When Kristen and Daniel Schooff were house hunting in Pungo, their real estate agent told them about the area’s famous strawberry festival and how it was such a beloved tradition in the community.
The couple, from Fredericksburg, moved during the pandemic in 2022 and never got to experience the festival.
“It was canceled that year and hasn’t come back since,” Kristen Schooff said. “We always felt like we missed out on experiencing something special that really defined the community.”
She said she realized how much residents missed the festival by following local Pungo social media pages. She noticed people constantly reminiscing about the festival, sharing strawberry memories and posting about how they wished there was still a place to celebrate that part of Pungo’s identity.
“That sense of tradition, community and celebration is what inspired us to open Pungo Strawberry Patch Gift Shop and keep the strawberry vibe alive year-round,” she said. “Even though it hasn’t returned, we wanted to carry that same spirit into our shop.”
Pungo Strawberry Patch Gift Shop sells items in themes that define Pungo’s aesthetic such as farm life, ducks, country living, gardens, etc. (Courtesy of Strawberry Patch Gift Shop)
Kristen, a corporate executive by day, and Daniel, an insurance agent, opened the gift store in late July across the street from The Bee & The Biscuit. The strawberry-themed shop, decked out in strawberry-patterned curtains and tablecloths, is overflowing with strawberry touches, rustic farmhouse accents and strawberry accessories and gifts.
“We like to think of it as a little berry patch where customers can slow down, explore and discover treasures,” Kristen Schooff said. “We sell strawberry-themed items year-round.”
The gift shop carries home decor, accessories, books, toys, food and products from Virginia Beach artisans. The store sells items in themes that define Pungo’s aesthetic such as farm life, ducks, country living, gardens, etc.
“It’s all about celebrating the charm and character of this community through the items we carry,” she said. “Our strawberry-themed products are by far the most popular. People love anything that connects back to Pungo’s heritage.”
Other bestsellers include earrings with little chickens wearing cowboy boots, classic children’s books and “The Witch of Pungo” book.
Pungo Strawberry Patch Gift Shop carries home decor, accessories, books, toys, food and products from Virginia Beach artisans. (Courtesy of Strawberry Patch Gift Shop)
“We’d love to see the Strawberry Festival return one day. While that’s a bigger effort than just our shop, we’re definitely passionate about helping keep the tradition alive in any way we can,” Kristen said. “The shop is our way of keeping the strawberry vibe alive for locals and visitors even without a festival.”
Details: pungostrawberrypatch.com, 1776 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach
Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net
https://www.dailypress.com/2025/08/25/strawberry-themed-gift-shop-virginia-beach/
