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How to be Original—Small Boutiques North of the River to the Rescue! 

We've all been there—showing up to an event only to find one of your fellow guests wearing the same outfit or accessories or bringing a similar card or gift. A surefire way to avoid this embarrassment is to shop at one of our friendly area boutiques for locally sourced, unique clothing and gifts....

Finding Back-to-School Deals: A Procrastinating Shopper’s Guide

The calendar turns to July, and suddenly, the back-to-school commercials start rolling, featuring new backpacks, notebooks, lunchboxes, and other school must-haves. But now it’s August, and the clock is ticking. Procrastinating parents and students need to make a mad dash to stores and shops to...

In Praise of La Manzana: A Harvest Time Tribute

By Kim Amboy:It's perfect design fits nicely in your hand. It can last almost forever in your fridge. There are over 7,500 varieties grown worldwide, and it’s the main ingredient in countless culinary creations. While the French call it “la Pomme”, Spanish speakers refer to it as “la Manzana”, and...

Take Good Care of Yourself and Beat Those Winter Blues!

By Kim Amboy : It seems lately I’ve been talking to the person staring back at me in the mirror. “Who is that old lady?” I ask, or sometimes I greet her with, “Hello Mother.” That poor girl is in serious need of an overhaul! And it makes total sense, because Old Man Winter does a number on...

Picking the Perfect Picnic Spot

There’s an old joke where the girl tells the guy that he must have picked a great spot for a picnic. Proudly, he asks, “How do you know?” She replies, “Because 10,000 ants can’t be wrong.” That’s somewhat been my attitude towards picnics. Why eat with the bugs when you have a perfectly fine indoor...

Virginia’s 2026 Spring and Summer Festivals

Virginia’s 2026 festival season is filled with many opportunities to enjoy the Commonwealth’s hospitality, delicious food, and rich cultural experiences—from spring flowers to jazz concerts and wine tastings throughout summer and fall. No matter your preferences, interests, or budget, you’ll find...

Senior Discounts—It Pays to Get Old!

By Kim Amboy : The adage, “Time stands still for no one,” rings especially true for those who have emerged from middle age into full-fledged senior status. But along with a few quirky aches and pains, and a whole lot of acquired knowledge and experience, some nice perks come with all that water...

Hanover Tavern Offers a Fantastic, Fun Fall 2025 Lineup

When folks start talking history, do you immediately think of something stodgy, somewhat boring, and definitely not much fun? It’s true sometimes history can be like that. But when you pay a visit to one of Metro Richmond's most historical sites, you’ll discover plenty to entertain old and young...

Ashland Train Day – On Track for a Day of Fun and Surprises

According to Louise Keeton, director of operations for the Downtown Ashland Association, everything is on track for another fun-filled Ashland Train Day – the 22nd anniversary, by the way. This year, the celebration of all things railroad will be held throughout Ashland’s quaint, picturesque...

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME

If you grew up in or around Richmond, you probably have fond memories of visiting the Diamond, eating cotton candy, and enjoying not only a baseball game, but fireworks. The Diamond is no longer in use, but CarMax Park, the new state-of-the-art ballpark located at 2929 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, is now...

Get Away to Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast

Are you ready to head for the hills? This is, indeed, the ideal time of year to visit the beautiful mountains of Virginia. Consider all that the Blue Ridge has to offer…fantastic foliage, exceptional Virginia wines, charming inns, and amazing dining. Are you ready to roll? If so, and if you’re...

An Early Spring Gardener’s State of Mind 

Now that March has finally rolled around, Virginia’s Green Thumbers are jonesing to get outside, enjoy the warmth of spring, and get their hands back in the dirt. While it’s too soon to plant this year’s garden, late February/early March is transition time—time to get into the gardening mindset....

An Ode to Soup

By Kim Amboy:I was bored to death! Grandmother and I had come to visit great grandma on a cold winter’s day in Michigan when I was just five years old. Unfortunately for me, there were no toys or coloring books, and all I could find to do was sit and watch the two older ladies chatting and peeling...

Experience Fall Foliage at its Peak

By Kaitlyn Bruce :The brilliant ambers, vibrant goldens, and deep burgundies have already begun overtaking the scenery. Thankfully, we live in a state that is abundant in locations for enjoying the fall season.When you think of places to visit in the fall, the lake might not be the first thing...

 Kid-Friendly Places in and Around Midlothian 

Parents, it’s time to plan a fun and unforgettable summer with your children including activities that are creative and challenging, both indoors and outside. School is almost finished for the year, and schedules are easing. If you find it a challenge to find family-friendly entertainment and...

The Joys of Picknicking: One of Life’s Simple Pleasures

By Kim Amboy : There is something nostalgic and grounding about going on an old-fashioned picnic. Armed with just a blanket, good food, and the company of loved ones, an ordinary afternoon can be transformed into a memorable experience. Preparing special treats makes a meal part of the adventure....

Virginia’s Autumn Apple Harvest—Bushels and Barrels of Fun for Everyone!

Are you someone who enjoys fresh-baked apple pie, slathers apple butter on your breakfast toast, or savors crisp hard cider with charcuterie? Then, apple season must be your favorite time of year! And now that the weather’s cooler and harvest time is in full swing, why not plan a flavorful weekend...

Float Your Troubles Away with a Quiet Paddle on the James

By Kim Amboy:The gentle flow of a winding river has calmed and mesmerized people from the beginning of time. For a moment, imagine sitting on a shady bank, with your toes in the water and a book in hand, while watching falling leaves drift by. They bob and swirl as they pass farther and farther...

What Are You Doing for the Semiquincentennial?

Are you getting excited about the semiquincentennial? Even if you don’t know how to pronounce it, you may know that’s just a fancy way of saying it’s the 250th anniversary of something. And in this case, that something is the United States, itself. How many folks or businesses do you know that...

An Ancient Book Helps Many Cope With Today’s Economic Crisis

Many turn to the Bible for financial advice during global inflation. David and Sarah Adams have a stack of bills on the table, rent has increased and groceries are expensive. Stressed over a beyond-stretchable budget, the couple looks for financial advice from an unlikely source – the Bible.  At a...

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