To the Editor:
Old Town Fairfax is a relatively "untapped jewel"—why don't many think of it as a destination? It's probably because there is not enough attention focused on it, and all of the things it has to offer-from new shops and restaurants, to antiques and art! People I run into in some of the great shops just "happen" to stumble upon Old Town--when asked about it, they often reply "I drive through here a lot on Main Street, but never realized all of the things it has to offer, so never actually stopped to investigate!"
Old Town Fairfax features great restaurants with a variety of cuisines for a quick bite, or fine dining, i.e.: Thai, Indian, Moroccan, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Chinese, Italian, American, Irish, French, Southwest Mexican, a Deli, a new coffee shop & bakery, the delicious Victoria's Cakery, a new creperie set to open just after Thanksgiving, etc----not just the familiar "chains"—these are all owned and operated by local people. Check out the new Spice & Tea shop--brewing a variety of special teas, and offering unusual spices from around the world, the comic book store with a gaming section, a quilting shop for lessons and supplies, a paint-your-own pottery shop, a T-Shirt factory that designs and ships all over the country, a shop specializing in home décor, all set either in--or amidst- old, historic buildings, courthouses, museums, and the list goes on-- and you must check out Hollie-Robb Antiques & Gallery--this great little gem features ever-changing items, from lovely furniture (how about an 8 foot ornate mirror -with provenance-that originally hung in the Parlor at Oak Hill, home of James Monroe, or a Chestnut table, period Asian pieces--a plethora of vastly different antique & decorative items, and a special collection of framed old and new oil paintings, prints, and engravings--all with great provenance. Be sure to look for "Pandora," the Shop dog, soon to begin her very own blog. Learn about the future plans of Old Town Fairfax from Richard "Rick" Dixon, of the Richard O. Dickson Company, a long-time leading force behind putting Old Town Fairfax on the map as a destination and not just a drive-through--you can often locate him at the Hollie-Robb Shop, or in his offices above the East Wind Restaurant--be sure to ask him about the exciting shops that will be arriving on the scene very shortly--and be sure to check out the festive holiday happenings in Old Town.
Linda Cunnnigham
Fairfax