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ENJOY THE OUTDOORS: As the weather heats up, Caboose, etc, has the perfect side patio for anyone who enjoys sitting and staying a while. (Chelsea Hofmann / Washington Daily News)

A GROCERY COUNTER: In one of its prior iterations, Caboose, etc. operated as Watkins Grocery. The store featured produce and foodstuffs available for the community. (Submitted by Mary Anne Foy)

SPACIOUS SLEEPER: The rental property features a queen-sized bed and two sleeper sofas, which is enough to house four adults comfortably within the studio property. (Chelsea Hofmann / Washington Daily News)

BEFORE THE RED: During its time as one of many different grocery stores, the building looked very different from its current vibrant exterior. The wooden siding can be seen here in a lighter shade with advertisements spread about the area. (Submitted by Mary Anne Foy)

EAT-IN KITCHEN: The kitchen features new appliances and is home to the espresso machine from Coffee Caboose that served many customers over the six years the coffee shop was in business. (Chelsea Hofmann / Washington Daily News)

PAYING HOMAGE: One of the walls within the rental is dedicated to the time before. Photos from the past along with artist renditions of the building throughout the years serve as a reminder for the rich history within these walls. (Chelsea Hofmann / Washington Daily News)

“I just love this little place,” current owner Mary Anne Foy said. “It’s really a magical building.” 

The building, which now functions as a short term rental through AirBnB for those looking for a place to stay in Washington, was originally known as the Norfolk Southern Café. It was built in 1913 and has served many different purposes throughout its history. 

Most recently, the rental known as Caboose etc. operated under the moniker Coffee Caboose. Coffee Caboose served a variety of hot and cold beverages for six years before the business closed. Foy co-owned and operated the Caboose with her longtime friend and co-owner Jennifer Skvarla.

“It’s been a series of little stores with different owners and became alcoholics anonymous for like 35 years, which took up a chunk of time. Then it became the coffee caboose, which was wonderful. I started another AirBnB and it turned out to be very successful and it was a lot easier,” Foy said. 

The studio rental has been in Foy’s family for years. After closing the Coffee Caboose, Foy and Justin Ferrari remodeled the space to be more accommodating for guests. 

The historic building now features an eat-in kitchen with the original espresso machine from Coffee Caboose available to patrons. The property can sleep four comfortably with a queen-sized bed and two sleeper sofas occupying the back of the space. A bathroom has also been added and features a small sitting area along with a door that leads to the spacious patio adjacent to the property. 

The walls are ripe with the building’s history as seen through photos provided by Washingtonians of days gone by. Foy’s own mother’s photographs can be seen above the bed from a time when the circus would arrive in Washington and pass right through the area near and around the property. 

The boardwalk is only steps away from the rental property and allows guests the chance to take in all the beauty that Washington has to offer during an evening stroll along the Pamlico River. 

Since its inception as a rental property, Foy says that she has played host to all sorts of new experiences. 

“It’s been a huge success. I get wonderful people from all over everywhere,” Foy said. “It taught me that there’s so many people that I just had no idea of the lives they live. It’s been an amazing journey.” 

Caboose, etc. is available for rental through AirBnB. The property can comfortably house four adult guests and a two night stay is the minimum requirement for booking.

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