Stopping by the Side of the Road

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Heather Walton of Fields of Heather
Heather Walton of Fields of Heather

Heather Walton has opened a florist shop, Fields of Heather, in the 18th century smokehouse behind the colonial-era house, c. 1730, that is the home of St. Peter’s Attic, a consignment shop adjoining the House of Jacobus (which offers 17th, 18th and early 19th century antiques) on Rt. 250 east of Ivy.

Walton’s shop sells fresh floral arrangements, handles flowers for weddings and parties, and during the holidays she offered wreaths and decorated Christmas trees. She has garden-related gifts and in warmer months will have potted plants.

Walton, who formerly worked at Patterson’s Flower Shop and Ivy Corner Store, said that as a single mom whose jobs were keeping her away from her kids, ages four and seven, she felt she had to go on her own in order to be able to give more attention to being a mother. “I know it’s going to be hard, but I asked myself what I wanted my kids to think of me. Something has to be said for raising your babies.”

“It’s fun and I love doing it. This time it’s more on my terms,” she said. “But I’m used to being inundated at this time of year and I’d like to get back to that.

“I love the Williamsburg style. It’s simple. It’s the best.”

Charline Genest and Charlie Craig of St. Peter’s Attic
Charline Genest and Charlie Craig of St. Peter’s Attic

Next door, in a building that deserves to be in Williamsburg, Charlie Craig is managing St. Peter’s Attic, an emporium with a dazzling variety of things to choose from. Craig, who hails from Craig County and whose ancestors gave the place its name, has been in the consignment business for 30 years and brings a masterful and quick judgment to his selections.

“We’re mediators between sellers and buyers,” Craig said. “We like to think we are the most diverse shop in the county. We have Louis Vitton bags, clothing, books, what we call chotchkies (knickknacks), jewelry. We sum it up as fashion, home and gifts.

“I have to love or hate the item for it to get in. Otherwise we pass on it. There’s a standard. People have to want to come here.” Craig said the store has more than 10,000 items for sale. Impressively, it’s all plainly and attractively displayed.

“We don’t have money tied up in merchandise that is waiting to sell and we’re ‘green’ because you’re reusing things from the past.” The store donates to four charities every week, including Goodwill, the Salvation Army and area churches, he said.

“We try to move things round the store and give them a chance. Everything will have its day.

Saint Peter's Attic on Route 250 in Ivy
Saint Peter's Attic on Route 250 in Ivy

“There’s something special about being in this old house.” It has high ceilings, four big fireplaces, wide-plank heart pine floors, wainscoated walls, old glass in the windows, and an English basement. It has been used before as a furniture store and a bed and breakfast.

“This use suits it,” said Craig. “It was probably built by someone wealthy. It looks small but it’s big inside and it holds warmth well.”