The beautifully-renovated Warehouse Row and its distinct mix of the region’s best independent retailers have redesigned the holiday shopping experience this December, where cutthroat gift hunting gives way to a relaxed shopping environment and the jubilant spirit of the season.
To kick off the winter festivities, Warehouse Row will host a Holiday Social and Open House beginning on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. Special guests from Virginia, Rappahannock Oyster Co. and Border Springs Farm, will bring their legendary sliders and ribs to the motor court for a festive evening of Lambs ‘n’ Clams. Sounds of the season will fill Building North with live music from Ten Bartram and a very special visit from Jolly St. Nick spreading holiday cheer to children and adults of all ages.
Owners of Rappahannock Oyster Co. and Border Springs Farm were introduced by Bryan Voltaggio, a Top Chef finalist and executive chef of the James Beard Award-nominated restaurant Volt, in Frederick, Md. When the oysterman and the shepherd connected they realized they had the same vision for their companies and that was to responsibly produce great food. From that friendship and connection the food-and-party sensation known as Lambs ‘n’ Clams was born. This year, the Beard House welcomed the duo along with their talented group of colleagues to throw an incredible event of Lambs ‘n’ Clams for chefs from around the country. Warehouse Row welcomes guests to join Shepard Craig and Oysterman Travis in the motor court to celebrate the holiday season.
In addition to shopping with their favorite Warehouse Row retailers, guests will also have the opportunity to visit special holiday pop-ups. Greenery Stand by Chattanooga’s The Clay Pot will be posted up in the motor court selling fresh-cut Christmas trees, mood moss wreaths and other lush delights. In Building North, Callie’s Charleston Biscuits will be stocking a pop-up pantry with friends from Billy Reid for a decadent retail experience. The pop-up shops will be open Thursday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. and will remain open Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Part of what makes the holiday season memorable is finding the perfect gifts for friends and family,” said George Krauth, vice president of Jamestown. “Warehouse Row takes pride in its exceptional retail boutiques and specialty pop ups that help create a more enjoyable shopping experience.”
Rappahannock Oyster Co. was started in 1899 by the great grandparents of owners Travis and Ryan Croxton. More than 100 years later, the cousins continue the family legacy by serving up arguably the best oysters in the world: the uniquely flavorful Chesapeake Bay oyster. In 2005, the team was awarded Food & Wine Magazine’s “Tastemaker's Award,” given each year to top young talents who've changed the world of food and wine by age 35.
Virginia-based Border Springs Farm raises and breeds sheep naturally, without hormones or antibiotics, resulting in lamb that has a sweet fat profile and a delicate, yet earthy, meat flavor. Border Springs Farm’s gourmet quality lamb is used by many great chefs, particularly on the East Coast.
Joe Jumper, owner and artist at Chattanooga’s The Clay Pot, creates impressive decorations for many occasions and holidays. He is widely known for his Christmas decorations, and will have a variety of creations and fresh-cut trees for purchase at Warehouse Row this season. The Clay Pot is a flower and home gift store, is located in the Riverview area of Chattanooga.
Callie’s Biscuits originated in Charleston, S.C. in 2005 when caterer extraordinaire Callie Whites’ daughter talked her out of retirement and into building a business around her legendary country ham biscuits. Since, the mother daughter team has expanded their business, offering seven types of biscuits to retailers around the country. The delectable biscuit flavors range from black pepper to cinnamon and have been nationally recognized for their flavorful additions, appearing on the NBC Today Show and The Food Network’s hit television show Unwrapped.
Billy Reid is an American fashion designer whose self-described “low-fi Southern-bred luxury” has earned him GQ and the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s “Best New Designer in America Award” and the “CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award.” Reid is known for classic-style, high-quality clothing with unusual accents. Designing men’s, women’s and accessories collections, Reid works out of his flagship shop and studio in Florence, Ala. Additional Billy Reid shops include locations in New York; Atlanta; Nashville; Charleston; and Washington, D.C.
The festivities continue at Warehouse Row on Saturday, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 with live music in the Mercantile.