Para Coffee buys Café Cubano, and other restaurant news

Two coffee shops become one Last week, the owners of Para Coffee, the homey coffee shop tucked away on Elliewood Avenue where UVA students and professors camp out for hours with lattes and textbooks, announced that they’ve purchased Café Cubano on the Downtown Mall. Para owners Eric Kelley, Brad Uhl, and Brandon Wooten, who founded […]

Council OKs replacement of Belmont Bridge, shoots down underpass

Charlottesville’s City Council voted 4-1 Monday night in favor of replacing the aging connector between downtown and Belmont with an “enhanced bridge” as opposed to an underpass—an option that would have routed traffic below existing rail lines, and enjoyed vocal support from some locals and designers who have criticized the city’s planning process on the […]

What’s happening in Charlottesville-Albemarle the week of July 21

Each week, the news team takes a look at upcoming meetings and events in Charlottesville and Albemarle we think you should know about. Consider it a look into our datebook, and be sure to share newsworthy happenings in the comments section.  The Albemarle County Architectural Review Board meets at 1pm Monday, July 21 in Room […]

ARTS Pick: Shrek: The Musical

Grab some torches and pitchforks and prepare for Shrek: The Musical, when an ogre-turned-hero braves dragon fire and a tiny king to save his beloved Fiona. As Shrek adventures with his faithfully frustrating sidekick, Donkey, storybook creatures, and a musical score, an expert cast recaptures the magic of Long Ago and Far Away. Through 8/10. $16, […]

ARTS Pick: Scars on 45

British crooners Scars on 45 inspire soul-searching with tunes driven by hope and longing and grounded by piano and mellow guitar. Led by the soothing voices of Danny Bembrose and Aimee Driver, the quintet weaves an audio experience that is nothing short of euphoric. Tuesday 7/22. $15, 8pm. The Southern Café and Music Hall, 103 S. First St. […]

The great outdoors: Camping with a luxurious twist

Weddings and camping go together like…Actually, weddings and camping haven’t traditionally gone together at all. Until now, that is. Welcome to the luxurious, wonderful world of glamorous camping, otherwise known as “glamping.” Think outdoorsy with all the trimmings: heated tents, comfy beds, luxury linens, and upscale furniture, all delivered to the locale of your choice. […]

Petal pushers

Once she’s got a ring on it, one of the first calls a bride makes is to a florist because be it altars, centerpieces, boutonnieres, or the all-important bouquet, flowers are everywhere, making anyone’s big day even brighter and more beautiful. There was, however, a time when those ubiquitous roses, tulips, and calla lilies weren’t […]

ARTS Pick: Martina McBride

Country music’s electric star Martina McBride is known for refusing trends and conventions, and with the release of Everlasting, the first album on her own label, she expands beyond country sounds. The Kansas-born artist finds fresh nuances in familiar favorites and songs that range from Motown and Etta James to Van Morrison and Linda Ronstadt. Saturday 7/19. $39-75, 7pm. […]