Food and Drink

Study at Morrison House

Central American cuisine in Old Town Alexandria. The Study, Alexandria, VA I smile at the tableau of folks gathered around The Study Bar in Alexandria’s Morrison House. Emmanuel Pressley is shaking martinis for one couple, while a woman at the end of the bar nurses her Fire & Ice cocktail. Between sips, […]

by Staff

Bisnonna Bakeshop

One bakery in Fairfax serves sweet treats Italian style. “My love for baking is rooted in nostalgia and family traditions,” says Bisnonna Bakeshop co-owner, Nicole Liberatore. After all, bisnonna means great-grandmother in Italian. With her husband, Dominick, the couple has been pumping out pastries from their home kitchen since 2019. But after […]

by Konstantin Rega

Eat More Hole Foods

This White Stone doughnut shop keeps customers coming back for more. Meet Gabe del Rio and Jeff Ewing, founders of Chesapeake Doughnut Company. In March 2020, the duo was a month away from opening the doors to their new White Stone doughnut shop when the pandemic hit. With storefronts closing and social […]

by Staff

A Labor of Love

In Stuart, Pickle & Ash honors Appalachian cuisine. A must-stop on Route 58 in Patrick County, Pickle & Ash is a restaurant, bar, market, and local gathering place that’s taking a fresh approach to Appalachian cuisine. “We live in a bucolic area where folks have been growing and cooking their own […]

by Staff

Seasonal Pie Debate

Which is best? Sweet potato or pumpkin? Cathy Barrow knows a thing or two about pies. So we tapped the author of Pie Squared and When Pies Fly (Grand Central Publishing) to settle the seasonal sweet potato vs. pumpkin debate. “Many folks see sweet potato and pumpkin pies as interchangeable, but […]

by Staff

Thanksgiving Sides

It’s the side dishes that make a holiday meal memorable. Tyler Darden Chef Jonathan Martin, Wilted Winter Greens and White Bean Cassoulet (Photo by Tyler Darden) Closing his eyes, Johnathan Martin remembers walking into his grandmother’s house and taking in the intoxicating aromas of a special meal, days in the making. “It’s probably […]

by Staff

Dinner with a View in Old Town

Ada’s on the River heats up Alexandria’s waterfront. Is it someone’s birthday?” our server asks when she bounces up to our table. My family is dining at Ada’s on the River, on the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria. We look at each other and laugh. We are celebrating life, and Ada’s feels […]

by Staff

Let Them Eat Cake … Doughnuts

These homemade delights are the perfect bite-sized indulgence. Tyler Darden Lynchburg donuts, gluten-free Tuesday Apple cider and doughnuts at Mama Crockett’s. Photography by Tyler Darden They don’t call it Fat Tuesday for nothing. The day of revelry before the austere Christian observance of Lent is known as much for its merrymaking as it is […]

by Stephanie Ganz

Seasonal Roots

The newest way to eat healthy and support local. Looking for healthy, seasonal eating options while simultaneously supporting Virginia farmers? Seasonal Roots is an online farmers market started in 2011 that delivers products created and grown by 75 Virginia farms (like Deer Run Farm in Hanover or Saunders Brothers Orchard in Piney River) […]

by Staff

What Foods Say Spring?

We asked five chefs around the state. “Foraged ramps and morels. I love the combination. I pickle and dry them to last the whole year. I also love the first leaves of tender lettuce simply dressed with olive oil, sea salt, and lemon.” —Matt Hill, Ruthie’s All-Day, Arlington RuthiesAllDay.com […]

by Staff

Simply Shareable

Wren, in Tysons’ Watermark Hotel, elevates Japanese-style small plates. (Photo by Greg Powers) Perched on the 11th floor of the Watermark Hotel in Tysons Corner, Wren invites diners to participate in the Japanese concept of izakaya—pub-style, small plate dining. Chef Yo Matsuzaki explains the goal is for guests to “taste a lot […]

by Ashley Hunter

Weekend Brunch Party

Easy entertaining ideas from food bloggers and mixologists around the state. (Photography by Tyler Darden) Winter and brunch go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows. And there’s nothing like good food and drinks to bring family and friends together on a chilly morning. We found food bloggers across the state—from the Eastern […]

by Ashley Hunter & Madeline Mayhood

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

Food and Drink

Study at Morrison House

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

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Study at Morrison House

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Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

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Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

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