Travel

Fredericksburg: Class, Comfort, and Charm

River views, charming shops, history, and outdoor adventures invite everyone to explore. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing photographers With a 40-block Main Street District, Historic Downtown Fredericksburg is a destination with broad appeal to anyone from history buffs and art lovers to outdoor adventurers or food and drink enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for an upscale weekend getaway, a family-friendly day trip, or a city that’s perfect for solo travelers...

Life + Culture

Rooster Walk Celebrates its 15th Year of Giving Back

The annual family-friendly music and arts festival featured over 45 bands on six stages in Martinsville, Virginia. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers On Memorial Day weekend, festival-goers descended once again upon Pop's Farm in Martinsville, Virginia, for a weekend of camping, live musical performances, art, and more, as Rooster Walk kicked off its 15th year. A portion of this year's event proceeds will help to support the Penn-Shank Memorial Endowment...

Arts + Culture

Fifty Years of Art, Energy, and Exploration

Explore how a former schoolhouse became one of Charlottesville's most inspiring community art spaces. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Stacey Evans, Michael O. Snyder, Sanjay Suchak Erected in the early 1900s, the building at 201 2nd St., NW in Charlottesville served as an elementary school for over five decades. After its closure, the building sat vacant for several years before neighborhood artists and other community members helped to rehab it, ultimately turning it into the...

Arts + Culture

From Charlottesville to Statewide Screens and Beyond

A filmmaker with deep Charlottesville roots uses storytelling to explore identity, connection, and mental health with heart. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Ryan Cudahy, Robert Alan Moose, James Rapelyea When he was just three years old, Ryan Cudahy’s family moved to Charlottesville. By the time he was nine, he was performing with Black Box Players in shows that ranged from “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” to “The Sound of Music,” and in his teen years, he enrolled in his...

Arts + Culture

Savoring Southern Stories: History Meets Home Cooking

Taste history, share stories, and learn preservation through immersive dinners and classes. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Stephanie Rajab We talked with Dr. Leni Sorensen about her history dinners at Indigo House that give guests the opportunity to explore the past through food. What is your inspiration for educating through food? Part of it is that I’ve always cooked and been interested in food -- where it came from, who grew it. I’m from California, and even in my teens...

Arts + Culture

Explore Local Treasures

Wander into a space where creativity and community collide. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Consignment House Gallery Geoff Robinson, owner of Consignment House Gallery, took the time to chat with Charlottesville City Lifestyle about what makes his shop a special place to explore. Can you tell us a little about your shop and what makes it different from a typical secondhand store? I think the curating -- just the fact that we are a bit more of a gallery. We’re more picky...

Fitness

Relaxation Meets Refined Living

Gourmet food, world-class golf, and a spa oasis just outside of Charlottesville. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Brandon Barré, Keswick Hall, Jennifer Waldera Built in 1912, Keswick Hall is a Georgian-Italianate Styled Villa that now serves as a serene getaway just a short drive from the heart of Charlottesville. After a several-phase renovation that was completed in the fall of 2021, the updated resort offers nearly twice the number of rooms, multiple settings for food and...

Food + Beverage

Where Passion Meets the Perfect Terroir

Wine crafted with heart, skill, and history. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Jen Fariello and Southwest Mountain Vineyards In 2023, after over two decades of winemaking at Groot Constantia in South Africa, Boela Gerber made the decision to transition to Southwest Mountains Vineyards in Keswick, Virginia. The expansive vineyard, owned by Paul and Diane Manning, boasts approximately 67 acres of vines that are harvested each year, and the fruits of Boela and his team’s labor can be...

Life + Culture

Men Moving with Purpose

Local F3 member Dan Purnell shared what the organization is and how men can get involved. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by F3 Charlottesville Full name of the organization:   F3 - Fitness, Fellowship & Faith. To be clear, faith has no particular denomination. We define faith as the belief in something bigger than yourself.  What are the core tenets of F3? Free of Charge: All workouts are free to attend, ensuring accessibility for anyone. Open to All Men: ...

Life + Culture

Celebrate Dad Locally

Kid-friendly and grown-up-approved Father's Day fun Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Aaron Watson Whether you're celebrating a Dad with young children or a father of adults, there are plenty of places to enjoy the day together in or near Charlottesville. We've rounded up a handful of them, with a couple that are fit for early gatherings, too.   Kick off Father’s Day weekend under the stars on Friday night. Visit Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park for a night with Rich Drumm...