Sperryville

Main Street gets in gear for hikers

Driving through Rappahannock, a certain vanity license plate catches one's eye and prompts a smile to many a face. The abbreviation LOVE&PC belongs to Jackie Meuse’s vehicle. Her mantra is well known to all who know her, namely: “Live Love and Peace!”

Her Little Washington Wellness and Spa is patronized by locals and out of town guests alike www. littlewashingtonspa.com and her spa building also offers a “Loft,” a lovely apartment for short-term stays.

Jackie has more treats in store for Rappahannock. She not only is offering additional services in her spa come May, that of a hair salon, blow dry bar and manicure suite, but Sperryville will enjoy a new business at 29 Main Street, soon to be a hiker’s Valhalla. It will offer all manner of hiking gear and guided hikes. In addition, after a long day navigating Skyline’s rapturous trails, hikers will be able to enjoy the pleasure of an outdoor massage and shower facilities in the garden along the picturesque rushing Thornton River in warmer months.

ESPRESSO BAR

The store in this lovely 150-year-old year building will complement that of the services provided by a neighboring business, namely Kerry Sutten’s “Before & After,” managed by his beautiful niece Jess. A gourmet espresso bar, offering much to tempt the palate of a serious hiker, includes a market to provide specially designed hiker carry out lunches and a wine bar for savoring after a hike (hence the name “Before & After”).

Jackie’s new operation is a work in progress, additional services to be determined, and indeed the name of the store and logo is being discussed. Jess of “Before and After” is enthusiastically engaged in helping Jackie come up with a store name and possible choices are S.O.A.R., Shenandoah Outdoor Adventures of Rappahannock or maybe Rappahannock Hikers, and also Growing Strong through Healthy Outdoor Living as the logo. In fact, Jackie says that she needs help from everyone to come up with a name for the new hiking shop. The person who submits the winning name will win a FREE day at the spa which includes a massage, facial and manicure. Email your ideas to jackie@ littlewashingtonspa.com. Good luck to you Jackie!

BIRDHOUSES AND GARDENS

Cliff Miller IV’s Schoolhouse Antiques complex in Sperryville, “comprised of Virginia’s largest selection of quality antique furnishings, lighting and carpets,” including retail space and the ever popular Headmaster’s Pub, now celebrates the completion of a new endeavor. Maggie Morris, gifted artisan and equestrian — and if that doesn’t keep her busy enough — now oversees a gift shop replete with a birding section, a passion she says that she and Cliff share. As I’m kindly being given a tour, Maggie enthusiastically points out the myriad birdhouses and feeders of copper and cedar and all manner of bird seed including suet. There is a garden section filled with trowels and weasels, gloves and shoes, plus a variety of seeds and there is also a Speciality Section. She calls it a real “country find” filled with local honey, fruit butter of every kind, sauces and salsa, soaps and lotions from Sperryville’s own Valley Green Naturals. And, perhaps my favorite section, are shelves simply chock full of acres of penny candy.