Glen Allen
Elephants and Giraffes Children’s Boutique 3016 Mountain Rd., 804- 337-1749, www.elephantsandgiraffes.com, The most adorable new and gently used children’s clothing store. It has everything from monogrammed items to hair accessories. It’s run by a stay-at-home mom since 2001 and has greatly expanded since then. She carries smocked, holiday, monogrammed and custom clothes at prices that won’t break the bank. Elephants and Giraffes also carries jewelry. If you’re a mom, then you know how hard it can be to find jewelry for your child that isn’t too much or too heavy. You’ll find everything to keep your children’s wardrobe dazzling while still remaining in your price range. It truly is a “children’s boutique!” (And you MUST ask the owner about their “preppy denim”.)

Mechanicsville
Black Creek Country Store 4348 Fox Hunter Lane, 804-781-1786, www.blackcreekcountrystore.com, If you’re like me, when it comes to home furnishing or décor you like to see it set up somewhere else before you make your purchase. So now, imagine an old house that has been transformed so that every room (kitchen, living room, etc.) is set up with home furnishings and décor that allows you to see exactly what you’re buying and how it may fit in your home. Black Creek Country Store does just that! They sell flags, candles, prints, flowers, antiques, and much more, with a cute café to dine while you shop. Trust me, it’s a must see.

Ashland
Junk in the Trunk & Frank’s Apothecary 106 Centers St.,www.junkinthetrunk.net, www.herbsandessentialoils.net, Be on the look out for the grand re-opening of this great two-in-one! Junk in the Trunk and Frank’s Apothecary are joining into one store and will be relocating in September. This is a HOT SPOT. Anything from collectables, antiques, consignments, as well as Rolex and fine watches can be found in Junk in the Trunk. Be sure to ask about their “wearable art,” and you won’t want to pass up checking out their home décor section. They have some unique things including their Himalayan lamps! At Frank’s Apothecary you’ll find skin care items, herbs, and any oil imaginable. When visiting Frank’s Apothecary, if you have any type of pain or even a type of sickness, such as cancer, ask about the aromatherapy as well as other items or information they may have. Frank’s Apothecary is essential for finding things for health and beauty, but beyond that, they are there to help you in any way they can.

The Caboose Wine & Cheese 108 S. Railroad Ave., 804-798-2933, www.caboosewine.com, There is no store like this around. I guarantee it. The Caboose Wine and Cheese is a unique store where you can find the best wines, beers, and a vast array of cheeses. Their inventory is different from what you might find in your local grocery store. In fact, they have diverse, yet affordable, wines from all over the world as well as specialty beers. Really, you’ll find more types of wines then you can imagine. They also carry delectable snack meats and the finest cheeses (some have even been imported). The Caboose Wine & Cheese is so unique, that it’s worth a look around at the very least. And, if the cheeses and wines don’t tickle your fancy you can leave with a fun and quirky gift to remember them by.