Travel

Where Arts, Eats, and Adventure Meet

Where small-town charm meets unforgettable dining, culture, and outdoor experiences Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Travelers looking for a stay in a quaint yet fun and funky town full of arts and eats will want to put Abingdon, Virginia, on the itinerary. There’s no shortage of sights to see and visit right in downtown, but other entertaining destinations are only a quick ride away -- whether by bike trails or a short car ride. Plus, it’s perfect for...

Style + Beauty

Classic, Refined, Personal

James Bower Jr. brings S.H. Franklin to Charlottesville, combining classic tailoring, curated collections, and a relationship-driven approach to personal style. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by James Lisowski In March of this year, S.H. Franklin Menswear opened its doors at The Shops at Stonefield. At the new men’s shop, the experience begins the moment you walk through the door, and that’s entirely by design. “The experience [at S.H. Franklin Menswear] is going to be something...

Arts + Culture

Painting with Purpose

Charles Davis shares how preparation, skill, and discipline shape every Piedmont Paint & Finish project, including Monticello. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Anna Kariel As our country approaches its 250th anniversary, Charlottesville City Lifestyle spoke with Charles Davis, the owner of Piedmont Paint & Finish, about the company's work at Monticello, as well as its background working throughout the area.  Piedmont Paint & Finish has built a strong reputation across Central...

Life + Culture

Exploring the Stories of Virginia

Rick Britton shares Virginia’s past through personalized tours shaped by storytelling, research, and connection. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Victoria Britton and Contributing Photographers On Rick Britton’s Navigator Tours, history comes alive in a way that’s intended to feel personal, engaging, and fun. The award-winning historian creates customized experiences that invite people in, sparking curiosity and connection. “I would explain [the tours] as immersive, but also a...

Food + Beverage

A Culinary Mission Rooted in Culture and Community

Sober Pierre, the entrepreneur behind Pearl Island Catering and Pearl Island Cafe, shares his journey bringing Caribbean flavor to Charlottesville. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Can you take us back to the beginning of Pearl Island?  Pearl Island started from my desire to connect more with my culture. Growing up Haitian-American, I grew up with a significant amount of my upbringing being Haitian (my parents, food, music, family friends...

Travel

A Gentle Coastal Retreat

An easy escape to Virginia's Eastern Shore where water, history, and local spots come together Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by John Park - JPG Agency Whether you’re looking for an easy day trip or a quiet overnight along the water, Onancock offers a change of pace that’s equal parts relaxing and refreshing. Tucked along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, this small town is easy to settle into, with plenty to do while also offering the opportunity to slow down. Along the Waterfront ...

Home + Design

Design Choices that Add Value

Local realtor Jamie Waller explains which home improvements matter most. Article by Jennifer Waldera and Jamie Waller | Photography by Hank Gregg - HG Media Not every improvement needs to be a major renovation. What are some surprisingly impactful updates--perhaps cosmetic or design-focused--that can make a home feel significantly more appealing to buyers? Some of the most impactful changes are actually quite simple. Fresh paint in a soft neutral color palette can instantly modernize a...

Arts + Culture

A Mother's Vision Continued

At Les Yeux du Monde, Hagan Tampellini continues a legacy rooted in art, perspective, and place. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Jen Fariello and Stacey Evans Nestled on a mountaintop just outside of Charlottesville, Les Yeux du Monde has always offered more than a place to view art. It’s a space shaped by perspective that continues to evolve while staying rooted in its origins. The vision for the gallery began with Lyn Bolen Warren, who founded the gallery in 1995. As her...

Food + Beverage

Vine to Glass

At Early Mountain Vineyards, Maya Hood White brings a thoughtful, site-driven approach to shaping wines that reflect Virginia's landscape and evolving identity. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers At Early Mountain Vineyards, winemaker Maya Hood White approaches her work with a steady sense of purpose, shaped by both technical training and a deep respect for the land. Her path into wine began with curiosity and quickly evolved into something more...

Food + Beverage

Creating Connection Through Charlottesville's Food Scene

How MJ Padilla, founder of C-ville Bites, is creating food experiences that celebrate Charlottesville's restaurants, people, and sense of community. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by MJ Padilla What inspired you to launch C-ville Bites?   I launched C-ville Bites in late 2023 after working as a bar manager at South and Central. I had been hosting events through both South and Central and The Bebedero, and building out successful bar programs and events gave me the...