Food + Beverage

Steeped in Connection

C-ville Bites founder MJ Padilla reimagines the classic tea party with Tea, Please! Article by MJ Padilla and Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Courtesy of MJ Padilla What inspired you to start your new tea events? After hosting a tea party for my birthday a few years ago, I knew I wanted to create a public version -- a gathering centered on connection, conversation, and good food and drink. Some of my favorite memories growing up in Honduras were watching the ladies sipping tea, playing...

Travel

Small Town With Big Charm

Find historic streets, local flavors, and fresh adventures just beyond Charlottesville. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Just 30 minutes from Charlottesville, Gordonsville invites visitors to trade busy schedules for leisurely strolls and lingering meals in a place that’s as easily a little break from home or a staycation. Brick sidewalks lead past locally owned shops, beautifully preserved buildings, and restaurants that have quietly turned the town into...

Style + Beauty

Style You Can See

A longtime Charlottesville optical practice continues its legacy with personalized service and carefully curated frames. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Mark Rogers When Jennifer Ornduff had the opportunity to operate her own business at what was then Keller & George Optical in 2000, she knew she was stepping into more than a simple shop. The Charlottesville institution had been helping generations of families see clearly since 1899, and she was honored to continue that legacy...

Wellness

A Fresh Style of Care

Rivanna Concierge Physicians brings a more personal approach to modern healthcare. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers For Drs. Paige and Mike McClincy, opening Rivanna Concierge Physicians wasn't simply about launching a new medical practice. It was about creating the kind of healthcare experience they believed had become increasingly difficult to find: one centered on relationships, accessibility, and prevention. After years of practicing medicine within...

Local Services

Driven by Lifestyle

Travis Saunders shares how Piedmont Power helps homeowners blend style, function, and outdoor living. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers What inspired you to start Piedmont Power? Piedmont Power was built on the idea that buying equipment should be a relationship, not just a transaction. From the beginning, our goal has been to provide quality products backed by knowledgeable people who genuinely care about our customers' success. Whether someone is...

Arts + Culture

Art with Heart

Sigrid Eilertson blends art, education, and therapy to inspire creativity throughout the Charlottesville community and beyond. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Courtesy of Sigrid Eilertson For Sigrid Eilertson, art has never simply been something to hang on a wall. It has been a refuge, a form of expression, a way to build community, and ultimately, a life's calling. "I've been making art since I could hold a crayon," Eilertson said. Growing up, she struggled with anxiety and...

Finance + Legal Services

Planning with Purpose

John Flick, Iron Eagle Advisor's founder, revisits mid-year finances in a second installment. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Financial planning can sometimes feel restrictive, but it can also create freedom. How do you help clients balance preparing for the future while still enjoying life now? I’ll be honest with you: nobody has ever walked into my office and said, “I’d really love to spend the next hour talking about spreadsheets.” And yet, those...

Life + Culture

Trail Town Together

Discover trails, waterfalls, and small-town charm the whole family will love. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers For families looking to unplug, reconnect, and spend time outdoors together, Damascus offers the perfect getaway. This charming Southwest Virginia town has earned the nickname "Trail Town, USA" because seven major trail systems converge there, including the famed Virginia Creeper Trail and the well-known Appalachian Trail. As a result, it’s a...

Life + Culture

Decoding Dog Body Language

Learn to recognize the subtle signals your dog uses everyday. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers A dog's body language can speak volumes, but the message isn't always as straightforward as it seems. While many owners recognize obvious signals like a wagging tail or a growl, the quieter cues that come first are often missed.  Learning to recognize those signals not only strengthens the relationship between people and their pets but can also help prevent...

Life + Culture

Practical Treats, Happy Dogs

Natural treats born from one entrepreneur's everyday walks with his dogs. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Photographs courtesy of Barry Rosenberg Some of the best business ideas begin with a problem that seems almost too small to notice. For Barry Rosenberg, founder of Sensible Rewards, it started during his daily walks with his four dogs. Every outing meant breaking a single dog biscuit into four uneven pieces, leaving crumbs in his pockets, and making something as simple as...