THE FRENCHMAN’S CORNER

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this Belgian chocolate & gourmet shop with delicacies that look almost too good to eat!

If you’re craving something sweet, decadent and totally luxurious, go to The Frenchman’s Corner. Whether you want a fresh scoop of authentic Italian gelato or blissfully smooth chocolate that melts in your mouth — there’s something marvelous to savor here.

Edward Hanlin runs this beautiful sweets shop specializing in high-end Belgian chocolates and other gastronomic delights.

“One of the special things about us is that we are one of the few independent retailers of Neuhaus chocolate from Belgium,” Hanlin said. “You can only get it in the U.S., mostly in Neuhaus boutiques and independent shops like us.”

Neuhaus has been making chocolate since 1857. Over time, the Belgians have perfected the processing of cacao to create one of the best-tasting chocolates on the planet — all while mainly using natural ingredients.

At The Frenchman’s Corner, a creative selection of smooth Belgian chocolates, creamy caramels and artistic desserts are on display behind a glass case.

“I am proud that we can provide excellent customer service to all of our guests and give them the best experience when they are here,” Hanlin said. “I make them feel welcome, like they are the most important person at the moment.”

When you shop for sweets here, you should expect to go beyond the expected. Try chocolates with a bit of heat to take you to parts of the world where sweet and spicy go hand in hand. Encounter new flavors and textures and be transported on a refreshing and eye-opening culinary journey. Chocolate-covered ginger and orange peels, pistachio turtles, chocolates infused with cloves and luscious caramels can all be hand-picked and arranged in a custom gift box.

Don’t like chocolate? Then enjoy some gelato from Italy, which is made with whole milk and infused with flavors that are so much more intense than American-made ice cream. Its creamy texture and bold taste will have you coming back for more.

Short on time? Then take a few steps beyond the glass counter to find a wealth of ready-to-go gifts. Here you will find everything from pre-arranged chocolate boxes to home goods. There’s also paleo chocolate, vegan chocolate, tableware, mugs and other boutique kitchen goods.

On this side of the shop, there are gourmet foods ideal for holidays, corporate gifting or your simple personal enjoyment. These curated picks of fruit preserves, cornichons and other delicacies will enhance any event.

Throughout the day, people stop by The Frenchman’s Corner for many different reasons. Some guests pop in for a spontaneous treat, others need an impressive gift or there may be a bride requesting small chocolate boxes as wedding favors.

“For party favors, we can use all Belgian chocolates or customize a mixture of different chocolates,” Hanlin said. “We have both standard-priced gift baskets for easy selection, but we can also do custom gift baskets.”

When ordering favors for a special event, a two-week minimum advance notice is recommended to ensure you can get what you want.

Hanlin wants to make sure everyone that enters The Frenchman’s Corner feels welcome and can find something they can enjoy. Come in for a spontaneous treat or to find a valuable gift that will delight your loved ones — or to simply give yourself a sweet escape!

The Frenchman’s Corner is located at 129 E Davis St #160, Culpeper, VA 22701.

Nathania Vaught, an esthetician who has over a decade of experience in skincare, is the sole owner and operator of this appointment-only spa. Whether you need a soothing facial, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning or brow tinting, you can find these services and more at Skin by NV.

Before Vaught opened Skin by NV, she worked at a Northern Virginia spa for almost 10 years, earning the trust and confidence of a faithful clientele. In fact, many have followed her to her new location and know the drive is worth it.

Skincare is a highly personal need, so when you find an aesthetician who does it right, people will do what it takes to keep accessing their services.

“I specialize in skincare and do custom facials,” Vaught said. “Everyone’s skin isn’t the same, so why do the same facial for everyone? I like to tailor the facial to the person and add different modalities. For example, I can help someone with fine lines and