of Staunton Fresh can browse an online catalog of local foods and farm products during a buying period, and then Staunton Fresh collects the products and brings them to a pickup location in downtown Staunton once per week. Michael says that his interest in local food and local economies motivated him to apply his tech and web skills “in a new online marketplace for local foods: Staunton Fresh.” Continue reading →

Staunton Art Supply

Who They Are:

Leslie Banta is a painter by trade, as well as the owner and operator of Staunton Art Supply at 114 N. Central Ave. The store houses everything a serious artist could need with its professional grade products and friendly atmosphere, as well as high-quality, all-natural, soy-based art supplies for the pint-sized artists of Staunton. Continue reading →

South River Fly Shop

Who They Are:

After meeting, fittingly, while fly fishing, Tommy Lawhorne and Kevin Little began to form a plan that would allow these avid sportsmen to share their passion with Augusta County’s South River area community.  After years of working out the details, and both continuing to hone their diverse skills in the sport, this partnership has manifested as the South River Fly Shop. The full-service fly fishing retail outlet, training center, and guide service opened its doors in April, little more than spitting distance from the South River in downtown Waynesboro. Continue reading →

Rule forty-two

Who They Are:
Dawn Nay, owner of Rule forty-two, paints neglected wooden furniture and transforms it into practical art. Rule forty-two also carries furniture accessories like untraditional lamps, fabulous scented candles, hand-dyed table linens, and other vintage items, plus paper; knobs, drawer pulls, and hardware to customize furniture pieces; and books and other resources. Dawn is a DIY-er with over ten years of experience in painting and finishing furniture, and she appreciates what others create. She moved to Staunton in the summer of 2010 along with her husband Michael and children Victoria and Tenor. They left the dry, hot desert summers of Las Vegas for “four seasons, countless outdoor activities, and old houses.” She and her family love to hike and explore in the Shenandoah Valley. She says, “Picking fruit and visiting fun little shops and eateries are great family times for us. We love Staunton and the area surrounding it!” Continue reading →

Rockingham Chiropractic, PLLC

Who They Are:

Rockingham Chiropractic is a new chiropractic and wellness center in Harrisonburg, founded by Dr. Gabriel Thomas. They provide natural health care to treat injuries and chronic pain, and to promote personal well-being. Continue reading →