Living Picks: Week of July 25-31

Nonprofit Gearharts Chocolates Summer Open House Saturday, July 28 Tour the local chocolate purveyor’s production facility and get a taste of chocolates and other locally made treats. A portion of the day’s sales will benefit the CASPCA. Free, 11am-5pm. Gearharts Fine Chocolates, 243-B Ridge McIntire Rd. 972-9100. Food & Drink Brews with a View Wednesday, […]

Dinner fundraiser to recoup New Roots’ flood loss

A crowning achievement for the International Rescue Committee in Charlottesville has been the New Roots urban farm, the more than eight-acre stretch of land abutting Azalea Park that has served as a resource for many refugees who have resettled in the Charlottesville community in recent years. But the heavy rains that plagued Charlottesville in late May […]

New owner at Tavern & Grocery and more restaurant news

New owner at Tavern & Grocery Tavern & Grocery has changed hands, with its recent acquisition by Ashley Sieg, whose family has had a hand in the local food and hospitality scene over the years, including the now-shuttered Water Street and its predecessor, Tempo. Sieg, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, has been involved […]

The Clifton’s facelift includes a renewed focus on the food

By Jenny Gardiner The Clifton Inn is undergoing a season of renewal—and a name change to The Clifton. New owners the Westmont Capital Group brought in the coveted design team from Tennessee’s posh Blackberry Farm to put a fresh face on the property, and capped it off by hiring Michelin-starred executive chef Matthew Bousquet, who […]

These hidden spots will keep you cool this summer

By Sashank Sankar There are three types of people during the summer. The first choose to stay within the comforts of air conditioning. The second like to be outdoors, but not too far from civilization, only venturing to swimming pools and local parks. The third have an adventurous streak. And if you fall within that […]

The Pet Issue: Let me tell you ’bout my best friend

For many of us, the relationship we have with our pet is the best one we’ve ever had. He never gets moody, he listens when you talk and he’s still interested in cuddles despite having seen you naked so many thousands of times. This issue takes into account the good, bad and furry side of […]

Living Picks: Week of July 11-17

Nonprofit CASPCA benefit Thursday, July 12 Dining out can benefit more than your stomach: Mention Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA on July 12, and 10 percent of your check at Bonefish Grill will go to animals-in-need. Price varies, 11am-10pm. Bonefish Grill, 269 Connor Dr. 975-3474. Food & Drink Anniversary party Saturday, July 14 Albemarle CiderWorks is hosting a […]

Day trip: A day with kids in the museums of Richmond

We’re lucky to have Richmond. As a mid-size city, it can offer certain things that Charlottesville doesn’t, but it’s small enough that it’s simple to navigate. And when I took my kids there recently, I was surprised—as I often am—at how easy it is to get there. That’s not even counting I-64, which might be […]

Virginia craft beer pioneer focuses on the people

By Jenny Gardiner and Sashank Sankar It seems that thinking small is the key for Charlottesville native Mark Thompson and his wife, Gina, who recently opened Brewing Tree Beer Company on the Brew Ridge Trail, in Nelson County. Thompson, who co-founded Starr Hill Brewery (the second-oldest craft brewery in the state) nearly 20 years ago […]

LIVING Picks: July 4-10

Food & Drink ’90s summer brunch Sunday, July 8 Break out your scrunchies and slap bracelets and enjoy throwback ’90s covers from Supervixen during a brunch with killer views. Admission is free; food available for purchase, 11am-2pm. Carter Mountain Orchard, 1435 Carters Mountain Trail. 977-1833. Family Independence Day celebration Wednesday, July 4 Come to Monticello […]