Mainstreet Maven: Anna Schoenduby

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.

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Mainstreet Maven: Sandi Cararo

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.

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All Aboard – and Up Top!

All Aboard – and Up Top!

Picture this: you’re sipping a Shenandoah Valley Chardonnay while your seat glides higher than the locomotive itself, sunlight bouncing off 360-degrees of curved glass. That’s not a travel writer’s daydream—it’s the brand-new “Shenandoah” vista-dome car on the Virginia Scenic Railway, affectionately known to locals as the Shenandoah Railroad. The domed beauty began life in 1948 on the legendary California Zephyr, spent a spell as country-icon Merle Haggard’s personal ride, and—after a top-to-tie restoration—now rolls out of downtown Staunton, Virginia.

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How Small Towns Can Attract Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

How Small Towns Can Attract Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

We’ve all heard the chatter: “Everyone’s heading back to the office!” Yet, the reality is that remote and hybrid work—especially for small-business owners and global collaborators—is still thriving. There’s a wonderful opportunity here for small towns to roll out the welcome mat for these new kinds of professionals, especially those who crave the slower pace and friendly vibe that only a small community can offer. If you’re an entrepreneurial spirit on the lookout for a new place to set down roots, or a local official imagining a more vibrant downtown, read on.

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A New Catalyst for Women in Business kicks off in Staunton

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.

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Small-Town Spirit and Big Ideas: Meet Staunton’s Megan Burrows of Burrow & Vine

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.

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A Theater Like No Other

A Theater Like No Other

The American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse offers a theatrical experience that transports you back in time. As the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theater, it breathes new life into the Bard's works in an authentic and immersive setting.

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Fall's Finest: Apple Picking Adventures in Small Town America

Fall's Finest: Apple Picking Adventures in Small Town America

There's something magical about the crisp autumn air and the satisfying crunch of a freshly picked apple. As the leaves begin to turn and small towns across the country enjoy the cozy charm of fall, we've rounded up some delightful apple picking spots near our favorite small towns.

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Weather that is just right
Staunton VA, Settling In MoxieTowns Staunton VA, Settling In MoxieTowns

Weather that is just right

Whether you're a visitor drawn to its historic charm or a future resident dreaming of a quaint life, understanding Staunton's climate is like getting a sneak peek into the town's soul. Let's embark on a journey through the seasons in Staunton, where the weather is as diverse and inviting as the town itself.

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From morning to late night: Staunton’s culinary offerings

From morning to late night: Staunton’s culinary offerings

In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton, Virginia, beckons food enthusiasts with its charming eateries and diverse culinary offerings. As the morning sun casts a gentle glow over the city, start your day at the By & By, a cozy café where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the allure of homemade pastries create the perfect breakfast haven.

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