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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Alan Culbertson
George Payne
Matthew Borland
Katherine McNerney
Kimberly Chiricos
Barnstorming
A historic barn gets new life at Southwest Mountains Vineyards, while an intake barn opens at Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue.
a Community
Discover the personal stories of the local farmers and artisans who make Charlottesville’s farmers markets fresh and vibrant.
A Country Estate
Get a preview of Purple Cherry Architects’ first book, which delves into the detailed design process behind a luxurious country estate.
Fall Festival Guide
From rivers to the mountains, Virginia offers a variety of festivals to explore during the Commonwealth’s most picturesque season.
Departments
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER
Lincoln Barbour is a Charlottesville-based photographer specializing in architecture, interior design, and lifestyle imagery. With more than 20 years of experience, he brings out the beauty and character of structures in his work, as seen on this issue’s cover and in the feature story about local barns. For more, please visit lincolnbarbour.com or @lincolnbarbour on Instagram.
12
Local Life
Olympic medalists, Foxfield’s new ownership, Vietnam memorial expansion, and more.
23
Art Life
Upcoming gallery shows, and a pillar of the local art scene announces retirement.
54 Who ’ s Who
A directory of the leading real estate professionals in the region.
60 Stage Life
Homegrown musician Kate Bollinger returns for a show at the Southern.
58
Food & Drink
With roots dating to the Revolutionary War, Castle Hill embraces ancient techniques.
63 Life of the Party
A look at people, events, and benefits around the area.
Virginia Athletics
Castle Hill Cider
Brook Robinson Photography
Damean Barfield
Heidi Long
Life Local
HEAVY MEDAL
UVA ATHLETES SHINE AT PARIS OLYMPICS
If the University of Virginia had been a separate nation at the 2024 Summer Olympics, it would have ranked 16th in the medal count, surpassing Uzbekistan and just trailing behind Spain. Athletes affiliated with UVA earned a total of 14 medals— seven gold, five silver, and two bronze—over the course of the 16 days of the Paris Olympics. This achievement surpassed UVA’s previous record of nine medals at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
According to the U.S. Olympic Committee, only Stanford University athletes accumulated more medals than those from UVA. Competitors from UVA across four sports—swimming, rowing, field hockey, and soccer—contributed to the university’s impressive medal tally. Thomas Heilman, a Western Albemarle High School senior and future UVA swimmer, won silver as a member of the men’s 4x100 medley relay team.
While coaches do not receive medals, Tammi Reiss, a former UVA basketball player, played a key role in leading the U.S. women’s basketball 3x3 team to a bronze medal as an assistant coach. Additionally, Todd DeSorbo, the head coach of UVA’s highly successful swimming program, led the U.S. women’s swim team as their head coach.
UVA was also represented in the Paris Paralympics by athletes competing in rowing (Skylar Dahl), goalball (Matt Simpson), and cycling (Aaron Keith). Dahl added to the medal count with a silver in the PR3 mixed four with coxswain event.
UVA OLYMPIANS
GRETCHEN WALSH: 2 Gold, 2 Silver (USA Swimming)
KATE DOUGLASS: 2 Gold, 2 Silver (USA Swimming)
PAIGE MADDEN: 1 Silver, 1 Bronze (USA Swimming)
EMMA WEBER: 1 Gold (USA Swimming)
EMILY SONNETT: 1 Gold (USA Soccer)
PIEN DICKE: 1 Gold (Netherlands Field Hockey)
HEIDI LONG: 1 Bronze (Great Britain Rowing)
SKYLAR DAHL: 1 Silver (USA Rowing)
TOTAL OLYMPIANS: 18
TOTAL PARALYMPIANS: 3
OLYMPIC HEAD COACH: 1
OLYMPIC ASSISTANT COACH: 1
Kate Douglass
Photo courtesy of UVA Athletics
LONG MAY THEY RUN
Purchase of Foxfield Property Ensures Future Legacy
Camden Littleton Photography
Foxfield, with its rich history and picturesque setting, has long been a cherished destination for equestrian enthusiasts. In August, the Cassiopeia Foundation announced the purchase of the Foxfield property, ensuring the preservation of the historic site for future generations. It also provides a stable platform for the continued operations of the Foxfield Racing LLC, which has revitalized the racecourse and will continue to hold steeplechase races on the property.
The Cassiopeia Foundation was established in 1944 by W. Alton Jones, an American industrialist, philanthropist, and prominent figure in the thoroughbred racing world. Over its 80-year history, the foundation has supported initiatives related to environmental conservation, land preservation, and social justice.
Zach Miller, his great-grandson, continues the family tradition. An amateur steeplechase jockey and a professional trainer, Miller and his wife Sara operate a thoroughbred development business at Timbercreek Farm in Charlottesville. “It is our honor to play this role in the fulfillment of the dreams of [Foxfield founder] Mariann de Tejeda and create a lasting legacy that celebrates the heritage and tradition of Foxfield,” says Miller, trustee of the Cassiopeia Foundation.
THE HILL THAT HEALS
The Dogwood Vietnam Memorial had its origins on a fall day in 1965 when Ken Staples, the owner of Staples Barber Shop in Charlottesville, found himself in conversation with two friends, local real estate agent Bill Gentry and engineer Jim Shisler. The national news was dominated by President Lyndon Johnson’s recent decision to send the first U.S. combat troops to Vietnam, but the conversation in the barbershop had turned local: the tragic death of 18-year-old Army soldier Champ Lawson. Champ, who had recently become a father, was killed in a mid-air helicopter collision over South Vietnam, making him the first local casualty of the war.
Moved by this loss and the certainty that more would follow, the trio resolved to create a memorial dedicated to the memory of Charlottesville’s fallen sons. Within days, they selected a grassy slope at the edge of McIntire Park overlooking Route 250 as the site for their tribute. By January 1966, the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial was completed. It became the first civic memorial in the country dedicated to the soldiers of the Vietnam War, created 16 years before the national memorial in Washington, D.C.
The memorial honors 28 local soldiers who died in Southeast Asia and has offered a place for community remembrance and individual healing. For Bruce Eades, a Marine who served in Vietnam, the memorial has had profound impact on his journey of healing. It was here, in April 1995, that Eades, after 27 years of silence about the war, first spoke publicly
CHARLOTTESVILLE’S VIETNAM MEMORIAL EXPANDS ITS LEGACY
about his experiences in Vietnam. “[The memorial] been really important for my healing,” says Eades. Now the president of the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial Foundation, he gave the site its nickname: “The Hill that Heals.”
As the nation prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Vietnam War in 2025, the foundation is working on a significant expansion for the memorial. Two major initiatives are planned: the Brick Plaza Project and the Access Project.
The Brick Plaza Project will add 26 more biographical plaques honoring Vietnam veterans who attended the University of Virginia. It will also add story bricks, honoring veterans who served in the U.S. military at any time and in any conflict. Funds from the project will go toward the memorial’s expansion costs.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the Access Project will enhance the memorial’s accessibility, particularly for older veterans and residents challenged by the memorial’s current configuration. A new parking area will be constructed alongside the trail that runs parallel to the John Warner Parkway, and an ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge will span the parkway, connecting the parking area to the memorial.
For more information on the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial and the expansion project, please visit www.dogwoodvietnammemorial.org.
Rendering by Hill Studio
A LASTING IMPRESSION
The University of Virginia recently unveiled a portrait of the late Karenne Wood, a member of the Monacan Nation and a prominent advocate for Native Virginians. The portrait, part of the president’s series highlighting individuals who have broken barriers, championed change and left indelible marks on the fabric of UVA.
“Karenne was an obvious candidate for this project,” UVA president Jim Ryan said. “I hope it will inspire new generations to choose to build bridges across differences and act
with courage, just as Karenne did.” The portrait, created by artist Esther Candari, will hang in the Shannon Library.
Wood, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 59, directed Virginia Indian Programs at Virginia Humanities and influenced how museums and educational institutions teach Native American history. She was the first Monacan Indian to complete a doctoral degree at UVA, earning a Ph.D. in anthropology in 2016 and teaching several classes in that department.
UVA president Jim Ryan and Teresa Pollak, a member of the Monacan Indian Nation, unveil a portrait of Karenne Wood in the Rotunda’s
Dome Room.
Matt Riley
Jim Faulconer
503 Faulconer Drive
Charlottesville · VA · 22903
c: 434.981.0076
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MCLEAN FAULCONER INC.
Farm, Estate and Residential Brokers
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BELLAIR ◆ $2,875,000
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EDGEMONT
$15,000,000
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is this Palladian inspired masterpiece called Edgemont. Surrounded by 572 acres of rolling Virginia farmland, with the Hardware River running through the lush fields, is a home whose design is reputed to be the only remaining private residence attributed to Thomas Jefferson. Complete with tennis court, pool, pool house and guest house. MLS#576150
Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700
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Court Nexsen
503 Faulconer Drive
Charlottesville · VA · 22903
c: 646.660-0700
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CROZET ◆ $989,000
Quality-built residence, c. 2017, in the heart of Crozet, minutes from shopping, Western Schools, and Blue Ridge Mtns. Highlights include a main-level master suite, high ceilings, gourmet kitchen, screened porch, and 2-car garage. MLS#655239 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
FARMINGTON
$5,795,0000 Elegant stone residence in Farmington Country Club on 5 landscaped acres with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views. The property offers unusual privacy yet great convenience to Charlottesville, UVA and the many amenities of the Club. Includes a separate guesthouse, office, detached garage, pool, koi pond and garden building. This comfortable 5-bedroom home has exquisite craftsmanship and charming details throughout. Tim Michel, 434.960.1124
HOLLY HILL ◆ $598,000
Charming cottage on 3+ acres in Ivy! Lightfilled w/LR, DR, kitchen, sunroom, study, primary BR, BA, second BR on main floor. Lower level has bonus room, BR & BA. Recently updated floors, roof, sunroom tile. Private deck, mature landscaping, pond. MLS#655171 Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250
BAILEY’S QUARTERS ◆ $525,000
One level living with full basement, two acres and a spectacular view of Buck Mountain and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Home is 10 miles northwest of Charlottesville near Free Union. MLS#654595 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455
GOOD TO THE LAST DROP – CHARLOTTESVILLE’S COFFEE MASTER
One of the country’s top coffee roasters practices his trade right here in our own backyard. Eric Stone, the head roaster at Mudhouse Coffee, has once again made waves in the competitive coffee roasting scene with his impressive performance at
the 2024 United States Roasters Championship. A regular competitor in the Roasters Championship, he placed third in the national finals in 2016, his first year competing. Stone’s journey began earlier this year at the qualifying round in Houston, where he earned spot in the national finals— an experience he called “nerve-wracking and immensely rewarding.”
The final stage of the United States Roasters Championship was held during the annual Specialty Coffee Association US Expo in Chicago. Competitors were tasked with roasting provided coffees on-site to create a blend incorporating at least 10% of each provided coffee. Stone says that his final blend was “persistently sweet with notes of candied orange, plum, and cherry.” After panel of judges scored the coffee blends for fragrance, aroma, flavor, aftertaste, body, acidity, and sweetness, Stone emerged in second place—his best national finish ever.
“I think that doing these competitions has helped me develop my roasting skills the most out of anything I’ve done related to roasting coffee,” says Stone, who began as a Mudhouse barista before being becoming a coffee roaster in 2013.
Ivy Hughes
HEAD OF THE CLASS
In July, the Albemarle County School Board approved the selection of Damean Barfield as the next principal of Albemarle High School. Barfield brings more than 15 years of high school administrative experience, most recently serving as principal for Essex High School in Tappahannock, Virginia. During his time there, Barfield focused on improving instruction, teacher self-efficacy, and creating an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. “It’s important to me to create an environment in which students, staff and families can work together to emphasize and support students’ abilities to learn and grow in all aspects of school,” Barfield said.
In other school news, three Albemarle County public schools were recently honored by the Virginia Board of Education with a 2023-2024 Highest Achievement Award for outstanding assessment performance and practices during the previous school year. Community Lab School, Ivy Elementary School, and Virginia L. Murray Elementary School were among 64 schools recognized by the board as part of the state’s Exemplar School Recognition Program, one of the highest achievements a school can receive in the Commonwealth. Schools receiving the Highest Achievement Award have demonstrated high levels of success across all school quality indicators, including success in narrowing achievement gaps.
PHOTO BY DOUGLAS LEES
Damean Barfield
We specialize in architecture and construction of residential remodels and custom homes.
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Art Life
THE CULTURE OF THE EARTH
Through November 29
This group exhibition features Isabelle Abbot, Fenella Belle, Lee Halstead, and Cate West Zahl, the four artists involved in the art advisory committee for the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont. The work in the exhibition exemplifies the many perspectives, styles, and ways in which to interpret the garden and the landscape,
S.E., Charlottesville 434-806-9667 · chromaprojects.com from abstraction to plein aire. The title of the show references a quotation by Thomas Jefferson: “No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, & no culture comparable to that of the garden.” This exhibition is part of the unveiling celebration of the Botanical Garden and is intended to help increase awareness of the garden’s current programming and future vision.
Cate West Zahl, Mother Earth Study 2
Fenella Belle, #1
Isabelle Abbott, Early Spring, courtesy of
LYdM
Lee Halstead, White Fluttering
PICASSO, LYDIA & FRIENDS, VOL. V
Through October 27
This fifth installment of an exhibition series honors the memory and scholarship of acclaimed Picasso scholar, beloved former professor of Modern Art at the University of Virginia, and sublime painter, Lydia Csato Gasman.
The exhibition features work by both Lydia Gasman and Pablo Picasso, the artist at the center of her scholarship, along with eight other contemporary artists whose work or thinking they inspired: William Bennett, Anne Chesnut, Dean Dass, Rosemarie Fiore, Sanda Iliescu, Megan Marlatt, David Summers, and Russ Warren. A portion of the proceeds from this show will benefit the Lydia Csato Gasman
Archives for Picasso and Modernist Studies, cofounded by LYDM founder Lyn Bolen Warren and art historian Victoria Beck Newman to preserve and disseminate Gasman’s scholarship.
Lydia Gasman’s groundbreaking Ph.D. dissertation, Mystery, Magic, and Love in Picasso: Picasso and the Surrealist Poets, 1925-1938, revolutionized the thinking around Picasso’s art. In The New York Review of Books, Picasso biographer John Richardson noted, “Dr. Gasman did more to unlock the secrets of the artist’s imagination than anyone else.”
Lydia Gasman, The Angel of History, 2000. Oil, acrylic, charcoal, aluminum on canvas, 48" x 60
JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT
2110 Jamestown Road, Route 31 S., Williamsburg 757-253-4838 · jyfmuseums.org
RUTH E. CARTER: AFROFUTURISM IN COSTUME DESIGN EXHIBITION
Through January 5, 2025
The iconic works of two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter are on display in a special exhibition at the Jamestown Settlement. Through her work in film, television, and theater, Carter has earned 70 credits and collaborated with prolific directors, including Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Ava DuVernay, and Ryan Coogler.
Best known for creating costumes for the Black Panther superhero movies, Carter made history as the first Black person to win the Academy Award for Costume Design and earned Marvel Studios its first Oscar recognition. Carter has created powerful pieces for other acclaimed films and television such as Roots, Amistad, Malcolm X, Selma, Do the Right Thing, and Coming 2 America. Visitors can view more than 60 of Carter’s original garments while also glimpsing her immersive process, historical research and attention to detail in every project she brings to life.
At Jamestown Settlement, Carter’s designs converge with historical fashion of the 1600s and 1700s to transcend time periods through a comparison of clothing styles and dress, from bodices and breeches to tailored suits and heroic feats in fashion. Guests can view the process and work of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation historical tailors who dress interpreters depicting people living in early America.
Access to the exhibit is included with general admission to the Jamestown Settlement.
Costume designs by Ruth E. Carter for film and television converge with fashion of the 1600s and 1700s in a new exhibition at Jamestown Settlement. Images courtesy of Colin Gray and SCAD FASH Museum.
MUDHOUSE COFFEE ROASTERS
213 West Main Street, Charlottesville 434-984-6833 • mudhouse.com
MICHAEL FITTS: RECENT PAINTINGS
Opens November 1
Charlottesville-based artist Michael Fitts has spent more than 30 years transforming everyday objects into fine art, pushing the boundaries of how we view the ordinary. Known for his distinctive oil paintings on reclaimed metal, Fitts elevates items like water pistols, dollar bills, and boxes of animal crackers into powerful symbols of contemporary culture.
His unconventional choice of canvas—scrap tin, copper, and aluminum that he’s salvaged over the years—began after VCU art school as a way to eliminate the expense of traditional canvases but has since evolved into a hallmark of his artistic identity. “For me, surfaces are very important, more important than the subjects painted on them,” says Fitts. “Of particular interest are scrap pieces that have markings, distressed paint or dents and scratches that were produced before I discovered the piece. Collaboration with those past elements keeps the process evolving and interesting.”
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Converse All Star, oil on copper
ABORIGINAL ART COLLECTION
400 Worrell Drive, Charlottesville 434-243-8500 · kluge-ruhe.org
AN ARTFUL CAREER
Margo Smith Announces Retirement
After 27 years as the director of the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia, Margo Smith will retire in June 2025. Kluge-Ruhe is one of the most significant collections of Indigenous Australian art in the world with more than 3,600 artworks in its care. It is the center for Indigenous Australian art in the United States and an exemplar of respectful and collaborative relationships with artists and knowledge holders.
“Margo’s deep respect for Aboriginal people and their culture has shined brightly during her time as director,” says Jody Kielbasa, UVA vice provost for the arts.
“Her tireless work and success in growing Kluge-Ruhe will have a lasting impact here at UVA for generations to come.”
Smith began working with John W. Kluge’s private collection of Indigenous Australian art in 1995 while a graduate student in Anthropology at UVA. Professor Howard
Art Life
Morphy mentored Smith and together they convinced Kluge to donate his collection to UVA in 1997. The museum opened to the public in a historic house in 1999 with Smith as the founding director.
In considering her legacy, Smith is most proud of the opportunities Kluge-Ruhe has provided for Indigenous Australian artists and cultural practitioners. The museum has hosted the first experience of the United States and international travel for many Indigenous Australians. “Not only has this expanded their world views, but also they have seen firsthand how their arts and cultures are received and the impact they can have on the world stage,” says Smith.
For her service to Australia and the University of Virginia, Smith was made an honorary Member of the Order of Australia in 2015 and received the Thomas Jefferson Award for Service in 2023.
In every sketch, texture, and finish, our projects honor the past, serve as sanctuary in the present, and remain a cherished inheritance into the future.
Tom Cogill
Nestled in a private neighborhood within easy reach of Rt. 29, Branchlands’ location offers the best of both worlds: a beautiful natural setting for morning strolls and ready access to shopping and entertainment. Chauffeured transportation and frequent outings allow residents to take advantage of all that Charlottesville has to offer.
B
AROUND CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Barns have long been icons of the American rural landscape, serving as the backbone of agricultural life and a symbol of hard work. Today, these structures are taking on new roles, blending past and present in innovative ways across the region.
In Keswick, a once neglected barn has undergone a dramatic revival. Southwest Mountains Vineyards, home to a meticulously restored tasting barn that was once on the verge of collapse, blends history and modernity.
At Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, a newly constructed intake barn will allow the organization to take a major step forward. Designed to rescue and rehabilitate abused equines, this barn provides shelter for horses and donkeys while also improving the working conditions for those who care for them.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINCOLN BARBOUR
STO A REVIVAL
Walking into the expansive and beautifully restored tasting barn at Southwest Mountains Vineyards, it’s hard to imagine that the structure was once on the brink of collapse, nearly lost to the ravages of time and neglect. Back in 1894, Murray Boocock purchased a piece of land in Keswick called Castalia and constructed two large barns to support his purebred Hereford cattle breeding program.
Paul and Diane Manning purchased Castalia Farm in 2013 and subsequently hired the firm of Uhler and Company to undertake an extensive restoration of the one remaining barn, built circa 1903.
The decaying barn had been neglected for decades. The dirt floor and “rubble” foundation, common for its era, had caused structural instability. The first step of the restoration involved shoring up the structure and carefully raising it to install a new concrete foundation and pier system. Once the foundation was complete, the old framework was replaced with 10”x10” oak posts and trusses, and a new roof was constructed. Strapping was added to the exterior to straighten the walls and conceal the electrical system without disrupting the interior aesthetics.
The “upper” barn at Castalia, built in 1901 on a 160-acre parcel called “Paradise,” was a two-story structure measuring 55 by 115 feet. It had sliding doors, large windows, and three cupolas for ventilation. The ground floor housed animal stalls, while the second story stored hay. The gambrel roof provided extra storage space, and the barn reflected the latest in scientific animal husbandry and the raising of healthy cattle.
Throughout the process, as much of the original material as possible was preserved, with wood from the old animal stalls repurposed for interior doors, bar walls, and bathroom vanities. Stone for the foundation was harvested from old stone piles on the property, and ash trees removed during the renovation were used for the bar top and tables. Diane Manning also collaborated on the design of the iron sconces and chandeliers (and even forged a custom sconce herself).
After initially using the barn for family and private events, the Mannings opened a two-story tasting room in 2023 to showcase wines from their vineyard. “The tasting room and the wines go hand in hand,” says Jodi Mills, the vineyard’s general manager. “The tasting room has a real ‘wow factor’ that complements the quality of our wines made by Boela Gerber, an internationally renowned winemaker who recently moved to Virginia from South Africa.”
RSe s ho A FOR
Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing equines that have been abused, neglected, or surrendered due to owners’ financial or physical hardship. Based at the 172-acre Castle Rock Farm, Hope’s Legacy continues to expand its operations, now housing more than 100 horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. The organization operates on a foster-based model, working to rehabilitate and adopt out equines to new, loving homes. Its services also include educational outreach programs like “Books at the Barn,” which teaches children about equine care, and partnerships with local youth groups such as 4-H and Pony Club.
The new 40-by-68-square-foot intake barn is Hope’s Legacy’s first large-scale building project at Castle Rock Farm. The first floor includes eight stalls, a wash stall, bathroom, feed room, and medical supply room, while the second floor provides a meeting area, guest room, and living quarters for the farm manager.
THIS PROPERTY AND THIS MISSION will outlast all of us who are working here, and this barn will be something that will be used for generations to come.
LAURA PURVIS Director of Development, Hope's Legacy
A newly constructed intake barn ushers in a new era for the animals at Hope’s Legacy and for those who care for them. Ten years in the making, the idea for the barn began with a sketch on a napkin by Maya Proulx, founder and executive director of Hope’s Legacy, and was completed this fall by design/build firm Geobarns.
Previously, veterinarians, volunteers, and farriers worked outdoors, exposed to the elements. Now, a spacious new barn with a central aisle, cross ties, and secure footing provides a safer, more controlled environment for caregiving. It can also accommodate large-scale rescue operations, provide stall rest for injured or malnourished horses, and quarantine animals when necessary to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Additionally, individual stalls help control each horse’s food intake, ensuring proper nutrition and care. With eight stalls, the barn allows Hope’s Legacy to help an additional 18 horses and donkeys each year. The barn’s second floor provides meeting space and living quarters for the farm manager.
“This an investment in creating a permanent resource for equines in Virginia that need rescuing,” says Laura Purvis, director of development at Hope’s Legacy “This property and this mission will outlast all of us who are working here, and this barn will be something that will be used for generations to come.”
Inside the Farmers Markets
At farmers markets in the Charlottesville area, every vendor has their own story to share. These markets are much more than just places to pick up fresh produce, they are gathering spots where local farmers and artisans bring their passion and expertise to life. Whether offering exotic mushrooms, homegrown fruits and vegetables, or colorful flowers, each booth reflects the skills and traditions of those who cultivate, cook, and create.
ABOVE: Jade Burke of Madison Mushrooms. TOP RIGHT: Karen Shipley of the Orchid Station. BOTTOM RIGHT: Artwork by Randolph H. Smith hangs for sale at the Market Street Farmers Market.
A Blossoming Passion
The story of Barboursville-based Orchid Station begins with Paul Philhour, whose childhood hobby in Miami was raising orchids. After moving to Virginia, he turned that passion into a business in 1989. Today, the business is run by Philhour’s family. For many years, Philhour’s wife and daughter Karen Shipley were the faces of the business at the farmer’s market. “It was our bonding time and a chance to connect with the community,” Shipley says. Now, with her mother retired, she continues the tradition, finding joy in teaching customers about orchids.
“I love the social aspect,” Shipley says. “Meeting customers, answering their questions, and educating them about orchids is incredibly rewarding. There’s something special about dispelling myths and helping people learn how to care for these stunning plants.”
One of the most common misconceptions Shipley encounters is the belief that orchids are challenging to care for. “Many people think their orchid has died because the blooms have fallen off,” she explains. “But in reality, the plant is still alive and healthy. Another myth is using ice cubes to water orchids—definitely not recommended! Orchids prefer to be watered more gently, as ice cubes can shock their roots and potentially harm the plant.”
Fungus Among Us
Founded by Eason Burke, Madison Mushrooms has become a cornerstone of the local gourmet food scene, filling a void in the market for high-quality mushrooms. With a deep-rooted passion for gardening and mushrooms, Burke saw an opportunity to introduce these distinctive fungi to the community, particularly at farmer’s markets where they were previously scarce.
Under the direction of Eason and his wife, Jade, Madison Mushrooms has grown to offer a wide variety of both fresh and dried mushrooms, along with tinctures and prepared foods. “We typically offer about eight varieties, including shiitake, oysters, lion’s mane, pioppino, and maitake, as well as seasonal specials,” Jade Burke explains. “Shiitakes are our most popular, thanks to their earthy flavor and versatility, though lion’s mane is quickly gaining popularity.”
However, the path to success has its challenges. “Certain mushrooms are harder to cultivate due to environmental factors and their delicate nature,” she says. “It’s a constant balancing act, but it’s incredibly rewarding when we get it right.”
Sowing Seeds ina a NewLand
After 16 years in the United States, Ellen Kollie has rediscovered her passion for farming—a vocation that connects her to her roots and provides a sense of peace and fulfillment. Born on a farm in Liberia, Kollie’s love for the land was ingrained from the start. “I was literally born on the farm, so maybe that’s why I took this up.” she says. Last year, Kollie began farming with the International Rescue Committee’s New Roots Charlottesville program, which helps refugees build sustainable lives. Her garden includes a variety of traditional African crops that hold cultural significance. Sourcing seeds from Africa and the U.S., she grows hibiscus greens, Russian kale, callaloo, eggplant, okra, and potatoes.
“It’s a lot of work and a lot of time,” she says. “I’m not making much money, but this gives me peace of mind that I can do this with my kids.” There are other deeper rewards, she explains. For her, the farm is a sanctuary, and a place of fulfillment and pride.
The IRC’s New Roots program has been instrumental in helping refugees like Kollie thrive. Over the past decade, New Roots has grown into the largest nonprofit-managed community gardening network in the area, impacting food security and fostering community connections for refugees.
Fathers & Sons
Since 2006, Francisco Medina has been growing produce on his 30-acre F.J. Medina & Sons Farm in Westmoreland County. For Medina, the son of a migrant worker, agriculture has been a constant for as long as he can remember. Growing up on a farm, Francisco Medina learned the ropes early on. “I’ve been on a farm my whole life,” he says. The influence of his father’s hard work left a lasting impression on Medina, who began selling his family’s produce at Charlottesville farmers markets in 1995.
“I started my own farm after my dad died in 2006,” Medina shares. “I helped him my whole life on his farm and now I am farming for myself.” Today, his farm is known for its diverse array of quality produce, with tomatoes being the star of the show. While Medina says that farming is a lot of work, he also enjoys some of the simple pleasures of farming. “I like to start a lot of things by seed and watch things grow and produce,” he says.
He hopes to pass down the legacy of farming to the third generation of Medina farmers. “My two sons are helping me now,” he says. “Hopefully, they will keep going on the farm.”
LEFT PAGE: Chuck Guyer of AgriBerry Farm. TOP: Francisco Medina of F.J. Medina & Sons Farm. TOP RIGHT: Ellen Kollie of the International Rescue Committee’s New Roots Charlottesville program. BOTTOM RIGHT: Claudia Seixas poses with her sunflowers and green plants.
Sweethearts & Sweet Greens
Sweet Greens Farm is the culmination of Claudia Seixas and Jim Marzluff’s shared dedication to sustainable agriculture. This husbandand-wife duo has transformed their passion into a thriving business, cultivating specialty cut flowers and bouquets.
Their journey began at Swarthmore College, where Claudia’s artistic background and James’s love for biology found common ground on the farm. “We met on the college farm in 2008,” Seixas recalls, “Ever since graduation, we’ve been farming together.”
After apprenticing on organic farms in California and Oregon and receiving certificates in ecological horticulture from the UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden, they managed the first USDSA certified organic farm in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2016, they moved to their current farm in Scottsville. “We love sharing the beauty from our farm with everyone,” Claudia says.
operation. “We now spend about $8,000 to $10,000 annually on insurance and regulatory compliance,” he notes, highlighting the financial strain on small organic farms like his.
FRESH
Elena Day, owner of Day’s Pies and Produce, is a longtime and beloved fixture at the farmers market. Though she bakes fewer of her homemade pies these days, her passion for growing and selling fresh produce for farming remains strong despite the challenges presented by some of her nonpaying “customers.” Keeping her gardens in Charlottesville and Sperryville safe from deer and rabbits requires constant vigilance. “It’s an endless
The market’s community spirit has always been one of the strongest reasons Day comes back year after year. “I like talking to people and selling good produce—this is a big part of my social life,” she says. “It’s a great community thing to do and I just enjoy doing it.”
Of all the types of produce, she grows, Day finds beans of all sorts particularly fascinating. “I have a personal relationship with every bean I grow,” she says. “I’m being serious—beans mean a
For nearly two decades, Ignacio Becerra, his wife Maria, and other family members been running one of the busiest booths at the farmers markets—Mexican Tacos. Becerra’s passion for cooking comes from his roots in Mexico. “I just wanted people to really enjoy Mexican tacos,” he says. The family also has a food truck that allows them to take their tacos on the road, bringing delicious food to festivals and catering events in the area.
His authentic birria taco, a traditional Mexican dish that features slow-cooked beef marinated in spicy birria sauce, is the top seller. “The birria taco is traditional meat in Mexico for tacos,” Becerra explains. His personal favorite? “The birria, of course,” he says
Like so many of the other vendors, Becerra enjoys the sense of community the market creates. “I like it because I see all the families enjoy our food, especially the kids,” he says.
LEFT PAGE: Michael Clark of Planet Earth Diversified. RIGHT PAGE: Elena Day of Day’s Pies and Produce. BOTTOM RIGHT: The Mexican Tacos booth is always one of the most popular at the market.
Around Town
ALBEMARLE FARMERS MARKET AT HOLLYMEAD TOWN CENTER Saturdays, 8:30–12:30 (May–September)
FARMERS IN THE PARK AT PEN PARK Wednesdays, 3:00–7:00 (May–September)
SCOTTSVILLE FARMERS MARKET IN DOWNTOWN SCOTTSVILLE Saturdays, 9:00–1:00 (April–November)
CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY MARKET Saturdays, 9:00–1:00 (April–November)
CHARLOTTESVILLE HOLIDAY MARKET Saturdays, 8:00–1:00 (November –Mid-December)
THE FARMERS MARKET AT IX ART PARK
Saturdays, 8:00–12:00 Thursdays, 4:30–7:30 p.m. (April–October) Saturdays, 9:00–1:00 (Winter)
NEW BOOK EXPLORES ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESSS
Photography by Durston Saylor
In late August, Charlottesville architecture and interior design firm Purple Cherry Architects released its first design book, TheDesignof a Country Estate, published by Gibbs Smith. Founder and principal Cathy Purple Cherry tells the story of a grand country estate and how the vision came to life. The main house, guesthouse, and seven outbuildings are dissected in detail so readers will experience what it is like to develop such a comprehensive project, from the planning to the execution, and all the steps along the
way. The book focuses on the thought processes behind each decision, whether it is the materials employed or the location of each building for walkability and use. Luxury home enthusiasts and design professionals alike will find inspiration throughout the pages, whether the dream is a cozy cabin in the woods or an expansive country estate.
The following text and images are excerpted from a section of the book that details the design of the main house’s entertaining and working spaces—the office, den or “winter room,” billiards room, and double-story bar room.
At the very end of the house sits the stepped down, built-in bar room. It’s quite a spectacular space with a Chicago brick backdrop and a tall, vaulted ceiling that definitely adds a wow moment. Horizontal V-groove wood panels, used for the bar’s base and on the walls, convey a playful, nautical vibe. A dartboard hides behind an interior shutter for when the mood strikes, and it’s fun to show the reveal.
The double-story volume here was created for drama but also to integrate the bar into the primary guest suite on the second floor. Windows in that suite look down into the bar and are also framed in Douglas fir to provide some continuity between the two floors. A jib door offers another surprise in the bar. It opens to reveal a narrow stairway that leads to the lower level. If you run out of Pinot Noir upstairs, you can descend to the wine vault without having to go back through the house. As well as a conversational touch point, it also conjures up that feeling of going to a hidden speakeasy of yesteryear.
LEFT PAGE: The doubleheight ceiling in the bar called for some layered lighting solutions—two large, open iron lanterns, three downlight sconces, and four pendants over the bar itself. ABOVE: The billiards space has all the bells and whistles for game play under a distinctive, curved, wood-paneled ceiling.
BAR ROOM
WORKING SPACES
While most of the home has white walls, this office is a departure with its moodier palette of dark slate blue that we wrapped around the entire room and softened with warm tones in the brown leather armchairs, flooring, and brass lighting.
To keep the room from feeling closed in, we included French doors that lead to the billiards area. A freestanding table versus a traditional desk and a neutral rug impart airiness. A porthole window to the bar beyond adds a little whimsy, and a hidden closet behind a bookcase panel feels like something out of a who-done-it mystery. Disguised doors often lead to another room, hide such office support items as printers, or conceal a home safe.
You see the power of millwork in the billiards room as well. A curved Douglas fir beadboard ceiling over the pool table feels reminiscent of a ship’s hull and sets this area apart. Specially designed ledges along the perimeter, topped with a slate slab inset, provide a place to set down cocktails in between play.
The waterfront side in this part of the home features a small den, which we call the “winter room.” For us, a monochromatic dark color creates coziness, and this deep blue helps to bring down the ceiling height. There’s a cocooning attitude that makes you want to snuggle up when the temperatures drop. And just like the kitchen, this space connects to an identical screened-in porch used for sitting outside around a wood-burning fireplace during cooler months.
TheDesignofaCountryEstate is now available in stores and online anywhere books are sold. For a full list of book tour events, visit purplecherry.com/book.
everyone. Bringing together live music, family-friendly activities, and delicious food, these are just a few of the events that capture the best of fall in the Old Dominion.
Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival
October 5-6, 12-13, & 19-20 • gravesmountain.com
Set on a sprawling 1,800-acre farm in Syria, Virginia, Graves Mountain Farm & Lodge is the perfect spot to enjoy the autumn weather and a blend of farm experiences, local food, and live music.
Over three October weekends, visitors can enjoy a petting zoo with goats, chickens, rabbits, pigs, cows, and sheep, and hop on hayrides through the orchard. Circle H Equine offers scenic horseback trail rides through the orchard and along mountain streams, while kids can explore the hay maze and hay mountain. Daily bluegrass music on the Sycamore Pavilion Stage features local talent like Mark Templeton Band and Virginia Rain Bluegrass Band.
No festival is complete without food, and Graves Mountain delivers a mouthwatering selection of apple pies, apple-butter donuts, funnel cakes, BBQ pork sandwiches, hamburgers, homemade ice cream, and more. The beer and wine tent serves up Graves Mountain’s own hard cider and apple wine, alongside selections from DuCard Vineyards and local craft breweries.
Crozet Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
October 12-13 • crozetfestival.com
Held in the spring and fall at the 22-acre Claudius Crozet Park, the Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival welcomes more than 125 artists, craftspeople, and exhibitors from across the country. Founded in 1980 as a benefit for the nonprofit Crozet Park, the festival showcases fine art, contemporary crafts, and community. As a juried arts and crafts event, it maintains its high standards as one of the top arts festivals in the region.
Attendees can explore a wide array of art while enjoying live performances from local musicians. Food vendors offer Virginia cuisine complemented by local wine and craft beer. The festival also features a dedicated kids’ area highlighted by musicians Kim and Jimbo Cary, who play Americana, old-time southern mountain music, gospel, and songs for families and children.
Wine & Garlic Festival
October 12-13 • rebecwinery.com
Since its debut in 1991, the Wine & Garlic Festival has grown into Virginia’s largest agricultural festival. Held annually at Rebec Vineyards in Amherst, the festival hosts visitors from across the nation at an event where “It’s chic to reek!”
This weekend of wine, food, and entertainment celebrates the region’s local wine and garlic-infused culinary delights. One of the main attractions is the opportunity to enjoy wines from over ten local wineries and sample a variety of garlic-themed dishes, providing an unusual culinary experience for festivalgoers. More than 150 vendors present art, crafts, and more garlicky food, while two days of live music played across four stages keeps things hopping. A kids’ zone features face painting, balloon artists, magic shows, and more.
Dick Brown
Rebec
Vineyards
Graves
Mountain
Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival
October 19-20 • mountvernon.org
At the annual Fall Harvest Festival at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, visitors get a glimpse of 18th-century farm life. Set against the backdrop of Washington’s historic estate, the festival features hands-on demonstrations of early American crafts and techniques. Guests can explore the farm, watch wheat treading in Washington’s innovative 16-sided barn, and view demonstrations of 18thcentury cooking, candle-making, horseshoeing, and textile work.
Along the banks of the Potomac River, families can enjoy a straw bale maze and traditional games, while also shopping for fresh farm products and enjoying bread baked in a reproduction 18th-century clay oven. The Fall Harvest Festival is part of Mount Vernon’s fall events lineup, which also includes a wine festival, archaeology day and special lectures—all designed to bring history to life.
Blue Ridge Folklife Festival
October 26 • blueridgeinstitute.org
For the past 51 years, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival in Ferrum, Virginia, has presented “musicians, moonshiners, craftspeople, cooks, motorheads, mule jumpers, horse pullers, coon dog racers, antique tractor buffs, and old-time gamers for a celebration of the rich heritage and traditions of the region.”
Produced by The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum of Ferrum College, it’s a festival that has been described by the New York Times as “thoroughly authentic.” Live performances of traditional music on four stages, including bluegrass, old-time, and gospel, provide a soundtrack to a day filled with fun and cultural exploration. Artisans from across the region demonstrate skills such as blacksmithing, basket weaving, and quilting—crafts that have been passed down through generations and remain integral to Appalachian life.
Festivalgoers can witness mule-jumping contests, horse pulls, log skidding contests, and sheep herding demos—all while sampling real homemade Blue Ridge country foods, all prepared on site.
The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association
Yorktoberfest
October 27 • yorkcountychamberva.org
An annual craft beer festival at Riverwalk Landing in historic Yorktown, Virginia, Yorktoberfest offers unlimited tastings of more than 40 craft beers and ciders, primarily from Coastal Virginia breweries. While they sip, festivalgoers can enjoy live music and entertainment, along with food trucks and local vendors.
Some of the breweries expected to participate include Alewerks, Armed Forces Brewing, Back Bay, Billsburg, Bold Mariner, Devil’s Backbone, New Realm, Oozlefinch, St. George, Sly Clyde Ciderworks, Tradition, and The Virginia Beer Company, among others.
Virginia Film Festival
October 30–November 3 • virginiafilmfestival.org
The 37th Annual Virginia Film Festival returns to Charlottesville with a program featuring more than 100 films in addition to engaging conversations, the best of international cinema, parties, special events, and more.
Audiences will once again be able to choose from a world-class slate of films, including some of the most talked-about titles on the current festival circuit. Fascinating post-screening discussions bring together festival guests with cultural experts from UVA and beyond. The festival has a rich history of welcoming renowned guests to town, including Sandra Bullock, Nicolas Cage, Annette Bening, Anthony Hopkins, Ava DuVernay, and Spike Lee.
Tickets for the Film Festival—regarded as one of the leading cultural events in the Mid-Atlantic region—go on sale to the public beginning October 11.
Tristan Williams
York County Chamber of Commerce
Virginia Thanksgiving Festival
November 3 • virginiathanksgivingfestival.net
In 1619, after a stormy voyage across the Atlantic, the Good Ship Margaret landed at Berkeley Hundred (now known as Berkeley Plantation) with 36 men aboard. In accordance with the instructions given in the charter by the Virginia Company, these settlers observed the first official English Thanksgiving in the New World.
The Virginia Thanksgiving Festival at Berkeley Plantation is celebrating its 63rd year commemorating America’s first Thanksgiving with a festival dedicated to history, food, and fun. The annual event features colonial period re-enactors, house tours, petting zoo, parade, and musicians including the Colonial Singers of Williamsburg, Itinerant Band, and Williamsburg Pipes and Drum. Families can take part in colonial games, dancing, and demonstrations. The day ends with a re-enactment of the landing, followed by an invitation from the Chickahominy Tribal Dancers to join in the traditional Friendship Dance.
Urbanna Oyster Festival
November 1-2 • urbannaoysterfestival.com
Held annually in the quaint colonial port town of Urbanna, Virginia, the Oyster Festival is a beloved celebration of the rich maritime history, oyster heritage, and local culture of the Chesapeake Bay area. Drawing more 50,000 visitors, this familyfriendly event marks its 67th year. The festival offers a variety of traditional activities, including the Queen & Little Miss Spat Competition and the fiercely contested Virginia State Oyster Shucking Competition, where the winner is declared the state champ and qualifies for the national championships.
In addition to these competitions, the festival features live music, two parades, and numerous arts and crafts vendors. Beer and wine from breweries and vineyards around Virginia complement the wide selection of culinary offerings, especially the fresh oysters served in many different styles.
Berkeley Plantation
Liberty Mills Corn Mazes
Through early November • libertymillsfarm.com
Virginia has many amazing corn mazes, but the sheer size and creativity of the mazes at Liberty Mills Farm set theirs apart from the rest. Located in Somerset, Virginia, Liberty Mills Farm is home to one of the largest corn mazes in the United States, spanning an impressive 34 acres. Divided into four distinct degrees of difficulty, the mazes range from the familyfriendly Story Maze to the diabolical Mystery Maze, which provides no map and takes more than an hour to complete.
Each year, the maze features an intricate new design, with past themes depicting the Apollo 11 mission, Mount Rushmore, and dinosaurs. Day and night options are available, including a flashlight maze for added excitement. Liberty Mills also offers an eight-acre pumpkin patch, flower fields, hayrides, and a farm market. Open through early November, it’s a fall destination for families and adventurers alike.
Liberty Mills Farm
Who’s Who of REALTORS®
A Directory of the leading Real Estate Professionals in our area, representing the best Virginia has to offer, from homes and estates to farms and commercial properties.
Albemarle Magazine is an affiliate member of the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS® (CAAR)
NANETTE ALCARO
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES
Long & Foster Real Estate
Nanette.Alcaro@longandfoster.com 434-249-9491 · LongandFoster.com
RIVES BAILEY
Associate Broker
New Leaf Team at Montague Miller & Co. rives@newleafcville.com 434-981-2338 · newleafcville.com
DARIAN COCHRAN
Owner, Principal Broker Avenue Realty, LLC darian@avenuerealtygroup.com 434-270-8839 · avenuerealtygroup.com
MAURICE COVINGTON REALTOR®
Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty maurice.covington@sothebysrealty.com 434-284-1334 · mocovingtonrealty.com
JIM DUNCAN
Partner, Associate Broker, REALTOR® Nest Realty jim@nestrealty.com 434-242-7140 · nestrealty.com/jimduncan
MARCELA FOSHAY REALTOR® Nest Realty
marcela.foshay@nestrealty.com 540-314-6550 · marcelafoshay.com
ELIZABETH “BUNNY” FRENCH REALTOR®
Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates
Bunnyfre@gmail.com 434-996-1029 · Bunnyfrench.com
BRIDGET ARCHER REALTOR®
Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc.
bridget@virginiacountryliving.com 434-981-4149 · VirginiaCountryLiving.com
LISA K. CAMPBELL REALTOR® YES Realty Partners
Lisa@HomeAgainVA.com 434-282-5568 · HomeAgainVA.com
ZOYA COOPERSMITH
Associate Broker The Hogan Group Charlottesville Zoyacoopersmith@gmail.com 706-614-0045 · hoganluxury.com
JAMES DICKERSON REALTOR® Charlottesville Solutions jachininc@gmail.com 434-466-4663 · VirginiaHomesFarmsLand.com
PUNKIE FEIL REALTOR®
Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates punkieh@loringwoodriff.com 434-962-5222 · loringwoodriff.com
LYNN FOX
Associate Broker
Pace Real Estate Associates LLC
lynn@pace-homes.com 434-962-1830 · pace-homes.com
LAURA FUTTY REALTOR®
Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates laura@loringwoodriff.com 434-960-3644 · loringwoodriff.com
Albemarle’s Who’s Who of REALTORS®
GIL GALLARDO
REALTOR®
Long and Foster Real Estate g.gallardo@LNF.com 434-326-6521 · longandfoster.com/GilGallardo
CYNTHIA HASH
Owner, Principal Broker Find Homes Realty LLC hash@findhomesusa.com 434-531-5351 · CynthiaHash.FindHomesUSA.com
LIBERTY KALERGIS REALTOR®
Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty liberty.kalergis@sothebysrealty.com 434-962-9911 · sothebysrealty.com/frankhardysir
SABINA MARTIN
Associate Broker Real Estate III sabinaRmartin@gmail.com 434-981-1147 · sabinaRmartin.com
LINDSAY MILBY
Principal Broker
Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates LLC lindsay@loringwoodriff.com 434-962-9148 · loringwoodriff.com
KYLE R. OLSON
Managing Broker, Charlottesville Office, REALTOR® Montague Miller & Co.
kyle@montaguemiller.com 540-649-4131 · kolson.montaguemiller.com
SUE PLASKON
REALTOR®, Your Marketing Specialist
Long and Foster Charlottesville sue.plaskon@LNF.com 434-981-0115 · longandfoster.com/sueplaskon
JANE HAMMEL REALTOR®
Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty jhammel@frankhardy.com 717-575-9019 · janehammel.com
JOHN INCE
REALTOR®, Associate Broker Wiley Real Estate john@wileyproperty.com 434-981-3011 · charlottesvillecountry.com
KATHERINE LEDDINGTON
REALTOR®, Director of Operations & Strategy McLean Faulconer Inc. kleddington@mcleanfaulconer.com 646-593-0333 · mcleanfaulconer.com
ELIZABETH FEIL MATTHEWS REALTOR®
Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates elizabeth@loringwoodriff.com 434-284-2105 · loringwoodriff.com
COURT NEXSEN
Co-Owner, REALTOR® McLean Faulconer Inc. court@mcleanfaulconer.com 646-660-0700 · mcleanfaulconer.com
SUZIE PACE
Owner, Principal Broker
Pace Real Estate Associates LLC
suzie@pace-homes.com 434-981-3385 · pace-homes.com
DENISE RAMEY
REALTOR®, GRI
Denise Ramey Real Estate deniserameyrealtor@gmail.com 434-960-4333 · deniseramey.com
MARINA RINGSTRÖM
REALTOR®, Listing Specialist
Long & Foster Glenmore MarinaRing777@gmail.com 434-465-0035 · MarinaRingstrom.com
ALEX SCHWARTZ REALTOR®
Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates alexandra@loringwoodriff.com 202-725-2545 · loringwoodriff.com
AMANDA SPIGONE
Associate Broker, REALTOR® Keller Williams Alliance amanda.spigone@kw.com 434-996-0910 · homeincville.kw.com
ROSS STEVENS Broker
Stevens & Company rstevens@stevensandcompany.net 434-981-5268 · stevensandcompany.net
SHANN WHITED REALTOR®, CRS, GRI, CBR Avenue Realty shann@shannwhited.com 434-962-4741 · shannwhited.com
President—Anne Burroughs
President-Elect—
Treasurer—
Immediate
DEBORAH A. RUTTER REALTOR®, Associate Broker Nest Realty deborahrutter@gmail.com 434-996-2142 · nestrealty.com
STEPHANIE SHELLENBERGER REALTOR® Avenue Realty
stephanieshellenberger123@gmail.com 434-989-0351 · stephanieshellenbergersellscville.com
AMY N. STEVENS REALTOR® Stevens & Company amy@stevensandcompany.net 434-996-0934 · stevensandcompany.net
SHANNON THOMAS
Partner, Managing Broker Core Real Estate Partners shannon@corecville.com 434-882-1761 · corecville.com
ARLEEN YOBS
Associate Broker Nest Realty arleenyobs@nestrealty.com 434-981-4108 · uniquehomesofcharlottesville.com
Kyle Olson Montague Miller & Co.
Jessica Russo Nest Realty Group
Candice van der Linde–YES Realty Partners
Kevin Wilberger–Long &
Food &
Castle Hill Cider in Keswick was founded in 2010 with a singular vision: to reconnect the estate with its deep-rooted orchard history. The cidery embraces what it calls a “pervading spirit of a place,” where the landscape, apple varieties, and production methods harmonize to express the true essence of Virginia’s terroir. This unique combination of history, science, and nature results in a selection of hard apple ciders that reflect
Castle Hill’s connection to apple cultivation began in 1777, when Colonel Thomas Walker, the original owner of the estate, introduced the Newtown Pippin apple scions to Central Virginia after the Battle of Brandywine. During their service together in the Revolutionary War, General George Washington gave Walker a Newtown Pippin apple sapling, a variety prized in England. Walker planted the sapling at Castle Hill, where it thrived in the region’s unique conditions, eventually becoming known as the Albemarle Pippin—a name now synonymous with Virginia’s cider tradition.
Today, Castle Hill’s orchards are home to more than 5,000 apple trees representing more than 40 varieties, including the storied Albemarle Pippin, along with Black Twig, Harrison, Burford Red Fresh, Gold Rush, and more. These apples are grown specifically for cider-making, providing the perfect balance of pH, tannins, and sugars essential for crafting exceptional cider. Unlike the sweet “lunchbox apples” many are accustomed to, these apples are chosen for their ability to ferment into complex, flavorful ciders.
While some of the orchard’s history can be traced back to the Revolutionary War, a much older method holds the key to one of Castle Hill’s signature ciders. This aspect of their production process is the use of qvevris, large terracotta pots historically used in the Republic of Georgia for winemaking. Used for more than 8,000 years, these clay vessels are buried underground to maintain a consistent temperature, enabling a natural fermentation process.
Ranging in capacity from 55 to 320 gallons, the qvevris require meticulous care, including an ash wash using
Left: Qvevris, large terracotta pots buried under the ground, have been used for over 8,000 years and enable a natural fermentation process.
Drink Revolutionary Apples
fallen tree branches from Castle Hill’s 200-year-old Linden grove. The ash helps prevent harmful microorganisms, while beeswax from the estate’s own apiary is used to repair any microfractures in the vessels. This ecosystem—linking the bees, the orchard, and the Linden trees—creates the foundation for the cider, which Castle Hill has named Levity. The juice for Levity comes from a blend of apples that ferment naturally through spontaneous, or wild, fermentation. The process relies on native yeasts that come from the air, the Linden Grove, the orchards, and around the qvevri field.
The Art of Cidermaking at Castle Hill
Castle Hill is believed to be the only cidery in the United States using this ancient method, which allows the cider to develop complex flavors that are unique to the environment.
Three of Castle Hill’s ciders—Dry Hopped, Silver Bough, and Sunday Muse—earned finalist status in last year’s Good Food Awards. These ciders were selected from over 1,750 entries across the country, with only 38 ciders making it to the final round. The awards recognize exceptional taste and commitment to sustainability, both in the orchard and throughout the cidermaking processes.
Discover Castle Hill
Located on 650 acres of rolling countryside—and featuring an 11,000-square-foot event barn—Castle Hill is a picturesque setting for weddings and other special events. The tasting room is open by appointment only. For more information, visit castlehillcider.com.
Dry Hopped
Hops named Centennial, Citra, and Zappa (a native, North American hop named after musician Frank Zappa) enhance key flavors from the orchard and emphasize notes of tropical fruit, spice, and citrus. This 2023 Good Food Awards Winner is a perfect gluten-free alternative for the traditional hop lover.
Stage Life
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Kate Bollinger
A Charlottesville native and a 2020 graduate of UVA, folk singer-songwriter Kate Bollinger grew up in a home filled with music— her mom is a music therapist and her two brothers are musicians. Blending classic pop songcraft with scrappy punk instincts, Bollinger creates a collage-like vision that’s instantly memorable and uniquely mystifying. “Songwriting is kind of like dreaming,” says Bollinger. “They both tend to reveal to me what I don’t yet consciously know.” Bollinger has spent years cultivating her material, challenging herself to work with new collaborators while moving across the country to California.
JOHN PAUL JONES ARENA
434-243-4960 • johnpauljonesarena.com 295 Massie Road, Charlottesville
OCTOBER 15: The Price Is Right - Live
OCTOBER 20: Sabrina Carpenter - Short n’ Sweet
OCTOBER 30: Jelly Roll – The Beautifully Broken Tour
RIVANNA ROOTS CONCERT SERIES, PRESENTED BY THE FRONT PORCH AND RIVANNA RIVER COMPANY
434-218-2052 • rivannarivercompany.com 1520 East High Street, Charlottesville
OCTOBER 12: Dominic Solanke
PRO RE NATA
434-823-4878 • prnbrewery.com 6135 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Crozet
OOCTOBER 11: The Hackens Boys with Sela Campbell
OCTOBER 12: Breaking the Chain – Stevie Nicks Tribute
NOVEMBER 2: Love Story – A Traylor Swift Tribute
NOVEMBER 2: Atomic Light Orchestra – ELO Tribute
LIVE ARTS
434-977-4177 • livearts.org 123 East Water Street, Charlottesville
ENDS OCTOBER 27: An Iliad
ENDS OCTOBER 28: What the Constitution Means to Me
THE PARAMOUNT THEATER
434-979-1333 • theparamount.net 215 East Main Street, Charlottesville
OCTOBER 6: Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
OCTOBER 9: Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance
OCTOBER 11: JABA Gala 50 Years of Service: An Electrifying Evening of Rhythm & Song Directed by John D’earth
OCTOBER 12: Met Live in HD: Les Contes D’Hoffman
OCTOBER 12: Malevo: The Argentinian Malambo Sensations
OCTOBER 16: Author Amor Towles in Conversation with UVA President Jim Ryan
OCTOBER 19: Met Live in HD: Grounded
OCTOBER 20: Brian Regan
OCTOBER 25: Waynesboro Symphony
ORCHESTRA: Symphonic Masquerade — An Evening of Wizards and Sorcery
OCTOBER 26: Little Feat: Can’t Be Satisfied Tour
NOVEMBER 9: Ronny Chieng
NOVEMBER 12-13: Nutcracker! Magical
Christmas Ballet
NOVEMBER 15: Afrique en Cirque: Cirque Kalabanté
NOVEMBER 16: The 14th Annual United Nations Of Comedy Tour
NOVEMBER 22: My Father’s Dragon
NOVEMBER 25: Nurse Blake: Shock Advised Tour
DECEMBER 5: Get The Led Out: A Celebration of the Mighty Zep
THE SOUTHERN CAFÉ & MUSIC HALL
434-977-5590 • thesoutherncville.com
103 South 1st Street, Charlottesville
OCTOBER 11: Luke Richard Powers Band
OCTOBER 16: Jonathan Richman
OCTOBER 17: Winyah
OCTOBER 19: Kate Bollinger
OCTOBER 22: Nick Shoulders and the Okay Crawdad
OCTOBER 23: Red Wanting Blue
OCTOBER 25-26: Mock Star’s Ball 2024
OCTOBER 27: David Wilcox
OCTOBER 29: Cameron Whitcomb
NOVEMBER 2: KPOP DJ Night
NOVEMBER 3: Field Guide
NOVEMBER 6: Kash’d Out
NOVEMBER 9: Stolen Gin
NOVEMBER 13: Happy Landing
NOVEMBER 15: King Buffalo
NOVEMBER 16: Six Organs of Admittance
NOVEMBER 19: Ratboys
NOVEMBER 22: Malinda
Stage Life
THE JEFFERSON THEATER
800-594-TIXX• jeffersontheater.com
110 East Main Street, Charlottesville
OCTOBER 6: M Ward
OCTOBER 7: Nicotine Dolls
OCTOBER 8: Futurebirds
OCTOBER 9: Lotus
OCTOBER 10: Brooks Nielson
OCTOBER 12: The Steel Wheels
OCTOBER 13: Neko Case
OCTOBER 15: Southall
OCTOBER 19: John Craigle
OCTOBER 22: 49 Winchester
OCTOBER 23: Atmosphere
NOVEMBER 2: The Kitchen Dwellers
NOVEMBER 8: Illiterate Light
NOVEMBER 9: Tycho
NOVEMBER 13: Bruce Cockburn
NOVEMBER 14: The Stews
NOVEMBER 15: Molly Tuttle
NOVEMBER 17: Yoke Lore
NOVEMBER 19: Odie Leigh
NOVEMBER 20: David Cross
NOVEMBER 21: Mipso
NOVEMBER 23: Shane Smith and the Saints
TING PAVILION
434-245-4910 • tingpavilion.com
700 E Main Street, Charlottesville
OCTOBER 9: Ray Lamontagne & Gregory Alan Isakov
OCTOBER 11: Thee Sacred Souls
OCTOBER 11: Whiskey Myers
AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE CENTER
877-682-4236
americanshakespearecenter.com 10 South Market Street, Staunton
Ends OCTOBER 20: The Importance of Being Earnest
ENDS NOVEMBER 23: Macbeth 2024
ENDS NOVEMBER 23: The Merry Wives of Windsor 2024
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AT HOME
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MOVING TO A NEW HOME?
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FIRST HOME, SECOND HOME,
VACATION HOME, RELOCATING, DOWNSIZING, NEW BUSINESS, OR BUSINESS EXPANSION?
Albemarle magazine invites you to meet our Who’s Who of Realtors®, an exclusive listing of CAAR members on our website (albemarlemagazine.com/whos-who) dedicated to connecting potential buyers and sellers and building relationships in our community.
Myles Mellor
Life Party of the
Inaugural Botanical Art Festival
Held at the Bradbury in support of local artists and the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont.
1. Live painting performed by local artist Tatiana Yavorska-Antrobius.
2. Left to right: Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade, BGP Executive Director Jill TrischmanMarks, BGP Board Vice President Jay Townsend, and BGP Board President Consi Palmer.
3. Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation President Hunter Applewhite, a Botanical Art Festival title sponsor.
4. Wister Murray and Stephanie Bonney
5. Scott Wilcox from sponsors Blenheim Vineyards and BGP President Elect Margaret Murray Bloom.
6. Artist Grace Popp and husband James Mattis.
7. Wahead and Jessica Saadut.
Photography by Brook Robinson
of the
Celebrating Together
Around Central Virginia and beyond
1. Second Street Gallery’s exhibition of Jac Lahav’s Foster Paintings
2. Charlottesville NOW at ERA March on Washington with National NOW President Bear Atwood.
3. Eileen Park, Blakeney Sanford, Daniel Tucker, Donna Ernest are artists featured at the opening of Phaeton Gallery’s SOUNDINGS.
4. Elliott and Chloe Watkins attend the Veritas Supper Series.
Nestled in the heart of a lush, verdant landscape, Ivy Cottages boasts picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as lovely gardens and terraces. Each cottage is imbued with its own unique character and charm, making it a delightful and historic haven for our guests. Our locally-owned, artistic collision of worlds is conveniently located just o of I-64’s Exit 114, just a short drive away from a multitude of historic sites, trails, and top-notch local dining.
Benita Mayo
Hannah Gentry
Live Music
Anchoring the east end of the Historic Downtown Mall, this 4,000 capacity venue has been welcoming national touring acts to its stage since 2005. Recent popular and sold out shows include Trombone Shorty w/ Mavis Staples, FLIPTURN, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Goose, Vampire Weekend, Ray LaMontagne & Gregory Alan Isakov, Whiskey Myers and many more!
This historic Vaudeville theater turned movie house, began new life as a premier music venue in 2009. Recent artists like Yo La Tengo, Dawes & Lucius, Railroad Earth, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Chelsea Cutler, Illiterate Light and Red Clay Strays – along with other national and regional acts – routinely play to audiences of up to 800 people.
Playing host to local, regional and national touring artists over 150 nights per year, this subterranean club is small and intimate, with a capacity of up to 300. Locals know it’s the popular place to catch artists on the rise: Billy Strings, Marcus King, Black Pumas, SOJA and Caamp have all graced the stage.
Tristan Williams
Jack Looney
Tristan Williams
