Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful—all it takes is the right resources in your corner and you’ll be getting hitched without a hitch. Consider our Best of Central Virginia Weddings your resource guide to finding the right venue, attire, photographer, caterer, and more.

Newlyweds, industry colleagues, and our readership nominated and voted on the
people and businesses listed in 30 categories. With these picks in hand, your wedding day will be one to remember.

Preserving a Hidden Language of Freedom

By: Shannon Kelly | Photos By: Ashlee Glen

At 99 years old, Edith Younger Edmunds is still stitching—and with every thread, she’s weaving a deeper connection to her heritage. What began as a childhood pastime has evolved into a late-in-life mission: bringing the story of the Underground Railroad to life, one quilt pattern at a time.

Edmunds has been quilting since she was seven, but it wasn’t until her 80s that she discovered a powerful intersection between her lifelong craft and the coded patterns once believed to guide enslaved people to freedom.

Though the historicity of the quilt code is disputed, it is nonetheless a fascinating story, and the distinct patterns are a rich part of art history.

As children, Edmunds and her twin sister—two out of the family’s twelve children—used scraps from their mother’s sewing projects to create patterns, which they sewed onto magazine pages. The result was a quilt, which the girls’ father proudly showed off any chance he got.

“He called it a spread. ‘Go get that spread so I can show it to my friend.’ He said, ‘This is what my girls did, my twins did, seven years old.’ He was so proud of us doing that,” Edmunds said.

When she got older, Edmunds got paid to do alterations and saved some money to buy her first sewing machine, which had a treadle. Later, she bought a motor to modify it.

“I put that motor on myself, and that made me be able to sew a little faster, and I could get things done quicker,” she remembered.

Edmunds was a stay-at-home mom after she started her family, but once her daughter, Amy, started school at Sinai Elementary, Edmunds got a job as a teacher’s aid there—but she never stopped sewing. She went on to work in the fabrics department for Belk’s, where she spent 18 years of her career.

“I crocheted, I did needlework, I did embroidery. All of this was a part of my…I call it my career of sewing,” she said.

Edmunds passion for sewing and, in particular quilting, pivoted and grew when she learned about how textiles were said to be used in the Underground Railroad.

“I guess it probably was about 15 years ago, may not have been that long. I was reading a little magazine called Guidepost, and in that little book, it had a picture of the Underground Railroad in it… I ordered the pattern of the Underground Railroad, and I made the first hanger, and it turned out so pretty,” she said.

From there, Edmunds tackled more patterns and learned about their symbolism as she went. She read books on the history of the Underground Railroad, and when the movie Harriet came out, she and her daughter both loved it; Harriet Tubman’s story spurred Edmunds’ interest in the Underground Railroad.

In 1860, around the time of the Civil War, Virginia had the largest enslaved population of all the Confederate states. Four generations of the Edmunds family have come from Halifax County. According to the 1860 census, enslaved people made up the majority of the county’s population. Nelson Edmunds, Amy’s great-great-grandfather, was born on the Red Field plantation there.

He would have been five or six years old at the time of emancipation, Amy—who researches her family’s genealogy—said.

While none of her ancestors ever escaped —at least not to the Edmunds’ knowledge—Edmunds was nevertheless fascinated by the inventive ways abolitionists, allies, and escapees operated the famous covert network. The story of the quilt code is one where messages were hidden in plain sight, under the guise of commonplace household items that would seem totally innocuous to individuals who weren’t in the know.

These quilt patterns were fascinating and also challenging for Edmunds to undertake.

The Crooked Path, for example, is tricky to achieve due to the cut of the pattern.

“That means that… you can’t walk straight,” Edmunds said. “They walk zigzag, so if somebody is trying to catch up with them, they can’t follow their crooked road.”
Whether taking a crooked path or a straight one, passengers on the Underground Railroad could identify allies by a “shoofly” pattern, made with four triangles around a center square.

“The shoofly is a person who would secretly help the enslaved. By that, I mean…this secret person would hide the enslaved in caves, or a church, or graveyard. He would do that, risking his own life,” Edmunds explained. “He would give them clothes to clean themselves up so they could go downtown and pass as free. They would be dressed in clean clothes, because when you’ve been walking to escape, your clothes get dirty.

So, this shoofly, he would help them.”

The bear paw pattern is characterized by four squares in the center, with outer edges that look like a bear’s paw.

“That bear paw, it tells the enslaved to follow the bear. It would go to where food and water were,” Edmunds said.

The flying geese; the bow tie, or hourglass; Jacob’s Ladder; nine-patch; the North Star; all these patterns are associated with the tradition of a quilt code.

Pattern recognition was the key to reading these symbols, Amy said: any colors could be used, but the colors themselves did not hold meaning.

“To look at the bear claw, somebody may have made it using blue and red. Somebody else may have made it using all black, but they would have had to have been able to focus on that design, to recognize it, no matter what the color or how incremental the seamstress had made the different parts, but to still be able to see that overall design,” she said.

These patterns could theoretically be combined to form messages, as well.

“That’s part of the intrigue in creating these images. It’s like, how many messages can I combine? Or, what if I wanted to try to create a message that has multiple meanings? And you can do that. You can imagine that, but I also have such an appreciation for the eye that the guide must have had, to be able to see the design so clearly, in spite of it being different every time,” Amy said.

Quilting takes a lot of time, and a lot of materials. Enslaved women who endeavored to make any of these patterns likely had extremely limited resources. Amy added: “There was no JoAnn’s Fabric.”

“From our perspective, it was difficult for us to imagine them making a full-sized quilt with a repeating pattern of the same square. It occurred to us that it is possible that they may have made something similar to a string quilt, and then just attached almost like an applique, one of these patterns,” she said. “If you knew what you were looking for, you would recognize it.”

Perhaps due to limited textile resources, the patterns were sometimes etched in dirt or marked elsewhere in another fashion.

Travelling the Underground Railroad was treacherous for anyone involved.

Out of the numbers of enslaved people who fled, relatively few made it all the way to freedom, Amy said.

Edmunds has been on a mission to educate others about the Underground Railroad, and the story of the quilt code, sharing her interest in the general history of the system, but also her perspective as a seamstress.

She has visited schools where she showed children how mathematics and art collide when it comes to quilting, hoping to inspire them, and demonstrate how the subjects they learn in the classroom apply to real life. The wagon wheel pattern is a prime example.

“The wagon wheels have a lot of different angles to be cut, and put together,” Edmunds said. “I told them, I said, ‘Now, all these pieces are not the same. You’ve got a rectangle, you’ve got a triangle, you’ve got a square.’ I said, ‘You’ve got to know how to measure to get those angles just right. If you don’t, your pattern’s not going to come out right.’”

Edmunds has done a variety of other engagements where she educates communities about the Underground Railroad and the quilt code. She brings samples of her work along, displaying them for audiences to examine as she delivers an informational presentation. She has participated in television interviews, a segment with NPR, and worked with various news outlets.

At 99 years old, quilting and educating remain Edmunds’ passions. She has no plans to slow down. She brings textile projects with her even on car rides. Looping is one of her more recent practices, in addition to embroidery, crochet, and quilting.

“I just like staying busy,” she said.

Not sure where to go for your oral health or dental treatments in the Lynchburg area?

Look no further than the experts referenced in our Area Dental Guide. From braces for your kids to the dental professionals you want in your corner when there’s an issue, we have you covered.

Where Poe Meets Pinot

By: Jeremy Angione | Photos By: Ashlee Glen

Dark walls, golden light, and the soft hum of a melody—The Raven Lounge invites guests to slow down, sip something new, and immerse themselves in a space where every detail tells a story. Inspired by the poetic gloom of Edgar Allan Poe and the celebratory culture of Louisiana, it’s Lynchburg’s latest Main Street addition—and its most evocative.

The wine and charcuterie bar opened May 10, through the combined efforts of co-owners and partners Jenee Davis and Bryan Fitz.

“This is kind of just an extension of our relationship. We do music together, we do life together, and now we do the Raven together,” Davis said. “It’s driven by love, for sure. It was definitely a place where me and [Bryan] could create something together.”

Despite the darker undertones of Poe and his works, the Raven Lounge remains cozy, intimate, and fun. Davis says much of the decor was actually already hers. There is even a horse-drawn carriage that acts as a focal point of the space’s design language.

Davis admits that the dark, dreary vibe of Poe’s 19th century era is a big part of her personality.

“I think my soul is stuck in that era,” Davis said.

Aside from the design of the space, Davis asserts that the quality that truly shapes the Raven Lounge is music.

Davis, originally from Louisiana, envisioned a space that reflected the cultural richness she grew up with—a place where music, food, and conversation came together effortlessly. She felt downtown Lynchburg could benefit from a more casual environment that celebrates creativity without the formality of a sit-down dining experience.

Although Davis is not a Lynchburg native, she’s called it home for the last 20 years and even raised her children here. The Raven Lounge was meant to be the type of place she wanted to experience with her family for years.

“We just wanted somewhere that people could experience something a little different. It’s also a platform for new musicians who haven’t played before. It’s a great opportunity for them to take the stage and have their first experience playing for the public,” Davis explained.

As a musician herself, Davis understands the value of having a dedicated space for artists and musicians to share their craft. She and partner Bryan Fitz form their own band called “Atlas Moon.” Together, they also play every Wednesday night at the Raven Lounge as a pair under the name “Jenee and Fitz.”

According to Davis, while the Raven Lounge certainly isn’t the first to incorporate music into their identity, the start times and duration of music performances sets Raven Lounge apart from other downtown businesses.

“Sometimes our music starts at 6.

In the fall we want to do music during the afternoon. I think that’s kind of what sets us apart. We’re gonna fill a time gap more than anything,” Davis said.

Aside from music, the Raven Lounge has opened its doors to all kinds of performers. The Raven hosts exclusive after-hour service for performers, staff, and audience members of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra and the Academy.

“We’re trying to figure out how we can be the focal point for the arts. I don’t think people realize how artsy and creative this town really is.” Davis claimed.

Despite opening in the slower summer months, Davis says that the community has responded positively to the Raven Lounge. According to Davis, the silver lining of the opening in the slow season is the ability to steadily test things out for the lounge.

“We’re going to have to find our niche. We’re learning with Lynchburg. People love the menu, small plates, and wine selection. We do carry wines that a lot of people don’t carry, at good price points,” Davis explained.

Thus far, Davis says that the Raven Lounge has appealed to everyone from older wine drinkers and young art lovers. While the lounge is a bar, Davis felt it best to subtract a mainstay of most modern bars—TVs.

“We wanted people to interact.

We want you to talk to people and meet people, like humans used to do,” Davis exclaimed.

With only a few months in business, Davis already has big plans for the Raven Lounge in the Fall.

“For Halloween, we are going to partner with some of the local art and theater programs, and we want to do skits and ticketed events,” Davis said.
Similarly, the lounge will receive a winter makeover for Christmas.

“We’re going to make it a winter wonderland. If I have to get a snow machine up in here, we’re gonna do it,” Davis joked.

Wine tastings and pairing events will also be available in the fall. Currently, the Raven Lounge is open for venue rentals every Saturday, during the day.
The Raven Lounge’s menu will also see growth with the addition of tapas style food items. Currently, guests can enjoy the elegance of curated charcuterie boards, or comfort foods like the Raven’s “fancy” grilled cheeses.

According to Davis, certain items such as breads, cheeses, and some wines are locally sourced. Many of the wine cocktails are also made with local, fresh, and housemade ingredients.

While the Raven Lounge certainly has a distinct identity that stands out among other downtown businesses, Davis asserts that it does not have to be just one thing.

“Just like poetry, the Raven is open to interpretation. It may be a different feeling for you than it is for me,” Davis mused.

A Beginner’s Guide to Rewilding Your Landscape

For decades, a lush green lawn was the hallmark of a well-kept home. But more and more homeowners are trading in their turfgrass for something wilder—and more purposeful. Whether inspired by declining pollinator populations, increasing water bills, or the simple desire for a more beautiful and ecologically rich yard, rewilding is having a moment.

Rewilding your landscape doesn’t mean letting it go untamed. Rather, it’s a thoughtful process of transitioning away from traditional grass lawns to native plantings, meadows, or habitat gardens that support biodiversity and require fewer resources to maintain. If you’ve been eyeing your patch of grass and wondering how to begin, fall is actually the perfect time to start laying the groundwork. Here’s how.

Step 1: Start with a Plan

Before you dig in, take a step back. Consider how much of your yard you want to rewild—some people begin with just a corner or border, while others go all-in. Walk your property and note areas of full sun, part shade, drainage issues, or spots prone to foot traffic. These observations will influence the types of plants you choose.

Then, ask yourself a few key questions:
• Do you want a wildflower meadow, a pollinator garden, or a mix of native grasses and shrubs?
• How formal or natural should it look?
• Will you need to maintain some lawn for pets or play?

Sketching out a rough map or plan can help you visualize the change—and stick with it when the grass starts to go.

Step 2: Remove the Turf

Turfgrass is persistent. Removing it is the first and most labor-intensive part of rewilding. There are a few methods to consider:
• Sheet Mulching (Lasagna Method): Best started in fall. Lay down cardboard or newspaper directly over the grass, then top with layers of compost and mulch. By spring,
the grass will be smothered, and the soil will be richer.
• Sod Cutting: Use a sod cutter to remove grass manually. This provides an immediate blank slate but can disrupt soil health.
• Solarization: Place clear plastic sheeting over the area during the heat of summer. This “bakes” the grass and weed seeds, preparing the site for fall planting.

For small patches, a shovel and persistence may do the trick. For larger spaces, combining methods—like solarizing one area and sheet mulching another—can be effective.

Step 3: Test and Amend the Soil

While many native plants are forgiving, it’s helpful to know your soil type (clay, loam, sandy) and pH. Home soil test kits or local extension offices can help you assess.

Avoid the temptation to over-amend—many native plants thrive in poor soil. Still, incorporating a bit of compost into compacted or depleted areas can give young roots a boost.

Step 4: Choose the Right Plants

One of the joys of rewilding is discovering the diversity of plants native to your region. For Central Virginia, that includes black-eyed Susans, purple coneflower, bee balm, milkweed, little bluestem, switchgrass, and more.

Fall is an ideal time to plant perennials and grasses—cooler temperatures and autumn rains help roots establish before the dormant winter period. Even if you don’t plant this fall, it’s a great time to plan and source plants for a spring installation.

Consider using a mix of:
• Native grasses like little bluestem or Virginia wild rye
• Perennials for color and pollinators—think goldenrod, asters, and Joe-Pye weed
• Shrubs like buttonbush or winterberry holly for structure and wildlife value

Local native plant nurseries or Master Gardener groups can help you find plants well-suited for your yard’s conditions.

Step 5: Planting and Mulching

Planting in fall typically runs from late September through mid-November in our region. Space plants according to their mature size, even if they look sparse now.

Mulch around new plants with shredded leaves or natural wood mulch (but avoid dyed mulch). This helps suppress weeds and retain moisture, especially in the first year.

If you’re seeding a meadow, fall is also ideal for “dormant seeding”—spreading seed just before winter so it naturally stratifies and germinates in spring. Prepare the soil surface, rake lightly to incorporate seed, and press down gently to ensure good contact.

Step 6: Embrace the First-Year Wildness

The first growing season will look different than a manicured garden. It may take a year or two for your rewilded landscape to fill in and begin to self-sustain.

Expect some weeds—early maintenance includes hand-pulling or cutting back aggressive invaders. Watering is also crucial in the first season, especially during dry spells.

In winter, leave seed heads and stems standing to provide food and habitat for birds and beneficial insects. What might look “messy” to some is actually part of a healthy, functioning ecosystem.

Step 7: Long-Term Care and Evolution

After the first year, your rewilded garden will require far less work than a traditional lawn. Native plantings generally don’t need fertilizer, and once established, they’re drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Cut back dead stalks in early spring (not fall) to allow overwintering insects to emerge. Re-seed or divide as needed, and enjoy the evolving beauty of a space that reflects nature’s rhythm.

Small Steps Make a Big Impact

If the idea of transforming your entire yard feels overwhelming, start small. Convert a strip by the sidewalk into a pollinator border. Replace part of the backyard with native grasses. Every square foot of rewilded land makes a difference—for butterflies, birds, bees, and for you.

With fall on the horizon, now is the perfect time to begin the transformation. The rewards are plentiful: less mowing, more beauty, and a yard that gives back.

Thinking about replacing or refurbishing your kitchen cabinets? Here is a designer’s guide to finish types, colors, and combos

By Jaime Simpson

I could happily discuss cabinets all day. There is just so much to love about them! Cabinets provide storage, allow for a higher level of organization and make items easier to access (especially with inserts and gadgets).

And that is just the functionality. There is a plethora of style and finish options available to put the icing on the cabinet cake.

The main finish options for cabinetry are stained, painted or laminated. Metal cabinet doors are increasing in prominence as well, especially for outdoor kitchen spaces.

Stained cabinetry is available in many wood species and in many colors. Warm, cool, light, medium and dark stains can be achieved depending on the preferred look. Most cabinet manufacturers offer paint colors in white, grey, blue and an off white/cream/ecru look. Other colors are available depending on the customization options, while fully custom cabinetry has no limit on paint color options.

Laminated cabinet doors are typically constructed of a plywood core with a laminated surface; these laminates can offer a modern wood grain look, texture or high gloss effect that cannot be easily achieved with wood or paint.

Each finish type has its own beauty and glory. Though one finish and color throughout a kitchen space is lovely and can be a timeless look, you don’t have to choose just one.

Here I have included some thoughts about how to approach using one or more finishes and colors.

One Cabinet Finish/Color / Top Photo Courtesy of Accent Kitchens, Photo By David Uhrin

• Use this option if you are looking for a classic and streamlined look.
• Consider pattern or texture in the countertop and backsplash to provide interest.
• Choose flooring that provides contrast with the cabinetry.

Two Cabinet Finishes/Colors

• Start with one main finish—whether stain, paint or laminate.
• Use the second finish/color as an accent or highlight—perhaps the island, base cabinetry, or tall cabinetry.
• Look for a backsplash or countertop that can unify the two finishes.
• Find a flooring option that can still contrast both cabinet finish options.

Three Cabinet Finishes/Colors

• Start with one main finish in this case as well. Use the second finish as a more prominent accent, and the third finish in smaller doses.
• Stay more subdued with the countertop and backsplash patterns so the various elements don’t compete.
• Find flooring with minimal pattern, and that coordinates with the third finish.
• For example, the base and wall cabinetry are the main finish (a white paint) the island and range hood are the second finish (a sage green paint), and floating shelves are a third finish (a walnut stain).

Four Cabinet Finishes/Colors

This is where it gets really fun.

• If you love eclectic and maximalist styles, don’t be afraid to mix it up.
• Contrast is the key here—ensure that all the finish tones are clearly different and defined to maintain the presence of each.
• For example, the base cabinets could be one paint finish (blue), the wall cabinets another paint finish (white), the range hood could be a third paint finish (black), and the island cabinetry could be a contemporary wood-grain laminate (zebra wood).

Squared Biscuit Co.’s Cutting-Edge Take on a Breakfast Staple

By: Emily Mook | Photos By: Ashlee Glen

For many of us, the pastimes and projects we pursued during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be provisional, but for some, these pursuits took root and blossomed into long-term, life-changing ventures. Jacob Laverty, founder and owner of Squared Biscuit Co., falls into the latter camp, and as a result, Lynchburg’s breakfast (and brunch) game is stronger than ever.

“I always knew that I wanted to own a restaurant with a simple concept that focuses on the ingredients,” Laverty said. “During COVID, I started randomly making buttermilk biscuits and refining how to make them. I studied classic and modern recipes to help come up with the biscuit recipe that we use today. Once I started getting the recipe honed in, I thought that I could try my chance with the [Downtown Lynchburg Association’s] Launch LYH program and see what could come from it.”

Laverty entered and ultimately left the 2023 program and promised himself that he would reenter in 2024; he did so, secured a grant, and opened Squared Biscuit Co. on Fifth Street on June 20, 2025.
Since opening, the restaurant has already become a downtown fixture known and sought after for its signature-shaped take on a breakfast staple: the square biscuit. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the square biscuit reduces waste.

“The main advantage of the square biscuit is that it produces less waste than the standard round biscuit,” noted Laverty. “While it doesn’t fully eliminate the waste, we use whatever excess we have to create some pre-meal bites for our customers.”

Squared Biscuit Co. also prides itself on fresh, high-quality, and largely in-house-made ingredients and on efficiency. Biscuits are made fresh daily and without lard or liquid shortenings, and everything—even the pickles featured on their Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Biscuit—is made in-house (except for the hash browns). As Laverty puts it, the restaurant is “not a fast-food place, but we make quality food quickly.”

Specialty menu offerings include the aforementioned Nashville Hot (Laverty’s personal favorite due to its “balance of flavors, the heat, and the homage to Nashville”), Pimento Cheese and Hill City Hot Honey Fried Chicken Biscuit, Chipotle Onion Bacon Jam Biscuit, Smashed Sausage Biscuit, Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, and the Croque Madame, a decadent biscuit featuring ham and cheese smothered in a creamy béchamel sauce and topped with a sunny-side up egg and chives. Biscuits composed of various combinations of the classic ingredients—including ham, sausage, bacon, egg, and cheese—are also available, as are a variety of sauces, sides, and drinks.

Community is the cornerstone of Laverty’s business model. As such, he strives for a “simple, yet elevated” approach and vibe and offers a “variety of sandwiches and various pricing tiers.” He also has several plans in the works that will undoubtedly strengthen that community connection even more.
“Squared always has our community in mind first,”

Laverty remarked. “We know that downtown is a food desert, which is why we plan to add a grocery section in the future to help combat this need. We are also getting ready to launch our website, which will allow people to put in bulk orders with at least 24 hours’ notice, and we have a few dinner events up our sleeve that we will be announcing soon.”

As these developments take shape and Squared continues to grow and evolve, Squared Biscuit Co. will continue to serve its customers with a square meal and a comfortable and welcoming space to simply be.

“I’ve always loved the large city style of restaurants that are inconspicuous on the outside, but filled with delicious foods and great people,” said Laverty. “Squared is a place to bring friends or somewhere to just unwind and catch your breath.”

Emily Flint reflects on personal life through art

By: Christian Shields | Photos By: Ashlee Glen

With a passion for painting and a heart for her family, local artist Emily Flint tackles tough, personal mental health struggles through her craft.

Growing up in a family of artists and art enthusiasts, Flint found a deep appreciation for beauty at a young age. She attended Savannah College of Art and Design and Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue degrees in photography and art education, respectively. In 2009, she discovered a specific affection for painting and has continued that pursuit ever since.

The mother of three girls, who she affectionately refers to as her “little muses,” Flint draws heavily from the themes of family and emotion to cultivate her masterpieces. In doing so, she not only hopes to develop a stronger relationship with her children but also provide herself an outlet to release any pent-up tension.

“It’s vital for me right now, because, for one, I find parenting to be pretty stressful,” she said. “This is a way for me to process that stress in a positive way. It’s also a way for me to refocus on my kids and see them in a different light. … My hope is that it is making me a better mom, so I can show up better for them.”

Flint also draws heavily from her past and current mental health struggles, illustrating them on the canvas through the symbolism of stinging insects.

“[Mental health has] come such a long way since I was a child as far as awareness and stigma, but there is still a stigma attached to certain mental illnesses,” she said, noting she has battled major depression since the age of 12 and has a long history of anxiety and ADHD. “I am pretty passionate about being honest and being vocal about mental illness and how it can show up.”

While she often begins her pieces with a surreal idea of what the finished result will be, she is also not afraid to just get messy with the paints and find catharsis in the process.

Flint joined the Lynchburg Art Club three years ago but has become much more involved in the past year, now serving as the group’s head of marketing. Through everything she does, she hopes to be a light in the lives of others and help them find a sense of belonging.

“To feel like you’ve impacted someone [to change their lives] is really special,” she said. “Often, artists have a lot of guilt or a feeling that their art isn’t important enough to pursue. Sometimes I have wondered whether this is a worthwhile venture. To feel like you’ve actually connected with somebody and actually helped somebody through something would be the ultimate goal.”

Flint has exhibited her work in Lynchburg and nationally. This year she has participated in the Lynchburg Art Club’s Georgia Morgan Show, Portrayed: A Juried National Exhibition of Portraiture at Norfolk’s d’Art Center, The Academy Center of the Arts National Juried Art Exhibition, and Steven Francis Fine Art’s A Show of Portraits: Phillip Geiger and 23 Artists. She is currently showing at the Axis Gallery in Sacramento, California, and participating in the 52nd Annual Lynchburg Art Festival.

Readers interested in learning more about Emily Flint and her craft can connect with her through her website, emilyflint.com, and Instagram account, @emilyflintart.

As the heat of the summer finally starts to burn off and the leaves begin to turn, it’s the perfect time to indulge in cozy, comforting flavors. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, planning a cozy get-together with friends, or simply seeking a relaxing drink for yourself, this fall-inspired mocktail is the ideal way to embrace the season’s best flavors. Featuring the rich, sweet notes of apple cider, the warmth of cinnamon, and a touch of clove, this drink will have you feeling the fall magic in every sip.

Apple Cinnamon Spice Mocktail

Ingredients:
3 cups apple cider (preferably fresh-pressed and local!)
1 cinnamon stick
3-4 whole cloves
1 tablespoon local honey
Juice of half a lemon
Sparkling water or club soda (for a fizzy touch)
Ice cubes
Apple slices, fresh rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Heat over medium-low heat, allowing it to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the spices to infuse the
cider with rich, warming flavors. Stir occasionally.

2. Once the cider is infused with the spices, remove it from the heat and strain out the cinnamon stick and cloves. If desired, stir in honey or maple syrup to sweeten the cider. Let it cool to room temperature or refrigerate for a quicker chill.

3. Once cooled, pour the spiced cider into a glass filled with ice. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.

4. For a fizzy twist, top the drink with sparkling water or club soda, giving it a refreshing effervescence that elevates the autumn spices.

5. Garnish with a slice of apple, rosemary and a cinnamon stick for that extra seasonal flair.

Serve chilled for a refreshing, fall-inspired mocktail.

Serving Suggestions:
Large Gatherings: To make this mocktail in bulk, simply scale the recipe and keep a pitcher of the spiced cider base on hand. Guests can pour their own and top it off with sparkling water as desired. You can prepare a big batch ahead of time, and simply add ice and fizzy water when it’s time to serve.

Family-Friendly Version:
This recipe is great for families. The sweetness of the apple cider combined with the warm spices makes it appealing to kids and adults alike. Feel free to reduce the amount of honey or syrup for a less sweet option.

Tips for Customizing Your Mocktail:
Add More Spice: If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a few more cloves, star anise or even a dash of ground ginger to the mix.

Make It a Hot Drink:
For those cooler evenings, enjoy this as a warm beverage by skipping the sparkling water and serving it straight from the pot.

Flavor Variations:
Swap out apple cider for pear cider for a twist, or use a splash of cranberry juice for a more festive fall look.

Rethinking the Renovation Mindset

It’s easy to get swept up in the promise of a fresh start. The blank slate. The trendy backsplash.

The Pinterest-worthy after photo. But what if the most compelling, most personal design choice you could make wasn’t new at all?

As the renovation boom continues across the country, many homeowners are beginning to rethink the impulse to gut, replace, or cover up what’s already there. Whether it’s original tile, natural wood trim, a quirky built-in cabinet, or an antique fireplace, there’s a growing movement toward preservation—and for good reason.

Holding onto original features isn’t just about honoring the past. It’s about embracing character, sustainability, and in many cases, a better return on investment.

Before you pick up the sledgehammer, it might be worth asking: What’s worth saving?

Embracing the Charm of Imperfection

The truth is, older homes were built differently—and often more durably. Solid wood doors, hand-crafted trim, plaster walls, and detailed millwork can be difficult and expensive to replicate today. Even common elements, like mid-century tile or built-in shelving, were designed with a level of intention that mass-produced materials sometimes lack.

There’s a soul to an old house. When you walk in and see worn hardwood floors or a creaky staircase, there’s a story.

Those imperfections can be beautiful if you let them be.

Preserving original features can create a layered, lived-in feel that brings depth and authenticity to a space. It can also help your home stand out in a sea of renovations that often follow the same trends.

Digitally generated elegant Scandinavian style home interior scene.
The scene was rendered with photorealistic shaders and lighting in Autodesk® 3ds Max 2020 with V-Ray 5 with some post-production added.

From Functional to Focal Point

Rather than viewing older elements as obstacles to be updated, consider how they might become focal points instead.

Take vintage tile, for example. That powder blue bathroom tile from the 1950s might not match your usual aesthetic—but with the right supporting elements, it can become a retro-chic statement. Brass or matte black fixtures, white walls, and minimal accessories can help highlight the tile rather than fight against it.

The same goes for original fireplaces. Instead of covering up a dated mantel or painting over brick, lean into it. Restore the wood, limewash the brick, or simply keep it as-is and let it ground the room with texture and warmth.

Sometimes the best design decision is doing nothing at all. Or doing just enough to protect and showcase what’s already there.

Tips for Thoughtful Preservation

If you’re ready to rethink your renovation mindset, here are a few ways to preserve character while still meeting modern needs:
1. Restore, Don’t Replace
Refinish wood floors rather than replacing them. Strip and reseal original doors or trim. If cabinets are solid wood, consider repainting or refacing rather than tearing them out.

2. Blend Old and New
Let original features shine by surrounding them with modern, minimal design. A sleek sofa or contemporary light fixture can balance the patina of an older space.

3. Respect Scale and Proportion
Many original elements—like doorways, ceilings, or moldings—were designed with specific proportions in mind. Keep additions and updates in harmony with those original lines for a cohesive look.

4. Update Function, Not Just Style
Keep that quirky built-in, but make it useful—add lighting, repaint the interior, or use it for a modern purpose like barware or board games. You can also retrofit older cabinets with soft-close hardware or install energy-efficient inserts in old windows.

5. Salvage and Reuse
If you must remove something, consider salvaging it for another part of the house—or donating it to a local reuse center. Vintage materials are not only valuable but often higher in quality than what’s available today.

Sustainability and Storytelling

Choosing to preserve instead of replace is also a deeply sustainable choice. Demolition and new materials contribute to landfill waste and increased carbon emissions. In contrast, restoring what already exists minimizes waste and often reduces overall renovation costs.

And then there’s the emotional value. That worn banister your child slides down every morning. The original transom windows that let in just the right slant of afternoon light. These elements tell a story—your home’s and your family’s.

When you live in a space that’s not perfect but has a history, it grounds you.

You become part of something bigger than just the latest trend.

When to Let Go

Of course, not everything can or should be saved. Water damage, mold, structural issues, and hazardous materials like lead paint or asbestos may require removal for safety reasons. In some cases, preservation isn’t practical—and that’s okay.

But for everything else? It’s worth pausing before you replace.

The best homes often reflect a balance between old and new, polished and worn. They evolve slowly, lovingly. And sometimes the most meaningful design choice isn’t about what you add—but what you choose to keep.

5 Original Features Worth Saving

Before you demo, take a second look—these vintage details can add charm, value, and character to your home.
1. Hardwood Floors
Even if they’re scuffed or hiding under carpet, original wood floors are often solid and salvageable. Refinishing can restore their luster and preserve their timeless appeal.

2. Trim and Molding
Crown molding, picture rails, baseboards, and window casings add architectural depth. Solid wood trim is hard to replicate and worth keeping whenever possible.

3. Built-In Cabinets or Nooks
From hallway linen closets to breakfast benches and phone niches, built-ins offer functional storage and personality. Fresh paint or hardware can give them new life.

4. Original Doors and Hardware
Solid wood doors—especially those with panels or glass—are sturdy and stylish. Keep the vintage knobs and hinges for added character (or clean them up for a polished antique finish).

5. Fireplace Surrounds
Whether brick, stone, or tile, an original fireplace brings warmth and texture to a space. Even a non-functioning fireplace can serve as a cozy design anchor.

Drawing room with high ceilings and architectural features