Travel

Stay, Sip, and Savor with Waterfront Surroundings

Boutique comfort, standout dining, and beautiful waterfront scenery make this destination an easy escape. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers If you’re on the hunt for a historic town that offers the combination of gorgeous waterfront views, comfortable stays, outdoorsy activities in town as well as in gorgeous local environs, and small-town charm with shopping and mouthwatering dining and imbibing opportunities, Havre de Grace, Maryland, is the secret gem...

Finance + Legal Services

Mortgage Planning with Purpose

Reid Thompson of Fulton Mortgage Company on financing with confidence Article by Reid Thompson and Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Can you tell us a bit about how you got your start and what originally inspired you to work in mortgage lending? I graduated from the Darden School of Business at UVA in 2009 and began my career in banking in a back-office corporate role. I enjoyed the business side, but I realized fairly quickly that what energized me most was the...

Style + Beauty

Seasonal Beauty Reset

Investing in confidence and self-care this season Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers As the seasons shift, many feel ready for a reset, and one way to do it is with a fresh approach to self-care. At Trend Salon, owner Tara Kennedy sees firsthand how investing in personal care can influence confidence and overall well-being. “We believe when someone looks in the mirror and likes what they see, the body and mind automatically react in a real physiological...

Food + Beverage

Smart Strategies for Building a Wine Collection

Will Curley of The Wine Guild shares approachable advice for building a cellar that reflects your taste and lifestyle. Article by Will Curley and Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers When someone starts thinking about investing in a wine collection, what foundational decisions matter most early on? If you’re to the point of considering investing in a wine collection, there’s a good chance that you already know what you like to drink, and that’s the first step. ...

Life + Culture

Steps Toward a Cure

Local programs, compassionate support, and community action are helping families navigate Alzheimer's. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers For families facing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, the journey can feel overwhelming -- but they are not alone. Across Charlottesville and the surrounding region, the Central and Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is working every day to provide education, support, advocacy, and hope...

Home + Design

Bringing Early Spring Beauty into the Home

Karen Walker lends her expert advice on simple floral updates that bring early spring indoors. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers As winter loosens its grip and Central Virginia begins to hint at warmer days, March offers a natural moment to refresh the home, with no renovation required. One of the simplest and most impactful ways to do that is with seasonal blooms and greenery that reflect what’s happening just outside our doors. Early spring flowers can...

Arts + Culture

A Well-Rounded Getaway

An easy drive leads to standout dining, cozy stays, and history-rich charm. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Whether you’re on the lookout for a quick overnight couples’ getaway or an extended trip with friends or family, Frederick, Maryland, is a town that will have attractions for everyone in the travel group. Just a relatively quick drive up Route 15, this city isn’t far from the Virginia border but offers a plethora of entertainment from downtown...

Home + Design

Framing with Intention

The team at FastFrame shares valuable expertise on how to elevate a room with the right framing. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Tracy Riffel How can custom framing elevate the design and feel of a room? Custom framing transforms a piece of art into a focal point that reflects the client’s personal aesthetic. By selecting materials that harmonize with the room’s textures and colors, we create a cohesive ambiance. Our frames are designed not just to protect, but to bring a sense...

Home + Design

Impact by Design

Using construction, collaboration, and care to improve lives locally and globally Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers For nearly three decades, Building Goodness Foundation has quietly reshaped what community support can look like--one project, one partnership, and one carefully considered build at a time. Founded in Charlottesville by a group of local builders, the organization grew from a simple idea: use professional skills in construction, design, and...

Food + Beverage

An Easy, Elevated Green Cocktail

A thoughtful, balanced cocktail from a local bartender that's easy to make at home. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Whether you’re ready to toast to the fact that spring is on the horizon, or you want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a leveled-up green cocktail, Micah LeMon of The Alley Light has a fresh-flavored cocktail that’s as easy to make at home as it is to sip at the bar.  Garden Sour Ingredients 1 ¾ oz gin (preferably something...