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 - Introduction02:25 - Childhood Memories in Small Town06:34 - Main Street Beautification Efforts08:28 - "Community Drives My Mayoral Run"12:15 - Escaping the Algorithm's Influence13:39 - Charming Local Stores Highlights18:03 - "Warrenton's Transformation During Pandemic"21:16 - "Reviving Britches Menswear Brand"23:05 - Britches & Ralph Lauren Origins29:03 - Building Community Through Main Street30:59 - Virginia's Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit34:35 - "My Mom's Cooking Legacy"38:52 - Farm-Sourced Poultry and Produce40:23 - Managing Staff and Building Bonds45:24 - "Exploring Warrenton with Gratitude"46:09 - Follow Me for Food & Fun46:56 - OutroQuotes:“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 NellisKey Takeaways:Small Towns, Big HeartThe Vibrancy of Main StreetThe Power of Community ProgrammingWork, Live, Play—RedefinedEntrepreneurial Spirit & Local LegendsLocal Food, Lasting FlavorSeasonal Magic & Signature EventsCharm, Opportunity, and TogethernessFeaturing Nycci Nellis:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/Website: https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/Produced by Heartcast Mediahttp://www.heartcastmedia.com