Kristie Smeltzer, Author at C-VILLE Weekly

Tried It in C’ville: Blue Ridge Brushes

The art store tucked down a less-traveled corridor in my hometown mall was one of my favorite places to frequent as a girl. Walking between aisles full of paint brushes […]

Kristie Smeltzer | September 23, 2026

Culture Tried It

Tried It in C’ville: James River Batteau Co.’s Farm to Batteau dinner

When summer heat intensifies, many of us are drawn to the water, especially the James River. While hundreds of years ago the James served as a busy shipping route, these […]

Kristie Smeltzer | July 22, 2026

Culture Tried It

Tried It in C’ville: Then & Now

The Downtown Mall turns 50 this year. As a transplant to Charlottesville, the Mall has felt so intimately woven into the fabric of this beloved town that it’s hard to […]

Kristie Smeltzer | June 17, 2026

Culture Tried It

A day of cooking in the Blue Ridge is a passport to Greece

One of the easiest and most delicious ways to learn about other cultures is to sample its cuisine. Across the globe, food brings people together in times of joy and […]

Kristie Smeltzer | May 27, 2026

Culture Tried It

Tried It in C’ville: Intuitive Dry Cutting

What Getting an intuitive dry haircut. Why To have a ’do I love that grows out even better. How it went It’s been sunroof season ever since I got the […]

Kristie Smeltzer | April 15, 2026

Culture

Tried It in C’ville: Emergency Food Network

What Driving food to the distribution center for the Emergency Food Network. Why Everyone should have access to nourishing food. How it went Like with most volunteer opportunities, I got […]

Kristie Smeltzer | March 25, 2026

Culture

Tried it in C’ville: Cville Dance Co-Op

Every time a period film comes on, I bemoan that community dances are no longer a thing. I love dancing and find there are not enough opportunities to dance in […]

Kristie Smeltzer | February 25, 2026

Culture

Tried it in C’ville: Glass-blowing at Studio 1050°

What do you give people who have everything—especially if they’re decluttering? Experiential gifts have been the answer to that question for some in my family. We did a paint-n-sip night […]

Kristie Smeltzer | December 17, 2025

Culture Entertainment

Tried it in C’ville: Blue Ridge Mountain Maze

While some mourn summer’s passing, I’m dancing in my sweater. These brisk mornings conjure fond memories of attending fall festivals and carving jack-o’-lanterns. Searching for a way to celebrate my […]

Kristie Smeltzer | October 29, 2025

Culture Recreation & Fitness

Heed the call of foam-covered battle

For those of us who grew up dueling with long cardboard tubes from the center of wrapping paper rolls, our days of swordplay needn’t be over. (My nephew dubbed those […]

Kristie Smeltzer | September 24, 2025