Life + Culture

Show Thanks by Giving Back

Contributing to these local non-profits that enhance Charlottesville gives back to the entire community. Article by Jennifer Waldera Charlottesville Community Bikes This non-profit organization is dedicated to making cycling accessible for everyone and supporting transportation that positively benefits the environment. Last year it distributed over 1400 bikes and prevented more than 1700 bicycles from filling up landfills. Charlottesville Community Bikes offers programs that include...

Food + Beverage

Local Chefs Dish Out Thanksgiving Twists

These chefs have just what you need to dress up your Thanksgiving spread. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers From cranberry sauce to turkey there are some traditional dishes that tend to grace many Thanksgiving dinner tables. However, if you’re looking for a twist on classics or even something entirely different to add to your festive meal, these local chefs have some inspiration for you. Switch up the Star of the Show Benos Bustamante of Conmole...

Food + Beverage

Perfect Pairings with Thanksgiving Plates

We have the ultimate guide to Thanksgiving wines with top pairing tips from local wine expert Will Curley from The Wine Guild. Article by Jennifer Waldera What are some great picks for wines to kick off Thanksgiving Day?  Bubbles! The Curley family go-to in recent years has been the Rosemont of Virginia Extra Brut. Made entirely from Chardonel, and so versatile that we drink it all day, make spritzes of it using the delish Rosemont of Virginia Vermouth, and even sneak a glass at the table...

Arts + Culture

Local Artist Loves Life in Charlottesville

This plein air artist appreciates all that Charlottesville has to offer. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Randy Smith Randy Smith began painting as a child, growing up in New Jersey and inspired by his family of artists and fueled with reams of paper to draw and paint on. Now, he is a well-known plein air artist who can be spotted around Charlottesville, regularly painting the local scenery.  “I’m always on the sidewalk. I sit out in front of the Rotunda, I meet everyone, and...

Food + Beverage

Explore Virginia's Wine With an Expert

The Wine Guild's Will Curley Shares His Insight on Virginia Wine Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Priscilla Curley With experience that spans from time at a James Beard award-winning restaurant in Chicago to heading up Brasserie Saison’s wine program in Charlottesville, Will Curley knows a thing or two about wine. We caught up with him to chat about Virginia’s vino.   Tell us about your background in regard to wine. I was a mid-20’s career changer who moved to Chicago to work...

Food + Beverage

Publisher's Picks

James Lisowski dishes out his personal picks for local restaurants Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by James Lisowski and Contributing Photographers Alley Light This speakeasy-style hidden spot off the Downtown Mall is the perfect place for sipping and snacking. Grab a loungy seat in the leather chairs and watch passersby or settle in at a table or the bar. Not to miss: Bone Marrow, Beef Tartare, Dealer’s Choice cocktail, and wine from their extensive list. Birdhouse Nestled in...

Food + Beverage

Homegrown Grains

Common Grains Alliance Shines the Spotlight on Local Grains Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Jeff Bloem, Robert Pollok, Grapewood Farm In 2018, a group of 13 individuals, from grain farmers and millers to bakers and more, came together to address the underrepresentation of local grain in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic. With an eye on growing the local grain economy, they formed the Common Grain Alliance (CGA), a non-profit organization with a mission of supporting and connecting...

Life + Culture

Cultivating Change in Charlottesville

Local non-profit works to achieve food equity in Charlottesville Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Aleen Carey Cultivate Charlottesville’s mission is to build an equitable and healthy food system through its three programs: City Schoolyard Garden, Food Justice Network, and Urban Agriculture Collective. Jordan Johnson, City Schoolyard Garden Program Director, talked with us about the organization's work with schools and the community. How does the community benefit from Cultivate’s...

Home + Design

Betsy Kraft Talks Design Trends

Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Betsy Kraft, Lincoln Barbour Based in Charlottesville, Betsy Kraft is an interior designer with an eye for trends that will boost the look and style of your home. For fall 2024, Kraft says there are several on-trend ways to elevate your living space.  “My favorite home trend that we’re seeing going into fall is color-drenching, meaning that we’re seeing a lot of color on walls and monochromatic spaces -- painting the entire room all one color...

Food + Beverage

1799 Brings Beauty to the Table

The Clifton's 1799 is serving seasonality in a stylish setting Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Cameron Wilder Nestled on 100 sprawling acres just outside of Charlottesville is the historic Clifton Inn. Built in 1799 by Thomas Jefferson's son-in-law Thomas Mann Randolph, the original Manor House served as a house of trade thanks to its proximity to the Rivanna River. The property that was once a two-and-a-half-hour buggy ride for Jefferson and his wife to travel to as a home away...