Celebrating our bounty --
As the ODA/LOVe team works to complete final details of the upcoming Gingerbread Walk, part of our Holiday Village seasonal campaign, we're reminded of the gift-giving bounty that sits right here in our lovely community! Because there are so many treasures just waiting to delight the folks on your list, we've assembled a Holiday Gift Guide chock full of wonderful gist ideas. We reached out to our shops and restaurants and asked them to suggested ideas for pleasing everyone on your list -- gifts for her, gifts for him, gifts for the person who has everything...you get the idea! We encourage you to discover the wonderful array of treasures right here in Orange -- items you may have overlooked or just didn't realize could be found right here in your own backyard! And, we hope you'll use Saturday's Gingerbread Walk as the perfect opportunity to discover the wonder --
Charlotte Cole,
Executive Director
Kick Off the Holiday Season with Our Gingerbread Walk
Saturday, December 4 from 10 am - 4 pm Special Activities, Offers and Info
Spend the day in Orange strolling through our historic commercial district. Orange is Central Virginia’s Holiday Village, and during the holiday season, we’re all about gingerbread! Each year, we pull out the stops with a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest – now in its 10th year – and create a gingerbread themed event worthy of a Hallmark movie! This year, we’re featuring a Gingerbread Wonderland in our treasured Taylor Park with lots of gingerbread figures to delight both young and old. Bring your family and capture holiday memories, hear holiday tunes played by a brass ensemble and sung by our favorite hometown vocalist, saunter through our church bazaars, tour our historic Courthouse, snuggle tight in our downtown “snowfall,” visit Virginia artisans at our esteemed Arts Center, create holiday crafts at Santa’s Workshop in our century-old Train Station, tell your holiday secrets to our jolly Santa, find the perfect gift in our charming shops and boutiques, and dine in our delightful bistros! Timeless. Treasured. Traditions. ACTIVITIES Taylor Park, 134 W. Main Street Capture family memories with a photo-op in a historic sleigh and hometown heroes James and Dolley Madison cutout; stroll through the “Gingerbread Wonderland” while you munch on free gingerbread cookies; enjoy music by a brass ensemble (11:30 am and 2pm) and vocalist (noon). Historic Orange County Courthouse, Main Street and Madison Road Tour this beautiful building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and view the portraits of President James Madison, and hometown hero Captain Andrew Maples, a decorated Tuskegee Airman. Towles Terrell Alley, 114 E. Main Street Make more family memories in our “Let it Snow” photo-op setting. Don’t let the weather fool you…it may be in the balmy 60’s, but Ol’ Man Winter is on the way, so snuggle tight! Historic Train Station Join our Orange Holiday Elves for some FREE family-friendly crafts in Santa’s workshop -- Pine Cone Christmas Trees, Bead Snowman, Popsicle Stick Stars, Ugly Sweater Paper Craft and Mini Canvas Painting. Then, share your holiday wishes with Santa – straight from the North Pole! SHOP Darnell’s Garden Patch and Gifts, 190 Caroline Street Come on in and take a look around! You'll find inspiration, local goodness, & fun! And, fresh for the holidays, beautiful trees, handmade boxwood wreaths, a wide assortment of savory foods, delicious baked goods, local honey, Virginia maple syrup and so much more. A nursery. A farmers’ market. A gift shop. All rolled into one wonderful experience! Missy Moodie’s Sweet Treats, 152 Caroline Street If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth then this is the place! Handcrafted cookies, brownies and other sweet treats. But it’s the cakes and cupcakes that are the show stoppers! So beautiful and delicious, you’ll wonder how she does it! Paint it Orange!, 137 Caroline Street Get a jump on the Gingerbread Walk and come to our Ugly Sweater Christmas Party on Friday, December 3! This special event benefits the Children’s Toy Box of Orange. Wear your best ugly sweater and bring at least a $20 donation to the Children’s Toy Box! Snacks and drinks will be provided! Then, join us on Gingerbread Walk Day (Saturday, December 4) as we create time-honored quilling treasures, a delicate snowflake or lovely Christmas ornament – two sessions: 10am and 2pm. Cost $15 per session). And at noon, decorate your own sugar cookies…a great gift for teachers or Secret Santa (Cost $5; larger kits available for $30). James Madison Museum, 129 Caroline Street Whether you’re young or older, you can "stamp" holiday patterns, using the colonial process of carved potatoes and paint, to create a keepsake card. And take some time to stroll through our impressive museum, then browse our distinctive gift shop. Spelled Ink, 132 W. Main Street Find books, baubles and bubbles at this charming pop-up shop offering two special gifts with a purchase -- free “collector” sticker with any Christmas item purchase, and free pocket latte chocolate bar with purchase of $35 or more! And we’re offering a "build your own gift box" -- $60 includes one of our ever-popular "Mystery Date With A Book" and a variety of different goodies (options include jewelry, candles, metal bookmarks, and much more), as well as our pre-wrapped mystery gift book boxes (containing mystery book, and an assortment of goodies), priced as follows: children $30, middle-grade and young adult $20 and adult $30. Orange Pharmacy, 130 W. Main Street Stop in to enjoy cookies and punch and a 15% discount on all holiday stock items. Spend $40.00 or more and receive a free reusable holiday bag…Santa’s bag, your bag! Brand new bag! Ho, ho ho! Orange Baptist Church Crafts Bazaar, 123 W. Main Street A treasured Orange tradition, our Christmas Craft Bazaar from 9 am – 2 pm, is open to the public and features 18 vendors offering ornaments, hand-knitted items, a bevy of baked goods, garden decor and stepping stones, jewelry and much more! Mask are recommended. Lacy’s Florist and Gifts, 120 W. Main Street We’re offering extended hours from 9am - 3 pm and 10% off all of our beautiful hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind artificial Christmas Wreaths – the perfect touch for your holiday decor! Come browse our wide array of gifts for guys and gals, too! Finder’s Keepers, 108 W. Main Street Our treasure trove of antiques and unique items will offer COVID smart refreshments (individually packaged) throughout the day. Sip, savor and shop! Grelen Downtown, 112 E. Main Street Join us for a “Holiday Open House” with warm drinks and good cheer -- see our beautiful line of HOBO clutches and purses, and our curated array of sumptuous home decor. We also are featuring lovely, cuddly items for baby, indulgent items for her and thoughtful items for him! Melrose Antiques and Interiors, 101 E Main Street Featuring one of the finest collections of 18th & 19th Century furniture and Oriental rugs on the Eastern Seaboard, we invite you to come in and find that holiday gift you’ve been longing for! Objects on Main, 107 E. Main Street Our locally owned and operated boutique offers unique, eclectic decor for the modern home -- art, furniture and kitchenware. Check out our newly discovered trends for the season! Palmetto Posh, 113 E. Main Street Our shop offers new and upcycled home goods, decor, gifts, clothing, furniture, and unique vintage and antique finds – Saturday we’ll offer 30% off all Christmas items, 50% off glassware, China and figurines, and will have unique gift baskets for everyone your list! Holiday Traditions, Tastings & Gifts, 118 E. Main Street This fun and fancy pop-up shop is like walking into a Winter Wonderland – brimming with high-end holiday decor at a steal! But that’s not all, enjoy a tasting of Son of a Pear ciders – fresh, delicious and the perfect beverage for celebrating the season. And last, but certainly not least, browse the beautiful gifts from The OddFarm – pure and luxurious goat milk soaps, beautifully aromatic hand-dipped candles and a delightful array of holiday gifts. The Arts Center in Orange, 129 E. Main Street Join us on December 3 from 10:30am - 12:30pm for our ever-popular Holiday Angels class led by Farley Farrar. Everyone will get to make their own beautiful clay angel, perfect for the holidays as a gift or as a treasured keepsake! Then, on Gingerbread Walk Day (December 4) from 10am to 4pm, visit our Holiday Gift Bazaar featuring a wonderful array of local artists offering handmade textiles, jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, paper goods, scarves, and more! Christ Anglican Church, 153 E. Main Street Come and enjoy our "Advent Bazaar" from 9am – 4pm; we’re located just across the street from the Music Room on Main. The proceeds from this highly-anticipated event supports our children's ministry in the Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Marsabit. Browse our “indoor yard sale,” popular vendor craft sale, and our bake sale. You can also participate in our fresh Advent wreath making session, and silent auction. So much to see and do! Unique to Chic Galleria, 220 Byrd Street Our designer outlet and liquidation store is not to be missed. You’ll never know what treasures you're going to discover! Beautiful home decor and accessories, fashion, items for home improvement and balloons – yes, balloons! D&J, 266 Butler Place If you like hunting treasure, this is your place! Don’t let the humble outside fool you, for inside you’ll find everything from Karastan carpets and Duncan Lincecum original oil on cloth paintings to more utilitarian items. Racer’s Custom Wood, 227 Byrd Street Can you say “Best place to get custom cornhole boards???” Each a work of art! Maddybug’s Gifts and Decor, 207 N. Madison Road Our gift and decor shop offers a unique selection of everyday and special occasion gifts, country and cottage style home decor, flags, and decorative garden accents. Come explore! DINE Forked on Main, 124 W. Main Street Don’t shop ‘til you drop – pop in to this delicious “hot spot” from the creators of The Inn at Will Grove and Objects on Main for a soothing beverage and tasty bite to eat. You’ll need all the energy you can muster to make it to the other end of Main Street! The Light Well, 110 E. Main Street With all the excitement of our Gingerbread Walk, one can work up a BIG thirst. Step in to The Light Well for one of these special holiday cocktails -- Light Well Irish Coffee, Maple Bourbon Fizz or our popular Light Well Cranberry Mule. While there, explore their yummy menu! Barbara’s Soul Food on Wheels, 111 W. Church Street Our name says it all! Food for the soul – delicious comfort food like chicken and waffles, chopped pork barbecue, collard greens, catfish and more! Mario’s Pizza, 153 E. Main Street There’s something about a delicious hot pizza that soothes the soul. And after having so much Gingerbread Walk fun, your soul may need some soothing. Pizza to the rescue! La Naranja, 182 Byrd Street Feliz Navidad! Our restaurant features traditional, authentic Mexican cuisine -- burritos, enchiladas, tacos, chile relleno and so much more. Fuel up for more holiday shopping! Cooper’s Cookin’ and Catering, 131 Byrd Street We specialize in authentic Southern Cooking based on recipes passed down from the Matriarchs in our family. Our food embraces all the love and passion of their teachings just as the holidays do. Come by and soak up the love! East of Maui Coffee, 181 N. Madison Road Great things come in small packages, as the old saying goes. And this “great thing” is East of Maui Coffee -- bringing the lush, rich taste of the Islands straight to our customers! Our slow roasted & fresh ground coffee is the best around. Recharge your shopping batteries here! El Varquero West, 215 N. Madison Road Prospero Año Nuevo – our restaurant family’s holiday wish for you! We invite you to enjoy our delicious authentic Mexican cuisine--our guacamole is freshly made each day! Buen provecho. Silk Mill Grille, 101 Woodmark Street Our restaurant, located in a 1920s mill, offers classic American surf 'n' turf dishes, tasty cocktails and scrumptious desserts, amid antique decor. At the end of your shopping day, indulge in your conquest! Eve’s Cupboard Market and Juice Bar, 305 N. Madison Road It’s the high season for parties and celebrations, and sometimes you need a fresh, wholesome alternative to all that “fancy” food. We’re here for you with guidance on a healthy lifestyle that includes wellness recipes, nutritional info and natural remedies. Celebrate smartly! Provisions Market Table, 319 N. Madison Road Our Market is open and the Table is set for people who love to eat and drink, cook, and entertain! Check out our market pantry full of ingredients that chefs prize and home cooks seek. Visit our Table with friends and family to enjoy chef-created, farm-fresh meals. Iron Pipe Alewerks, 323 N. Madison Road, A We’re a small brewpub with big flavors, and we’re waiting just for you! Now that the day is over, drop by and sit a spell. Inside, you can unwind and check the latest sports scores with one of our delicious craft beers. Or, settle in under our canopy and compare shopping notes while you savor what some are calling the best pizza in the Central Virginia area. Cheers! Spoon & Spindle, 323 N. Madison Road, H Need a break from all the fun? How about tucking into Orange’s newest restaurant for our sumptuous brunch! It’s a mouth-watering mash-up of fresh farm-to-table meets Louisiana Creole and Tex-Mex, with a dash of Mediterranean thrown in for good measure. The flavors will dance in your head! And don’t forget the “bo-nut”…so delish.
It's been a long time coming, but our Web site is up and running. Thanks to all who helped fund, research, design and code this treasure trove of wonderful information about our great town. No doubt, there may be a typo or two -- if so, please let us know and we'll get it fixed. This is a vibrant, living site, and we'll be adding and updating info as we get it. Take a spin through the pages and let us know what you think!
And, as Giving Tuesday wraps up, we invite you to consider becoming an ODA/LOVe Supporter. For $50 per year, businesses and individuals can help us advance Orange's Main Street program -- foster more economic vitality, enhance our streetscapes, create and conduct more community events. Show the LOVe -- click here to donate! Thank you!
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