No place like home

Thanksgiving is less than a week away, which means the push by merchants for holiday shoppers is in full swing.

Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. hosts its annual Culpeper Downtown Holiday Open House Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., an event that began with CRI’s inception 20 years ago.

There will be an appearance by Santa Claus himself, as well as refreshments and in-store specials along Davis Street, all wrapping up with the lighting of the Community Tree at 5:30 at the Depot.

“The main thing is we want people to keep it local,” said CRI’s Missy Vesuna, who helps with special events. “Support local merchants and shop downtown for the holidays.”

If greenery is what you seek, the Culpeper Garden Club will sell English boxwood wreaths, table centerpieces and boxwood trees at the Hazel River Armory, with proceeds going toward civic projects, including the restoration of Salubria’s gardens and house.

From local art to funky jewelry to the finest wines and chocolates, locals and visitors alike can browse from a wide selection of shops Sunday for their gift giving. There will even be a children’s shopping market at the Depot with all items $5 or less.

“We’re here for the community and we have relationships with our customers,” said Sharon Clark, owner of Pepperberries. “There are so many small businesses in Culpeper that need our support.”

Internet shopping may offer a lot, Clark said, but customers can’t beat the personal experience of in-store customer service.

Not to mention the tax revenue that goes back to the community or money saved on gas.

“Just to be able to touch and feel a product and have it wrapped,” she said. “You’re taken care of. You get that one-on-one experience and relationship building from people who are trained with the products they sell.”

Catherine Amos can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 138 or .

Culpeper Downtown
Holiday Open House
Schedule of Events:

12 to 5 p.m.
- Children’s shopping market (all items $5 or less) with holiday cards and caricatures at the Hazel River Armory
- Culpeper Garden Club wreath and tree sale at the Hazel River Armory
- Museum of Culpeper History Open House
and re-enactors
- Toys for Tots campaign at East and Davis streets
- Brandy Manor miniature horses at the Depot

1 to 4 p.m.
- Trolley rides through downtown
- Pictures with Santa ($5) at the Depot
- Story time at the Depot (on the hour)
- Children’s puppet show at Reformation Lutheran Church (on the half hour), plus gospel and lazz, hot cider and treats

2 to 4 p.m.
- Book signing at Pepperberries with local author Susan McCorkindale

5:30 p.m.- Community tree lighting at the Depot with the Piedmont Brass Ensemble and Blue Ridge Chorale