By Beth Hester
Forager’s Way Herbal Botanicals
Native, edible and medicinal plant expert and author Vickie Shufer encourages people to connect in a more intimate way with nature. A nature correspondent for The Virginian-Pilot and a well-known educator and lecturer, Shufer also co-created a guide to paddling and kayaking local waters and educational programs around wild foods and wilderness survival skills. At her Wild Woods Farm headquarters in Virginia Beach, Shufer and business partner Evan Rhodes develop and package all-natural Forager’s Way teas, seasonings, tinctures and vinegars using organic herbs from a native nursery in northeast North Carolina. Delicious herbal teas are available in bulk or single bags, and unique seasonings add a healthy zing to soups, veggies and salads. Various CBD products are now offered, and outdoor lovers and gardeners swear by their Rid-Itch botanical salve. Have a neglected area on your property that’s shady and damp? Check out their native moss varieties and create your own moss garden.
Little Bay Canvas
Since 1978, Little Bay Canvas has been a stalwart fixture on the regional power boat and sailing scene, and they’ve developed a loyal following. But their design expertise and fabrication prowess extend beyond the marine sphere to the company’s custom commercial and residential services. No project is too big or too small for this woman-owned company. Owner Marie Kirk and manager Angel Ruffino credit their organization’s success to their team’s creativity and personalized approach to designing innovative solutions. Projects include but are not limited to: Biminis and winch covers, interior and exterior cushions and carpet for marine environments, dinghy chaps, off-road vehicle covers, patio enclosures, and custom covers for grills, fire pits and equipment. They even designed and fabricated adjustable life jackets for sea turtles in a Virginia Wesleyan University marine research project. From design to installation, Little Bay Canvas has you covered.
Chesapeake Bay Distillery
Chesapeake Bay Distillery’s ultra-premium, handcrafted spirits are celebrated for their accessibility and “sipability.” Their easy-drinking flagship beverages—Spirits of the Blue Ridge Vodka, Ghost Pepper Vodka and Chick’s Beach Rum—have been described as “so smooth you can enjoy them straight out of the bottle.” The Blue Ridge Vodka is Virginia’s original gold medal spirit, winning six double-gold medals, scoring 96 points with the Beverage Tasting Institute. The quality of the distillery’s products is reflected in their commitment to using only the purest locally and regionally sourced ingredients, including water from the Blue Ridge Mountains, and in using the finest distillation equipment and processes. They donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations that protect the Bay and use sustainable and eco-friendly practices with an eye toward environmental stewardship. Stop by their new tasting room and garden in Virginia Beach or visit their website for tasty ocktail recipes and more.
