Issuu

C-VILLE 2025

DISC OVER IT Your guide to chasing chains— and good times ART YEARS LATER Culture-makers keeping the curtain rising

SLICE MEETS SPICE Expert sushi at a local cocktail bar

BEST OF

Who you gonna call?

Readers’ most trusted doers and fixers VOW FACTOR The best venues, planners, and pros for saying “I do”

E O N L E N I O H Best sandwich shop/deli:

Bodo’s Bagels

From fitness to food, you chose the cream of the crop (and the schmear of the year)

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Reliable fiber. Because you and your internet have been through enough.

Here for the Internet. 2

Scan to QR code or visit tinginternet.com/abode to get started.

WINNER

RUNNER-UP

EAT

BEST CHEF

Locally known for our consistently excellent food, great value and local ingredients. Weekdays, we serve lunch and dinner with daily specials and happy hour from 3-6. Weekends, we serve our famous Saturday breakfast tacos on and our award-winning Sunday brunch.

DRINK

BEST BEER LIST

Our shop offers a vast selection of craft and small-production boutique beer, cider, and mead. Our back room hosts our large wine selection that is unique, well-priced, with a focus on organically grown and dynamically produced wines.

www.BeerRun.com  434.984.2337 156 Carlton Road  Charlottesville  22902 Open Daily. Join us!

From your everyday beers, cocktails & dinner, to your post-work meetings, weddings and more, Kardinal Hall has you covered. Come enjoy innovative, locally-sourced cuisine in our European-inspired beer hall & spacious outdoor beer garden. Our 28 draft lines & carefully curated bottle list includes a vast array of local, national & imported craft beers sure to satisfy any beer lover. We also offer hand-crafted cocktails & a wine list focused on thoughtful wines from sustainable producers.

WINNER

BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE GAME

RUNNER-UP

BEST BEER LIST

722 Preston Ave. | 434-295-4255 KardinalHall.com | events@kardinalhall.com

SHOP

With 19 rotating taps, full bar with specialty cocktails and wine served by the glass, we are sure you will find something tasty!

WINNER

“I want to thank all of our wonderful patients and Helping community for recognizing our amazing dental team!

READERS’

CHOICE “I want to thank all of our wonderful patients and -John H. Knight, Jr. DDS community 2019 for recognizing our amazing dental team!

WINNER

“I want to thank all of our wonderful patients Helping READERS’ and community for CHOICE recognizing our amazing dental team! 2019 434-293-9793

-John www.cvilleteeth.com H. Knight,Jr. DDS

-John H. Knight, Jr. DDS BEST DENTIST OFFICE BEST ENTREPRENEUR

540-832-3232

BEST www.springcreekdentist.com PLACES TO WORK BEST ORTHODONTIC OFFICE BEST WORK CULTURE BEST BOSS

BEST DENTIST

WINNER

BEST DENTIST

434-293-9793 www.cvilleteeth.com

Helping

RUNNER UP

BEST DENTIST

RUNNER UP

FINALIST

BEST DENTIST

BEST DENTIST BEST ORTHODONTIST

2024

FINALIST

BEST DENTIST BEST ORTHODONTIST

FINALIST

BEST DENTIST BEST ORTHODONTIST

Enhancing Smiles Through Innovative Dental Solutions Comprehensive Orthodontic Services | Invisalign Teen & Adult | Full Family Den Most Insurances Accepted | Financing Available

Women In Motion Physical Therapy & Wellness Thank you Charlottesville, for choosing us Best of Cville Physical Therapy 5 years in a row!

WINNER

2024

WINNER

We are a specialty rehab clinic with specialities in Orthopedics, Obstetrics, Pelvic Health (all genders), Midlife, Oncology and our newest program lactation IBCLC services! We treat all genders through all phases of life. Come see us!

www.WomenInMotionPT.com

434-202-2295

WomenInMotion_Wellness

Exceptional care for mom and baby, rooted in The Caring Tradition Learn more at sentara.com/MJHmaternity

C H A R LOT T E SV I LLE ’ S

BEST ROOFTOP VIEWS And we’re just getting started.

is officially here! Voted #1 rooftop by C-VILLE Weekly.

ELEVATED EATS _ CRAFT COCKTAILS _ STUNNING SUNSETS Charlottesville’s rooftop game just leveled UP. Come see what everyone in town is talking about.

www.eatUPdrinkUP.net

view our hours, menus + more!

UP at the Roof at The Doyle Hotel 499 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903 | (434) 290-0644

Thank You!

To our homeowners, trade partners, neighbors, friends, and Charlottesville community for voting us Charlottesville’s BEST Local Homebuilder in the Best of Cville! We are honored to be a favorite local homebuilder and extremely proud of the relationships we have built. Your Builder, Your Neighbor

www.southern-development.com

WINNER

Best Medical Spa

WINNER

DR. ANNA MAGEE Best Dermatologist

RUNNER-UP

Best Day Spa

BEST OF C-VILLE 2025

They’re our faves, too E

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

Charlottesville loves right now. And this year, one thing was loud and clear: Charlottesville really loves Bodo’s. It was the top vote-getter across the entire contest, and the inspiration behind the bagel-themed imagery you’ll see opening each section. We get to share all the results in this issue—a celebration of excellence, community spirit, and, yes, maybe a little friendly competition. Alongside your picks, our editorial staff has added their own favorites—those hidden treasures and local legends that make our city truly special beyond the ballot box. Whether your favorites made the list or you’re just here for the party, thanks for being part of what makes Charlottesville the best. We’re lucky to live here. And luckier still to share it with you.—Caite Hamilton

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

EZE AMOS

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

very summer, we ask you to do something important—vote. Not for politicians (though that’s important, too), but for the people, places, and things that make Charlottesville shine. Best of C-VILLE is our annual love letter to this community, and it’s one of the most joyful things we do all year. From your favorite brunch spots and go-to hairstylists to the shops you can’t resist and the folks doing good behind the scenes, Best of C-VILLE is your chance to shout out the gems that make this town feel like home. It’s also a reminder of how much talent, creativity, and heart we have packed into these city blocks and rolling hills. The best part? It’s all chosen by you. Thousands of votes pour in, creating a vibrant snapshot of what

FOOD + DRINK

SHOPPING

Craving something scrummy? Consider this your cheat sheet to the best bites and sips in town. P.53

Find the goods you didn’t even know you needed— local shops that make it worth the trip. P.81

MATT RILEY

SUPPLIED PHOTO

HEALTH + FITNESS Move it, stretch it, zen out—your faves help you stay fit and feel good. P.37

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

ENTERTAINMENT From live tunes to pageturners, these picks keep you entertained and coming back for more. P.17

SERVICES

WEDDINGS

KIDS + FAMILY

BEST FOR LAST

Need a hand? These pros have you covered, from home fixes to beauty boosts. P.97

For your big day, you trust the best of the best to make magic happen. P.123

Raising tiny humans is an adventure—here are the spots that make it easier (and more fun). p.139

Two UVA legends are honored with prominent portraits on Grounds. P.154

OUR BEST FRIENDS A special thanks to Tuel Jewelers, Vanessa Bullard and ACAC, Sidetracks, Tavola, Peacock Auto Service, and The Alley Light for embracing the bagel madness with style, humor, and a schmear of charm. COVER PHOTO: Tristan Williams COVER MODEL: Shea Tinsley CLOTHES: Darling x Dashing Boutique JEWELRY: Model’s own 12

There are certain basic freedoms we hold dear. For one, the enjoyment of a great burger and a beer with friends. This is America, after all… a delicious burger is your right – perhaps even your responsibility.

WELCOME CITIZEN – THE PEOPLE’S BURGER BAR. We’ve teamed up with aTO few nearby farms, and they keep it simple – no hormones, nothing artificial, There are certain basic freedoms we hold dear. For one, the enjoyment of a great we’re talking happy grassfed cows and free-range burger and a beer with friends. This is America, after all… a delicious burger is your chickens here. We hope you’ll agree: if you’re going – perhaps toright eat meat, that’s the even way toyour do it. responsibility.

WELCOME TO CITIZEN – THE PEOPLE’S BURGER BAR.

We Serve: local grassfed & finished beef (beyond organic) local produce, often delivered by the farmer local cheese from pastured cows & family farms local bread, with nothing artificial ingredients that are house made and farm fresh

We’ve teamed a few nearby farms, and they keep it simple – no hormones, While we’re proud ofup thewith menu, we must say the bar is no slouch, either… Our wise and benevolent nothing artificial, we’re talking happy grassfed cows and free-range chickens here. bar staff canThere recommend theif perfect libation to are certain basic freedoms wethat’s holdthe dear. We hope you’ll agree: you’re going to eat meat, way For to do it. complement your meal or your mood – just ask ‘em.

one,proud the enjoyment greatsay burger and a beer with While we’re of the menu,of wea must the bar is no slouch, either… Our wise

Our vision is anything but complicated: we believe bar staff can recommend the perfect libationburger to complement your friends. This is common America, after all… a delicious inand goodbenevolent food, cold drinks, and ground. meal your – just ask We knoworwe’re notmood alone on that – and‘em. that’seven how your responsibility. is your right – perhaps Citizen This is the people’s burger bar. Our came visiontoisbe.anything but complicated: we believe in good food, cold drinks, and

teamed upwe’re withnot a few nearby and they commonWe’ve ground. We know alone on thatfarms, – and that’s how Citizen came to keep it simple – no be. This is the people’s burger bar.hormones, nothing artificial,

Your local favorite for over 13 years! (in the center of the Downtown Mall) we’re talking happy grassfed cows and free-range chickens here. We hope you’ll agree: if you’re going to eat meat, that’s the way to do it.

THE PEOPLE’S BURGER

We Serve:

WE SERVE:

LOCAL BUNS

While we’re proud of the menu, we must say the FRESH PRODUCE • and localbenevolent grassfed & finished bar is no slouch, either… Our wise whenever we can, we local grassfed & finished beef (beyond organic) beef (beyond use ingredients found bar staff can recommend the perfect libation toorganic) in our local markets local produce, often delivered by the farmer and farms • local produce, complement your meal or your mood – just ask ‘em. often local cheese from pastured cows & family farms HERITAGE delivered by the farmer FARM BACON Our vision is anything but complicated: we believe from NC, family owned, localVIRGINIA bread, with nothing artificial • local cheese from pastured no hormones, no steroids,and common in good food, cold drinks, ground. CHEESES no animal byproducts, ingredients that are house made & family our signature We know we’re nothing not artificial alone on that –cows and that’s howfarms cheese is made and farm fresh locally and naturally GRASSFED • local bread, Citizen came to 100% be. This is the people’s burger bar.with nothing at Mountainview LOCAL BEEF Farm in Fairfield, VA. artificial all of our beef is grass our house burger buns are locally made just down the road at Albemarle Baking Company

finished and comes from all-natural, organically raised cows from about about 5 miles away

• ingredients that are house made and farm fresh

Your local favorite for over 13 years! (in the center of the Downtown Mall) HAND-CUT FRENCH FRIES

our fries are made in-house every morning and we fry using 100% ultra-refined peanut oil, which is trans fat and cholesterol free.

THE PEOPLE’S BURGER

Your local favorite for over 13 years! (in the center of the Downtown Mall)

LOCAL BUNS

our house burger buns are locally made just down the road at Albemarle Baking Company

FRESH PRODUCE

whenever we can, we use ingredients found in our local markets and farms

HERITAGE FARM BACON VIRGINIA CHEESES

our signature cheese is made locally and naturally at Mountainview Farm in Fairfield, VA.

from NC, family owned, no hormones, no steroids, no animal byproducts, nothing artificial

IN THE HEART OF BELMONT www.BelleCville.com 100% GRASSFED LOCAL BEEF bellecville@gmail.com all of our beef is grass finishedALL andDAY, comes from MON-SAT BREAKFAST all-natural, organically LUNCH STARTING AT 11AM raised cows from about SUNDAY BRUNCH 8AM-2PM about 5 miles away

HAND-CUT FRENCH FRIES

DINNER 5-10PM WED-SAT

our fries are made in-house every morning and we fry using 100% ultra-refined peanut oil, which is trans fat and cholesterol free.

14 ART DIRECTOR Max

PUBLISHER Anna Harrison. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

DIRECTOR OF SALES Bianca Johnson. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Brian Hrozencik,

Jacob Philips, Stephanie Vogtman. PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Faith Gibson.

March. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tracy Federico.

Eze Amos, Meredith Coe, Jen Fariello, Matt Riley, Amy Smith, Skyclad Aerial, Mary Kate Steele, Tristan Williams.

Gorman, Andrew Hollins, Tami Keaveny, Catie Ratliff, James Sanford, Kristie Smeltzer, Susan Sorensen, CM Turner. PHOTOGRAPHERS

BEST OF C-VILLE EDITOR Caite Hamilton. COPY EDITOR Susan Sorensen. CONTRIBUTORS Carol Diggs, Shea Gibbs, Sarah Golibart

P.O. Box 119, Charlottesville VA, 22902 c-ville.com

R E T

T AI N M

Is it art? Is it lunch? Yes. TRISTAN WILLIAMS

CELEBRATING

38 YEARS CELEBRATING OF FILM &

WINNER

COMMUNITY

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:b4c67f43-15a0-428b-9167-b84c826

OCT 22-26 2025 Support our programs and take advantage of donor benefits

VIRGINIAFILMFESTIVAL.ORG

Concerts Movies Theatre Opera Comedy Special Events

TH E PA R A M OU N T. N E T

ENTERTAINMENT

ART GALLERY

McGuffey Art Center mcguffeyartcenter.com Runner-up:

The Looking Glass

ixartpark.org/lookingglass

ARTS AND CRAFTS CLASSES

The Scrappy Elephant scrappyelephant.com Runner-up:

Charlottesville Parks & Recreation charlottesville.gov/156/ parks-recreation

BAND

Chamomile and Whiskey chamomileandwhiskey.com Runner-up:

We Are Star Children @we_are_star_children

CLASSICAL MUSIC GROUP

Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia cvillesymphony.org

Runner-up: Oratorio Society of Virginia oratoriosociety.org

CULTURAL PROGRAMMING NONPROFIT

IX Art Park ixartpark.org Runner-up:

The Front Porch frontporchcville.org CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

A tale of two towns

Indie comic collaborators release a gritty new series

n independent comic book from local artist Wil Smith and Richmond-based writer Joshua Eadie explores a dystopian nearfuture through a cyberpunk story packed with gritty pulp action. Southtown, self-published by Smith and Eadie with co-creators Ally Slawson and Mallorie Mize, offers a neo-noir narrative tied to capitalist critique, corporate malfeasance, and the authenticity found within marginalized communities. Set in River City—a stand in for Richmond, Virginia, with a stark divide between the complacent citizens of well-enough-to-do Uptown and the hardscrabble denizens of the titular neighborhood beyond the bridge—Southtown imagines a future where new technology and old vices collide, with explosive results. Sex and violence—along with a healthy dose of substance use and abuse—are enduring actions in Southtown. The pervasiveness of these elements is made evident through Smith’s illustrations of background scenes as main characters navigate the seedy streets and venues of their derelict district. In the absence of civic or governmental authority, gangs of mechanically and electronically enhanced cyborg outlaws define the status quo, and wanton acts of transgression appear around every corner. The initial storyline, planned for a 10-issue arc, introduces a crew of diverse friends and allies from the fringes of society, caught up in a corporate data heist where the motive and identity of their client is shrouded in mystery. The first two issues of Southtown, available for digital download and print edition purchases, set the stage both visually and narratively for what’s to come. Where issue No. 1 offers an easy entry point to the setting, characters, and plot, drawing the reader into the storyword, issue No. 2 brings a stronger sense of refinement to the series. The illustration and sequencing are tighter, creating better cohesion between visual representation and plot points. Like other forms of visual narrative, comics have to carefully consider how the image pairs with advancement of the story. The trick here is to ensure the illustrated action allows the reader to fill in the blanks of what isn’t being shown,

SUPPLIED PHOTO

READERS' PICKS!

Set in a city inspired by Richmond, Southtown imagines a future where technology and vices collide.

what actions are implied. Issue No. 2 allows the reader to move through the story more immersively. Smith illustrated the first issue entirely by hand, with letters and coloring by Slawson. Issue No. 2 is a hybrid of analog and digital illustration utilizing Procreate software, with the inking and coloring done digitally by Slawson and Mize, with contributions by Jenna Figgers. Smith and Eadie have built a decent online following for Southtown, with sales coming through local shops in Richmond and Hello Comics in Charlottesville, as well as their website southtowncomic.com. They hope to release the third issue by the end of this summer, creating shorter intervals between issues as the self-publishing process becomes smoother. The plan is to drop at least two issues a year, with a full run of 50 to 60 issues down the line.—CMT 19

Central virginia’s longest-running community theater

Thanks for making Four County Players YOUR community theater!

Lee Alter Artwork on display at Hamilton’s Stubblefield photos Settle Tire Marco’s Dumpling and Cardiology at Sentara

434-760-9658 • leealter@mac.com www.leealterartist.com 20

ENTERTAINMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

DRAG VENUE

Botanical Plant-Based Fare botanicalfare.com Runner-up:

Firefly

fireflycville.com

The Paramount Theater theparamount.net Runner-up:

Live Arts livearts.org

FESTIVAL

Virginia Film Festival virginiafilmfestival.org

SUPPLIED PHOTO

DRAMATIC ARTS VENUE

Many the milestones LET’S CELEBRATE! 2025 IS A BANNER YEAR FOR THE ARTS IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, WITH A host of beloved local organizations marking milestone anniversaries. From music schools to galleries to citywide festivals, these creative cornerstones have been inspiring our community for years—and this year, they’re giving us even more reason to cheer. Here’s who’s celebrating.—CH

Runner-up:

90 YEARS

tomtomfoundation.org

P The Fralin Museum at the University of Virginia

Tom Tom Festival GALLERY ARTIST

Sharon Shapiro

sharonshapiro.com Runner-up:

River Hawkins

riverhawkinsgallery.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

50 YEARS P McGuffey Art Center P The Charlottesville Symphony P The Oratorio Society of Virginia P Virginia Theatre Festival

45 YEARS P Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival

35 YEARS P Live Arts

30 YEARS P Blue Ridge Outdoors P Les Yeux du Monde P Music Resource Center P Virginia Festival of the Book

P Wintergreen Music Festival

25 YEARS P Blue Ridge Irish Music School

20 YEARS P Ting Pavilion P UVA Chamber Singers P UVA Music Percussion Ensemble

15 YEAR P New City Arts Initiative P The Jefferson Theater

10 YEARS P Crozet Artisan Depot P The Front Porch

5 YEARS P Charlottesville Arts Festival P Soul of Cville

SEEING PINK

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Blush tones, bloom crowns, and bottles on bottles. Charlottesville’s Daze of Rosé, an inclusive wine festival founded in 2023 by Castle Hill Cider and Harmony Wine, is a fête for the senses—and lovers of pink Virginia wine. Held at Eastwood Farm and Winery, this chic springtime festival pours up dozens of local and regional rosés alongside live music, bites, and Insta-ready vibes. Dress code: sunshine and something floral.—CH

ENTERTAINMENT KARAOKE NIGHT

Dürty Nelly’s

durtynellyscharlottesville.com Runner-up:

Holly’s Diner

91.1 WTJU wtju.net

Runner-up:

106.1 The Corner 1061thecorner.com

facebook.com/ hollyssinercville

LOCAL TV PERSONALITY

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Travis Koshko (Newsplex CBS 19)

The Prom (Four County Players)

Runner-up:

Steve Rappaport (NBC29)

fourcp.org

MUSEUM

Runner-up:

Virginia Discovery Museum

Billy Strings LOCAL ACTOR

Sissy Spacek Runner-up:

Edward Warwick White LOCAL AUTHOR

John Grisham jgrisham.com

Runner-up: Rita Dove

LOCAL INFLUENCER

@dank_cville Runner-up:

@styledinworth (Victoria Proscia) LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY

Sherry Taylor (Z95.1) z951.com

vadm.org

Runner-up:

The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia

uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu

MUSIC VENUE (LARGE)

The Jefferson Theater jeffersontheater.com Runner-up:

Ting Pavilion

tingpavilion.com

MUSIC VENUE (SMALL)

The Southern Café & Music Hall thesoutherncville.com

Runner-up: Pro Re Nata prnbrewery.com

OPEN-MIC NIGHT

Holly’s Diner

Runner-up:

facebook.com/hollysdinercville

Samantha Federico (106.1 The Corner)

Runner-up: The Southern

1061thecorner.com

LOCAL RADIO STATION

Cafe & Music Hall thesoutherncville.com

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Family-friendly fantasy SINCE THE FIRST LIVE-ACTION ROLE PLAY (OR LARP) GROUPS were founded in the late 1970s, the fantasy genre has transformed itself from a small, devoted niche in the entertainment industry to mainstream, thanks in part to the success of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films, and George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire books and accompanying television series, “Game of Thrones.” With the growth of the genre itself, more and more gamers don’t want to simply watch people going on great adventures; they want to experience adventures of their own. One of those people is Charlottesville’s Silas Byrne, leader of the Charlottesville LARP guild Zorn Vongal. “We have a good number of participants,” Byrne says. “There’s about 10 or 15 of us that come out, depending on the time of year.” Zorn Vongal, meaning Mountain Raiders in Khuzdul (Tolkien’s Dwarvish language), was founded by Joe Compton in Greene County in the 2010s. The group uses Dagorhir Boffer rules, meaning all the weapons have to meet a strict criteria, primarily for safety but also for general

aesthetics and theme consistency (no pretend laser rifles or Gatling guns allowed). They practice on Sundays at Darden Towe Park, and host special events, like February’s Jilted Lovers Battle, throughout the year, often participating in regional events, such as the Brigand’s Ball at Mountain Run Winery in Culpeper. “We’ve kind of carved out our niche in being a place for nerds

ENTERTAINMENT

You’re invited (maybe) dusters. Ryan Cavanaugh and Chris Luquette joined the renowned fiddle player on the venue’s small stage. “We’re lucky to have great venues, but most have rock club infrastructure … formatted to fit as many people as the fire code allows,” Allenby says. “What I heard the market [needed] was a place where people could have an elevated hospitality experience.” Being located in Vault Virginia gives The Guild certain freedoms. Not only can the venue eschew nightly shows and a laser focus on the bottom line, but the seating area is also surrounded by a comfortable, open area with a private restaurant and bar. “How the venue is different is the approach to getting people in the room,” Allenby says. “There is natural scarcity, and the scarcity ties into the intimacy.”—SG

Best of C-VILLE (C-VILLE Weekly) c-ville.com

Runner-up:

The Rainbow Disco (IX Art Park Foundation) ixartpark.org

PERFORMANCE TROUPE

Bent Theatre

benttheatre.weebly.com Runner-up: Shakespeare

on the Lawn

shakespeareonthelawn.org

PLACE FOR BILLIARDS AND BAR GAMES

Firefly

fireflycville.com Runner-up: Miller’s millersdowntown.com

PLACE TO WATCH A MOVIE

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Charlottesville drafthouse.com Runner-up:

Violet Crown Charlottesville

charlottesville.violetcrown.com

PODCAST

“Well, That Was Awkward” (Awkward Sage Media) awkwardsagemedia.com Runner-up:

EZE AMOS

to get some exercise and have some fun,” Byrne says. “Amusingly, the two biggest backgrounds for adults joining are former military and grown-up theater kids who played sports.” Zorn Vongal endeavors to make most of its LARP events accessible to younger participants and people who want to bring their families along. “We call them the ‘kobolds,’” Byrne says, referring to the childsized monsters from Dungeons & Dragons. “It’s like a lighterweight division, so we don’t have kids going up against grown men.” Bryne says that, while they don’t have a hard age limit, they encourage newcomers to use common sense in determining whether or not it’s right for their families. “Obviously we don’t think people should bring their toddlers,” he says. “But I actually brought my daughters. As a dad, it’s incredibly fun to get beaten with a foam sword by your 11-year-old daughter.”—AH

THE GUILD, A NEW CONCERT venue inside Vault Virginia, does nothing by the standard promoter’s playbook. Meticulously planned schedule with regular shows? No. Big marketing push? Also no. Optimized seating for maximum occupancy? Definitely not. “The most common term people used was ‘intimate,’” says promoter Michael Allenby of audience responses after The Guild’s first concert. “This is a showcase venue. You don’t have to try to sell a lot of tickets.” Allenby says The Guild hosts mostly solo acts, drawing on Charlottesville’s local talent as well as artists traveling with larger bands. Attendance is geared toward core fans and likely to be by invitation only. The first show at The Guild, held on May 2, featured Jeremy Garrett of the Infamous String-

PARTY

“Stitch Please”

Jeremy Garrett of The Infamous Stringdusters gave The Guild’s first performance in May 2025.

stitchpleasepodcast.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Use QR Codes to access venue calendars.

YOUR SOURCE FOR

Live Music

ON THE DOWNTOWN MALL

This 4,000 capacity venue anchoring the east end of the Downtown Mall has been welcoming national touring acts and hosting the Fridays After Five free concert series since 2005.

RUNNER UP Best Venue (large)

This historic Vaudeville theater began new life as a premier music and events venue in 2009, hosting national and regional acts for audiences of up to 800 people.

WINNER Best Venue (large)

Tristan Williams

Jack Looney

This intimate, subterranean club with a capacity of up to 300 plays sees both local and national touring artists hit the stage over 150 nights per year. The café also hosts weekly open mics for music and comedy. 24

WINNER, Best Venue (small) RUNNER UP, Best Open Mic Night Tristan Williams

ENTERTAINMENT

PUBLIC ARTWORK

I Love Charlottesville A Lot (Fitzgerald’s Tires) Runner-up:

Free Speech Wall QUEER SPACE/EVENT

The Beautiful Idea thebeautifulidea.gay Runner-up:

Firefly

fireflycville.com

ROOFTOP VIEW

The Doyle Hotel thedoylehotel.com Runner-up:

Bar Botanical

botanicalfare.com

SOLO MUSICIAN/ MUSICAL DUO

Devon Sproule devonsproule.com Runner-up:

Matthew O’Donnell matthewomusic.com

TOURIST SPOT

Downtown Mall Runner-up:

Carter Mountain Orchard

cartermountainorchard.com

TRIVIA NIGHT

Trivia with Olivia triviawitholivia.com Runner-up:

Firefly

fireflycville.com

Step right up Ty Cooper’s One Mic Stand is about free expression

“T

his stage is for you. You don’t have to be an artist to share a story.” This is Ty Cooper’s message to anyone attending his One Mic Stand shows, a live series staged for more than 10 years at Piedmont Virginia Community College. “We just wanted to provide a platform for artists to express themselves and do what they do,” says the veteran promoter, comedian, writer, and filmmaker. Having found success with the United Nations of Comedy tour in the early 2000s, Cooper was considering a new project. He noticed there were occasional open mic nights in the Charlottesville area, but they weren’t happening on a regularly scheduled basis. “We didn’t want to oversaturate the market, but we did want to do something,” Cooper says. “So, we started doing two shows per semester.” One Mic Stand is free and open to the public: You don’t have to be a PVCC student or faculty member to attend or to participate. There’s no time limit on sets. Cooper says participants are typically able “to read the room and respect the time” to determine when to wrap it up. Usually, people perform for about five minutes. The showcase attracts musicians, storytellers, poets, and sometimes comedians. “That’s a special treat,” says the founder. “I lean toward comedy. I’m a comedy writer, I teach comedy-writing workshops, and I’ve been promoting comedy shows for years.”

EZE AMOS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

According to Cooper, One Mic Stand becomes poignant at times, when artists perform material drawn from first-hand experience. “These people come up with stories about their lives, and sometimes it gets really, really deep, you know?” he says. “Sometimes people become really vulnerable and they leave that on the stage. When it’s something from deep within and they’re willing to share it, that’s always a special moment. That means that we provide a safe space for them to do that. … I get real joy out of it, every time that happens.”

Registration opens one hour before showtime, and the format is flexible. Cooper says even attendees who don’t plan to step into the spotlight at the beginning of the evening sometimes end up sharing their insights or their work. “I know people who come into this space, this small black-box space, and they’ve got something,” he says, with a grin. So, he tells them, “‘Hey, no pressure, but this is a safe space if you have something—I know you weren’t planning on being on the stage.’ Quite often, it works. I gotta pull, but when the pulling is successful, they get up there, man, and they bring that.”—JS 25

Cari Shipp f l u t i s t

CLASSICALLY TRAINED, PASSIONATELY DRIVEN

Finding your Finding expression through music since 2002. 2005.

ENTERTAINMENT

Tenured tracks A.D. Carson drops groundbreaking music with open access publisher

Seeking flute Take lessons with students from the an active, curious toflutist! the professional serious!

Seeking students who are:

✓ serious ✓ curious ✓ expanding ✓ hesitant

Claim your spot today! Limited spots available Email Cari Shipp at carishippflutist@gmail.com

SUPPLIED PHOTO

www.carishipp.com

WINNER BEST LOCAL

RADIO STATION

ALL THE MUSIC YOU NEVER KNEW YOU LOVED

1¥JUDl!l,�·

UNIVERSITYefVIRGINIA

0 26

lemson University was proud of its doctoral student. It was 2017, and the university announced the achievement with fanfare: A.D. Carson had produced an original piece of music as his dissertation and successfully defended it to receive a Ph.D. Carson went on to receive tenure in the University of Virginia’s music department. At UVA, he’s continued to compose original music, do research, and teach students to write music. None of that is incredibly unique. It’s a wellworn path for classically trained musicians. But Carson’s case stands out for two reasons: One, his doctorate is not in music—it’s in rhetorics, communication, and information Design. Two, the music Carson makes is hip-hop. “I’m honestly quite surprised I was hired in a music department and even more so that my appointment is in hip-hop given the nonexistent relationship it seems music in academia has had to the culture,” Carson says. “It took convincing for me to apply for the job when it was posted.” Late last year, 11 years after he began working on the album that earned him his doctor-

ENTERTAINMENT

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

What we’re looking for

TRE. CHARLES KEEPS A BUSY TOUR SCHEDULE, living on the road and crisscrossing the midAtlantic region for gigs, but he calls Virginia home. The indie soul talent currently “lays his head in Richmond,” but his warm, invigorating music graces C’ville stages so frequently that we think he may have a body double. “Charlottesville is a tucked-away music gem,” says Charles. “The music appreciation here is eclectic and deep, from roots to electronic, and

I attribute that to the diverse population that lives here. I think that the fresh air creates more open mindedness (ha ha), and with places like Ting, Jefferson, Southern, and a slew of other spots, it’s easy to find what you are looking for and what you didn’t know you were looking for.” Charles’ debut EP, Currently, was chosen as one of WNRN’s top 100 albums of 2023, and he released an album, Here We Are, in early 2025.—TK

IN TUNE

EZE AMOS

ate and then tenure, Carson’s Owning My Masters (Mastered) was peer reviewed and published by the University of Michigan Press as an open access document. To Carson’s knowledge (which, when it comes to hip-hop, is vast) he’s the only university professor ever to earn tenure for publishing rap music. In addition to Owning My Masters, he’s produced three other albums, including i used to love to dream, the first hiphop album ever peer reviewed and published by an academic press. So, how did Carson fulfill the requirements for a communications Ph.D. by writing raps? His academic background is in English, writing, and literature, meaning his work is “not so much about hip-hop as it is through hip-hop.” Carson’s albums, showing off a Jay-Z-meetsNas-type flow and crisp production, include numerous tracks that sound like they’d be at home on a major label’s offering. But as a lyricist, he takes on the heaviest topics: how the past shapes societies and individuals, racial inequality, inherent justice system biases, and historical whitewashing. Owning My Masters also features Carson’s spoken word poetry, poignant clips from media outlets during historical events, carefully curated sampling, and repurposed film audio. The result is a collection of statements more so than songs. “All raps are making arguments—even the ones that we think are bad raps,” Carson says. “They are making appeals.” Carson began writing Owning My Masters as a graduate student at Clemson. He had come to the campus to study literature, but as he pursued hip-hop outside the classroom, he realized he was doing the same work in both places. He began to integrate them, finding Sophocles in Jay-Z’s “Meet the Parents,” imagining Kanye as a modern day Jay Gatsby. After defending his dissertation in the spring of 2017, Carson was hired as an assistant professor of hip-hop in UVA’s McIntire Department of Music. When Carson submitted his tenure packet, i used to love to dream had already been published, but Owning My Masters remained unmastered. Carson applied for a grant to polish the album for release. He won the grant and worked with local engineer Michael Moxham to finish the decade-long project. “The cultural inheritance that hip-hop has left—it has been looted by companies,” he says. “Us rappers are fighting for scraps … and so getting a Ph.D. puts me in a position to have something to say about it.”—SG

Trivia meets karaoke at The Milkman’s Bar’s weekly offering of Singo—a version of Bingo where players match the song they hear to a tile on their Singo card. The event started in July 2024 as a weeknight draw for Dairy Market and, says the evening’s co-host Will Henning, anywhere from 30 to 70 people join every Tuesday. Each week’s round features a mix of songs— from The B-52s to Cardi B—and winners take home a $50 Dairy Market gift card.—CH 27

Connecting Charlottesville to the World Since 1955

gocho.com

WINNER

Best Classical Music Group

Benjamin Rous, Music Director

Don’t miss your chance to hear beloved classics and fresh voices. Great music is waiting for you! Respighi Fountains of Rome

Romance

September 27-28

February 14-15

Dvořák Mass

Gershwin Piano Concerto in F

Family Holiday Concerts

Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade

November 15-16 December 6-7

March 21-22 April 18-19

+ Abe, Adams, Barber, Copland, Elgar, Strauss II, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, Williams and more!

EXPLORE MORE at cvillesymphony.org. TICKETS: tickets.artsboxoffice.virginia.edu Very Special Thanks to

Main Street Festival Madison, VA

Saturday, August 30, 2025 • 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Arts • Crafts • Bands • Food • Pony Rides Family Fun • Beer & Wine Tent Free Parking • Free Shuttle

Taste of the Mountains 31st Anniversary! Madison Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center 110 N. Main Street, Madison, VA 22727 Phone 540/948-4455 • Fax 540/948-3174 www.madisonva.com

Service Dogs Service Dogs of of Virginia Virginia

Transforming lives. One Dog at a Time. At No Cost to Those We Serve. Celebrating 25 years of life-changing partnerships Since 2000, Service Dogs of Virginia has provided expertly trained service dogs— completely free of charge—to children and adults in need. Each placement is made based on need, never on the ability to pay. Our dogs assist individuals with: • Autism Spectrum Disorder • PTSD • Medical conditions such as Type 1 Diabetes • Physical disabilities • And also serve in counseling centers, universities, and courthouses as facility dogs These dogs bring confidence, independence, and safety to everyday life.

BEST SOCIAL PROGRAMMING NONPROFIT

Help Us Keep Changing Lives VOLUNTEER - Join the pack! DONATE - Your gift gives someone freedom! SPREAD THE WORD - Share our mission! Follow us at: ServiceDogsofVirginia @servicedogsva

www.servicedogsva.org

P.O. Box 408 Charlottesville, VA 22902

info@servicedogsva.org 31

Winner:

Best Music lessons

thank you for your support, C-ville!

CHANGING LIVES, ONE WORD AT A TIME.

To share the gift of literacy with any individual is to allow them full access to everything our world has to offer. — Richard, volunteer tutor

409 adult students learning at Literacy Volunteers, from 46 different countries, speaking 37 first languages. There are

ore Learn m s in & join ut of suppor rners! a d a ult le

Runner Up:

Best Cultural Nonprofit

www.literacyforall.org | 434-977-3838

THANK YOU FOR

VOTING

FOR US

CULTURAL PROGRAMMING

NONPROFIT

IX ART PARK

+ WINNER

ART GALLERY

THE LOOKING GLASS

PARTY

+ RUNNER UP

THE RAINBOW DISCO + RUNNER UP

WINNER OF BEST WINNER

PILATES STUDIO Hello! I’m Rachel,

an experienced, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist skilled in helping adults with realistic, sustainable weight loss. 434 975 3800 trupilates.com

thank you charlottesville! Leena Rose Miller Medical Intuitive Energy Medicine

Tried Everything and Not Getting Better? Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired? Stressed? Need Support During Cancer or After a Heart Attack? Trying to Conceive? Need Help Navigating Life Transitions? Chronic & Acute Pain?

inVISION

Providing individualized, comprehensive nutrition counseling and weight loss programs for adults who are taking GLP-1 medications and those who are not. Sessions offered in-person at our Charlottesville located practice or virtually via video telehealth.

The Charlottesville Wellness Center

www. leenarosesite.com leena@leenarosesite.com

434.305.6815

CentralVirginiaNutritionCounseling.com

info@centralvirginianutritioncounseling.com | (434) 917-7001

At Skooma Boutique Dispensary, we specialize in offering premium, Virginia-compliant hemp flower and recreational hemp derived products that deliver elevated experiences with style and care. Located on the Historic Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, Skooma is your destination for high-quality, federally legal hemp goods — including top-shelf flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, and more.

434-328-8573 301 E. Main Street Charlottesville, Virginia

skooma.com

RUNNER-UP

BEST CBD/MEDICAL MARIJUANA VENDOR

RUNNER-UP

RUNNER UP BEST ORTHODONTIST DR. BART WEIS Three convenient locations DOWNTOWN • HOLLYMEAD • SPRING CREEK Call or text 434-971-9601 to schedule your complimentary consultation

Straightening Smiles Locally for 44 Years

VOTED BEST MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL

FIVE YEARS STRONG

ALL LAW FREE CLASSES FOR AGES TRAINS

WEEK TRIAL

434.688.4482

ENFORCEMENT

3+ FREE ABSOLUTELY

1646 SEMINOLE TRAIL || CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

graciecharlottesville.com

T L H A & E FITNESS H

Everything gains: Charlottesville's best personal trainer, Vanessa Bullard, is raising the bar(bell). TRISTAN WILLIAMS

HEALTH & FITNESS READERS' PICKS! ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE PRACTICE

Resilient Roots resilientrootsfxmed.com Runner-up: Castro

Integrative Medicine

castrointegrativemedicine.com

COSMETIC SURGEON

Maria Kirzhner (Oculofacial Surgery & Aesthetics) eyelidsbymk.com

Runner-up: Elizabeth W. Chance (CHANCE + Co.) drchance.com

AUDIOLOGIST

DANCE STUDIO

uvahealth.com

Charlottesville Ballet

UVA Health Audiology Runner-up: Evolution

Hearing

evolutionhearing.com

BARRE STUDIO

FlyDog Yoga flydogyoga.com

Runner-up: Pure Barre purebarre.com/location/ charlottesville-va

BIG GYM

ACAC acac.com

Habit forming Aspirations find support in the hands of this local coach

charlottesvilleballet.org

Runner-up: Albemarle

Ballet Theatre abtdance.org

DENTIST

Taylor Smith (Charlottesville Pediatric Dentistry)

cvillepediatricdentistry.com Runner-up:

Lauren Stump (Downtown Dental)

Runner-up: Brooks Family

cvilledowntowndental.com

piedmontymca.org

DERMATOLOGIST

BIRTHING CENTER

Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital sentara.com

Runner-up: Riverhaven

Community Birth Center riverhavenbirth.com

CHIROPRACTOR

Wayne Fusco (Cox Chiropractic) coxclinic.com

Runner-up: Balanced

Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

balancechiropracticva.com 38

Anna Magee (Charlottesville Dermatology) cvillederm.com Runner-up:

Christopher M. Scott (Dermatology PLC) dermplc.com

FITNESS CYCLE STUDIO

ACAC acac.com

Runner-up: pūrvelo cycle purvelocycle.com/schedule/ charlottesville CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

EZE AMOS

YMCA

A coach for eldest daughters, Jasmine Braxton helps clients make sustainable behavioral changes.

“W

ho is the person you want to be?” asks Jasmine Braxton, a performance mindset coach for eldest daughters. It’s a question she poses to her clients. “What type of decisions does that person make?” Braxton has been coaching others in one form or another for 13 years, starting out in the health and fitness world as a personal trainer. Getting at a client’s aspirational identity takes prece-

dence over the talk of sets and reps, because helping clients succeed means they need to make behavioral changes they can sustain. “It was all mindset. If you identify as something, the habits come with it without having to force it,” she explains. “When you’re just doing something to hit this goal, once you achieve the goal, there’s nothing to work for. It’s very easy to slip back into [old] habits.”

HEALTH & FITNESS

Go fetch

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

Looking for the best place to play disc golf in Charlottesville? It’s a—pardon the pun—tossup! Here are your choices.

RIVANNA TRAIL DISC GOLF COURSE Nestled alongside the scenic Rivanna River, this course offers a relaxed, beginnerfriendly layout with plenty of shade and natural beauty. Perfect for casual rounds and family outings.

PIEDMONT VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE This recently redesigned 1.9-mile course at PVCC offers a quick, scenic round with open fairways and plenty of hills. With new baskets and growing signage, it’s a fun, fast-paced play.

MEADOW CREEK GARDENS

WALNUT CREEK PARK

With its spacious park setting, Meadowcreek’s disc golf course is known for long, open throws and gentle terrain. It’s a great spot to work on distance and accuracy without intense elevation changes.

This scenic, well-designed course features shaped fairways, varied elevation, and multiple tees and pins for endless variety. Don’t miss the thrilling downhill shot from hole 17—it’s a true standout.—CH

NUZZLE A MUZZLE Normally it wouldn’t be kosher to go around canoodling anything but your special someone, but we’re certain they’ll make an exception for this: Kidding season at Caromont Farm starts in March, which means the opportunity to cuddle baby goats will be here before you know it. Sign up for a snuggle sesh at caromontcheese.com (and don’t leave without grabbing a brick of Florent Cendre for your cheese plate later that night).—CH

SUPPLIED PHOTO

The focus of Braxton’s current coaching practice, working with eldest daughters, comes from a eureka moment she had one day in a bookstore. She picked up The Eldest Daughter Effect, by Lisette Schuitemaker and Wies Enthoven, and read the book in two hours—right in the store. The content resonated with Braxton (an eldest daughter herself), and it moved away from common narratives about eldest daughters’ struggles (the idea that they’re “bossy,” the perception that they’re perfectionists to a fault or they’re highly responsible, anxious, or stressed). The book highlights the traits and behaviors that enable eldest daughters to make things happen, and Braxton realized those were the hardworking, thoughtful, efficient people who she wanted to coach. At first she worried the focus might be too niche, but the results tell a different story. As Braxton publicized her work, other eldest daughters responded to her in kinship. Braxton’s clients tend to be women who have founded their own businesses or reached leadership roles. They come seeking guidance on how to maintain their success as well as how to remedy, or avoid, burnout. “I will teach you to prioritize fun in this work, because if you’re not enjoying it, it’s killing you, whether you recognize it or not,” she says. In addition to her one-on-one coaching, Braxton offers the Run Your Own Race performance accelerator program, which provides participants with a weekly email containing a mindset resource, reflection questions, and personalized feedback. She’s also added event speaker to her repertoire and is proactively seeking more speaking opportunities. “I’m talking about mental toughness,” she says, “and how it’s the prerequisite for any and every endeavor.”—KS

PRIVATE TRAINING Personal Training 1-on-1 coaching, tailored to your specific goals Corrective Exercise Address neuromuscular dysfunction and imbalances Foundations Start your fitness journey the right way Nutrition Coaching Dial in your nutrition to properly fuel your workouts

GROUP CLASSES

Solidarity Complete Fitness is a fullservice strength & conditioning studio. Our goal is to improve all areas of fitness by providing thoughtful programming, a supportive community, and premium coaching. We focus on movement quality above all else, and prioritize continuing education of our coaches and refinement of our methodology to foster lifelong growth and safeguard against physical and mental stagnation. We are here to help you reach all of your health and fitness goals, no matter what they are.

Complete Fitness High intensity strength and conditioning classes Semi-private Individual attention meets small group camaraderie Barbell Take your Olympic Weightlifting to the next level in Barbell Club Yoga Weekly yoga classes to balance the body and mind 40

770 Harris Street, Ste 102 Charlottesville, VA 22903 (434) 218-0425 solidaritycompletefitness.com info@solidaritycompletefitness.com @solidaritycompletefitness

HEALTH & FITNESS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

FOOT RACE/FUN RUN

Women’s Four Miler Runner-up:

Prolyfyck Run Crew

prolyfyck.com

GENERAL PRACTITIONER

Renee L. Fischer (Charlottesville Internal Medicine) Runner-up:

Kendra Kriener (Sentara Crozet Family Medicine) sentara.com

GOLF COURSE

Meadowcreek meadowcreekgolf.org

Runner-up: Birdwood birdwoodgolf.com

MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL

Gracie Charlottesville graciecharlottesville.com Runner-up:

Laughing Dragon Kung Fu

laughingdragonkungfu.com

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

The Women’s Initiative

thewomensinitiative.org Runner-up:

mentalfitnesscville.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

ME-OM Local exercise retailer Relay Active puts the cat in cat pose on Saturday mornings, when it hosts its sold-out kitten yoga sessions at its Dairy Market store. Led by shop owner Ann Mazur, the class is an all-level, slow-paced vinyasa, with a litter of adoptable shelter cats from the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA roaming through legs and sniffing faces while participants perform their planks and low lunges (and downward dogs—how dare they!?). Mazur says she tries to hold the class at least once a month, and donates the proceeds to the CASPCA.—CH

SAY OMG While most institutions of higher learning prioritize cognitive development and professional skills, UVA’s Contemplative Sciences Center has sought to integrate mindfulness and emotional intelligence into the school’s curriculum since its founding in 2012. In spring of 2025, CSC took its work one step further, unveiling a long-awaited facility that, on its opening weekend, began hosting drop-in events (guided meditations at the Dell, yoga classes, sound baths) for coeds and area residents alike, prizing peace and quiet—for all.—CH

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

James Howell (Mental Fitness Matters)

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

charlottesvilleinternalmedicine. com

Ragged Mountain Natural Area gets your vote for best mountain-biking trail or park.

SKYCLAD AERIAL

HEALTH & FITNESS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

MOUNTAIN-BIKING TRAIL OR PARK

Ragged Mountain Natural Area charlottesville.gov

Runner-up: Walnut

YOU’RE NOT ALONE Mother Tree Wellness believes mothers need a village. Local counselors Holly Kennedy and Ellen Jones both became moms in 2012, and bonded over the world-shaking changes motherhood brings. They’ve joined forces to offer both private coaching and group sessions on everything from pre- and post-natal counseling and relationship challenges to time management, de-stressing, and work-life balance.—CD

Creek Park albemarle.org

NICHE GYM

MADabolic

madabolic.com/location/ charlottesville Runner-up: Orangetheory orangetheory.com/en-us/ locations/virginia/ charlottesville/1935-arlingtonboulevard

OBGYN

Emily Huffstetler (Jefferson OB/GYN) Runner-up: Christine Wamhoff (Jefferson OB/GYN) jeffersonobgyn.net

OPTOMETRIST

Stephen Basic (Drs. Bare, Basic, & Rohm Optometrists)

SUPPLIED PHOTO

jeffersonobgyn.net

JUMPSTART YOUR HEART

eyesoncville.com

Runner-up: Shannon Huntzberry (Charlottesville Eye Associates) charlottesvilleeye.com

ORTHODONTIST

Hamer & Glassick Runner-up: Charlottesville

Orthodontics

charlottesvilleorthodontics.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

cvillebraces.com

While cold-plunging isn’t exactly one of the more pleasurable hobbies, it is great for bonding (misery loves company!). When the Rivanna River Company’s Riversong Saunas reopen in November, take a dip in the river and then step into the rustic sauna, built from Atlantic White Cedar paneling with a Kuuma wood-burning sauna stove. Situated in what feels like a magical fairy grove, it’s romance and relaxation in one.—CH 43

B I RT H C E N T E R A N D H O M E B I RT H S E RV I C E S IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA

RUNNER-UP

www.RiverhavenBirth.com

Thank you C-Ville!

“ S s T th p a

“I am truly honored to be named Best Cosmetic Surgeon in Charlottesville—an award that holds special meaning because it comes for you, my patients. This recognition is not just a reflection of my work, but the beautiful outcomes we’ve created together. It’s a privilege to do what I love in a community I deeply care about.” Maria Kirzhner, MD Our practice delivers the highest quality care in eyelid and facial aesthetics, combining medical expertise with an artistic eye to achieve natural, life-changing results.

O a a

WINNER BEST COSMETIC SURGEON

600 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 170 • Charlottesville, VA 22911 connect@eyeplasticsmk.com • (434) 244-8610 • www.eyelidsbymk.com 44

HEALTH & FITNESS WHAT’S ALL THE RACKET?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

PERSONAL TRAINER

Vanessa Bullard (HI//low) hilowcharlottesville.com

Runner-up: Teresa Harris

(ACAC) acac.com

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Unless you’ve been out of bounds, you know pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Here in Charlottesville, there are at least 11 places to play, from public spots like Pen Park to private clubs and recreation centers. In spring of 2025, Darden Towe’s advisory committee served up a 3-1 vote to convert the park’s remaining two tennis courts into pickleball courts, and the city issued a request for proposals to adapt Tonsler Park’s tennis courts for pickleball and futsal players. Also coming soon: cvilleSMASH, a new indoor pickleball facility that opened in Seminole Square Shopping Center at the end of summer 2025. Let’s rally!—CH

Women in Motion Physical Therapy & Wellness womeninmotionpt.com

Runner-up: Ivy Rehab ivyrehab.com Runner-up: Whole Strength wholestrengthphysicaltherapy.com

PILATES STUDIO

tru PILATES trupilates.com

Runner-up: HI//low

Charlottesville

hilowcharlottesville.com

WALKING/HIKING TRAIL

SaundersMonticello Trail monticello.org/site/visit/ kemper-park

Runner-up: Rivanna Trail rivannatrails.org

WELLNESS CENTER

AquaFloat

aquafloatcville.com Runner-up: Well Room wellroomva.com

Hot Yoga Charlottesville hotyogacville.com

Runner-up: FlyDog Yoga flydogyoga.com

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

YOGA STUDIO

THANK YOU O N C E AG A I N O N C E AG A I N

WINNER BEST ORTHODONTIST

WINNER

ORTHODONTIST

WINNER

ORTHODONTIST

RUNNER-UP

ORTHODONTIST

2024

WINNER

ORTHODONTIST

R E Q U E S T A C O M P L I M E N TA R Y C O N S U LTAT I O N R E Q U E S T A C O M P L I M E N TA R Y C O N S U LTAT I O N 434-296-0188 • WWW.CVILLEBRACES.COM 434-296-0188 • WWW.CVILLEBRACES.COM

Photo by Allie Pesch

COME DANCE WITH US! Fall Registration IS OPEN!

Offering Ballet,Offering Jazz,classes Modern, for Ballet, and Jazz, Tap classes for all Modern, Tap, Hip Hop, ages and abilities Theatre andwith More! unforgettable WWW.ABTDAN CE.ORG performance opportunities! RUNNER-UP

LEARN MORE abtdance.org

BEST DANCE STUDIO

Photo by Alanna Mahon

We have been committed to helping central Virginians improve their spinal and overall health with professional, natural, research-based chiropractic care since 1982.

WINNER

2009

2010

2011

Thank you Charlottesville for 43 years of support!

Dr. Fusco, Best Chiropractor

RUNNER-UP

WINNER

2024

RUNNER-UP

Accepting New Patients 1006 East Market Street, Charlottesville, VA 434.293.6165 | www.coxclinic.com

Relief. Recovery. Real Results.

RUNNER-UP

BEST MASSAGE

Kristina Davis

• Swedish Massage • Deep Tissue Massage • Myofascial Release • Prenatal Massage

Licensed Massage Therapist

• Reflexology • Cupping • Percussion Therapy • Kinesiology Tape • Assisted Stretching

• Hot Stone Massage

Massage and Bodywork

434-207-2281 | IconicMassageVA.com

Scan to donate or learn more about United Way of Greater Charlottesville’s programs and services for local families.

Wear M A o L cal! D

Show off your hometown love with our daytrip-inspired tees. Perfect for your next small-town adventure (or just repping your favorite getaway).

Find your fit at bit.ly/shopcville

A b o l i c

THE STRENGTH GYM 50 minutes, 4x per week. unmatched results 5 days for $5 @mad_charlottesville 923 Preston Ave 49

608 W MAIN ST CHARLOTTESVILLE www.bottlehouse.net TASTINGS EVERY WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY 5-8pm BOTTLE SHARE EVERY SATURDAY

“Drink serious wine just don’t take it too seriously” WINES BY THE BOTTLE WINES BY THE GLASS WINE FLIGHTS CHEESE & CHARCUTERIE CRAFT BEER FRIENDLY FACES

20% off case of wine One time use

Two glasses of wine & cheese plate - $29.99 reg $45 Must present coupon

Mon Closed Tues & Wed 11-7 pm Thurs 11-8 pm Fri & Sat 11-9 pm Sun 12-6 pm

Celebrating 20 Years!

We want to say thanks to our staff and customers for making the last 20 years so successful. We are very grateful for the support from our community! 1250 Emmet Street N • Charlottesville 434-296-9977 • www.thevilladiner.com 50

Dino's cville full-page ad.pdf

8/1/25

10:38 AM

novating Tradition, In g n ci ra b m E eyard ce Michel Vin n ri P . re tu Fu the omanud to be a w ro p is y er in &W over four ess, marking owned busin culture. ceptional viti decades of ex aditions e-honored tr Blending tim hes, we ive approac with innovat wines se range of offer a diver phere. viting atmos in an d an Prince e evolution of th ce n ie er xp E classic its roots in om fr , el h Mic modern to its rise as a winemaking us in ation. Join wine destin ition ad tr future where toasting to a and e g elegantly mer and progress y. sip tells a stor where every

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RUNNER-UP

BEST RESTAURANT WINE LIST

8 Flavors of Cake by the Slice! cakebloom.com

WINNER

BEST CAKES AND DESSERTS

WINE · TEA SHARED PLATES COMMUNITY

www.ethoswineandtea.com 817 W. Main Street Charlottesville, VA 22903 Open Thurs - Mon

FOOD & DRINK READERS' PICKS! APPETIZERS

Bang!

bangrestaurant.net Runner-up:

Continental Divide

continental-divide.square.site

BAKERY

MarieBette Café & Bakery mariebette.com

Baking Co.

albemarlebakingco.com

BARTENDER

Sadie Frymire (Bang!) Runner-up: Juan Izaguirre

(Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery) BBQ

Barbeque Exchange bbqex.com

Runner-up: Ace Biscuit

& Barbecue acebbq.com

BEVERAGE CLUB

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

jackbrownsjoint.com/locations/ charlottesville Runner-up:

Crush Pad Wines crushpadcville.com

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

Bodo’s Bagels bodosbagels.com Runner-up:

Guajiros Miami Eatery guajiroscville.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 57

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Runner-up: Albemarle

Claiming terroir Anna Kietzerow understands her craft

nna Kietzerow is one of those people who looks perfectly at home swirling a glass of wine. Fingers cradling the stem, wrist twirling, champagne rising masterfully close to the rim, Kietzerow takes a sip of vintage Alexandre Bonnet Brut Nature, remarking on how much drier and crisper it is than the creamier Drappier Brut we tried moments ago. If brut and vintage already feel like a foreign language, or if you’re right at home in the world of oenology, then Kietzerow is precisely who you need to meet. A philosophy Ph.D. candidate at UVA with a passion for wine, Kietzerow co-founded Cellar Road in 2023 with her “partner in wine” Adam Wagner as a space to explore and share their knowledge with others. In 2024, the duo led an educational trip to Champagne, France, immersing guests in exclusive tours of champagne houses and Michelin-starred dinners. “My dissertation is about the topic of place, and what it means for something to be a place, and the role that place plays in our social and political lives.” If your mind jumps to terroir, you’re on the right track. For Kietzerow, terroir goes beyond the soil, climate, and terrain of a region; it includes the wine-

maker’s hand and cultural essence of a place. Her next class will dive into wines of Tuscany—chianti, brunello, and the complex Super Tuscans. Super Tuscans blend sangiovese with French varietals like merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and syrah. Grown in Tuscan soil, these French grapes create a layered terroir, a “gray area” where Kietzerow thrives. “Imagine I place a single grain of sand before you,” she says. “Is it a heap?” Of course not, but then she adds another. “Is it a heap now?” When do individual grains of sand become a heap? These are the kinds of questions Kietzerow explores as she works toward her Wine and Spirits Education Trust diploma, a challenging credential equivalent to master sommelier. Kietzerow can often be found studying at The Wine Guild of Charlottesville, tasting wines, writing descriptions, searching for quality vintages to make accessible to the local community. You can also join Kietzerow and Wagner on Cellar Road’s podcast. Try the masterclass episode with Edouard Cossy, global director at Champagne Laurent-Perrier, which reflects on an in-depth tasting and paired dinner at The Alley Light.—SGG 55

826 Hinton Ave • tavolavino.com

please r u st ic call • 434.972.9463 it a l i a n to• reserve fo o in d advance • wi ne

c r a ft co ck t a i l s • c i c c he t t i b a r

WOW!

Thank you, Charlottesville!

now accepting reservations for holiday parties in our new private dining room new private dining room forThank holiday parties in our You Charlottesville! now accepting reservations Thanks for putting us in the WOW! you, Charlottesville! 'Best of Thank the Best, Charlottesville! WINNER

BEST RESTAURANT | RESTAURANT WINE LIST | CHEF FANCY DINNER SPOT | FIRST DATE | ITALIAN FOOD

please call 434.972.9463 to reserve in advance

Reservations at826 tavolavino.com Hinton Ave • 434.972.9463 Hinton Ave •• 826 tavolavino.com

WINNER

2025 - Breakfast/Brunch Sandwich shop/deli 2024 2023 2022 2021

• Best Sandwich Shop/Deli • Best Sandwich Shop/Deli • Best Kid Friendly Restaurant • Runner Up Cheap Date • Best Sandwich Shop/Deli • Best Specialty Food Made in Charlottesville • Best Cheap Date 2019 • Best Comfort Food • Best Brunch 2018 • Best of the Best Member 2017 • Best of the Best Member 2016 • Inaugural Hall of Fame Inductee 2015 • Best Breakfast WINNER2014 • Best Breakfast 2013 • Best Sandwich Spot • Best Power Lunch Spot • Best Hangover Menu • Best Breakfast 2012 • Best Sandwich Spot • Best Hangover Menu • Best Meal Under $10 • Best Breakfast 2011 • Best Hangover Menu • Best Sandwich Spot • Best Quick Lunch • Best Meal Under $10 2010 • Best Sandwich Spot • Best Quick Lunch • Best Meal Under $10Inductee - Inaugural Hall of Fame • Best2016 of the Best Member 2009 • Best Meal Under $10 2008 • Best Lunch • Best Meal Under $10 2015 - Best Breakfast • Best of the Best Member • Best MealInductee Under $10 • Best Fast Food • Inaugural2007 Hall of Fame • Best Breakfast 20062014 • Best Lunch • Best Meal Under $10 • Best Fast Food • Best Breakfast 2005 • Best Lunch • Best Fast Food 2013 • Best Sandwich Spot • Best Power Lunch Spot 2004 • Best Lunch • Best Breakfast • Best2003 Hangover Menu • When Best You Breakfast • Best Restaurant Are Still Trying To Make Rent

“Best of C-VILLE” winner since 2003. 2018 BESTFood OF •THE Best Comfort BestBEST BrunchMEMBER (Runner-up)

2019 - Best Sandwich Shop/Deli 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013

• Best Sandwich Spot • Best Power Lunch Spot Best Sandwich Spot • BestBreakfast Hangover Menu •2012 Best•Hangover Menu • Best We’re honored and grateful! • Best Meal Under $10 • Best Breakfast 2012 • Best Sandwich Spot • Best Hangover Menu Best Hangover Menu • Best Spot •2011 Best•Meal Under $10 • Best Breakfast 1418 Emmet Street •Sandwich 505 Preston Avenue 1609 University Avenue 2011 • Best Hangover Menu• •Best Best Sandwich Spot • Best Quick Lunch Meal Under $10 • Best Quick Spot Lunch •www.bodosbagels.com Best Meal Under 2010 • Best Sandwich • Best Quick Lunch • Best$10 Meal Under $10 2010 • Best Sandwich Spot • Best Quick Lunch 2009 • Best Meal Under $10 • Best Meal Under $10 • Best Lunch 2009 • Best2008 Meal Under $10• Best Meal Under $10 2007 • Best•Meal $10 • Best 2008 • Best Lunch BestUnder Meal Under $10Fast Food

FOOD & DRINK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

BREWERY (LARGE)

Blue Mountain Brewery

bluemountainbrewery.com Runner-up: Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery threenotchdbrewing.com

BREWERY (SMALL)

Högwaller Brewing

Selvedge Brewing selvedgebrewing.com

BURGER

Riverside Lunch a2pizza.kwickmenu.com Runner-up:

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

jackbrownsjoint.com/locations/ charlottesville

CHEF

Alicia Simmons (Tavola) Runner-up:

Laura Fonner (Beer Run) CHINESE FOOD

Peter Chang China Grill peterchangva.com Runner-up:

The Red Lantern COCKTAIL MENU

The Alley Light alleylight.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 58

Ciaccia

Pizza the action CHARLOTTESVILLE’S PIZZA SCENE IS ON FIRE with three recent additions serving up slices, squares, and sandwiches. The Belle team opened Ciaccia, a cozy Italian counter adjacent to its bakery-café patio on Monticello Avenue. Ciaccia specializes in pizza and focaccia that’s fata in casa—homemade—and its sandwiches come on schiacciata, a thinner, lighter cousin of focaccia. Try the Bionda, layered with prosciutto toscano, stracciatella di burrata, and cipollini cream, or the zucchini pizza, topped with pecorino, Gruyere, dill, and mint.

Locally owned A² Pizza opened in early 2025 in Forest Lakes North (where Endzone Pizza used to be), and specializes in Detroit-style pies—thick, crispy-edged, and seriously satisfying. Hit up the PPP with pineapple, pepperoni, and pickled jalapeños for a spicy-sweet kick. Emmy Squared is a national darling of Detroit-style pizza (and burgers) in Barracks Road Shopping Center. Born in Brooklyn in 2016, the chain’s Charlottesville location is the first in Virginia. Go big with the Big Ang, topped with housemade vodka sauce, ricotta, double pecorino, Italian sausage, and banana peppers.—SGG

HORSING AROUND A day at a winery is a no-brainer, but we recommend taking it one trot further—by going on horseback. Indian Summer Guide Service offers tours through vineyards like Veritas, Keswick, and Merrie Mill, wending you and your filly (and your horse! #LOL) or your group of friends through the vines to a proper tasting. Don’t forget to pony up for a few bottles to take home.—CH

AMY SMITH

Runner-up: Bang! bangrestaurant.net

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

hogwallerbrewing.com SugarBear Gourmet Runner-up: Ice Cream

FOOD & DRINK

Simpler sippers

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 57

COFFEEHOUSE

Grit Coffee gritcoffee.com Runner-up:

Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters

Try these booze-free local drinks

shenandoahjoe.com

CSA

Bellair Farm bellairfarm.com Runner-up:

Whisper Hill Farm whisperhillfarm.com

DIETARY- OR ALLERGY-FRIENDLY

Botanical Plant-Based Fare botanicalfare.com Runner-up:

Burtons Grill & Bar burtonsgrill.com

FANCY DINNER SPOT

Tavola

Runner-up:

The Ivy Inn

ivyinnrestaurant.com

FARM

Bellair Farm bellairfarm.com Runner-up:

Caromont Farm

caromontcheese.com

FIRST DATE

Tavola

tavolavino.com Runner-up:

The Bebedero thebebedero.com

EZE AMOS

tavolavino.com

NOJITO The place: Guajiros Miami Eatery is a light-filled space on the corner of 10th and Main streets, offering Cuban dishes that feel like a trip to the Sunshine State. guajiroscville.com The drink: This non-alcoholic mojito, or NOjito, delivers all the refreshing vibrancy of its traditional counterpart, minus the rum. Fresh lime and mint combine with sparkling Topo Chico for a crisp and zesty base, while a touch of simple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness. Having stopped drinking alcohol over a year ago, Guajiros co-owner Harvey Mayorga appreciates the rise of well-crafted mocktails. Made with quality ingredients and attention to detail, “having a mocktail can be as equally rewarding as having a cocktail,” says Mayorga. Customize your

NOjito with sweet strawberry or tropical guava to suit your mood. And enjoy it alongside Guajiros’ iconic Cuban sandwich, featuring seasoned pork, ham, mustard, pickles, and Swiss cheese, all nestled in fresh bread from Tampa’s La Segunda Bakery. The maker: Harvey Mayorga, co-owner of Guajiros Miami Eatery

LA RESOLUCION The place: Mejicali serves up bold, flavorful California-style Mexican food. mejicalirestaurant.com The drink: La Resolucion is the mocktail that’ll help you keep your New Year’s resolutions—and still have fun. When Mederio Venable set out to create this drink, his goal was simple: make a mocktail so gorgeous, you forget it’s not a cocktail. Ever tried a

FOOD & DRINK From zero-proof takes on classic cocktails to innovative new concoctions, local bartenders have flipped the script on mocktails with bold flavors, sustainable practices, and a whole lot of care. These drinks aren’t just substitutions—they’re their own thing. Whether you’re giving your liver a break (and heeding the Surgeon General’s warning), craving something new, or just after a flavorful, alcohol-free sip, Charlottesville’s mocktail scene has a lot to offer. Grab a glass, toast to taste, and skip the hangover!

FOOD TRUCK

Tacos Gomez

tacosgomez.square.site

Runner-up: FARMacy Food

Truck (FARMacy Cafe) farmacy.guru

FRENCH CUISINE

Fleurie

fleurierestaurant.com Runner-up: Bizou bizoudowntown.com

FRIED CHICKEN

Wayside Takeout & Catering waysidechicken.com Runner-up:

Michie Tavern michietavern.com

FROZEN TREAT

Chaps Ice Cream chapsicecream.com

Runner-up: SugarBear Gourmet Ice Cream sugarbearcville.com

GROWN-UP BIRTHDAY PARTY SPOT lulo before? Also known as naranjilla, this tropical fruit is a mix between a tomato and an orange, with a tangy-sweet flavor Venable describes as pineapplelike. He layers lulo juice with strawberry boba, ginger beer, housemade sours, and a touch of maraschino cherries and a dehydrated lime wheel on top for a drink that’s as fun to look at as it is to sip. Pair it with a round of small bites from Mejicali’s tapas menu: crispy chicharron and guac (because who doesn’t love fried pork belly and guac?), ceviche mixto (mahi, shrimp, and crab, making you feel fancy), or the hearty birria rollitos (beef and cheese rollitos served with consommé for dipping—yes, please). It’s the perfect way to kickstart your year with flavor, fun, and zero guilt. (Well, maybe a little.) The maker: Mederio Venable

PINEAPPLE TAPICHE SOUR The place: Birch & Bloom, located in the Kimpton Forum Hotel, serves regionally inspired farm-to-table fare. birchandbloomrestaurant.com The drink: The Pineapple Tapiche Sour is a masterclass in balance and sustainability. The centerpiece is a fivemonth-fermented pineapple and green cardamom shrub, delivering layers of tangy complexity and a warm, spiced undertone. Cold-pressed pineapple juice and verjus lend bright acidity and fresh fruit flavors, while canela (Mexican cinnamon) adds a comforting, aromatic sweetness. A Tajín rim delivers a smoky, zesty kick that ties it all together. Part of Kimpton’s zero-waste beverage program, the drink is a result of repurposed pineapple skins to minimize food waste and maximize flavor. The maker: Daniel Beedle—SGG

Eastwood Farm and Winery

eastwoodfarmandwinery.com Runner-up:

Decades Arcade decadesarcade.com

INDIAN FOOD

Kanak Indian Kitchen kanakcville.com Runner-up:

Milan Indian Restaurant milan-indian-cuisine.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 63

WINNER

• BEST DIETARY OR ALLERGY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT • BEST DRAG VENUE

Visit our locations in Charlottesville & Crozet, VA. We offer a 100% vegan menu, full espresso bar, craft cocktails, and a green atmoshphere. WWW.BOTANICALFARE.COM

@botanical.fare

@bar.botanical.crozet

RUNNER-UP

• BEST ROOFTOP VIEW

POTTER’S

CRAFT CIDER

1350 Arrowhead Valley Road | potterscraftcider.com

ZERO SUGAR CIDER KITCHEN SPECIALS PRIVATE EVENTS LARGE GROUPS LIVE MUSIC 61

This year's best new restaurant Pi-Napo Pizzeria also takes the prize for best pies.

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

FOOD & DRINK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59

ITALIAN FOOD

Tavola

tavolavino.com Runner-up: Vivace vivacecville.com

KOREAN FOOD

DOMA Korean Kitchen domakoreankitchen.com

LOCAL CIDERY

Potter’s Craft Cider potterscraftcider.com

Runner-up: Bold Rock nellysford.boldrock.com

LOCAL DISTILLERY

Vitae Spirits Distillery vitaespirits.com

Runner-up: Ragged

Branch Distillery raggedbranch.com

NEW RESTAURANT

Pi-Napo Pizzeria pinapopizza.com Runner-up:

A Squared Pizza

a2pizza.kwickmenu.com

OUTDOOR DINING

Blue Mountain Brewery

bluemountainbrewery.com Runner-up:

Brazos Tacos brazostacos.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 67

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

Runner-up: MARU marudowntown.com

Give & Take owner Aja Baldwin says she wanted to create a coffee shop that prioritized a community feel.

Pop up, pour over A cup of connection at Charlottesville’s most thoughtful café

here’s something special brewing inside Charlottesville’s Main Street Market—and it’s not just the coffee. Give & Take, a thoughtfully curated pop-up café, is redefining what a local coffee shop can be: community-focused, creatively inspired, and uncompromising on quality. Founder Aja Baldwin started working as a barista in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the culture behind the counter. “There’s a sort of magic that comes with the sense of community at your favorite local coffee shop,” she says. “It became my second home.” That magic—fueled by years spent visiting standout cafés around the country—ultimately inspired Give & Take, a small-batch roaster concept that brings a national coffee experience to a local scale. “Charlottesville has great coffee, but I wanted to create something that combined all the things I loved most—especially a true multi-roaster shop with community at its heart,” Baldwin says. As the name suggests, Give & Take is all about symbiosis. “We give positive energy to our community, and we feel it coming right back to us,” she says.

On any given day, customers can choose from six or more featured roasters, all available on pour-over, and two espresso options: a “house” profile that’s rich and traditional, and a “guest” single-origin that’s lighter and fruitier. The house roaster, Richmondbased Recluse, is a two-person team known for direct-trade relationships and ethically sourced beans. While coffee is the star, the shop’s matcha—sourced from a centuries-old farm in Uji, Japan—has developed a cult following. “It’s my favorite, and I was adamant about serving it,” says Baldwin. “That perfectionism extends to everything we do.” All drinks are made with organic milk, local honey, and housemade syrups. Creativity also plays a big role at Give & Take. Baldwin and her team collaborate on new drinks inspired by seasonal ingredients and customer input. Even as it operated as a pop-up, Give & Take was growing. A permanent space within the market recently opened, providing more seating and a broader menu. Word of mouth has fueled the shop’s growth, and that’s no surprise to Baldwin. “What makes Give & Take special isn’t just the coffee,” she says. “It’s the community we’re building together.”—CH 63

FOOD & DRINK

Silk’s road

The return of a local Thai favorite

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

fter a fire closed Silk Thai in the summer of 2022, the beloved Charlottesville restaurant welcomed diners back in late 2024. The road to reopening was long, but owner Mongkhol Chinsetthagit, known as TK Chin, never lost sight of his vision. The fire, caused by a gas leak in the basement of the old building on Fontaine Avenue Extended (home to Thai 99 for nearly 30 years before Silk Thai took over), and damaged both floors of the restaurant, forcing Chin to close for extensive repairs. What should have been a straightforward renovation turned into a two-year ordeal, largely due to delays. His experience with the fire left him with one piece of advice for other restaurant owners, especially those in older buildings: “Do yearly inspections to prevent something like this from happening to you.” Throughout the closure, loyal customers kept the spirit of Silk Thai alive. Chin regularly posted renovation updates on Facebook, prompting comments about the reopening to flood in. When the restaurant welcomed diners back in December 2024, Charlottesville was ready. “Thrilled to get takeout last night again from our favorite neighborhood spot!” Max Trone wrote on Facebook. Added Reddit user Boxybrown424: “I want to link hands and sing outside of it so bad. Long time coming!” For Chin, Silk Thai is more than a business—it’s the culmination of a life shaped by food. He grew up in Thailand, surrounded by the scent of his mom’s home cooking and the palm sugar business his grandfather started after emigrating from China. “My mom can cook everything—all the Thai food, Chinese food,” Chin says. “But my favorite food she cooked would be pad kra pao with chili basil, drunken noodles, and also pad Thai.” As the oldest son, Chin was expected to take over the family palm sugar operation. Instead, he pursued a master’s degree in information systems in the United States, hoping to modernize the family business. But after a short stint at a data company, he realized entrepreneurship—like his grandfather’s path—was a better fit. He left palm sugar to his younger brother and shifted his

Silk Thai’s renovated Fry’s Spring location returned to serving bold, authentic dishes like Red Duck Curry.

focus to restaurants (he has businesses around Virginia and West Virginia). While southern Thai food tends to be spicier and richer with coconut milk, northern Thai cuisine is known for its milder heat, earthy flavors, and herbal broths. Try Silk’s khao soi gai, a northern-style dish featuring chicken in a rich, curry-spiced coconut broth with egg noodles, red onion, pickled mustard greens, and fresh cilantro. The newly renovated Silk Thai features a sleek, modern interior with reclaimed barn wood accents and colorful Thai art. The menu remains true to its roots, with favorites like drunken noodles and pad Thai—Chin’s childhood go-tos— alongside a few new additions. Silk Thai wants to be known for its big portions, affordable

prices, and bold flavors. “I want to make sure that [students] are full when they come to my restaurant,” says Chin. He refuses to water down the spice or flavor to fit American expectations. “Most of the time, when you open a Thai restaurant in this country, you Americanize it because you feel like people can’t handle the taste,” Chin shares. “But Charlottesville is familiar with Asian cultural food, so I make it taste stronger. I make it as close to our home as possible.” That said, don’t worry if you’re spice sensitive—the kitchen is happy to adjust the heat to your liking. And Chin isn’t done dreaming. He envisions more restaurants, including a tapas-style Asian fusion concept and quick grab-and-go options, particularly for students.—SGG 65

Breads, Pastries & Cof fee. Breakfast, Lunch & Br unch. MarieBette Café & Baker y 700 Rose Hill Drive, Charlottesville · 434.529.6118 Petite MarieBette 105 E Water Street, Charlottesville · 434.284.8903 mariebette.com

FOOD & DRINK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 63

PASTRY CHEF

Patrick Evans (MarieBette Cafe & Bakery)

Bee the solution

Local company offers all things pollinator

mariebette.com Runner-up:

Rachel De Jong (Cou Cou Rachou) coucourachou.com

PIZZA

Pi-Napo Pizzeria pinapopizza.com Runner-up:

Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie drhoshumblepie.com

PLACE TO WATCH THE GAME

Kardinal Hall kardinalhall.com Runner-up:

Timberwood Grill timberwoodgrill.com

RESTAURANT

Tavola

Runner-up:

Guajiros Miami Eatery guajiroscville.com

RESTAURANT BEER LIST

Beer Run beerrun.com

Runner-up: Kardinal Hall kardinalhall.com

RESTAURANT WEEK PARTICIPANT

Bang!

bangrestaurant.net Runner-up: Mockingbird mockingbird-cville.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 69

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

tavolavino.com

llison Wickham grew up as “an outdoor farm kid, covered in dirt and bug bites,” she says. Now she is a CEO, proudly wearing her corporate merch: a T-shirt saying “Pollinat(or) Else.” As founder, owner, and queen bee at Siller Pollinator Company, Wickham’s mission is supporting pollinator populations. While many people know about the threats to honey bees, Wickham points out that there are 399 other species of bees in our area—and that butterflies and moths, beetles and wasps, even bats and birds can also act as pollinators. About 80 percent of plants benefit from pollinators, and Siller aims to help people help each kind. Wickham, who has graduate training and career experience in agriculture, says half of Siller’s busi-

ness is hive management for people in the Charlottes ville area who want to keep bees, either to pollinate their crops or to help the environment. The other half of its revenue comes from installing pollinator habitats; one large customer sector is the solar industry, which often seeks to aid conservation and build goodwill by planting native species on its farms (“it’s all the rage,” says Wickham). Siller offers educational programs for small-scale beekeepers who want to put a hive or two on their property, and the company also has a store supplying all things bee. Wickham and her team of three certainly stay busy: “Our phone rings off the hook. It’s exhausting and sweaty work, but worth it,” says the former farm kid.—CD 67

Thank you Charlottesville!

We’re nuts for you too! RUNNER-UP

BEST GIFT SHOP

WINNER

BEST THAI FOOD RUNNER UP

BEST CURRY

2024

WINNER

BEST THAI FOOD

WINNER

BEST THAI FOOD

WINNER

BEST THAI FOOD

WINNER

BEST THAI FOOD

WINNER

BEST CURRY AND PAD THAI

BEST PAD THAI

WINNER

BEST THAI FOOD

BEST CURRY

70 CRAFT DISTILLERIES in every corner of the Commonwealth, there’s something for everyone.

GRANOLA. TAFFY. DOG TREATS. MIXES. PEPPER JELLY. PEANUTS. T-SHIRTS.MAGNETS. POTTERY. PHOTOGRAPHY. CHEESE STRAWS. JAMS. APPLE BUTTER. CANDY. CHOCOLATES. GREETING CARDS. TEA TOWELS. TOTES. HATS. SYRUPS AND HONEY. COOKIES. SEASONING. MARINADES. CHUTNEY. BBQ SAUCE. FUDGE. KEY CHAINS. GIFTS. RECIPE BOOKS. HANDMADE SOAPS. TRIVETS COASTERS.MUGS. NAPKINS. FLAGS. POST CARDS. GIFT BASKETS. NOTE CARDS. POTATO CHIPS. ORIGAMI. BRITTLE. BUTTER MINTS. FREE GIFT WRAP. APRONS. COOKIE CUTTERS. CARAMELS. JEFFERSON CUPS. WEDDING WELCOME BAGS. UVA STUFF. BUMPER STICKERS. VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS EVERYTHING.

BEST THAI FOOD

www.monsoonsiamcville.com • (434) 971-1515

With more than

WINNER BEST PLACE FOR IN-LAW GIFTS

Barracks Road Shopping Center 1047-B Emmet Street • 434.977.0080 • TheVaShop.net

FOOD & DRINK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 67

RESTAURANT WINE LIST

Tavola

tavolavino.com Runner-up:

Ethos Wine & Tea

ethoswineandtea.com

SANDWICH SHOP/DELI

Bodo’s Bagels bodosbagels.com Runner-up:

Ivy Provisions eatativp.com

SERVICE

The Ivy Inn

ivyinnrestaurant.com Runner-up:

The Alley Light alleylight.com

Pearl Island Cafe & Catering pearlislandcatering.com Runner-up:

The Whiskey Jar

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

SOUL FOOD

Pasta from Luce is your favorite for takeout comfort food.

thewhiskeyjarcville.com

STEAK

Black Cow Chophouse

TACOS

THAI FOOD

WINERY (SMALL)

Brazos Tacos

Monsoon Siam

Runner-up:

Runner-up: Pineapples Thai

Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard

brazostacos.com

monsoonsiamcville.com

merriemillfarm.com

Kitchen

tacosgomez.square.site

pineapplescville.com

Runner-up: Stinson Vineyards stinsonvineyards.com

SUSHI

TAKEOUT WINDOW

WINERY (LARGE)

WINGS

Ten

Luce Pasta

Runner-up:

blackcowchophouse.com Runner-up: Aberdeen Barn aberdeenbarn.com

ten-sushi.com

Now & Zen

nowandzen.hrpos.heartland.us

Tacos Gomez

lucepasta.com

King Family Vineyards

kingfamilyvineyards.com

Asado Wing & Taco Company

Runner-up:

Runner-up: Eastwood

Runner-up: Lazy Parrot

eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

lazyparrotbackyardbbq.com

Al Carbon

alcarbonva.com

Farm and Winery

asadocville.com

Backyard BBQ

Where Southern Roots & Italian Vines Entwine... RUNNER-UP

WINNER BEST SERVICE

BEST FANCY DINNER SPOT

Tuesday thru Saturday In-House or Patio Dining 5:00-9:00 p.m. 2244 Old Ivy Road • Charlottesville, VA 22903

Tuesday Wine Specials Wednesday Jazz Night & Weekend Nightlife

Dinner service service 4:30 4:30 - 9pm 9pm Tuesday Tuesday - Saturday Saturday Dinner Late night night Libations Libations & & Light Light Fare Fare served served Late 9pm - 1am 1am friday friday & & saturday saturday 9pm

Located in the heart of downtown staunton

434-977-1222

email ivyinn@ivyinnrestaurant.com

ivyinnrestaurant.com

Thank you for voting! We look forward to seeing you soon!

23 E. Beverley St, Staunton VA, 24401 540-490-4497

Brunch

Restaurant

OPEN Wednesday to Saturday 8 AM – 8 PM Sunday to Tuesday 8 AM - 3 PM (434) 465-2108 - 114 10th ST NW - www.guajiroscville.com 70

EZE AMOS

FOOD & DRINK

Found in translation YOSHIHIRO TAUCHI DOESN’T SPEAK much English, but he knows the language of sushi as well as anyone. “He started from the bottom,” says Sana, Tauchi’s daughter, who acted as a translator for a recent interview. “That helps him understand— when he is making sushi—the whole process.” After years in the fish business, doing everything from product transportation to cutting large sides of seafood in New York and Washington, D.C., Tauchi started working his way through Charlottesville’s sushi commu-

nity. He began introducing palates to raw fish at Foods of All Nations back in 1998 and went on to be the sous chef at Ten, partner with Lemongrass, and operate his own restaurant. Now, he’s found a new home in an unlikely place: the tasting room at Vitae Spirits. “It is a collaboration,” Sana says. “They do cocktails that pair well with sushi, like the Tauchi 75.” Tauchi’s menu is traditional sushi fare done the right way: chef’s choice sashimi, classic and inventive rolls (e.g. the Godzilla Mountain with unagi, cucumber, avocado, and un-

agi sauce), and apps like takoyaki and sashimi carpaccio. This summer, Tauchi may unveil a reservation-only full course tasting menu, with apps, rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and dessert. Further down the line, he wants to offer dry-aged sushi, a trend that’s popped up around the country over the past five years. “Charlottesville is a very special community, where they are open and want to experience and learn more about Japanese culture,” Tauchi says. “People are willing to try new things.”—SG 71

MODERN JAPANESE CUISINE A burger joint with a passion for craft beer

Best Beverage Club

We are truly humbled and grateful to receive this year’s Best of Cville Award, and for all of the continued support from our guests over the past year. Love, The Team at Ten

A big shout out to those who voted for us! We love our Saints, Notcher’s, and Jack Brown’s Family. Ask about our Notcher program the next time you visit! 109 2nd St SE. - (434) 244-0073 - jackbrownsjoint.com

Open for Dinner Every Tuesday - Saturday at 5:00 PM Reserve your table today by calling us at 434 295 6691 or by finding us on OpenTable

WINNER BEST SUSHI 120B E. Main Street on the Downtown Mall

www.ten-sushi.com

1020 ROCKFISH VALLEY HWY, NELLYSFORD, VA 22958 NELLYSFORD.BOLDROCK.COM

@BOLDROCKVATAPROOMS

Thanks!

for supporting us during our 12 years in Charlottesville!

RUNNER-UP

BEST SANDWICH/DELI

Breakfast • Lunch • Catering 2206 Ivy Road | Charlottesville eatativp.com | (434) 202-1308

We serve chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetable entrees prepared daily using quality ingredientsand freshly ground spices.

At Kanak, we want our guests to experience full, bold flavors that Indian cuisine is known and celebrated for.

RUNNER-UP

BEST INDIAN

Thank you to our wonderful Charlottesville community! • Open for lunch & dinner Mon-Sun • Catering • Take-out • Delivery • Full ABC • Reservations accepted

Thank you to everyone who voted for us! 1817 Emmet Street • Charlottesville, Virginia • 434.984.2828 74

WINNER

BEST INDIAN

www.kankcville.com (434) 328-2775

WINNER

CHINESE

11:30am - 9:00pm | 2162 Barracks Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903 | (434) 244-9818

peterchangtogo.com

AWARD WINNING DERMATOLOGY AND MEDICAL SPA PRACTICE. NURTURING CONFIDENCE AND POSITIVE CHANGE.

RUNNER UP BEST MEDICAL SPA

WINNER BEST MEDICAL SPA BEST ESTHETICIAN BEST LASER HAIR REMOVAL RUNNER UP BEST DERMATOLOGIST

3350 BERKMAR DRIVE • 434.923.4646 • INFO@SIGNATUREMEDSPA.COM • SIGNATUREMEDSPA.COM BONNIE STRAKA, MD • DOREEN SCHUETT, RN, BSN • CINDY SLAWSON, RN, BSN & OUR TEAM OF SKIN EXPERTS

“Signature Medical Spa provides a peace of mind and comfort that is all too rare in any medical facility these days. From cleanliness, safety protocols and honest consultations to a professional and experienced staff that is specifically trained in their respective specialties, Signature Medical Spa sets the standard in medical spa services.”

“Always top shelf service. Love the women working there... extremely knowledgeable and experienced. I walk in and feel embraced by the positive, friendly, and accommodating professionals.”

Sophisticated. Trendsetting.

DESIGN

Fearless. Simple.

Goldsmith Mia van Beek

formiadesign.com 420 e. main st. charlottesville, va 22902 434-981-8389 info@formiadesign.com RUNNER-UP

BEST JEWELRY STORE

Master Goldsmith Mia van Beek established Formia® Design in 2004, a small, with a full service jewelry studio in the heart of Charlottesville. After 37 years of experience in her trade, she specializes in custom fine jewelry design and wearable art.

Custom Design Redesign Repairs Shop

420 E. Main St. 434-981-8389 info@formiadesign.com 80

SHO

G N I P P

Your favorite record shop, Sidetracks, is spinning pure gold(en brown). TRISTAN WILLIAMS

Art by Suzanne Keith Loechl Art by Suzanne Keith Loechl

Boutique Fine Art Gallery & Custom Framing Boutique Fine Art Gallery & Custom Framing thoughtfully curated for inspired interiors thoughtfully curated for inspired interiors across Charlottesville and beyond. across Charlottesville and beyond. Creating distinctive fine art custom framing for Virginia art lovers since 2010 NEW BONUSframing GALLERYfor SIDE • Creating distinctive fine •art custom Member & TSGsince C'Ville • (540) 832 3701 •GALLERY WED - SAT VirginiaPPFA art lovers 2010 • NEW BONUS SIDE+++ • Member PPFA & TSG C'Ville • (540) 832 3701 • WED - SAT +++

@cavallo.gallery • cavallogallery.com @cavallo.gallery • cavallogallery.com

CHARLOTTESVILLE

AREA TRANSIT CVILLE’S TRANSIT & SCHOOL BUS PROVIDER

WE ARE HIRING!

MULTIPLE POSITIONS AVAILABLE

CAREERS WE OFFER:

Transit Operator School Bus Operator Bus Technician Bus Maintenance

Transit Management And many other vital roles!

Why work for CAT?

Excellent City Benefits Paid CDL Training Flexible Schedule Great Starting Pay Advancement Opportunities

Learn More and Apply Today at CatchtheCAT.org The City of Charlottesville is an Equal-Opportunity Employer

SHOPPING READERS' PICKS! ANTIQUE STORE

Circa

circainc.com Runner-up: Heyday Antiques & Vintage heydaycville.com

BIKE SHOP

Community Bikes Runner-up:

Blue Ridge Cyclery blueridgecyclery.com

CBD/MEDICAL MARIJUANA VENDOR

The Hidden Leaf hiddenleafcville.com

Runner-up: Skooma skooma.com

CHAIN GROCERY STORE

Wegmans wegmans.com

Runner-up: Trader Joe’s traderjoes.com

FLOWER SHOP

Hedge Fine Blooms

hedgefineblooms.com Runner-up:

The Dogwood Tree

thedogwoodtreeflorist.com

GIFT SHOP

O’Suzannah osuzcville.com

thevashop.net

CONTINUED ON PAGE 86

Custom cool

IN 2010, PRODUCERS FROM THE “TODAY” show” called. Goldsmith Mia van Beek had come up with a way to create jewelry from kids’ art, and the NBC program wanted to feature it—two weeks before Christmas. “I declined,” van Beek says. “There was no way I could pull off very many orders in that short time all by myself.” After she hung up, she recruited other jewelry artists to help, called back and told them yes, and that December she watched as Ann Curry showed the world her work. At that point, van Beek had been in the jewelry business since she was a teenager, having applied to goldsmith technical school at 16 and becoming Swe-

den’s youngest female master goldsmith. She started her own business in Stockholm before moving to Charlottesville and opening up Formia Design (a combination of “form” and the artist’s name) in 2004. These days, she says, most of her favorite work comes from love—her own love of the craft, but also the love between soon-to-be and newly engaged couples. “My favorite thing is to be in a creative zone where I have no sense of time and I’m able to design pieces completely after my own aesthetics,” she says. “But a very close second is to work with my customers on their desired design and for me to be able to execute a custom piece of jewelry for them.”—CH

ONE FOR THE BOOKS We’ll never say no to more reading opportunities, so the opening of Commerce Street Books is a welcome addition to the local bookstore scene. Founded by Philip Lorish, a UVA alum with a Ph.D. in religious studies, Commerce Street promises to be “the modern bookshop Charlottesville deserves,” with new releases, events, and a tightly curated selection of literary fiction and nonfiction—all inside The Doyle Hotel. Plus, become a member and you get discounts on every purchase, early access to events, and free drip coffee. It’s a book-lover’s dream, brewed strong and shelved just right.—CH

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

Runner-up:

The Virginia Shop

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

cbikes.org

WINNER

✔ BEST ANTIQUE STORE ✔ PLACE TO BUY AN HEIRLOOM

RUNNER-UP

✔ BEST LOCAL FURNITURE STORE

1700 Allied Street • Charlottesville • 10:00 am - 5:30 pm • Closed Sun & Mon •

@circacville

outer jacket WINNER BEST RECORD STORE

Thanks to all the music lovers in town!

Sidetracks Music New and used CDs, vinyl LPs, DVDs phone: (434) 295-3080 email: calicotunes@mail.com sidetracksmusic.net

inner sleeve

Annie Gould Gallery

On the Historic Downtown Mall

Wedding Specialist Since 1920

A unique art gallery located in the heart of historic Gordonsville.

Tuxedo Sales & Rentals

UEL JEWELERS

109 S. Main Street, Gordonsville, VA • (540) 832-6352 anniegouldgallery

Serving the University Community Bulova watches, 14k, Sterling, Platinum Jewelry, Jewelry &Watch Repair, Engraving, Pearl Restringing Watch Battery Replacement

Serving the University Community Jefferson Cups, Virginia Cups, Bulova watches, 14k, Sterling, ServingPewter the University Revere Bowls, Items - Community Bulova watches, 14k, Sterling, SincePlatinum 1945 Jewelry, Jewelry &Watch Made in Virginia Repair, Engraving, Pearl Restringing Platinum Jewelry, Jewelry &Watch n the Historic Downtown Mall We carry Authorized University Repair, Engraving, PearlofRestringing Watch 319 East Main StreetBattery Replacement Watch Battery Replacement Virginia Jewelry – Watches – 434.295.4258 Jefferson Cups, Virginia Cups, Charms – Cufflinks Earrings TuelJewelers@aol.com Jefferson Cups, Virginia Cups, Revere Bowls, Pewter Items Revere Bowls, Pewter Items Made in Virginia Since 1945 Made in Virginia l onWe thecarry Historic DowntownUniversity Mall Authorized of We carry Authorized University of 319 EastJewelry Main Street Virginia – Watches – Virginia Jewelry – Watches – 434.295.4258 Charms – Cufflinks - Earrings Charms – Cufflinks - Earrings TuelJewelers@aol.com

TUEL JEWELERS

Serving the University Community THE Bulova watches, 14k, Sterling, Platinum Jewelry, Jewelry &Watch We are your exclusive Repair, Engraving, Pearl Restringing Charlottesville dealer Watch Battery Replacement

MEN’S & BOYS’ SHOP

Revere 410 E. Main Bowls, Street Pewter Items tuxedos, both on the Downtown Mall in Virginia Made

434.296.6924

rack and custom.

We carry Authorized University of Virginia Jewelry – Watches – Charms – Cufflinks - Earrings

Mon-Sat: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Serving the University Community Bulova watches, 14k, Sterling, Platinum Jewelry, Jewelry & Watch Repair, Engraving, Pearl Restringing, Watch Battery Replacement. Watch and Jewelry Repair Jefferson Cups, Virginia Cups, Revere Bowls, Pewter Items Made in Virginia

We carry Authorized University of Virginia

for Hart Schaffner Marx

SJefferson ince 1920Cups, Virginia Cups, suits, sportscoats, and

WINNER BEST JEWELRY STORE

TUEL JEWELERS

Since 1945

Jewelry – Watches – Charms Cufflinks — Earrings

Serving the University Community Bulova watches, 14k, Sterling, Platinum Jewelry, Jewelry &Watch Repair, Engraving, Pearl Restringing Watch Battery Replacement

Jefferson Cups,Family Virginia Cups,Jewelry Store Since 1945 Your Friendly Revere Bowls, Pewter Items -

Made in Virginia – on the downtown mall – We carry Authorized University of Virginia Jewelry – Watches – 319 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA - 434-295-4258 Charms – Cufflinks - Earrings

on the Historic Downtown Mall 319 East Main Street 434.295.4258 TuelJewelers@aol.com

SHOPPING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 83

GOURMET GROCERY STORE

Foods of All Nations

foodsofallnations.com Runner-up: Feast! feastvirginia.com

HOBBY AND GAME SHOP

The Scrappy Elephant scrappyelephant.com

Runner-up: Lifelink Games lifelinkgames.com

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE

New Dominion Bookshop ndbookshop.com

Runner-up: Daedalus Used

Bookshop

@daedalusbookscharlottesville

JEWELRY STORE

Tuel Jewelers tueljewelers.com

Runner-up: Formia Design formiadesign.com

Habitat for Humanity ReStore cvillehabitatstore.org Runner-up: Circa circainc.com

LOCAL HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE

Martin Hardware martinhardwareinc.com

Runner-up: Habitat for

Humanity ReStore cvillehabitatstore.org

Play Henry is making sports stylish

hen they first met, UVA grads Ellie Jamison and Grace Collins had plenty to bond over: They’d both played lacrosse in college, each of them missed the role competitive sports played in their lives, and they picked up pickleball to fill the void—oh, and they both had brothers named Henry. We’ll get back to the Henry thing later, but Jamison says that, as the women started playing more pickleball together, they noticed a gap in the paddle market. “Most high-performance paddles felt overly masculine, while the more ‘aesthetic’ options were hyper-feminine and low quality,” Jamison says. “We were shocked that we couldn’t find gear that combined performance with our sense of style.” In 2023, they partnered with a professional pickleball player to develop a prototype—a sleek, stylish paddle with practical features for serious players (carbon fiber faces, 16mm honeycomb cores, and elongated handles) in chic colors like Espresso brown (a bestseller and Collins’ go-to) and Butter yellow (Jamison’s A love of pickleball (and brothers with the name Henry) led Grace Collins and Ellie Jamison to found Play Henry, a line of stylish paddles for players. pick). The first presale sold out. The company, which the women named Play Hoo, with degrees from the university’s Frank BatHenry after their brothers (“We like to joke that it’s ten School of Leadership and Public Policy and a tribute to our very first ‘competitors,’” Jamison Darden School of Business, and Collins graduated says), launched a custom collaboration paddle with from Darden in 2024), Play Henry will always have Free People Movement, the national retailer’s aca home in Virginia. tivewear arm, in the spring, and its padel racquet “We’re excited to come back for tournaments collection in July, specifically designed in weight and continue supporting the amazing local partners and style for women—one of the only women-fowho believed in us early on—special shout-out to cused padel brands available. C’Ville Tennis Pro Shop, Boar’s Head Resort, and In summer of 2025, Play Henry relocated its Quattro Tizi,” Jamison says. And what about the headquarters to New York City, where Jamison says support of the Henrys? “They absolutely love it. there’s more opportunity for growth. But with such They’re some of our most loyal customers (we’d strong ties to Charlottesville (Jamison is a double be worried if they weren’t!).”—CH

JEN FARIELLO

LOCAL FURNITURE STORE

Game changer

SHOPPING NURSERY/GARDEN STORE

Fifth Season Gardening

fifthseasongardening.com Runner-up: Ivy Nursery ivynursery.com

OUTDOOR GEAR STORE

Great Outdoor Provision Co.

greatoutdoorprovision.com Runner-up: High Tor Gear

Exchange

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

hightorgearexchange.com

PET SUPPLY STORE

Pet Supplies Plus petsuppliesplus.com

WATCH THIS SPACE When Mary Loose DeViney recently told a customer her watch would cost more to repair than it was worth, the customer said DeViney should keep it, thinking the owner of Tuel Jewelers would use it for parts. Instead, DeViney added the watch to her “junk box.” Turns out the Downtown Mall jewelry shop’s junk box is a treasure chest for area costume designers who stop by when they’re searching for their version of Rose’s Heart of the Ocean necklace from Titanic or the black diamond ring Big gave Carrie in Sex and the City 2. Because sometimes in a production, jewelry is just jewelry—except when it’s the star of the show.—SS

Runner-up: Animal

Connection

animalconnectionva.com

PLACE TO BUY A CAR

CarMax carmax.com

Runner-up: Flow Subaru flowsubarucharlottesville.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 89

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

Wine? For date night? Groundbreaking! Except that, at local spots like The Wine Guild, Market Street Wine, Crush Pad, Bottle House, Tastings of Charlottesville, and Wine Warehouse, you’ll get a sip of the good stuff (selections from Virginia’s top producers, as well as bottles from abroad) on the house at their weekly tasting events. Sniff, swirl, then let your buzz carry you through a perfect evening.—CH

NOT YOUR TYPICAL HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY Fully Licensed and Insured No Pressure Consultations Locally Owned & Operated Wide Selection of Materials, Style & Options Lifetime Product & Labor Warranties No Subcontractors

(434) 465-6558

CharlottesvilleReplacementWindows.com Frank Amory | Local Owner LICENSED & INSURED CLASS A CONTRACTOR | INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED BUSINESS

Most of us wear only 20% of our clothes 80% of the time.

RUNNER-UP

BEST LOCAL INFLUENCER

It’s time to change that narrative. At Styled in Worth, I offer Color Analysis, Personal Styling, and Closet Edits designed to help you create a wardrobe that feels cohesive and authentic. When you understand what truly works for you, getting dressed becomes simpler and more enjoyable. You're no longer buying pieces you’ll only wear once or holding onto items that don’t feel like you. Instead, your wardrobe becomes intentional, functional, and aligned with your lifestyle. The result? Less clutter, smarter shopping, and a style that feels effortless every single day. FOLLOW ALONG |

@STYLEDiNWORTH

WWW.STYLEDiNWORTH.COM

SHOPPING

Making connections

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 87

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT FOR AN IN-LAW

EVEN BEFORE HER FAMILY MOVED TO Charlottesville ahead of her starting high school, Leah Williams had a favorite shop in town: The Crystal Connection. When she decided to apply for a job there, “I was persistent! [Then-owner] Kathy [Campbell] later told me that I was so persistent she felt she had no choice but to hire me and most of the time, she didn’t regret it (I think),” Williams says. “She tried hard to persuade me: ‘It’s temporary. It’s just cleaning. Not very many hours, etc.’ I just knew I wanted to work there.” Williams worked at The Crystal Connection through high school, college, and into adulthood, when, during the pandemic, she took over the busi-

The Virginia Shop thevashop.net

Runner-up: Be Just bejustcville.com Runner-up: Feast! feastvirginia.com

PLACE TO BUY AN HEIRLOOM

Circa

circainc.com

ness. In August 2020, Williams re-launched as Minerals & Mystics, keeping the most popular inventory—tumbled stones, affordable crystals, sterling silver and gemstone jewelry—and adding her own spin on the rest, including expanding into a new space in Seminole Square Shopping Center. The new shop affords room for classes, intuitive one-on-ones, and a gathering place for curious customers. “We genuinely want you to come hang out,” Williams says, noting the shop’s coffee shop, private rooms for meditation, and event space. “We don’t focus on selling products; we focus on creating connections and community. We want to be more than just a retail store for you.”—CH

Runner-up: Heyday Antiques & Vintage heydaycville.com

RECORD STORE

Sidetracks Music sidetracksmusic.net

Runner-up: Plan 9 Music plan9music.com

SECONDHAND SHOP

Twice Is Nice twiceisnicestore.org

Runner-up: Darling x Dashing Boutique

shopdarlingxdashing.com

VINTAGE CLOTHING SHOP

Darling x Dashing Boutique shopdarlingxdashing.com Runner-up:

Arsenic and Old Lace arsenicandoldlacevtg.com

Market Street Wine marketstwine.com Runner-up:

Crush Pad Wines crushpadcville.com

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

WINE SHOP

Thank you Charlottesville for your support!

FINALIST

BEST LAWYER OR LAW FIRM

Michael La Fratta Call/Text

434-206-4297 114 Old Preston Ave Charlottesville, VA 22902

www.LaFrattaLaw.com

Consistently chosen year after year as a finalist for Best REALTOR® in the Charlottesville Area!

KATELYN MANCINI REALTOR® , ABR, GRI, RRS, CSA

703-203-3388 katelynmancini.com

2023-2021 Office Top Producer 2023 CAAR Sales Associate of the Year National Sales Excellence

Howard Hanna Roy Wheeler Realty 1100 Dryden Lane • Charlottesville, VA 22903

Rooted in service. Driven by innovation. Architecture with lasting impact. 802 East Jefferson Street, Charlottesville,VA 22902 434-806-8365 www.designdevelopllc.com

RUNNER-UP

BEST VETERINARY CLINIC

Celebrate yourbrand.

threecheersmarketing.com

Autumn Trails Veterinary Center, privately owned by Dr. Jennifer Cardoza and Emily Gordon, LVT, has been providing our community with exceptional animal care for more than ten years. Offering everything from general wellness and boarding to urgent care and surgery, our completely inclusive, compassionate staff always treat both you and your pets with dignity and respect.

RUNNER-UP

Open 8am-8pm seven days a week and conveniently located on Hydraulic Rd in Charlottesville, ATVC always welcomes new patients. We even accept walk-ins!

Thank you, Charlottesville!

2407 HYDRAULIC ROAD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (434) 971-9800 • autumntrailsvet.com

434.981.5809 @whatsivyselling ivy.haines@nestrealty.com

Hobby & Game Shop: Runner-Up Thank You For VotING!

Visit us online or in-store: www.lifelinkgames.com 92

WINNER BEST PROPERTY MANAGER

Beautiful Results. Personalized Care. At Tips & Toes Nail Salon, we only offer the highest quality Nail Salon services.

M-Sat: 9-6pm Sundays: 11-5pm

WINNER

BEST NAIL SALON

601 Fifth St Landing Unit 101 Charlottesville, VA 22902

(434) 245-0090 • tipsandtoesnailsalon.org

Marigold Residential Management is a family owned & operated Property Management Brokerage offering full-service Residential Management to Charlottesville, Virginia and the surrounding counties. Our team provides comprehensive services including tenant placement, maintenance coordination, and financial reporting while keeping our property owners & tenants in the loop every step of the way! Lay down your roots with Marigold Residential Management 1135 Rose Hill Drive, Suite #100, Charlottesville, VA 22903 marigoldmgmt.com • (434) 917-7079

Waxwing Art Works Fine Art Gallery & Studio featuring Virginia Artists & Artisans

416 W Main Street, Charlottesville, VA Gallery Director/Studio Artist: Amy Shawley Paquette @amyshawley @waxwingartworks

AmyShawleyPaquette.com waxwingartworks@gmail.com

We Came in Second… But Our Clients Come First. Proud to be your second favorite Architecture Firm

alloyworkshop.com

434.977.8733

Elevate expectations. Build with purpose.

www.cvillebuilders.com Email: hello@cvillebuilders.com

@cvillebuilders

Wrenches? Never heard of ’em. Your go-to pros at Peacock Auto Service reach for the good stuff.

R E S VICE S TRISTAN WILLIAMS

Cheers to all the Best of C’ville winners and finalists! Thank you to all my clients and community for the support for both Best of C’ville and my business. Also thank you to Charlottesville for being such a wonderful place to live for me along with my daughters! “We couldn’t have asked for a better realtor. From start to finish, Paul went above and beyond in every possible way. His professionalism, attention to detail, and tireless work ethic truly set him apart. He helped us stage and prepare our home for stunning listing photos that made a huge impact — and he made the entire process feel smooth, clear, and stress-free. More than that, he was kind, honest, and incredibly easy to work with. He treated our home like it was his own and always had our best interests at heart. It’s rare to find someone who brings both such warmth and such sharp professionalism to the table. As a veteran, Paul brings a sense of integrity and dedication that is both evident and inspiring. We are beyond grateful for everything he did for us, and we can’t recommend him highly enough. If you’re lucky enough to work with him, you’re in excellent hands.” - Stephanie K “Paul McArtor was referred to us by a previous client of his, as we were looking to buy a home with specific features and lived hours away from the “Working with Paul was a great area. He listened to our needs, paid experience from start to finish. I had careful attention to our checklist, and never sold a home before, but Paul focused the search. Within a short time made everything streamlined and frame, he found the right house for very easy for me. He is extremely us, negotiated our contract, kept our professional, experienced, and budget and interests in the forefront, knowledgeable. Cannot recommend and kept us informed and advised enough!” ntract! ys! 6 da inso ract thedeway! We are happy Under Co O p e n H o u s e every step of Un r Cont -Erin A. with our experience with Paul as our real estate agent and property locator, he’s one we highly recommend to sellers and buyers alike!”

“Paul helped us purchase our home. We were from out of state and he helped us locate the house we wanted to buy. He went above and beyond for us-going to the homes we were interested in and video streaming them for us to help us make our decision. He checked out the neighborhood and the locations. He arranged the home inspections and handled all rop! ice Dhe the details. After thePrsale gave us referrals for handymen and chimney sweeps. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone looking to buy or sell their home.” - Debra H.

2142 Avinity Loop

1544 Sawgrass Ct

Sunday 1-3 pm 2808 Magnolia Dr

Peace & tranquility less than 15 minutes from 434.305.0361 Beautifully upgraded 4 BR townhouse w/mountain Complete 1st floor living, lg MBR & BA w/laundry. 2024 WINNER Downtown! Enjoy this wonderful house on over an views! Open floorplan, perfect for entertaining Hardwoods on main floor. Gourmet kitchen & loft pdmcartor@gmail.com acre with beautiful mature trees. $469,900 with private patio. $365,000 open to LR. Outside patio. $410,000 paulmcartor.montaguemiller.com/577468 paulmcartor.montaguemiller.com/575473 paulmcartor.montaguemiller.com/575169 avenuerealtygroup.com/real_estate_agent/paul-mcartor

BUYERS

L is ti n g ! N e&wSELLERS

Buyers & Sellers!

WINNER

434.305.0361

CALL ME TODAY!

Call Me Today!

RUNNER UP

WINNER

pdmcartor@gmail.com FINALIST HONORABLE MENTION

HO ME

- Rex M. 2357 Middle River Rd

Come enjoy the peace and tranquility of your own lake front retreat! Single floor living home includes both MB & laundry on the main floor. $240,000 paulmcartor.montaguemiller.com/576182

Price Drop! 920 GARDENS BLVD #200 CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22901 WWW.AVENUEREALTYGROUP.COM

SERVICES READERS' PICKS! ACTIVIST/HUMANITARIAN

Jason Elliott (Out and About) @zeroexqses

Runner-up: Kari Miller

(International Neighbors) @internationalneighbors

APARTMENT COMPLEX

Reserve At Belvedere

liveatbelvedere.com

Apartments

liveatlakeside.com

ARCHITECTURE FIRM

VMDO Architects

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

Runner-up: Lakeside

Bad advice, good talks

vmdo.com

Runner-up: Alloy Workshop alloyworkshop.com

ANNIE TEMMINK AND DAVID HADWIN WANTED to meet people. They decided to offer strangers bad advice. “We thought, ‘What would be the easiest way to talk to new people?’” Temmink says. She’d seen a “bad advice booth” photo from Burning Man and put her passion for sculpture and stage design to work on a cardboard structure of her own. Under a large “Bad Advice” banner and various disclaimers—“advice not to replace common sense”—Temmink and Hadwin set up shop on the Downtown Mall to take all comers. They had conversations on topics ranging from Hitler to “Paw Patrol.” They met people from 8 years old to nearly 80.

Runner-up: Rosney Co.

Architects

rosneyarchitects.com

ASSISTED LIVING/ RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

WestminsterCanterbury of the Blue Ridge westminstercanterbury.org Runner-up:

Hadwin, a software engineer with “a passion for people and helping them reframe their perspective,” came to the project from his professional coaching background. Temmink, a lecturer in the UVA drama department and associate technical director at Live Arts, simply relished “the opportunity for people to engage.” The four to five hours Hadwin and Temmink spent on the Mall on their first day went so well, they opened the Bad Advice Booth five more times. “I would say we’ve interacted with at least 50 people so far,” Temmink says. “When you walk on the Mall, unless you’re an extreme extrovert, you’re unlikely to talk to someone you’ve never met before. We wanted to ask, ‘What have you been thinking about lately?’”—SG

Martha Jefferson House marthajeffersonhouse.org

STARTING SMALL

BANK

UVA Community Credit Union uvacreditunion.org Runner-up:

bankofamerica.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 101

FILE PHOTO

Bank of America

In some ways, the topic of littering seems out of date— everyone knows not to do it, right? Wrong, says Cville Litter Pickers, a group of people who meet monthly (sometimes more!) to keep Charlottesville’s streets clean and clear of trash. The earth is not a renewable resource. By picking up trash here at home, the Litter Pickers are doing their part to take on a problem that affects the whole planet.—CH 99

Savings & service with a smile

nt e m n g i l A l e e h W Bob’s

Call, click or stop by today RUNNER-UP

BEST CAR REPAIR SHOP

E Scott Ins and Fin Svc Inc

1136B Emmet Street N Charlottesville, VA 22903

Alignment Specialists VA state inspection Foreign and Domestic vehicles

Bus: 434-977-2741 eva@evageescott.com www.evageescott.com

Featuring

Eva Gee Scott, Agent

Family owned and operated since 1981 WINNER

BEST INSURANCE AGENT

State Farm Bloomington, IL

(434) 296-4523 923 E. Market Street • M-F 8-5 • FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE

Thanks for voting VMDO as Best Architecture Firm.

CHARLOTTESVILLE OFFICE 200 East Market Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 WASHINGTON DC OFFICE 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 7000 Washington, DC 20006

A culture of collaboration with our colleagues, consultants, and our community. 100

vmdo.com | 434.296.5684

SERVICES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 99

BARBERSHOP

Chung’s Barber Shop

chungs-barber-shop.poi.place Runner-up: His Barber Shop 1103 Emmet St. N, 284-5174

BEREAVEMENT SERVICES/ FUNERAL HOME

Hospice of the Piedmont hopva.org

Runner-up: Hill & Wood hillandwood.com

CAR REPAIR SHOP

Peacock Auto Service

peacockautoservice.com Runner-up: Bob’s Wheel

Alignment

bobswheelalignment.net

CLEANING SERVICE

The Cleaning Company

thecleaningcompanyva.com Runner-up: Charlottesville

Organizing

charlottesvilleorganizing.com

COMPUTER REPAIR

Mr FIX

mrfixelectronics.com Runner-up: Top Notch topnotchcomputers.com

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Piedmont Virginia Community College Runner-up: OLLI at UVA olliuva.org CONTINUED ON PAGE 102

Grief on the line

AFTER A LOVED ONE’S DEATH, HOW OFTEN do we say, “I wish I could talk to …”? Addressing this need is the idea behind the Telephone to the Wind in Darden Towe Park: an unconnected phone booth, next to a bench in a quiet spot under the trees. Anyone can use it, any time; their spoken words or unspoken thoughts are carried off by the wind, along with the caller’s grief, sorrow, longing, and love. The first Wind Phone was created in Japan in 2010 by Itaru Sasaki, who was grieving a cousin’s death, so he placed a rotary phone set in his garden and used it as a way of handling his sorrow. After the 2011 tsunami, Sasaki offered access to his Wind

Phone to the public, and more than 30,000 people used it to seek comfort. Since then, the concept has been implemented worldwide. Charlottesville’s Telephone to the Wind was set up in 2024 by Hospice of the Piedmont, with the help of Albemarle County’s Department of Parks & Recreation. As an example of its impact, Hospice of the Piedmont shares this comment from Jeanne D’Antoni: “A friend told me about the Wind Phone after my mom passed away. I stopped by to ‘call’ her, and it was such an emotional yet satisfying experience. It was a great way to feel connected to my mom. I look forward to going back for future calls.”—CD

SNEAK PEEK Ever drive down an Albemarle country road, with its winding fences and sprawling fields, and wonder: What’s back there? Answer: stunning farm properties we’ve only ever dreamed of visiting. Every spring, the Grace Church Historic Farm Tour opens the gates to some of Albemarle’s most beautiful private farms. Hosted by Grace Church in Keswick, the tour blends rolling countryside views with sheepdog demos, horse shows, and a charming country fair. It’s part history lesson, part family day, and fully Virginia magic.—CH

SUPPLIED PHOTO

pvcc.edu

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

Funeral Service

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SERVICES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 101

CONTRACTOR

NOLA Build & Design

Mr. Driver’s Ed

Football fields to front seats, Dave Rocco keeps drivers in check

nolabuilds.com

Runner-up: Martin Horn martinhorn.com

CUSTOM PRINTING

T&N Printing t-nprinting.com

Runner-up: Blue Ridge

Graphics

brgtshirts.com

DAY SPA

Keswick Hall keswick.com

Runner-up: Nua Medical Spa nuamedspa.com

ECO RETAILER

The Scrappy Elephant

ELECTRICIAN

Robertson Electric robertsonelectric.com

Runner-up: W.E. Brown, Inc webrown.com

FLOORING STORE

Carpet Plus

carpetplusonline.com Runner-up: Sarisand Tile sarisandtile.com

HAIR REMOVAL

Charlottesville Skin and Laser Center cvilleskinandlaser.com

Runner-up: The Brow House waxcharlottesville.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 107

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EZE AMOS

scrappyelephant.com

Runner-up: Twice Is Nice twiceisnicestore.org

sk ChatGPT to profile a driving instructor, and your AI pal may tell you about Dave Rocco. An amiable, barrel-chested fella with a shaved head and stubbly beard, Rocco began teaching driver’s education during his 18 years as a high school football coach and teacher. After nearly two decades in public and private schools, including a stint as head football coach for the Covenant School and junior varsity coach at Charlottesville High School, Rocco decided to leave the system behind and make for the more lucrative highways of private driving instruction. He spent nearly five years learning the business with the Green Light Driving School, then started his

own company, Dave Rocco’s Driving School, in Crozet. From his position not quite behind the wheel, Rocco has seen a lot through the windshield. He says he deploys the passenger side instructor’s brake during more lessons than most people would think, and he often has to reach over and physically take the steering wheel from his students. Harrowing near-crash experiences have been so common during Rocco’s tenure as a driving instructor that they no longer bother the husband and father of four. “It is to the point that I may have just gotten us out of a serious accident, and the student is freaking out, and I’m like, ‘it’s okay,’” he says. The move away from high school students hasn’t helped,

unfortunately. According to Rocco, older clients are more difficult to teach than new drivers. “The older you are, the harder it is to learn, and the more afraid the student is,” Rocco says. “It’s kind of like when you’re a lifeguard and you try to save someone. If they’re scared, they’re kind of trying to fight you and do the opposite of what you want them to.” One of Rocco’s recent students brought him a unique challenge: She had lost her right leg during her military service. Fortunately, it wasn’t the first time the veteran instructor had faced the challenge. He’d taught a young man years earlier who had no use of his right leg due to electrocution. “You just have to teach them to drive with their left leg, and if they can take the test and pass, they’re a licensed driver,” Rocco says. “My belief is that everybody can drive. You just have to be comfortable and learn in your own style.” Not every student has to overcome trauma to climb into the driver’s side, but every student is different, Rocco says. With all of them, he tries to experiment and pick up on their learning cues. Indeed, Rocco says it was the cookie-cutter nature of public education (along with the promise of better pay) that drove him into private driver’s ed practice in the first place. “I’ve tried to adapt my teaching,” he says. “I miss the football aspect of my life, but my heart really is in this business. Maybe that wasn’t true when I started all this, but—along with my family—it has become my life.”—SG

SERVICES

Search’nado

MATT RILEY / UVA COMMUNICATIONS

LOCAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER AND UVA GRAD ISAIAH PARR would love to chase storms all day, every day. But professional stormchasing is the big leagues—only a select few do it for a living. Parr, who parlayed his ‘24 computer science degree into a career with local tech firm Biocore, heads out at least once a week during storm season to spot tornadoes just for the fun of it. From spring to early fall, Parr and his partner, Peter Forister, monitor weather apps to predict when and where they’re most likely to glimpse a twister in Virginia or North Carolina. The pair hit the road for a longer trip down South or into the Midwest about once a month. Parr and Forister spend their spare time watching the major forecasting models so they know where to start. Once on the road in Parr’s vanity plate-adorned RAV4 (“TOR CHSR”) or Forister’s wheels, the team uses RadarScope to watch wind speeds and storm movement. Parr says he’s personally seen at least 10 ’nados in the last four years, a roughly 10 percent success rate. “I will chase plenty of storms and not see a tornado,” Parr says. “But it’s still a lot of fun going out there.”

Parr says Forister, who has a master’s in meteorology, taught him everything he knows about storm-chasing. Forister manages a part-time job taking photos while chasing the weather, but Parr isn’t ready to give up his software career to chase the dream. “If someone came along and offered me a job, I would not turn it down,” Parr says. “But I have my family and other hobbies.”—SG

“THE LAW IS REASON FREE FROM passion,” according to Aristotle. Keeping the law honest is the mission of The Innocence Project at UVA’s School of Law. For more than a decade, the university’s program has offered investigative and litigation assistance to wrongly convicted inmates who cannot afford representation for lengthy and expensive appeals. Under the direction of faculty experienced as prosecutors or defense attorneys, students research cases, conduct investigations, prepare appeals, and support efforts to change policies in Virginia. Up to 14 law students take a year-long course for academic credit; 60 to 70 students participate in the associated pro bono clinic each year. UVA law professor and Innocence Project Director Jennifer Givens says the program offers both valuable real-world experience to

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Righting past wrongs

Jennifer Givens

law students and an avenue for justice to the wrongly incarcerated. Since its inception, UVA’s Innocence Project alone has helped release or exonerate 16 innocent people. The process can take several years. “The work can be very emotionally taxing,” says Givens, “but you know you’re contributing to something worthwhile.” The Innocence Project began in 1992 as a clinic at Cardozo School of Law taught by two of the lawyers on O.J. Simpson’s defense team, spurred by a study showing almost 70 percent of wrongful convictions were influenced by eyewitnesses’ erroneous identifications. Established as a nonprofit in 2003, the Innocence Project network now includes law schools, journalism programs, public defense offices, and nonprofits around the U.S. and the world.—CD 103

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Bankers Insurance is now Bearing Insurance!

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CHARLOTTESVILLE | CROZET

Thank You

Jen Fariello

For voting Old Dominion Animal Hospital C-ville’s Best Veterinary Hospital for the 4th year in a row. 811 Preston Ave Charlottesville, VA 434-981-3500

1263 Parkview Drive Crozet, VA 434-823-4300 105

Private, Spacious .5 Acre Homesites And Low-Maintenance Villas Just Released! From $774,900. Off-Site Model Home Open Daily 12-5pm

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Helping your dog be the best-behaved member of the family!

FINALIST

BEST DOG SERVICES

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Nellysford, VA Jess@SadiesRulesK9Training.com

434-993-8208

www.sadiesrulesk9training.com

• We are solely focused on family dogs. • We use only the most efficient training methods and tools. We teach you, too! • We train dogs in my home and in “real world” environments (not a facility). • We don’t just teach obedience, we also address each dog’s state of mind.

SERVICES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 102

HAIR SALON

Moxie Hair Lounge moxiehairlounge.com Runner-up:

Elevate Salon + Spa elevatesalonva.com

HEATING/AC

Albemarle Heating & Air albemarleheating.net Runner-up:

HOMEBUILDER

Southern Development Homes

southern-development.com Runner-up:

NOLA Build & Design nolabuilds.com

HOME HEALTH/HOSPICE SERVICES

Hospice of the Piedmont hopva.org

Runner-up: Loving Arms Care lovingarmscareinc.com

HOME INSPECTOR

Tim Robinson wini.com/charlottesville

Runner-up: Justin Carlisle (Carlisle III Inspections)

HOUSE PAINTER

Sun Painting sunpaintingva.com

Runner-up: Anderson

Quality Painting

facebook.com/anderson qualitypainting CONTINUED ON PAGE 109

REDUCE, REUSE, REPAIR You know what they say: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But if it is broke? Do—or get someone else to. The Scrappy Elephant began hosting the Repair Café, a free-to-thepublic event wherein you bring your broken stuff ( jewelry, small electronics, clothing), and volunteers from the Cville Time Bank, an organized exchange system in which members trade time for help, will set to work fixing it in 30 minutes or less.—CH

All particle job BACK IN 2019 BC (BEFORE COVID), MOST OF us didn’t think much about the virus-riddled air we were breathing. Now, the idea that personal protective equipment like facemasks can help us avoid airborne pathogens is pretty well agreed upon. Not convinced masks work? No problem. The folks at Clean Air Cville want to help us all breathe cleaner air. In January 2024, the outreach organization distributed its first round of air filters and PPE: KN95 masks to a local business and a school, N95s to a health-care facility, and an air purification device to a residence. Clean Air Cville deployed its Clean Air Cart, a rolling collection of air filters, about a month later. Since those early days, the organization has provided air-quality monitors, air purifiers, and masks/ respirators to individuals and organizations all around Charlottesville. Organizers also hold regular community meetings, not only to spread the gospel of

FILE PHOTO

joneshava.com

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

Jones Heating & Air

clean air, but also to hand out supplies, templates, and guidance for DIY air filtration solutions. Today, the group also provides bespoke Clean Air Carts—clients give the dimensions of their meeting space, and the organization brings “enough filters to reach six air changes per hour, the new standard recommended by many public health agencies, including the CDC.”—SG 107

Thank You! Congratulations, Jamie! Best Mortgage Lender We thank the voters for this welldeserved recognition. “If you’re thinking of buying or refinancing a home, I invite you to talk with me and together we’ll find a customized financial solution to suit your needs.”

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Jamie Yowell Loan Officer Vice President NMLS# 1604516 Phone: 434.328.7076 Mobile: 434.981.5849

SERVICES

SUPPLIED PHOTO

The Southern Environmental Law Center is the No. 1 firm in town.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 107

INSURANCE AGENT

Eva Gee Scott (State Farm) evageescott.com

Runner-up: Hunter Wyant

INTERNET PROVIDER

Firefly Fiber Broadband fireflyva.com

Runner-up: Ting ting.com

(State Farm)

hunterwyant.com

LANDSCAPING COMPANY

INSURANCE AGENT (BUSINESS)

Dos Amigos Landscaping

Towe Insurance Service Inc. toweinsurance.com

Runner-up: Hunter Wyant

(State Farm)

hunterwyant.com

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Stushek Design stushekdesign.com

Runner-up: Kenny Ball Design kennyballdesign.com

dosamigoslandscaping.com Runner-up: Skyline Brick ernestmaier.com/skylinebrick

LAWYER OR LAW FIRM

MARKETING/GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO

Hive Creative Group hivecreativegroup.com

Runner-up: Three Cheers

MORTGAGE LENDER

Jamie Yowell (Bank of the James) bankofthejames.bank Runner-up:

Marketing

UVA Community Credit Union

MASSAGE

NAIL SALON

threecheersmarketing.com

Silver Lining Day Spa

silverliningdayspa.com Runner-up: Iconic Massage

and Bodywork

iconicmassageva.com

uvacreditunion.org

Tips & Toes

tipsandtoesnailsalon.org Runner-up:

Serenity Nails & Spa @serenitynailscville

NATURAL HAIR SERVICES

Southern Environmental Law Center

Nua Medical Spa

Runner-up:

Runner-up: Signature

Salon 7 Natural Hair & Braiding Suite

rc.law

signaturemedspa.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 110

southernenvironment.org

Royer Caramanis

MEDICAL SPA nuamedspa.com

Hair By Raven Runner-up:

Medical Spa

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SERVICES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 109

OVERNIGHT STAY

Boar’s Head Resort boarsheadresort.com

Runner-up: Oakhurst Inn

Charlottesville oakhurstinn.com

Walk around the block Get to know your city on foot

PET SERVICES

Green Dogs Unleashed

greendogsunleashed.org Runner-up:

All Things Pawssible allthingspawssible.com

PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

Alisa Foytik (PuraPhoto) puraphoto.com

Runner-up: Stephanie Gross Photography stephaniegross.com

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville uucharlottesville.org

Runner-up: The Point Church thepointva.com

PLUMBER

W.E. Brown, Inc webrown.com

Runner-up: Streamline

Plumbing

streamlineplumbing.com

PROPERTY MANAGER

Marigold Residential Management marigoldmgmt.com

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TRISTAN WILLIAMS

PLACE OF WORSHIP

Led by Charlottesville’s bike and pedestrian coordinator Tommy Safranek, the Rivanna Trail Foundation’s neighborhood walks take participants on a three-mile stroll through a city ’hood.

e all have a circuit— work, the grocery store, school, the gym—and soon these routes become routine. But there’s a lot of city that we don’t see unless we go exploring. All the more reason, says Tommy Safranek, to ditch your vehicle and go on Charlottesville’s Neighborhoods Walks. Safranek is a little biased: He’s the bike and pedestrian coordinator for the City of Charlottesville. His job is to make the city a more foot/bike-friendly place—more exercise, less traffic, and fewer

emissions, and having our roads last a little longer. Part of his job is finding and fixing the places where walking and biking needs a little help, like better sidewalks, bike lanes, or scooter parking spaces. Safranek, an avid hiker, is also on the board of the Rivanna Trail Foundation. During COVID, the RTF began offering guided trail walks, which evolved into the popular Loop de Ville program, completing the 20-mile RTF circuit in 12 monthly sections. When he began working for the city, Safranek suggested doing a

similar program in Charlottesville’s neighborhoods. “Over the years, the city has outlined a number of neighborhoods within the city for planning purposes,” says Safranek. “Our idea is to explore each of these areas, and learn more about it.” The program’s kick-off was on Martin Luther King day in January 2024. “That’s probably the biggest event we’ve ever done,” Safranek says, considering the number of people turning out for the holiday and the number of co-sponsors. The walks have evolved into some-

SERVICES

Plant for the planet MARTHA DONNELLY HAS FOUND HER PASSION: “PUSHING back against biodiversity loss.” A landscape architect who retired to Charlottesville in 2018, Donnelly says she was chagrined to find the land around her pretty new home in Rugby Hills was filled with invasive and nonnative plants (“I needed a truck to drag them out.”). But reading Doug Tallamy’s Nature’s Best Hope rocked her world—and now she’s got a business card that says “Native Gardening Support” and a calling. While she’s not a trained horticulturist, “I do know more than the average homeowner,” Donnelly says. “I’ll go to anyone’s home and spend an hour or two walking your property for free” [after that, it’s consulting time], talking about creating an ecological landscape. She’s no purist; she knows we all have our favorite plants, native or not, and as a trained designer she agrees that grass has its role as a habitat for kids’ games, lawn parties, and sunset gatherings. Donnelly notes that even Tallamy only asks that homeowners convert half their lawn to meadow or native gardens. “The sweet spot is 70 percent native plants,” she says, to foster native wildlife and protect biodiversity. Check out the nonprofit Homegrown National Park, she says, which encourages people to add native plants and remove invasives in all our outdoor spaces—home, work, schools, faith sites. Even a native plant in a pot on your porch counts toward HNP’s goal of creating “the largest ‘national’ park in America!”—CD

Runner-up: Braden Property

Management

bradenproperty.com

REAL ESTATE AGENT (COMMERCIAL)

Jenny Stoner (Thalhimer) thalhimer.com

Runner-up: Nicolle Comarovschi (Story House Real Estate) storyhousere.com

REAL ESTATE AGENT (RESIDENTIAL)

Sasha Tripp (Story House Real Estate) storyhousere.com

Runner-up: Ivy Haines

(Nest Realty) nestrealty.com

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Nest Realty nestrealty.com

Runner-up: Story House

Real Estate

storyhousere.com

RENOVATION/ REMODELING COMPANY

NOLA Build & Design nolabuilds.com Runner-up:

Walsh’s Remodeling walshsremodeling.com

SOCIAL PROGRAMMING NONPROFIT

CharlottesvilleAlbemarle SPCA caspca.org

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

thing more casual; on the second Sunday of every month, Safranek takes whoever wants to come along on a walk of about three miles through that month’s neighborhood. He plans a route beforehand that will be good exercise, but also allows the group (neighborhood residents, local history buffs, long-time Cvillians, newbies, etc.) to stop and talk about what they’re seeing. “I try not to make the walks too formal,” says Safranek. “I try to start them near a bus stop so people can get there, and I leave time for someone to say, ‘Hey, let’s go check that out.’” Safranek says the program has several goals. “The city is changing—the connections throughout the city are changing—and we are trying to break up that [isolation] a little. We can show people ways to move through the city along the trails, alleys, public access points. We also have people show us how they get around.” One example he cites: A path through a neighborhood that kids used to get to school came out on a highly traveled road with no safe crosswalk because city planners didn’t know about the students’ shortcut. These walks also help Safranek’s team to identify places where pedestrian and bike access needs to be improved. Above all, it’s a great way to get to know your hometown. City Councilor Natalie Oschrin, born and raised here, says she tries to go on the walk every month. “I’m a big history nerd, and a propedestrian,” she says. “This is a cool way to see the city, and a great way to get people together.” As an at-large member of council, Oschrin wants to know more than just her neighborhood, “so I’m getting to meet people I might not otherwise meet. And the walks are easy to join, it’s free, there’s no special equipment, and it’s friendly and welcoming for all ages.”—CD

Runner-up: Service Dogs

of Virginia

servicedogsva.org CONTINUED ON PAGE 113

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SERVICES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 111

SOLAR COMPANY

Tiger Solar tigersolar.com

Bright side Local LGBTQ+ organizers celebrate new community center

Runner-up: SunDay Solar sundaysolar.com

TAILOR

Yady’s Alterations Runner-up: Kim’s Alteration

TATTOO/PIERCING PARLOR

Acme Tattoo and Piercing acmetattooandpiercing.com Runner-up: Ben Around

Tattoos

benaroundtattoos.com

Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates rfca.com

Runner-up: John Scaglione

(Hampton and Everett) hamptonandeverett.com

VETERINARY CLINIC

Old Dominion Animal Hospital

olddominionanimalhospital.com Runner-up: Autumn Trails

Veterinary Center autumntrailsvet.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Taylor Associates (Northwestern Mutual) taylorassociates.nm.com

Runner-up: Charles Schwab schwab.com Runner-up: Wilkinson Wealth Management wilkinsonwm.com

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

TAX PREP

ince its May 31 opening, the Rivanna Area Queer Center, or RAQC (pronounced “rack”), has been a welcome hub for the Charlottesville-area LGBTQ+ community. While the idea of a LGBTQ+ community center was a longtime goal for local organizers, the project was expedited after the 2024 election. The volunteer team behind RAQC selected and designed the space at 501 W. Main St. to be highly visible, centrally located, and adaptable—creating a multifunctional gathering spot that meets as many community needs as possible. A list of wants and needs was collated from a series of visioning sessions prior to opening, including BIPOC- and disability-specific events. Making RAQC accessible to as many people as possible was one of the driving principles behind the community center, according to organizers. “Physical spaces possess a gravity that media simply cannot duplicate. They provide an existential foothold from which to build our understanding of the world,” says Blake Walker, RAQC’s interim design committee chair. “Virtual and social connections can more readily be missed—especially if you’re new to the area.” In its first weeks, RAQC hosted events ranging from mental-health skill groups to a Queer pride

print-making class. Area businesses have also collaborated with the center, including Ethos Wine & Tea, Wednesday’s Whimsies (a Shenandoah Valley artist collective), Lucky T. Thrift, and ReadyKids. Organizers hope that RAQC can serve as both a gathering place and a go-to for knowledge and resources. “Our landmarks and history are actively being erased by government mandates,” says Walker. “It is essential we create new places we control to remain visible to the broader public.” Ellie Picard, who co-founded The Beautiful Idea (a Queer makers’ market on the Downtown Mall) with former C-VILLE contributor Senlin Means in 2023, also emphasizes the importance of having a space like RAQC in Charlottesville. “The space is the mission in a lot of ways, and that’s our priority … making sure that there is a safe and accessible open space for all the Queer folks in town to use,” says Picard. “There’s a lot more power in unity and cooperation and connection, and with all of the threats and the challenges that we are facing as Queer people, we need as much Queer people power as we can muster.”—CR 113

SPECIALIZING IN INTERIOR DESIGN, DECOR AND RENOVATIONS

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WINNER BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

CHARLOTTESVILLE’S

PREMIER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY 434-973-3003 | WWW.BRADENPROPERTY.COM

LOOKING TO MOVE? WE’VE GOT YOU!

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2024

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BANKRUPTCY & CIVIL LITIGATION

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REAL ESTATE SETTLEMENTS & PROPERTY DISPUTES

BUSINESS FORMATION & CONTRACT REVIEW

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HONORED TO BE VOTED BEST OF CVILLE T WO Y EA RS I N A ROW !

first place

BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX The Reserve at Belvedere liveatbelvedere.com

runner-up

BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX Lakeside Apartments liveatlakeside.com

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When it Comes to Being BEST… Teachers are #1 All Day, Every Day! We can’t think of a better time than BACK-TO-SCHOOL to celebrate these “Best of CVille” - TEACHERS! Better Living is proud to honor the exceptional educators who excite and inspire learners from K-12. See all the Golden Apple honorees here

PHOTOS BY ROB GARLAND

Golden Apple Award Winners - Class of 2025

Richard Nunley presents a Golden Apple

For 10 Years... In 2015, Kari Anderson Miller founded International Neighbors with a mission to make Charlottesville a more welcoming place for refugee and SIV families. A decade later, the organization has supported more than 5,000 newcomers by connecting them to existing resources and Charlottesvillians who care about the welfare of their neighbors. Learn more about our dynamic Great Neighbor Guide program at the QR code below and attend a volunteer training to get involved!

internationalneighbors.org 118

And was delighted by this special gift from ACPS!

A big thank you to our incredible clients and the Charlottesville community for your support!

RUNNER-UP

RENOVATION / REMODELING COMPANY

Book your consultation today by scanning the QR code or calling us at (434) 207-8788. To learn more about our services, check out our website at Walshsremodeling.com.

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WINNER

RUNNER-UP

BEST HOME HEALTH/HOSPICE SERVICES

120

121

u o Y Th ank ! e l l i Cv x ox

M eredith

Coe

122

WE S DDING For better, for worse, for bagel, for poorer, Tuel Jewelers is a gem. TRISTAN WILLIAMS

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WEDDINGS

READERS' PICKS! CAKES AND DESSERTS

Cake Bloom cakebloom.com Runner-up:

Cakes by Rachel mycakebyrachel.com

CATERER

A life in flowers Sherry Spencer makes weddings flourish

or many, part of the wedding day is being surrounded by glorious flowers and lovely arrangements that make their special day both beautiful and fragrant. For Sherry Spencer, owner of Southern Blooms, being surrounded by flowers is her daily life—and very much a family thing. “I grew up among flowers,” says Spencer. Her mother, in a time

Harvest Moon Catering hmcatering.com Runner-up:

The Catering Outfit cateringoutfit.com

CEREMONY MUSICIAN

Kelly Chambers Violinist kellychambersviolinist.com Runner-up:

The Bloom Trio thebloomtrio.com

EVENT RENTALS AND MANAGEMENT

MS Events

mseventscville.com Runner-up:

Festive Rentals festiverentals.com

FLORIST

Hedge Fine Blooms

hedgefineblooms.com Runner-up: Tourterelle

Floral Design

tourterellefloral.com

HAIR STYLIST

Posh Bride Runner-up: La Vie En Rose lavieenrosecville.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 129

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JEN FARIELLO

poshbrideva.com

when women didn’t commonly work outside the home, was raising her children when a friend asked her to help in his floral shop. “When he died, he left her the business,” Spencer recalls. “I grew up helping out.” Going into business with her mother wasn’t Spencer’s original plan. She went to college expecting to major in voice, but found the exclusive and competitive opera

world wasn’t her métier. Spencer came home and did some work in interior design, while also helping her mother at the shop. And then she saw an opportunity. “At that time, [florists] around here weren’t doing weddings; people were mostly ordering arrangements from FTD,” she recalls. “In 1998, we did a floral bridal fair, and the business started blowing up after that.”

NOT BOARD WITH IT There’s a lot to love about a charcuterie board: Meat! Cheese! Sometimes honey! But gathering each of the ingredients? Prepping them? Creating an array that looks Pinterestworthy? That’s a tall order. In early 2025, Brittany Lowell answered the call with The Wandering Board, a mobile charcuterie cart that allows guests (of your wedding, birthday party, baby shower) to craft their own. Lowell fills the cart with meats, cheeses, and, yes, honey, then you pick a board and go to town. We call that DIY—design it yummily.—CH

IT’S IN THE DETAILS Eventide, a boutique rental firm, makes your event vision real—right down to the ice troughs (yes, nine kinds). From bespoke bars to handcrafted bowers, their curated details dazzle without overwhelming. Born from a catering legacy, led by expert Sheri Scaminaci and her woodworking dad, Eventide blends artistry, logistics, and love. It’s not just decor—it’s devilishly well-done design.—CH

SUPPLIED PHOTO

The following year, Spencer became a full-time partner with her mother. Everyone in the family has contributed—Spencer’s brother, who has an MBA, anticipated the 2008 downturn and “told us we needed to recessionproof the business by doing less retail and more events.” Their timing was perfect: “The wedding scene in Charlottesville started to boom—with King [Family] Vineyards, Pippin Hill, Keswick Hall—and now 90 percent of our business is referrals.” Why the name Southern Blooms? Spencer describes her arrangements as garden-style, which means using an abundance of flowers and plant material in a way that’s consistent with their nature. Back in the day (when her mother first started working in the floral shop), floral arrangements were very formal and structured, with an eye toward durability more than seasonality. Spencer credits Martha Stewart for inspiration: “She was changing what people thought of as beautiful floral arrangements.” Spencer’s mother’s sister, a window designer, helped them both think more about colors and shapes. “She told my mom, ‘Look at a fern and how it grows. Let the flowers speak; don’t try to force them.’ And that’s become what my mother says now: ‘Flowers have a voice, you have to let them be heard.’” (Spencer’s mother, Pat Roberts, has stepped back from the day-to-day business, but is still very much a part of the company’s style and approach—and Spencer’s daughter Jordan now makes Southern Blooms a third-generation business.) The key to Spencer’s approach is still the flowers themselves— what’s in season, what works together, what speaks to her and her client’s vision. “There are so many different ways to use flowers,” she says. “That’s what I love about what I do.”—CD

SUPPLIED PHOTO

WEDDINGS

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2024

WINNER

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

GRACE AYARS-FEAZELL (434) 960 6653

www.gracefulpics.com

Where you’ll find excellent service — before, during, and after the sale, advice you can trust, and a great selection of jewelry at the very best prices.

Seminole Square andrewmintonjewelers.com CONTEMPOR ARY | CL ASSIC | CUSTOM DESIGNS

126

434-979-7672

HMCATERING.COM • 434-296-9091 • @HMCATERING

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GABRIEL OFIESH Off the Downtown Mall • Charlottesville • Call for an appointment • 434.295.9038

gabrielofiesh.com

Thibaut-Janisson was born from a long friendship that began in a Grand Cru village in the Champagne region of France and continues today in Blue Ridge Mountains of Charlottesville, Virginia. Thibaut-Janisson Winery | Charlottesville, Virginia | (434) 996-3307 | claude@tjwinery.com 128

WEDDINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 124

MAKEUP ARTIST

Posh Bride

The sound of silence

poshbrideva.com

Runner-up: Captivating

Complexion

captivatingcomplexion.com

PRE-WEDDING ACTIVITY

King Family Vineyards

kingfamilyvineyards.com Runner-up:

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards pippinhillfarm.com

PROPOSAL SPOT

Humpback Rock Runner-up: King Family

Vineyards

kingfamilyvineyards.com

REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE

Keswick Hall Runner-up:

The Wool Factory thewoolfactory.com

TRANSPORTATION

Albemarle Limousine albemarlelimousine.com Runner-up:

Ambassador Limousine

ambassadorlimos.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 131

FILE PHOTO

keswick.com

A LIFELONG DANCER AND MUSIC-LOVER, Krissy Muniz first discovered silent discos while regularly attending music festivals. “Even during the headlining performances, the silent disco was packed,” she says. In 2021, she invested in her own silent disco system, hoping to share her love of music and dance with Charlottesville. Good Times Only, a silent disco rental and event company, was born. The company’s first event was a Valentine’s Day bash for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia,

a party for 100 students and their parents, with “fun lighting, decorative balloons, and lots of dancing.” But how does it work? Muniz says you plug and play—you just need the transmitters and a music source (a smartphone, tablet, laptop). Press play and your party can hear the music through their headphones. Just be sure to include “Don’t Stop Believin’.” While Muniz prefers electronic dance music like Purple Disco Machine remixes, the Journey hit always gets the crowd to the dance floor.—CH

BELIEF IN SIGNS MARY KATE STEELE

The best love stories are destined for the big screen—or at least the big marquee. At The Paramount Theater, rent one panel of the historic spot’s headliner sign for $300. Says Event Operations Coordinator Chandler Legard, the rental is good for at least 24 hours, but is dependent on the theater’s programming and schedule of events. Rentals cannot be confirmed until three months prior to your event, but if it’s a yes, you’ll be afforded two lines of 33 characters each for the front panel or three lines of 19 characters for each of the side panels. Email info@theparamount.net to sign up.—CH

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130

MEREDITH COE PHOTOGRAPHY

WEDDINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 129

WEDDING MUSIC

Big Ray and the Kool Kats

bigrayandthekoolkats.com Runner-up:

DJ Double U @dj.double.u

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Meredith Coe Photography

meredithcoephotography.com Runner-up:

Aaron Watson Photography

aaronwatsonphoto.com

Mary Elizabeth Events maryelizabethevents.com Runner-up:

Little Acorn Events littleacornevents.com

WEDDING VENUE (LARGE)

King Family Vineyards

kingfamilyvineyards.com Runner-up:

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards pippinhillfarm.com

WEDDING VENUE (SMALL)

Common House commonhouse.com/ charlottesville Runner-up:

Hardware Hills Vineyard hardwarehills.com

SUPPLIED PHOTO

WEDDING PLANNER

Flipping the script CLARISSA DULANEY ADMITS SHE WAS ALWAYS the kid in school doodling in the margins of her notebooks. She got her first calligraphy kit when she was in high school, but it wasn’t until she got engaged that she began taking her love of handwriting seriously. “I wanted to calligraph my own envelopes and signage, so I finally took a class, practiced obsessively, and fell completely in love with the art,” Dulaney says. “After our wedding, my husband encouraged me to turn it into a business, and that’s how Inkwell Scripted was born.” The Louisa-based calligrapher works nationwide and says she has a simple mission: “helping wedding planners, couples, and brands create swoon-worthy, personalized details that feel as chic and unforgettable as their celebrations.” That means putting her stamp (read: artful handwriting) on everything from invitations and place cards to glassware and leather luggage tags. She gravitates toward traditional script, but loves how even small tweaks to letterforms can change the entire mood of her work.

In 2021, Dulaney added live-event calligraphy and engraving to her offerings. Part entertainment, part gifting, and “100 percent memorable,” she says there’s something magical about watching calligraphy happen in front of you. “It’s such a fun way to add a personalized, luxe touch to an event, and for weddings, it makes for an unforgettable guest experience,” she says. “It turns meaningful details into keepsakes that last long after the celebration ends.” She’s inked a garden spade, pizza peels, ribbons, champagne bottles, and ornaments. If it can hold ink, be engraved, or take foil, she’ll find a way, she says. “Whether it’s hand-addressed invitations that set the tone or keepsake pieces that guests will treasure long after the wedding, I make sure the experience is seamless and stress-free,” she says. “My approach blends timeless artistry with a modern edge and playful charm, ensuring every detail feels just as special as the event itself.”—CH 131

Photography Family Weddings Businesses

12 PASSENGER TRANSIT LIMOUSINE

The Transit Limousine has all the luxury you have come to expect from a standard limousine, but with enough room for everyone. This is the perfect vehicle to enjoy Charlottesville’s many wineries and breweries with friends and family.

VVinoC

vvinoc

info@vvinoc.com

Charlottesville Water Conservation

47–55 PASSENGER MOTOR COACH

The Motor Coach is the largest vehicle type in our fleet. We have two sizes of Motor Coach, 47 Passenger and 55 Passenger, both of which are ideal for large groups. These vehicles enable you to transport a significant number of passengers at one time

Water Rebates and Free Incentives Available to City Residents!

25 PASSENGER MINI BUS

Get a $150 rebate when you replace a waterwasting toilet with a WaterSense labeled toilet. Get a FREE Indoor Water Conservation Kit with water efficient fixtures and toilet leak detection dye tablets. Get a $30 rebate when you purchase and install a rain barrel to help with watering your plants or grass.

Charlottesville.gov/WaterConservation 132

Our Mini Buses are great vehicles for medium sized groups. These 25 Passenger vehicles, with their large viewing windows and individual seating, are a great way to tour the local area or shuttle guests from one location to another.

Call Us at:

RUNNER UP

RUNNER-UP

2024

RUNNER-UP

BEST TRANSPORTATION

(434) 973-5466 (888) 725-5466 (LIMO)

www.ambassadorlimos.com

RUNNER-UP

Still Looking for your ideal wedding venue?

Request a Tour Today!

We have the vineyard setting and flexible wedding packages to make your dream day perfect!

The Winery at Hardware Hills Vineyard includes: 1800 square feet of open floor space with farm-style tables and chairs Luxurious bride’s suite with full bathroom and hair and make-up salon counter Groom’s suite Wet bar Covered Patio for outdoor ceremonies Expansive caterer’s kitchen Numerous layout options Couples cottage on property

rustic elegance rolling hills vineyard views

Book now for dates through 2027 eventteam@hardwarehills.com

www.hardwarehills.com 5199 W River Rd Scottsville, VA 24590

133

THE GO BAR

Photo by Lyn Waldrop Photography

We bring the bar and then some... www.mobilegobar.com info@mobilegobar.com 434.409.5033

134

MEDICAL PROFILES

PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES OF CHARLOTTESVILLE MEDICAL PROFILES OF CHARLOTTESVILLE OF CHARLOTTESVILLE EXPERT PEDIATRIC CARE – SEVEN DAYS A WEEK EXPERT PEDIATRIC CARE – SEVEN DAYS A WEEK EXPERT PEDIATRIC CARE – SEVEN DAYS434.296.9161 A WEEK 1011 East Jefferson Street | Downtown |

DICAL PROFILES MEDICAL PROFILES EDICAL PROFILES MEDICAL PROFILES DICAL PROFILES

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Robert Trundle, MD | Pa exceptional pediatric care. The office, located at 71 Court, Providers at Pediatric of Charlottesville: M. Gillenwater MD | Teresa Hashisaki, MD Providers at Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville: Gillenwater MD | Teresa H. Hashisaki, MD is now accepting appointments. Sarah E. Knight, MD | Amy Malek, MD Providers at Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville: Providers at Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville: isProviders now accepting appointments. CLINICIANS (From Left (not to Right): Casee Kelly Vincel, CPNP pictured) M M. |Gillenwater MDMD | Teresa H. Hashisaki, MD Providers at Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville: at Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville: MD Sarah E. Knight, | Amy Malek, MD MD | Sarah E. Knight, MD | Amy Malek, MD is now accepting appointments. ’A. Perriello, MD | Marion Szwedo, MD Providers at Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville: Providers at Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville: CLINICIANS (From Left to Right): Cas PHYSICIANS (From Left to Right): Carlos E. Armengol, Jr., MD PHYSICIANS (From Left to Right): Carlos E. Armengol, Jr., MD Kelly Vincel, CPNP (not pictur s, MD |Perriello, Sarah E.MD Knight, MDSzwedo, | Amy Malek, MD ge D’A. | Marion MD MD PHYSICIANS (From Left to Right): Carlos E. Armengol, Jr., MD PHYSICIANS (From Left to Right): Carlos E. Armengol, Jr., MD ige D’A. Perriello, MD | Marion Szwedo, PHYSICIANS (From Left to Right): Carlos E. Jr., MD PHYSICIANS (From Left to Right): Carlos Armengol, Jr., MD ul P. Wisman, MD | Karyn E. Wolfe, MD PHYSICIANS (From Left to Right): Carlos E. Armengol, Jr., MD Lori W.H.Balaban, MD H.Left Bouber, MD Carlos | Alaina Brown, MDCPNP Now Open Kelly Vincel, (not pictu Lori W. Balaban, MD | Gemila Bouber, MD|Carlos |Gemila Alaina Brown, MD Open PHYSICIANS (From to Right): Armengol, MD PHYSICIANS (From Left to Right): Armengol, Jr., MD D’A. Perriello, MD |Karyn Marion Szwedo, MD Paul P. Wisman, MDMD | Karyn E. Wolfe, MD MD Lori W. Balaban, MD |Hashisaki, Gemila H. Bouber, MD | E. Alaina Brown, MD Now Lori Balaban, MD |Davis, Gemila H. MD | E. Alaina Brown, MD DPaige |Open Paul P. Wisman, |Open E.Open Wolfe, Lori W. Balaban, MD Gemila H. Bouber, MD Alaina Brown, MDJr., Lori W. Balaban, MD Gemila H. Bouber, MD ||Alaina Brown, MD Now LoriW. W. Balaban, H. Bouber, MD | ||Alaina Brown, Now Open F.| Gemila MD | Bouber, Jay M. Gillenwater MD |MD Teresa H. Hashisaki, MD Sheila F. Davis, MD | JaySheila M.MD Gillenwater MD | Teresa H. MD |Pediatric Lori W. Balaban, MD | Gemila H. Bouber, MD | Alaina Brown, MD Lori W. Balaban, MD | Gemila H. Bouber, MD | Alaina Brown, MD | Paul P.PNP Wisman, MDFontenot, |Associates Karyn E.PNP Wolfe, MDopening is excited to announce of its ceDDorsey, Associates isJennifer excited to announce the of its the openingSheila TDavis, Coons, MD | |Brian LGillenwater Czervionke MD |MD M. MD MD Sheila F.F.Davis, MD |Teresa Jay MD |Jay Teresa H. Hashisaki, Sheila Jay M. Gillenwater MD |MD Teresa H.Gillenwater Hashisaki, MD F.F.Davis, MD||Jay Jay M. Gillenwater MD Teresa H.E.Hashisaki, SheilaAmanda Davis,Jones, MD M. Gillenwater MD |MD H. Hashisaki, MD www Amanda Jones, MD | Sarah Knight, | Amy Malek, MD MD | Josh Sarah E. Knight, | M. Amy Malek, MD Providers at Pediatric of Charlottesville: Casee Dorsey, PNP | Jennifer Pediatric Associates excited toofannounce opening its Pediatric Associates isPNP excited toopening announce opening of F.of its Pediatric Associates isCCCA/FAAA excited to announce of itsthe the ric Associates isCrossroads. excited toFontenot, announce theis the opening itscontinued red) Marian MS, Sheila Davis, MD |Associates Jay Gillenwater MD Teresa H. Hashisaki, MD Sheila Davis, MD | Jay M. Gillenwater MD |MDAmanda Teresa H. Hashisaki, MD Teresa H. Jones, MD || Sarah Knight, MD MD fourth location in Zion Crossroads. Through regional location in Fredner, Zion Through continued regional Amanda Jones, MD |Perriello, E.Malek, Knight, MD | Amy Malek, MD Amanda Jones, MD |Perriello, Sarah E.Hashisaki, Knight, MD |M. Amy Malek, MD Amanda Jones, MD |Amy Sarah E. Knight, MD |E.Amy Malek, Amanda Jones, MD |F.at Sarah E. Knight, MD |Sarah MD Providers Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville: ):pictured) Casee Dorsey, PNP | Jennifer Fontenot, PNP Katherine D. Mika, MD | L. Paige D’A. MD | Marion Szwedo, MD Katherine D. Mika, MD | L. Paige D’A. MD | Marion Szwedo, MD Providers at Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville: fourth location in Zion Crossroads. Through continued regional Marian Fredner, MS, CCCA/FAAA fourth location in Crossroads. Zion Crossroads. Through continued regional fourth location in Zion Crossroads. Through continued regional location in Zion Through continued regional Amanda MD Sarah E.| MD MDSzwedo, | Amy Malek, MD Amy Malek, MD Katherine D.D’A. Mika, MD L.Knight, Paige Perriello, MD MD Amanda MD |Mika, Sarah E.(From Knight, MD | |Amy Malek, MD Providers at Pediatric Associates Charlottesville: Katherine D. Mika, MD ||Jones, Paige D’A. Perriello, |of Marion MD PHYSICIANS Left to Right): Carlos Armengol, Jr., MD Katherine D.Trundle, Mika, MD ||Jones, L. Paige Perriello, MD Marion Szwedo, MD growth, Pediatric Associates strives to provide convenient access toD. Associates strives to provide convenient access to Katherine D. MD L. Paige Perriello, MD |D’A. Marion Szwedo, Katherine Mika, MD L. Paige D’A. Perriello, MD | Marion Szwedo, MD Robert Trundle, MD | |(From Paul P. Wisman, MD |E. Karyn E.Armengol, Wolfe, MD otPediatric pictured) Marian Fredner, MS, CCCA/FAAA A. Robert MD |A. Paul P.D’A. Wisman, MD |L. Karyn E. Wolfe, MD growth, Associates strives to provide convenient access toTrundle, PHYSICIANS Left to Right): Carlos E. Jr., MD growth, Pediatric Associates strives to provide convenient access to Morgan R. Newsome, DO A. Trundle, MD |E.Karyn Paul P.Brown, MD growth, Pediatric Associates strives to provide convenient access toMika, PHYSICIANS (From Left to Right): Carlos Armengol, Jr., MD D. Mika, MD |Gemila Paige D’A. Perriello, MD |Karyn Marion Szwedo, MD h, Pediatric Associates strives toPediatric provide convenient access to71 A. Robert Trundle, MD | |Paul Wisman, MD E.Wisman, Wolfe, Katherine D. MDKatherine |MD L. Paige D’A. Perriello, MD |Robert Marion Szwedo, MD A. Robert MD |A. Paul P. Wisman, MD |L.|Karyn E.P. Wolfe, MD Lori W. Balaban, MD | H. Bouber, MD | Alaina MD Now Open exceptional pediatric care. The office, located at Jefferson Court, onal pediatric care. The office, located at 71 Jefferson Court, Robert Trundle, MD | Paul P. Wisman, MD | E. Wolfe, MD A. Robert Trundle, | Paul P. Wisman, MD Karyn E. Wolfe, MD PHYSICIANS (From Left to Right): Carlos Armengol, Jr., MD exceptional pediatric office, located 71has Jefferson Court, Lori W. Balaban, MD |Fontenot, Gemila Bouber, MD ||E. Alaina Brown, exceptional pediatric care. The office, located atcelebrating. 71The Jefferson Court, Now Open Our Zion Crossroads location iscare. This office now been CLINICIANS Left to Casee Dorsey, PNP | Jennifer Fontenot, PNP Lori W. Balaban, | Gemila Bouber, MD | Alaina Brown, MD MD CLINICIANS (From Left to Right): Casee Dorsey, PNP Now Open A. Robert Trundle, MD PaulH.MD P.H. Wisman, MD Karyn E. Wolfe, MD pediatric care. office, located at 71atJefferson Court, A. Robert Trundle, MD | Paul P. Wisman, MD || Karyn E.PNP Wolfe, MD Sheila F.(From Davis, MD |Right): Jay| Jennifer M.MD Gillenwater | Teresa H. Hashisaki, MD ional pediatric care. The office, located at The 71 Jefferson Court, isexceptional now accepting appointments. accepting appointments. www.OurHealthCharlottesville.com 65 Lori W.Left Balaban, MD | Gemila H. Bouber, MD |H. Alaina Brown, MD www.OurHealthCharlottesville.com 65 is Pediatric Associates excited to announce the growth, opening ofVincel, its(From CLINICIANS (From Left to Right): is nowyears. accepting appointments. CLINICIANS (From to Right): Casee Dorsey, PNP | Jennifer Fontenot, is now accepting appointments. CLINICIANS Left to Right): Casee Dorsey, PNP | Jennifer Fontenot, PNP Sheila F. Davis, MD | Jay M. Gillenwater MD | Teresa Hashisaki, MD open for seven Through continued regional Pediatric Sheila F. Davis, MD | Jay M. Gillenwater MD | Teresa H. Hashisaki, MD Kelly Vincel, CPNP (not pictured) Marian Fredner, MS, CCCA/FAAA Kelly CPNP (not pictured) Marian Fredner, MS, CCCA/FAAA Amanda Jones, MD | Sarah E. Knight, MD | Amy Malek, MD PNP is now accepting appointments. accepting appointments. Pediatric Associates is excited to announce the opening of its Pediatric Associates is excited to announce the opening of its www.OurHealthCharlottesville.com 65 CLINICIANS (From Left to Casee Dorsey, PNP | |Jennifer Fontenot, PNP CLINICIANS (From Left to Right): Casee Dorsey, PNP | MD Jennifer Fontenot, PNP Sheila F.Vincel, Davis, MD |Right): Jay M. Gillenwater MD | Teresa H. Hashisaki, MD Amber Nowakowski, PNP, Lindsey Daugherty PNP, fourth location Crossroads. Through regional Associates strivesintoZion provide convenient accesscontinued to exceptional pediatric Amanda Jones, MD |Perriello, Sarah E. Knight, MD Amy Malek, MD MD Kelly (not pictured) Marian Fredner, MS, CCCA/FAAA Kelly Vincel, CPNP (not pictured) Marian Fredner, MS, CCCA/FAAA Amanda Jones, | Sarah E. Knight, MD | Amy Malek, Katherine D. Mika, MD |CPNP L. Paige D’A. MD | Marion Szwedo, MD www.OurHealthCharlottesville.com fourth in Zion Crossroads. Through continued regional fourth location in Zion65 Through continued Lisa McRae Jennifer Fontenot PNP, PNP Vincel, CPNP (not pictured) Marian MS, CCCA/FAAA Kelly Vincel, CPNP (notKelly pictured) Marian Fredner, MS, CCCA/FAAA Amanda MD |Perriello, Sarah E.MD Knight, MDSzwedo, |Vincel Amy Malek, MD care. The office, location located atCrossroads. 71 Jefferson Ct, is accepting newregional patients. Katherine D.Trundle, Mika, MD ||Jones, L.PNP, Paige D’A. |Fredner, Marion MD MD growth, Pediatric Associates strives to provide convenient access to Katherine D. Mika, MD L. Paige D’A. Perriello, MD | Kelly Marion Szwedo, A. Robert MD | Paul P. Wisman, MD | Karyn E. Wolfe, MD growth, Pediatric Associates strives to provide convenient access growth, Pediatric Associates to provide convenient access to to Katherine D. Mika, MD MD |MD L. Paige Perriello, MD Marion MD Robert Trundle, | Paul Wisman, MDMD | Karyn E. Wolfe, MD MD exceptional pediatric care. The strives office, located at 71 Jefferson Court, A.A.Robert Trundle, | PaulP.D’A. P. Wisman, | |Karyn E. Szwedo, Wolfe, exceptional pediatric care. The office, located 71 Jefferson Court, 65 CLINICIANS (From Left to Right): Casee www.OurHealthCharlottesville.com 65 A.www.OurHealthCharlottesville.com Robert Trundle, MDDorsey, |www.OurHealthCharlottesville.com Paul P.PNP Wisman, MDFontenot, | Karyn 65 E.PNP Wolfe, MD www.OurHealthCharlottesville.com 65 | Jennifer pediatric care. The office, located at 71atJefferson Court, isexceptional now accepting appointments. is now accepting appointments. CLINICIANS (From Left to Right): Casee Dorsey, PNP | Jennifer Fontenot,65 PNP Kelly Vincel, CPNP (not pictured) Marian Fredner, MS, CCCA/FAAA www.OurHealthCharlottesville.com www.OurHealthCharlottesville.com 65 is now accepting appointments. CLINICIANS (Fromwww.OurHealthCharlottesville.com Left to Right): Casee Dorsey, PNP Fontenot,65 PNP www.OurHealthCharlottesville.com 65 | Jennifer Kelly Vincel, CPNP (not pictured) Marian Fredner, MS, CCCA/FAAA

Zion Crossroads Clinic

C-ville’s best preschool, and that’s just the start... MountaintopMontessori.org

Preschool Elementary School Middle School

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Downtown Trolley Map

How to Catch the CAT! With the ETA SPOT app, you can see where your bus is, bookmark your favorite routes, and discover route alternatives. Find a link to our app on our website at CatchTheCAT.org or search in your phone’s app store for “ETA SPOT”. Visit CatchTheCAT.org and select “CAT Schedules & Maps” from the left-hand column on the home page. Once the page loads, choose from a variety of options, including our downloadable fixed-route schedule, accessible real-time route map, convenient trip planner, and more!

Call CAT’s real-time arrival line at (434) 9703649 and press 0. When prompted, enter the 5-digit bus stop number associated with your stop. If you don’t know your stop number or need assistance, press 3 to reach CAT customer service.

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KIDS & Y

L I M

Raising Charlottesville's youth, one bagel block at a time. TRISTAN WILLIAMS

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Serving Charlottesville for 50 years!

BREAKING (Good) NEWS

SPEAK! WINS BEST LEARNING CENTER! To everyone who voted for Speak! — gracias, merci, grazie, thank you! Whether you're a teen, adult, beginner, or seasoned learner, we invite you to explore our in-person and online courses in over 20 languages — including English, Spanish, French, Italian, and more. We love teaching individuals and partnering with local businesses and organizations to help build communication bridges in our multilingual little city. Connecting Charlottesville to the world — one conversation at a time.

JOIN US!

www.speaklanguagecenter.com (434) 245-8255

WINNER

2024

Thanks for voting us Best Toy Store!

RUNNER-UP

BEST MUSIC LESSONS

FINALIST

BEST CEREMONY MUSICIAN

2024

RUNNER-UP

BEST MUSIC LESSONS

Amelia Fe Camacho

Voice Teacher, Singer, Music Director Private & Group Lessons | Workshops Weddings | Other Special Events 434-218-3465 | amelia@ameliacamacho.com

140

Schedule your free consultation

& learn more about our Studio Family!

601 West Main Street • (434) 295-4797 www.SHENANIGANS.toys • Mon-Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5

WINNER

KIDS & FAMILY READERS' PICKS! AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITY

The Scrappy Elephant scrappyelephant.com

Runner-up: Virginia Discovery Museum vadm.org

DAYCARE

ACAC Adventure Central Runner-up: Bright Beginnings Preschool brightbeginningsva.com

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

Cramer Photo sarahcramershields.com Runner-up:

Aaron Watson Photography

aaronwatsonphoto.com

KIDS’ CLOTHING STORE

Kid to Kid

kidtokid.com/charlottesville Runner-up: Whimsies whimsieskids.com

KIDS’ MENU

Brazos Tacos brazostacos.com

Runner-up: Three Notch’d

Craft Kitchen & Brewery threenotchdbrewing.com

KIDS’ PARK

Pen Park

charlottesville.gov

CONTINUED ON PAGE 142

GIVING JOY A LIFT UVA is flush with traditions—streaking the Lawn, painting Beta Bridge, singing “The Good Old Song” after, well, almost anything—but only a few of them, like the Balloon Brigade, come with altruistic intentions. Each year during Final Exercises, students are encouraged to carry a balloon that represents who they are and, after they’ve tossed their caps, the balloons are taken to UVA Health’s Children’s Hospital to delight the young patients. The initiative, which began in 2019, keeps the balloons from being released into the environment and gives back to the community. That’s what it means to rise to the occasion.—CH

USE YOUR MIND One of the most challenging things about being in middle school isn’t the acne (although that does rank high, as we recall), it’s the standardized testing. For the second year this April, Buford Middle School took an ordinary spring Friday and turned it into an opportunity to hype students for the SOLs. Game Ready Day, in which students participate in fun learning games to prep for an otherwise stressful test, was sponsored in part by a $1,500 donation from the Public Education Foundation. The investment paid off—the kids’ test scores improved year over year.—CH

FILE PHOTO

Runner-up: Wildrock wildrock.org

MATT RILEY / UVA COMMUNICATIONS

acac.com

141

KIDS & FAMILY KIDS’ SPORTS LEAGUE

SOCA

socaspot.org Runner-up:

Gryphon Gymnastics gryphongymnastics.com

MUSIC LESSONS

The Front Porch frontporchcville.org

Runner-up: Amelia Fe Camacho Voice Studio ameliacamacho.com

PEDIATRICIAN

Paige Perriello (Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville) charlottesvillepeds.com Runner-up:

Sarah E. Knight (Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville) charlottesvillepeds.com

PLACE FOR FIRST EAR-PIERCING

Blue Ridge Adornments and Body Piercing blueridgeadornments.com Runner-up:

Acme Tattoo and Piercing

acmetattooandpiercing.com

PLACE TO THROW A KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Decades Arcade decadesarcade.com Runner-up:

Wildrock

wildrock.org CONTINUED ON PAGE 145

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A dream in soft focus

How Flowers Playground is making magic for the littlest party guests

hen Erin Flowers planned a birthday party for one of her toddlers a few years ago, she found herself facing a dilemma familiar to many parents of young children: Where do you take a group of wobbly-legged children to play safely and joyfully? “I realized how limited the options were for safe, beautiful, toddler-friendly play,” says Flowers. “So I decided to create something myself.” What she created was Flowers Playground—a mobile soft play business that turns living rooms, backyards, and community spaces into dreamy, safe havens for little ones. The concept is simple: Flowers and her team deliver thoughtfully designed, aesthetically pleasing soft play setups straight to the party. They handle assembly and takedown, while kids climb, bounce, and roll their way through ball pits, ramps, and cushioned play areas in themes like Pastel Paradise (a crowd favorite) and Jurassic Jam (Flowers’ personal pick). For Flowers, this is more than just a business—it’s the realization of a lifelong calling. “Working with young children has always been a part of my life,” she says. “I’ve spent years in early childhood settings, supporting families and creating environments where little ones can learn and feel safe. As a mom of four, I naturally gravitate toward anything that brings joy to children.”

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That joy radiates from every pastel-hued ball pit and carefully curated play structure. But behind the charming aesthetics lies something even more meaningful: a commitment to child development and parental peace of mind. “Soft play gives little ones the freedom to explore, climb, and move their bodies in a way that feels natural and fun, but with safety in

mind,” Flowers explains. “It helps with motor skills, confidence, and social interaction, especially for toddlers who are still figuring out the world around them.” It also helps parents breathe a little easier—especially during high-stress party moments. “What I love most is that it creates a space where kids can just be kids—no pressure, no expectations, just joy

KIDS & FAMILY

Money talks— even to kids

Janasha Bradford’s on a mission to make financial education accessible and joyful for the next generation

oney is one of the longest relationships we’ll ever have, says financial advisor Janasha Bradford. We use it to make decisions about where we live, how we work, how we define success and security. For Bradford, the relationship began with personal loss. At just 7 years old, she watched her mother struggle to manage a large life insurance policy after Bradford’s father died unexpectedly. “She had no formal financial education,” Bradford says. “As the oldest child, I witnessed the emotional and financial toll of mismanaging money. It wasn’t from neglect—it was from a lack of access and knowledge.” That early experience planted the seeds of a career in finance, and later, a calling. Bradford became a financial advisor, but even as she studied for her Series 7 exam, she was struck by how foreign the language of finance felt. “Why didn’t I learn this when I was a child?” she wondered. Again and again, she heard the same sentiment from clients: I wish I had learned this earlier. So she set out to change the starting point. Enter Mahogany & Friends: Tiny Investor Club, a vibrant financial literacy brand that teaches kids about money through storytelling, play, and creativity. From colorful characters to hands-on workshops, Bradford’s goal is to make money approachable, joyful—and most importantly—empowering. “Financial literacy gives kids the language and tools to navigate the world with confidence,” Bradford says. “If we want them to thrive in life, we have to start early.” Through storybooks, financial workbooks, and playbased curriculums, Tiny Investor Club introduces money concepts in ways that resonate with children. There are online summer camps, school-ready lesson plans, and even Mahogany Coin, a kid-friendly currency that’s part of an upcoming digital platform. A forthcoming animated series will bring the brand’s characters to life. Bradford’s nonprofit arm, Mahogany & Friends Foundation, recently hosted a flagship workshop called Budget Does It during Financial Literacy Month, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Central

Virginia. More than 300 kids participated across three locations, using Skittles to learn the basics of budgeting and financial decision-making. Each child left with a literacy kit—and a new sense of empowerment. Thanks to local sponsors and donors, the event raised more than $13,000 and included everything from budgeting games to raffle prizes and free meals from Raising Cane’s. The workshop is now set to become an annual event. In summer of 2025, Bradford launched a two-week financial literacy and entrepreneurship program for rising seventh to ninth graders in partnership with UVA’s Starr Hill Pathways. During the program, students visit local businesses like CNF Bank and WillowTree to see how money flows through different industries. Bradford hopes to expand even further—with help. “We’re always looking for volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who want to empower the next generation,” she says. In a world where money can be intimidating or elusive, Bradford is showing kids that it can also be empowering—and fun.—CH

SUPPLIED PHOTO

and fun,” she says. “And when it comes to parties, it’s a breeze. Parents don’t have to stress. They book, we show up, set everything up beautifully, and handle the breakdown, so they can actually enjoy the celebration.” And while every party is memorable, a few moments have especially stuck with Flowers. “One time during breakdown, a little girl ran over, gave us a big hug, and said, ‘Thank you for making my party special.’ It completely melted my heart,” she recalls. Flowers Playground’s appeal extends beyond the standard birthday bash. The business regularly caters to community events and festivals, offering an eye-catching centerpiece with their newest addition: the bubble balloon house, which Flowers calls “a hit for all ages.” Customization is another hallmark of the brand. “I love working with families to bring their vision to life,” she says. “Whether it’s a certain color scheme, a fun theme, or adding personalized touches like vinyl names or custom balloon garlands, we can make it happen. I really try to make each party feel special and unique to that child.” With each setup, Flowers brings a sense of intentionality and warmth. “I know how important it is to make kids feel seen, celebrated, and safe, and that’s what I try to bring to every setup,” she says. “Whether it’s a backyard birthday or a big community event, I want families to walk away with joyful memories and as little stress as possible.” Looking ahead, she dreams of opening a brick-and-mortar space where families can come to her for soft play fun. But for now, Flowers is focused on spreading joy one party at a time. “It’s truly a dream come to life,” she says. “And I’m just so excited to keep growing and creating beautiful experiences for the kids and families in our community.”—CH

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FU N FO R AL L MEANS... N A TURE E XP LO RATION O UTDO O R A CTIV ITIES CO M M UNITY E V ENTS AF F O R D ABL E R E C R E ATIO NAL & FI TNE S S P RO GRAMS F O R ALL AGES AND AB I L I T I ES

W W W .CH A R L O T T ESV IL L E.G O V / P A R KSAND RE C

“My daughter’s experience was so much more than academics and sports. She found friendships across grades. She found mentorship in her teachers and coaches. She found a home” — Class of 2025 Parent

Charlottesville, VA | www.stab.org/best-of-cville Co-ed Day Age 2 – Grade 12 | Boarding Grades 9 – 12 144

KIDS & FAMILY PLAY SPACE

Wildrock wildrock.org

Runner-up: Bennett’s

Village Treehouse bennettsvillage.org

PRESCHOOL

Mountaintop Montessori

mountaintopmontessori.org Runner-up: ACAC

Adventure Central acac.com

PRIVATE SCHOOL

St. Anne’s-Belfield School stab.org

Runner-up: Mountaintop

Montessori

mountaintopmontessori.org

SUMMER CAMP

Triple C Camp tripleccamp.com

Runner-up: Light House

Studio

lighthousestudio.org

TOY STORE

Shenanigans shenanigans.toys Runner-up:

Alakazam Toys alakazamtoys.com

TUTORING OR LEARNING CENTER

Speak! Language Center speaklanguagecenter.com Runner-up: Clayborne

Education

clayborne.com

Gotta move

Charlottesville offers many ways to keep all ages active

Kids—sometimes you have to get them out of the house. Luckily, Charlottesville also offers a range of children’s activities, from drop-ins to weekly classes, that get everyone from infants to adults moving.

A change from screens Bounce Play-n-Create is owned by a Charlottesville mom of four who revitalized the place during COVID to offer both physical and creative outlets. Play areas are set aside for kids age 3 and younger, and for children up to age 13. Older kids are welcome to the arts and crafts section, but not on the equipment. Or head to Get Air Trampoline Park (formerly Jump Charlottesville), where you’ll find wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, slamball, and ninja obstacles. Areas are scaled for kids under or over 46 inches, and there are special Toddler Times, when one parent jumps free, as well as a monthly time just for jumpers with special needs.

Inspired by Simone If your child is ready for a little structure, Classics Gymnastics Center offers classes for preschoolers to high schoolers, taking kids from the early motor skill/coordination stage through strength and flexibility development to team competition. Rolling enrollment means youngsters can start whenever spaces are available. Gryphon Gymnastics’ owner Abby Reid (a Charlottesville native) is a former competitive gymnast and diver, and an accredited dance teacher, who offers both gymnastics and

adult). Youngsters might be intrigued by the Frozen class—a chance to be Elsa, Anna, or Olaf (or maybe even Sven). For kids 8 and older, Phoenix Dance Studio concentrates on the aerial dance forms of silk and lyra—working with silk banners, hanging hoops, and other aerial aids (think Cirque du Soleil!). FILE PHOTO

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Dip in dance for children from ages 3-anda-half. Gryphon also has a monthly Kids Night Out, where both current students and observers can come for an evening of play, dance, games, crafts—and pizza!

Don’t forget to stretch Kids practice yoga to help develop stability, flexibility, and body awareness—or perhaps pretend they’re genies. Bend Yoga offers supportive classes for pregnant women, new mothers, children 6 weeks to 18 years (that’s a range!), and family options. Kids’ classes focus on playful and engaging exercises: “Be kind and have fun!”

Shall we dance? Wilson School of Dance has a full range of classes from Princess/PreBallet (ages 3-5), Children’s Dance Program (ages 2 to 10), Pre-Jazz (age 4 and a half to 6), to Hip-Hop (age 7 to teens), and Tap (teen to

There’s a wealth of area options for year-round swimming—indoor, outdoor, public, private, pools, and lakes. Then there’s Central Virginia Swim Services, where Lake Monticello native Kate Purnell turned her experience and passion for teaching swimming into a coaching business that offers private and small-group customized lessons at area club pools yearround—or they can come to your community pool (or the one in your backyard).

Karate kids? The first step in martial arts is deciding what form fits your children and their needs: judo? Brazilian jiu-jitsu? Kung fu? Taekwondo? Karate? Many studios offer classes for children starting at age 3, as well as for families. And have fun with the names for the preschool classes: Knee-High Ninjas (Mountain Kim Martial Arts); Spider Monkey and Me (Gracie Charlottesville); Little Tigers (Tiger USA Taekwondo).—CD 145

We are humbled by the Charlottesville community for nominating us in several categories this year! Thank you so much from the Cafe Frank family!

We can’t wait to serve you!

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ROUND OF APPLAUSE @dank_cville............................................ 22 @styledinworth...................................... 22 106.1 The Corner..................................... 22 91.1 WTJU.................................................. 22 A Squared Pizza....................................... 63 Aaron Watson Photography....131, 141 Aberdeen Barn......................................... 69 ACAC...................................................38, 141 ACAC Adventure Central.....................145 Ace Biscuit & Barbecue......................... 55 Acme Tattoo and Piercing........113, 142 Al Carbon................................................... 69 Alakazam Toys........................................145 Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Charlottesville.......................................... 23 Albemarle Baking Co............................. 55 Albemarle Ballet Theatre...................... 38 Albemarle Heating & Air.....................107 Albemarle Limousine...........................129 Alicia Simmons........................................ 57 Alisa Foytik..............................................110 All Things Pawssible.............................110 Alloy Workshop.........................................99 Ambassador Limousine......................129 Amelia Fe Camacho Voice Studio....142 Anderson Quality Painting.................107 Animal Connection................................. 87 Anna Magee.............................................. 38 AquaFloat.................................................. 45 Arsenic and Old Lace............................. 89 Asado Wing & Taco Company............. 69 Autumn Trails Veterinary Center......113 Balanced Chiropractic and Physical Therapy...................................... 38 Bang!.............................................55, 57, 67 Bank of America...................................... 99 Bar Botanical............................................ 25 Barbeque Exchange............................... 55 Be Just........................................................ 89 Beer Run..................................................... 67 Bellair Farm............................................... 58 Ben Around Tattoos..............................113 Bennett’s Village Treehouse...............145 Bent Theatre............................................. 23 Best of C-VILLE......................................... 23 Big Ray and the Kool Kats..................131 Billy Strings............................................... 22

Birdwood................................................... 41 Bizou............................................................ 59 Black Cow Chophouse........................... 69 Blue Mountain Brewery.................57, 63 Blue Ridge Adornments and Body Piercing.....................................................142 Blue Ridge Cyclery.................................. 83 Blue Ridge Graphics.............................102 Boar’s Head Resort...............................110 Bob’s Wheel Alignment.......................101 Bodo’s Bagels....................................55, 69 Bold Rock................................................... 63 Botanical Plant-Based Fare...........21, 58 Braden Property Management.........111 Brazos Tacos.............................63, 69, 141 Bright Beginnings Preschool.............141 Brooks Family YMCA............................... 38 Burtons Grill & Bar.................................. 58 Cake Bloom.............................................124 Cakes by Rachel.....................................124 Captivating Complexion......................129 CarMax........................................................ 87 Caromont Farm........................................ 58 Carpet Plus..............................................102 Carter Mountain Orchard..................... 25 Castro Integrative Medicine................ 38 Chamomile and Whiskey...................... 19 Chaps Ice Cream...................................... 59 Charles Schwab.....................................113 Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia............................. 19 Charlottesville Ballet.............................. 38 Charlottesville Organizing..................101 Charlottesville Orthodontics............... 43 Charlottesville Parks & Recreation.... 19 Charlottesville Skin and Laser Center............................................102 Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA........111 Christine Wamhoff.................................. 43 Christopher M. Scott.............................. 38 Chung’s Barber Shop...........................101 Circa...............................................83, 86, 89 Clayborne Education............................145 Common House.....................................131 Community Bikes.................................... 83 Continental Divide.................................. 55

Cramer Photo.........................................141 Crush Pad Wines..............................55, 89 Cville Hop On Tours..............................129 Daedalus Used Bookshop.................... 86 Darling x Dashing Boutique................. 89 Decades Arcade..............................59, 142 Devon Sproule.......................................... 25 DJ Double U............................................131 DOMA Korean Kitchen........................... 63 Dos Amigos Landscaping...................109 Downtown Mall........................................ 25 Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie............................... 67 Dürty Nelly’s............................................. 22 Eastwood Farm and Winery.........59, 69 Edward Warwick White......................... 22 Elevate Salon + Spa..............................107 Elizabeth W. Chance.............................. 38 Emily Huffstetler..................................... 43 Ethos Wine & Tea..................................... 69 Eva Gee Scott..........................................109 Evolution Hearing................................... 38 FARMacy Food Truck.............................. 59 Feast!....................................................86, 89 Festive Rentals.......................................124 Fifth Season Gardening........................ 87 Firefly............................................21, 23, 25 Firefly Fiber Broadband......................109 Fleurie......................................................... 59 Flow Subaru.............................................. 87 FlyDog Yoga.......................................38, 45 Foods of All Nations............................... 86 Formia Design.......................................... 86 Free Speech Wall..................................... 25 Gracie Charlottesville............................. 41 Great Outdoor Provision Co................ 87 Green Dogs Unleashed........................110 Grit Coffee.................................................. 58 Gryphon Gymnastics............................142 Guajiros Miami Eatery....................55, 67 Habitat for Humanity ReStore............ 86 Hair By Raven.........................................109 Hamer & Glassick.................................... 43 Hardware Hills Vineyard.....................131 Harvest Moon Catering.......................124 Hedge Fine Blooms.......................83, 124 Heyday Antiques & Vintage..........83, 89

HI//low Charlottesville........................... 45 High Tor Gear Exchange........................ 87 Hill & Wood Funeral Service..............101 His Barber Shop....................................101 Hive Creative Group.............................109 Högwaller Brewing................................. 57 Holly’s Diner.............................................. 22 Hospice of the Piedmont..........101, 107 Hot Yoga Charlottesville........................ 45 Humpback Rock....................................129 Hunter Wyant.........................................109 I Love Charlottesville A Lot................... 25 Iconic Massage and Bodywork.........109 Ivy Haines................................................111 Ivy Nursery................................................ 87 Ivy Provisions........................................... 69 Ivy Rehab................................................... 45 IX Art Park................................................. 19 Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint.......................................55, 57 Jamie Yowell...........................................109 Jason Elliott.............................................. 99 Jenny Stoner...........................................111 James Howell........................................... 41 John Grisham........................................... 22 John Scaglione.......................................113 Jones Heating & Air..............................107 Juan Izaguirre.......................................... 55 Justin Carlisle.........................................107 Kanak Indian Kitchen............................. 59 Kardinal Hall............................................. 67 Kari Miller.................................................. 99 Kelly Chambers Violinist.....................124 Kendra Kriener......................................... 41 Kenny Ball Design..................................109 Keswick Hall..................................102, 129 Kid to Kid.................................................141 Kim’s Alteration.....................................113 King Family Vineyards........69, 129, 131 La Vie En Rose........................................124 Lakeside Apartments............................. 99 Laughing Dragon Kung Fu................... 41 Laura Fonner............................................ 57 Lauren Stump........................................... 38 Lazy Parrot Backyard BBQ.................... 69 CONTINUED ON PAGE 151

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Lifelink Games.......................................... 86 Light House Studio...............................145 Little Acorn Events................................131 Live Arts...................................................... 21 Loving Arms Care..................................107 Luce............................................................. 69 MADabolic................................................. 43 Maria Kirzhner......................................... 38 MarieBette Café & Bakery.................... 55 Marigold Residential Management..........................................110 Market Street Wine................................. 89 Martha Jefferson House....................... 99 Martin Hardware..................................... 86 Martin Horn............................................102 MARU.......................................................... 63 Mary Elizabeth Events.........................131 Matthew O’Donnell................................ 25 McGuffey Art Center............................... 19 Meadowcreek........................................... 41 Meredith Coe Photography................131 Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard............... 69 Michie Tavern........................................... 59 Milan Indian Restaurant....................... 59 Miller’s........................................................ 23 Mockingbird.............................................. 67 Monsoon Siam......................................... 69 Mountaintop Montessori....................145 Moxie Hair Lounge...............................107 Mr FIX........................................................101 MS Events................................................124 Nest Realty..............................................111 New Dominion Bookshop.................... 86 Nicolle Comarovschi.............................111 NOLA Build & Design.........102, 107, 111 Now & Zen................................................. 69 Nua Medical Spa..........................102, 109 O’Suzannah............................................... 83 Oakhurst Inn Charlottesville.............110 Old Dominion Animal Hospital.........113 OLLI at UVA..............................................101 Orangetheory........................................... 43 Oratorio Society of Virginia................. 19 Paige Perriello........................................142 Patrick Evans............................................ 67 Peacock Auto Service...........................101 Pearl Island Cafe & Catering................ 69 Pen Park...................................................141 Pet Supplies Plus..................................... 87 Peter Chang China Grill......................... 57

Pi-Napo Pizzeria................................63, 67 Piedmont Virginia Community College......................................................101 Pineapples Thai Kitchen........................ 69 Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards...129, 131 Plan 9 Music.............................................. 89 Posh Bride.....................................124, 129 Potter’s Craft Cider................................. 63 Pro Re Nata............................................... 22 Prolyfyck Run Crew................................ 41 Pure Barre.................................................. 38 pūrvelo cycle............................................ 38 Rachel De Jong........................................ 67 Ragged Branch Distillery...................... 63 Ragged Mountain Natural Area.......... 43 Renee L. Fischer...................................... 41 Reserve At Belvedere............................. 99 Resilient Roots......................................... 38 Rita Dove.................................................... 22 Rivanna Trail............................................. 45 River Hawkins........................................... 21 Riverhaven Community Birth Center.38 Riverside Lunch....................................... 57 Robertson Electric................................102 Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates................................................113 Rosney Co. Architects............................ 99 Royer Caramanis...................................109 Sadie Frymire........................................... 55 Salon 7 Natural Hair & Braiding Suite.........................................109 Samantha Federico................................. 22 Sarah E. Knight......................................142 Sarisand Tile...........................................102 Sasha Tripp..............................................111 Saunders-Monticello Trail..................... 45 Selvedge Brewing.................................... 57 Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital... 38 Serenity Nails & Spa.............................109 Service Dogs of Virginia......................111 Shakespeare on the Lawn.................... 23 Shannon Huntzberry............................. 43 Sharon Shapiro........................................ 21 Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters...... 58 Shenanigans...........................................145 Sherry Taylor............................................ 22 Sidetracks Music..................................... 89 Signature Medical Spa.........................109 Silver Lining Day Spa...........................109 Sissy Spacek.............................................. 22 Skooma....................................................... 83 Skyline Brick...........................................109

SOCA..........................................................142 Southern Development Homes........107 Southern Environmental Law Center...............................................109 Speak! Language Center.....................145 St. Anne’s-Belfield School...................145 Stephanie Gross Photography..........110 Stephen Basic........................................... 43 Steve Rappaport...................................... 22 Stinson Vineyards................................... 69 “Stitch Please”......................................... 23 Story House Real Estate......................111 Streamline Plumbing...........................110 Stushek Design......................................109 SugarBear Gourmet Ice Cream........... 59 Sun Painting............................................107 SunDay Solar..........................................113 T&N Printing...........................................102 Tacos Gomez......................................59, 69 Tavola.....................................58, 63, 67, 69 Taylor Associates...................................113 Taylor Smith.............................................. 38 Ten................................................................ 69 Teresa Harris............................................ 45 The Alley Light...................................57, 69 The Beautiful Idea................................... 25 The Bebedero........................................... 58 The Bloom Trio.......................................124 The Brow House....................................102 The Catering Outfit...............................124 The Cleaning Company.......................101 The Dogwood Tree.................................. 83 The Doyle Hotel....................................... 25 The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia............................. 22 The Front Porch..............................19, 142 The Hidden Leaf...................................... 83 The Ivy Inn..........................................58, 69 The Jefferson Theater............................ 22 The Looking Glass................................... 19 The Paramount Theater........................ 21 The Point Church..................................110 The Prom................................................... 22 The Rainbow Disco................................. 23 The Red Lantern...................................... 57 The Scrappy Elephant.................................. ............................................19, 86, 102, 141 The Southern Cafe & Music Hall........ 22 The Virginia Shop.............................83, 89 The Whiskey Jar...................................... 69 The Women’s Initiative.......................... 41 The Wool Factory..................................129

Three Cheers Marketing.....................109 Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery.........................................57, 141 Tiger Solar...............................................113 Tim Robinson.........................................107 Timberwood Grill.................................... 67 Ting............................................................109 Ting Pavilion............................................. 22 Tips & Toes..............................................109 Tom Tom Festival..................................... 21 Top Notch................................................101 Tourterelle Floral Design....................124 Towe Insurance Service Inc...............107 Trader Joe’s............................................... 83 Travis Koshko............................................ 22 Triple C Camp.........................................145 Trivia with Olivia...................................... 25 tru PILATES................................................ 45 Tuel Jewelers............................................ 86 Twice Is Nice....................................89, 102 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville........110 UVA Community Credit Union..................................................99, 109 UVA Health Audiology........................... 38 Vanessa Bullard....................................... 45 Violet Crown Charlottesville................ 23 Virginia Discovery Museum........22, 141 Virginia Film Festival.............................. 21 Vitae Spirits Distillery............................ 63 Vivace.......................................................... 63 VMDO Architects..................................... 99 W.E. Brown, Inc...........................102, 110 Walnut Creek Park.................................. 43 Walsh’s Remodeling.............................111 Wayne Fusco............................................. 38 Wayside Takeout & Catering................ 59 We Are Star Children.............................. 19 Wegmans................................................... 83 Well Room................................................. 45 “Well, That Was Awkward”.................. 23 Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge.......................................... 99 Whimsies.................................................141 Whisper Hill Farm................................... 58 Whole Strength........................................ 45 Wildrock................................141, 142, 145 Wilkinson Wealth Management.......113 Women in Motion Physical Therapy & Wellness................................ 45 Women’s Four Miler............................... 41 Yady’s Alterations..................................113 151

Bridal - Makeup - Custom Color Weddings - Salon 434.207.2121 annierighton@gmail.com AnnieRightonStyling annierightonstyling

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MATT RILEY / UVA COMMUNICATIONS

BEST FOR LAST

A REAL HOOS WHO UVA gave two of its all-time greats the ultimate honor this year: their very own portraits. Journalist and class of ’79 grad Katie Couric—yes, that Katie Couric—now smiles from the walls of Clemons Library, not far from her old Lawn room where she once wrangled undergrads as an RA. And towering over Newcomb Hall (in spirit, at least) is hoops legend Ralph Sampson, class of ’83, whose dominance on the court made him a three-time National Player of the Year and a Charlottesville icon. The new portraits aren’t just nods to fame—they’re love letters to two Wahoos who left their mark, made history, and never forgot where it all began. 154

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