The Next Great Startup Hubs: Small Towns
Think you have to move to a big city to build a serious business? Discover why more entrepreneurs are choosing small towns for lower costs, less competition, and stronger community support.
Tree House Café & Studio: Stay a Little Longer
Tree House Café & Studio in Travelers Rest is the kind of place you wish you’d reached an hour earlier. Fresh, thoughtful food, a friendly hum of conversation, shelves of paintable art pieces, and a coffee bar that keeps the room moving at its own easy pace. Come for lunch, stay to create, then head out to the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Mainstreet Maven: Anna Schoenduby
Mainstreet Maven Anna Schoenduby brings global impact to Staunton, VA through Latitudes Fair Trade. Her boutique offers ethically sourced jewelry, clothing, gifts, and home goods—empowering artisans worldwide while enriching Main Street.
Mainstreet Maven: Cindy Fellows
Meet Cindy Fellows, the creative force behind October Grace Media in Staunton, VA. Discover how this Mainstreet Maven blends photography, storytelling, and strategy to help nonprofits and small businesses shine.
Mainstreet Maven: Sandi Cararo
Tucked into a narrow storefront along Beverley Street in the heart of downtown Staunton, Virginia, sits The Book Dragon—a small shop with a big spirit, run by a woman whose story is just as compelling as the titles she stocks.
Meet Sandi Cararo, Army veteran, dog mom, relentless book lover, and the heart behind Staunton’s independent bookstore. She’s a force on Main Street—part dreamer, part pragmatist, all moxie.
The Best Things to Do in Fredericksburg, TX
Fredericksburg, Texas, is a charming small town with a big personality. With a population of approximately 11,000, it welcomes over one million visitors each year—and for good reason. Situated in the heart of Texas Hill Country, it blends rich German heritage, a thriving wine scene, and a vibrant Main Street with the beauty of a designated Dark Sky Community. Whether you’re making a quick stop on your way to Austin or San Antonio, or planning a longer getaway, Fredericksburg offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure.
A New Catalyst for Women in Business kicks off in Staunton
Walk through downtown, and you’ll find thriving storefronts, creative studios, and bustling cafés—often run by dedicated women we have come to call “Main Street Mavens.” We are finding them in so many of our small towns. An energy and passion that ignites the possibilities that may have sat a little quiet - but not any more. Now, these innovators have a new community hub to elevate their voices and expand their dreams: Valley Women Collab.
Small-Town Spirit and Big Ideas: Meet Staunton’s Megan Burrows of Burrow & Vine
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton, Virginia, has a way of surprising people. For entrepreneur Megan Burrows, Staunton became the perfect backdrop for her business, Burrow & Vine, and the launchpad for a thriving community of women in small business. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Megan about what brought her here, how her shop came to be, and why she agrees with us at MoxieTowns that small-town Main Streets are brimming with potential.
Indulge in Sweet Bliss at The Split Banana Co.
Stepping into The Split Banana Co. feels like entering a traditional European gelateria. The inviting atmosphere, coupled with a display of vibrant gelato flavors behind the glass, beckons you to indulge.
The Wharf at Lyman Morse
With Maine’s more than 3,500 miles of coastline and 4,600 islands, boat building is essential to the state’s way of life. From sailing vessels to lobster boats, people have needed the means to get out on the water for their livelihood or enjoyment for centuries. Having built over 200 custom boats in their Thomaston yard since the 1920s, Lyman-Morse is integral to the region’s fabric and is considered one of Maine’s top boatbuilding and technology companies.
Owl & Turtle Bookshop in Cozy Camden
A mainstay on or near Main Street since 1970, the Owl & Turtle originally opened as a bookshop motel. The motel is long gone, and the shop is now back on Bay View Street, where it all began. The addition of a buzzing café makes it the go-to spot for browsing books and for enjoying coffee with friends.
Camden Famous, Of Course!
We have become big fans of Camden Famous - we love champions of small towns, particularly those that understand and embrace the importance of local commerce and the sense of community. Camden Famous has quickly become the go-to resource for discovering the hidden gems and iconic spots of Midcoast Maine. Founded by April Shaw-Beaudoin and Buck Beaudoin, this dynamic husband-and-wife duo launched their platform in May 2023, combining their marketing expertise with a deep love for Camden and its surroundings.
Madison: A Guide to Unique Finds & Local Treasures
Before you even drive around the block, you know Madison is a boutique shoppers dream. We would love to share with you a few of our favorites but we know the lineup continues to grow! Let us know yours!!
Madison GA: A Quicktake
A quicktake on Madison GA - who lives here, and what is happening in their amazing downtown.
Local shops worthy of a trip south
Thomasville is a charming small town that's big on local businesses. From bookstores to cheese shops and restaurants, this town is a treasure trove of unique, locally-owned retailers that add to its vibrant community spirit.
Looking to Launch
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, Clarkesville offers a unique blend of opportunities that make it a great place to start a new business
Who is minding the street?
This week I found myself in the warm company of Main Street directors and downtown managers from across the landscape of Georgia at the Georgia Downtown Conference