LIFE + CULTURE
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AUTO + MARINE
SMART TIPS FOR SAFE TRAVEL
FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES
MIDYEAR MONEY RESET
Medicine, Reimagined as a Relationship
At Rivanna Concierge Physicians, we've removed the barriers between you and your doctor. By intentionally limiting our practice size, we ensure you are always the priority.
Experience unhurried appointments that start on time, direct access to your physician after hours for emergencies, and comprehensive primary care focused on your health priorities.
Personalized care that fits your life.
Experience the New Standard in Family Medicine. For more information, call (434) 307-0268.
Rivanna Concierge Physicians www.Rivannaconcierge.com
630 Peter Jefferson Pkwy, Ste. 135 Charlottesville, VA 22911
Drs. W. Paige & Michael McClincy
The Explore Issue
As the warm weather continues into the heart of summer, July invites us to stay curious and discover what’s waiting beyond the familiar. For this Explore issue, we’re highlighting people, places, and ideas that encourage us to try something new, revisit something old, or simply see our community and region from a different perspective.
Inside, you’ll find inspiration for summer travel that begins before you ever turn the key. A local automotive expert shares practical advice for preparing for the miles ahead, with insight into the maintenance checks, overlooked details, and smart technology that can help make summer road trips safer, smoother, and far less stressful.
July 2026
PUBLISHER
James Lisowski | james.lisowski@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brooke Adams, Jim Carpenter, David Deal, John Flick, Trevor Joppich, Madison Patterson, Reagan Samuels, Kristian Summerer, Arnel Gonce Photography, Billie Wheeler/Visit Abingdon, Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, Gadsby's Tavern, JLCH
Marketing, Jordan Kate Photography, Kori Price Photography, Moments Unfold Studios, Michie Tavern
We also explore what it means to check in with ourselves in a different way through a thoughtful conversation about finances midway through the year. With summer spending, shifting priorities, and long-term goals all competing for attention, this first of a series feature offers a reminder that progress doesn’t require perfection, only the willingness to pause, reassess, and move forward with intention.
For those inspired to hit the road, we take a journey into Virginia’s story through some of the Commonwealth’s oldest gathering places. These spaces have welcomed travelers, witnessed history, and evolved over centuries while continuing to offer memorable experiences today. It’s a look at the places where hospitality, storytelling, and history still intersect in meaningful ways.
We’re also sharing a look at the energy, music, and community that came together at Rooster Walk 2026. Through photos, we capture moments that reflect why events like this continue to bring people back year after year.
Together, these stories celebrate exploration in all its forms, whether that means discovering new destinations, gaining a fresh perspective, reconnecting with goals, or immersing yourself in experiences that leave a lasting impression.
As always, this issue is made possible by the people who open their doors, share their stories, support local businesses, and spend time with these pages each month. Thank you for exploring alongside us. We’re glad to have you here.
JAMES LISOWSK, PUBLISHER @CHARLOTTESVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Center for Nonprofit Excellence's Day of Learning. 2: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Bay Ridge Private Wealth & Partners. 3: Participants learning more about the new pedestrian bridge at the "Stepping With the CEO" event. 4: The Cast of Twelfth Night, ASC, 2026. 5: The first Annual Charlottesville Filipino Spring Festival. 6: The GO Cook training program graduation. 7: Isabel Lee Rodin as Olivia in Bold Stroke For a Husband, ASC, 2026.
CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
REAGAN SAMUELS
MADISON PATTERSON
MADISON
business monthly
Where
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over a century of serving Charlottesville, every member of our team is a Virginia licensed optician having the knowledge required to ensure your eyewear meets or exceeds the standards of the Commonwealth of Virginia. We take the time to get to know you, making every appointment feel personal and focused entirely on you.
High-Tech Precision for Your Perfect Pair
In the ever-evolving world of high-end eyewear, the bridge between a beautiful frame and a perfect visual experience is precision. That’s why Proper Focus Optical is thrilled to spotlight the Spark AI digital measuring device, which captures your unique facial measurements with unparalleled sub-millimeter accuracy. Paired with the unrivaled skill of Proper Focus Optical’s opticians, it ensures a high-tech tailoring experience for eyewear that looks spectacular and performs at the highest possible level of optical excellence. ProperFocusOptical.com
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Expanding Service, Investing in Community
Nest Home Services is excited to continue growing throughout Central Virginia while expanding our plumbing, gas, and HVAC services for homeowners and businesses. In addition to serving our community, we are also investing in the future of the skilled trades through local apprenticeship opportunities and the newly formed Nest Foundation For the Trades. We remain committed to delivering professional, reliable service and quality craftsmanship on every project. NestHomeServices.net
Photography by James Lisowski
Photography by Jordan Kate Photography
Comprehensive Care, Personal Connection
At Rivanna Concierge Physicians, care is centered on relationships, not rushed appointments. Built around a smaller practice model, the team offers thoughtful, personalized care with physicians who take time to listen, know their patients, and remain accessible when needed. With an emphasis on continuity, trust, and comprehensive care, Rivanna Concierge Physicians is bringing a more connected approach to medicine and is currently accepting a limited number of patients. RivannaConcierge.com
Photography by Arnel Gonce Photography
Ready for the Road
Smart and stress-free travel starts with a well-prepared vehicle.
Summer is the prime season for road-tripping, but for the smoothest and safest vacation, drivers should make sure their vehicles are ready for the miles ahead. Shawn Roberts, General Manager of Volvo Cars of Charlottesville, gives some expert tips on how to prepare for a long drive.
BEFORE HEADING OUT ON A SUMMER ROAD TRIP, WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS DRIVERS SHOULD CHECK ON THEIR VEHICLES?
Before any long summer drive, drivers should focus on the basics that affect safety and reliability most. That includes checking tire pressures and tread depth, engine oil level, coolant levels, brakes, battery health, windshield wipers, and all exterior lights. Summer heat puts extra strain on tires and cooling systems, so it’s especially important to make sure the vehicle isn’t overdue for maintenance. I also recommend checking that the spare tire, jack, and emergency kit are in good condition before leaving. A quick inspection before the trip can prevent a much bigger problem on the road.
WHAT’S ONE MAINTENANCE ISSUE PEOPLE COMMONLY OVERLOOK THAT CAN TURN INTO A MAJOR PROBLEM ON A LONG DRIVE?
Spare tires. People should double-check the tire pressure in the spare and be sure
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
they have all the tools and jack present to be able to change the tire. Oftentimes, spare tires get overlooked, and many times I have seen spares that are flat in the trunk when needed. This can turn your trip into a nightmare.
TIRES PLAY A HUGE ROLE IN ROAD TRIP SAFETY. WHAT SHOULD DRIVERS KNOW ABOUT TIRE PRESSURE, TREAD, AND OVERALL TIRE HEALTH BEFORE TRAVELING?
Tires are one of the most important safety components on any vehicle because they’re the only part actually touching the road. Drivers should check tire pressure when the tires are cold and make sure it matches the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, not the maximum number listed on the tire itself. Underinflated tires can overheat in summer temperatures, reduce fuel economy, and increase the risk of blowouts.
Tread depth matters too, especially in summer storms where hydroplaning can become a serious hazard. If the tire tread is getting low or the wear is uneven, the tires should be inspected before traveling. Drivers should also look for cracks, bulges, or signs of dry rot, especially on older tires that may still have tread left but are aging out.
MODERN VEHICLES HAVE SO MUCH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY BUILT IN. WHICH FEATURES CAN MAKE ROAD TRIPS SAFER, EASIER, OR MORE COMFORTABLE FOR FAMILIES?
Modern safety and driver-assist technology can make a huge difference on long trips. Features like adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, blindspot monitoring, lane-keeping assist,
forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking can help reduce driver fatigue and improve awareness on the highway.
For families, systems like rear-seat reminders, built-in navigation with live traffic updates, 360-degree cameras, and smartphone integration also make traveling easier and less stressful. Even something as simple as a good driver-assistance package can make long-distance driving more comfortable and safer, especially during heavy summer traffic.
HOW CAN DRIVERS TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A QUICK FIX THEY CAN HANDLE THEMSELVES AND A SIGN THEY SHOULD BRING THE VEHICLE TO A PROFESSIONAL BEFORE TRAVELING?
Simple maintenance items like topping off washer fluid, replacing wiper blades, checking tire pressure, or changing an air filter are usually manageable for a lot of drivers. But if the vehicle is showing warning lights, making unusual noises, vibrating, overheating, leaking fluid, or pulling while driving, those are signs it should be inspected professionally before a long trip.
A good rule is that if the issue affects braking, steering, tires, engine temperature, or drivability, it’s worth having it checked by a technician before getting on the highway. It’s always better to deal with a repair proactively than risk a breakdown hours from home.
IF YOU COULD GIVE DRIVERS ONE PIECE OF EXPERT ADVICE TO HELP AVOID BREAKDOWNS AND STRESSFUL TRAVEL DELAYS THIS SUMMER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Don’t wait until the day before your trip to think about maintenance and getting the vehicle to the shop. The best way to avoid breakdowns is to have the vehicle inspected early enough to address problems before they become urgent. Small issues almost always give warning signs first, whether it’s a weak battery, worn tires, low fluids, or unusual sounds. Taking care of those items ahead of time not only improves safety but also makes the trip a lot less stressful when the vehicle is ready to go and has been assessed days before the trip.
STEP INTO Virginia's Past
A journey through some of Virginia's most storied destinations
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
From the Virginia250 Passport to myriad events around the Commonwealth, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and the role that Virginia played in shaping the country in the 1700s. For one window into the 18th century, consider visiting Virginia’s oldest taverns that hosted prominent Revolutionary figures and served other important functions in the form of banks, hospitals, post offices, schools, bakeries, and more.
1710 TAVERN
As its name suggests, the first portion of this building was erected in 1710, with another portion completed only two years later. It continued to evolve with the construction of its bar, which was completed in the middle of the 18th century.
During its over 300 years of existence, this historic spot has been a tavern, an inn, and even the home of pharmacist Dr. Henley, and, later, preservationist Richard Rennolds. Visitors will find original elements of design as well as updates that bring their own significant character.
In its current form, guests can partake in a dining experience in the award-winning restaurant’s fine dining area or casual outdoor patio with menus that lean into seafood, Southern-style favorites, and locally-sourced ingredients. Or, settle in at the bar to sip on seasonal, hand-crafted beverages and George Washington’s alleged favorite cocktail, the Cherry Bounce. 314 S Water Ln, Tappahannock, VA 22560
HANOVER TAVERN
Since 1733, travelers, stagecoach passengers, courthouse visitors, and locals have gathered at Hanover Tavern. Today’s building took shape in phases beginning in 1791 and stands as a beautifully preserved reminder of Virginia’s early days.
Musicians at Michie Tavern. Photo courtesy of Michie Tavern. The Tavern. Photo Credit: Billie Wheeler/Visit Abingdon
Along the way, the Tavern welcomed guests including Patrick Henry, George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, Charles Dickens, and many others. Patrick Henry even worked there in his youth, greeting guests, tending bar, and sharpening the public speaking skills that would later help shape the nation.
Now visitors can tour the historic property, explore exhibits, enjoy educational programs and performances, dine onsite, and catch live productions in the restored theater space operated in partnership with Virginia Repertory Theatre & Chamberlayne Actors Theatre. 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd, Hanover, VA 23069
People in period dress at Hanover Tavern. Photo Credit: Brooke Adams
Hanover Tavern. Photo Credit: Brooke Adams Michie Tavern in the spring. Photo courtesy of Michie Tavern.
GADSBY’S TAVERN
This tavern in the heart of Old Town Alexandria was established in the late 1700s. Frequented by the likes of John Adams, James Madison, James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington, Gadsby’s consisted of both a tavern and a hotel housed in two buildings.
The former hotel portion of the property now serves as a ballroom and a restaurant, with brunch, lunch, and dinner available in its Colonial-style dining area. Modern menus feature classics that pay homage to Virginia with dishes like Peanut Soup, a French onion soup that incorporates one of George Washington’s preferred wines (Madeira), and a crab macaroni and cheese that serves as a nod toward one of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite foods. Meanwhile, what was a tavern in the spot’s early days is now a museum housing a range of pieces that tell the story of John Gadsby, the hotel, and the tavern.
138 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314
THE TAVERN
Built in 1779, The Tavern has welcomed travelers for nearly 250 years. Originally operating as a tavern and overnight inn for stagecoach passengers heading west, the building became woven into the story of Southwest Virginia while also serving over the years as a post office, bakery, hospital, and gathering place for the community. Visitors included Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and Pierre Charles L’Enfant.
Today, guests can step inside the historic stoneand-timber building for dinner and drinks, settle in beside one of its fireplaces, dine in the courtyard, and experience a setting where centuries of Virginia history still feel remarkably close.
222 E Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
RED FOX INN & TAVERN
Founded in 1728, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern has welcomed travelers for nearly three centuries. Originally known as Chinn’s Ordinary, the inn became an important stop along Virginia’s early travel routes and later witnessed generations of history unfold, serving everyone from colonial travelers to notable cultural figures like Jackie and John F. Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Paul Newman.
Today, visitors can experience that history firsthand in the heart of Middleburg’s Hunt Country. The property blends historic character with modern hospitality through overnight stays, intimate tavern dining, seasonal menus, and relaxed gatherings at the Night Fox Pub. Guests can also stroll the gardens and courtyards or use the inn as a home base for exploring the area’s shops, wineries, and equestrian traditions.
2 E Washington St, Middleburg, VA 20117
Additional Historic Taverns in Virginia to Visit
Looking for more early taverns in Virginia?
Add these to the list.
• Boyd Tavern, 449 Washington St, Boydton, VA 23917
• King’s Arms Tavern, 416 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA
• Rising Sun Tavern, 1304 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• Schwartz Tavern, 111 Tavern St, Blackstone, VA 23824
• Wayside Inn & Larrick’s Tavern, 7783 Main St, Middletown, VA 22645
Note: Not all historic taverns on this list may operate as taverns with restaurants or stays. Some may be preserved as historical properties for observation and/or education purposes.
A meal at Michie Tavern. Photo courtesy of Michie Tavern.
MICHIE TAVERN
Opened in 1784 by Revolutionary War veteran William Michie, Michie Tavern offered travelers a place to eat, rest, and gather in early Albemarle County. Although originally built in northern Albemarle County and later relocated near Monticello in the 1920s, the tavern remains one of Virginia’s most recognizable historic stops and continues to capture the spirit of an 18th-century inn and gathering space.
In its modern form that still reflects its 18th century origins, visitors can enjoy a traditional Southern meal, browse period-inspired shops, and explore historic buildings that bring early Virginia to life. One standout experience is the 1784 Pub, tucked into the oldest section of the tavern, where guests can sip Virginia beer, wine, cider, and mead, enjoy light fare, and even play colonial-era games while soaking up the atmosphere of centuries past.
683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902
1784 Pub at Michie Tavern.
Photo courtesy of Michie Tavern.
Clay Jackson, historian at Michie Tavern. Photo Credit: Jim Carpenter
Michie Tavern. Photo courtesy of Michie Tavern.
EXPLORING FINANCES AT THE HALFWAY POINT
IRON EAGLE ADVISORS' JOHN FLICK GIVES ADVICE FOR MIDYEAR MONEY CHECK-INS.
MIDYEAR IS OFTEN WHEN PEOPLE REALIZE THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS HAVE SHIFTED. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST SURPRISES OR WAKE-UP CALLS YOU SEE CLIENTS EXPERIENCE AROUND THIS TIME OF YEAR?
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Midyear has a way of holding up a mirror. January feels full of possibility, and people set intentions with the best of energy behind them. But by the time May and June roll around, real life has usually intervened in ways
nobody planned for, and that gap between where someone thought they’d be and where they actually are can be jarring.
The most common wake-up call I see is around income. People assume their financial picture will look roughly the same as last year, and then something shifts, a job change, a slow quarter for a business owner, an unexpected expense that quietly drained what was supposed to be going toward savings. When they finally sit down and look at the numbers, the reaction is almost always the same: “I had no idea it had gotten this far.”
The second big surprise tends to come from life events that accelerate faster than expected. A child suddenly applying to colleges. A parent’s health declining. A marriage, a divorce, a new grandchild. These things don’t wait for a convenient moment, and they often carry financial weight that people haven’t prepared for simply because they didn’t feel urgent yet.
I also see a lot of people in their 50s hit a particular kind of reckoning around this time of year. They’ve been working hard, raising families, handling life, and then something makes them do the math on retirement, sometimes for the first time in years. The realization that the window is shorter than they thought is sobering. It doesn’t have to be a crisis, but it does have to be addressed.
What I’ve found is that most people don’t lack the desire to do better with their finances. They lack a clear, structured conversation where someone actually helps them look at the full picture, income, protection, savings, long-term goals, and walks them through what the numbers are really saying. Midyear is actually a wonderful time for that kind of conversation, because there’s still half a year left to make meaningful adjustments before December arrives, and the moment has passed again.
The families and working people I sit with are often surprised to discover that getting organized isn’t nearly as complicated as they feared. The hardest part, almost always, is simply starting.
SUMMER OFTEN BRINGS VACATIONS, CAMPS, WEDDINGS, AND EXTRA SPENDING. HOW CAN FAMILIES ENJOY THE SEASON WITHOUT COMPLETELY DERAILING THEIR LONG-TERM GOALS?
Summer is one of those seasons that has a way of arriving with a full social calendar and a spending pace that nobody quite planned for. Weddings, family trips, kids home from school, graduation parties, weekend getaways, none of these things are bad. In fact, they’re the stuff of a life well lived. But they have a tendency to quietly add up in ways that catch people off guard when they check their accounts in September.
The good news is that enjoying summer and staying on track financially are not mutually exclusive. They just require a little intentionality ahead of time rather than a lot of regret afterward.
The most practical thing a family can do is simply acknowledge that summer is a heavier spending season
John Flick. Photo courtesy of John Flick.
and build that into their expectations. Most financial stress around this time of year doesn’t come from the spending itself. It comes from the gap between what people expected to spend and what they actually spent. Closing that gap starts with an honest conversation, even a brief one, where the family looks at what’s coming up in the next few months and puts rough numbers to it. A trip, two weddings, a few weeks of camp.
When you can see it laid out, it stops being a vague anxiety and becomes something you can actually plan around.
I also encourage people to think about the difference between one-time summer costs and the habits that quietly persist. The vacation rental is a known expense. But the increased dining out, the impulse purchases, the little conveniences that pile up when schedules are looser, and routines are disrupted, those often do more long-term damage than the big planned event ever did. Awareness is the first line of defense there.
For families with longer-term goals, whether that’s saving for a home, building retirement assets, or funding education, the most important thing is to protect the automatic behaviors. Keep the contributions going. Keep the savings transfers happening. Let summer spending flex around those commitments rather than the other way around. When people start pausing the automatic pieces to cover lifestyle expenses, they almost always intend to restart them soon, and soon has a way of becoming never.
One thing I find helpful to remind people is that a single season of higher spending does not ruin a financial plan. What creates real setbacks is when a season becomes a pattern, and when short-term enjoyment consistently takes priority over long-term security without anyone consciously choosing that tradeoff. The families who navigate this well are not the ones who never spend on summer. They’re the ones who spend with some awareness of the
bigger picture and make deliberate choices rather than just reactive ones.
Summer should be enjoyed. The goal is to arrive at fall with good memories and an intact financial foundation, and with a little planning upfront, both of those things are genuinely possible.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE READERS TO KNOW:
We live in a genuinely remarkable age of financial information. There is more of it available, more freely, than at any point in human history. You can find a podcast, a YouTube channel, a Reddit thread, or a self-proclaimed guru willing to tell you exactly what to do with your money at any hour of the day or night. Some of it is quite good. A lot of it is confidently delivered and completely wrong. And almost none of it knows anything about your specific life.
That last point is the one that gets lost in the noise. The internet is exceptional
at general information and nearly useless at personal advice. A strategy that makes perfect sense for a 28-year-old with no dependents and a high risk tolerance can be genuinely harmful for a 52-year-old business owner with three kids approaching college and a retirement timeline that just got a lot more real. Context is everything in financial planning, and context is exactly what the online world cannot provide.
The people I have seen make the most consistent, meaningful progress over time are almost never the ones following the boldest strategy they found online. They are the ones doing something that sounds considerably less exciting: spending within their means, saving consistently, staying invested through uncomfortable moments, reviewing their plan regularly, and keeping their financial lives organized and protected.
This is the first installment in a summer financial series from John Glick.
CURVES, CULTURE, AND Quiet Beauty
Ride, relax, and uncover Southwest Virginia's hidden experiences
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
If your ideal Virginia getaway includes winding mountain roads, unforgettable scenery, small-town charm, and experiences that feel a little off the beaten path, Tazewell deserves a spot on your list. Tucked into Southwest Virginia, this corner of the Commonwealth invites visitors to slow down, stay awhile, and explore.
For many travelers, the journey begins with the Back of the Dragon, Virginia’s only designated motorcycle route and one of the region’s most talked-about scenic drives. Stretching 32 miles along Route 16 between Tazewell and Marion with hundreds of curves, it’s a bucket-list ride for motorcyclists who come for the twists, elevation changes, and mountain views. But you don’t need two wheels to enjoy it. Drivers will find just as much to love in the dramatic overlooks, changing landscapes, and, most notably, the sweeping Appalachian scenery. It’s the kind of road where the destination almost becomes secondary to the experience of getting there.
Once you arrive in town, continue the theme at Back of the Dragon Brewery, which has become a natural gathering place for riders and other visitors. Stop in for a locally crafted beer, coffee, or food, and relax after a day on the road. Visitors can also browse themed merchandise and soak up the energy that has made the route such a destination. Even if you never touch a motorcycle, the atmosphere makes it easy to understand why so many make this a destination.
Travelers can also make their way to The Happy Goat, an award-winning downtown favorite known for slicing meats fresh to order and creating sandwiches that have earned a loyal following. It’s approachable, welcoming, and exactly the kind of local spot that's perfect to stumble across in a quaint and cozy downtown.
From there, trade curves for calm with a tranquil visit to Burke’s Garden, affectionately known as God’s Thumbprint. This remarkable landscape is home to Virginia’s highest valley and one of its most distinctive natural features -- a nearly circular valley completely surrounded by a continuous mountain ridge.
The drive into Burke’s Garden feels like discovering a hidden world. Rolling farmland, open skies, quiet roads, and a slower pace create an experience that feels removed from everyday life. Spend time taking in the views and enjoying the rare feeling of being somewhere that remains largely untouched.
To better understand the region’s story, make time for the Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine & Museum, Tazewell County’s only National Historic Landmark. Opened in 1882, the mine offers
Events Worth a Visit
visitors an opportunity to explore the industry that helped shape Southwest Virginia and fueled growth in the area and beyond. Guided tours and museum exhibits bring the area’s mining heritage to life in a way that feels immersive and strongly connected to the area.
History lovers can also explore Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park, Southwest Virginia’s premier cultural heritage center, where exhibits, artifacts, and preserved spaces offer a look at the people and traditions that shaped the region. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can venture toward the Clinch River Basin for opportunities to enjoy fishing, wildlife, and paddling. Near Burke’s Garden, Cavitt’s Creek Park and Lake Witten offer many acres for picnicking, walking, and slowing down after a scenic drive, while Lincolnshire Park is another easygoing outdoor stop.
Back in town, Tazewell’s inviting downtown ties everything together with mountain views, local shops, stays, dining, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to turn a day trip into a weekend.
Ride into the Rt16 Rally and Music Festival, experience summer community events, enjoy monthly Fourth Friday celebrations, catch old-time traditions at the Annual Tazewell County Old Time & Bluegrass Fiddlers’ Convention, browse fall fun at Burke’s Garden Fall Festival, or visit during the Tazewell County Fair, which the county boasts as the longest continuously running fair of its kind in all of Virginia.
Burke's Garden.
Merchandise at the store in Back of the Dragon Brewery.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Waldera
Signage in Burke's Garden.
Photo Credit: Trevor Joppich
Mural on Main Street in Tazewell. Photo Credit: Jennifer Waldera
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
FESTIVAL SPIRIT IN FOCUS
Capturing the spirit of Rooster Walk 2026
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JAMES LISOWSKI
Rooster Walk 2026 featured over 45 bands across six stages at Pop’s Farm in Martinsville, Virginia. Highlights included headliners St. Paul & The Broken Bones and moe., along with standout performances from Dumpstaphunk, Kitchen Dwellers, Keller Williams, Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, and many more.
Part music festival and part charitable mission, the 16th annual event delivered another unforgettable Memorial Day weekend. Despite the rain, the crowd remained enthusiastic, and the festival's spirit stayed high. A little rain never stopped a rooster from crowing, and 2026 proved it once again.
1. Paul Janeway of St. Paul and the Broken Bones 2. Festival attendees enjoying Bubbles by the Burg! 3. Al Schnier of moe. doing what he does best
4. Browan Lollar of St. Paul and the Broken Bones 5. The ultimate fine, I’ll do it myself energy of Keller Williams 6. Hannah capturing the spirt of Rooster Walk 7. Andrew Trongone of Yarn 1.
A More Strategic Approach To Home Financing
A mortgage is more than a rate quote. I help clients structure financing around their broader financial goals, from liquidity and investment strategy.
“We spoke with several other lenders at the start of our home search, and chose to go with Fulton specifically because of Reid’s professionalism, responsiveness, and clarity of communication.”
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Reid Thompson NMLS #827591
1769 B Worth Park 22911 (901) 830-6827 www.fultonbank.com/Personal/Mortgages www.linkedin.com/in/reid-e-thompson
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THROUGH JULY 12TH
Susan McAlister: On the Way
Les Yeux du Monde, 841 Wolf Trap Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Explore the relationship between land, history, and change at “On the Way”, a solo exhibition of new work by longtime artist Susan McAlister at Les Yeux du Monde. Inspired in part by the writings of Wendell Berry, the collection reflects on how landscapes carry traces of the past while continually evolving. LYDMGallery.com
WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY, THROUGH JULY 31ST
Jefferson Remembers the Declaration
Monticello, 1050 Monticello Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with “Jefferson Remembers the Declaration” at Monticello. This onehour guided theatrical experience invites guests inside the historic home for an encounter with Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by acclaimed interpreter Bill Barker, reflecting on the ideals, complexities, and enduring legacy of the Declaration in the place where those ideas took shape. Monticello.org
JULY 3RD
Orange County Music Fest at Montpelier
11350 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station, VA 22957 | 4 PM (Gates will open at 9 AM for tours and exploration)
Celebrate Independence weekend at the Orange Music Festival at Montpelier on July 3. Set on the historic grounds of James Madison’s estate, this outdoor event combines live country music, local food and drinks, and a festival atmosphere in honor of America’s and Virginia’s 250th anniversaries. Settle in for an evening of summer music under the Virginia sky. Montpelier.org
JULY 24TH
Veritas Vineyards and Winery Supper Series -- July
151 Veritas Ln, Afton, VA 22920 | 6:30 PM
Veritas continues its Supper Series by raising a glass to America’s 250th, featuring Southern cuisine at this month’s event. Enjoy a memorable evening of wine-paired dishes prepared by the winery’s in-house culinary team and led by Executive Chef Andy Shipman. VeritasWines.com
JULY 30TH
VMFA Art on the Road at The Center at Belvedere
540 Belvedere Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA 22901
On July 30, “VMFA on the Road” brings the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ traveling exhibition to Charlottesville. Featuring 14 works from the museum’s collection, the exhibition explores 250 years of American ideals through paintings, prints, and decorative arts that reflect on the meaning of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. VMFA.museum
JULY 31ST
Summer Somm Tomato Dinner
Boar’s Head Resort, 200 Ednam Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903 | 6:00 PM
Celebrate peak summer flavor at the Summer Tomato Dinner at Boar's Head Resort on July 31. This seasonal wine-paired dining experience highlights Virginia’s signature summer ingredient through a chef-driven menu paired with the relaxed elegance and scenic setting the resort is known for. BoarsHeadResort.com
