You wouldn’t drive a car without suspension, so why mow without it? At Ferris, our commercial mowers set the bar as the only manufacturer to integrate suspension into our mowers. With racing-inspired, patented full suspension and integrated cutting decks, you can go faster, and cut better. Whether you’re a professional cutter or a homeowner that wants to mow like a pro, Ferris is there. Visit us today at Piedmont Power to feel the difference.
From in-shop repairs to convenient pickup and delivery, plus reliable on-site service, we deliver complete equipment care wherever you need it.
434-975-4100 | www.piedmontpower.com | contact@piedmontpower.com | v @ piedmontpowercville
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 a priority, never a number. Experience unhurried appointments that start on time, direct access to your physician after hours for emergencies, and comprehensive care focused on your health priorities. Personalized care that fits your life, not the other way around.
Experience the New Standard in Family Medicine
Accepting a limited number of new members in Charlottesville
Rivanna Concierge Physicians www.Rivannconcierge.com 630 Peter Jefferson
Drs. W. Paige & Michael McClincy
May: Our Ladies Issue
In this Ladies Issue, we’re celebrating the women who are shaping our community in thoughtful, lasting ways, through creativity, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose. These are stories rooted in vision, connection, and the results of hard work over time.
Inside, you’ll meet a local entrepreneur who has found a way to bring people together through Charlottesville’s vibrant food scene. What began as a personal passion has grown into something that feels both welcoming and intentional, creating space for connection, discovery, and shared experiences.
May 2026
PUBLISHER
James Lisowski | james.lisowski@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Keri-Ann Byrne, Stacey Evans, Alisa Foytik, Kathryn Kieffer, MJ Padilla, Madison Patterson, Kori Price, Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, C-ville Bites, Early Mountain Vineyards, Hank Gregg - HG Media, Iron Eagle Advisors, Jen Fariello Photography, John Park/JPG Agency, Sera Petras Photography
We also spend time with a gallery owner carrying forward a legacy that is both deeply personal and widely influential. In her hands, a long-standing artistic vision continues to evolve, offering a place where ideas, perspective, and community intersect in a setting that feels both striking and grounded.
This issue also highlights a winemaker whose path into the industry reflects curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to follow something unexpected. Her work speaks to a vision in Virginia wine, one that is increasingly focused on place, care for the land, and a thoughtful approach to craft.
And for those thinking about home, we have expert advice from one of the leading ladies in Charlottesville real estate about how small, strategic updates can make a meaningful difference. Her insight gives a glimpse into the subtle choices that can shape how a space feels and how it’s experienced by others.
Together, these stories reflect a shared mindset -- one of intention, curiosity, and care. They also speak to the many ways women in this community are building, leading, preserving, and reimagining our community.
This May issue wouldn’t exist without the people behind it: the women who shared their stories, the partners who continue to support this work, and you, our readers, who make space for it. We’re grateful to be part of a community where these voices are valued and where their work continues to shape what comes next!
JAMES LISOWSKI, PUBLISHER @CHARLOTTESVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
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
inside the issue
Creating Connection Through Charlottesville’s Food Scene
MJ Padilla, founder of C-ville Bites, is creating food experiences that celebrate Charlottesville.
Vine to Glass
Early Mountain Vineyards' Maya Hood White brings a thoughtful, site-driven approach to shaping wines.
A Mother’s Vision Continued
At Les Yeux du Monde, Hagan Tampellini continues a legacy rooted in art, perspective, and place. Design Choices that
Local realtor Jamie Waller explains which
Hagan Tampellini, Director of Les Yeux du Monde.
Photo as seen in The Scout Guide Charlottesville.
Photography: Jen Fariello
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN MAY 2026
city scene
1: Netwalking with the CEO @ Brooks Family YMCA. Andrea Copeland and Dr. Jean Runyon. 2: Old Dominion National Bank (ODNB) ribbon cutting. Mayor Juandiego Wade and Howard Stein (EVP & COO of ODNB). 3: Edward Jones, Laura Leigh Scott ribbon cutting in Crozet 4: AHIP Raise the Roof IPA Launch Celebration at Three Notch'd Brewing Company. 5: Christopher Joel Onken as Sherlock in The Hound of the Baskervilles, ASC 2026. 6: Pasta class and gourmet wine lunch with C-ville Bites. 7: Ribbon cutting at S.H. Franklin Menswear.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
KATHRYN KIEFFER MADISON PATTERSON
CHARLOTTESVILLE
CHARLOTTESVILLE
C-VILLE BITES
business monthly
Finances with Clarity and Confidence
Iron Eagle Advisors is a Charlottesville-based financial planning and insurance firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make confident decisions through practical, personalized guidance. The firm continues to grow its local presence while expanding services in retirement planning, investments, life insurance, annuities, and Medicare. Built on a client-centered approach, Iron Eagle Advisors simplifies complex topics and delivers clear, realistic strategies with straightforward advice and strong personal service tailored to long-term goals. IronEagleAdvisors.com
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Thoughtful Event Planning with a Personal Touch
Event Lane now offers Full Planning alongside Partial Planning, Event Coordination, and Honeymoon Planning, with travel advising available to all couples. Founded from a love of travel and a desire to help couples feel at ease, Event Lane is all about creating a wedding experience that feels calm, supported, and genuinely enjoyable, so couples can soak in every moment with each other and the people who matter most. EventLane.co
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Beyond Closets: Custom Wine Storage and More
Did you know Charlottesville Organizing partners with Closet Factory? While they’re known for custom closets, their work goes far beyond that. From beautifully designed storage solutions to standout features like a custom wine display, they bring both function and style into every space, helping your home feel more organized, polished, and truly tailored to you. CharlottesvilleOrganizing.com
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Photography Courtesy of Iron Eagle Advisors
Photography by Alisa Foytik
Photography by Keri-Ann Byrne
Sterling Silver Bracelets by
is creating food experiences that celebrate Charlottesville's restaurants, people, and sense of community.
Creating Connection Through Charlottesville's Food Scene
How MJ Padilla, founder of C-ville Bites,
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MJ PADILLA
Bridal shower. Photo Credit: MJ Padilla
What inspired you to launch C-ville Bites?
I launched C-ville Bites in late 2023 after working as a bar manager at South and Central. I had been hosting events through both South and Central and The Bebedero, and building out successful bar programs and events gave me the confidence to branch out on my own.
Looking back, C-ville Bites really grew out of everything I’d been working toward for the past 15 years, even though I didn’t know it at the time. That first year, I did a lot of experimenting. I partnered with the very talented Chef Kelvino Barrera (The Local) for pasta-making classes, started mixology classes at The Bebedero with the support and guidance of owner River Hawkins, and collaborated with Hazy Mountain on a dessert charcuterie class and a cookie decorating workshop.
The food tours were a core part of my vision from the beginning. The tours are a natural evolution of my experience working in so many restaurants on the Downtown Mall. I’ve always loved weekend nights out downtown, hopping between hot spots and hidden gems, catching up with bartender friends, chefs, and restaurant owners, and trying out their latest creations. These tours are a way of staying connected (and introducing guests!) to the community I’ve come to love and appreciate over the years.
Charlottesville has an incredible food scene, but it can feel a bit overwhelming, even as a local–you don’t always know where to go, what to order, or whether you need a reservation. I wanted to create an experience that brings it all together, highlighting multiple restaurants in one evening while sharing the stories behind them. C-ville Bites was my way of turning that into something fun, accessible, and memorable.
How do you create tours or classes that feel memorable as well as informational?
At the heart of everything I do is connection and community. I want my tours and classes to feel less like an “event” and more like a spontaneous gathering, a time where people can come together, relax, and connect over tasty food and delicious drinks. My background in hospitality has given me the tools to create that kind of space, but what matters most to me is the human experience–making people feel welcome, comfortable, and included. Especially now, when so much of life happens online, I try to create moments where people can slow down, be present, and find common ground, even if they just met. And that’s at the heart of every offering–bringing people together and creating a sense of community, even if it’s just for a short time.
You work closely with local chefs and businesses -how has that collaboration shaped your company?
Working closely with local chefs and businesses has really shaped how I see and run C-ville Bites. Some of my favorite moments have been behind the scenes–tasting new cocktails at The Whiskey Jar, or something a chef just created on the fly (looking at you, Chef Will at Zocalo).
That creativity and personality in food and drinks is what inspires me, and it’s something I try to reflect in my own business. Through our offerings, I get to showcase not just the food, but the people and stories behind it, highlighting CONTINUED >
C-ville Bites wine tasting.
Photo Credit: MJ Padilla
C-ville Bites food tour.
Photo Credit: MJ Padilla
Chef Kelvinopreppingpasta for a
PhotoCredit:MJ Padil l a
each restaurant’s unique talent and giving them a platform to share what they do best. It’s a true collaboration–they open their spaces to us, and I get to bring in guests who might not have discovered them otherwise. Getting to know the chefs, bartenders, and service staff who make up Charlottesville’s culinary community has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey, and it’s something I’m really excited to keep building on.
As a woman-owned business, what has your journey in the hospitality and food space been like?
Before I started C-ville Bites, I was already navigating a male-dominated space in the bartending world, trying to find my place. I do think men are often taken more seriously, and as a Latina woman, I’ve always felt like I needed to work a little harder, be a little sharper, and show up even more prepared.
Transitioning into C-ville Bites, one of the biggest things I’ve learned is to really lean into who I’m creating these experiences for. While events for everyone are important, it’s often women who are making the plans, buying the tickets, and bringing people together. So I’ve been very intentional about creating spaces where women feel comfortable, welcomed,
and seen. That’s become a big part of my mission, because those kinds of spaces didn’t always exist for me, and I want to be able to offer that to others.
I also want to acknowledge the incredible support of other local women business owners: Erin Scala at Market Street Wine Shop was an early believer in my vision and a great supporter, and Cheley Napoli at The Bebedero is a constant cheerleader for my success.
When someone books their first experience with you, what do you hope they walk away feeling -- or remembering -- long after it’s over?
I want every one of my guests to leave feeling full in more ways than one, full from great food and drinks, but also from connection. Whether it’s a food tour or a cooking class, I hope they’ve met someone new, discovered a restaurant they’ll come back to, or picked up a new skill or technique they can take home with them. More than anything, I want them to walk away feeling welcomed, connected, and like they were an important part of something, like they got to experience and be part of our little community, even if just for a few hours.
a
courtesy ofM
The Future is Bright for C-ville Bites
C’ville Bites is expanding its food tours to Sundays, now offers bridal showers and wedding coordination services (specializing in small or non-traditional weddings), and is expanding cooking class offerings. Padilla invites any passionate chefs who want to share their skills in a small group setting to connect with her.
Photo
Vine
to Glass
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
At Early Mountain Vineyards, Maya Hood White brings a thoughtful, site-driven approach to shaping wines that reflect Virginia's landscape and evolving identity.
At Early Mountain Vineyards, winemaker Maya Hood White approaches her work with a steady sense of purpose, shaped by both technical training and a deep respect for the land. Her path into wine began with curiosity and quickly evolved into something more intentional.
“It was happenstance! I was working for an engineering firm, and I didn’t love it. But I was always really interested in wine,” Hood White said. “I’m originally from Southern California, and I thought: That’s something I’d like to learn more about.”
Early Mountain Vineyards. Photo courtesy of Early Mountain Vineyards
That interest led her from classes and tastings to harvest work and, eventually, graduate studies at UC Davis. Today, that scientific foundation remains an asset, though her approach is intentionally restrained. “Our approach in the cellar is surprisingly hands-off but with a lot of data,” Hood White said. “We have a lab on-site so we can do a lot of checks and balances.”
She joined Early Mountain in 2014 and has grown alongside the vineyard, first working in the field and later leading the winemaking program, including planting the Quaker Run vines in 2015. That long view continues to shape how she thinks about each bottle. “Having really seen the evolution and then seeing what they produce in the cellar has been such a special thing,” she said.
In Virginia, where conditions can shift quickly and dramatically, that perspective is essential. “So many dynamics -- it keeps you on your toes,” Hood White said. Rather than forcing consistency, she focuses on pairing the right grape with the right site and allowing each to express itself naturally.
That philosophy shines through in the varieties she’s most excited about. “I love Petit Manseng, I love Tannat,” she said with a nod to how well both grapes adapt to Virginia’s climate. But she also noted that the way the vineyard handles the grapes, from picking times and length of leaf contact to malolactic fermentation and more, is at the heart of what makes Early Mountain’s wine what it is.
For Hood White, the work is as much about stewardship as it is craft. “Wine is a luxury. We have a responsibility to take care of the land, and we take a hyperlocal approach,” she said. It’s a mindset that carries through every stage of the process, from vineyard decisions to the final glass.
Early Mountain Vineyards' Petit Manseng. Photo courtesy of Early Mountain Vineyards
Maya Hood White.
Photo Credit: Sera Petras Photography
A Mother's Vision Continued
At Les Yeux du Monde, Hagan Tampellini continues a legacy rooted in art, perspective, and place.
Nestled on a mountaintop just outside of Charlottesville, Les Yeux du Monde has always offered more than a place to view art. It’s a space shaped by perspective that continues to evolve while staying rooted in its origins.
The vision for the gallery began with Lyn Bolen Warren, who founded the gallery in 1995. As her daughter, Hagan Tampellini, now carries it forward, the original mission remains.
“My mother, Lyn Bolen Warren, founded Les Yeux du Monde shortly after earning her Ph.D. in Art History from UVA,” Tampellini said. “She started the gallery on the walls of her mountaintop home, and named it ‘the eyes of the world’ in French to reflect both the beautiful, expansive views from the mountaintop, and her conviction that great art serves as a lens through which we better perceive and understand our world.”
From the beginning, the gallery was shaped by Warren’s belief that art is inseparable from the way we experience life itself, enriching it and contributing to how individuals learn to understand themselves. “Her deep knowledge of both contemporary and historical art allowed her to ground new work in the lineage that shaped it,” Tampellini said. “She saw art history as a lens on the history of the world, and believed that contemporary art reflects not only the time in which it is made, but the essence of who we are as people.”
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEN FARIELLO AND STACEY EVANS
Over the years, the gallery moved through several downtown spaces before returning to its original mountaintop setting in 2009, this time in a striking structure of corten steel and glass designed by renowned architect W.G. Clark. The setting is purposeful and part of the experience.
“Part of my mother’s impetus for bringing the gallery back to the mountaintop was that she wanted it to be a destination,” Tampellini said. “She wanted you to go on a literal and philosophical journey -- a departure from the everyday that puts you into a completely different headspace.”
The drive up, with the Ed Haddaway sculptures along the way, and the moment the building comes into view, all encourage visitors to slow down before stepping inside. “By moving from town to this modernist, light-filled sanctuary, visitors experience a necessary shift in perspective,” she said. “The architecture allows the art to breathe and creates a contemplative atmosphere where the noise of daily life just falls away.”
Les Yeux du Monde. Photo Credit: Jen Fariello Photography
After her mother’s passing, Tampellini moved into a leadership role that came with both weight and meaning. “Stepping into this role after my mother’s passing in 2021 was profoundly humbling, and I find myself more aware every day of the true magnitude and significance of what she built,” she said. “Beyond the striking physical space of the gallery, she cultivated an expansive world of ideas, thoughtful discourse, and shared experience.” That foundation continues to guide her approach.
“It is an honor to now carry that vision forward, and her values remain my ‘north star’ -- her personal integrity, infinite graciousness, unwavering commitment to her principles, and conviction that great art is not merely a commodity, but a vital necessity for understanding our existential situation and the world in which we live.”
Under Tampellini’s direction, the gallery’s curatorial voice remains thoughtful and intentional. Exhibitions are chosen not just for visual appeal, but for their context, with a focus on work that invites conversation and reflection.
“Our mission has long been to show visually exciting and meaningful work with an emphasis on art historical significance,” she said. “We champion established and emerging contemporary artists whose work is not only aesthetically compelling, but rich in thought and depth.”
Throughout its years, the gallery has remained closely tied to Charlottesville’s creative community, supporting local artists, and that authentic effort has been reciprocated. “Perhaps our most rewarding achievement, however, is the community that has coalesced around the gallery. We recently celebrated our 30th anniversary, a milestone I am immensely proud of because it underscores the enduring nature of this institution,” she said. “We remain dedicated to fostering a deep engagement with contemporary art in this community, supporting the careers of artists, and inviting our neighbors into the life-changing practice of living with great artwork.”
Looking ahead, Tampellini sees her role as both preserving and evolving what her mother created. “I view my role as stewarding
Les Yeux du Monde. Photo Credit: Stacey Evans
Les Yeux du Monde. Photo Credit: Stacey Evans
the gallery through an evolution rather than a departure,” she said. That means holding onto the gallery’s distinct point of view while continuing to expand its reach and relevance in a changing world.
At its core, the work remains rooted in the connection between people, ideas, and experiences. “I am most energized by the idea of the gallery as a living bridge. At its heart, this is relationship-driven work, and I find immense gratification in the deep and meaningful relationships we build with the artists we champion, the art lovers who support us, and the connections we facilitate between the two,” Tampellini said.
“Ultimately, my hope is for Les Yeux du Monde to remain a vibrant destination where my mother’s legacy lives on -- not as a static history, but a radiating presence that helps our community see the world with more clarity and wonder.”
Hagan Tampellini, Director of Les Yeux du Monde. Photo Credit: Jen Fariello (Photo as seen in the Scout Guide Charlottesville)
Located in Rugby Hills, this traditional brick Colonial offers a formal dining room, main living area with wood-burning fireplace cozy kitchen, large rear deck, three bedrooms and two full baths Notable highlights include original hardwood floors, an oversized detached garage, and a large flat yard
628 Blenheim Ave
This thoughtfully expanded 1950s bungalow in Belmont blends charm with modern updates Located near IX Art Park and downtown, this home offers 3 bedrooms, an upper-level primary suite with Mountain views, a high-end kitchen, a screened porch, and a detached workshop with alley access
DESIGN CHOICES THAT ADD VALUE
LOCAL REALTOR JAMIE WALLER EXPLAINS WHICH HOME IMPROVEMENTS MATTER MOST.
Not every improvement needs to be a major renovation. What are some surprisingly impactful updates--perhaps cosmetic or design-focused--that can make a home feel significantly more appealing to buyers?
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA AND JAMIE WALLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANK GREGG - HG MEDIA
Some of the most impactful changes are actually quite simple. Fresh paint in a soft neutral color palette can instantly modernize a home. Updating lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware, and faucets can also make a space feel current without major expense.
Another often overlooked improvement is decluttering and professional staging. In my experience, staging can dramatically change how buyers perceive
Interior of a home. Photo Credit: Hank Gregg - HG Media
a home’s space and potential. Small updates like replacing dated mirrors, installing more contemporary door hardware, or improving closet organization can also make a surprisingly big difference in how polished a home feels during showings.
Outdoor spaces have become increasingly important to homeowners. Are there particular yard, landscaping, or outdoor living investments that tend to resonate with buyers in this region?
Outdoor living is extremely important in our area. Buyers consistently respond well to properties with inviting outdoor spaces that feel usable and well-maintained. Simple improvements like refreshed landscaping, defined garden beds, and healthy lawns can greatly improve curb appeal.
Beyond that, buyers love spaces that encourage gathering and relaxation: screened porches, patios with seating areas, fire pits, and well-designed decks are particularly popular. In more rural or scenic settings, thoughtful landscaping that highlights views or creates privacy can also significantly enhance a property’s appeal.
Trends in home design and functionality evolve quickly. Are there features or upgrades you’re seeing today--such as energy efficiency, technology integration, or flexible living spaces--that you believe will hold strong value in the years ahead?
Energy efficiency and flexible living spaces are two trends that I believe will continue to hold strong value. Buyers are increasingly aware of operating costs and appreciate improvements such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, quality windows, improved insulation, and smart thermostats.
Technology integration is also becoming more common, particularly smart home systems for lighting, security, and climate control. However, flexibility may be the most important long-term trend. Homes that offer spaces that can function
as offices, guest suites, exercise rooms, or secondary living areas tend to appeal to a wider range of buyers and adapt better to changing lifestyles.
If a homeowner came to you with a budget specifically set aside for improving their property before listing it, how would you advise them to prioritize those investments to maximize their resale potential?
Each home has a unique set of opportunities to address when preparing to sell. One thing I say often when advising sellers is to focus on the improvements that create the strongest first impression. Curb appeal is critical, so landscaping, exterior maintenance, and a welcoming entryway are usually high priorities.
Inside the home, I recommend focusing on paint, lighting, flooring condition, and addressing any deferred maintenance. Buyers notice small details such as mismatched light bulbs, worn carpet, or dated fixtures, and these relatively inexpensive fixes can significantly improve how a home shows.
Finally, I almost always suggest professional staging and insist on high-quality photography. In today’s market, most buyers first encounter a home online, and presenting the property beautifully from the start can dramatically increase interest and ultimately help maximize the final sale price.
Aerial view of a home in Virginia. Hank Gregg - HG Media
Exterior of a home. Photo Credit: Hank Gregg - HG Media
Interior of a home. Photo Credit: Hank Gregg - HG Media
Coastal Retreat A GENTLE
An easy escape to Virginia's Eastern Shore where water, history, and local spots come together
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN PARK - JPG AGENCY
Waterfront in Onancock. Photo
Credit: John Park - JPG Agency
Market Street in Onancock. Photo
Credit - John Park - JPG Agency
Whether you’re looking for an easy day trip or a quiet overnight along the water, Onancock offers a change of pace that’s equal parts relaxing and refreshing. Tucked along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, this small town is easy to settle into, with plenty to do, while also offering the opportunity to slow down.
ON THE WATERFRONT
Start your visit at the Wharf, where Onancock Creek becomes part of the experience. It’s an easy place to ease into the day, whether you’re watching boats come and go or heading out onto the water yourself. Burnham Guides offers kayak and paddleboard rentals right from the Wharf, making it simple to explore the creek at your own pace and take in the shoreline from a different perspective.
EXPLORING THE TOWN
After leaving the waterfront, enjoy all the town has to offer on foot. The streets are lined with historic buildings, small shops, and galleries that make for an amazing afternoon of exploration.
For a deeper look at the town’s history, Ker Place is worth a stop. The Federal-style home dates back to the early 1800s and now operates as a museum with guided tours. Between the architecture, the herb garden, and the many trees on the property, it’s a space that feels both preserved and lived-in.
Not far away, the Historic Onancock School offers a different kind of experience, with a walking trail, disc golf, and open green space that adds to the town’s easygoing feel.
Pastries at a local shop. Photo Credit: John Park - JPG Agency
Paddlers on the water in Onancock. Photo Credit John Park - JPG Agency
DINING AND MORE
Onancock has built a reputation as a food destination, and there are plenty of places to choose from. You’ll find everything from waterfront dining at Mallards to newer additions like Bread & Butter, along with longtime favorites like Kuchisabishii, Blarney Stone Pub, and Bizzotto’s.
For a more casual stop, Foggy Place Cafe is an easy go-to. The coffee is consistently good, and the service stands out in a way that feels genuine and welcoming. It’s exactly what you want when you’re settling in for a mid-morning break or a slow afternoon in a small town.
If you’re staying into the evening, the Roseland Theatre adds a nostalgic touch to the trip. The historic 1950s theater still shows films and is perfect for a fun afternoon or evening, or a rainy day outing.
Water, walkability, history, and approachability make Onancock the perfect destination for a lowkey getway with plenty of options for exploration that will pique nearly any traveler’s interest.
VISIT THESE OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN AND NEAR THIS WATERFRONT TOWN THAT ARE SURE TO PLEASE EVERYONE IN THE TRAVEL GROUP!
• Waterman's Heritage Museum
• Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop Memorial Museum
• Exmore Antique Emporium
• Blue Crow Antique Mall
• The Barrier Islands Center
• North Street Playhouse
• Hopkins & Bro. Store
• Onancock Farmers Market
Sushi from Kuchisabishii. Photo Credit: John Park - JPG Agency
Waterfront in Onancock. Photo Credit: John Park - JPG Agency
Waterfront in Onancock. John Park - JPG Agency
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BECKY HILLYARD
From Side Hustle to Style Empire
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
events
MAY 2ND
ReadyKids' Kidchella
1000 East High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | 10:30 AM
Save the date for Kidchella 2026 on May 2 at 10:30 am at ReadyKids. This family-friendly event features bounce houses, live performances, music, raffle prizes, and community partners. The event is hosted by ReadyKids, which supports local children through counseling, family services, and early learning programs. ReadyKidsCville.org.
MAY 2ND
First Annual Charlottesville Filipino Spring Festival
IX Art Park, 522 2nd St. SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | 3:00 PM
Celebrate the First Annual Charlottesville Filipino Spring Festival on May 2 from 3-8 pm at IX Art Park. Hosted by the Charlottesville Filipino Cultural Association, this free, family-friendly event highlights Filipino culture through food, music, and dance, with performances by local and regional artists. Visitors can also browse a marketplace full of vendors, artists, and community organizations.
MAY 3RD
Market at Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery
240 Hazy Mountain Ln, Afton, VA 22920 | 11:00 AM
Welcome May at Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery’s Artisan Market. Set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, this relaxed Sunday outing brings together local artisans, food, and Hazy Mountain’s wines. Spend the day browsing, sipping, and enjoying the season. Hazy-Mountain.com
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Where Precision Meets Personal Style
With 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. Proper Focus Optical isn't your average eyewear shop.
Schedule your appointment today to experience one on one service and see why we have clients for life.
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MAY 9TH
Plant Swap at James Monroe’s Highland
2050 James Monroe Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | 10:00 AM
Join fellow plant lovers for a Plant Swap on May 9 from 10 am to 12 pm at Highland. Hosted by the Piedmont Master Gardeners, this relaxed gathering is a chance to trade plants, grow your collection, and pick up helpful tips along the way. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep into gardening, all are welcome. Highland.org
MAY 20TH
Trunk Sale at Proper Focus Optical
1135 A Millmont St, Charlottesville, VA 22903 | 11:00 AM
On May 20, from 11 am - 4 pm, Proper Focus Optical will host a trunk show featuring eyewear from Silhouette and Maui Jim. Both vendors will have all styles in every size and color available, as well as exclusive items for the event, never before seen in-store. ProperFocusOptical.com
MAY 20TH
Cooking Class: Flavors of the Turkish Black Sea
5022 Plank Rd, North Garden, VA 22959 | 6:00 PM
May 20 at 6 pm, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards hosts a hands-on cooking class with Chef Victoria Cosner. Explore the flavors of Turkey’s Black Sea coast while preparing stuffed mussels and soft bazlama flatbread. Enjoy a welcome drink, garden tour, wine pairings, and a shared dinner with more dishes from Pippin Hill’s kitchen. PippinHillFarm.com
Trusted Financial Guidance for Charlottesville Families Since 1975
Independent financial planning and investment management designed to help protect and grow your wealth.
How We Help Our Clients
Financial Planning
Fiduciary Investment Management
Retirement, Estate, and Legacy Planning
Tax-Efficient Strategies
Multi-Generational Wealth Guidance
Why Clients Partner With Morris & Wells
“Morris & Wells is not just a financial planning firm; they're a beacon of stability and excellence in an ever-changing financial world. I can't thank them enough for the invaluable guidance and support they've provided over the years. Here's to many more years of financial success together!” - M&W Client
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