Features

Lady of Belvor , by Jean Geddes

George Washington would not have become the man he was without the help of Sally Fairfax. She mentored the young Washington and fired his ambition. And the two shared a hidden, forbidden love.

River Renaissance , by Caroline Kettlewell

Thirty years ago, the James River was in rough shape. Now it’s in reasonably good health and attracting more people and wildlife. PLUS: the Riverkeeper, and the James as an aquatic playground.

In Every Issue

Letters | Contributors | Natives | Reviews | Style | Bellwether | About Town | Odd Dominion | Departures

Upfront

Up a Creek , by Richard Ernsberger Jr.

For the two sisters who run Payne’s crab house in Urbanna, the watermen’s life is tough but good. As Beatrice Taylor says, “It’s in our blood.”

Monument to Wine , by Jason Tesauro

Bartholomew Broadbent takes (to) Richmond.

The Picasso of Guns , by Clarke C. Jones

Lisa Tomlin engraves for the hunting elite.

By Jimmy, a Diet of Worms , by Bland Crowder

Beach kids blaze trailes in entomological cuisine.

A Cultural Mother Lode , by Don Harrison

A CD collection reveals the redemptive music of coal.

Departments

Industry | Timeless Garden Party , by Lisa Antonelli Bacon

McKinnon and Harris makes outdoor furniture that stands the tests of time and taste.

Sport | Fantasty Baseball , by Austin Gisriel

It’s not summer in Shenandoah until the first pitch is thrown in the old-fashioned Valley League.

Food | Hog Wild , by Christine Ennulat

We follow award-winning Tuffy Stone into the hog-wild world of competition barbeque.

Dining | Beyond the Tavern , by Christina Ball

Within earshot of fife and drum, we visit two of Williamsburg’s most sophisticated eateries.

Towns | Grand Ambitions , by Valerie Hubbard

Bedford has ambitions: Anchored by its big D-Day memorial, the town is attracting tourists and retirees – and looking for more.