Food + Beverage

The Christmas Main

Showstopper Article and Photography by AJ Jones The holidays are here, and this year, it’s time to move beyond the usual turkey or ham. We're talking about a culinary showstopper, a dish synonymous with luxury and celebration: the Wellington. This isn't just a meal; it's a moment. So, uncork a great bottle of wine, put on your holiday playlist, and let's create some kitchen magic. Classic Beef Wellington Ingredients For the Beef: 1.5-2 lb center-cut beef tenderloin (chateaubriand)...

Arts + Culture

Mayor's Corner

Article by Mayor Kelly Burk, AJ Jones | Photography by Town of Leesburg I don’t know how it happened so quickly, but the Christmas holiday season is almost here. This time of year is so enchanting. The twinkling lights in the downtown area, the wonderful displays at the outlet mall and the decorations that make each neighborhood bright and warm, these are few of the things that make living in Leesburg so special this time of year. We have so many residents from different cultures that...

Life + Culture

A Holiday

Home at Salamander Middleburg Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of Salamander Resort For a truly transportive holiday experience, look no further than Salamander Middleburg in Virginia's historic horse country. Under the visionary guidance of Founder and CEO Sheila Johnson, the resort transforms into a magnificent, warm, and personal celebration of the season. It’s more than just a luxury destination; it’s an elegant, inclusive country home, steeped in tradition and genuine joy. ...

Arts + Culture

Panic Shopping Solved

You Forgot Someone? We Have the Perfect Fix. Article and Photography by AJ Jones Is the holiday clock striking midnight on your gift list? If you are frantically searching for something that says  thoughtful  instead of  rushed , stop browsing the big box stores now. We know the pain of last-minute panic shopping. The good news? Our region offers truly unique, high-impact items that are available right now. They guarantee you win the holiday without resorting to a boring gift card or a...

Life + Culture

Delivering Joy with “Santana Claus”

Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of the 89 Ways to Give Foundation For a decade, the sight of Santana Moss (#89) streaking across a football field was a source of excitement for Washington fans. Now, as a Leesburg resident and familiar face in Northern Virginia, the former NFL wide receiver is channeling that same energy into a different kind of drive: the mission of the 89 Ways to Give Foundation.  The foundation's name is a clear nod to the jersey number Moss wore during his...

Arts + Culture

Christmas in Middleburg:

A Hallmark Holiday Dream Come True Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of Christmas in Middleburg Experiencing the Enchantment Where the vineyards meet the bridle paths, Middleburg isn't just a town; it’s the quintessential Christmas setting, the kind of place that would make even the most stoic Grinch's heart grow three sizes. This small town, renowned for its equestrian heritage, boutiques, and luxury resorts like Salamander Resort & Spa, transforms into an enchanting holiday...

Wellness

A 'Thank You' Note

Embrace Your Journey and Celebrate Your Growth Article and Photography by AJ Jones In the hustle and bustle of life, it's all too easy to overlook the quiet strength and resilience we each possess. We're often our own harshest critics, quick to downplay our achievements while magnifying our shortcomings. But what if we took a moment to flip the script? What if we paused to acknowledge the fortitude we've shown, the lessons we've learned, and the growth we've experienced over the past year...

Arts + Culture

Dr. Tauheed Burke:

The Architect of Gratitude Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Clayton Jones Photography Dr. Tauheed Burke has built a life and career on a foundation of service and a profound sense of gratitude. From his military service to his work as a financial professional and his tireless efforts in community philanthropy, his journey is a testament to the power of giving back. In a month dedicated to thankfulness, we sit down with Dr. Burke to explore how his unique perspective has shaped his life...

Finance + Legal Services

What’s Your Number?

Why Retirement Planning Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All Article by Chad Sigmon, AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of Integrated Wealth Advisors Open any financial publication or scroll through your favorite news feed, and you're bound to see headlines like: "Here's How Much You Need to Retire in 2025" or "The Average 401(k) Balance by Age." These articles often suggest tidy, round numbers as savings benchmarks. But do these numbers truly matter if they don't reflect your unique lifestyle? Retirement...

Life + Culture

Mayor's Corner

Article by Mayor Kelly Burk, AJ Jones | Photography by The Town of Leesburg Thanksgiving will soon be upon us, and it’s the perfect time of year to reflect on all that we should be grateful for. This time of year, I seem to become a bit contemplative. Maybe it is the shorter days, or the cooler temperatures, or the holiday feel, but something makes me slow down and reminisce on how much we must be thankful. So many of us are lucky to have a warm, happy place to call home, dinner on the table...