Folklore speaks of many doorways to Arcadia (the realm of faeries, pixie dust and unicorns), but that they are visible only to the innocent eyes of children, who can linger in either realm at leisure. To the eyes of adults they remain hidden, and for good reason, for there are whispers of the occasional those who did by pure chance stumble across a doorway, never to be seen again.

When my son Jesse was born almost 19 months ago, it almost felt as though I stumbled through a doorway myself. Perhaps not into Arcadia, but definitely into a different world. Although everything around me was the same, my perspective had changed. I became aware of things that I had never noticed before, and began to have thoughts that had never entered my mind. On top of having the usual worries that first time parents experience, I also happened to be blessed with a child who after two weeks of life grew right off the charts and remained there until finally easing back on after his first birthday. Baby items were (and still are) expensive, especially clothing, and it was no secret that I was anxious about the growing pile of clothes on the closet floor that no longer fit. The
ladies at the local Goodwill knew me by name, I was in there what seemed like every two weeks to buy a new supply of things that would fit my ever expanding baby! Shaking my head in disbelief when I could not do up the crotch snaps of yet another sleeper, I asked my husband, “Why isn’t there a place where I can take these clothes that don’t fit and exchange them for ones that do? You know, like a clothing co-op or something!”

A year has passed since I first made that comment, and recently I have made my fantasy a reality. The clothing exchange I dreamed of, aptly named ‘Arcadia’, kicked off in mid-May 2006. Already it is making Fredericksburg parents and parents-to-be very happy, and not-too-distant future plans include a play area for children (right now they can watch videos while you shop), a diaper changing table with supplies, a private area for feeding your
baby, my range of 100% natural oat and milk bath products which customers have already been sampling, and freshly baked loaves of my nutritious, very healthy ‘magical banana bread’.

It’s a very simple but effective concept. You can either purchase items from the store with cash - prices are kept very low, on the same level as thrift stores if not cheaper. Or bring in your child’s clothes and shoes that no longer fit and receive an exchange credit which you can use to purchase any items in the store. The exchange credit is very generous, 60% of what I sell it for in the store. Your items will be inspected immediately upon bringing
them in and I’ll calculate your credit which will be recorded on a form with your contact details. Each time you make a purchase, it will be taken from your credit. Used wisely, Arcadia will allow you to keep your child clothed during the rapid growth periods for very little or no money at all!

Arcadia focuses mainly on clothing (size preemie to 10, as well as maternity) and shoes. But seeing I am a strong supporter of breastfeeding, baby wearing and general baby-parent attachment, I have expanded to slings, front carriers, backpacks, and books/videos on pregnancy, parenting and child nutrition.

Of course Arcadia is only in its infancy right now, but will expand rapidly as more moms and dads learn about it. The more parents participate, the more stock I’ll have on the racks for everyone to choose from. It is currently located at the Manor Mart Flea Market at 9040 Jefferson Davis Highway (from Fredericksburg, head south on US-1 and you’ll find it on your right hand side a mile or two past the Southpoint Walmart intersection). The flea market can be reached at 540-898-4685 for directions and general enquiries. For now the store operates only on weekends: Saturdays from 9am till 4pm – Sundays from 8am till noon. Visit Arcadia’s website at www.theklinemob.com/arcadia for up to date store information and price lists. I hope to meet you soon!

Copyright 2006 Fredericksburg Parent Magazine P.O. Box 7884, Fredericksburg, VA 22404. Phone: 540-374-1495. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content requires permission of the publishers.