Culture

Richmond’s New Allianz Amphitheater’s Summer Lineup

City lights flicker and reflect off the James as rolling rhythms echo across Downtown Richmond in twilight harmony. This is the concert experience at Richmond’s new Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront—a 7,500-capacity waterfront venue that opened in June. Big names are lining up, and tickets are flying—Dave Matthews Band’s shows sold out in hours (don’t worry, […]

by Hope Cartwright

Abigail Cutter Interview

Inheriting a haunted house and reading Civil War soldiers’ letters inspired this gothic novel. Long Shadows by Abigail Cutter. She Writes Press. pp.344. $16.95. Konstantin Rega: How long have you been in Virginia? Abigail Cutter: I’m a long time Virginia resident and really love the Shenandoah Valley. I was born […]

by Konstantin Rega

Hotel Art Redefined

Meet five Virginia artists making a statement at Keswick Hall. Sera Petras A great resort is more than the sum of its parts. More than its 600 thread count sheets, its infinity pool, its clay tennis courts. It’s a feeling. Mollie Hardie, co-owner of Keswick Hall in Albemarle County with her husband, Robert, […]

by Kinsey Gidick

Cowboy Culture

Virginia’s ranch horse legacy and the cowboys keeping it alive. David Zielinski To see him on a horse wearing leather chaps, work gloves, and a broad-brimmed cowboy hat, you might think Mike Jennings was riding the range in the Wild West. But Jennings is on his farm in Berryville, watching a cow […]

by Cathy Herbert

3 Micro Reviews

We’ve picked three books that are sure to spark an interest for every type of reader. A BRAVE AND CUNNING PRINCE by James Horn (Basic Books) As a youth, Chief Opechancanough of the Powhatan tribe was taken to Spain—where he was a favorite of King Phillip II—and then to Mexico by Spaniards exploring […]

by Konstantin Rega

Lost and Found

A shattered wine glass delivers a message. I was decluttering long before Marie Kondo-ing was a thing. Scuffed Teflon skillets, Sony Walkman, long-forgotten books. When an item outlives its usefulness, out it goes. But some things are so treasured that losing them can feel like a slap. No matter how much […]

by Staff

Sophia A. Nelson Interview

Nelson’s latest book explores 21 life lessons to be a better you. Be the One You Need by Sophia A. Nelson. Health Communications. pp.368. $17.95. Konstantin Rega: When did you come to Virginia? Sophia A. Nelson: I initially came here as a first-year law student at Washington and Lee […]

by Konstantin Rega

Over the Moon

Hampton’s Virginia Air & Space Science Center celebrates 30 years. Space lovers should add Hampton to their next liftoff: NASA’s Langley Research Center welcomes visitors to its Virginia Air & Space Science Center, and a just-completed $2.5 million renovation means there’s more to see and do than ever. “We’re proud to […]

by Staff

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Brook’s sixth novel dives into the life of the great racehorse Lexington and his trainer Jarret. (Painting by Edward Troye) Horse by Geraldine Brooks. Viking. pp.416. $28 “To be alive is to be in perpetual conflict,” is Sartre being a classic cynic but also a truth-teller. Conflict is everything […]

by Konstantin Rega

TJ Klune Interview

We talk to the bestselling YA author about his teen superhero romance series and other works. Heatwave by TJ Klune. Tor Teen. pp.384. $18.99. Konstantin Rega: When did you move to Virginia? TJ Klune: Before, my partner and I were living in Tucson, Arizona. We moved here in 2013, for my job. […]

by Konstantin Rega

Amy Wright Interview

From fond farm memories to how essays can connect people. Paper Concert by Amy Wright. Sarabande Books. pp.188. $16.95. Konstantin Rega: Where in Virginia did you grow up? Amy Wright: I was born in Wytheville on a dairy farm that has been in my family for a century—at the base […]

by Konstantin Rega

The Crocodile Bride

Pedersen’s debut examines the myth and reality of female roles in the South. The Crocodile Bride by Ashleigh Bell Pedersen. Hub City Press. pp.296. $26. Deep in the Black Bayou, a ravenous crocodile feasts on everything from human bones to the surrounding physical landscape, and even the odd diamond ring […]

by Lauren Carpenter

Virginia in the Spotlight

Roanoke author Beth Macy’s book got Hollywood’s attention. Antony Platt HULU Dopesick Dopesick — “Breakthrough Pain” – Episode 102 — OxyContin is on the market but faces a potential threat, Purdue’s vast influence reaches the town of Finch Creek, Bridget steps outside her DEA authority, and the criminal investigation of OxyContin begins. Dr. Samuel […]

by Staff

Artsy Socks

Diego Sanchez spinoffs are a VMFA hit. Artist Diego Sanchez finds himself an unlikely retail rock star these days. His vibrant painting, Composition #76, has been reimagined as a puzzle in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) Shop. The puzzle has been so popular that the shop is now rolling out socks. […]

by Staff

Electric Groove

For world-class guitar maker Thomas Rodriguez, the build is more fun than ever. Jeffrey Gleason Thomas Rodriguez stands in his woodworking studio sifting through a stack of thin wooden stencils shaped like the bodies of electric guitars. Some cutouts are familiar: The Les Paul played by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, Eric […]

by Eric J. Wallace

Delicious Inspiration

An artist paints for restaurant relief. A lifelong watercolor artist, Bo Prillaman trained his eye on 30 restaurants for his new book, Richmond in Watercolor: Dining Out. “I was thinking of people like the waitress who’s worked at the same diner for 20 years,” says Prillaman, a retired architect, who was inspired […]

by Constance Costas

The Trill is Back

The Fifes and Drums return to Colonial Williamsburg. Courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg The revolutionary heartbeat of Colonial Williamsburg plays on. The flute-like trills, booming bass notes, and staccato rat-a-tat-tats of the Fifes and Drums resonate through the 301-acre living museum once again, signaling to troops and tourists alike that the hallowed tradition […]

by Don Harrison

Surviving School

The Bray School was first in the colonies for Black children. (Courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg) “It was hiding in plain sight,” says Maureen Elgersman Lee, director of William & Mary’s new Bray School Lab, speaking of the small schoolhouse where freed and slave children were educated. Once thought demolished, the […]

by Don Harrison

Scout’s Honor

Actress and Virginia resident Mary Badham revisits To Kill a Mockingbird, 60 years later. Headshot: Mary Badham (photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade) and Kennedy Center Playbill cover A then 10-year-old Mary Badham stole America’s heart as the plucky Scout Finch in 1962’s Academy Award-winning To Kill a Mockingbird (TKaM). She claimed her first-ever acting […]

by Vayda Parrish

Pages: 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051

Events

July 13, 2025

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

Virginia Repertory Theatre

July 13, 2025

ARTfactory’s Actors Theatre presents Cabaret

ARTfactory

July 13, 2025

Apropos of Nothing, a Comedy

Keegan Theatre

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

Eight Virginia schools received the National Blue Ribbon 2024 award for their high performances. The Exemplary High Performing Schools are Spring Hill Elementary in McLean, Green Run Collegiate in Virginia Beach, Bethel Manor Elementary in Hampton, and St. Andrew the Apostle School in Clifton. The Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are Central Academy Middle […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

The University of Virginia has climbed to No. 4 among public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, advancing one position from last year. The university maintained its No. 24 overall ranking, tying with Emory and Georgetown universities. UVA’s commitment to accessibility and student success stands out in several key metrics. […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park offers breathtaking views, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife—the perfect prescription for nature lovers. Some spots to add to your itinerary include: This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2025 issue.

by Stacy Watkins

Culture

Richmond’s New Allianz Amphitheater’s Summer Lineup

Current Issue

Events

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

ARTfactory’s Actors Theatre presents Cabaret

Apropos of Nothing, a Comedy

Most Popular

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

Culture

Richmond’s New Allianz Amphitheater’s Summer Lineup

Current Issue

Events

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

ARTfactory’s Actors Theatre presents Cabaret

Apropos of Nothing, a Comedy

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Most Popular

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Get our most popular
weekly newsletter: VL Today

Get our most popular
weekly newsletter: VL Today