By Jane Bloodworth Rowe
You might be surprised to learn that there’s a lot more to Virginia Beach, VA than the boardwalk, hotels, and gift shops that comprise the Resort area. South of the resort strip lies what locals call the “real Virginia Beach,” a rural area where agriculture is still a major part of the economy and strawberries are a huge cash crop.
The unincorporated village of Pungo, with its single stoplight, is unofficially designated as the capital city of rural, southern Virginia Beach. Here, tucked away in Pungo Square Shopping Center on Princess Anne Road, is a new shop that’s all about celebrating local culture.
The Strawberry Patch, is more than just a gift shop, it’s tribute to family and community and a celebration of the local beach culture.
Owned and operated by Daniel and Kristen Schooff, along with their vibrant 11-year-old daughter Bella, The Strawberry Patch is a family-run shop that features t-shirts, gifts, and books. It opened July 26 and has quickly become a local’s favorite.
I first visited The Strawberry Patch on one recent day when the Pungo community was celebrating the season with a harvest festival. Although the village was crowded with vendors, The Strawberry Patch was catching the eye of many visitors who, like me, were curious about the strawberry theme and rustic décor that included strawberry curtains, tablecloths, and other decorative items reminiscent of a farmhouse.
There were fragrant strawberry-scented candles, and a plethora of other gifts, including kitchen towels, soaps, oils, lotions, gardening tools, and books. There were also jellies and jams and even strawberry-flavored barbecue sauce. Still, what first caught my attention were the t-shirts, all of which had a local theme that celebrated the beach country culture.
The slogan “Pungo, VA, we ride the waves, we plow the fields” was printed on one, while others made similar references to farms and beaches. Although I didn’t enter the shop intending to buy anything, I couldn’t resist getting a toddler sized t-shirt that featured a picture of a tractor the words: “Pungo, VA. Support your local farmers” for my grandson.
A Dream Rooted in Love for the Community
Kristen Schooff grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, while Daniel grew up in Richmond, but the couple enjoyed vacationing at Sandbridge Beach, just a few miles from Pungo Village.
“Virginia Beach has always been a special place for our family,” she said, “and Daniel proposed to me at the Oceanfront.”
Both Kristen and Daniel work in the insurance industry, and when Kristen’s job led the family to Virginia Beach, they chose to buy property in the rural area. “We have completely fallen in love with he lifestyle and community,” Kristen said. “Pungo’s blend of coastal beauty and small-town charm has truly captured our hearts; it feels like home in every way.”
Kristen noticed that locals loved their community as much as she did, and she was touched by their memories of the beloved Pungo Strawberry Festival that was held in Pungo Village every Memorial Day weekend for decades. The festival never returned after the pandemic, and Kristen noticed how much the locals missed it.
“I noticed a real void in Pungo when I followed social media pages,” she said. “People missed having a place that celebrated their hometown pride.”
So, although Kristen had never owned a gift shop before, she saw The Strawberry Patch as her opportunity to blend “my love for creativity, community, and family.”
The Focus is on the Family
Because they both work in the insurance industry, Kristen, Daniel, and the entire family work together to keep the shop going. He runs the shop on weekdays, while she does the administrative tasks and social media posts and works in the shop on Saturdays.
At just 11 years old, Bella is already making her mark. Her very own section of the shop — Bella’s Books — features a handpicked selection of books for readers of all ages. It’s a cozy nook where visitors can curl up, read, and even get a recommendation from Bella herself. Meanwhile, their son, Brady helped with space renovations during his summer break, and their son, Tyler, lives in Northern Virginia and works as a Juvenile Counselor.
A Community Connection
More than just a shop, The Strawberry Patch is about connection to both the land and the community. The family works with other local businesses, including Pungo Boys BBQ, Beauty Queens, and Med Spa to host community events, including an upcoming Pungo Christmas market at the Pungo Christmas Tree Lighting.
“Our shop’s vibe is fun, nostalgic, and local to the core- a mix of farmhouse warmth and local personality,” said Kristen.
Stop By and Say Hi
So whether you’re a local, a tourist, or a day tripper, you want to take the time to check out the quiet Pungo community and to visit The Strawberry Patch, located at 1776 Princess Anne Road. The hours are:
- Tuesday-Friday 10 am to 6 pm
- Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.
- Closed Sundays and Mondays.
About the Author
Jane Bloodworth Rowe is a lifelong resident of Virginia Beach and is an advocate for local farmers and small businesses. She earned a PhD from Regent University and has a background in teaching and freelance writing with many years of experience in community journalism. She enjoys gardening, bicycling, and other outdoor activities.