Drink

Discover Spotsylvania County’s Wine Scene By Trolley

While the wine region surrounding Charlottesville has gained national acclaim, the Spotsylvania County scene is still relatively under the radar—for now. The Spotsylvania Wine Trail is a six-venue loop that includes spots like Fredericksburg’s Bacchus Winery, Vibin’ With Val, Mattaponi Winery, and Lake Anna Winery. No DD? No problem—the Fredericksburg Trolley offers half-day tours on […]

by Erica Jackson Curran

4 Virginia Breweries With Destination Onsite Stays

Virginia’s craft beer scene offers an embarrassment of hoppy riches, with breweries spanning from the Chesapeake Bay to the Shenandoah Valley. Entire interstates, like Nelson County’s Highway 151—sometimes known as the Brew Ridge Trail—are now dedicated to this thriving industry. But while brewery hopping is a great adventure, especially with a designated driver, there’s something […]

by Kinsey Gidick

Try Virginia’s cocktail of the year from Hotel Roanoke

Want to taste the official best cocktail in Virginia? The Hotel Roanoke can now claim that title, thanks to lead mixologist Henry Hill, Jr. The longtime bartender won the inaugural Virginia Cocktail Games in 2024 with his cocktail called “No Place Like Home.” The boozy concoction was inspired by the prompt: Why do you choose […]

by Erica Jackson Curran

No Place Like Home: Virginia’s Cocktail of the Year

Try this recipe that won the Virginia Cocktail Games in 2024.

by Erica Jackson Curran

What’s Behind Cirrus Vodka’s New Richmond Tasting Room Menu

The sun-warmed stone patio at Ballast, the new mixed-use development off Summit Avenue in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition, beckons passersby with its striped umbrellas, outdoor seating galore, and inviting sounds of chatter. Cirrus Vodka’s new tasting room, which opened April 24, sits beside the bonny courtyard across from specialty food shop Yellow Umbrella—evoking Mediterranean beach town […]

by Hope Cartwright

Top Tea Rooms and High Tea Experiences in Virginia

High tea is the bread and butter—or rather, the scone and clotted cream—of Great Britain, yes. But who says Virginians can’t join in on the tea frenzy across the pond? This extended list of Virginia tea rooms spotlights classic high tea experiences, bringing a touch of old-fashioned charm as well as delicious teas, pastries, and […]

by Hope Cartwright

Colonial America’s Favorite Cocktails, From Virginia Distillers

In their mission to recreate the libations of yore, Williamsburg-based 8 Shires Distillery dove deep into historic records—ledgers, ship manifests, journals, and personal diaries—to uncover the drinking habits of Colonial America. Through all their research, one fact stands out: “For the most part, everybody drank all day long,” says general manager Tucker Casanova. All that […]

by Hope Cartwright

Dirty Sodas Arrive in Virginia at Coco’s Sodas + Sweets

It’s not your standard big gulp that you can get from 7-Eleven,” says co-owner Ben Cichelli of the tricked-out drinks at Coco’s Sodas + Sweets in downtown Vienna. The shop caters to “soda purists,” as Ben might say—those who know the fizz difference between a fountain-pour drink and a bottled 2-liter, and who might be […]

by Hope Cartwright

Coastal Virginia’s Distilleries Embrace Seaside Inspo

A sun-warmed beach and an ice-cold cocktail: what is it about the pair that make such a perfect match? When the two adored relaxation rituals meet, magic happens—especially inside of Coastal Virginia’s distilleries. These distillers take oceanside inspo and bottle it, bringing the beach vibes to you. Blue Sky Distillery: The Blackbeard’s Point Rum reminds […]

by Hope Cartwright

Starch & Strain: The Secret to Smoother Cocktails

Mixologists are introducing rice to your favorite classic drinks, but not as a tasting ingredient. Rather, rice-washed cocktails are mixed with dry, raw rice, which is later strained out, to smoothen and purify blended flavors. The starch mellows the methanol and propanol in the booze, exposing liquors’ more complex flavors. Rice-washing works best with brash-tasting […]

by Hope Cartwright

Elevate Your Cocktails with Next-Level Garnishes

Garnishes can be so much more than aesthetic afterthought. “Garnish with” this or that is the standard end step in a cocktail recipe. Though last, garnishes certainly shouldn’t be considered the least, providing both added adornment and taste. Olives bob at the bottom of a dry martini, and a leafy celery stalk juts out of […]

by Hope Cartwright

Fat-Washed Cocktails: The Secret to Richer, Smoother Sips

By Janelle Alberts It’s been almost 20 years since a bacon-infused Benton’s Old-Fashioned launched a new technique among bartenders called fat-washing. Despite the unappetizing name, fat-washing has so gained in popularity over the years because it continues to deliver a legitimately elevated cocktail. Fat-washing is a fairly simple process of freezing your spirit with fats […]

by Staff

10 Speakeasies Across Virginia & How to Find Them

Tucked in hidden alleyways and behind disguised doors lie some of the state’s best-kept secrets … and cocktails. Speakeasies promising vintage vibes and low-light charm dot the map far and wide, but where to find them? Here are 10 to get you started on a journey to delicious drinks and illicit adventures of 1920s allure. […]

by Hope Cartwright

Richmond Bartender on When to Order Well vs. Top-Shelf

Ordering a drink is a simple thing, just two or three words: “Moscow Mule,” “Old Fashioned,” “G&T.” Until the bartender asks for your brand preference. Belvedere or Svedka? Hendrick’s or Gordon’s? So many options of varying prestige and prices that so few of us understand. Andy Im, bartender at Rappahannock in Richmond, says that when […]

by Hope Cartwright

Sojourn Fermentory Brings Czech Craft Brewing to Virginia

The Czech Republic’s brewing scene is famous—for its rich, malty pilsners, unique bar setup of water baths and low counters, and sheer quantity of brews poured, with the highest per-capita beer consumption in the world. The experience of grabbing a beer in Prague is a bucket-list item for craft beer nerds everywhere. For those in […]

by Hope Cartwright

Colonial Recipes for Founding Father-Approved Cocktails

Modern drinkers, meet the spirited Colonial cocktails of America’s early days. From Cherry Bounce to Paul Revere’s Lantern, these historic cocktails were bold enough for Revolutionary War heroes and refined enough for Founding Fathers. Now, they offer Virginians a unique way to toast the past. Cherry Bounce From George Washington’s Mount Vernon 10–11 pounds fresh […]

by Hope Cartwright

A Charlie Brown Christmas Cocktail from Vault & Cellar

This yummy yuletide creation comes from Cami Buracker, head bartender at Vault & Cellar in Middletown. After a few sips, you may find yourself with a milk mustache, kindling a nostalgic nod to a certain character from the familiar Christmas classic. Add the first three ingredients to a shaker, add ice, and shake. Garnish with […]

by Hope Cartwright

Yule Brynner: A Festive Cocktail to Brighten Your Holiday Season

Yule Brynner This colorful, fruity seasonal sensation is “a drink that smells as good as it tastes,” says Genaro Amaya, bartender at Marigold at Keswick Hall outside Charlottesville. And its low ABV offers a light, refreshing contrast to the indulgences and heavy sweets of the holiday season. Build in a shaker, add ice, and shake. […]

by Hope Cartwright

Red Osier Cocktail: A Holiday Drink from Primland Resort

Red Osier This warming cocktail whets your appetite with flavorful and fruity notes, named after a local plant native to Southwest Virginia, the red osier, or red-twig dogwood. A well-loved winter specialty at Primland Resort of Auberge Resorts Collection in Meadows of Dan, director of outlets Frank Vitulli says, “Of course, the brilliant pop of […]

by Hope Cartwright

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Events

June 23, 2025

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

Virginia Repertory Theatre

June 24, 2025

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace

Carlyle House Historic Park

June 24, 2025

Exposure: In Bloom, Return to Seoul (2022)

Institute for Contemporary Art

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

Small Town, Big History: The Stories of Abingdon

Long before the first European settlers ventured into the American wilderness, the Delaware and Catawba tribes tracked a buffalo trace through the Shenandoah Mountains. Abingdon—once known as Wolf Hills—emerged along this trail, today’s Route 11. Frequented by westward expansionists on the Great Valley Road, Main Street grew. Today, the city of 8,336 residents hugs Route […]

by Michael C. Upton

Drink

Discover Spotsylvania County’s Wine Scene By Trolley

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Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

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Exposure: In Bloom, Return to Seoul (2022)

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

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Drink

Discover Spotsylvania County’s Wine Scene By Trolley

Current Issue

Events

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace

Exposure: In Bloom, Return to Seoul (2022)

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Most Popular

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Small Town, Big History: The Stories of Abingdon

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weekly newsletter: VL Today

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