Hayfields Little Washington Va

05/09/2026

Anyone else seeing a number of cicadas out our way? I’ve found a dozen husks this morning.

05/05/2026

It looked like it was the first meal at Hayfields (that’ll happen in the fall), but it was actually a Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday fiesta, served up gratis by our friends at Rapp at Home.

04/01/2026

And with a snip of a ribbon, the launch of the Rappahannock County Chamber of Commerce. We’re excited to be a part of it.

03/17/2026

My two cookbooks are selling well and the first one is now in its eighth printing. They’re available at the usual places, and my favorite smaller bookstores have signed copies. But I should tell you that Amazon is currently running great pricing on both cookbooks (nearly half-price on one of them) if you want to get a jump on spring and summer baking, including blueberry and lemon chess pies, my presidential sweet potato & bourbon pecan pie, biscuits, corn crab cakes, gazpacho, granola, and so much more. And then there’s the storytelling. If you’re looking for a current bargain on my Red Truck Bakery Cookbooks…

📷: Photos by

03/16/2026

Big thanks to all those who drove to Millwood, Virginia, for a chat about my publishing career, my creation of a nationally acclaimed bakery, and how food has been the thread through it all. A crowd of Rappahannock County residents made the journey (we should have rented a bus!) to hear the plans for Hayfields General Store, and I appreciate the many thoughtful questions and the heartwarming wave of enthusiasm. And there as one of the Long Branch hosts was Amanda West, a former co-worker of mine at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, tying together my two careers. It was great to see you all.

03/09/2026

Join me for a chat this Sunday about my new Hayfields, the Red Truck Bakery, and much more at the Long Branch Speaker Series in Millwood, Virginia, not far from the beloved Locke Store.

“From publishing to a rural Virginia bakery to a general store and cafe in Little Washington.” Sunday, March 15 from 4 pm to 6 pm in Millwood, Virginia.

Wine, cheese, and a book signing and chat at the Long Branch Historic House and Farm in Millwood, Virginia, near the Locke Store. Brian Noyes traces an unconventional journey from a distinguished 30-year career in publishing to reinventing himself as an entrepreneur, founding the successful Red Truck Rural Bakery in Warrenton and Marshall, VA. Blending storytelling with hard earned lessons, his talk explores reinvention, community impact, baking secrets and why retirement sometimes lead to an even more meaningful next chapter. Brian will have copies of his two cookbooks available for signing, and will discuss the next chapter: Hayfields General Store and Café in Little Washington, opening this summer. More info and ticket details at https://www.visitlongbranch.org/events/speakerseries2026

03/07/2026

As we plan out Hayfields, we’ve been checking out food businesses in other rural Virginia towns, somewhat surreptitiously looking at overall presentation and hospitality. Today in Middleburg was our first visit to Tremolo, a bright and cheery wine bar with small plates of innovative snacks. Chorizo al in****no sizzled at the table next to us, where I later saw the split checks presented inside a pair of books. Nice touch. After we enjoyed our barbecued shrimp and an array of smoked beets, the joke was on us when our check arrived—placed inside my first cookbook.

02/24/2026

As space planning proceeds for my new Hayfields General Store in Little Washington, I’m working on a new granola.

01/21/2026

RESCHEDULED DUE TO SNOW: Join me on Sunday, March 15 at Long Branch Historic House and Farm in Millwood, Virginia, for a Red Truck Bakery Cookbook talk and signing, and a chat about my upcoming Hayfields General Store & Café opening in 2026 in Little Washington, Virginia. The link to details and ticket info: https://www.visitlongbranch.org/events/speakerseries2026

01/18/2026

A good day starts with breakfast…

The longtime food entrepreneur — best known as the founder of Red Truck Bakery in Warrenton and Marshall — is preparing to open a cafe and general store called Hayfields General Store and Cafe in the Rush River Commons development across from the town’s post office, aiming to create a daily ga...

01/14/2026

When interviewed, I babbled the word “boring” about weekday life in Little Washington just after moving to town. Newly retired then, it was ME who was bored and in need of a project. I'd instead describe our town of historic architecture, a world class inn, and fun and welcoming neighbors as “charming yet quiet.” So, for them and for you, here’s my market and café opening every day at 7 am.

Keep watching for updates on the arrival of Hayfields General Store & Café later this year.