Travel

Ready for the Road

Smart and stress-free travel starts with a well-prepared vehicle. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Summer is the prime season for road-tripping, but for the smoothest and safest vacation, drivers should make sure their vehicles are ready for the miles ahead. Shawn Roberts, General Manager of Volvo Cars of Charlottesville, gives some expert tips on how to prepare for a long drive. Before heading out on a summer road trip, what are the most important...

Life + Culture

Step Into Virginia's Past

A journey through some of Virginia's most storied destinations Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers From the Virginia250 Passport to myriad events around the Commonwealth, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and the role that Virginia played in shaping the country in the 1700s. For one window into the 18th century, consider visiting Virginia’s oldest taverns that hosted prominent Revolutionary figures and served other...

Finance + Legal Services

Exploring Finances at the Halfway Point

Iron Eagle Advisors' John Flick gives advice for midyear money check-ins. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Midyear is often when people realize their financial goals have shifted. What are some of the biggest surprises or wake-up calls you see clients experience around this time of year? Midyear has a way of holding up a mirror. January feels full of possibility, and people set intentions with the best of energy behind them. But by the time May and...

Life + Culture

Festival Spirit in Focus

Capturing the spirit of Rooster Walk 2026 Article and Photography by James Lisowski Rooster Walk 2026 featured over 45 bands across six stages at Pop’s Farm in Martinsville, Virginia. Highlights included headliners St. Paul & The Broken Bones and moe., along with standout performances from Dumpstaphunk, Kitchen Dwellers, Keller Williams, Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, and many more. Part music festival and part charitable mission, the 16th annual event delivered another unforgettable...

Travel

Curves, Culture, and Quiet Beauty

Ride, relax, and uncover Southwest Virginia's hidden experiences Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers If your ideal Virginia getaway includes winding mountain roads, unforgettable scenery, small-town charm, and experiences that feel a little off the beaten path, Tazewell deserves a spot on your list. Tucked into Southwest Virginia, this corner of the Commonwealth invites visitors to slow down, stay awhile, and explore. For many travelers, the journey begins...

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...