Bards Alley
Bards Alley, founded in 2017 by Madison parent Jennifer Morrow, is a cozy bookstore in the heart of Church Street that features a variety of books and creates a welcoming space that fosters interaction. Connections form through over 10 book clubs, author events promoting local writers and personalized book recommendations from the staff.
The bookstore has taken inspiration from the old and the new since its inception: it is named after William Shakespeare, who is commonly referred to as “The Bard,” while “Alley” alludes to Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. The shelves also display a love for the classics, and Morrow puts time and effort into curating high-quality book collections to stock them, meeting individually with authors and publishers to discuss seasonal catalogs.
Bards Alley is deeply committed to serving the Vienna community, including partnering with local schools and non-profits, along with promoting local authors and artisans, just like the Vienna community helped them. When it was first established, it received support from the town government and other small business owners which helped turn it into what it is today.
“I never expected to hear so many people saying ‘thanks for opening a bookstore,” Morrow said. “That was truly a surprise and still brings me lots of joy. I’m lucky to be in a community that recognizes this and grateful that with its support we are nearing our ten year mark.”
Caboose Brewing Company & Tavern
Caboose opened in 2018 by Madison parents Jennifer and Tim McLaughlin as a coffee house and brewery that offers a fun social space for all. Inspired by the Vienna spirit, the name originates from the historic red caboose along the W&OD trail that runs through the town. Moreover, it continues to foster a strong connection with the Vienna community by supporting local businesses and charities when possible.
Caboose has an open, two-story industrial interior, featuring aesthetic pipes popping out of walls and warm lighting that makes for an authentic, home-y feel. There are countless activities offered indoors and out, such as cornhole and board games. In addition, customers can gather around for an exciting trivia challenge every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Aside from entertainment, Caboose offers many options for food, ranging from gourmet burgers to salads to street food. For those seeking a hearty breakfast, it is available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Almost everything is made in house, including salad dressings and coffee syrups.
Ultimately, for the store owners, there is nothing more special than the town that Caboose finds itself in.
“We love being part of the Vienna community,” Jennifer McLaughlin said. “You all have helped build Caboose into the vibrant, fun place that it is today.”
Frothy Mug
Frothy Mug is a local coffee shop on wheels that started in May 2023 by Madison parent Veronica Carr, serving schools, businesses and private events in Vienna and the surrounding area.
For the summer menu, Frothy Mug offers ice cream, cold brews, lattes made with high quality beans, popsicles and iced refreshers made with fresh fruit that are perfect for a hot summer day. Veronica Carr comes up with the drinks herself, seeking creative ways to make high-quality beverages that avoid any artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
Frothy Mug also offers a delicious selection of fresh baked pastries, like croissants, muffins and donuts. They partner with Caffe Amouri and Baguette Republic for pastries, meaning customers are supporting three local businesses when they buy from Frothy Mug.
Veronica Carr’s daughter, Liana, a current Madison senior, has been helping her mother run the business for several years and will be taking it over during her gap year.
“I love meeting customers and hearing their (sometimes crazy) stories,” Liana Carr said. “I’ve had some great conversations with people I would never have had the chance to talk to otherwise.”
