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LIFE + CULTURE WALK THROUGH HISTORY
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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.
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630 Peter Jefferson Pkwy, Ste. 135 Charlottesville, VA 22911
Drs. W. Paige & Michael McClincy
The Gentlemen's Issue
This June, we’re turning our focus to the men who are building businesses, shaping experiences, and leaving a lasting mark on our community. The stories in this issue reflect a shared commitment to craft, consistency, and showing up with purpose every day.
Inside, you’ll meet a local business owner who has grown something meaningful from the ground up and made a positive impact on one of our area’s most historic structures. What began out of necessity has evolved into a company known for precision, discipline, and a reputation built on trust -- proving that consistency and care still matter.
We also step into a retail space where service is personal and style is thoughtfully curated. Here, tradition meets a modern perspective, creating an experience that feels refined, welcoming, and rooted in lasting relationships.
You’ll also spend time with a guide whose work brings Virginia’s history into sharper focus. Through conversation, storytelling, and a deep well of knowledge, he creates experiences that feel engaging, personal, and unexpectedly memorable.
And in the kitchen, you’ll discover a culinary entrepreneur who is sharing culture in a way that feels both accessible and intentional. His work reflects a desire to connect people -- through flavor, story, and experiences.
Together, these stories reflect a shared mindset -- one of dedication and a belief in building something that lasts. They speak to the many ways men in this community are creating, leading, preserving, and contributing to the character of Charlottesville.
This issue, as always, comes together thanks to the people willing to share their journeys, the partners who support our work, and the readers who continue to engage with it. It’s a privilege to tell these stories and to be part of a community that values them.
JAMES LISOWSKI, PUBLISHER @CHARLOTTESVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
Correction: In the May issue of Charlottesville City Lifestyle, the prior website for Proper Focus Optical was printed in the Event section. Instead, it should have been listed as ProperFocusOptical.com . We apologize for the error.
June 2026
PUBLISHER
James Lisowski | james.lisowski@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rick Britton, Victoria Britton, Rick Hamm, Trevor Joppich, Anna Kariel, Kellie Sauls, Jim Still-Pepper, Don Sankey, Jamie Waller, Pearl Island, Visit Abingdon, Amy Nicole Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at
inside the issue
18 20 24 18
Painting with Purpose
Charles Davis shares how preparation, skill, and discipline shape every Piedmont Paint & Finish project, including Monticello.
Classic, Refined, Personal
James Bower Jr. brings S.H. Franklin to Charlottesville, combining classic tailoring, curated collections, and a relationship-driven approach to personal style.
A Culinary Mission Rooted in Culture and Community
Sober Pierre, the entrepreneur behind Pearl Island Catering and Pearl Island Cafe, shares his journey bringing Caribbean flavor to Charlottesville.
Rick Britton shares Virginia’s past through personalized tours shaped by storytelling, research, and connection.
At Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic, our passion lies in delivering exceptional, ethical veterinary care for pets and their humans. We seamlessly blend top-tier medical knowledge and surgical expertise with low-stress techniques and a friendly, down-to-earth approach to solve your pet’s health concerns. From wellness to complex care, we’re here for all your pet’s needs. Let our compassionate team help you navigate the journey with confidence.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Locals and visitors enjoy touring and learning about homes and gardens throughout Albemarle County and the Town of Orange during Historic Garden Week. Sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia and started in 1927, the annual statewide event is the only one of its kind in the U.S.
Photography by Jennifer Waldera
business monthly
Premium Plumbing With a Personal, Local Touch
Sunwave Plumbing is a locally owned residential plumbing company based in Charlottesville, focused on delivering a premium, reliable service experience -- not just fixing pipes, but restoring peace of mind in the home. Over the past few years, Sunwave has grown rapidly by focusing on craftsmanship, hospitality, and developing the next generation of skilled plumbers through in-house training systems and is continuing to invest in better service for homeowners in 2026, including improved online booking and even faster response times. SunwavePlumbing.com
Where Relationships Drive the Experience
Family-owned, with deep local roots and part of Carter Myers Automotive’s 100-year legacy, Volvo Cars of Charlottesville is known for its warm, low-pressure environment that respects clients’ time and its full-service, concierge-style ownership experience. Established through a trusted relationship with a Charlottesville family, relationships still define the business today. The long-tenured team at CMA's Volvo Cars of Charlottesville is proud to serve Charlottesville’s professional and philanthropic community and was the recipient of the Volvo Excellence Award in 2022. VolvoCarsCharlottesville.com
Experience Matters in a Complex Real Estate Market
The current real estate market is not for the faint of heart. We are seeing a unique combination of factors: selective buyers, increased inventory in some segments, continued competition in others, and pricing that requires precision. This is where experience matters. An experienced agent understands how to read the micro-markets within our area, not just the headlines. This is not the market to take risks; contact Jamie Waller to have an expert on your side. LoringWoodriff.com
Photography by Amy Nicole Photography
Photography by Don Sankey
Photography by Jamie Waller
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA KARIEL
Painting with Purpose
Charles Davis shares how preparation, skill, and discipline shape every Piedmont Paint & Finish project, including Monticello.
As our country approaches its 250th anniversary, Charlottesville City Lifestyle spoke with Charles Davis, the owner of Piedmont Paint & Finish, about the company's work at Monticello, as well as its background working throughout the area.
Piedmont Paint & Finish has built a strong reputation across Central Virginia -- how did the business get its start, and how has it evolved over the years?
I moved to Charlottesville in 2005 with a college degree and couldn’t get a job. So I went back to painting. Then I had a family, and it stopped being optional -- I had to make it work. That pressure forced consistency, discipline, and growth. Over time, we built a real company with systems, a strong team, and multiple divisions. What started as a way to get by turned into something we’re genuinely proud of.
You work on everything from residential homes to large-scale projects. What defines your approach to craftsmanship and quality, no matter the size of the job?
Every good paint job comes down to three things: prep, product knowledge,
and application. If any one of those is off, the job fails. We don’t sell paint -- we sell peace of mind. The goal is that the client never has to think about it again once we’re done.
This year, you completed the repainting of the main residence at Monticello. Can you walk us through how that opportunity came about?
We’ve worked with the Thomas Jefferson Foundation for years and have been involved in multiple projects at Monticello. The main residence is typically maintained by a highly specialized restoration team, so we hadn’t worked on it directly before. This year, with the full repaint tied to the country’s 250th anniversary, they needed a larger, commercially experienced team to support the effort. We’ve become their go-to painting contractor, so we were brought in. We were excited -- and honored -- to be part of it.
What made the Monticello project especially meaningful or unique compared to your other work?
Monticello is basically America’s house. Outside of the White House or maybe Mount Vernon, there’s not a more
"Monticello is basically America’s house... Being trusted with that is a serious honor."
Monticello, painted by Piedmont Paint & Finish. Photo Credit: Anna Kariel
recognized or historically important residence in the country. Being trusted with that is a serious honor.
When working on a historic property of that caliber, what additional considerations come into play in terms of materials, techniques, or preservation?
One of the biggest constraints was working during operating hours. Monticello is open to the public constantly, so our crews had to be highly aware of guests and maintain a professional
presence at all times. That’s not easy on a project of that scale. Our team handled it extremely well -- we received consistent positive feedback and had zero complaints.
Monticello is such a symbolic site, especially as the country approaches its 250th anniversary -- did that historical weight influence how your team approached the project?
It reinforced the importance of getting everything right. When you’re working on something with that level of visibility
and history, there’s no room for mistakes or shortcuts.
Your team has experience working on older homes and estates. What have those projects taught you about preserving history through craftsmanship?
We know restoration. From washing techniques to handling lead paint, from prep methods to primer selection -- there’s knowledge required at every step. Our management team has over 60 years of combined experience, and that depth shows up in how we approach these projects.
In a trade like painting, where the details truly matter, how do you train your team to maintain consistency and precision across projects?
People underestimate how much actual work goes into painting. It looks easy until you try to do it right. We train our team on process, expectations, and execution. Consistency comes from doing the fundamentals the same way every time.
What do you think people underestimate about professional painting, especially when it comes to preparation, technique, or long-term durability?
They underestimate both the prep and the skill. Painting isn’t just rolling color on a wall; it’s a trade. If it’s done wrong, it fails. If it’s done right, it lasts.
Anything else you’d like readers to know:
We’re quietly the best painting company in Charlottesville, and we’re the best option for painting, finishing, and paint supply. We know paint -- and we stand behind our work.
All Images: Monticello, painted by Piedmont Paint & Finish. Photo Credit: Anna Kariel
By Lee Angelo Marraccini
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES LISOWSKI
James Bower Jr. brings S.H. Franklin to Charlottesville, combining classic tailoring, curated collections, and a relationship-driven approach to personal style.
Classic, Refined,
Personal
In March of this year, S.H. Franklin Menswear opened its doors at The Shops at Stonefield. At the new men’s shop, the experience begins the moment you walk through the door, and that’s entirely by design.
“The experience [at S.H. Franklin Menswear] is going to be something you’re not going to see at a lot of other places, but it’s something you’re always going to remember,” said James Bower Jr., president of the company. “There’s no way this business would be doing as well without Joshua as manager, as well as Kevin and Courtney. You feel like you’re in someone’s home.”
James Bower Jr., President of S.H. Franklin Menswear. Photo Credit: James Lisowski
That sense of welcome is rooted in more than service -- it’s part of a legacy. The S.H. Franklin name dates back to 1888, when Samuel Howell Franklin built a reputation in Lynchburg, Virginia, for refined menswear and personalized service. While that location lasted for almost a century, the brand carries forward those same standards today.
For Bower, bringing that legacy to Charlottesville felt like a natural next step. “The market could support what we’re doing. We’re offering anything from clothes for teenagers to people in their nineties,” he said. “The reception has been absolutely phenomenal.”
Inside, the offering is intentionally curated -- pieces are sourced from Italy, Spain, Portugal, and across North America. “The quality of our goods is different than what you find at typical chain stores,” Bower said.
“They will last a lifetime.”
But what truly defines the shop is its approach to people. “We meet our guests where they are,” he explained. “If you’re just starting out, we make sure you have your basics covered. If you’ve been in your career for years, we meet you there.”
That balance of tradition and individuality is central to the store’s mission. “Traditional style never goes out of style,” Bower said. “If you want something classic, we have it. If you want something more fashion-forward, we have that too.”
For Bower, clothing is ultimately about confidence and connection. “When you walk into a room, your clothing speaks before you even say a word,” he said.
Looking ahead, the vision extends beyond retail. “Nothing that lasts doesn’t have an aspect of community involved,” Bower says. “We want to be ingrained in Charlottesville, where we sponsor events, we help people, and we are involved in what Charlottesville is.”
University of Virginia menswear at S.H. Franklin Menswear in Charlottesville. Photo Credit: James Lisowski
Kevin Parks, Joshua Vance, and Courtney Bryant at S.H. Franklin Menswear. Photo Credit: James Lisowski
ROOTED IN CULTURE AND COMMUNITY A CULINARY MISSION
CAN YOU TAKE US BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF PEARL ISLAND?
Pearl Island started from my desire to connect more with my culture. Growing up HaitianAmerican, I grew up with a significant amount of my upbringing being Haitian (my parents, food, music, family friends, communication via cassette tape before long-distance phone calls became more affordable from family members overseas, etc). However, I also gained an American identity through school, friends, television (which helped me learn English), etc. My desire to connect more grew over time as I gained a better understanding of the challenges being experienced by family members and others in Haiti. When I came to Charlottesville to start my entrepreneurial journey, I realized how underrepresented Caribbean cuisine was, especially in a way that captures the diversity of the Caribbean.
My goal has always been to make the flavors of the Caribbean more accessible. Ideally, in a packaged form that makes the cooking experience simple and enjoyable right from the kitchen cabinet. This is an opportunity to offer a scalable way to share the diverse cultures of the Caribbean through food.
Sober Pierre, the entrepreneur behind Pearl Island Catering and Pearl Island Cafe, shares his journey bringing Caribbean flavor to Charlottesville.
YOU FOUNDED PEARL ISLAND FOODS IN 2013 -- WHAT DID THOSE EARLY DAYS LOOK LIKE, AND HOW HAS THE BUSINESS EVOLVED SINCE THEN?
The early days were lean and hands-on. We catered small events and set up at as many festivals as possible. The various markets set up by the City of Charlottesville throughout the week were critical to our early success. The City Market was a great environment to test recipes, receive feedback in real time, and understand our customers.
Since then, we’ve grown into something more structured and intentional. We’ve expanded our offerings and services a bit, refined our brand, and started thinking about how we scale the accessibility of our offerings. The mission stayed the same -- the execution is getting sharper.
WHO IS PART OF THE TEAM AT PEARL ISLAND?
At the core, it’s still very personal. Family plays a significant role, but we have onboarded and retained good team members over the years. Collectively, we are on the same page as it relates to our mission and executing at a high level.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
YOUR MISSION CENTERS AROUND MAKING CARIBBEAN CUISINE MORE ACCESSIBLE -- WHY WAS THAT SO IMPORTANT TO YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT VISION SHAPED THE BRAND?
Caribbean food is generally assigned to an island or two. However, I would also like to explore and share the flavors of the other islands, with Haiti being near and dear to me. This is especially important because Haitian food is often overlooked due to its ongoing economic and political instability. I would like to liberate the beauty of an island that has a powerful history. Make it something people could approach without hesitation, without feeling like it’s unfamiliar territory.
That’s shaped everything -- our commitment to help eliminate food insecurity, intentional packaging of products, and how we tell our story. It’s about honoring cultural traditions while making space for new audiences to engage with us.
WHAT’S BEEN A MOMENT THAT MADE YOU FEEL LIKE, “THIS IS REALLY WORKING”?
The City Market was the incubation space we needed to help us gain awareness and to prove we had something people wanted. It was always rewarding when people would circle back after buying a platter to let us know how much they enjoyed their meal. I truly felt we made the connection when people would share their experiences visiting various Caribbean islands.
PEARL ISLAND STARTED WITH CATERING AND A MARKET PRESENCE BEFORE EXPANDING -- HOW DID THOSE EARLY EXPERIENCES HELP SHAPE WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
Those early experiences taught us adaptability. At markets, you get immediate feedback. You
ROOTED
learn how to connect quickly, how to tell your story in a short interaction.
Catering taught execution -- how to deliver quality at scale while maintaining consistency. Both shaped the foundation of how we operate now -- flexible, customer-focused, and detail-oriented.
YOU’VE EARNED RECOGNITION LIKE WINNING THE TOM TOM FESTIVAL IRON CHEF COMPETITION -- WHAT DID THAT ACHIEVEMENT MEAN FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM?
Winning at the Tom Tom Festival was a strong moment of validation -- not just for the food, but for the culture behind it.
For the team, it showed that what we’re building can stand alongside anything else out there. It gave us momentum, but also reinforced the responsibility to keep raising the standard.
We felt that same pride when our oxtail was selected as the Dish of the Year from Charlottesville29. This was also a rewarding experience because Caribbean flavors are at the base of our cooking.
PEARL ISLAND IS DESCRIBED AS OFFERING NOT JUST FOOD, BUT AN EXPERIENCE -- HOW DO YOU BRING THAT TO LIFE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS?
It’s in the details. The seasoning, the presentation, the energy behind the service.
We want people to feel something -- not just taste something. Whether it’s music, conversation, or the way a dish is introduced, it all contributes to the experience.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT’S NEXT FOR PEARL ISLAND?
We recently moved from the historic Jefferson School City Center to the recently launched
B.E.A.C.O.N Shared Kitchen on Carlton Road. Our goal is to grow in alignment with our initial mission. That is to make the diverse flavors of the Caribbean more accessible. To accomplish this, we are committed to packaging shelf-stable products that can offer those experiences in the comfort of your home. We plan to revisit our roots and bring our offerings to the farmers market. We hope to get a similar experience in terms of customer interaction and, most importantly, customer satisfaction.
SOBER PIERRE ON GIVING BACK
"Charlottesville has been part of this journey from the beginning. We stay connected by showing up -- events, collaborations, food donations, and supporting other local businesses.
Outreach isn’t always formal. We pride ourselves on being present, creating spaces where people feel welcome, and using food as a way to connect."
Top: Wings from Pearl Island. Photo Credit: Pearl Island. Bottom: Pikliz Carribean Coleslaw, produced and bottled by Pearl Island. Photo Credit: Kellie Sauls.
EXPLORING the STORIES of VIRGINIA
Rick Britton shares Virginia’s past through personalized tours shaped by storytelling, research, and connection.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHERS
BY VICTORIA BRITTON AND CONTRIBUTING
On Rick Britton’s Navigator Tours, history comes alive in a way that’s intended to feel personal, engaging, and fun. The award-winning historian creates customized experiences that invite people in, sparking curiosity and connection.
“I would explain [the tours] as immersive, but also a friendly conversation,” Britton said. “I like to stimulate conversations with guests and gauge their level of expertise and interest, which helps me determine what to tell them.”
Britton’s historical knowledge has been shaped over a lifetime. His initial interest was piqued around the time of the Civil War Centennial when his grandmother first introduced him to the history of the war. She sent books and magazines from Richmond while he lived throughout the United States and sometimes spent time in Argentina. What began then has expanded into a strong focus on Virginia’s Piedmont, the Civil War, and the life of Thomas Jefferson, which he has written extensively about.
“Every single tour is different,” Britton said. “I meet people from all over the world… there are different experiences, different questions.” That variety allows him to tailor each experience in real time.
His tours at various historic sites throughout the Commonwealth are layered with both well-known moments and lesser-known facts. “Most people don’t want minute details,” he said. “They want interesting, different, sometimes weird stories -- and those are some of my favorites.” Even after decades of leading tours, he’s still researching, still writing, and still uncovering new pieces to share.
That same dedication shows up in his work as a cartographer. Inspired by 19th-century maps, Britton taught himself to draw them by hand, an increasingly rare craft. “There’s hardly anybody
Tour group. Photo credit: Victoria Britton
Manassas National Battlefield Park.
else who is drawing maps for publication these days,” he said, noting that his work has been used in books, including novels, and he sometimes even guides visitors with maps he created himself.
Britton’s overall goal is simple. “Hopefully [guests] feel like they’ve learned a whole lot and have a new understanding,” he said. “After all, Virginia history is American history.”
For more information, visit RickBritton.com For direct inquiries, reach out at 434-320-3999 or RHBritton@aol.com.
Map. Photo courtesy of Rick Britton.
The Rotunda at University of Virginia.
Civil War canon in Fredericksburg.
EATS, AND
Adventure Meet WHERE ARTS,
Where small-town charm meets unforgettable dining, culture, and outdoor experiences
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Exterior of the Barter Theatre.
Photo Credit: Rick Hamm
Main Street in Abingdon. Photo Credit: Jim Still-Pepper
Travelers looking for a stay in a quaint yet fun and funky town full of arts and eats will want to put Abingdon, Virginia, on the itinerary. There’s no shortage of sights to see and visit right in downtown, but other entertaining destinations are only a quick ride away -whether by bike trails or a short car ride. Plus, it’s perfect for anyone from a solo traveler to a couple or family.
STAY
For anyone looking to easily access the Virginia Creeper Trail or just have the ability to easily stroll into town, Creeper’s End Lodging is the best option. Situated at the head of the trail, these well-appointed colonial-style cottages house multiple rooms that are ideal for a variety of different travelers. Immaculate and quiet, these stays offer kitchenettes, comfortable beds, multiple rooms, and outdoor spaces to rest and relax. An abundance of windows give views of the cozy grounds, and hospitality is at its best with a kind and friendly owner and plenty of amenities.
DINE AND DRINK
Abingdon may be small, but its dining options are mighty. For breakfast or lunch, Rendezvous Cafe is a must-visit with its array of unique sweet and savory crepes, pastries, sandwiches, and drinks. Another top spot is The Girl & The Raven. This adorable cafe was born during an unlikely time -- in 2020 -- and continues to roast beans for its coffee and serve up incredible pastries (including a solid variety that are gluten-free). Situated in an historic 1886 building, this restaurant also features outdoor dining and whips up dishes that range from southern-style breakfast favorites to burgers, chicken biscuits, salads, soups, and more.
For dinner, diners will be torn between visiting the Abingdon Commons or The Tavern. Do both if you’re in town for more than one night.
Abingdon Commons offers an incredible amount of options that will satiate any palate. The market-style spot offers the opportunity to order from a variety of food purveyors. For a southern-style favorite, stop by Delta Blues BBQ, which offers all of the meats any BBQ lover could ask for, as well as incredible sides from solid collards and baked beans to a delectable mac and cheese or fried okra. Or, stop by The Pakalachian, which blends the flavors of Pakistan with Appalachian goodness. Don’t skip out on handheld samosas, or Tikka My Senses,
Main Street in Abingdon. Photo Credit: Jim Still-Pepper
Flight of cider from Tumbling Creek Cider Co. at Abingdon Commons.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Waldera
a sandwich of fried chicken breast with plenty of pickles. But for the best flavor explosion, try the Curry Me Down South, an irresistible combination of tomato-based Pakistani chicken curry served over the creamiest mashed potatoes that must be paired with the side of cilantro chutney. Other can’t-miss spots in the Commons are Tin Roof Kitchen Co. for stellar wood-fired pizza and Tumbler Creek Cider Co. for an array of sips that pair well with meals from all of the food purveyors.
For an upscale meal, stop into The Tavern, Virginia’s oldest bar. Sidle up to the bar for a more casual vibe or settle into the spot’s tables for spectacular service and a multi-course meal. Enjoy starters like escargot or mains of exquisitely prepared salmon or stuffed filet mignon.
THE ARTS
No visit to Abingdon is complete without a visit to the historic Barter Theatre. As the nation’s longest-running professional theater, it produces incredible plays that are often family-friendly in a gorgeous setting. Settled in the center of town, it’s perfect for matinees or an after-dinner adventure.
Another can’t-miss spot for arts enthusiasts is the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace. The large spot, just a short ride out of town, is the perfect place to learn about the area’s arts and purchase unique, locally made goods.
Finally, don’t skip the William Museum of Art. From Appalachian-made pieces to global artwork, this museum has a rich local history that speaks volumes. September of 2026 will also see a new wing and collection that every art enthusiast will want to view.
VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL
Any outdoorsy adventurer making a trip to Abingdon will want to take a bike ride or walk on the Virginia Creeper Trail. The trailhead is right in town, and with shuttles, bikers can get to and from Damascus for a 17-mile one-way ride (or 34 if they choose to do it both ways).
Interior of the Barter Theatre. Photo Credit: Rick Hamm
Virginia Creeper Trail. Photo Credit: Visit Abingdon
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace. Photo Credit: Trevor Joppich
“Walking around Downtown Abingdon is an easy way to get a feel for this small town treasure. Take in the architecture, stop into the Visitor’s Center, or just enjoy the company of locals and visitors.”
EXPLORE THE TOWN
Walking around Downtown Abingdon is an easy way to get a feel for this small town treasure. Take in the architecture, stop into the Visitor’s Center, or just enjoy the company of locals and visitors. There are also plenty of spots to stop and enjoy a stroll through a park, see fountains, explore shops, or just rest on a bench and watch the local scenes and scenery.
OUTDOORS
Any outdoorsy adventurer making a trip to Abingdon will want to take a bike ride or walk on the Virginia Creeper Trail. The trailhead is right in town, and with shuttles, bikers can get to and from Damascus for a 17-mile one-way ride (or 34 if they choose to do it both ways).
If you're a lover of golf, don't skip out on Gopher Golf. The facility is indoors, but you can simulate and upgrade your golf game inside. And don't sleep on their incredible food from a trained chef who knows her way around the kitchen.
Another option for lovers of the outdoors is to drive up to Grayson Highlands State Park, about an hour's drive from town. Stop at scenic outlooks, dip into the Visitor’s Center, or hike and potentially see wild ponies throughout the area. Regardless, any visitor will witness gorgeous vistas during a drive or hikes in the park. Adventurists can look into camping or RV stays, too, and a visit offers the opportunity to get to the highest point in Virginia, Mount Rogers.
Virginia Creeper Trail. Photo Credit: Visit Abingdon
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS JUNE
events
JUNE 4TH - 7TH
Charlottesville Jazz Festival
Various locations in Downtown Charlottesville
Experience four days of live music at the Charlottesville Jazz Festival 2026, June 4–7. From free Downtown Mall performances to headline shows at The Paramount Theater, the festival brings together local, regional, and international artists for a vibrant, community-centered celebration of jazz. Family-friendly activities will be available, as well as literary, gallery, and film events. CvilleJazz.org
JUNE 6TH
15th Beyond the Gates Farm Tour
Grace Church, 5607 Gordonsville Road, Keswick, VA 22947 | 10:00 AM
Enjoy activities at four central Virginia estates, the Keswick Hunt Club, and a country fair at Grace Episcopal Church at the 15th Beyond the Gates Farm Tour, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6, in Keswick. There is no admission fee to the fair. The event benefits local non-profit organizations and raised $65,000 last year. Find ticket and tour information at GraceFarmTour.org.
JUNE 28TH
Sparkling Brunch Showcase at Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery
240 Hazy Mountain Ln, Afton, VA 22920 | 11:00 AM
Make your weekend plans a little more fun with a sparkling brunch set against mountain views. Enjoy chef-prepared stations with seasonal fruit, house-baked breads, carving selections, and omelets made to order, all paired with sparkling pours from eight Monticello AVA wineries. Tickets cover food and tastings, with extra glasses or bottles available to enjoy there or take home. Hazy-Mountain.com
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