EP #89 Creating Smoke And Mirrors: An Inclusive Cigar Lounge In Downtown Fredericksburg
A quiet room can change how we connect. That’s the spark behind our conversation with Leanne, the voice and vision of Smoke and Mirrors Cigar Lounge in downtown Fredericksburg—a grownup space with soft lighting, light jazz, and a heated, covered patio that invites you to slow down. We talk about why an adults-only lounge matters in a city full of great spots, and how thoughtful design choices can make a place feel both elevated and welcoming at the same time.
Leanne shares the family journey from Seattle to Fredericksburg and the decision to build the room they wanted but couldn’t find: zones for conversation, nooks for reading or remote work, premium cigars without the pretense, and a culture that meets newcomers with patience and good guidance. We unpack the biggest myths about cigar lounges—intimidating, exclusive, “for men only”—and replace them with a picture of diverse regulars, curious first-timers, and staff who ask simple questions to match people with the right cigar for their moment. You’ll hear how details like music volume, seating layout, and airflow turn smoking into a social ritual rather than a noisy scene.
We also dig into Leanne’s approach to building a local brand: start before perfect, trust your vision, and let relationships carry more weight than marketing hype. That philosophy shows up in everything from curated pairings to respectful service and events that feel organic. And when she’s not at the lounge, Leanne explores Fredericksburg’s wineries, distilleries, and restaurants, bringing back ideas that make the space better for the next visit.
If you’re curious about inclusive cigar culture, community-centered hospitality, and how to design an environment where adults can breathe, this conversation will hit home. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves local gems, and leave a quick review to help more neighbors find the show.
Leanne Cola
Smoke and Mirrors Cigar Lounge
+1 540-818-2969
1411 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA, United States, Virginia
