A Hidden Gem of Outdoor Adventure and Small-Town Charm

By  Megan Williams  |  Photos courtesy of West Virginia Dept. of Tourism

Tucked away within the scenic embrace of Appalachia lies Mercer County, West Virginia—a haven for those seeking an off-the-grid experience. This quaint locale, nestled at the southeastern fringe of West Virginia, offers a mix of outdoor adventures, a glimpse into history, and the charm of small-town living. The communities of Athens, Bluefield, Bramwell, and Princeton form the tight-knit area that’s rich in history and Appalachian heritage.

Amidst its breathtaking landscapes, Mercer County transitions from the undulating hills of the New River Valley to the craggy precipice of Pinnacle Rock, all against the backdrop of the area’s coal mining roots. As the railroads and coal mining revolutionized southern West Virginia, Mercer County rose to prominence, riding the wave of “smokeless” coal discoveries in its depths. This surge in population over a mere half-century laid the groundwork for the diverse tapestry that today’s travelers can explore.

Historical Lodging Experiences

Mercer County boasts an array of distinctive lodging options, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s history and charm. Guests are enticed to step back in time, immersing themselves in the area’s rich history by choosing accommodations such as the meticulously preserved Bluefield Inn. Dating back to 1904, this historic establishment has hosted luminaries including Woodrow Wilson, John F. Kennedy Jr., and John Nash, among other iconic American figures.Guests can stay in the Abraham Lincoln room, with a king-sized bed and luxurious linens; or the Scarlett O’Hara room which exudes Southern elegance with its sateen linens; or they can commandeer the Kennedy Cottage which sits on the upper level of the property, is pet friendly, and endlessly cozy. New pet-friendly rooms cater to furry companions, ensuring an unforgettable stay in the picturesque foothills of the Mountain State.

Year-Round Outdoor Thrills

Mercer County is an adventurer’s playground regardless of the season. 

Visitors can explore twenty-seven mountainous trails and West Virginia’s largest snow tubing park at Winterplace Ski Resort, which is rated the “number one place to learn to ski in the southeast.” Guests can glide down the powdery slopes morning, noon, and night, followed by a warm meal at one of the three on-site restaurants. 

If you’re seeking more speed than what skis can provide, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is the perfect destination. This ATV and off-roading network pays homage to a notorious family feud between two West Virginia/Kentucky families along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River. Comprising ten trails, this system traverses the rugged terrain of West Virginia, offering trails that vary from breathtakingly scenic to exhilaratingly intense. Another remarkable trail system, the Pocahontas Trail System in Mercer County, intersects with three Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems—Indian Ridge, Pinnacle Creek, and Warrior—forming the longest continuous trail network east of the Mississippi. Found in Coaldale, just outside the historic town of Bramwell known for its plethora of millionaire homes dating back to the early 20th century, this trailhead provides direct access to gas, food, and accommodations, enhancing the overall experience for riders.

Southern Hospitality at its Finest

Once you’ve worked up a hearty appetite from the slopes or trails, only top-notch food will hit the spot. The RailYard in Bluefield stands out as a beloved local spot. With its sophisticated bar and mouthwatering appetizers (try the duck-bacon wontons), it’s the ideal spot to unwind after a thrilling day of adventure.

If you’re in need of a place to relax your tired bones a bit longer, the Granada Theater radiates historical allure. Hosting renowned entertainers such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Fats Waller, this meticulously restored 1928 vintage theater now showcases films and stages concerts and theatrical performances year-round. A cherished local gem, it offers affordable family entertainment, classic movie screenings, excellent acoustics, and a captivating ambiance. Indulge in their daily selection of sold Italian gelato while immersing yourself in the nostalgic charm of traditional American cinema.

Old Appalachia’s Heartbeat

Mercer County, West Virginia, offers an escape from the usual routine. With its untouched natural beauty, diverse outdoor activities, and rich historical background, it attracts those looking to unwind. Whether it’s outdoor adventures, local cuisine, or exploring history, Mercer County guarantees an authentic experience that sticks with visitors.

For those seeking a break from chaos and a chance to reconnect with nature and small-town life, Mercer County embodies the enduring appeal of Appalachia.  

Why Prioritizing Native Plant Habitats is So Important

By Lindsey Cline

It’s early morning; heavy dew casts a silver shine on the grass as the soft sun’s rays emerge over the woodland tree line. A group of Carolina chickadees flit up and down honey locust trees. They flicker from the trees to the birdfeeders, regularly startled by squirrels and bossy blue jays. On other days, white-throated sparrows sing all afternoon, a fox slips along the garden edge, and rabbits nest under a ninebark shrub.

The yard in this scene is not unique; a standard suburban 100’-by-50’ with a small patio. What brings wildlife to the backdoor are native plant garden beds 12 feet deep and running the length of space. 

Here, among the songbirds, it’s easy to forget the threat that development poses to wildlife, but nature is in trouble: the native bee population declined by 90 percent in the past decade and more than half of bird populations are dwindling. While the majestic Monarch butterfly’s endangerment demands headlines, others, like the sturgeon, which were once so numerous that European settlers could “walk across the James River on their backs,” and the little brown bat, which hibernates in Blue Ridge Mountain caves, face extinction. 

Gone is the assumption that “protected” spaces can save the wildlife we have left…much of Virginia’s 16 percent of land protected from development lacks prime habitat as it remains open for logging and agriculture. What if we welcomed insects, songbirds, amphibians, and reptiles into our developed lands?

The revolution is here, fueled by well-gloved gardeners and well-aware homeowners creating wildlife habitats in their backyards, community parks, and locally owned fields. 

Apex predators require vast wild tracts to roam, but many species—especially the foundation of the food web—can thrive in neighborhood yards. And the backyards we have!

More than half of Virginia’s land is urban, suburban, or metro-adjacent. Virginians managed 1.7 million acres of turfgrass lawn in 2004 (last year of available data); we can estimate at least 2 million acres today. Imagine some of these lawns, which offer no ecological value, as gardens that restore essential bonds between flora and fauna.

The key to creating those habitats? 

Native plants.

Native plants excel at supporting wildlife: acorns for squirrels, fruit and berries for bears and foxes, cover for rabbits and fawns, and nesting trees for birds and owls. Native plants allow wildlife to breed, feed, and live. 

One can’t explain the importance of natives without diving into the world of insects. Insects, the foundation of a rich food web, nourish birds, fish, frogs, toads, salamanders, and bats. They are indispensable to ecosystems: insects decompose organisms, recycle nutrients, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds. Insects have spun a web of mutually beneficial relationships within ecosystems, particularly with native plants.

Insects adapted over time to exploit plant qualities during each stage of their lifecycle: hiding places for eggs, foliage for young caterpillars to eat, and nectar and pollen for adults. This dance is intricate—insects must time their lifecycles to correspond with their hosts. This process led the majority of insects to evolve so deliberately that they rely on a handful of plant lineages. Because of this specificity, insects can’t quickly adapt to non-natives. 

Entomologist Doug Tallamy proved that insect populations decline without native plants. Famed biologist E.O. Wilson explained that if insects vanished, flowering plants would follow, then reptiles, amphibians, birds, and finally mammals.

The remaining debate, with experts on both sides, is the ease of establishing native gardens. Some claim that natives require less care and maintenance; others argue that unstoppable deer herds and infuriating groundhogs prefer them. 

Implementing this new garden ethic falls in all directions—obstacles aren’t more significant than “traditional” gardens; they’re simply different. We must become the first-time hosta-obsessed gardeners we once were—learning new plant communities. While culture now denounces pesticides and praises pollinator gardens, the lack of practical advice and hands-on resources, not to mention the dearth of native plants themselves, can leave us overwhelmed with the task of implementing our new-found inspiration, especially if our marching orders include the astounding “saving nature.”

But gardeners are an optimistic bunch. As Yiyun Li writes, “One garden with the same unblinded hope and the same willingness to concede as one lives, always ready to say:
If not now, later; if not this year, next year.”

It’s possible to delight in the wildlife that garden sanctuaries support. More than once, my toddler watched with wonder as a box turtle marched from one garden bed to another. Despite my garden failures, Carolina wrens still nest in the wild grape vines and painted lady butterflies cover white snakeroot drifts. Whether our endeavors can reverse the tide remains to be seen, but the evidence makes a strong case that it’s worth our efforts.

We’re now challenging presumptions that to garden, we must hail overtly blooming peonies and roses. Instead, we might try delicate shooting stars in spring, striking purple baptisia for summer blooms, or pair rich violet asters with deep golds of goldenrods in fall. 

Nature deserves to exist on its own merits, but we can keep high expectations around our homes and relish in our desire for beauty. While re-creating indigenous plant communities offers maximum habitat, native plants anywhere contribute to the effort and can work for tidy front entrances, side yards, or around entertaining areas. 

Try them—you may (or may not) become a morning birdwatcher, but you will open the door to a stunning garden and a movement of new and vital wildlife refuges.  

County Sunrise’s Unique Southern-Jewish Fusion

Photos by ASHLEE GLEN

Good morning, sunshine.” 

The phrase written in bright blue and yellow letters is the first thing guests see when they walk through the doors at County Sunrise. The second? Plates piled high with smoked pastrami, latkes topped with sour cream, and the occasional Portuguese linguica. Smiling servers stream in and out, topping off coffees and bringing tables “nosh baskets” full of biscuits and pastries.

It’s a special type of restaurant—a unique-to-Lynchburg blend of Jewish flavors mixed with Southern staples. Their menu is an odyssey of tastes. The Loaded Grits Bowl, delectably creamy with a fried egg on top, feels like you’ve stepped into grandma’s kitchen on a hot summer morning just as she’s putting breakfast on the table. Their Latkes with Sweet Potato Butter and Herbed Sour Cream—crispy on the outside with pillowy potato in the center—bring to mind a Hanukkah table with friends and family bellied up for a feast. While their Southern “Matzoh Ball” Soup, tantalizingly smoky and herby, lands you somewhere in between the two.

It’s no wonder that County Sunrise has instantly become a local favorite. Stepping into the bright dining room you instantly feel as if you’re stepping into someone’s home, rather than a plaza off Lakeside Drive. Owners Ken and Jessica Hess know a thing or two about hospitality and creating a space where everyone feels welcome. As the owners of nearby County Smoak on Timberlake Road, they’ve had hands-on experience operating and growing a community hub over the last four years.

Open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch from Wednesday through Sunday, County Sunrise is also becoming known for its specialty coffee. Unlike many diners where you can be guaranteed a cup of strong black coffee and nothing else, County Sunrise offers an immense drink menu. Spiced apple lattes and marshmallow lattes line their menu, each one as decadent as the next. For the kids, steamers are also available so everyone can get in on the fun. And if a boozy brunch is more to your liking, cocktails, mimosas, lemonades, and alcoholic coffees await your tastebuds.

With a menu as diverse and delicious as theirs, Lynchburg will be noshing well for a long time.  

County Sunrise
2225 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 201-8047 • countysunrise.com
Breakfast served weekdays until 10:30 am, Sat. & Sun. all day

What makes a great lawyer?

While impeccable communication skills and high intelligence are a part of the equation, truly great lawyers also earn a respect that follows them out of the courtroom and into the community.

Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg is the result of a comprehensive peer-to-peer survey, facilitated by DataJoe Research Company. (See methodology and disclaimers on page 142.) 

Read on to see who lawyers themselves recommend in 26 specialties.

The Lynchburg Living Best Of Awards are the result of an online voting contest at lynchburgliving.com, held from July-September 2023.

Voting took place for the entire duration of the contest with write-in nominations accepted for the first few weeks. Readers could vote one time per email address in as many or as few categories that they preferred.

The winners listed inside this section are the ones that received the most votes.

A Curious History Walking Tour

By Izzi Diaz Young | Photos by Ashlee Glen

The history of Lynchburg, Virginia is lengthy and engrossing. From its origin to where it stands today, there are hundreds of thousands of facts that can be found on each corner; each one more interesting than the last.

This is the basis of Curious History Walking Tours, an hour-long journey into the depths of the city of the Seven Hills. Guided by its CEO, or as she likes to call herself, “Curious Executive Officer,” Kathleen Davis started digging into Lynchburg’s past after hearing a peculiar story about the city years ago. From there, in her own words, Kathleen “just kinda never stopped researching.”

At a young age, Davis was exposed to the world of information, content creation, and journalism. Growing up in the heart of Decatur, Alabama, her family consisted of producers, videographers, and a retired anchor.

“As a kid, I could see how electrifying chasing down a story could be,” Davis stated. “You can’t plan on breaking news. My mom would get the call to go in and we’d rush to the TV station as if we were there to tell the world, or at least North Alabama, about whatever had happened.” 

Soon enough, Davis’s mother began her own advertising agency where she’d let Kathleen assist in creating “catchy ideas for clients.” She continued following in her mother’s footsteps and eventually graduated from The University of Alabama with a degree in Advertising; shortly thereafter beginning her own career in Atlanta, Georgia, at The Weather Channel. 

“Atlanta is where my love for performing and stand-up comedy came to life,” Davis reflected. 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis and her now wife, Gail Goldsmith, made the decision to relocate. 

“We decided to start our life together in a new city with new jobs and basically a fresh set of everythings that we’d build together,” Davis explained. “After trying out a few places, Lynchburg felt like home.” 

Changing addresses in the midst of a pandemic came with a limited access to social life in their new city, so Kathleen and Gail mainly spent their time enjoying the scenery and looking in on Lynchburg life. 

“We would take the dogs on a walk down Rivermont and take turns saying, ‘Look at that house,’ or, ‘And that one!’ until eventually I couldn’t take it anymore,” she said.

She was overcome with curiosity, wondering, “Who built all of these beautiful mansions?” 

The couple’s dog walks slowly transitioned into what now could be seen as the true origin of Curious History Walking Tours, as Davis would fill their strolls with pieces of information she had happened upon while searching the houses they so adored. 

“Eventually, friends and family were able to come up and visit and I’d take them on tours as well,” she reflected. “Without even realizing it, I was building Curious History—turning my love for storytelling, comedy, and people into a business.” 

Davis’s appreciation for the past and all of the information that comes with it is the root of the Walking Tours, where she now guides many curious souls from all across Lynchburg and beyond. Starting in front of the giant red high heel statue in front of the Craddock Terry Hotel, a beloved city landmark, the hour-long endeavor is designed for people who simply appreciate weird history. 

“On the tour, I talk about architecture, industry, music, scientific discoveries and more,” Davis explained. “When I feel like I’ve collected enough stories about a selected tour route, I create a March Madness–style bracket to narrow down the best stories.” 

She continued, “Some stories I’ve included on this tour definitely feel like I’m doing stand-up comedy again, but others tug at deeper emotions. I try my hardest to paint the full picture of each story I share—it is important to me that I provide tour-goers with all the available facts and leave it to them to draw their own conclusions.” 

Tour guests have the option to attend a public tour; a private tour, where groups can bring their friends and family; or even create a custom experience such as hiring a performer to host a personal event or enjoy a custom tour/experience created for a business. 

Every few months, Davis and the team at Curious History Walking Tours will update the guided excursions with brand new themes. She has also recently teamed up with the staff at Ghost Stop to create “Lynchburg Ghost Tours,” a new and unique experience combining history and a sense of spookiness for all guests who are brave enough to embark on the journey. 

“Being an extrovert, my favorite thing about doing these tours is meeting all kinds of people and getting to hear their takes on the stories I’ve presented to them,” Davis said. “When the tour begins, we’re a group of strangers talking about parking and the weather. When we’re done, we’re walking back together, discussing the realities and eccentricities of characters in the Lynchburg story. When we learn more about who these people were back then, it teaches us a little bit about who we are now.”

For history buffs and novices alike, these tours are certain to delight, educate, and even surprise every guest who joins in the fun. 

“My goal is to use the art of storytelling to spin Lynchburg on its axis and reveal new angles, mysteries, and curious histories,” Davis concluded. 

Curious History Walking Tours is any Hill City resident or non-resident alike’s newest and most entertaining way to dive directly into some of the town’s countless interesting stories. With Davis leading the way, these tours are guaranteed to go down forever in Lynchburg’s curious and wonderful history. 

The Apricot House is family and beauty wrapped in a tiny little package

By Megan Williams  |  Photos By Ashlee Glen| Renovation Photos Courtesy of Ann Schoew

In our January/February 2024 issue of Lynchburg Living, the print story incorrectly stated that the Apricot House was abandoned from the 70s until 2020. The home was in fact owned by the Brown family from the late 1980s until 2020. Lynchburg Living deeply regrets the exclusion of their family history from this story. The content that follows has been updated to reflect the correct information.

Tucked at the end of 13th Street in the heart of Diamond Hill is a little mint green house. You might just miss it if you’re exploring the historic neighborhood, but if you let the jigsaw arrangement of scattered cobblestone guide your way, you’ll land right at its front door.

The home has known many lives in its 120 years. When the home was originally built in the early 1900s, it’s estimated that it was built with just one room on top of the other and expanded upon as the family grew.

“Originally likely built just one room over another and then expanded as a family grew and set just outside the mansions of Washington Street in Diamond Hill, I imagine someone in service likely was able to walk to work every day from this home, and maybe even return for lunch each day,” Victoria Bartholomew wrote in her speech when she presented current owners, Ann Schoew and Wade Stewart, and Winkie and Dick Schoew, with the 2023 Merit Award from the Lynchburg Historic Foundation.

While its history of owners is unknown to its full extent, one former resident remembers the home being a place of unending love, incredible meals, and family gatherings.

“I lived there from around 1988 until 1994, a year after my daughter was born,” said Christina Williams, whose mother and stepfather, Eloise and Otis Brown, moved into the home in the late 80s. 

The Browns rented the home on 13th Street until they were given the opportunity to rent-to-own. In November 2005, they officially signed the deed and were the owners.

“My mom was the first person in her family to buy a home,” said Williams. “It was a big deal.”

The Browns spent three decades in the house, building a life and a family. Williams and her sister, Pamela, lived in the home alongside their mother and stepfather and, when Williams’ daughter, niece, and nephew were born, they all came home to 13th Street.

In October 2018, a fire heavily damaged the home and, after battling a series of illnesses, Eloise made the difficult decision to sell in 2020.

“Victoria Bartholomew purchased it in 2020 and demoed it with plans to renovate, and we bought it from her in 2021,” said co-owner Ann Schoew. “It had been demoed down to studs at that point.”

Ann purchased the home alongside her husband, Wade, and her parents, Winkie and Dick.

“The four of us and Ben [Jacobs] came over and we could see how special it could be,” Ann said.

Ann and her family spent the next year renovating the home from the ground up, keeping as many original elements as they could and sourcing as many era-appropriate pieces as possible.

“The staircase is original to the home,” explained Winkie. “We kept as much original as we could. A few pieces of extra flooring—which we had to replace because of the fire—came from the Lynchburg City Armory, so it’s still from the right historic era.”

“All windows that were replaced were pulled from a historic house on Rivermont,” Ben Jacobs furthered. The owner of Hill City Homes, Jacobs has a penchant for historic home renovation, making the partnership with the homeowners a natural fit.

As the group began meticulously bringing the home back to life, a name unfurled: The Apricot House.

“Many houses in Diamond Hill have names,” said Ann. “We are not aware of a name for 415 13th Street. We call it ‘Apricot House’, named for the apricot tree growing in the front yard. One of our neighbors introduced themselves with a jar of apricot preserves made from the tree, which she has been making annually for years. We love that connection.”

“My stepfather and niece planted that apricot tree,” Williams remembered.

As renovations continued, The Apricot House began revealing pieces of its history. Coal, large stone slabs, bricks, a large pair of ice tongs, an entire fireplace, and little pieces of fabric have all been excavated from the property. To keep as much original to the home as possible, Dick repurposed the stone slabs for a front walkway and built a fire pit with the old brick. The ice tongs rest against the exposed interior fireplace, both natural conversation starters.

“The fireplace was exposed when we bought the property,” Winkie said.

“All brick is original and we reglazed it to promote stability,” Ann continued. Originally, the fireplace would have been a coal burning fireplace, like all fireplaces in Diamond Hill.

The biggest undertaking in the home was the kitchen. After the fire in 2018, there was virtually no floor left in the kitchen area, so the group had their work cut out for them.

“A lot of the floor [in the kitchen] is reclaimed from upstairs, and we had to add in bracing underneath the floors to accommodate the large kitchen island,” said Jacobs. “The laundry room floor off of the kitchen is old basketball floor from the armory.”

“Mom and I made all of the ceramic tiles for the kitchen backsplash,” said Ann. “That was fun for us to do together.”

Winkie also made all the plates, bowls, and ceramic dishes around the house. 

Walking into the home, you get a sense of how lovingly it has been restored. Touring the home with Ann, her family, Jacobs, and Hill City Homes contractor Pete Jaeckels, the home exudes family in every sense. Laughter reverberates off the walls and the space, just under 1,000 square feet, feels warm and inviting. 

It’s easy to understand why The Apricot House has earned a Merit Award from the Lynchburg Historic Foundation. Ann explained that those awards aren’t sought out or applied for, they are externally nominated and selected.

“415 13th St speaks to the regular people of Lynchburg, the you and I of the day and that’s why the incredible renovation work in bringing this home back to life is so important,” Bartholomew continued in her Merit Award speech. “They took this under–1000-square-foot vernacular home with a burned hole in the roof, falling plaster, and rotted flooring into this century all while preserving the character, love, and personality of this place. They made sure we could see all of ourselves in this neighborhood—and not just ogle at the beauty of the neighborhood but feel the human scale impact of the human spirit here.”

In many cultures, the apricot symbolizes happiness and positive change, and it’s certain that The Apricot House will continue its legacy of beautiful memories.

The Apricot House is currently available for short-term rental as an Airbnb. You can find the listing by following @downtown_apricot_house on Instagram.

Academy Center of the Arts Unveils Artistica.Shop

By Emily Mook / Photos Courtesy of Artistica.Shop

The Academy Center of the Arts (ACOA) consistently proves that maintaining a rich and longstanding history of serving a particular community while also coming up with innovative ways to increase that community’s visibility is possible—and one of the organization’s newest endeavors, Artistica.Shop, epitomizes this dual ability. Launched in July 2023, this online gallery and art sales website spotlights the work of local artists for audiences near and far and allows the artists to focus on their work rather than on the many logistics associated with selling their work.

“The focus for Artistica is incorporating a way for our organization to support artists with their creative endeavors here by providing them an online platform that connects them with a larger audience,” says Michelline Hall, Chief Programming Officer of ACOA. “With Artistica, the artists don’t have to worry about the overhead of trying to advertise, sell, and ship their work, so they can focus on being creative.”

The Academy’s desire to expand and evolve while still honoring its grassroots-inspired origins led to Artistica’s creation.

“One of the biggest roles of an arts center that distinguishes it from a museum or gallery is that arts centers are reflective of their communities,” she notes. “We kind of walk hand-in-hand with artists from our regions and serve as beacons of support for them. The pandemic taught us how to think outside the box about how we can provide that support, and a 21st century mindset also lends itself to this sort of online presence.”

Whether an artist is just beginning to embark on their career or is already well-established, they are encouraged to submit their work for consideration for inclusion in the Artistica gallery. 

“We want to feature work from and give a platform to emerging artists all the way through very established artists who are already touring in prestigious spaces,” remarks Hall. “Of course, as an artist’s portfolio grows, they may get picked up by larger entities. That’s something we love to see.”

Several ACOA staff members work together to make Artistica the pioneering project it is. The point person for the site is Online Curator and Art Sales Manager, A’Nyeja Adams. Adams and Ted Batt, ACOA’s Director of Visual Arts, work together to select the artwork that will be featured on and set for sale through the site.

“A’Nyeja and Ted work closely to review artist submissions, which are submitted online,” Hall says. “They engage in discussions with artists about their work, and they’re the ones who make the final decisions. Our focus is on artists from Central Virginia and Virginia as a whole, but artists from other areas are welcome to submit their work as well. All mediums are encouraged! We feature oil paintings, pottery, photography, and much more. The key requirement is that the work must be original and created entirely by the artist.”

Hall notes that ACOA’s Assistant Director of Programming, Mele Thompson, and Director of Marketing, Joel Williams, also play integral roles in the development and maintenance of the project. Artistica is sponsored by Moore & Giles.

“It definitely takes a community to keep Artistica running!” Hall exclaims.

Indeed, community is at the heart of all of ACOA’s programs and initiatives, including Artistica. The Academy’s official mission is “cultivating a healthier and more interconnected populace through cultural infrastructure and community-building arts programs.”

“Artistica highlights the cultural infrastructure piece of our mission statement in that it allows us to provide a foundation for artists to be artists and not businesspeople,” states Hall. “They are able to generate sales and income through their work without having to deal with the associated logistics. The gallery also creates a more interconnected populace because we understand how art has the power to bring people together and break down barriers.”

One of the most common barriers is a steep price point, and, as such, the Artistica team strives for more accessible pricing on the website.

“We want art to be accessible to people from all walks of life, and for that reason, the art featured on Artistica represents a wide range of price points,” Hall notes. “We want people to be able to think, ‘Before I go to a random box store for art, I should check Artistica to find something original and support a local artist.’”

Although Artistica has a wide reach, it simultaneously maintains and highlights local touchpoints by featuring artwork that can be found at the Academy itself or at one of its three satellite locations.

“Among the art featured on Artistica is art that is currently showcased in our physical galleries,” remarks Hall. “In addition to our on-campus gallery, we have three satellite galleries: one at Westminster Canterbury, one at the Virginian, and one at Magnolia Foods. If someone sees a piece of art they love in passing at one of these locations, they can visit Artistica.Shop to learn more about the artist, look at their other work, and make a purchase if they so desire. The reverse is also true: if someone sees one of these pieces they like on the website and wants to view it in person, they can do so. As such, the online gallery allows us to serve our First Friday and other local audiences in a greater way.”

Local performing arts enthusiasts will also notice that a wall in the lobby of the Historic Academy Theatre has been converted into an interactive Artistica.Shop gallery, complete with a touch screen panel and a featured artist display that changes each month.

ACOA hopes to continue to raise awareness of the site and expand its reach and accessibility, and Hall personally hopes to continue to challenge people’s perceptions about what art is and who it’s for.

“Art is truly for everyone,” she says. “I love helping people discover the healing aspects of art and learn that they can communicate things through the arts that are hard to communicate through conversation. And I think it’s beautiful that art can then actually lead to conversations, even about really tough topics.”

In this fast-paced and sometimes isolating world we live in, it’s nice to know that the beginning of some of those meaningful, community-building conversations could be a mere click away.  

Fresh Entertainment & Shopping To Downtown Area 

By Stephanie Alicia James  |  Photos by Ashlee Glen

Playing games at a local arcade, receiving indoor plant education, learning dances, and shopping at a high-end thrift clothing store are all new opportunities that residents and visitors alike can now enjoy downtown. 

This new year offers fresh entertainment and shopping opportunities through businesses located in downtown Lynchburg, and the owners of these new businesses shared a common task before opening— participating in the Downtown Lynchburg Association’s Launch LYH program. The Launch LYH program aims to support entrepreneurs who are ready to start a new business, relocate their business, or expand their footprint with a downtown location. Individuals who go through the program participate in an eight-week educational course that covers all aspects of business start-up—from accounting to marketing. The eight-week period then culminates in a pitch competition, with winning pitches receiving cash grants to assist businesses in their new venture.

This year, the program was funded through a $115,000 grant from the Truist Foundation, a resource that helps build communities. 

Businesses that participated in the program and received grant funding include Super Rad!, Mosaic Collective and Threaded, Easy Speak Dance Hall & Events, and PREAM–Plants Rule Everything Around Me. Those that were selected to receive a part of the grant distribution were able to overcome financial barriers that so many entrepreneurs face when starting a business. 

“Access to capital is a hard thing especially in marginalized communities,” said Downtown Lynchburg Association Business Development Coordinator Kelvin Whitehurst. 

Along with the cash reward, Launch LYH winners were given access to other benefits, as well, including comprehensive marketing support. 

“We would help them with social media and building their websites,” said Whitehurst. The winners also received promotion through television advertisements and radio. 

For Launch LYH participants, the eight-week program was split into two tracks: Track One was for beginners, those with little to no hands-on business experience. Track Two was for more seasoned entrepreneurs who simply needed a leg-up in the downtown market. 

“It provided a foundation for new and existing businesses,” explained Whitehurst. 

Whitehurst noted that the businesses opened up right around the holidays. 

“For the Launch LYH grantees that are not retail businesses, such as Super Rad! and Easy Speak Dance Hall & Events; well, those are just two more exciting attractions people can enjoy their time at,” Whitehurst said. 

With a 22 percent vacancy rate of storefronts in the downtown area in 2022, the program became part of a solution. 

“The main point of the program was to fill vacancies at a lot of places,” Whitehurst said. 

For its debut, the Downtown Association Launch LYH first accepted applications in February 2023. Special consideration was given to small women-owned and minority businesses. The timeline for taking applications sparked a wide range of applicants. 

“One hundred fourteen people applied for the program,” Whitehurst said. “We ended up accepting 25 people.” 

Then in March, classes began. To help with the program, the Small Business Development Center taught classes that involved business start-up necessities: ordinances and taxes. The Center also handled all the small business advising. 

Also helping with the program was the City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development and Tourism as well as other community professionals. 

Though there is no set date yet for this year’s program, the Downtown Lynchburg Association is excited to continue the program and anticipates similar success. 

“You are going to receive an education that you cannot put a price tag on,” said Whitehurst. 

The following four businesses completed training, received grant funding, and opened a storefront downtown location right before the New Year—a program participation requirement. 

EASY SPEAK DANCE HALL 

Located at 409 5th Street Suite E, Easy Speak Dance Hall and Events attendees will be taught several dances ranging from soul line dancing to salsa dancing. 

 “We will have two to three hours of social dancing,” said Easy Speak Dance Hall and Events owner Genette Dahlby. Beyond learning to dance at the woman-owned business, people will have the opportunity to have private events. 

Dahlby recalled going through the program and that she was part of Track Two, which was the educational track for more experienced entrepreneurs. 

“I was really excited to be a part of it, “ said Dahlby. 

PREAM 

PREAM, located at 409 5th Street Suite A, is an indoor house plant shop. In addition to offering a storefront full of unique house plants, PREAM business owner Latia Hancock said that PREAM will host classes like House Plants 101 to learn basic plant care and terrarium building workshops. As a bonus, PREAM will offer events that offer relaxation and conversation similar to paint and sip but it will be referred to as plant and sip. 

Hancock was elated after receiving an email that she was selected for the program. 

“I think that I was looking for the little push. I made a lot of connections,” said Hancock, who also previously participated in another program called CO.STARTERS, which helps aspiring business owners. 

SUPER RAD! 

Super Rad!, a two-story arcade business located at 58 9th Street, features 50 to 60 arcade-style games. As the only arcade bar in Lynchburg, Super Rad! is fulfilling a unique void—a place where folks can eat, drink, and interact with one another beyond the dining table. Live gaming tournaments will also take place at Super Rad! in the future. Super Rad co-owners Culleen Jennings and Calvin Hoskins had started working on an arcade business concept in 2019 and Jennings said that he found the training helpful to get them through the final stretch of opening their business. 

“They walked us step by step,” said Jennings. “And it helped us a lot.” 

Mosaic Collective And Threaded 

Victoria Cropper, Mosaic Collective’s Chief Operating Officer, who is a business partner with owner Jen Tartini explained that Mosaic Collective and Threaded is part of a dual operation. One aspect of the business—Mosaic Collective—offers merchandise created by refugees, people experiencing homelessness, and human trafficking survivors from different parts of the world including Kenya, Thailand, and Nepal. The other arm of the business, Threaded, is a high quality second-hand clothing shop. 

Mosaic Collective, which has been in business for two years, is now in a new location after sharing a space on 5th Street with another business that closed last year. When the Launch LYH program became available, it was an opportunity for Tartini to make a pitch for a new location that incorporated an expansion. The new space is now located at 1219 Main Street. 

“It was a wonderful experience,” Cropper said of her participation in the Launch LYH program.   

Applications for the 2024 Launch LYH Program are open and will remain open until January 31. Details can be found on the Downtown Lynchburg Association website.

One Generational Farm’s Shift into Hemp

By Olivia Carter  |  Photos courtesy OF HOLLOW OAK HEMP FARM

On one farm in Gladys, the soil has witnessed generations of farming—today with a young married couple and their four-year-old son, Elijah, growing hemp.

At Hollow Oak Hemp Farm, Dane and Carrie Harrison are not only keeping alive a generational legacy but also redefining the agricultural landscape with its embrace of hemp, particularly CBD (Cannabidiol), a natural remedy with a growing reputation for its health benefits.

The Harrison family has owned the 175 acre farm land since 1917 when it was primarily used for tobacco farming. 

“It’s been passed down throughout the years and now belongs to Dane’s parents,” Carrie said. “When Dane was growing up it was used for tobacco farming.”

Hemp is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use. It can be used to make a wide range of products. Along with bamboo, hemp is among the fastest growing plants on Earth.

Its usage in the United States dates back to the first American settlements in Jamestown in 1616 when it was used to produce clothing, rope, and sails. In 1631 it became a legal form of currency and could be used to pay taxes, the Harrisons said.

After centuries of being grown in North America for its fibers, hemp was banned in the United States because it is made from one of the same plant species as marijuana. 

The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill created an opportunity for the Harrisons to begin farming hemp, opening the door to a new era of farming that focuses on the cultivation of industrial hemp, or hemp for medicinal and industrial purposes.

Both Dane and Carrie studied at Lynchburg College (now University of Lynchburg) and have degrees in business marketing and graphic design and they had always wanted to go into business together.

 “We had kind of been watching hemp for several years and we’d always been natural-minded and dependent on natural remedies,” Carrie said.

She said this decision was spurred on by personal experience, an appreciation for nature’s gifts, and a strong desire to provide a holistic alternative to traditional healthcare. 

“CBD is really known for its anti-inflammatory effects and it’s good for pain and anxiety,” Carrie said. “We started using it before we started growing it.”

Their journey with hemp started when they began using CBD on their dog’s arthritis.

In 2019 they planted 12,000 hemp plants on the farm, with their 17-day-old son, Elijah, alongside them. These first years were a learning curve, teaching them the intricacies of hemp cultivation, the impacts of weather, and farming life, Dane said. Dane’s brothers and father worked alongside Dane and Carrie during those first few years—the whole family learning the intricacies of hemp farming.

In 2020, they invested in a greenhouse, which allowed them to start their own hemp plants from seeds, providing a more controlled environment and a better start to the growing season.

“It’s a lot of work,” Carrie said. “So we’re always taking care of plants during the growing season, harvesting and drying plants, making products, creating labels.”

Their product line includes CBD tinctures as well as a range of CBD-infused offerings such as hand and body creams, sugar scrubs, roll-ons, bath bombs, bath salts, wellness gummies, lip balms, and slow-cured hemp flowers.

The Harrisons said it’s important to know that hemp, although related to marijuana, does not have the psychoactive properties associated with its cousin. Hemp contains high CBD and low THC—the psychoactive compound—whereas marijuana contains high THC and low CBD. This means that CBD, the active ingredient in hemp, does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana.

“It’s non-psychoactive and so a lot of people do get confused with that and automatically think it’s marijuana,” Dane said. “Things are changing all the time and people are starting to realize but there are still a lot of people that still see it like that.”

They said there is a common misconception that hemp and marijuana are one and the same. Hemp is primarily cultivated for its industrial and medicinal uses, while marijuana is primarily used for recreational and psychoactive purposes. Hemp’s CBD-rich content has been found to offer various health benefits, including relief from chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, seizures, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Hollow Oak Hemp Farm sells its products at the Lynchburg Community Market, the Appomattox Farmers Market, and the Rustburg Farmers Market. 

The Harrisons are continually exploring new offerings based on community needs and feedback.

“We’re always looking to make new products,” Carrie said. “We really keep an eye out for what people are looking for and are always taking that into account and trying to grow based on what people’s needs are.”

Dane said many customers have shifted toward natural remedies for a variety of ailments, finding relief from inflammatory issues, pain, anxiety, and sleep problems.

“It’s really rewarding,” he said. “So many people are getting help and healing and are really getting a lot of relief from products they didn’t realize were there.”

He said coming back to the farm has given his family flexibility to spend time together even through the hard work.

“Our son is a big part of what we do,” Dane said. “He’s the driving force for us and is included in everything we’ve done. He’s grown up on the farm and has been here through it all.”