Travel

A Walkable Waterfront Escape

Explore Norfolk's art, history, and dining steps from the water. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers While Norfolk may be most known for housing the largest naval base in the world, the walkable waterfront city also boasts a vibrant downtown. With abundant opportunities for exploring historical attractions and artwork as well as shopping and dining, it’s an ideal destination for a long weekend or a mid-week getaway.  Where to Stay Situated on Granby...

Health + Wellness

Helping Children Thrive

Child Health Partnership has supported local families for 35 years. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Michael Tietgen/Familiar Studios When a new baby enters a family, joy arrives--but so do challenges. Sleepless nights, shifting routines, medical decisions, and the constant question every parent faces: Am I doing this right? For families with limited income, transportation barriers, housing instability, or complex medical needs, those worries can become even heavier. For 35 years...

Home + Design

Clear Space, Clear Mind

Keri-Ann Byrne of Charlottesville Organizing offers suggestions for creating peaceful, organized spaces in your home. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers How would you describe the connection between an organized space and a peaceful mind?  Being in an organized space minimizes visual distractions and reminders of tasks to do. Reducing visual clutter reduces mental clutter, which reduces stress and enhances focus, allowing us to relax. When you walk...

Food + Beverage

A Fizzy, Fresh Take on Dry January

Crafted at Botanical, this fizzy mocktail brings a bubbly, bright start to the new year. Article by Ryan Becklund and Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Ryan Becklund and Misty Saves the Day The Grove Ingredients 1.5oz Seed Lip Grove  0.5oz grenadine  0.5oz simple syrup 0.5oz lemon  Topped with Topo Chico or any plain seltzer Instructions Fill the large base of a cocktail jigger with a scoop of ice. Use a jigger to measure and pour each liquid into the cocktail shaker...

Life + Culture

Where Mentorship Meets Mission

Big Brothers Big Sisters empowers youth through mentorship and connection. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Elizabeth Morris, President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Blue Ridge, shares how the organization contributes to the community and how she became involved. Tell me about Big Brothers, Big Sisters and its mission, vision, and values: The mission of Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge (BBBS) is to create and support...

Home + Design

Styled for the Season

Simple touches and natural beauty define Kathy Kerber's holiday home. Article by Kathy Kerber and Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Jackson Smith Kathy Kerber and her husband Ron met 38 years ago, moving from Northern Virginia to Missouri to Michigan as part of his government-related work. After about 13 years of relocation, Kathy longed to return to Virginia, while Ron was hoping to move to a farm setting similar to where he grew up in Indiana. Together, the two decided on Charlottesville...

Life + Culture

Holiday Wines, Virginia Style

Richard Leahy shares how Virginia wines can make your holidays shine. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Wine industry consultant Richard Leahy has been writing about wine for 40 years, and while his writing and editorial work have been a part of numerous publications, he is also well-known locally for having literally written the book on Virginia wines: “Beyond Jefferson’s Vines.” Naturally, he has expert advice on which local wines to pair with holiday...

Life + Culture

Filling Plates, Fueling Change

Executive Director Jane Colony Mills shares the story of Loaves & Fishes. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Scherer Joy Photography Can you tell me the origin story of Loaves & Fishes -- how and why it was founded, and how its mission has evolved over time? Jerry Denney, a member of Charlottesville’s First United Methodist Church, started Loaves & Fishes as a church mission in 2004 when he identified food insecurity as an issue in the Charlottesville community. Church...

Life + Culture

Seasonal Sophistication

Elegant, festive, and locally inspired beverages crafted by 2025 Virginia Cocktail Games winner Christa Thomas Article by Christa Thomas and Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Ed Portillo Christa Thomas’ “Cardinal Rose,” a gin and Aperol cocktail infused with strawberry-rose syrup and citrus, took the top spot at this year’s 2025 Virginia Cocktail Games. Here, she shares recipes for elevating your holiday gatherings with flavors of the season. GILDED PEAR (Cocktail) 1.5 oz Cirrus vodka .5...

Arts + Culture

An Elevated Escape

Savor the calm, the cuisine, and the coastal beauty of Maryland's Ocean City in the off-season. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers With its bustling boardwalk and busy beach, Ocean City, Maryland, is undoubtedly a draw for beach-loving visitors in the summertime. However, in the off-season, the town takes on a slower, quieter pace, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a calm, upscale escape.  Stay in Style  While there is no shortage of...