Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine July 2025 by Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine

THROUGH YOUR LENSES

Fauquier inFocus

A Lavender Dream: Seven Oaks Lavender Farm

LiveLiFeHealthiest Your LiveLiFe

Compassionate. Caring. Nationally recognized.

LiveLiFeHealthiest Your LiveLiFe

Fauquier Health has earned Leapfrog’s Top General Hospital award for outstanding quality and safety—the only hospital in Virginia and one of just 36 in the nation to receive this distinction.

Compassionate. Caring. Nationally recognized.

This honor acknowledges the efforts of our caregivers to keep our patients safe. We’re proud to be recognized as one of the safest hospitals in America.

Fauquier Health has earned Leapfrog’s Top General Hospital award for outstanding quality and safety—the only hospital in Virginia and one of just 36 in the nation to receive this distinction.

With trusted care, close to home, we’ll help you live your healthiest life.

This honor acknowledges the efforts of our caregivers to keep our patients safe. We’re proud to be recognized as one of the safest hospitals in America.

With trusted care, close to home, we’ll help you live your healthiest life.

See all we have to offer at FauquierHealth.org

With trusted care, close to home, we’ll help you live your healthiest life.

See all we have to offer at FauquierHealth.org

DIVE INTO SUMMER WITH CONFIDENCE.

FAUQUIER inFOCUS

FROM THE EDITOR

Every year, our July issue reveals the winners of our annual photo contest, Fauquier inFocus. As a community magazine, we wanted to see the county through our readers’ eyes, or, more aptly, their lenses. There are many talented photographers of all experience levels out there taking photos in Fauquier County, and many of them have shared their favorites with us. What do these photographers think is special about Fauquier?

The main consensus again this year is its rural environment. For 2025, we separated landscape and wildlife into two separate categories since last year there were so many entries for both subjects. Even so, they were the two categories with the most submissions. We had about 120 entries, with 45 in the landscape category and 29 in the wildlife category. The wide variety reveals how varied Fauquier is in its beauty.

Fauquier inFocus is an annual contest, and submissions are accepted year-round. Photographers of all experience levels are encouraged to enter. While I love seeing the landscape and wildlife photos, I’d also love to see more submissions in the other categories as well. For instance, the sports category. I know many of you all out there have kids in sports, and I know you’re taking photos of them…let’s see ’em!

Wishing all our readers a happy July.

EDITOR

Pam Kamphuis

WARRENTON LIFESTYLE

Celebration of Fauquier County

PUBLISHER

Dennis Brack dennis@warrentonlifestyle.com

EDITOR Pam Kamphuis pam@warrentonlifestyle.com

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The Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 11,500 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or omissions. Reproduction in whole or part of any of the text, illustration or photograph is strictly forbidden. ©2025 Rappahannock Media LLC.

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Smile Summertime

Best Bets

What to do? There's lots going on in our area — and there's never enough time! This page and our free weekly Best Bets email newsletter (scan the code below to subscribe) aims to help you make plans and have fun.

July at Great Meadow

Great Meadow’s grand Independence Day Celebration, The Big Boom, on Friday, July 4 isn’t the only thing going on this summer! Opportunities to see equine sports include the weekly Sunset Polo matches on Saturday evenings and the Twilight Jumpers Show under the lights on Friday, July 25. Both events are exciting for spectators to watch as players and horses vie for the ball during the chukkers in Twilight Polo and equine athletes and riders navigate courses of increasingly higher jumps in a timed competition at Twilight Jumpers. All events call for tailgating and dancing under the stars at Great Meadow’s gorgeous country setting.

75th Annual Fauquier County Fair

JULY 16-19, 2-11 P.M. WEEKDAYS; 9 A.M.-11 P.M. SATURDAY

It’s not summer without a classic county fair, and Fauquier County’s is one of the best! This four-day celebration promises exciting activities such as classic carnival rides and games, exhibitions, and the best of Fauquier’s agriculture and livestock. Kids can enjoy petting zoos, magic shows, alligator shows and comedy. See how long you can remain atop the mechanical bull, and congratulate the winner of the apple pie contest. Evening music performances will include local bands Another Fine Mess, Eclectic Company, Dowrong Band and Mountain Highway Bluegrass. Don’t miss the pageants on Saturday, and the Begoon Brothers Bucking Bulls Rodeo on Friday. Fair tickets are $10/adult, $5/children/65+/ military at the gate. Ride wristbands $20 in advance, $25 at gate.

Second Annual Love Old Town Warrenton Brewfest

FRIDAY, JULY 18, 5-9 P.M.

Love Old Town Warrenton’s first Brewfest last year was a huge hit, and this year promises to be even bigger! Main Street will be closed for the evening to create a festive atmosphere where you can sample the flavors created by Fauquier’s talented brewers from Altered Suds, Barking Rose, Barrel Oak, Four J’s, Old Bust Head, Silver Branch and Wild Hare Hard Cider, and more from the surrounding area. You won’t go hungry with food offered by Cast Iron Craft House, Happy Family Ranch, Haute Cakes and Windy City Eats. Live music provided by the Eclectic Company sponsored by Oakview National Bank. Admission includes commemorative glassware, unlimited tastings and free access to the Heroic Axe Battle Wagon. $35 in advance, $40 at the door.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Hosting an event? Add it to the calendar at no charge and it may be chosen for Best Bets! FauquierNow.com/calendar

We invite you to call today to schedule an estimate and start your home’s transformation.

The gift of time and talent

Warrenton Lifestyle’s ongoing “giving back” feature highlights some of the countless time and talent volunteer opportunities in Fauquier County and nearby. In this we hope to bring awareness not only to the needs of our neighbors and the organizations that help but the many ways you can be a part of strengthening even more what is already an impressive community.

Tech Time Volunteer

FAUQUIER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Fauquier Library’s goal is to encourage lifelong learning for all ages and is seeking tech-savvy volunteers to aid patrons, usually seniors, who are learning how to use smartphones, tablets, and/ or laptops. Sessions are 30 minutes in a one-on-one format where Tech Time volunteers will be teaching, guiding, and performing limited troubleshooting on attendees’ personal devices. Flexible schedule, program offered at all library branches.

Contact the library for a volunteer application

Children’s Activities Leader for Life Skill Classes

FAMILY SHELTER SERVICES

The mission of Family Shelter Services is to provide short-term shelter, transitional housing, and comprehensive services, means and guidance to those vulnerable in our community. Volunteers are needed to engage with children in planned group activities while their parents attend weekly life skills class. One hour commitment, Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. at FSS shelter location or Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the transitional location. Volunteers should be over the age of 18 (or 16 if accompanied by an adult). Volunteer application and background check required.

Volunteer Coordinator Tracy Forloines tforloines@ fauquierfamilyshelter.org

For more opportunities to help, check the PATH Foundation’s Volunteer Hub database at letsvolunteer.org or inquire at another nearby nonprofit or organization that relies on volunteer assistance.

Are you an organization in need of volunteers? Email editor@warrentonlifestyle.com with information.

An Unusual Journey

Fauquier County Public Library’s 2025 Community Read features “West with Giraffes”

BY CASSANDRA ANDERSON

Imagine seeing a pair of giraffes pass by your house in a makeshift truck, their long necks poking out of wooden crates. For many Americans in 1938, that’s exactly the awe-inspiring scene they experienced as two giraffes traveled from New York to the San Diego Zoo.

Beginning July 14, citizens will take part in the Fauquier Public Library’s 2025 Community Read featuring the enthralling novel “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge.

Inspired by true events, the novel chronicles the giraffes’ 12-day journey across America after surviving the great Hurricane of 1938 traveling via cargo ship from present-day Kenya.

A work of historical fiction, the novel takes place during a tumultuous time in America during the Great Depression, the aftermath of the Dust Bowl, and the cusp of World War II.

Through flashbacks, the story follows fictional character Woodrow Wilson Nickel, who documents his greatest life adventure— transporting two giraffes 3,200-miles across the country at the request of the world’s first female zoo director, Belle Benchley.

“It’s a compelling story,” Fauquier Public Library Director Maria Del Rosso said. “It’s about people being changed by the grace of animals and the kindness of humans. In Fauquier County we have lots of animal lovers, and we aspire to be kind to each other.”

The Community Read will culminate with a visit from the author on September 11 at Highland School. She plans to discuss her writing and researching methods for the novel and how giraffes, a threatened species, need protection.

Inspiration for “West with Giraffes” came to Rutledge while working on a nonfiction book for the San Diego Zoo in 1999. During her research she came across more than 30 nation-wide newspaper clippings describing the giraffes’ cross-country trip.

Enthralled at how the event brought Americans together during one of the most uncertain times in history, Rutledge decided to write a novel in 2012 based on the story.

“Those clippings are all in the book, almost exactly how they were in the scrapbooks,” she said.

To fill in the gaps, she did extensive research on major historical events and the “highways” the giraffes traveled along— long before interstates existed. Readers

The 2025 Fauquier Library Community Read is funded by The Path Foundation and the Margaret Spilman Bowden Foundation. The Spillman Foundation was established in 1993 in Mrs. Bowden’s memory and uses its assets to benefit the Fauquier community. Proceeds from the recent sale of “The Oaks,” Mrs. Bowden’s palatial home, increased the foundation’s capacity for awarding grants.

will recognize local routes in our area featured in the book.

Rutledge has always had a connection with animals, especially while living near the San Diego Zoo for 18 months and returning multiple times over 20 years.

“At the zoo, I’d mosey over to the giraffes, and I could feel my blood pressure go down because they make me happy,” she said. “I did this every time I went…at least a dozen times. They would leave me feeling good. You don’t really think of them as regal, but there’s something elegant about the way they feel.”

Since its publication in 2021, “West with Giraffes” has been the focus of more than a dozen Community Reads around the country and has been translated into 17 different languages.

“It’s marvelous,” Rutledge said. “I love community reads and libraries. To me, libraries are the lifeblood of any community, and we would be so much poorer if we didn’t have libraries.”

Growing up in a small railroad town in Texas, Rutledge fondly remembers reading “Nancy Drew” and “The Hardy Boys” books, and checking out “Huckleberry Finn” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

“When I wasn’t trying to break my tomboy neck, I was riding my bike to (my local) Carnegie Library,” she said.

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Community Reads help citizens find common ground, according to Del Rosso.

“It’s an exciting notion to have everybody reading the same book and you can talk about it with your neighbor in a store and in the beauty parlor,” she said. “It helps encourage communication about impressions and human nature. These conversations can help build bridges and make for a healthy community.”

The idea to have “West with Giraffes” featured as a Community Read in Fauquier County started with a local book club made up of retired educators and friends. The Eclectic Book Club members read the novel a year ago and recommended it for the library program.

lives near Opal, served on the committee that chose the first Community Read back in 2018.

gether to share a common experience—how we might respond in similar ways and also learn from each person’s unique point of view,” Burgwyn said.

available for patrons to check out among the three Fauquier Public Library branches in Bealeton, Marshall and Warrenton.

Linda Rutledge Presentation

When:

Thursday, September 11, 7-8:30 pm

Registration:

Where:

Rice Theater, Michael A. Hughes Center for the Arts, Highland School, 597 Broadview Avenue, Warrenton

everyone—it has animals, a ‘coming of age’ theme, and also a local connection,” Burgwyn says. The author “draws the reader into the narrative from page one—you won’t want to put it down. There are a lot of challenges that arise and it’s exciting to see how the characters respond to those challenges.”

Rutledge has written two other novels: “Faith Bass Darling’s Last Garage Sale” published in 2013 and adapted into a major French film, and “Mockingbird Summer” published in 2024.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing to have a nationally known best-selling author come to Fauquier County because it enriches the reading experience by making the book come to life,” Del Rosso said. L

Fauquier Health honors Christine Helsel with 2025 Mercy Award

FAUQUIERNOW STAFF

Christine Helsel, a certified occupational therapy assistant at Fauquier Health, has been honored with the Mercy Award, the highest honor a LifePoint employee can receive.

In November 2013, the Fauquier Health health system partnered with LifePoint Health. The Mercy Award recognizes an employee who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded, according to a news release.

Fauquier Health recognized 12 employees as nominees for the Mercy Award, an annual recognition program established in

Staff members submit nominations for the award to honor colleagues who demonstrate exceptional commitment to patients, fellow employees and the community.

“The Mercy Award commends individuals who consistently go beyond the call of duty in serving our patients and our community,” Fauquier Health CEO Rebecca Segal said in the release. “Christine’s work with her patients and in the community is truly inspiring. The comments from her patients and co-workers make it clear that Christine has a special connection with them.”

Helsel received several nominations, highlighting her devotion to her patients, particularly a pediatric patient who struggled with mastering daily living skills, social interaction

and significant sensory issues.

“Christine worked with this patient to help them gain skills for independent living and to feel more comfortable interacting with others. Christine even helped her participate in a musical showcase in front of an audience. So successful was Christine’s work with this patient that they are now looking at pursuing a college education,” stated the release.

Also highlighted in Christine’s nomination was her work in the community to raise funds for adaptive bikes for children with disabilities, a key organizer of the annual Warrenton Pediatric Bike-a-thon.

“Christine is full of hope, joy and compassion,” described Helsel’s fellow employees in her nomination. L

From left: Joe Barkman, Fauquier Health Board of Trustees Chair, Christine Helsel and Rebecca Segal, Fauquier Health CEO.

Fauquier welcomes its second Free Little Art Gallery at Warrenton’s Town Hall

BY FAUQUIERNOW STAFF

Anew miniature art gallery has opened in front of the Warrenton Town Hall, offering community members a chance to give, take and share small pieces of original artwork.

The installation, announced last week by the Warrenton Art Commission, marks the second Free Little Art Gallery, or FLAG, in Fauquier County. Like its counterparts across the commonwealth and country, the gallery is designed to encourage creative expression and community connection through a simple principle: “Take Art, Leave Art, Love Art.”

Located at 21 Main St. in Old Town, the gallery invites visitors to contribute tiny artworks — such as paintings, sculptures, pins or pottery — or to take a piece home. Participation is free, with the exchange built on trust and appreciation.

The first Free Little Art Gallery in Fauquier County was launched earlier this year by Auburn Middle School art teacher Karla Kolb and her National Junior Art Honor

“Take Art, Leave Art, Love Art.”

Society students. Inspired by a Free Little Art Gallery she discovered while on vacation in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Kolb returned with a vision to bring the concept to Warrenton.

“I knew right then and there that we needed to have one here,” she previously told FauquierNow.

With support from Auburn Middle Principal Matt Yonkey, Kolb and about seven of her students designed and decorated a small, house-shaped structure with a floral theme. The students stocked the gallery with miniature works created throughout the school year, and the Auburn Free Little Art Gallery officially opened during a March 27 ceremony.

That gallery quickly began seeing activity. Kolb noted that within a week, several pieces had been taken and replaced by contributions from the community — including one visitor from Reston who dropped off a fox painting and a small pottery piece.

The Town Hall gallery follows in that tradition and was made possible through a partnership between the Warrenton Art Commission, Experience Old Town Warrenton, the town of Warrenton and local art collective Liv Creatively, which sponsored the project and contributed pieces from its makerspace.

Kolb said the Free Little Art Gallery is meant to serve the broader community.

“I hope when people take or contribute art from it, it will make them smile,” she said.

The Free Little Art Gallery movement began in Seattle in 2020 and has spread internationally. Each gallery is independently managed, with contributions from professional artists, students and hobbyists alike. While many are placed near museums or art centers, Auburn’s may be among the first created by a school. L

To find or contribute to the local galleries, visit the Auburn Middle School garden or the new gallery at Warrenton Town Hall. A map of locations nationwide is available at freelittleartgalleries.art.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Warrenton welcomed its second ‘Free Little Art Gallery’ thanks to the efforts of the Warrenton Art Commission, Auburn Middle School art teacher Karla Kolb and her National Junior Art Honor Society students as well as local business Liv Creatively.

read 2025 c mmunity

Fauquier Public Library invites you to read West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

Joinus

for an evening with the author

Thursday, Sept. 11 7 p.m. Rice Theater Highland School

Sponsored by the PATH Foundation & the Margaret Spilman Bowden Foundation

Free; registration required. Go to bit.ly/fplcommunityread beginning July 14.

Copies Available at Fauquier Public Library or for Purchase from The Open Book

outdoors

A Lavender Dream

A social media post propelled a suburban family into a whole different world in rural Fauquier County

BY JENNIFER WALDERA

In 2002, Deborah Skahill and her mother, Edith Williamson, started farming Seven Oaks Lavender Farm in Catlett. In 2005, the two opened the property to the public, offering visitors the opportunity to cut lavender stems and a variety of other flowers in addition to enjoying the rural farm environment and exploring the lavender shop’s lotions, candles and sweets. However, after decades of tending to the farm, the two decided at the end of the lavender season in 2024 that, at 64 and 87 years old, respectively, it was time to pass the property on. With only one brief Facebook post, Skahill was able to attract the attention of about 20 potential buyers, and by November, Katie and

Jason Rinker had purchased and moved into the historic home with the goal of shepherding the farm and business that Skahill and Williamson had built.

“We definitely didn’t intend to buy a lavender farm. But the previous owner put a blurb on Facebook that said something like: “Do you have a lavender dream?” Katie Rinker said. “I had been here as a customer last June, and my daughter and I were on the porch swing and had joked about having that as our backyard. So, I was excited. [Jason] was reluctant, but I begged to go look. We realized it was a good deal, and his brain started moving on projects he could do, and we decided we could afford it.”

While Jason is still working his full-time job as a buyer for a major grocery retailer, the two have both poured their heart and souls into learning and building upon

the legacy that the mother and daughter left at Seven Oaks. Neither of the Rinkers has a background in farming, but Skahill and Williamson have helped to lessen the learning curve by continuing to share their knowledge with the couple. In addition, Rinker said that they’ve utilized a multitude of resources, including watching YouTube tutorials and bringing in a soil expert from Clemson. “We keep joking we don’t know what we don’t know and asking ourselves if there’s something glaring that we’re missing,” Katie said. “We’ve learned a ton in the last 6 months.”

Although lavender season doesn’t start until about June, the Rinker family has been busy ever since they purchased the farm with the year-round tasks involved in the business. The winter was spent preparing the inventory of lavender-based products

Having bunnies is one of Lily’s favorite things about moving to Seven Oaks.

L-R: The Rinker family: Hope, Jason, Katie, Luke, Matthew and Lily (front)

for the gift shop with Skahill’s guidance. Katie worked on the linen and room sprays, lip balm, and the popular headache ball. Rinker’s mother and her daughter sewed the lavender eye pillows and neck pillows.

Another wealth of agricultural knowledge came from family: Katie’s dad, an avid and experienced gardener, helped with planting the 220 lavender plants the family labored over in March and April. He continues to come out to the farm a few times a week to help maintain the fields, fertilize, and do some weeding.

“His expertise has helped tremendously,” Katie said.

The expansive farm is a new world for the Rinkers’ family. While the couple’s three oldest children are out on their own, the four youngest that are still at home eagerly embraced the move.

Prior to moving to the 1860s farmhouse at Seven Oaks Lavender Farm, the family lived in Manassas where Katie was a stay-at-home mom. While the contrast in settings between their former community and the 13.5-acre farm is vast, Katie said that the entire family has been enthusiastic about the transition to the country life.

“They are enjoying it,” Katie said. “They have missed the [previous] neighborhood, but they like

Lilly and her grandfather Paul Waddelove prepare to weed the lavender.

Hope, Matthew, Katie building The Snack Shack in May

having all of this space. They love riding around in the golf cart, hitting golf balls, exploring, and running through the [lavender] fields.”

Luke, 13, particularly loves viewing the farm from the top of the zero-turn mower.

Sixteen-year-old Hope has a fondness for animals in particular. “I love living in the country — I’ve made friends with all the cows next door, and I love being able to have bunnies,” she said.

The kids are all part of the business as well, working in the Snack Shack and in the gift shop, and greeting people when they arrive.

Katie said, “We want people to love this place as much as we do. We want people to love the lavender.”

The couple’s youngest, 8-year-old Lily has found her strength in teaching visitors to the farm. “I love talking to everybody and telling them how to cut lavender,” she said.

In the short time that the Rinkers have been running the farm, they have made numerous upgrades, including building the Snack Shack, increasing the amount of seating, adding more plants, renovating the bunny pen and redoing the children’s sandbox.

Activities at the Farm

Lavender cutting (20 stems):

$8 adults, $6 kids

Gift shop Bunnies Sandbox Playhouse

Snack Shack: Lavender lemonade, lavender lemon cupcakes, lavender ice cream

Dog Days:

Leashed dogs welcome Mondays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Lavender season: May 30-July 13, open every day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hours vary outside lavender season, check website for details.

The family also has their eyes on the future. “We’re thinking of doing pumpkins, maybe fall drinks like pumpkins, pumpkin lattes, winter activities, tea parties — things that are affordable and family-friendly,” Katie said.

As the lavender season winds down, the Rinkers will continue to concentrate on learning and growing, but the family is also focused on appreciating what makes the community one that they’re grateful to now be a part of. “I love how friendly everybody is,” Katie said. “Everyone is so welcoming and so sweet and willing to help out with anything we need.”

Matthew, 15, said, “It’s a lot of fun. We’re meeting a ton of new people and everyone is so nice!” l

sevenoakslavenderfarm.com 8769 Old Dumfries Road, Catlett

We offer evening and Saturday appointments!

Dennis Rustom, MD, FAAP • Diana Chalmeta, MD, FAAP Katherine Bovee, MD, FAAP • Lisa Kelly, MD, FAAP Candace Simpson, CPNPC-PC, IBCLC • Sinéad Arndt PA-C, MSPAS 20 Rock Pointe Lane • Warrenton, VA 20186 540.347.9900 • www.piedmontpediatrics.com Ensuring Well Checks & Sports Physicals for the Summer

We now offer walk-in appointments from 8am-10am Monday-Friday on a first come, first serve basis!

FAUQUIER inFOCUS

Announcing the top photos in Warrenton Lifestyle’s annual photo contest

Fauquier County is a special place; it is not only beautiful in landscape, but in the affection our readers feel for our close community. That’s what Warrenton Lifestyle strives to celebrate every month in each issue.

We wanted to let our readers show us their county through their own eyes — and their lenses.

We are excited to announce the winners of our second annual photo contest, Fauquier InFocus. We had an overwhelming response — more than 115 beautiful photo submissions in five categories. It made for tough choices. In these pages you will find the photos that captivated our judges the most. The selections were made by a panel of four picture professionals: Kara Thorpe, art director of Warrenton Lifestyle; Luke Christopher, contributing photographer for the Lifestyle magazines and our sister publications; Jordan Koepke, professional photographer; and award-winning photographer Douglas Lees.

Please enjoy these peeks into Fauquier County!

The contest is open for submissions year-round, so keep sending your photos taken in Fauquier County for consideration in the 2026 Fauquier InFocus, to be published next July. Photographers of all experience levels are encouraged to participate. Email submissions to photocontest@fauquiernow.com

SHAWN JONES, WARRENTON. PHOTO TAKEN AT CROCKETT PARK, OCTOBER 2024

LANDSCAPES

2nd place LANDSCAPES

3rdplace LANDSCAPES IT’S A TIE!

PHOTOGRAPHER: ALAN LEVIN.

PHOTO: “HACKBERRY AT SUNSET”, MORIAH FARMS, WINTER 2023

(TOP) PHOTOGRAPHER: CAROLYN FLETCHER, THE PLAINS. PHOTO: “COMING HOME”, THE PLAINS

(BOTTOM) PHOTOGRAPHER: HANNAH HOLLAND, WARRENTON. PHOTO TAKEN AT BELLEVUE FARMS

(LEFT) PHOTOGRAPHER: HARRY FOARD, WARRENTON.

PHOTO TAKEN AT FREE STATE OFFICIAL CAR SHOW, ORLEAN MARKET, APRIL 2025

(CENTER) PHOTOGRAPHER: JENN MAYHUGH, WARRENTON.

PHOTO TAKEN AT THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE, WARRENTON, MAY 26, 2025

(RIGHT) PHOTOGRAPHER: BOBBY DOANE, MARSHALL.

PHOTO TAKEN AT THE MARSHALL FIREMAN’S CARNIVAL, MARSHALL, OCTOBER 2024

PHOTOGRAPHER:

• Conversation & company

• Transportation, shopping & errands

•

• Bathing,

•

•Conversation & company

•

• Transportation, shopping

•

Caring

•

Warrenton.FirstLightHomeCare.com

•Walking

•Mail

•And

1stplace

PHOTOGRAPHER: LAURA NESKE, WARRENTON.

PHOTO: “SQUABBLING TREE SWALLOWS”, SKY MEADOWS STATE PARK, DELAPLANE

WILDLIFE

2nd place WILDLIFE

PHOTOGRAPHER: LAURA NESKE, WARRENTON.

“CATMINT AND A HONEYBEE – THE IMPORTANCE OF A POLLINATOR GARDEN”,

A TIE!

PHOTOGRAPHER: LAURA NESKE, WARRENTON.

“EARLY MORNING VISITOR”,

3rdplace

PHOTOGRAPHER: KAITLYNN REID, THE PLAINS

PHOTO:

JAMISON’S FARM, WARRENTON

WILDLIFE

PHOTO:

JAMISON’S FARM, WARRENTON

PHOTO: “BUMBLE BEE IN MY GARDEN”, THE PLAINS

ROAD

Your Guide to Quick Summer Getaways in Virginia & Beyond

As schools close and summer begins, the picturesque landscapes of Virginia beckon travelers with promises of unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re looking for new places to explore or eager to uncover hidden gems, our comprehensive guide covers the best things to do in Northern Virginia, central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.

In Northern Virginia, the vibrant mix of urban and natural attractions ensures there’s something for everyone. Discover the charm of Old Town

Explore RoadTrip! by scanning the QR code with your smartphone or at insidenova.com/roadtrip

PLUS, find print copies of RoadTrip! at locations around Fauquier and Prince William counties and throughout the region.

ROADTrip!

Your Guide to Quick Summer Getaways in Virginia and Beyond

Alexandria with its historic waterfront, boutique shops and delectable dining options. Take a scenic drive along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, where breathtaking views of the Potomac River await. For the outdoor enthusiast, Great Falls Park offers exhilarating hikes and stunning vistas that are perfect for a summer day adventure.

Central Virginia, with its rich history and rolling vineyards, invites you to indulge in a different kind of exploration. Wander through the historic streets of Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia and the renowned Monticello. Wine aficionados will delight in the region’s award-winning wineries, offering tastings and tours amidst picturesque vineyards. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, where pan-

oramic views and lush landscapes create an idyllic backdrop for a leisurely drive.

The Shenandoah Valley, a true natural paradise, is the perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and adventure. Shenandoah National Park, with its cascading waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and miles of hiking trails, is a haven for nature lovers. Experience the thrill of Skyline Drive, a scenic byway that offers unparalleled views of the valley and beyond. Quaint towns like Luray and Winchester provide a delightful mix of history, culture, and hospitality, ensuring a memorable visit. Join us as we uncover some of the must-see destinations, hidden gems and local favorites that make Virginia a top summer destination in a special publication. See how above!

A Slice of Tradition

Spitony’s Pizza turns 50

BY GRACE SCHUMACHER

In the heart of Fauquier County, along Route 29 between Warrenton and New Baltimore, sits a red brick building that has been serving fresh, made-to-order pies for 50 years.

Spitony’s Pizza, founded in 1975, is more than a local staple — it’s a living family legacy, now in its third generation under Alex and Lauren Chakalos.

“We’re the one and only Spitony’s,” Alex said. “We want each experience to be unique and everybody to feel at home.”

That focus on hospitality runs deep for Alex, who grew up alongside the business.

“I would get dropped off by the school bus at Spitony’s,” he said. “I was always in the back making boxes for quarters or playing video games in the corner.”

For him, the restaurant is more than a workplace — it’s an extension of home.

Spitony’s was started by Alex’s grandfather, Spiro, and great-uncle Tony, who combined their names to create “Spitony’s.” Originally housed inside a Stuckey’s conve -

nience store, the family-run pizzeria was a bold venture at a time when pizza was still considered a novelty in rural Virginia.

“They were looking to pioneer something that hadn’t been done before,” Alex said. “Something that would set them apart.”

One of one: A ‘Spitony’s Pizza’ is its own thing

The Chakalos family wants customers to crave a “Spitony’s pizza” — not just any slice.

The family proudly embraces their heritage, operating the neighboring Northside 29 restaurant serving Greek cuisine, but Spitony’s serves up New York-style pizza, shaped by the early mentorship from the building’s previous owners, Charlie and Jules.

“The legal name of the business is still C.J. Spitony’s,” Lauren said.

At Spitony’s, pizza is a craft.

“On paper, pizza is just dough, sauce and cheese. But it’s so much more than that,” Alex said. “We make our dough fresh daily. It has to be the same every time.”

Consistency, he said, is non-negotiable — from the dough’s texture to the evenness of toppings.

“Our pizzas can’t be overcooked or undercooked. Nothing about our recipes changes, so it all comes down to technique,” said Alex.

“Even the temperature of the water is monitored,” added Lauren.

That attention to detail adds up. In 2024 alone, they made nearly 55,000 pizzas. The sauce — made from scratch two to three times a week in 55-gallon batches — is considered sacred.

“It’s our secret recipe,” Lauren said. “It’s special, and it can be easily messed up. We’ve had to scrap entire batches when just one thing is off. We can’t just be like, ‘It’s good enough,’ because that's not how we flow.”

Lauren and Alex, both 2009 graduates of

Fauquier High School, reconnected years later at a club softball game. Their love story, like the restaurant, is rooted in partnership.

“I was between jobs, and Alex was shortstaffed,” Lauren said. “I offered to come in and help, even if it was just answering phones.”

Seven years later, she’s still there — now as Alex’s wife and a vital part of the day-today operations.

Working side by side comes naturally.

“Alex’s parents, Bill and Tracy, work the same way,” Lauren said. “They’ve created a strong model of what a healthy work-life dynamic can look like.”

That model begins with hard work. Bill Chakalos, who took over the business from his father, Spiro, is known among staff and family alike as the tireless engine behind Spitony’s.

“He is Spitony’s,” Lauren said. “You’ll find him on the roof fixing hood fans, checking the freezer, or changing filters in the A/C unit. We joke about starting a challenge: If anyone can snap a photo of Bill sitting down and relaxing, they win a prize.”

Alex credits his father for shaping his leadership style.

“I’ve definitely learned a lot from him,”

Spiro and Tula Chakalos immigrated to the United States from southern Greece in 1956 with the dream of owning their own business.

he said. “He told me once, ‘This is a gold mine — but you have to mine it.’”

Alex wasn’t always sure that taking over the family business was the path he’d follow. His parents made it clear: There was no obligation.

“They told me, ‘We can hire a general manager. Don’t do this just because you think you have to,’” he said. “But one day it clicked. I saw everything they’d worked for, and I thought maybe I could step into that and provide a great life for my own family.”

Now, with Lauren by his side, Alex is continuing the legacy with care — for both customers and staff.

“We’ve had kids who started working

Macey MacEwen, a longtime Spitony’s employee, dishes up “a slice of heaven.”

In 1971, Spiro and Tula Chakalos purchased the property in New Baltimore where Spitony’s is today.

Jeffrey Harris, DDS

Paul Harris, DDS

with us at age 15, stayed all through high school, came back during college breaks, and some who’ve worked with us for over a decade,” Lauren said. “That really speaks to how Alex leads. He genuinely cares about his staff and respects their time.”

The couple had planned to marry in October 2020, but like many others, their wedding was delayed by the pandemic.

COVID-19 also became a defining moment for the business.

“Navigating COVID-19 ... So many restaurants didn’t survive,” Lauren said. “We were lucky — we actually got busier.”

They quickly adapted with curbside pickup and streamlined operations. Though chaotic at first, the experience made the business stronger.

“It actually helped us to fine-tune. Now we’re trained to be busy,” Alex said. “It made us faster and more efficient.”

“Nobody had ever gone through something like [COVID-19] before. We were learning at the same time as everybody else and adapting to what's going on,” Lauren added. “It’s hard to remember what things were like before.”

Affordability helped too.

“Pizza was something families could still afford,” Alex said.

Spitony’s gives back when they can, said Lauren. During government shutdowns, they offered free lunch specials to furloughed federal employees who showed valid ID.

Now, the family sees the anniversary as a chance to say thank you.

50 years of community support

“This anniversary is for the community,” Alex said. “They have been there for us. This is our livelihood, our family business. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.”

Spitony’s doesn’t chase trends. In fact, much of the kitchen equipment — like the original dough bowl and pizza oven— has been there since 1975.

“We want people to walk in and say, ‘This hasn’t changed a bit,’” Alex said. “We want it to taste exactly how they remember. We don’t change a lot here, and that's our strategy.”

Still, they make small updates, like rotating local beers and maintaining a social media presence. But what keeps customers coming back is the sense of belonging.

“When someone walks in, we want it to feel like home,” Alex said. “Because for us, that’s exactly what this place is.”

Tracy and Janine Melvin of Catlett stopped by on a rainy Wednesday earlier this month.

“This is our favorite pizza, hands down,” Tracy said. “There’s no limit to how far we’ll drive for Spitony’s.”

In an age of franchises and food trends, Alex said he hopes Spitony’s reminds people what it means to build something that lasts. L

Spitony’s Pizza is under the management of Alex and Lauren Chakalos, the family’s third generation. Lauren shows off her dough tossing skills in Spitony’s kitchen.

TOP 10 Fauquier’s

Top Sales

The ten highest-priced homes that sold between mid-May and midJune, 2025 in Fauquier County. Data and photos from Zillow.com.

5415 MACMAHON LANE, THE PLAINS

$5,000,000

Sold June 13 4 bedrooms

6613 PLANTATION LANE, WARRENTON

$1,200,000

Sold May 30

$1,105,000

4033 OAKLAND DRIVE, WARRENTON

$1,080,000

The Big Picture

“The Greater Piedmont footprint saw a decrease in sales in the month of April which led to an increase in active listings as well as an increase in the monthly supply. While sales were low the number of pending properties was up 11% compared to pending in 2024. Will sales in the GPR footprint blossom in May? Stay tuned next month to see if April showers bring May flowers.”

—Carrie Brown, 2025 Greater Piedmont REALTORS® President

The April Details for Fauquier County

Compared to April 2024

Median Sales Price: $595,000, up from $556,000

Sales Activity: 82, up from 81 Days on Market: 23, down from 41

Greater Piedmont REALTORS® is a trade association representing 650 REALTORS® in Fauquier, Culpeper, Rappahannock, and Madison counties.

7560 COOPERS HAWK DRIVE, WARRENTON

$1,025,000 Sold May 30

square feet

7905 HOLSTON LANE, BROAD RUN

$986,790 Sold June 9

square feet

7192 HERON PLACE, WARRENTON

$985,000 Sold June 9

8005 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE, WARRENTON

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup hot water

3 cups freshly brewed jasmine tea, cooled

3/4 cup vodka (can substitute gin)

3/4 cup limoncello

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cups fresh grapefruit juice

1 cup chilled club soda

Ice cubes

Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Stir honey in hot water in small bowl until dissolved.

2.Cool completely

3.Combine honey water, jasmine tea, vodka, limoncello, lemon juice, and grapefruit juice in large pitcher. Add club soda and stir to blend.

4.Fill six tall glasses with ice cubes, divide tea mixture amongst glasses and top each glass with lemon slice.

1 head of garlic

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Whipped Feta

3/4 cup plain Greek Yogurt (2% or whole milk best)

4 oz feta crumbled

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Fresh ground Salt & Pepper

Instructions

1. Garnish with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, your choice of fresh herbs: dill, basil, chives, or parsley add a little kick with some red pepper flakes

2.Serve with fresh veggies from your garden (my favs are cucumbers and tomato) and pita chips or bread

Direct: 540-729-6740

E-mail: Realtor@dawnarruda.com Website: DawnArruda.com RossVA.com/dawn-arruda

Direct: 302-222-6703

E-mail: wendyj.reagent@gmail.com Website: RossVA.com/wendy-johnson

Porch Sipper Cocktail

Roasted Garlic Whipped Feta Dip