Shutter and Compass: October Haunts and a Savory Brunch in Old Town Alexandria

How is it Already November?

Somehow, we’ve found ourselves halfway through the month, with Christmas lights beginning to twinkle and New Year’s Eve just around the corner. Time flies when you’re having fun—and that’s definitely been the case for Shutter and Compass this fall!

Let’s take it back to October for a quick recap. Once y’all see how busy we’ve been, you’ll know why we haven’t been able to update the blog nearly as much as we’d both like!

We kicked off the month with a Dominion Valley Country Club neighbor’s invitation to try out a ghostly good time at The Winery at Bull Run! Such a fun idea, and we had a group of twenty meet up at The Winery where we enjoyed an assortment of wine throughout a ghost tour. One of the best things about the community that we live in is things like this — an open invitation for anyone who’d like to get out and enjoy group experiences can sign up, connect, and just enjoy life together. The Haunted Wine Tours at The Winery at Bull Run, start towards the end of September and go through October. We enjoyed the time away from the busy-ness of October and it helped us get into the Spooky Season with a bang! Plus, being on the Manassas Battlefield…well, there’s something a little “extra” about these stories that felt so real in many ways. We really can’t express how much a great evening with amazing friends and neighbors can really reset your mind. This was a welcome “treat”…with so amazing spirits!

Shelby and Megan stopped to pose with one of the “spirits” of the evening. The Winery at Bull Run did a great job with the ghost stories.

About mid-October, we received a delightful invitation to brunch at Chadwicks in Old Town Alexandria as hosted guests. When we are asked to do restaurant reviews, we want you to know how seriously we take it. Megan and Shelby go through each item (and this time, our husbands did as well) and typically we savor the yumminess we’ve been blessed to try. That said, we only give authentic reviews - everything we share, we need you to know it’s genuine. In this case, for Chadwicks, we already knew it would be delicious as we had heard great things, but there were plenty of pleasant surprises on the menu—especially the Rill Dill, Chadwick’s creative twist on a Bloody Mary that was a hit all around, and the Flappy Jack, which instantly became a new favorite. It surprised us, too! Its unique combination of flavors - stemming from both breakfast and lunch servings - is something different than we would have imagined together, but it was really good and dipping it in the syrup…just do it! We also enjoyed the Huevos Rancheros - and Chadwick’s has a delightful take on the traditional dish. The Steak and Eggs with the delicious chimichurri sauce was a hit (and those breakfast potatoes!), and while not all of us are lovers of seafood, those who are enjoyed the Eggs Chesapeake. It was flavorful and the taste was yummy, and dare we say…it gave us the feel of a nice Coastal take on a breakfast treat. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and exactly what you want on a crisp autumn weekend. Additional perk — the Halloween decor was on point, and we loved the overall feel of Chadwicks. The staircase, the bar, the open space come together to create a great atmosphere. We had an impressive server who was as kind as she was attentive, and this only added to the positive experience. You can find our IG Reel Quick Review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQMyq00jnsm/. We want to also mention — if you like Espresso Martinis, try the one from Chadwicks. They actually use a cold brew in stead of espresso, but we would not have known otherwise and truly, it was delish. As was the Brunch Punch — a sweet and fruity choice that truly hit the spot!

And as always if you go, let them know Shutter and Compass recommended them, and let us know what you got and what you thought!

Pro Tip: Just trust us on this - get the Fried Green Tomatoes, and don’t be stingy spreading the bacon jam and jalapeño cream. Just thank us later!

Bonus Pro Tip: If you’re either a photographer or a photography client getting those iconic Captain’s Row pictures with the cobblestone road … treat yourself to this afterward! It’s just past the cobblestone toward the waterfront. You won’t be disappointed!

Of course, as with every year, October was also filled with spooky party fun! Halloween is always a favorite season for us, and this year was no exception. Dressed as Mary Poppins and Mary Ann from Gilligan’s Island, we - along with our significant others also dressed in character, enjoyed the fruits of Megan’s labor at Megan’s Annual Monster Mash Halloween Party! This was the first major party of the season, and was once again frightfully festive; we kept the celebrations going at another Dominion Valley neighbor’s party—both of which were…to die for. Boyett Manor is well known for its creativity and ghoulish decor, and this year was no exception. Has anyone checked in on Audrey?! #IYKYK We love friends who open their homes and put so much into every detail. I can speak for all of us who attend each year - we are grateful for your dedication and hard work in hosting these events.

We also ventured into Haymarket to celebrate one of our favorite people, Kenny Brooks of Brooks Heating and Air, who marked his 10th Anniversary in business by hosting an incredible community Halloween celebration - BrooksFest 2025. From trunk-or-treating and costume contests to food, friends, and fun, it was the perfect way to celebrate both local business and community spirit. We believe it was a huge hit, a wonderfully festive time for the community, and a treasured event that will hopefully continue through the years! We absolutely love Kenny and his keen business sense, but also his kindness and warmth. He’s one of those people where we can honestly say, “if you don’t know Kenny, you need to.” If you’re in the Northern Virginia area, please follow Kenny or connect with him (especially if you’re in need of HVAC services!) - https://brookshvac.com. You can also find him on Facebook HERE.

While we have tons of pictures of our costume contestants (provided by Shelby Leigh Photography, LLC), we added just a few of some amazing people behind the scenes and huge supporters of our community - those who took time to host the trunk-or-treat and make all of this happen! Shout outs to: Brooks Heating & Air, and of course, Kenny and Maureen Brooks, Trouvaille Brewing Co., Jim and Andrea Payne of A Pup’s Valley, David Kemp of PestProof Pest Management, Wayne Mitchell with Caring Senior Service of Northern Virginia, Ace Handyman Services - Northern Virginia, Anita Sadlack with State Farm (and Paulina Stowell, with Century 21 New Millennium), Brittany Elkins owner of Balance Physical Therapy, and of course, the Town of Haymarket and the Police Department - special props to Officer Anderson! He’s a great sport and quite the model! We had so many more participants - please note that this is just a quick handful. We are grateful, and we know Kenny loves the community spirit! Check out our IG reel of BrooksFest!

Shelby managed to squeeze in (legitimately in the last hour!) the ever popular Haymarket Day that we’ve mentioned our Perfect Day in Haymarket, VA post, found HERE! It was a beautiful afternoon, and an event that we look forward to each year. We do highly recommend getting there before we did — the crepes that we had looked forward to were sold out by the time we got there. No worries - we still enjoyed some Moo Thru Ice Cream, hanging out and walking our little town with Bailey, our pup, and just enjoying the day. It was wonderful to run into old friends and new, and to enjoy our little Town of Haymarket as a family.

Last tid-bit we’ll add, as it’s SO IMPORTANT! Both Megan and Shelby also had the opportunity to spend a few days in Raleigh, North Carolina for the Eye Believe Survivorship Seminar. For those that don’t know, Megan’s other full time job is with a non profit called A Cure in Sight for Ocular Melanoma (ACIS). This is incredibly meaningful to Megan as her mom, Melody Burchett started this non profit after her battle with Ocular Melanoma. ACIS is on a mission to provide patient services for those who have ocular melanoma. They asked Shelby if she would be willing to photograph the event, and as it’s important to one, it’s important to the other partner! So we met up in Raleigh and worked to document this informational and inspiring seminar. While it’s not exactly “what we do” … it is. Because it’s important to share this information and the resources to help the community going through eye cancer. If you or anyone you know has ocular melanoma, please know that there is a community out here for you. You can connect with A Cure in Sight at www.acureinsight.org.

Lucy Brummett, inspirational writer and coach with Megan and Shelby at the Eye Believe Seminar in Raleigh NC - 2025

Initially, when we started this particular blog post, we thought we’d add the November happenings, but as you can see, this is plenty long as is…

So, stay tuned - November and December’s events will be forthcoming, and we hope you are getting into the holiday spirit!

A Perfect Day in Haymarket, VA: Small-Town Charm, Local Flavor, and Haymarket Day 2025

We’ve covered some of the major events happening in the Northern Virginia / DMV area this fall (did anyone get out to see Bealeton’s Balloon Festival?!), but we really wanted to spend some time sharing a bit about our little hometown, Haymarket. If you want to see Haymarket at its very best, plan your visit around Haymarket Day—the town’s biggest event of the year. But even on a quiet weekend, this historic small town has a Hallmark-movie charm that’s impossible to resist. If you’re into Gilmore Girls at all…think Stars Hollow…we even have our everyday hangouts that never get old! Now if we could just find Luke…ha! With roots tracing back to 1799, Haymarket has always been a crossroads for travelers and locals, and today it still shines as a place to slow down, shop small, and savor the moment.

Strolling and Shopping in Downtown Haymarket

One of the best ways to experience Haymarket, Virginia, is by browsing its locally owned shops. At Details for the Home, every shelf feels like a curated treasure chest, filled with seasonal décor, artisan candles, stylish kitchenware, and hostess gifts. The ever-changing inventory—from cozy autumn accents to breezy summer pieces—makes it a place you’ll want to revisit often. Less than a minute away (by car) is Peace & Laughter Holistic Boutique, located in a little shopping square in the heart of Haymarket. This charming, new-age store invites you into a calming space full of crystals, teas, journals, and wellness finds. The boutique also hosts unique community events like moon circles and tarot nights that give it an extra layer of charm. For a treasure-hunt vibe, step inside The Copper Cricket, an upscale consignment shop that earned a Best of Virginia 2025 Award. From gently loved furniture to vintage décor and statement pieces, it’s a place where every item feels like it has a story.

And of course, Sundays (April–November) bring the Haymarket Farmers Market, the true heartbeat of the community. Some of our favorite regular vendors include Love Bites Company (@lovebitescompany) with natural dog treats - which also means that the market is pet-friendly, Bejeweled Era offering permanent jewelry and more, Jimmy’s Hatch Pepper Salsa (@jimmyshatchpeppersalsa) with bold salsa flavors, and Marshamello Desserts (@marshamellodesserts) for handcrafted sweets, including amazing homemade marshmallows in varying flavors and refreshing lemonade in the summer. Haymarket has been a gathering place since its founding, and the market keeps that spirit alive today.

Where to Eat and Drink in Haymarket

Start your morning at Hidden Julles Café, a cozy spot known for fresh pastries, bold coffee, and smoothies that taste like vacation in a glass. The stuffed French toast, Mediterranean avocado toast, or a power-packed smoothie are all highly recommended. Their lunch menu—sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls—makes it a perfect mid-day stop (and since Peace and Laughter is in the same square, it makes sense to do both!). Also, if you want to check out our Hidden Julles reel in Instagram (along with the fabulous Meghan Bogue), you can check in out HERE.

For a sweet pick-me-up, Cupcake Heaven of Haymarket is just across the street, and it delivers with its famous cupcakes (don’t miss the Butterbeer cupcake - just trust us as Megan swears by it!), plus seasonal lattes that rotate throughout the year. When dinner time rolls around, Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant is the local go-to. With homemade pastas, fresh seafood, and dishes like the lemony Chicken Francese (Shelby’s favorite), it’s a staple for date nights, family gatherings, and everything in between. Pair your meal with a glass of wine on their covered patio for the perfect evening. For bold flavors and about a two mile drive from Haymarket’s center, Tacos & Tequila hits the spot with street-style tacos, trio dippers, loaded nachos (get the short rib!), and colorful margaritas. The vibrant murals by local artist Meghan Bogue of Wholeheart Murals (@wholeheartmurals) make the dining experience as much about atmosphere as flavor.

What to Do in Haymarket

The Haymarket Museum, housed in an 1883 schoolhouse, is a meaningful stop where you can learn about Civil War history, see original artifacts, and even enjoy rotating exhibits of local artwork. When we visited, we had the museum to ourselves, which made the experience both quiet and memorable. If you’re craving fresh air, James S. Long Regional Park is just minutes away, offering trails, sports fields, picnic areas, and even a late-summer sunflower patch. It’s ideal for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to unwind outdoors. Sometimes the best way to enjoy Haymarket is the simplest—boutique browsing and porch sitting. With a coffee in hand, stroll along Washington Street, chat with shop owners, and embrace the small-town friendliness that makes Haymarket so special.

Haymarket Day 2025

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10 AM–4 PM. Haymarket Day is the town’s signature annual festival, drawing over 15,000 visitors each year. The event begins with a lively parade at 10 AM, followed by 200+ vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Regular vendors include A Pup’s Valley, Haymarket’s award-winning dog boarding, daycare and grooming and spa services, alongside other pet vendors like Miss Kibbles, plus local artisans, jewelers, and crafters. Food trucks serve up everything from barbecue to international eats, making it a foodie’s dream. Parking is available at Tyler Elementary School and the Healthcote Blvd Park & Ride, with free shuttles running all day.

Haymarket Day has been voted Readers’ Best Annual Event by Haymarket Lifestyle Magazine five years in a row!! This special day is truly the ultimate way to experience the town’s community spirit.

Haymarket is a town that doesn’t rely on flashy attractions—it shines with authenticity. From sipping coffee on a sunny porch to wandering the farmers market, every moment feels personal and memorable. But if you really want to see Haymarket at its best, don’t miss Haymarket Day 2025 on October 18th. Bring friends, family, and even your pup—you’ll leave with a full heart, a happy belly, and maybe a few treasures to take home.