Life + Culture

Steeplechasing, Frame by Frame

Article by Melinda Gipson In the rolling countryside of Virginia, where horse racing and hunting are a way of life, one photographer has spent decades capturing the heart and soul of steeplechase racing. Douglas Lees, a photographer and son of a former Master of Warrenton Hunt, has documented more than five decades of equestrian history, preserving moments of grace, power, and frequent drama on the racecourse. Much of the action and pageantry has centered around the Virginia Gold Cup, which...

Sports + Recreation

Long On Fun

The scenic Washington & Old Dominion Trail offers enjoyable side stops and healthy fun. Article by Glenye Oakford | Photography by NOVA Parks A paved ribbon of parkland running through some of Northern Virginia’s busiest neighborhoods and greenest countryside, the Washington & Old Dominion Trail—known to many as the W&OD—is more than just a trail. It’s a place to move, connect, and explore. At 45 miles long and just 100 feet wide, it's also affectionately called “Virginia's skinniest park.” ...

Life + Culture

Grow Outside!

TimberNook Loudoun County brings kids outdoors to learn life skills, build confidence, and work together. Photography by Courtesy of TimberNook Children today spend more time indoors than ever before, and the consequences are showing up in their development. Pediatric occupational therapist Rebekah Highlander says she has seen the impact firsthand in mental and physical health declines. That realization led Highlander to TimberNook, a nature-based program for children that promotes child-led...

Sports + Recreation

Hit the Trail

Explore the many opportunities to get outside close to home. Article by Beth Rasin | Photography by Photos courtesy of Erin Gifford When the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, many people who’d previously spent little to no time hiking headed from the metro DC region to outdoor opportunities in Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding area. Erin Gifford of Ashburn was one of those. She’d enjoyed a few hikes before, but during the pandemic, she ventured all over to places she’d never known about...

Home + Design

Their Mission: Rejuvenate Your Land

Veterans LLC can increase your property value—and your joy Article and Photography by If you’ve got a patch of land that’s overgrown, unusable, or just not living up to its potential, you’re not alone. Did you ever wonder what would it take to reclaim that land and make it something useful, beautiful, and even valuable? That’s where Veterans Land Rescue LLC comes in. Based in Lovettsville, Va., and led by Marine Corps veteran Dave Andersen, the company specializes in land...

Real Estate

Leesburg Real Estate Trends

J.C. Silvey of Compass Real Estate explains where the market is—and where it’s headed. Article by Beth Rasin | Photography by Photos courtesy of JC Silvey If you’ve been interested in the Leesburg real estate scene—whether house-hunting, selling, or simply watching from the sidelines—you probably noticed the early spring buyer activity, with homes flying off the market as early as February. “It’s definitely a seller’s market,” said JC Silvey, a local real estate expert, who’s seen houses draw...

Fitness

89 Ways to Give Back

Former NFL Player Santana Moss Proudly Uses Philanthropy to Change the World Article by Debra Wallace | Photography by Alimond Photography Santana Moss, a former NFL Wide Receiver for the Washington Commanders/Redskins, has a specific vision for improving the lives of local families which has become a major part of his legacy. The 45-year-old Leesburg resident has long believed in supporting the people in Northern Virginia and serving as a positive role model, especially to the children and...

Life + Culture

Elaine Espinola: On a Mission to Empower Women

The new full-time co-host of Good Day Washington shares her journey to realizing a dream. Article by Beth Rasin | Photography by Photos Courtesy of Elaine Espinola As Elaine Espinola stepped into a new role as co-host of Great Day Washington in March, she was fulfilling a dream she’d had for a decade. “I hope to bring great, inspiring stories to Great Day Washington,” she said. “I have a strong interest in highlighting women, diverse people, and anyone who’s doing something powerful for the...

Health + Wellness

Capital Caring's Compassion

This nonprofit provides solace, support, and innovative services to patients and their families. Article by Beth Rasin | Photography by Courtesy of Capital Caring A few years ago, a Capital Caring hospice patient nearing her final days wished to be with her collie. Unlike most hospice patients, she remained in a hospital, so her hospice nurse approached the hospital administration asking if that could be arranged. When the answer was no, the nurse convinced hospital staff to let her take the...

Beauty

Wellness Inside and Out

Sarah Safa and Monica Unni collaborate to help patients holistically Article by Glenye Oakford | Photography by Love & Sol Photography Looking for state-of-the-art treatments that can boost wellness, restore energy, and even raise your confidence? Downtown Leesburg’s Loop Wellness Clinic and Refined Aesthetics have a uniquely collaborative solution for that. Upstairs, Refined Aesthetics owner Sarah Safa, MS, PA-C, helps clients look their best through her medical aesthetics practice...