Feature News

Why can’t we get ahead of the traffic? 

In these divisive times, there’s one thing everyone agrees on: Traffic here is terrible. With road improvement projects going on all the time—especially now, in construction season—why does it seem our roads aren’t keeping up with traffic? Because, in fact, they aren’t. Charles Proctor, planning manager for Virginia Department of Transportation-Culpeper District (which includes Charlottesville, […]

Carol Diggs | May 13, 2026

Abode Magazines

Caspari brings a touch of art to your table, your patio, your parties…

What is the Caspari style? “There are certain themes,” says Gaea Rich, head of design, licensing, and product development for the store. “Our inspiration is international—Chinoiserie, classic French, botanicals, textiles from India and Asia, ceramics, European 19th century but also modern influences…”  Mark Bergadon, director of marketing, retail and e-commerce, nods: “You know it when […]

Carol Diggs | April 29, 2026

Abode Magazines

An old house gets a timeless new addition 

COVID had Chip and Betsy Tucker thinking things over after living in this area for four decades. A combination of practicality and the post-pandemic real estate market made them consider their next move. Was it time for a smaller house? A transition to one-floor living?  The Tuckers began exploring their options, and found a 1920s […]

Carol Diggs | April 29, 2026

Abode Magazines

A James Tuley-designed house gets an update—without losing its original spirit 

A historic house doesn’t have to be a saltbox Colonial or a gingerbread Victorian—houses built in the late 20th century are also pieces of history, especially when they were designed by notable local architects. And while they may not have historic designation, they often present the same challenges—and satisfactions—as renovating a much older home. That’s […]

Carol Diggs | April 29, 2026

Magazines Weddings

What’s hot on today’s wedding menus

Weddings are celebrations. And when people get together to celebrate, there’s going to be wonderful food and lots of it. So what’s currently on the menu at big days in our area? We talked to three top wedding caterers in town—The Local, Harvest Moon, and C&O—to get the latest. Since Central Virginia is popular for […]

Carol Diggs | April 15, 2026

Magazines Weddings

Today’s couples make their own rules

Weddings are full of traditions—some are cultural, some are religious, some are family (like my father and my aunt, both parents of four daughters, threatening to go halfsies on a ladder so we could all elope). But as weddings have changed over the years, which traditions have gone by the wayside—and which traditions still hold? […]

Carol Diggs | April 15, 2026

Magazines Weddings

For many couples, all-inclusive is the way to go

You’ve just made one of the most important decisions of your life—you’re getting married. Now the prospect of making a lot more, admittedly less weighty, decisions may be daunting. Maybe you don’t want to spend a year scheduling vendors; maybe you want to pick the place and then not worry about the details; or maybe […]

Carol Diggs | April 15, 2026

Abode Magazines

An historic house renovation becomes a labor of love 

The pandemic changed directions for so many lives. For Chad Pelton and Christie Bazemore, it sent them to a new town and a new home. “We were ready for a change after COVID,” Bazemore recalls. “My business lease was coming due, and we’d fallen in love with the Staunton area. Chad’s father lives on a […]

Carol Diggs | February 11, 2026