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Business & Tech

Viewfinder: Occoquan Interiors (A Game of Merchant Tag)

This week's Viewfinder peeks inside Occoquan commercial interiors as dictated by shop owners.

Instead of shooting outdoor scenery, I wanted to highlight interior spaces for this week's Viewfinder. Β Occoquan's retailing space lent itself perfectly for this purpose.

I could have chosen to shoot interiors at my own will, yet to create a sense of community (and photographic continuity) within Occoquan, I asked shopkeepers to choose which store they recommended I shoot next. Β Thus began a creative game of tag on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 14.

I started my tour at the small tourism bureau, where I was directed to Salt & Pepper Books, one of the region's best-kept culinaryβ€”and literaryβ€”secrets. Β 

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Christine Myskowski, owner of the bookstore, chose to tag Peacock Road, its neighbor two doors down.

Peacock Road, a space filled with gift items and objects for the home, directed me to Serendipity, which contains everything from nursery decorations to delicate glass dishes.

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From Serendipity, I walked to The Clothesline, one of Occoquan's few clothing, shoe, and accessory boutiques for adults. Β The Clothesline sent me to its neighbor, newly-transferred Willow Street Decor.

Willow Street Decor boasts decorative items and furniture for the home and garden, which include avian, botanical, and natural themes. Β Nan Talbott, co-owner of Willow Street, directed me to Blue Arbor Cafe, her go-to destination for a quick lunch in town.

Although Stephen Power, owner of Blue Arbor Cafe, has tagged a store, his choice will be revealed in July, when I'll continue this unusual Viewfinder assignment. Stay tuned...

If you could play merchant tag with me, which business would you choose? Β Let me know in the comments!

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