Keeping the community aware of local business activity is part of how the Middlesex County EDA supports the businesses operating here. When residents know which shops have opened, moved, or reached a milestone, they are better positioned to spend locally and keep that activity going. Here are some of the more recent Middlesex business updates.
She Shed has opened at 271 Prince George Street in Urbanna. The boutique carries gifts, poly furniture, and outdoor decor.
Down River 33 has opened at 16945 General Puller Highway in Deltaville. The coastal retail shop carries apparel, gifts, and adventure gear. The business describes itself as “From river to bay. Coastal apparel, gifts and everyday adventure. Rooted in Chesapeake Bay living.”
Clint and Lisa Almarode opened a second location of The Wooden Pickle on July 25 at 17435 General Puller Highway in Deltaville, in the building formerly occupied by Cafe by the Bay. Their original Urbanna location began as a 600-square-foot coffee shop at 51 Cross Street and has since grown into a 3,800-square-foot full-service restaurant with an ABC license. The EDA supported the business through hiring outreach and an equipment grant during that expansion. The full story is documented in Rising Tide Episode 2.
River House Creations has relocated from Virginia Street to 121 Grace Avenue in Urbanna. The family-owned gift shop carries Virginia-made gifts, stained glass, and shell art. It also offers woodworking classes at the new location.
Merroir marked 15 years in July. The waterfront tasting room at 784 Locklies Creek Road in Topping is operated by Rappahannock Oyster Co. and was the company’s first restaurant, sited on the Rappahannock River overlooking the grounds where its oysters are grown. The company has since opened locations in Richmond, Washington, Los Angeles, and Charleston, with the Topping tasting room still operating on the water where the business started.
The Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club is celebrating ten years in 2026. The club is located at 1860 Twiggs Ferry Road in Hartfield and operates 24 laser-leveled courts, making it the largest croquet complex in the world. It currently has 160 members.
As part of its anniversary, the club is offering businesses free use of its facilities for an employee picnic through the end of 2026. The offer covers full use of the club grounds, introductory croquet instruction, and a few friendly games led by club staff. Food and beverages are not included, though businesses may bring their own or arrange catering through the club. The invitation is open to businesses in Middlesex, Gloucester, Mathews, and Lancaster counties, and dates are first-come, first-served. Businesses interested in booking one should contact Macey White at maceywhite@gmail.com.
The EDA is building a business directory intended to represent every business in Middlesex County. Listings are housed in the Explore Middlesex app, and the work of filling the directory out is ongoing. Owners can submit their own business at middlesexeda.com, and residents are welcome to submit one they know should be included. Businesses with news to share are encouraged to send it to the EDA for a future roundup.