October 2024 Issue

Up Close with a Raptor

Virginia offers several places to see birds of prey in flight and even interact with them. Read on for details on three: BOAR’S HEAD RESORT, Charlottesville: Interact with a variety of captive-bred, trained birds, including owls, falcons, and hawks. Falconry at the Boar’s Head includes both beginner and introductory levels where participants learn about the […]

by Larry Bleiberg

Sensory Inclusive Hospital

Sentara Williamsburg achieves notable designation. Earlier this year, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center (SWRMC) became the first medical facility in Virginia to be certified as sensory-inclusive. The certification was provided by the Alabama-based KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility that encourages hospitals to welcome and care for those with sensory needs. One in […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Little Hands Virginia—Spring Tablescapes Showcase

RICHMOND The Jefferson Hotel In a two-day exploration of tablescapes and celebration of global cultures, Little Hands of Virginia’s Spring Tablescapes Showcase raised $310,000 to support the organization and its mission to provide essentials to infants and toddlers in need. The fundraiser kicked off on May 2 with “An Evening at Tablescapes,” revealing 34 tablescapes […]

by Staff

VBSPCA Wags & Whiskers Gala

VIRGINIA BEACH New Realm Brewing Co. Nearly 450 attendees gathered on April 27 to raise money for the Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VBSPCA) and the animals without homes in their care. The gala’s theme this year was “Sunset Speakeasy,” and guests came appropriately decked to the nines in finery […]

by Staff

Inova Recommends Health Screening for Prevention

–By Lily Perkinson We’ve all heard about them and, more than likely, many of us have been advised to get them. But what exactly is a health screening? Inova, the Fairfax-based nonprofit healthcare provider, offers a definition: a preventative process to identify health complications or chronic diseases before they become problematic. Inova also emphasizes the […]

by Staff

Northern Virginia Conservation Trust—An Evening at River Farm

ALEXANDRIA The sun glistened on the Potomac River as the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) kicked off its annual gala at River Farm, the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society, in Alexandria. “It was a fitting location given NVCT’s leadership of the Save River Farm committee in 2021, a success story the organization is tremendously […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Virginia Falconers Preserve an Ancient Sport

On a chilly January morning, Jacob Roberts steps into the woods off a country road outside Harrisonburg and begins hitting brush with a long stick. “Ho, ho, ho,” he yells, and a moment later he gets a response. A squirrel jumps from the growth and darts into the snow-covered forest. Athena, Roberts’ red-tailed hawk perched […]

by Larry Bleiberg

Sip Zero-Waste Cocktails at this Charlottesville Bar

The kitchen at Birch & Bloom, the modern steakhouse and bar at Kimpton The Forum Hotel in Charlottesville, presents no shortage of fresh Virginian ingredients—veritably high-quality and invaluable to the flavors found on plates and in cocktail glasses. For Daniel Beedle, the hotel’s chief mixologist and assistant food and beverage director, every last scrap of […]

by Hope Cartwright

The Cat Café Craze Hits Virginia at this Harrisonburg Tea House

“This one,” says Amanda Atwell, as she points out a particularly posh, fluffy-tailed calico stalking across the room. “She’s the queen, as you can see. Look at her tail twitch. She’s saying, ‘Look at me. Tell me I’m beautiful.’” Jada, the fancy feline in question, is not one of Atwell’s own cats but rather a […]

by Hope Cartwright

Stock Bistro Serves a Taste of Scandinavia in the Blue Ridge

My wife and I were browsing Euro-chic goods at a cosmopolitan furniture shop when a stylish waiter brought out candles and place settings to a teak dining table on the sales floor. Four diners were then seated, and a server delivered an appetizer board of cured fish and caviar. We soon headed to the bar […]

by Craig Stoltz

An 18th-Century Treasure in the Eastern Shore

Synchronicity, magic, and talent helped Carrie the Clock come to life. “What’s going on with that clock?” one member of The Woman’s Club of Accomack County asked fellow member Annemarie Edgar one early autumn day in 2022. The piece had been overlooked in a corner of the group’s Carrie Watson Clubhouse in Onley for as […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

The Haunting Virginia Photography of John Plashal

The history of a place isn’t just about what’s documented in books and on display in museums. Another world is often overlooked— throughout the urban and rural landscapes, in towns, cities, and neighborhoods. They’re the churches and homes, the town halls and schools, once epicenters of family and community life all over the Commonwealth, that […]

by Madeline Mayhood

3 Expert-Recommended Virginia Wine and Food Pairings for Fall

Now that summer’s approaching its curtain call, we can drop the charade: the season was a sweltering, sticky mess not worthy of its devout following. Sure, there are backyard barbecues and occasional fireworks, but it doesn’t stand a chance compared with autumn—gloriously cool autumn. One of the most tantalizing qualities of this vibrant season is […]

by Sylvie Baggett

Quick Pickle Revelation

–By Clare Osdene Schapiro I’m as enchanted as the next person by a shelf full of glistening jars of pickles. To me, it’s like perusing a high-end jewelry store. Gorgeous gem-tone wares, carefully arranged to show varieties—but even more, sheer abundance. As a young woman obsessed with cooking, I briefly delved into the world of […]

by Staff

Pharrell’s Piece by Piece brings legends to Lego life

With Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, and Snoop Dogg joining the cast, Pharrell’s new movie Piece by Piece has serious star strength. But the real charm lies in its Lego power. Debuting Oct. 11 and featured at Something in the Water festival in Virginia Beach Oct. 12–13, the animated documentary follows the life and career […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Flying Air Circus brings aviation and aerobatics to life

–By Orrin Konheim On paper, the Flying Air Circus is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to promoting and preserving historical aviation. But few organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting aviation put on such a spectacular show. The Flying Air Circus, founded in 1971, has been continuously operating for 53 seasons, making it the longest-running show of […]

by Staff

Buy Tickets Early to Ride the Rails with Santa

The Virginia Scenic Railway is restoring the allure of train travel with its three-hour round trips departing from Staunton. The railway runs two main routes, and the Alleghany Special route is particularly scenic. It lurches westward from Staunton through pastoral scenes, past working farms, and toward the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. From Saturday, Nov. […]

by Heather Bien

Flourish in Full Bloom

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden marks 40 years with four extraordinary exhibits open through October. Natural Connection, Sensory Garden By Elizabeth Fogel, Associate Director Of Horticulture Find the plants that make our lives possible—from the food we eat to the clothes we wear—in the Sensory Garden. Then, explore the bustling Children’s Garden, where okra, cotton, pineapple, […]

by Hope Cartwright

Exciting Events at Fine Arts & Flowers

Fine Arts & Flowers will feature a wide range of exciting special events throughout the exhibition—from floral designer presentations and luncheons to guided tours, floral workshops, curator talks, fashion shows, and family activities. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the four-day extravaganza. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Fine Arts & Flowers Gala and […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Pages: 1234

Events

July 10, 2025

June – July @ Art Works!

Art Works

July 10, 2025

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace

Carlyle House Historic Park

July 10, 2025

Sounds of Summer Concert Series with The Embers

Riverwalk Landing

New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

Around the world, as both a beverage and a pastime, tea is steeped in history and ritual. From the casual to the ceremonial, tea is a throughline for many cultures, and now, it’s enjoying a renewed interest from beverage pros who are drawn to tea’s unique flavor characteristics, health benefits, and cultural connections. Recently, two […]

by Stephanie Ganz

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

Virginia’s Top 10 Summer Festivals and Events 2025

STAUNTON – Festival of Concerts June 26–Aug. 2: The stunning strums and resounding chords of classical music echo through Staunton’s mountain landscape as Heifetz International Music Institute students from around the world take the stage, with new concerts every day. HeifetzInstitute.org GLOUCESTER – Food Truck Frenzy July 13: Virginia’s most mouthwatering food trucks descend on […]

by Hope Cartwright

October 2024 Issue

Up Close with a Raptor

Current Issue

Events

June – July @ Art Works!

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace

Sounds of Summer Concert Series with The Embers

Most Popular

New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

Virginia’s Top 10 Summer Festivals and Events 2025

October 2024 Issue

Up Close with a Raptor

Current Issue

Events

June – July @ Art Works!

Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace

Sounds of Summer Concert Series with The Embers

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Most Popular

New Innovative Virginia Tea Rooms to Try

The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

Virginia’s Top 10 Summer Festivals and Events 2025

Get our most popularweekly newsletter: VL Today

Get our most popular
weekly newsletter: VL Today

Get our most popular
weekly newsletter: VL Today