Heather Gray
If you happen to venture down Blackwater Trading Post way in another couple of months, it's highly possible you'll be more than a little surprised when you see what the new owners, Heather and Billy Gray, have done to the more-than-100-year-old place.
That's the gist of an article written by correspondent Kathy Van Mullekom, as it appeared in the Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, edition of VB Beacon.
"The couple purchased the retail oasis, tucked away in southeastern Virginia Beach, in August (from West Neck Marina's Steve Winfree)," said Kathy. "Their original plan was to do some repairs, make some cosmetic changes, and open in a few weeks to a month. However, when they started the remodel, they realized the building was in poor condition--lots of rot from age and neglected leaks. Now they hope to open this spring," she continued.
"Instead of putting a Band-Aid on issues that were major or doing temporary fixes," explained Heather, "we decided, since we already were shut down, we were going to do it right, so she will be good for many, many years to come."
The Grays have given the trading post, with its 1,500 square feet of retail and 1,300 square feet of storage and office space, new siding, roof and paint and trim--all done in the building's historically familiar red and white. They also have upgraded the former small kitchen into a fully functioning unit that will serve fresh-made deli sandwiches, wings, barbecue, soups, and more. Customers wanting breakfast, lunch or dinner will be able to sit on chairs at a new dining bar.
If basics, such as chips, drinks, milk, bread, and eggs, are all you want, they, too, will be available. Likewise with diesel fuel, regular gas, and alcohol. The trading post also will sell live bait and tackle. Boat-ramp fees will be $5, and there will be a free dock and bank fishing.
Indoor bathrooms are being updated to be ADA-compliant for the disabled. And the front porch that was removed years ago is being reinstalled, this time with a handicap-accessible ramp. Furthermore, space outdoors is being cleaned up to accommodate a picnic area.
Despite all these upgrades, the trading post will retain one important feature from the old days. The rattlesnake-tail display case, with the names and dates of customers and locals who caught the reptiles, will still be on hand. The glass-enclosed shadow box, however, according to Heather Gray, "is getting a much-needed rehab, including a new case that seals better and LED lighting to better show off the contents."
Seems only fitting that the Grays, both of whom grew up hanging out in Pungo, should be the ones making the Blackwater Trading Post "pretty again, fixing her issues, and making her shine like the diamond she is," to borrow Heather's words. "My husband and I have gone to that store for years, and we love it. We are excited to be able to open her again and service the community better than ever."
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