Central

The Estate at River Run Brings Grandeur to Goochland

Situated along the James River in Goochland County, there’s a grand Georgian Revival-style mansion that looks like it’s been there for centuries. But the truth is, the Estate at River Run was built as a private residence in the 1970s, then reimagined as a high-end event and wedding venue in 2019. “This breathtaking estate, located […]

by Erica Jackson Curran

Cooking Like the Colonists with Rebecca Suerdieck

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to live to work, you need to know Rebecca Suerdieck. Her business card is humble—historian and educator provide a few hints—but the wattage of her smile gives it all away. This is a woman who absolutely loves what she does. Suerdieck grew up in Colonial Williamsburg, where her […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Sweet Summertime

The 46th Lakefest makes a splash in downtown Clarksville. Clarksville’s lakefront scene heats up in summer with the Virginia Lake Festival. Known as Lakefest, it’s been named one of the top 20 festivals in the Southeast. Virginia’s only lakeside city, Clarksville rests on the banks of Buggs Island Lake, the largest in […]

by Staff

Flipping Burgers Since 1935

In Charlottesville, Riverside Lunch hits the spot. (Photo by Thomas McGovern) The Riverside, as regulars call it, has been serving up burgers and baskets of fries since 1935. With its friendly staff, unbeatable prices, and consistently good food, nobody seems to mind that the burgers arrive on white paper plates. In fact, […]

by Staff

Winning Wineries

Good wine and good times sum up Eastern Virginia. (Photo by Sera Petras) You’ll find 74 wineries in Virginia Living’s Central Region, more than any other part of the state. And the wines here are succeeding spectacularly. What’s their secret? You might think competition spurs each winemaker to new and more exciting […]

by Staff

Time Off

State Parks offer a different way to vacation. Sunbathing and snorkeling might make an ideal vacation for some, but for others, lending a hand can turn time off into a far more meaningful experience. Throughout the Commonwealth, volunteer opportunities from the Department of Conservation & Recreation include free lodging for do-gooders who […]

by Staff

Culinary Craftsmanship

Three Blacksmiths brings world-class chefs to Sperryville. With just six tables, Three Blacksmiths offers a high-end tasting menu in an intimate atmosphere. The name pays homage to Sperryville’s early artisans and, today, diners relish the culinary handiwork of Jake and Sara Addeo. The couple, who’ve worked in restaurants in New York, D.C., […]

by Staff

Brewing a Culture of Care

Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery. You can learn a lot about a place and the people who run it by how they give directions. To get to Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery in Goochland, you’ll take “a private shared gravel road” the owners say, so “when visiting the brewery please drive slowly and responsibly […]

by Staff

Bugle Call Coffee

Specialty pods make coffee delicious and convenient. (Photography by Samaritans Purse Justin Lowe) A-ten-tion! A hot cup of Bugle Call Coffee will jolt you awake and put the day’s to-dos in Morning Formation. Helen Montgomery, a William & Mary alum, launched her Quintonbased coffee company in 2019, naming it in tribute to […]

by Staff

Squeaky, Squealin’ Clean Cars

At Hogwash Express Car Wash, a couple shares their passion for the community. After buying an aging car wash near Richmond’s airport, Janet and Tom Hogg renovated it, installed new equipment, and Janet attended “car wash college” to launch Hogwash Express Car Wash in 2018. Now, with a second Hogwash on Broad […]

by Staff

Instant Re-decorating

Bypass the supply chain with Revival’s consignment finds. You’ve been looking for months and finally, you find the perfect sofa. Then comes the soul-crushing news: you’ll wait 26 weeks for delivery. “Supply chain” was never much of a concern, let alone part of your vocabulary. Until now. If you’re ready to […]

by Staff

Black Ties & Wagging Tails

Richmond SPCA celebrates a lifesaving mission. (Photo by Robert Harris) Calling all pandemic puppies! The Richmond SPCA invites you to the Fur Ball, the lively pet-friendly black-tie gala, held each November to benefit the organization’s Cinderella Fund, which covers medical treatment and veterinary care for thousands of abandoned and abused cats and […]

by Staff

A Spot of Tea

Rosewood in Lunenburg serves up English specialties. Southern hospitality meets British charm at Rosewood, a café, pub, and tea room in Lunenburg. Owners Kathy and Paul Davies are the reason. She hails from Maryland; he’s from Kent in southeast England. The couple married in 2014 and, after living outside Winchester and commuting […]

by Staff

Get Outdoors

Exercise smarter thanks to these Virginia outfitters. (Photo by Adrian Lorenzoni) With spring comes the familiar itch to get outside, hike some trails, or paddle a kayak. And outdoor outfitters can set you up with the right gear. If getting out on the water is on your to-do list, check out […]

by Staff

Events

July 2, 2025

June – July @ Art Works!

Art Works

July 2, 2025

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

Virginia Repertory Theatre

July 3, 2025

June – July @ Art Works!

Art Works

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

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The Estate at River Run Brings Grandeur to Goochland

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Events

June – July @ Art Works!

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

June – July @ Art Works!

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

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The Estate at River Run Brings Grandeur to Goochland

Current Issue

Events

June – July @ Art Works!

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

June – July @ Art Works!

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

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