White Stone
Doughnut by the Bay
A small-town sweet treat.
Chesapeake Doughnut Company
NATIVE VIRGINIAN GABRIEL DEL RIO grew up in Irvington but spent the past 20 years in California—where doughnut shops were almost as prevalent as Starbucks, he says. He recently returned to the Northern Neck with partner Jeff Ewing looking for a local business venture. “With […]
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Top 10 Fall Festivals in Virginia 2025
Alexandria – 23rd Annual Alexandria Art Festival Sept. 13–14: Stroll Old Town’s John Carlyle Square Park as it’s transformed into an outdoor art gallery for this fall festival. Admire the work from more than 200 juried artisans from around the globe. VisitAlexandria.com Virginia Beach – VIRGINIA BEACH NEPTUNE FESTIVAL Sept. 26–28: The 51st anniversary of […]
Where to Eat, Drink, & Stay in Staunton During Queen City Mischief & Magic
Staunton might be a small town, but during the annual Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival, the last week of September, it’s larger than life. The festival draws tens of thousands of witches, wizards, warlocks, ghouls, and more to the Shenandoah Valley—and they fill up the local hotels, restaurants, and bars quickly. To plan ahead […]
A Couple’s Small-Town Makeover
After a successful career in investigative services in Washington, D.C., Terri Wesselman and her husband, Julien Patterson, decided to settle down in Irvington. Initially drawn to the area by the Tides Inn, the couple had been weekending in the Northern Neck since the late ’90s. “There was something about the area that was quiet but […]
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