River Rock Outfitter

Keith and April Peterson opened River Rock Outfitter in 2014 which is located at 215 William Street in the heart of Downtown Fredericksburg. It is truly a family business – their brother-in-law, Travis, is the shop manager! Keith and April are originally from Louisiana, but they found their way to Fredericksburg when first stationed here with the Marine Corps in 2001. After multiple duty stations and overseas tours, they found their permanent home back in Virginia.

In addition to selling gear and apparel, River Rock offers instruction and guided serves on the river, rocks, and trails all around Fredericksburg. As avid users of our local outdoor resources, they appreciate their obligation to protect the places where they adventure. They’ve conscientiously chosen brand partners, volunteer projects, advocacy work, and operational policies that support sustainability and renewable business practices.

Most notably, they were the 2020 recipient of the Small Business Champion of the Chesapeake Award. Each year since 2014, the Chesapeake Conservancy recognizes individuals and organizations from across the Chesapeake for their exemplary leadership and dedication to protecting and restoring our natural systems and cultural resources. This was an important honor for River Rock and brought attention to the local area for sustainability work being done here in Fredericksburg.

Keith and April are particularly proud of their newest program – Re-Boot with River Rock! Re-Boot is a consignment program for used gear, clothing, and footwear. Their motto is “Recycle Adventure”, and they encourage the community to consign used gear rather than tossing it in the trash. In a little over a year, they’ve sold nearly 1000 items – passing gear on for a new adventure.

Visit them at River Rock Outfitter - Clothing and gear for the outdoors - Virginia.

Katora

Please welcome our next Sustainability award winner for 2021, Katora! Christian and April opened Katora in December of 2017 and very quickly took a pledge not only to welcome everyone into a safe space but also to promote sustainable business practices. Being the only vegetarian/vegan cafe downtown has been received well by the community. Having gone through very tough times themselves, they have an open door policy to help and support the community through donations of time and product.

So many wonderful relationships have been built over the past few years and they look forward to many more to come. Christian has worked in the hospitality industry as a chef/operator for over 20 years in communities such as NYC, St. Louis and Ft Lauderdale. He brings this unique perspective to the food offerings and events that Katora hosts. April is a graphic designer / software engineer by trade and shows her expertise though Katora branding, marketing and interior design. It wouldn’t be Katora without the events and there are many; from Art shows to Live music, Video game tournaments, open mics and poetry, just to name a few. All are meant to offer a place for the FXBG and surrounding areas to come together and enjoy the diverse culture that VA has to offer.

Reducing the amount of plastic any business uses is a priority for Christian and April – Katora uses compostable and recyclable cups / straws / containers / bags / utensils. Kuleana Coffee Roasters (Ryan Mooney, local FXBG roaster & mushroom expert) is the company that provides the coffee to Katora and they are committed to Direct Trade with Farmers, Organic Coffee and fully compostable bags down to the ink! Anywhere you look inside the shop you will see Local Art. Monthly showcases to highlight local artists and constantly changing walls of content allow for the amazing talent to have a chance to shine. Christian and April are also member/owners of the local co-op grocery store.

Christian currently sits on the board for the local department of Social Services and the Fredericksburg Regional Continuum of Care (coordinates housing and services for homeless families and individuals). “Community service, give back what you have reaped”. This is a mantra for Christian and April. Fostering meaningful relationships with the guests allows for us to provide the best service we can. Understanding people is so important in a time where all we do is look at data. Losing the human interaction during the pandemic has only steeled their resolve to continue to provide a satisfying experience for all.

FOODE + MERCANTILE

When Foode came to town in 2011 we were excited because the owners took the “Farm to Table” concept to new and ever more delicious levels. In the ten years since they’ve continued to delight us, sharing in our celebrations as well as showing us new ways to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

The owners get their inspiration from what is locally grown and the menu follows the growing season. 

From the cocktails to the entrees, we are tasting the best the region has to offer. The carbon footprint is much smaller because most of the ingredients on the menu don’t rely on what must be flown in or driven in from a great distance. 

The restaurant reduces waste by buying glass ware from the local Goodwill, using cloth napkins and recycling lights and batteries. 

Foode +Mercantile owners look out for our community and caring for the environment is one of many ways they show it.

Fredericksburg Area Museum

We are pleased to welcome another Sustainability Award holder, Fredericksburg Area Museum!

The museum is the steward and central location of Fredericksburg City’s history. They house the stories and artifacts that weave the historical fabric of Fredericksburg within the three-story building on the corner of Sophia and William Street.

Inside, you might find a recipe for Lafayette Gingerbread or a roulette wheel from Summer Carnival Island. You’ll also find the tangled histories whose effects still linger such as Fredericksburg’s difficult past with Civil Rights. FAM is hiring a Curator of African American History and Special Projects in their mission to tell the most inclusive narrative of Fredericksburg.

Currently they are collecting object print material on the current pandemic. FAM seeks to capture the unprecedented events which are unfolding fresh before our eyes. FAM finds itself in a unique position to record this historical event and its effects on the community as it progresses.

FAM is currently hosting Sounds of Summer each second Friday of the Month through October 8th. They rotate their featured exhibits so you’re sure to find another piece of Fredericksburg’s history each time you visit! Follow their page @FredericksburgAreaMuseum for updates on events and featured exhibits.

PONSHOP

Please give a warm welcome to our next featured Sustainability Award holder, Ponshop!

Since Ponshop's inception in 2010, Scarlett and Gabriel Pons have curated Ponshop to serve as an informational source for creatives. They promote creativity to foster a stronger community and be a catalyst of positive change in Fredericksburg.

Their connections to the community and beyond are numerous, tangled, and strong. The team describes Ponshop as a multifaceted gallery, retail store, and classroom. But they also work closely with small businesses and the youth community for collaborations, ambitious murals, commissions, event hosting and more.

Their shop features fine art, ceramics, and handmade items with a focus on the Virginia region. Scarlett tells us that she can take months to select certain artisanal products for the shop and gushes about how she’s watched Ponshop’s current featured artists such as Margeaux Ducoing evolve and grow their craft. Scarlett's and Gabriel's own fine art, designs, and ceramic wares can be found in the shop as well.

Scarlett announced that there are two things to look forward to this October! First Fridays are coming around again, so be sure to stop in October 1st at 712 Caroline Street. Scarlett is also putting together a Nepali festival for this month as the Arts and Cultural Chair of the Nepal Exchange Board. Follow @Ponshop for updates on their various endeavors

Fred Food Co-op

Please welcome another Sustainability Award holder, Fredericksburg Food Co-op!

The Food Co-op has rooted itself into the community and has become a hub for locally sourced food, entertainment, lifestyle education and so much more. They had their grand opening in May, yet some folks might not have visited yet.

It is for and owned by the community. They stress they are not a members-only club -- everyone is welcome to shop, dine, or enjoy events. Anyone can also become an owner; you pay a one-time ownership investment which can be split over several payments. Ownership comes with perks including 10% off sale prices, 15% off special orders, and owners earn shares when the Co-op creates a profit.

They source many of their foods from upwards of 60 local businesses and farmers including Juan More Taco, Foode, and Thompson's Trading Post. If you come by, be sure to grab a bite to eat or sidle up to the smoothie bar. Chris, the general manager, vouches that the patio is a great place grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

The food waste gets handed off to folks at Generation Compost and is eventually donated to local farmers. It is truly a “farm to table… to farm again” system!

Supporting our local Food Co-op is supporting the local community. They are working hard to ensure equitable access to fresh food regardless of income, as well as support and collaborate with local businesses, organizations, and artists. We are rooting for the Food Co-op and are excited to see how they develop and grow over the next few years. Stop in and have a look yourself or be sure to say hello to the folks at the Co-op table at the Fredericksburg Farmer's Market!

Olde Towne Butcher

Please welcome our next Sustainability Award holder, Olde Towne Butcher owned by Keith Lebor. 

The shop’s selection will appease almost any local – from those looking for premium meats to those who enjoy a vegetarian lifestyle. Our intern selected a Potter’s Craft Cider after meeting with Keith and found it refreshing on a humid day. She is sure to come back to try their ice cream, honeys, coffee, and granolas. The shop offers a commendable range of meats, produce, dairy, and beers curated from local distributors within the Virginia area.

If you are dazzled by the array of choices, you can get a personal recommendation from a highly trained butcher or meat cutter for the raw cuts or prepared dishes you need for the week. Your cuts will be wrapped in wax paper instead of plastic-coated papers. Keith's curated selection guarantees no unnecessary contamination of antibiotics, chemicals, or hormones. 

As a young boy in Cincinnati, Keith’s family would frequent the local butcher. After a successful career in commercial real estate, he obtained the business in 2015 and learned the ropes from the previous owner, Lee Russell. Keith’s local focus has several benefits. He can personally ensure quality and is able to verify humane conditions at the farms he sources his meat products from. Locally sourcing products also supports the local economy and reduces carbon emissions.  

You can sometimes find Keith perusing Saturday’s farmer’s market at Hurkamp in search of locally grown produce to stock up his produce fridge. Be sure to visit the shop at 401 William Street or visit their website oldetownebutcher.com for local delivery and pickup. Follow their Facebook @OldeTowneButcher or Instagram @oldetownebutcherfxbg

Phosphene Studio

Please welcome a 2021 Sustainability Award holder, Phosphene – owned by Rachel Berenbaum.  

We took notice when Rachel brought her shop, Phosphene, into the ‘burg in 2019. We were dazzled by her business philosophy and plans to incorporate the local community. While the pandemic has put some of her plans on hold, Phosphene hasn’t ceased to impress.  

The location at 806 Caroline Street has closed but the new space at 907 Charles Street is being prepared as we speak with a planned opening by the end of June. In the meantime, Phosphene is open online with free local delivery at phosphenestudio.com  

When the Charles Street location opens, inside you will find a curated range of sustainably and ethically made jewelry, clothing, stationary, and personal-care items. Rachel and her team will greet you warmly as they introduce you to the lay of the shop. Their friendly demeanor encourages dialogue about the various ethical lines the shop offers and the topic of conscious consumerism. 

Phosphene’s products are in line with their philosophy of prioritizing the planet and its people. Thumbing through the clothing, the linens are soft, and the cottons sturdy. Any two pieces pulled from the rack complement one another, and the clothing is curated to be multi-seasonal too. One skincare item offered, Lauren’s All Purpose Salve, has a plethora of uses ranging from moisturizer, make-up remover, hair pomade, and shave cream. While the products are beautiful, they are astoundingly utilitarian and ethical as well.  

Be sure to follow the shop’s Instagram @phosphene_studio or Facebook @phosphenestudiofxbg to keep up with their progress and pop-up events which host local artists or vintage curations.

Dragonfly Yoga Studio

Dragonfly Yoga Studio is tucked inside Shops at 810 on Caroline Street. They offer a wide range of classes, both in person and virtually. Classes range from traditional to contemporary, from restorative to hot Yang & Yin. We have heard from locals that the teachers are caring and excellent in their craft.

The owner, Anne Kemp has been teaching yoga since late 2006. She's taught in California, Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Germany. Back then, her students urged her to start her own studio. Although she didn't plan to own a studio, the seed was planted. After teaching briefly at Dragonfly in 2014, the Fredericksburg studio practically flew into her hands four years later.

The studio has a host of eco-friendly modifications and small changes. Items and refreshments such as snacks, water, towels, and gear are on hand for students, so don’t sweat it if you forgot something on the way. Merchandise includes ethical brands such as Love Bottle and Soul Flower. If you are wondering who designed Dragonfly's logo and mural, it was Gabriel Pons himself from PONSHOP Studio.

Dragonfly has a helping hand in the community's needs beyond yoga. As the studio puts it, “practicing at Dragonfly means that you are supporting a broad range of causes and organizations in the Fredericksburg Area.”.