Discover charming treasures and spooky delights at these five Virginia small businesses.
Are you looking to “up” your autumn decor game? What better way to do that than buying straight from Virginia makers?! We’ve rounded up some of the most unique stores in the commonwealth to find items that no one else has.
Odd Balls Collectibles & Claire’s Antiques
If you’re looking for “unique,” this Henrico-based store is a one-stop-shop. With 100 booths, Odd Balls Collectibles and Claire’s Antiques has a bit of everything—from locally designed Halloween tumblers to vintage outdoor spooky decor.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, the shop will host a RVA Halloween Vendor Market. Starting at 10 a.m., a variety of vendors will gather to sell their wares on the sidewalk in front of the retail location. Of course, there’s even more inside—including a spooky trail through the store, trick-or-treating, and opportunities to snap pics with beloved Halloween characters.
Boxwood Cottage, Inc.
Seeking small town charm and an eclectic variety of items? Head down to Chatham to find one-of-a-kind treasures at Boxwood Cottage, Inc. The vendor-based business opened earlier this year, offering a mix of hand created, new, and vintage items.
Shoppers can find everything from cute black cat plushies to items they need to set a beautiful Thanksgiving table. There are also more traditional fall decor pieces, like a vast selection of autumn-themed outdoor flags.
Hoping to make your own decorations? Boxwood offers a variety of crafting classes; be sure to check the store’s Facebook page for upcoming events.
Venus Time Trap
For a true Halloween experience, head over to Venus Time Trap in Chester. The brick and mortar—with a collection ranging from rare oddities to useful wares—recently stocked the shelves will all-things-autumn.
From taxidermized tarantulas to creepy clown wreathes, there are a variety of ways to spookify your space. Not into “new” things? The store also specializes in vintage items.
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace
Pottery, quilts, and carvings are just a few of the things you can find while perusing the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace in Abingdon. The massive space hosts over 180 artisans from Southwest Virginia, who collectively offer approximately 5,000 pieces for sale any given day.
The center also hosts a variety of events, from traditional Appalachian music performances to private meetings and gatherings.
Burke Nursery & Garden Centre
We can’t rightfully forget about outdoor decor! The Burke Nursery & Garden Centre in Burke has fall-themed market taking place through the end of October. There, guests can enjoy munching on seasonal treats, flipping through fall decorations, picking the perfect pumpkin, and more.
Of course, it’s also a great opportunity to pick up a chrysanthemum or 10, or some garden gnomes to keep the ghouls and goblins away.
