ASHLAND
Train Town Toy and Hobby
104 South Railroad Avenue, 804-798-0330, www.traintowntoyandhobby.com.
Located on the tracks in the quaint train town of Ashland, Train Town Toy and Hobby is the hands-down best local resource for anything trains. Carrying five different gauges of trains, hundreds of accessories, Thomas sets and a variety of books and DVD’s, train lovers of any age will find what they are looking for in this shop. The staff’s passion for trains cannot be matched, and their excitement will guide you to create just the set up you are hoping for. Bring the children to start their own railway collections and experience the area’s largest selection of Thomas trains and sets around. After your shopping is done, pause for a while on the bench outside to enjoy the passing trains and receive some real life inspiration!

Changing Reins
102 S. Railroad Avenue, 804-752-6782, www.changingreinsinc.com.
Meander next door to discover a unique consignment store. Changing Reins tailors to the equestrian community and offers a venue to consign riding equipment and apparel that remains in excellent condition. The owners are proud to offer a place to purchase affordable items for a sport that can be very costly. In addition to high-end equipment, accessories and apparel, shoppers will find a selection of new jewelry, home décor and art. Stop in often to see their frequently changing inventory, or call today to arrange to consign with no upfront fees.

Fin & Feather of Ashland
307 S. Railroad Avenue, 804-798-2228, www.finandfeatherofashland.com.
Looking for high quality products for your pets and a staff that can answer all of your questions? Look no further than Fin and Feather of Ashland. Also located on the tracks in Ashland, this small town pet store has all a pet owner could need. If your preferred food is not in stock, the accommodating staff will order it for you at no extra charge. High quality foods, treats and toys, along with small animals, fish and birds are all offered. And if it’s a water garden you seek, everything you need to get started or to maintain your pond is available at Fin and Feather. Stop in next time you are in need of pet supplies and bring your furry friend along!

Indulgence Salon & Boutique
211 England Street, 804.798.1699, www.isbva.com.
Indulgence Salon is a family owned and operated full service salon in the heart of Ashland. Tanning, hair and nail services and massage therapy are all available in this welcoming atmosphere. Indulgence features professional skin care by Peaches and Cream, and Arbonne 100% natural products are available for purchase. As if these offerings weren’t enough, customers will also discover a boutique filled with jewelry, monogrammed handbags, shoes and gifts. Visit their website or follow them on facebook to find monthly special offers and sales.


WEST END
Toys That Teach
Gayton Crossing Shopping Center, 1342 Gaskins Road, 804-741-5611, www.toysthatteachonline.com.
With only one foot inside of Toys That Teach, any shopper will know they have entered Richmond’s best specialty toy store. Featuring s huge selection of Thomas and Friends wooden engines and accessories, Playmobil play sets, quality Melissa and Doug items and more, this toy store has everything you need to make a child of any age squeal with glee. Whether you are looking to expand your child’s imagination through dress up and pretend play or to find creative ways to make learning fun, the stocked shelves and knowledgeable staff can help you discover just what you need.

Celtic Colours
1316 Gaskins Road, 804-740-6112, www.celticcolours.com.
Since 1995 Celtic Colours has been bringing Richmond the best in Irish and Scottish jewelry and gifts. The wide array of Celtic wedding rings and other fine jewelry offers something for every shopper. Take home some Celtic music in the form of a CD or a unique Irish instrument! Warm sweaters and hats are featured during the colder months, and hard to please men will love their Guinness themed items, including apparel and pint glasses. Visit their website for a wealth of information on Irish and Scottish traditions and excursions.

Wine and Beer Westpark
9631 W. Broad Street, 804-965-9100, www.wineandbeerwestpark.com.
Wine and Beer Westpark is your friendly neighborhood wine and beer shop with a bonus. Hand selected varieties from a passionate staff bring unique tastes and options to the beer and wine connoisseurs of Richmond. Join them for tastings every Thursday from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Looking for a little something more? Try one of their Beer Theaters. What is a Beer Theater you may ask? Each one is an opportunity to enjoy new brews while video chatting with the brewers themselves. Brilliant. Follow their blog on their website for all the latest news from the shop.

Appalachian Spring
Short Pump Town Center, 11800 West Broad Street, 804-364-9700, www.appalachianspring.com.
Looking for just the right gift or a special piece for your own home? Stop in to Appalachian Spring and choose from a unique array of items. Art glass, precious baby items, Ed Levin jewelry, kitchen accessories and outdoor accents are offered both in store and online. Retro toys and magical telescopes will bring out the kid at heart in everyone. Peruse their selection of artist designed desk accessories to liven up your workspace with a paperweight, new bookends or a desk box. Whimsical, classy pieces are waiting to be discovered at Appalachian Spring in Short Pump Town Center.


RICHMOND
Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market
4 N. Thompson Street, 804-359-7525, www.ellwoodthompsons.com.
Ellwood Thompson’s is truly Richmond’s local, independently owned market. Nothing outside of a 100-mile radius bears their local label, and they make shopping local easy. Supporting local growers and businesses and treating the environment with care are top priorities of this downtown market. Shoppers can find fresh produce, free range eggs, meats, grocery staples, vitamins and a friendly, knowledgeable staff to answer any questions or make suggestions. Feeling extra energetic today? Arrive at the store via bicycle, walking, taking the bus or any other environmentally friendly means and receive their Envirocredit, 25 cents off of your bill.

Bachrach’s Jewelers
111 E. Broad Street, 804-648-7830, www.bachrachsjewelers.com.
Bachrach’s Jewelers is Richmond’s premier estate jeweler. 122 years after its opening, Bachrach’s is considered one of the most unique stores in the south east. In addition to estate jewelry, the store features sterling flatware and hollowware, watches, clocks and small pieces of art. Visit their website for a small sampling of their beautiful diamond and gemstone pieces, estate watches and items for the home.

For the Love of Chocolate
3136 West Cary Street, 804-359-5645, www.carytownchocolate.com.
Chocoholics unite at Carytown’s Mecca of candy stores, For the Love of Chocolate. Floor to ceiling exhibits of candy and chocolates will delight the taste buds of young and old. For the Love of Chocolate has succeeded in pairing EVERYTHING with chocolate – even bacon! Try their truffles, cordials, delectable darks, and explore their candy selection, as well. You may stop in for a gift, but you’re guaranteed to be tempted into treating yourself to a treasure, too!

Strawberry Fields Flowers & Gifts
423 Strawberry Street, 804-213-0232, www.strawberryfields.us.
Located in the heart of the Fan on Strawberry Street, Strawberry Fields is your neighborhood florist and gift connection. Fresh and original floral arrangements are available for pick-up or delivery, and the owners are happy to customize each one to your taste. Seasonal treasures, baby items and jewelry are among their inventory of gifts, and floral design workshops are offered for the adventurous among us. Many gifts are made locally or within the U.S., and they also carry repurposed pieces. Visit their website for details.


CHESTERFIELD
Three Dog Bakery
Stony Point Fashion Park, 9200 Stony Point Parkway #152A, Richmond, 804-330-3536, www.threedogrichmond.com.
For company founders Mark and Dan, their mission was simple: ”to fresh-bake the world's best dog biscuits and give dog lovers everywhere a healthy, all-natural, bone-ified treat to give their favorite four legged friends.” They could never understand why mass produced dog foods contained so many artificial ingredients and wanted better for their canines, Gracie, Sarah Jean and Dottie. Sixteen years later Three Dog Bakeries are open around the country, and here in Richmond the bakery can be found at Stony Point Fashion Park. The Richmond location features many fun events for canines and their pet parents and offers a variety of tail wagging treats. Make your dog’s day by bringing him in for a puptart or snickerpoodle on your next outing!


CHESTER
The Cordial Cricket
3524 Festival Park Plaza, Chester, 804-425-9768, www.thecordialcricket.com.
If you are looking for that perfect invitation to create anticipation of your big event, look no further than The Cordial Cricket. Featuring the latest trends in elegant correspondence, they have just what you need to make a statement. Also featured in store are a variety of unique gifts for every occasion, including personalized items. And to be fully prepared for special occasions, one must know their etiquette! Classes are offered onsite for children’s age appropriate etiquette, bridal guidance for planning and getting through the big day and professional etiquette geared towards networking, business social events, etc. Be prepared for your next social gathering with products and advice from The Cordial Cricket!

The WeekEnd Brewer
4205 West Hundred Road, Chester, 796-9760, www.weekendbrewer.com.
Are you a beer or wine enthusiast? Interested in taking your love for the drinks to the next level? The WeekEnd Brewer has everything you need to brew your own beer and make your own wine. Books, supplies, recipes and ingredients are featured in a setting run by experts in the brewing processes. From the beginner to the expert, there is something here for all levels. Wine and beer kits make brewing and wine making simple for the novice, while loose hops, grains, etc. give a challenge to those with more experience. Browse through their recipe books to pick your favorite, or bring in your own for assistance gathering the supplies. You will find the support, enthusiasm and equipment needed to produce the perfect wine or beer at the WeekEnd Brewer.