Travel

Unwind in Style

A peaceful Virginia retreat blending historic charm with modern elegance and curated details Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Only 45 minutes from Charlottesville, the Inn at Willow Grove is a peaceful getaway for solos and couples while also playing host to weddings and retreats in a serene setting. The myriad options for overnight stays also make it an ideal spot for families to connect while relaxing in privacy. Situated on 40 acres, the highly rated...

Food + Beverage

Stylish Spots to Sip and Savor

Where ambiance meets exceptional drinks and elevated food Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Whether you’re celebrating, catching up with friends or loved ones, or heading out for date night, Charlottesville and the surrounding areas aren’t short on sophisticated places to grab a bite or sip something special. We’ve rounded up just a few of those spots where you can enjoy drinks and eats in the most stylish and beautiful environs. The Alley Light 108...

Arts + Culture

From Flame to Form: Crafting Glass in Charlottesville

Crafting beauty with fire, science, and imagination for nearly 30 years Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Sanjay Suchak Originally from the Finger Lakes, Chip Hall has been in Charlottesville for 28 years. While he has worked some side jobs around town, including bartending at C&O, for all of those nearly three decades, he has been blowing glass. His studio at the McGuffey Art Center, named Raging Buffalo Glass, was for a long time a solo operation. However, in more recent years...

Fitness

Style, Strength, and Spin

Ten years of energy at pūrvelo Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers We sat down with Maxine Clifford to learn about her passion for pūrvelo, how it impacts the community, and what the 10 year anniversary means to her. What inspired pūrvelo, and how has the vision evolved over the last decade? pūrvelo started as a rebellious little idea — what if fitness could feel less like punishment and more like a party? What if we ditched the metrics, the mirrors, and...

Beauty

Expert Advice for Fall Beauty

Trend Salon's Tara Kennedy shares her expert tips for for fall beauty and style. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers What fall hair trends are you most excited about this season? We are loving the natural butter blonde blends, soft gray transitions, and the more modern gray coverage. It allows for a softer grow-out and a timeless, ageless look. This fall is all about enhancing the natural beauty and keeping the look elegant.  Are there any color...

Life + Culture

Fostering Second Chances

Mid-Atlantic German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue: Powered by Passion and Compassion Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Faith Fields and James Lisowski Since 2001, Mid-Atlantic GSP Rescue has been dedicated to saving German Shorthaired Pointers in need across Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia. A small but passionate group of about 25 volunteers makes it all happen, rescuing, fostering, and rehoming around 100 dogs each year. “We assume GSPs into our care via shelters or...

Life + Culture

Pets That Fit Your Family

Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic gives expert advice on picking the perfect pet. Article by Jennifer Waldera What should parents consider when choosing a pet for their family? Parents should consider their lifestyle -- are you an active family who loves to hike and be outside? Or are you looking for a companion that does not require a large amount of exercise (more low-energy)? A high-energy dog may sound fun, but if no one’s home to walk it, it’s not fair to the pet or the kids. Other...

Life + Culture

Changing Lives, One Child at a Time

Piedmont CASA embraces its thirty years of advocacy, compassion, and unwavering community commitment. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers In 1976, the first Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was founded with the purpose of training volunteers to support and represent children in foster care. Within several years’ time, the organization had spread across the United States, and in 1995, the Piedmont Court Appointed Special Advocates’ (PCASA) branch was...

Life + Culture

Tails and Tales at JMRL

How furry friends help kids fall in love with reading at Jefferson-Madison Regional Library Article by Jennifer Waldera Can you share a brief overview of the Paws to Read program and how it got started at JMRL? Paws to Read is a partnership between Jefferson-Madison Regional Library and local therapy dogs and their humans to create an environment that invites growing readers to practice their reading skills in a welcoming, non-judgmental setting. The individual partnerships between therapy...

Travel

Hidden Chesapeake Gem

This tucked-away waterfront town offers all you need for a peaceful, picturesque getaway. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Located on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula along the Chesapeake Bay, Mathews is a small town that flies under the radar. But for those in the know, it’s a favorite for relaxed, low-key getaways that are far closer than traveling to the oceanic coast. Whether you're planning a weekend with friends, a family trip, or a couple’s escape...