PERFECTLY TIMED with the first blossoms of spring, Country Way opened its doors on March 20th. Owners Amy Sullivan and Deborah Graham have filled their new store's cheerful spaces with room settings that showcase their floral designs and gifts for the country home.

"We've created a store that's like a home, where people can come in and feel comfortable, whether they're shopping for a wrapped bouquet or planning a formal event," says Amy. "We hope the store will spark ideas, plus we have a library of design books and magazines to help take the guesswork out of planning an event."

"Because people need to trust their floral designer, we take the time to get to know our customers, and to discover what will really express their personalities" Deborah added.

Directly across Washington Street from the Middleburg Post Office, on the ground floor of a bright yellow house, Country Way is filled with color and aromas. The store offers gifts for all occasions, silk and dried flowers, potted plants, unusual orchids, topiaries, table linens, and a line of wedding albums and bridal presents. In a back room, fresh cut flowers fill a cooler next to a long antique wooden counter. A very friendly Corgi lounges on the floor.

"That's Earl the shop dog," laughs Amy, "He loves a belly rub."

Deborah and Amy know the Middleburg area well from living here for many years. "We both enjoy the country life and have selected our products for others who feel the same way." Amy explains, "Middleburg is such a gorgeous place to live and work."

Deborah agrees, "We both feel really lucky to be doing what we love and working in this wonderful community."

Country Way, 110 West Washington Street Middleburg, Virginia, 540-687-3583

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 to 5; Sundays 12-5; Mondays by appointment.