You know the warm and fuzzies you get when you hear the first beats of big band on “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams? That heart-aglow feeling will follow you as you shop for those on your nice list throughout the festive area of Fauquier County, Virginia. From the avid antiquer to the book lover and everyone in between, the most treasured gifts may not always come in small packages, but they will be found at these special small businesses in Fauquier County.
Old Town Warrenton
Historic Old Town Warrenton is home to vibrant and diverse merchants on every cozy street corner. Studio Luxe Boutique has sought after fashion for the trendy yet sophisticated woman on your list, from size extra small to plus. You’ll enjoy meandering around their chic space, complete with festive greenery strung across the ceiling. Britches Great Outdoors is where high quality meets affordability and sustainability in men’s and women’s clothing. They’ve recently brought back the wildly popular Warthog, a low-key “anti-snob” animal emblem that initially rebelled against the other animal-logoed preppy clothes from around 40 years ago. Beloved by visitors and locals alike, Britches provides quality clothing with a charming, local touch.
You’ll find luxury and vintage consignment clothing at steep discounts (40-80% off retail) at Déjà vu Anew for the friend with a champagne taste but beer budget. You may just have to treat yourself to that funky find you simply can’t say no to, too.
There’s no joy like shopping for children’s presents this time of the year. The Purple Pumpkin has you covered with clothing and toys for infants to preteens (ages 10 years and up) – from the most precious onesies to ceramic piggie banks and more.
Maybe you’re looking to add a little extra sparkle to the season with a special piece of jewelry. For 15 years in a row, Hartman Jewelers has been voted Best Jewelry Store by Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine. Their team is ready and waiting to help you find the perfect piece to put under the tree from engagement rings to custom designs, all with a satisfaction guarantee.
Carter and Spence offers handmade jewelry pieces for your globally-minded friends, with individualized attention from the moment you step into the boutique. You can also find specialty items like customized stationary here. No matter what you choose, you’ll leave with a fresh topic of conversation for the recipient.
For everyone in between, Old Town Warrenton offers a gift shop that has the perfect something you hadn’t yet thought of. The Open Book has the next great read for the one who always has their nose in a book. They even have subscription plans carefully curated by staff, which would make a great gift that keeps on giving for a book worm!
Struggling to think of a gift for someone who likes radio-controlled fun and games? Discover the perfect solution with a trip to Warrenton Hobby Shoppe, the leading hobby store in the area. In fact, it’s the only place that sells the Traxxas fleet of radio-controlled cars and trucks within 200 miles, sure to be a hot item on an RC enthusiast’s list!
If someone eats, sleeps, and breathes all things cycling, your solution to a gift quandary is simple: Blue Ridge Cyclery of Warrenton (formerly known as Bike Stop). Blue Ridge Cyclery of Warrenton has been helping the community get outfitted in the best performing bikes and gear for the adventures that make their heart beat a little faster for nearly 40 years. They even offer in-store fittings, servicing, and rentals!
Old Town Warrenton has some stores not to be missed if you’re looking for distinctive home wares. This n’ That Amish Outlet offers hand-crafted Amish furniture like dining room tables and playground sets. Their unparalleled quality will be a centerpiece for the entire family, maybe even for generations to come.
Needing a happy to take to a holiday hostess? Warrenton Market (formerly Vint Hill Home) and Town Duck have just the right mix of seasonal décor, specialty food items, candles, and other things that you may be tempted to say, “one for me, one for her,” as you fill your shopping basket. Don’t forget to pick out a few bottles of wine while you’re in Town Duck – they’ve been voted “The Best Wine Shop” by Fauquier Times Reader’s Choice two years running!
For a shopping experience rooted in conscious consumerism and the betterment of people from across the globe, be sure to check out Latitudes Fair Trade. This green, fair trade store specializes in hand-made, artisanal goods from around the world. Their goal is to foster positive economic relationships between American consumers and marginalized artisans from developing nations—a true embodiment of all the giving and giving back vibes associated with the holiday season. From vibrant Zulu weaver baskets to stunning recycled glass bracelets made in India, there’s no shortage of gift items you’ll feel great about giving available at Latitudes.
You can’t possibly explore these one-of-a-kind shops without needing a refuel. As the name suggests, you can stop into Deja Brew Café for a delightful pick-me-up cup of joe, but you can also get a healthy and fresh-forward breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Nothing says the holidays like the warm, yeasty smell of rising bread. For the olfactory dazzle with your taste buds not far behind, Great Harvest Bread Company has coffee, treats, and sandwiches to keep you decking those halls (and swiping those credit cards). Try the Warrenton’s Best BLT, and take a loaf of their top-selling, seed-packed Dakota bread home for a comforting part of your next family meal.
The Plains
The Plains has a thriving antique scene that will be your gateway to finding a gift for the one that has a zest for curating collections from days gone by. Baileywyck Antiques has a 4,600-square-foot showroom full of European-influenced antiques, art and other home furnishings infused with small town service. Equestrian-themed items are also popular here for the one that feels most at home in the paddocks our area is known for.
Vallie’s Vintage Jewelry sells fine designer and era pieces to suit any woman’s tastes, from 14-karat gold opal earrings to sterling cuffs for a blast from the past that you can wear.
To be of good cheer while antiquing, try a lavender latte or vanilla chai tea latte from the friendly folks at Doppio Bunny Coffee. For a revered English tea experience as treasured as your purchases, relax with a visit to Crest Hill Tea Room. Scones, cheesecakes, and sandwiches are the perfect complements to a selection of over 30 different and delectable teas.
Marshall
The refined yet rural-inspired town of Marshall also boasts wonderful shops to find some of the most vetted vintage pieces. Marshall Curated is located right on Main Street to give you all those Hallmark feels of strolling twinkle-lit streets before stopping in to check out their selection of tailored gifts and décor. Vintage Marshall brings the best all the way from the South of France for your perusal, including a sought-after wine club.
Take a pitstop to Half Past Moon Coffee Buzz for a triple latte or even a mushroom coffee for a mid-day caffeination station. If you’d rather have a sweet treat in one hand and a brew in the other, try Cupcake Heaven and Café. The combination of their red velvet buttercream cupcake and a frappe is hard to beat.
To shop for the friend that’s passionate about local artists, select a piece from a variety of different mediums at Booth and Nadler Studio and Gallery. The space is also a working art studio, so you’ll enjoy seeing part of how the piece you’re gifting was made.
While it’s the destination for pet and equine food and tack, Tri-County Feeds is much more than that. You’ll find equestrian and sporting-inspired clothing for men and women, as well as special nibbles for humans, too.
When you’ve acquired all that you’ve sought to find (and probably more) and you’re looking to have a nice meal, swing by The Whole Ox. The Whole Ox is your old-fashioned butcher shop filled with compassionately raised meats (from fish to beef and lamb), cheeses, and other provisions to have an elevated evening at home.
For dessert (or really any time), how about a honeysuckle and sweet tea cake or a Shenandoah apple cake with maple frosting? You’ll find these selections and much more at Red Truck Rural Bakery, otherwise known as America’s favorite bakery of its kind. Stop in if you’re in town, or ship one of their lovingly-made confections anywhere in the country to spread sugar-soaked joy this holiday season.
Give a Fauquier Toast from Afar
Fauquier County is Virginia’s wine country – after all, over 25 wineries call Fauquier County home. Most vineyards have the option to ship the fruits of their land, meaning that you get the opportunity to send an authentically local gift that’s a buzz-inducing crowd-pleaser without the hassle of wrapping, shipping, and packing. Now that’s how you sleigh the holidays!
Make it a Fauquier County Holiday
The holidays are here, but don’t let your shopping list get your tinsel get in a tangle. The small businesses of Fauquier County, as unique as the people on your list, are wrapped up with just the right gifts to make this season even brighter. Plan your shopping excursion in Fauquier by clicking here today.
