How We Work Live & Play in Today’s Small Towns

Hey everyone, welcome to Industry Night. Today we’re taking a day trip to Warrenton, Virginia, and we’re filming from the beloved Claire’s. Huge thanks to Laura Torpy and the team at Fabulous Fauquier—aka Fauquier Fabulous—for getting us here and showing us the lay of the land.

I launched this road-show series about a year ago, crisscrossing the region to spotlight communities that are rewriting what small town means. Over the last 30+ years, places like Warrenton have invested in people-first main streets, not just big-box corridors. We’re talking independent restaurants and retail, real work-live-play energy, and programming that keeps the sidewalks buzzing.

Warrenton itself is a gem: incorporated in 1810, named for General Joseph Warren, set in the Piedmont with the Blue Ridge as a backdrop AND about 45 minutes from D.C. and the Shenandoah. It’s classic horse and wine country, with a historic downtown, brick sidewalks, beautiful architecture, and a growing community that still feels like a town.

So today, we’ll taste, talk, and walk through what makes this place hum with The Mayor, Carter Nevill, Chef Anna Crossman of Claire’s & Matt Carson who has brought back Britches Great Outdoors.

Let’s get into it ~

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
02:25 - Childhood Memories in Small Town
06:34 - Main Street Beautification Efforts
08:28 - "Community Drives My Mayoral Run"
12:15 - Escaping the Algorithm's Influence
13:39 - Charming Local Stores Highlights
18:03 - "Warrenton's Transformation During Pandemic"
21:16 - "Reviving Britches Menswear Brand"
23:05 - Britches & Ralph Lauren Origins
29:03 - Building Community Through Main Street
30:59 - Virginia's Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit
34:35 - "My Mom's Cooking Legacy"
38:52 - Farm-Sourced Poultry and Produce
40:23 - Managing Staff and Building Bonds
45:24 - "Exploring Warrenton with Gratitude"
46:09 - Follow Me for Food & Fun
46:56 - Outro

Quotes:

“Community is the heart of my leadership. Our town thrives when people discover and love it.”- Carter Nevill

“Warrenton’s creativity bloomed during the pandemic, revealing the hidden beauty of our hometown.”- Matt Carson

“Soup at Claire’s embodies comfort and hospitality, reflecting our dedication to every detail.”- Anna Crossman

“This show lets me connect with communities, experiencing the authenticity of small towns firsthand.”- Nycci Nellis

Key Takeaways:

Small Towns, Big Heart
The Vibrancy of Main Street
The Power of Community Programming
Work, Live, Play—Redefined
Entrepreneurial Spirit & Local Legends
Local Food, Lasting Flavor
Seasonal Magic & Signature Events
Charm, Opportunity, and Togetherness

Featuring Nycci Nellis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/
Website: https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/

Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com