Hometown: Williamsburg Mud Fudge and Flowers Fit for a Queen

By Meredith Hornsby Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Troy Daily and Whitney Brown, owners of Kilwin's Chocolates & Ice Cream, work their biceps by hand paddling fudge. Patti and Dave DeBlass, owners of Schmidt's Flowers and Accessories, provide their customers with "Flower Power."

 

Troy Daily and Whitney Brown came to Williamsburg with the dream of satisfying our colonial sweet tooth.

Both Michigan State University graduates, they met while 'studying' abroad in the Virgin Islands. It only took one care package of ice cream and chocolates from Troy's parents, owners of two Kilwin's in Michigan, to woo Whitney into the business. Ironically, Whitney graduated with a degree in nutrition. "Dark chocolate is good for you, " she says. "Antioxidants!"

Having opened their shop just over a month ago in High Street, the couple says the goal of Kilwin's is "to sell enjoyment, have a great time and leave with a smile your face."

They want Kilwin's to be an experience, where you can enjoy watching artforms like hand paddling fudge. You may even get to witness the making of the decadent Williamsburg Mud Fudge - "vanilla fudge, homemade caramel and dark chocolate chunks."

With a selection of 11 types of fudge, 32 ice cream flavors,  three peanut brittles and much more, you can't leave Kilwin's without a decent sugar high.

Check out Kilwin's 10-foot moose mascot at their grand opening February 6th.

You can hear their Hometown Radio interview here.

 

Both former NJ-NYC commuters, Dave, a municipal bonds trader on Wall Street, and Patti, a floral designer for a high-end boutique; decided to move to Williamsburg to buy the 70-year-old Schmidt's Flowers & Accessories.

Four years later they have decorated horses for the Queen's visit, provided budding blossoms for every type of occasion and given back to the community with their nonprofit Blooms that Brighten Inc.

On Wednesdays you can find 25 volunteers building arrangements that will be given to nine nursing homes and Hospice. "Seventy percent of people in nursing home facilities receive less than one visitor per year, " says Patti. "The flowers really brighten their day."

Adds Dave, "Rarely do I find someone who isn't excited about their flowers."

The DeBlasses have worked hard to keep their business blossoming. "It's not about what we want, it's about what the customer wants," they say.

They strive to provide one-of-a-kind items and have teamed up with retailers Harry & David and The Wine Seller to make gift giving a one-stop shop. If you want to add a little sunshine to your day, stop by between 3-5 pm for "Flower Power" to get 50 percent off fresh cut flowers.

You can hear their Hometown Radio interview here.