Emilie and Michael Richardson were eager to try something new.

Their eldest son lived in Newport News, and being closer to him was a priority. While searching for floral businesses within an easy drive to their son, the Floridians discovered Gloucester and everything special about Smith’s Florist & Gift Shoppe.

Vashti Wilcher was a woman ahead of her time as an entrepreneur in 1961. Her legacy, Vashti Jewelers, remains a local treasure in Edgehill Shopping Center just off Main Street in Gloucester Village.

“It was just unheard of 60 years ago for women to have their own business,” says Nicole Michael, Vashti’s granddaughter and today the owner of the store.

CHICAGO (April 2021) – The Main Street Preservation Trust in Gloucester Village, Virginia, is one of six winners of the Main Street Forward Awards, which recognize communities that have shown exemplary recovery and resilience efforts amid the multiple crises of 2020. Selected from 68 total submissions by a national jury of economic development experts, the Main Street Preservation Trust (MSPT) is being honored for its Downtown Dollars program, which raised nearly $150,000 in gift card sales to local businesses and benefited Gloucester healthcare workers.

CEO of Proximo Marketing Strategies Courtney Riley always knew she had a creative spirit, but what she didn’t have was a desire to become an entrepreneur.

Everybody knows Yolanda’s in Gloucester Village, whether for its distinctive made-in-the-USA apparel or thanks to the unique gallery that showcases the work of local artists. The women’s clothing store has been a staple at 6658 Main Street for years, occupying what was once Twice Told Tales bookstore.

Don’t just save one date this June. Save the entire month.

The Gloucester Arts Festival will return to rural coastal Virginia for its fifth year, kicking off June 3, 2021 with an unveiling of sculptures on Main Street and culminating with a U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band concert.

The plan didn’t call for Allyson Bridges to open her own boutique, at least if you ask her.

She was 24, a year into paying a mortgage and worked delivering flowers for her grandmother’s Gloucester Main Street florist shop.

Tooling around on his bicycle as a grade-schooler, Scott Haley grew up exploring everything about Gloucester.

He didn’t have much interest in the women’s boutique that used to occupy 6641 Main Street, and certainly couldn’t have envisioned back then that, as an adult, he’d be going there every day. Today that address belongs to Mainsail Wealth Advisors, LLC, where Haley is managing partner along with Jason Koptish and Scott Glaze.

Don’t be surprised if your peek inside The Nurtury turns into an extended stay.

It’s hard to leave this modern apothecary where nature, science, spirituality and magic converge to offer healing and wellbeing. Whether you want to sleep better or lessen a gnawing pain, whether you want to reduce wrinkles or repel mosquitos, The Nurtury has a solution in the form of natural potions and wellness notions.

Even at 10-years-old, Paige Williams was into plating, albeit with hotdogs and mandarin oranges arranged into a smiley face.

“I’ve always had an eye for things,” Williams says. “I love creating different things, and I love food.”

Craving something sweet like cheesecake, salted caramel or cotton candy? Or in the mood for a savory taste — salt and vinegar, everything bagel or dill pickle, perhaps?

Ginger Spencer lives by this heartfelt message about touch — we need it more than ever.

Split Enz Salon stylist Sam Smith never planned to own a business.

Yet when the Gloucester High School graduate grew weary of logging miles as both operations manager and education director for a national franchise, she thought, why not? Less time on the road meant more time at home with her daughter, Savannah.

Still looking for something FUN for Valentines? We have a great suggestion on how to keep it local and tasty! Kelsick Specialty Market and Gloucester Brewing Company have paired together to ensure a delicious meal with yummy brew!

Over $500 worth of prizes, some will win a little and some will win a lot!

Who doesn’t LOVE a treasure hunt??? Especially when EVERY team WINS and no diggin’ is involved…..just make sure to wear comfy shoes and be ready to follow the clues!!!!!

The Main Street Preservation Trust has opened applications for 2021 for business and property owners along Main Street in Gloucester who wish to improve their facades or interiors of their buildings in the commercial area of Main Street. The program is now in its 11th year for awarding façade grants and in its 9th year for awarding interior and merchandising assistance grants.

The Gloucester Main Street Association Board of Directors do so much behind the scenes that we’d like to shine a spotlight on each one! Each are passionate, dedicated and committed individuals that care about their community and dream big! They lead the way by guiding programs, increasing awareness, supporting fundraising efforts, serving on committees, volunteering at events and problem solving, all while celebrating our wins!

Travel to Main Street to shop, dine and explore in the Gloucester Village! Pick up a PASSPORT today!

Join Arts on Main Artist in Residence Michael Rosato, who recently completed the newest Cook Foundation mural on Main Street, for a muralist talk on “The Transformative Power of Public Art.”

This free event will take place at Arts on Main Sunday, October 25, 2020 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Join The Cook Foundation Sunday, October 25, 2020 from 3 to 5 p.m. on Gloucester Main Street for a dedication and celebration of the recently completed mural honoring the life and legacy of TC Walker.