Hopewell Shop Pampers Man’s Best Friend

BY CHAI GALLAHUN | LNNUSA.COM

In the heart of the Wonder City is a special location for people who love their pets. That place is called Downtown Pups, a grooming boutique that caters specifically to canines of all kinds.

The boutique is located at 222 E. Broadway in Hopewell, has been operational since 2019, just before the pandemic struck, and is operated by Kayla Walker and Liz Spence. The co-owners are passionate about dogs and taking wonderful, personalized care of them.

“About eight years ago, I got my first Doberman,” said Spence, saying that she immediately realized that she wanted to work with animals and entered the world of grooming.

Walker said that she fell in love with dogs when she was a little girl and has wanted to attend veterinary school since she was 10 years old. She then took on a job at a grooming salon where she

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 met Spence. “And the rest is history,” she said.

The boutique won 2022’s Best of the Best award for the Best Pet Grooming Service for the TriCities area. The downtown shop is filled with a plethora of sundries that are sure to keep pets healthy and happy- everything from chew toys, doggie treats, collars and leashes, to decorative pet-themed magnets and stickers among countless other items to browse.

And while business is going great right now, the pet grooming dynamic duo have plans for expansion, with hopes that it will happen by autumn of this year. The expansion will include doggie daycare and pet boarding, a 24/7 operation.

“We treat the pets like they’re our own, getting down on the floor and playing with them, showing them affection just like they’re our own dogs,” said Walker.

They explained that the shop serves much of the Fort Lee community, and that they’re seeking to expand that aspect of their boutique as well, acknowledging the fact that many military personnel and families have pets, and desire expert and loving care for their furry loved ones. The expansion of Downtown Pups would provide service for those who take leave or go on TDY (Temporary Duty) out of the area and want to feel secure that their pets will be not only taken care of but also pampered and loved.

For more information, visit the Downtown Pups Facebook page or call (804) 446-3592.

The Deloreans

Sat, April 1st: 5:30pm-9pm

Indian Fields Tavern

9220 John Tyler Memorial Highway, Charles City B reak out the spandex and fanny packs- it’s 80’s Night in Charles City at Indian Fields Tavern! Back by popular demand, join us for another concert event in our open air barn featuring The Deloreans! Tickets purchased through Eventbrite: $20.00 + service/processing fee. Rain or shine. Free parking.

Eric Gales

Sat, April 1st: 6:30pm The Beacon Theatre 207 E. Cawson Street, Hopewell

Blues great Eric Gales with special guest King Solomon Hicks at The Beacon Theatre Hopewell on Saturday, April 1!

Mike Norris Duo

Sat, April 1st: 6pm-9pm

Trapezium Brewing Company

423 3rd Street, Petersburg

Known for his whiskeysoaked voice and his expressive lyrics, Mike Norris has performed his own style of Outlaw Country & Classic Rock throughout Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina for many years now. His album of 11 original songs can be heard on your favorite listening platform.

April

Fools Day Virginia Comedy Showcase

Sat, April 1st: 8:30pm Perkinson Center for the Arts

11810 Centre Street, Chester

It’s not a prank! The Perkinson Center and Pearl St Comedy are proud to present an April Fools Day special, featuring a variety of Virginia Comedy Legends! Join us at 8:30pm as we welcome Rahmein Mostafavi to the Jimmy Dean stage for the first time, flanked by returning comedians, Dylan Vattelana, Pearl St Comedy legends Kenny Wingle and Jason Klingman, and featuring Micah Bam Bamm White! Recommended for ages 18 and up.

Suns Out, Sandals Out Spring Fling

Sat, April 1st: 10am-5pm

Sun, April 2nd: 12pm-4pm

Sweet Southern Charm Boutique

647 Southpark Boulevard, Colonial Heights

Celebrate with us! It’s our Annual Spring Fling and also our 6th Anniversary Weekend. New Arrivals GALORE, Doorbuster Deals, Special Savings, Door prizes & more. The Simply Southern jeep will be on site on Saturday April 1st from 1pm to 3pm. It’s going to be our best spring event ever, so make plans to attend and be sure to tell your besties!

Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

Fri, April 7th: 6:30pm

The Beacon Theatre

207 E. Cawson Street, Hopewell

VFW Easter Egg

Hunt

Sat, April 1st: 2pm-4pm Hopewell VFW POST 637 1400 Lynchburg Street, Hopewell

Easter Egg Hunt - FoodGames

Bring donation canned goods for the local food bank! Sign up sheet located in the clubroom.

Richmond Flying Squirrels Opening Night Company

Fri, April 7th: 6:35pm

The Diamond

3001 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond

The Flying Squirrels are back in town to celebrate Opening Night 2023! Stick around for post-game fireworks up close inside the fences. Enjoy happy hour drink specials from 5:30-7:30 PM each Friday home game in Funnville. Gates: 5:00 pm | Game time: 6:35pm

Appomattox River

Wine Festival 2023

Sat, April 8th: 12pm-5pm

Appomattox Boat Harbor

1604 Fine Street,Prince George

Springtime with great wine and good friends on the banks of the Appomattox River, less than 2 miles from Southpark Mall in Colonial Heights, VA. Conveniently located off the Temple Avenue Exit east of I-95. Local and regional wineries providing samples of delicious wine, also beer, cider, and mead. Live music. Vendors, raffle prizes, food and beverages, and more! Proceeds benefit local charity.

Easter Egg Hunt

Sat, April 8th: 10:30am

Indian Fields Tavern 9220 John Tyler Memorial Highway, Charles City

Hop, Hop, Hop your way on over to our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. All day fun, rain or shine. Bring your kiddos 10 and under to join in our annual Easter Egg Hunt starting at 10:30. Shhhhh, but we have been told there will be a special sighting of the Easter Bunny, so make sure you bring your cameras to snap a picture of your kiddo/s with the Bunny. Red Stapler Duo will be playing in the barn from 11-1:00 for musical enjoyment along with kids crafts for more Easter fun.