Shopping Local | Small Changes to Support Small Businesses
Some of the things I love most about Virginia are the vast expanses of rolling hills, cattle farms, the copious amounts of wineries, and the lovely towns that sprinkle the state map. To me, keeping these characteristics as a part of the state are critically important. One of the easiest ways to keep Virginia’s lovely rural ambience alive is by supporting the hundreds (if not thousands) of small businesses that keep this vibrant state alive. From supporting local orchards and restaurants to shopping from local butchers, meat markets, and farmer’s markets, there are so many ways that we can play our own part in keeping the expansive country land and small-town feel of Virginia alive.
While I’ll be the first to admit that I love, for example, grocery shopping at Wegmans, I’ve made a conscious effort in the past few years to support local businesses wherever I can. Here are a few simple ways you can support more local businesses in your weekly and monthly shopping habits:
Local Meat Markets and Butchers
If you’ve spent any amount of time in the Virginia countryside, it is quite clear that the farming and cattle industries are vital to the state. On top of supporting small businesses, I truly think it is so much healthier to purchase from a small, local meat market or butcher such as The Whole Ox. Not to mention, there is no better feeling than knowing exactly where the protein on your plate came from.
Virginia Wine
How lucky are we to live in a state with so many fantastic wineries? My husband and I love our wine club memberships and quarterly pick-up of local wines. However, even on a day-to-day basis, I try to buy Virginia wines whenever I’m shopping for them, whether this is at a large grocery store or a local wine shop such as Knead Wine in Middleburg.
Produce
Explore your nearby farmers markets and country stores, where you can find a diverse array of locally grown goods. These markets and stores, such as the Charlottesville City Market and Messick’s Farm Market, not only offer fresh fruits and vegetables but also provide an opportunity to connect with local farmers, fostering a sense of community and ensuring that your money stays within the region. Local orchards are another great place to purchase fresh, seasonal produce. There are numerous orchards around the state, including Carter Mountain Orchard and Chiles Peach Orchard.
Gifts
While a gift card or a designer sweater makes a lovely gift, there is something so much more personable about a thoughtful gift from a local shop. I love being able to give a gift and give a little history about it, such as where it is made or where the ingredients are sourced from. It’s also so wonderful to be able to share more about the local shop I purchased it from so that the gift recipient can also go check it out. There truly are too many lovely shops in hunt country to count, but one of my go-to spots is Crème de la Crème.
Home Goods and Furniture
When shopping for home goods and furniture, consider shopping at local boutique stores and from artisanal craftsmen. By shopping locally for curated items, you’re bringing a unique piece into your home (often with a lot of history — bonus!). Small, local businesses provide a level of quality and attention to detail that you just won’t find from big-name, mass-produced alternatives. Locally sourced home goods not only adds character to your living space but also strengthens the fabric of your community, creating a win-win situation for you and your local businesses.
