NORTHUMBERLAND—As part of the Heathsville Farmers Market on October 19, the public is invited to bring their pets for a Blessing of the Animals ceremony at 10 a.m., courtesy of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
The Heathsville Farmers Market, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern, 73 Monument Place, Heathsville, is the centerpiece of the “Make It a Heathsville Saturday” community initiative.
The market offers Northern Neck produce, meat and honey, gourmet baked goods peanuts, roasted coffee and artisan handcrafts, said RHHT director Corinne Becker. Over 60 vendors are expected at this month’s market.
The Northumberland Public Library Mobile-Library will be on site and open for tours. The Heritage Arts Center Gift Shoppe will be open. Shoppers will find artists in their studios with wares for sale. The Tavern Café will serve light luncheon fare and sweet treats, all made by the volunteers of the Tavern’s Culinary Group. Outside, a food concession stand will offer breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
Dating from the 1700s, the tavern is home to blacksmith, woodworker, quilter and spinner and weaver guilds.
Other shops, attractions and historical sites in the village will be open to “Make It a Heathsville Saturday,” including the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church thrift store, Kathy’s Korner, Ye Olde Book Shoppe and the old Northumberland Jail. Pick up a Historic Heathsville Walking Map and wander past homes and buildings from every century since the 1700s.
All sites are on Northumberland Highway. This is the season-ending Heathsville Farmers Market, which has been sponsored by Primis Bank.