For twenty-five years, The Frenchman’s Corner has been bringing a little taste of Europe to East Davis Street in Culpeper Downtown. For owner Edward Hanlin, taking the reins of the beloved shop wasn’t something he had originally planned; it was an opportunity that came from years of being a customer and a friendship with the people who started it all.
Edward and his husband had been longtime patrons of The Frenchman’s Corner and friends with the original owners, Marc and Meg Ast. When the couple decided it was time to sell as Marc prepared for retirement, Marc had a simple suggestion for Edward one evening over dinner: “Why don’t you buy it?” They talked it over, eventually worked out an agreement, and the rest is history. More than seven and a half years later, Edward continues the tradition and carries on the spirit of the shop that he had loved as a customer.
Step inside The Frenchman’s Corner and you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere filled with unique products and a bit of European charm. Edward hopes every person who walks through the door feels comfortable taking their time to browse, discover something new, and, most importantly, feel welcome. Part of the fun is finding products that you won’t necessarily find just anywhere. The shop is designed to offer something a little different while creating an atmosphere that evokes memories of traveling abroad. Whether you’re searching for something special or simply stopping in to look around, Edward wants the experience to feel like a small escape.
That sense of welcome extends beyond the shop itself. One of the things Edward loves most about Culpeper Downtown is the quaintness of the area, particularly East Davis Street. He also appreciates the strong sense of community among downtown merchants and restauranteurs.
“All of the merchants and restauranteurs are very helpful and supportive of one another. We all want one another to prosper and all of the visitors to Culpeper to want to come back for another visit,” Edward shared.
Before becoming a downtown business owner, Edward had a fascinating career that many people might not know about. After graduating from college and graduate school, he spent five years working for The Washington Opera in its costume studio, which was located in Alexandria at the time. It was an experience that introduced him to the world of opera and gave him the opportunity to work alongside incredibly talented people creating elaborate and memorable costumes. What began as a job became an introduction to the wide world of opera, and Edward was hooked.
When he’s not at The Frenchman’s Corner, Edward enjoys experiencing the other businesses that make Culpeper Downtown special. One of his favorite spots is Ferlazzo 1938, where he says you can find a great meal, a good cocktail or mocktail, and an amazing atmosphere. He especially appreciates the way Andrew Ferlazzo has combined great food, drinks, and entertainment to create a space people want to spend time in.
After more than seven years, Edward continues to build on the legacy of The Frenchman’s Corner while making it his own. Their unique finds and welcoming spirit behind the counter remain a special part of East Davis Street and a place where visitors can discover something new while feeling right at home.
Next time you’re exploring Culpeper Downtown, stop by The Frenchman’s Corner at 129 E. Davis Street, Suite 160, and say hello to Edward and his staff!