Travel

A Gentle Coastal Retreat

An easy escape to Virginia's Eastern Shore where water, history, and local spots come together Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by John Park - JPG Agency Whether you’re looking for an easy day trip or a quiet overnight along the water, Onancock offers a change of pace that’s equal parts relaxing and refreshing. Tucked along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, this small town is easy to settle into, with plenty to do while also offering the opportunity to slow down. Along the Waterfront ...

Home + Design

Design Choices that Add Value

Local realtor Jamie Waller explains which home improvements matter most. Article by Jennifer Waldera and Jamie Waller | Photography by Hank Gregg - HG Media Not every improvement needs to be a major renovation. What are some surprisingly impactful updates--perhaps cosmetic or design-focused--that can make a home feel significantly more appealing to buyers? Some of the most impactful changes are actually quite simple. Fresh paint in a soft neutral color palette can instantly modernize a...

Arts + Culture

A Mother's Vision Continued

At Les Yeux du Monde, Hagan Tampellini continues a legacy rooted in art, perspective, and place. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Jen Fariello and Stacey Evans Nestled on a mountaintop just outside of Charlottesville, Les Yeux du Monde has always offered more than a place to view art. It’s a space shaped by perspective that continues to evolve while staying rooted in its origins. The vision for the gallery began with Lyn Bolen Warren, who founded the gallery in 1995. As her...

Food + Beverage

Vine to Glass

At Early Mountain Vineyards, Maya Hood White brings a thoughtful, site-driven approach to shaping wines that reflect Virginia's landscape and evolving identity. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers At Early Mountain Vineyards, winemaker Maya Hood White approaches her work with a steady sense of purpose, shaped by both technical training and a deep respect for the land. Her path into wine began with curiosity and quickly evolved into something more...

Food + Beverage

Creating Connection Through Charlottesville's Food Scene

How MJ Padilla, founder of C-ville Bites, is creating food experiences that celebrate Charlottesville's restaurants, people, and sense of community. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by MJ Padilla What inspired you to launch C-ville Bites?   I launched C-ville Bites in late 2023 after working as a bar manager at South and Central. I had been hosting events through both South and Central and The Bebedero, and building out successful bar programs and events gave me the...

Travel

Stay, Sip, and Savor with Waterfront Surroundings

Boutique comfort, standout dining, and beautiful waterfront scenery make this destination an easy escape. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers If you’re on the hunt for a historic town that offers the combination of gorgeous waterfront views, comfortable stays, outdoorsy activities in town as well as in gorgeous local environs, and small-town charm with shopping and mouthwatering dining and imbibing opportunities, Havre de Grace, Maryland, is the secret gem...

Finance + Legal Services

Mortgage Planning with Purpose

Reid Thompson of Fulton Mortgage Company on financing with confidence Article by Reid Thompson and Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Can you tell us a bit about how you got your start and what originally inspired you to work in mortgage lending? I graduated from the Darden School of Business at UVA in 2009 and began my career in banking in a back-office corporate role. I enjoyed the business side, but I realized fairly quickly that what energized me most was the...

Style + Beauty

Seasonal Beauty Reset

Investing in confidence and self-care this season Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers As the seasons shift, many feel ready for a reset, and one way to do it is with a fresh approach to self-care. At Trend Salon, owner Tara Kennedy sees firsthand how investing in personal care can influence confidence and overall well-being. “We believe when someone looks in the mirror and likes what they see, the body and mind automatically react in a real physiological...

Food + Beverage

Smart Strategies for Building a Wine Collection

Will Curley of The Wine Guild shares approachable advice for building a cellar that reflects your taste and lifestyle. Article by Will Curley and Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers When someone starts thinking about investing in a wine collection, what foundational decisions matter most early on? If you’re to the point of considering investing in a wine collection, there’s a good chance that you already know what you like to drink, and that’s the first step. ...

Life + Culture

Steps Toward a Cure

Local programs, compassionate support, and community action are helping families navigate Alzheimer's. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers For families facing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, the journey can feel overwhelming -- but they are not alone. Across Charlottesville and the surrounding region, the Central and Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is working every day to provide education, support, advocacy, and hope...