LIVING To Do: Monticello Evening Tours

Get an after-hours glimpse of Thomas Jefferson’s iconic Monticello. This hour-long small group tour winds through the historic house to give you an intimate look at 19th century holiday traditions. Through 12/30. $45, 5:30pm. Monticello, 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy. 984-9800.

New Close-Hart led kitchen to craft modern Mexican cuisine, Hamiltons’ Sandwich Lab whips up a locally sourced banh mi and more local restaurant news

Junction’s function Even chef Melissa Close-Hart seemed surprised when she revealed the concept behind the new Belmont eatery she’s opening with The Local owner Adam Frazier: It’ll be called Junction and serve up modern Mexican with a touch of “cowboy cuisine” thrown in. Close-Hart said she’s never cooked Tex-Mex professionally—hence the surprise—but said it’s something […]

Whiskey business: Locals keeping up with global demand for aged grain spirits

A “global whiskey renaissance”—that’s what the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is calling the trend in spirits over the last five years. Domestic and international demand for whiskey—bourbon in particular—has forced some of the largest producers to warn consumers of impending shortages, as demand is significantly outpacing supply. U.S. Whiskey exports topped 1 […]

Darden students launch Caribbean-inspired juice line, boutique wine bar replace Toro’s Tacos and more local restaurant news

Darden students and Dominican Republic natives team up to create line of Caribbean-inspired juice Why did the Darden students cross the border? To bring back tropical fruits for a new line of local juice, obviously. When Luis Solis took a trip back home to the Dominican Republic earlier this year, his buddy and Darden classmate […]

LIVING To Do: Holiday Classic 5K

Get your blood pumping and work off those last lingering Thanksgiving calories with a brisk run at the Holiday Classic 5K. This annual course, beginning at the East Walk of Monticello and ending at the Thomas Jefferson Vistor Center, supports trail preservation. The under-12 crowd can get in on the action with the Deck the […]

LIVING To Do: Alternative Gift Fair

If your inner Cindy Lou Who or Charlie Brown has you feeling down about an overly commercialized Christmas, try charitable shopping on for size. Browse a variety of nonprofit booths at the third annual Alternative Gift Fair and make a donation in a loved one’s name. Past participants have included the Blue Ridge Area Food […]

LIVING To Do: Lighting of the Lawn

Deck the halls with a Wa-hoo-wa as UVA’s historic Lawn illuminates in anticipation of the holiday season. Seasonal music accompanies this wintertime tradition setting Jefferson’s iconic Rotunda a-twinkling. Thursday 12/4. Free, 7pm. The Lawn, UVA. 924-0311.

Counter intuitive: The hidden dangers of drug store staples

From aspirin to antacids, we take it for granted that there are dozens of medications readily available for purchase without a prescription. The familiarity of these products in everyday life implies a degree of safety when used properly, and it is not a large stretch to assume that they are similarly safe in pets. But […]