Sometimes, the places that mean the most to us are the ones we’ve been visiting for years. For Janine Schoonover, owner of It’s About Thyme, that connection started long before she became part of the restaurant. Having enjoyed many family dinners there since John Yarrow first opened its doors, Janine has always had a special place in her heart for the restaurant and the community surrounding it. Now, she’s excited to be part of its story in a new way.
For Janine, becoming involved with It’s About Thyme is about more than a restaurant. It’s an opportunity to be part of Culpeper Downtown’s continued growth while helping preserve the charm and hospitality that make it such a special place. “There is always more to discover, learn, create, appreciate, enjoy and love,” she shared, comparing that feeling to being hungry for a good meal and a nice glass of wine.
That sense of discovery carries into the experience she hopes to create for guests. It’s About Thyme offers a welcoming atmosphere for everything from a casual night out to a special dinner, while Thyme Alley provides a more relaxed, social setting with happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. No matter which experience you choose, Janine wants you to feel welcomed and ready to enjoy yourself.
But she also hopes people will stop by for another reason: to say hello. Owning It’s About Thyme, alongside Britt Swan, Janine is looking forward to meeting more people and getting to know the community. Britt has family roots in the Culpeper area, while Janine is a native Washingtonian who is still discovering all the people and places that make downtown feel like home. “Please stop by and introduce yourself,” she said. “Britt Swan and I would like to meet you and get to know everyone.” It’s an invitation that feels right at home in a downtown where so much of the experience comes from the people you meet along the way.
When asked what she loves most about Culpeper Downtown, Janine points to its small-town charm and rich history, but there’s something else that stands out to her: the mix of creativity, fresh ideas, and unique personalities that give the community its character. She sees so much potential in downtown and is excited to be part of what comes next. “Culpeper has this opportunity to shape this gem to shine more brilliantly for generations to come,” she shared.
And she’s already finding plenty to love beyond the restaurant. Raven’s Nest Coffee House is one of her favorite spots to grab coffee, and Pepperberries and Fulton Found are at the top of her shopping list. She admits she often spots things she’d love to browse while walking past storefront windows, even when the shops are closed and she can’t pop inside. She’s also gotten to know the stylish ladies at N Style Fashion Gallery, right across the street from It’s About Thyme, though she’s still waiting for the chance to try on a few things herself!
As Janine gets to know Culpeper and settles into this next chapter at It’s About Thyme, she’s looking forward to making connections, discovering more local favorites, and becoming a familiar face in the community. So the next time you’re downtown, stop by It’s About Thyme for dinner or head to Thyme Alley for happy hour. And if you see Janine, introduce yourself. She’d love to meet you.