Smith Mountain Lake’s Pirate Days Set Sail

By: Olivia Carter | Photos courtesy: Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce & P.J. Nagel

Pirates and landlubbers alike rejoice as the 11th annual Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days is back again, from July 19 to July 21.

What started as a handful of buccaneers has grown into a grand spectacle, drawing thousands from near and far, doubling in size with each year.

Led by P.J. Nagel, commodore and chief organizer, Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days is a gathering of the local community and a chance for businesses to come together in the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.

Pirate Days was started as an effort to bring lake area businesses together to “pick up the slack” after Fourth of July, Nagel said.

“Business kind of took a tank and the theme of Pirate Days was introduced for local businesses to basically create a new holiday and it’s since morphed into a community event,” he said.

In its first year a handful of attendees, including Nagel and his crew, took to the waters and were met with curious stares from onlookers who were unsure of what was going on, Nagel said.

For the first event, there were just ten people dressed as pirates, he said, and six were with him.

“We actually decorated a boat and sailed around to different ports on the lake and people were looking at us like we were strange and had no idea what was going on,” he said. “It wasn’t marketed, it was something sent out through the Chamber of Commerce to the businesses and basically, they said, ‘Hey, this weekend is going to be pirates weekend.’”

With each passing year, Pirate Days grew and what began as a small gathering soon escalated into a full-fledged event, complete with pirate balls, sea battles, and celebrations.

But as the event grew, so too did the need for a larger space—Bridgewater Plaza, the event’s original home, eventually became too small to contain the pirates and those on land looking on.

Every year, Pirate Days looked for larger harbors, finally finding room at Crazy Horse Marina.

“We realized that, if we increase again, we’re not going to be able to stay here, right? So we started looking for a new venue and we ended up moving the entire event to Crazy Horse Marina because of the size of the property. And with moving there we subsequently saw just as much of an increase in attendance as the previous year and each year it just keeps stepping up,” Nagel said.

However, with the sale of Crazy Horse Marina, Pirate Days found itself once again without a venue.

The new venue must be waterfront and the overall space must be able to fit 100 vendors as well as a few thousand vehicles.

The events over the weekend include a Pirates Ball at Mango’s Bar & Grill at Bridgewater Marina, where staff dress as pirates and professional pirates pay a visit. There are bands playing throughout the weekend as well as mermaids swimming around, Nagel said. Pirate crews from multiple states come for the event and bring their cannons and vendors are set up on land.

Shadow Players Stage Combat Group, theatrically trained swordsmen from Raleigh, will be in attendance and there will also be sea shanty groups that play music and sing. 

Not including volunteers, there are just five paid staff members who put the weekend on.

Last year, the event brought in 10,000 over the weekend.

A large portion of Pirate Days is the water battles that take place over the weekend and many spectators watch from land.

Nagel said the water fights mysteriously evolved during the third or fourth year.

“It’s something that just happened, and it took off like wildfire. It’s nothing that we coordinate. It’s nothing that we regulate other than putting out a public service announcement,” he said.

He said pirates on the lake will load their boats with kids and super soakers and drive around the lake “attacking” other boats with water battles and it happens throughout the entire weekend.

“We do advertise a time that they should be there and the reason why we were doing that in the past is because the Virginia Dare [cruise boat] would sail to whatever venue we were at, and they sell a pirate cruise and they outfit all their customers with water guns and they would sail to a location. So in an effort to coordinate the arrival of all these public boats, we’d set a time,” he said.

Due to the popularity and size of the event, many of the area rental homes get sold out ahead of time.

“If you talk to any real estate agent that rents houses, or a real estate company that rents houses on the lake, you’d be hard pressed to find one that will tell you that the third weekend of July isn’t the most requested week of the year,” he said. “These people are spending a fair amount of money not just for the house, but they’re going to all the retail stores and all the restaurants. So the economic impact for the businesses is widespread.”

Pirate Days also employs volunteer groups from non-profits such as the Bedford Humane Society, the American Legion, and local churches. Volunteers contribute to various tasks and in return, organizations receive monetary donations. 

Nagel’s dream is to one day expand Pirate Days into a larger event like Gasparilla in Florida, which draws 700,000 people to a one-day event.

But the biggest thing Nagel takes away from the weekend is interacting with the kids that come out.

“Pirate Days is and always will be family-friendly and every year there’s always a couple of kids that stand out.”

He looks at a photo of a kid who came dressed as Captain Hook the second year the event was held who challenged Nagel to a sword fight. The kid, now a teenager, still attends and finds Nagel each year.

“We have updated pictures of the sword fight every year with the same kid,” he said. “So it’s always…it’s about the kids.”  

JD’s Cafe Serves Comfort Food and Community

By: Megan Williams  |  Photos by: Ashlee Glen

I’m finally in a setting that people enjoy and can come and enjoy the meal,” Julian (J.D.) Davis said sitting at a bistro table outside of his new brick and mortar restaurant, JD’s Cafe.

While the restaurant opened in March, Davis has been cooking for the community for years.

“I’ve been cooking all my life,” he said. “But I’ve been cooking in the industry since I was 15. I started at Charley’s at the mall in ‘87 or ‘88.”

After Davis got his start at Charley’s, he moved on to Shakers where he held his first management job at just 17 years old. From there, he held positions at country clubs, franchises, and local eateries such as Market at Main where, after working there for a number of years, he left to pursue his own business: JD’s Mobile Cafe and Catering.

Operating out of a concession trailer, Davis served crowd favorites like Philly cheesesteaks and po’boys at private catering events or at the outdoor food court, The BackYard, in Forest. Over the years, Davis amassed quite the following and reputation, but the nomadic nature of his business kept him from maintaining a roster of regulars.

So when the opportunity presented itself to fill a vacant space in Boonsboro Shopping Center, Davis jumped and never looked back.

“I feel like I’ve gotten to the right location,” he said. “I feel like it’s a blessing simply because of the people that I’m seeing—people who I haven’t seen in decades. Everything I have done up to this point has been building my name up so that this could happen.”

JD’s Cafe opened its doors on March 18, 2024 and has kept a steady stream of customers since. On any given day, the intimate interior and attached front patio is full of folks picking up to-go orders or settling in for an indulgent lunch.

“My menu hasn’t changed much [since JD’s Mobile Cafe] other than a few additions,” Davis recounted, highlighting a menu offering of large, filling sandwiches such as the catfish po’boy or the Carolina BBQ sandwich as well as hearty comfort entrees like their homemade meatloaf and baby back ribs. “It’s homemade dishes and added sides.”

Davis said he intentionally created a smaller menu to mirror the smaller size of the restaurant and to highlight the foods he knows JD’s Cafe does well.

“I didn’t try to have everything on the menu,” he said. “But people say they can taste the love in my food.”

Whether it’s love or exceptional cooking skills or maybe a little of both, the food at JD’s Cafe is mouthwatering. The pulled pork—slightly smokey and melt-in-your-mouth tender—is leveled up even more with their signature BBQ sauce, a unique blend of sweet and tangy notes. The catfish po’boy is unbelievably delicate and beautifully absorbs the house-made remoulade sauce. And the meatloaf—packed with ground beef, onions, and peppers—is the embodiment of comfort when sliced and served between two pieces of white bread and served alongside country green beans.

“It’s nap food!” Davis joked. “If I were to tell someone what to order, I’d tell them to order the meatloaf or salmon cakes. But our pride and joy are the Philly cheesesteak and catfish po’boy. They’re the most ordered items on the menu.”

Davis said the new brick and mortar has been well-received by the community, specifically noting that all of his past owners and managers from his previous restaurant jobs have dined there since opening in March.

“My passion and gift for feeding people is expressed through those great reviews,” he said. “I’m always about the customer and making them happy—I worry about myself later. It’s what separates me from other places.”

That sentiment is evident to anyone occupying a table for even a short moment at JD’s Cafe. Davis is behind the counter preparing a sandwich one moment, hand delivering an order to an outside table the next or taking the time to know exactly how to pronounce a customer’s name so it’s correct when he announces their to-go order is ready. Amidst caring for his customers, he’s constantly checking in on his team.

“I’m so proud of the opportunity to provide jobs,” he said. “This is a small business and a family atmosphere. The opportunity to provide great food and great service to the community on top of a great atmosphere is something I’m really proud of.”

Davis is content building his base of regulars and serving a steady stream of delicious food to customers and doesn’t foresee moving or expanding in the near future.

“Contentment is my thing,” he said. “The only reason I would grow is if there is a need to grow if I can’t make a customer happy. The second I’m not making a customer happy is when I’ll make a change.”  

JD’s Cafe can be found at 4925 Boonsboro Road in Lynchburg. They are currently open for lunch and dinner. Their menu can be found at jdscafelynchburgva.com.

Conservation Landscaping Best Practices

By: Lindsey Cline-Shrader

Conservation landscaping blends aesthetic appeal and ecological responsibility. It creates spaces that are not only visually stunning but also conserve resources and create havens for wildlife. The key to enchanting, low-maintenance gardens are also conservation landscaping best practices, such as dense planting, no-till gardening, and plug planting.

Dense Planting

The benefits of dense planting are manifold. Dense planting minimizes the space available for weeds to grow, a needed “win” in Virginia summers. A dense network of root systems enhances the soil’s ability to absorb water, reducing erosion and runoff, improving soil structure, and promoting deep infiltration. 

Dense plantings can increase the number and variety of plants, supporting a range of pollinators and beneficial insects and reducing the distance they must fly for nectar. Furthermore, dense planting provides shade and reduces temperature fluctuations in the soil. It also allows plants to signal to one another about threats from insects or diseases, creating a stable environment for growth and more successful plants. 

Dense planting may bring English cottage gardens to mind, but it can be adapted to various styles. Try a single ground cover grass species between forbs (herbaceous flowering plants) in modern gardens, or a mix of plant textures for added interest in shade gardens, or overlapping plant blocks for simplicity and artistry in Arts and Crafts style gardens.

No-Till Gardening

Another conservation landscaping practice, no-till gardening, preserves soil structure and the life within it. Traditional tilling disrupts soil microorganisms, depletes organic matter, and leads to erosion. No-till gardening maintains the natural soil structure, allowing deeper water infiltration and root growth. Undisturbed soil holds more water over time, helping plants withstand drought.

No-till also protects the habitat of beneficial soil organisms, such as earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi, which recycle soil nutrients. 

When creating new beds, use sheet mulching or cover crops. Sheet mulching involves layering organic materials (like compost, topsoil, or mulch) to suppress weeds and build fertility. The “lasagna” method uses cardboard to smother turfgrass, followed by topdressing with organic materials. Studies show cardboard slightly reduces carbon and oxygen in the soil, but those levels rebound in less than a year.

My favorite method for creating new garden beds is to mow the grass as low as possible and then compost in place by layering grass clippings and leaves in two-inch-thick layers. This builds soil and smothers most turfgrasses within several weeks. 

I recommend steering clear of solarization with plastic and landscape fabric. Solarization with plastic tarps generates microplastics and pollutes soil. Landscape fabric hampers the exchange of air and water in the soil, reducing soil health and decreasing plant vitality. Most weed seeds are wind-dispersed, allowing them to germinate on top of fabric, rendering it useless. Fabric can strangle trees and shrubs and typically becomes trash after several years.

Plug Planting

Plug planting establishes gardens efficiently, particularly perennials and native plant species. Plugs are small, young plants typically grown in deep but narrow containers—allowing strong root growth with minimal height. Plugs require smaller planting holes, minimizing soil disruption and root damage. 

Young plants adapt quickly to their environment, establishing roots more rapidly than larger, more mature plants. Plug planting allows for precise placement, enabling the intricate patterns recommended for dense plantings. Plugs often cost less than larger plants, allowing you to cover larger areas with less investment. 

Plugs are planted directly into the ground like larger plants, though a narrow spade creates less disturbance and awakens fewer weed seeds, encouraging a smoother first-year garden.

Additional Conservation Efforts

Efficient water management is essential in conservation landscaping. Although our area has an abundant water table, capturing water during rainy spells can protect our water supply during summer droughts. 

Adding rain barrels to downspouts not only provides extra water in hot, dry summers but may reduce overflow into city storm water drains. Rain gardens, beautiful spaces in their own right, reduce erosion and pollution by capturing and filtering water runoff. These gardens slowly absorb rainwater, promote groundwater recharge, and create unique micro-habitats in damp to wet soil. 

One final touch in conservation landscaping are accessories that provide food, water, and shelter to turn your garden into a habitat haven. Bird feeders, birdbaths, nesting boxes, berry-producing shrubs, and small water features support wildlife. Brush piles, logs, and dead trees provide shelter, breeding sites for reptiles and amphibians, and food sources for birds like woodpeckers. 

By implementing these practices in our own landscapes, we can support biodiversity, conserve resources, and enhance beauty. We have a role in nature, and our collective efforts can make a significant difference. 

Top 5 Native Plants for Rain Gardens

1. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) attracts monarchs and other pollinators with clusters of pink to mauve flowers. 

• Full sun to partial shade and wet to moderate soils

2. Joe-Pye Weed
(Eutrochium purpureum) attracts pollinators and adapts to clay soils with large cluster or pink to purplish flowers.

• Full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soils

3. The Lobelias:
Cardinal Flower
(Lobelia cardinalis) & Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) attract hummingbirds and butterflies to their vibrant red and blue tubular flowers on tall spikes.

• Full sun to partial
shade and consistently moist soils

4. New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) provides height to borders and late-season nectar for bees and butterflies with vibrant fuchsia flowers.

• Full sun to partial
shade and moist,
well-drained soils

5. Blue Flag Iris
(Iris versicolor) provides showy blue-purple
iris flowers among
sword-like leaves.

• Full sun to partial shade and wet, boggy soils

Written and Photographed by: Abby Price

Greenville, a small city in the northwestern part of South Carolina, has been rising in popularity over the last few years. Its adorable downtown area is filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and breweries. Greenville’s abundant charm and nature-filled downtown is only enriched by its outstanding performing arts center, beautiful parks, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

After hearing so much about Greenville and seeing amazing photos, I decided to visit the city myself. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Greenville not only met but exceeded my expectations. The city is overflowing with southern hospitality, scenic views, and plenty of activities to enjoy, making it the perfect getaway not too far from the state of Virginia.

Traveling To Greenville, South Carolina

You have a few options for reaching Greenville, South Carolina. The city has a decently sized airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, which makes flying in and out convenient. The airport is just a 15-minute drive from downtown, which is very convenient for those wanting to avoid being in a car for long stints of time.

If you prefer a road trip, like I did, the drive is very pleasant. From Lynchburg, you can take I-29 towards Greensboro, then switch to I-85 past Charlotte and head towards Spartanburg, which leads to Greenville. The drive takes about 5 hours exactly and is well worth it for the charming city and all it offers.

Where To Stay

I chose a hotel in downtown Greenville because the area is so walkable! Staying downtown means you can easily explore the vibrant dining and shopping scene without driving. Plus, you avoid the hassle of finding parking, which can be tricky near popular restaurants, stores, and venues.

I recommend staying at the Hyatt Place Greenville Downtown. The rooms are spacious, and it’s conveniently located near many restaurants. Plus, it’s close to Falls Park on the Reedy, a 32-acre park in Greenville’s Historic West End, where the Reedy River flows through. It’s perfect for strolling, admiring the waterfall, and enjoying nature in a downtown setting.

Experiences Worth Having

A visit to Greenville isn’t complete without stopping by Falls Park on the Reedy. This massive park is perfect for walking around, appreciating the water features, and enjoying its lovely suspension bridge. It’s an excellent spot for outdoor activities and taking memorable photos of your time in the city.

I loved that the park has plenty of seating, including picnic tables, porch swings, and chairs for visitors to enjoy. My husband and I spent a few hours strolling around the park, and it was nice to sit in different areas and take in the soothing sound of the cascading waterfall.

For live entertainment, I recommend heading to Bon Secours Wellness Arena. They host concerts, wrestling matches, and Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey games. My husband and I attended a wrestling event there and enjoyed the lively atmosphere, excellent facilities, and convenient location. Since we stayed downtown, we could walk to the arena, which made the experience even better!

Another worthwhile experience, especially for animal enthusiasts or those traveling with children or grandchildren, is visiting the Greenville Zoo. It has a variety of animals, such as giraffes, red pandas, alligators, and more, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for everyone. I appreciated its downtown location, making it another fantastic place to walk to if you stay downtown.

Outdoor Activities You Shouldn’t Miss

Greenville boasts 39 parks spread across 500 acres of its land, offering plenty of green spaces to explore. Each park has its unique charm, making choosing just one to visit hard. Although Falls Park on the Reedy stands out as my favorite due to its proximity to downtown and our hotel, the city’s array of parks makes it effortless to step outside and spend time in nature. 

Fluor Field offers another fantastic outdoor experience with minor league baseball games featuring the Greenville Drive team. It’s a perfect spot to spend a summer day soaking up the sun while enjoying the game.

If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, consider venturing just outside of Greenville to Chimney Rock State Park, located approximately 55 miles north. It’s an ideal spot for hiking, offering many different trails suitable for all skill levels. Try the nearly 2-mile Hickory Nut Falls Trail for an easy yet stunning hike leading to a majestic 400-foot waterfall. This trail is perfect for beginners or those searching for a leisurely stroll with beautiful scenery.

Check out the Exclamation Point and Skyline Trail to Hickory Nut Falls for a more challenging workout. Although this route is less than 3 miles, it includes numerous steep stairs. However, the breathtaking views from the summit, overlooking the mountains, water, and towns below, make the effort well worth it.

Expert Recommendations

My favorite thing to do in Greenville is stroll through downtown and explore the diverse range of restaurants, breweries, cafes, and shops. For a unique place to dine, I highly recommend Trappe Door, a Belgian restaurant known for its delicious Belgian beer, short ribs, steak frites, and other tasty specialties that are sure to impress.

Another great tip I have for you is to explore the city’s coffee scene. Greenville is packed with coffee shops offering amazing variations, and if you enjoy specialty coffees, it’s a must-try. I recommend visiting Coffee Underground. They have a quirky atmosphere and serve scrumptious coffee and food. And don’t miss trying a slice of their strawberry cake with your coffee. It’s an unexpected but delightful combo that you’ll love.

My last tip is to consider scheduling your trip for spring, summer, or fall. I recommend avoiding winter since Greenville’s charm lies in its scenic beauty, views, and outdoor parks. Opt for a time when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. This way, you can fully appreciate Greenville’s unique appeal, including its mountains and abundant green spaces.  

Craveables Ice Cream Shop serves community, provides unique job opportunity for employees

By: Christian Shields  |  Photos by: Ashlee Glen

CraveABLEs ice cream shop combines quality desserts with exceptional service to ensure that customers and staff alike feel welcome, supported, and well-fed.

Started by local high school special education teachers Taylor Perkins and Genevieve Weaver, craveABLEs aims to come alongside individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing them with a stable job that not only allows them to better their community, but also gain valuable life skills that they can carry for the rest of their lives, including food prep, money skills, taking inventory, fulfilling online orders, busing tables, building relationships with customers, and more.

Perkins, who serves as the president of the non-profit, said that she first had the idea for the ice cream shop after watching several of her high school students have trouble finding work
after graduation.

“Outside of just my classroom, I have also met so many families who have had children with disabilities struggling to find something meaningful… and specifically overlooked in the workforce,” she said.

“A lot of people hear they have a disability and think that they can’t do anything, but that’s false. They are able to do tons of things. Sometimes they just need encouragement or the correct platform to showcase all they are able to do.”

With over a dozen different flavors of Homestead Creamery ice cream as well as options for ice cream nachos, sammies, and floats, the shop looks to meet every customer’s specific sweet tooth.

“Our slogan is ‘full bellies, fuller hearts’ because customers can go to different places and get ice cream, but there’s no other place where you can go and get sweet treats and also know that you are doing a great thing and changing lives,” Perkins said. “You’re providing [craveABLEs employees] with their first and, for some, only job they will ever have. So, we need the community and the customers to make this successful. Without customers, we are an ice cream shop with no one to serve.” 

In addition to the craveABLEs trailer, which launched in April, the company also added a brick-and-mortar location in June at 2608 Lakeside Drive. While the trailer allows employees to venture out and serve the community at festivals and private events, the permanent store enables them to better foster relationships with the community.

“By coming to craveABLEs, customers will know that it’s more than just ice cream and they are making a difference in all the employees’ lives,” Perkins said. “And vice versa—our employees are so happy to have a job and a chance to engage with the community and meet new friends. Our customers can learn a lot from our employees, such as how to be happy with the little things in life, specifically the opportunity to just have a job!”  

You can find craveABLEs at 2608 Lakeside Drive in Lynchburg and online at craveables.org.

Regency-inspired cocktails that Lady Whistledown herself would approve of

The Regency era represents the height of romanticism. Jane Austen, Thomas Lawrence, and the glittery adornments and delicate clothing of that time period are iconic and unrepeatable. Perhaps that’s why millions of viewers are hooked on Bridgerton, which has broken numerous streaming records since its Netflix debut in December 2020.

To celebrate the debut of Season 3 Part 2—Penelope! Colin! Cressida’s sleeves!—we have some Regency-inspired cocktails for a Bridgerton-inspired happy hour. 

We also chatted with Daniel Beedle, Assistant Food & Beverage Director at Kimpton the Forum Hotel in Charlottesville about bringing Regency-era aesthetics to cocktail recipes and, naturally, what his Bridgerton name would be.

Beedle has been the Assistant Food & Beverage Director at Kimpton The Forum Hotel since January 2023. He oversees their beverage programming at their three onsite outlets: Birch & Bloom, a modern steakhouse overlooking the hotel’s botanical garden; The Good Sport, an elevated sports bar serving crafted cocktails and local brews; and Aspen Bar, the hotel’s lively lobby bar.

“My focus is on sustainability, using ingredients from local purveyors and the hotel’s five-acre botanical garden, and introducing zero-waste methods and composting in our beverage program,” Beedle explained. “We also launched Cocktails for a Cause, donating $1 per cocktail to local nonprofits each month.”

Beedle’s career began in Oregon at LeVelle Vineyard, which led him to experiences in New York where he served as sommelier at The NoMad and wine director at Michelin-starred Betony and Juni. He was named one of WIne Enthusiast’s “40 Under 40: America’s Tastemakers” and earned Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence.” Beedle then went on to work globally with Chef Manish Mehrotra’s Indian Accent in New York, London, and New Delhi, and later as Corporate Beverage Director at LDV Hospitality. He founded Sage Beverage Consulting, advising Michelin-starred restaurants like Agern. But after years of traveling, Beedle was ready for a role that would keep him in one place.

“What really excites me about my role at Kimpton The Forum is the chance to incorporate Virginia’s natural produce into our menus and build sustainable offerings,” he said. “We have so many opportunities for unique programming here. For instance, this month (June), we’re hosting a Cocktail Master Class that dives into the history of spirits and cocktails. We’ve also got some great Summer Soiree events coming up, like the Lo-Fi High Tea and Casamigos Summer Supper. I’m really looking forward to continuing to build relationships with the local community and creating memorable experiences for our guests.”

Birch & Bloom is known for its lush botanical backdrop and, similarly, Bridgerton is known for its elaborate (though not necessarily historically accurate) costumes and aesthetics—it almost feels like a natural pairing. According to Beedle, aesthetics should always be taken into account when creating signature cocktail recipes.

“I never separate the two,” he advised. “It’s always about experience as a whole and it has to have both. You always have to consider where they are drinking—what’s the vibe, season, color scheme of the room, music, and, most importantly, your target audience. I would make entirely different cocktails for young adults in their 20s versus people in their 60s. They’ve been exposed to different things and different trends, so you have to create a cocktail list that paints with all the colors.

So what about a cocktail list for, say, a group of ladies in their first season out in society? We’re glad you asked.

Suzey-Q

Recipe by Kimpton the Forum Hotel

“This is a very balanced and refreshing highball with flavors of juniper, gentian flower, and grapefruit. This is a wonderful cocktail for food and is my favorite for leafy salads and green vegetables.” – Daniel Beedle, Assistant Food and Beverage Director for Kimpton the Forum Hotel

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Beefeater gin
• 1 oz. Giffard pamplemouse
• ½ oz. Suze
• ¼ oz. honey syrup (recipe below)
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 2 oz. soda

Directions:

1. Make the honey syrup: Add ¼ cup of honey and ⅛ cup of warm water to a squeeze bottle. Recipe makes more than one serving.
2. Make the cocktail: Combine all ingredients except the soda into a cocktail shaker. Prime a Collins glass with ice and 2 oz. of soda water. Double strain the cocktail mixture into the Collins glass. Garnish with nasturtium or edible flower of choice.

Bridgerton Berry Bramble

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Sipsmith gin
• 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• ½ oz Giffard crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur)
• Fresh blackberries and lemon wheel for garnish

Directions:

1. Fill a glass with crushed ice.
2. In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well and strain over the crushed ice.
4. Drizzle crème de mûre over the top.
5. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel.

The Featherington Fizz

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice gin
• 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
• ¾ oz. simple syrup
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Egg white
• Soda water
• Lemon peel for garnish

Directions:

1. In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
2. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously to create a frothy texture.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well chilled.
4. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda water.
6. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Regency Rose

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bloom gin
• 1 oz. rose water (or a few drops of rose essence diluted in water)
• ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• Edible rose petals for garnish

Directions

1. In a shaker, combine gin, rose water, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake gently.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a few edible rose petals.

Final notes from Daniel Beedle of Kimpton the Forum Hotel: If you’re having a Bridgerton-themed cocktail party at home, a simple combination of Roku Japanese gin with Fever Tree ginger beer is a great option. 

“Easy, simple, refreshing, and fantastic,” he said. “And my Bridgerton name would be…Lord Truffleton.”

Don’t miss the Cocktail Master Class at The Aspen Bar, every Saturday starting June 1.

Cocktail Master Class | The Aspen Bar

• Date: Every Saturday, starting June 1, 2024
• Time: 4:00 p.m.
• Description: School is out, but class is in session this summer at The Aspen Bar inside Kimpton the Forum. Join expert mixologist Daniel Beedle for a 9-week series exploring the rich history of spirits and cocktails, covering a new topic each week. Learn the origins of agave, pre-prohibition cocktails, and the evolution of drinks like the Aperol Spritz. Gain insights into the history of spirits and master techniques to use at home.
• Pricing: Adults $36
• Reservation: Book your reservation here. 

Revive happy hour with these four refreshing drinks, perfect for any occasion. From sophisticated cocktails to delightful mocktails, these beverages combine innovative flavors and elegant presentations that will impress your guests and elevate your gatherings. Whether you’re in the mood for a vibrant gin cocktail or a fragrant, alcohol-free mocktail, these recipes offer something for everyone. 

1. The Purple Stiletto

Crafted by Paul Kelley at Shoemakers American Grille, The Purple Stiletto is a striking cocktail that combines the elegance of Empress gin with the floral notes of elderflower and the refreshing zest of grapefruit.

2. Rosemary Pear Fizz Mocktail

For a delightful non-alcoholic option, the Rosemary Pear Fizz Mocktail offers a blend of fresh pears, rosemary, and a hint of maple syrup. This mocktail is both refreshing and aromatic.

This elegant mocktail is perfect for any occasion, offering a sophisticated taste without the alcohol.

3. Lavender Lemonade Spritz

The Lavender Lemonade Spritz is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed as both a cocktail and a mocktail. Its floral notes and citrusy tang make it a refreshing choice for spring and summer.

Whether you choose the cocktail or mocktail version, this spritz is sure to delight with its refreshing floral notes.

4. Tiki Tango Manhattan

The Tiki Tango Manhattan offers a tropical twist on the classic Manhattan, featuring rye whiskey and pineapple liquor. This cocktail is a perfect blend of traditional and exotic flavors.

This unique take on a Manhattan is perfect for those looking to add a tropical flair to their cocktail repertoire.

Rhubarb, with its vibrant pink hue and tangy flavor, is a quintessential ingredient of springtime desserts. Among the many delightful treats it can create, rhubarb cake stands out as a beloved classic. This moist and flavorful cake combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of cake batter, resulting in a delightful harmony of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary adventures, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups diced rhubarb
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rhubarb: Start by washing the rhubarb stalks thoroughly and trimming off the ends. Dice the rhubarb into small pieces, about 1/2 inch in size. Set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
7. Fold in Rhubarb: Gently fold the diced rhubarb into the batter until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick, but that’s normal.
8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle the sliced almonds on top for an extra crunch and visual appeal. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy: Slice the cooled rhubarb cake into wedges and serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Tips:

• If fresh rhubarb is not available, frozen rhubarb can be used as a substitute. Just thaw it before adding it to the batter.
• Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences and the tartness of the rhubarb.
• You can add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a subtle spice flavor.
• This cake stays moist and flavorful for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Rhubarb cake is a fresh and delicious way to celebrate the flavors of spring and create a memorable dessert for family and friends. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of seasonal flavors to their dessert meal plan.

Lynchburg Local Embraces Artistic Lifestyle  through designing two-story home mural and more

By Christian Shields  |  Photos by Ashlee Glen

Whether it’s painting, home renovation, gardening, or designing a two-story mural for her house, Lynchburg resident Sallie Sydnor consistently looks for ways to improve her craft as well as strengthen her relationship with her fellow artists. 

From a young age, Sydnor has had a passion for the arts. The daughter of a church minister, she remembers spending her Sunday mornings drawing on the church bulletins during her father’s messages. She later attended Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, Florida, with the goal of one day becoming an art teacher. After spending several years as a special education teacher, she left that career to stay home with her children. Once they grew up, she returned to her artistic pursuits.

Although oil painting is her style of choice, she recently completed a two-story mural at her home, which she and her husband Walker moved into last May. Sydnor said that she got the idea for the mural after shopping for wallpaper and realizing the incredible cost to cover her entire stairwell. Instead, she purchased a stencil kit and some wall paint and set to work.

Not only did this method allow her to save money on wallpaper, but it also allowed her to customize the decoration to her own liking. Featuring picturesque imagery of nature, the mural transports the viewer to a wooded forest occupied by birds and deer. Sydnor described the mural as a “colonial and early American inspired grisaille,” which follows a monochrome coloring style.

“I have an affinity for anything creative,” she said. “I’m afraid I live a very creative life, for better or for worse. I’m always thinking up projects and getting myself into things like that mural. I thought about it the whole time we were doing the [other home renovations], I was thinking ‘How am I going to do that? And when am I going to do that?’”

The project, which took a couple weeks from start to finish, also required scaffolding to go up inside the house for a week so Sydnor could reach the higher points on the wall, adding an additional challenge to navigating the house.

Describing the project as an “adventure,” Sydnor humorously remarked that she has “more guts than talent” regarding her artistic ability. She completed the project with help from her daughter, Brantley.

Since moving to her current house last spring, Sydnor has completed a number of major renovations to the home, including adding additional rooms. With the completion of the mural earlier this year, she does not currently have plans for another project of such magnitude. Instead, she plans to spend her time working on her oil paintings.

Sydnor credits a large portion of her expertise to the numerous art workshops that she has attended both locally and in the surrounding states. She currently has trips planned to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as the Nimrod Hall Artist Retreat later this year. These trips allow her to not only fellowship with like-minded artists, but also help provide inspiration for future art projects.

“Any creative person will say that you never stop learning and you never stop acquiring inspiration from all spheres of life,” she said. “The more you can get out there and experience life, the more inspired you are.”

“Maybe there are artists who enjoy a solely introspective life, but I can’t imagine that,” Sydnor added. “It’s too much fun to do this with other people. It’s also very encouraging. Creative people feed off each other, encourage each other, boost each other. It’s all good.”

In addition to these workshops, Sydnor also participates in the local art community through her membership in the Lynchburg Art Club as well as participating in the Lynchburg Art Festival each year. Although she does not create her paintings primarily for profit, her works can often be found at local businesses such as Findings Art Gallery in Boonsboro as well as on www.artworkarchive.com.  

Achieving your fitness goals isn’t just about putting in the sweat at the gym or on the track; it’s also about what you put into your body. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in fueling your workouts, whether you’re lifting weights, going for a run, practicing yoga, or even just getting your daily step count in. But did you know that different workouts and activity levels require different foods and nutrient levels to ensure optimal performance? We’ve got the facts on fitness fuel:

1. Pre-Workout Nutrition: Powering Up

Before you hit the gym or start your workout routine, it’s essential to fuel your body adequately. Your pre-workout meal should ideally consist of a combination of complex carbohydrates and protein to provide energy and support muscle function. Here are some pre-workout meal ideas tailored to different types of workouts:

Strength Training: A banana with a tablespoon of almond butter or a small serving of Greek yogurt with berries and a sprinkle of granola can provide the right balance of carbs and protein for strength-focused workouts.

Endurance Activities:Opt for a whole grain toast with avocado or a small bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and a drizzle of honey to sustain your energy levels during long runs or cardio sessions.

Yoga: Keep it light with a fruit smoothie made with yogurt, spinach, banana, and a scoop of protein powder for a refreshing pre-yoga boost.

2. During Workout Hydration: Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key to maintaining performance and preventing fatigue during your workouts. Remember to drink water before, during, and after your exercise sessions. For longer or more intense workouts, consider incorporating electrolyte-rich beverages or sports drinks to replenish lost minerals and support hydration.

Tip! Skip the added ingredients in many store-bought electrolyte drinks and make your own at home instead.

Homemade Electrolyte Drink

Ingredients
1 1/2 to 2 cups water
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/8 to 1/4 tsp sea salt
2 tsp local honey (raw if available)

Directions
1. Add everything to a jar that has a lid (such as a Mason jar), close the lid, and shake well to combine.
2. Store your drink in the refrigerator for up to a week.

3. Post-Workout Recovery: Replenish and Repair

After a strenuous workout, your body needs nutrients to recover, repair muscles, and replenish glycogen stores. Focus on consuming a combination of protein and carbohydrates within 30 to 60 minutes post-exercise to optimize recovery. 

Strength Training: Grilled chicken breast with sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli or a quinoa salad with chickpeas and mixed vegetables can provide the protein and carbs needed for muscle recovery.

Endurance Activities: Try a tuna wrap with whole grain tortillas or a protein-packed smoothie with fruits, spinach, and a scoop of whey protein to refuel after a long run or intense cardio session.

Yoga: Nourish your body with a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey or a whole grain toast with scrambled eggs and avocado for a balanced post-yoga meal.

4. Snack Smart: Fueling Between Workouts

In between meals, choose nutrient-dense snacks to keep your energy levels steady and support muscle recovery. Opt for options like:

• Greek yogurt with berries
• A handful of nuts and seeds
• Hummus with veggie sticks
• Cottage cheese with fruit
• Protein bars or shakes (choose ones with minimal added sugars)

5. Listen to Your Body: Individualize Your Nutrition

Remember that everyone’s nutritional needs may vary based on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and fitness goals. It’s crucial to listen to your body’s cues and adjust your nutrition accordingly. Consulting with a registered dietitian or nutritionist can also provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs and preferences.