A Renovation Project with a Big Mission

By: Megan Williams / Photos by: Ashlee Glen

It’s around here somewhere,” Melissa Holgado said, eyes roaming the northern exterior brick wall of the circa 1825 Federal style plantation home she and her husband, Federico, purchased in 2023.

Finally spotting the right brick, Melissa walked over and gently placed two fingers into two small indentations left on the brick—fingerprints left by the hands of an enslaved person who handmade the brick and likely forcibly worked at the home after its construction.

There’s a duality in this seemingly small detail—that one small brick, nearly indistinguishable from the thousands that wrap the 4,600-square-foot home. When viewed up close, it tells a harsh truth, a painful story of decades of enslaved labor, not just at the home on Red Hill Farm, but across the country. But if you step back even just a little, the brick fades in with the rest and you get the impression of grandeur—of what the home would have been like in its time, before age and decades of abandonment weathered both its interior and exterior.

For the Holgados, their mission is to bring both into focus as they work to restore Red Hill.

The Story of Red Hill Farm

“There are actually a lot of homes or farms named ‘Red Hill’ in this area, thanks to the red Virginia clay that so many historic homes were built on,” said Melissa, explaining the distinction between this home in Monroe and Patrick Henry’s Red Hill in Charlotte County.

According to the Holgados’ research, Red Hill Farm was first settled by Charles Ellis in 1754. Charles was granted 1,000 acres from King George II after he served under Thomas Jefferson’s father, Colonel Peter Jefferson, during the French and Indian War. The home that stands today was built from profits amassed by Charles Ellis II—Charles Ellis’s grandson—through various mercantile ventures.

“We are incredibly sensitive to the difficult history of Red Hill Farm as a slave-owning plantation and [residing on] original Monacan land that was stolen,” Melissa furthered.

The Amherst County region of Virginia and specifically Red Hill’s acreage—which is now 40 acres of its original 1,000—sits on Monacan land. The Monacan Indian Nation has lived in the mountains and foothills of Amherst County since 1000 A.D.

According to the National Archives, identifying enslaved men, women, and children poses unique challenges as “enslaved individuals rarely had surnames and created few records themselves. Successful research usually requires positively identifying the slave holder(s) who may have created records that mentioned slaves.”

Apart from scarce artifacts exhumed during renovation at Red Hill Farm as well as a few remaining foundations of outbuildings on the property, which Melissa conjectures were slave quarters, little is known about the names, identities, and lives of those who were enslaved at Red Hill Farm, including how many were enslaved. However, records of the firm of Ellis & Allan from the years 1783 to 1889 to buy and sell tobacco are archived at the Library of Congress and give a rare glimpse into life and business at this time. It is in these records that it is confirmed that the Ellis family had enslaved persons at Red Hill.

In 2016, the land and home was placed under a conservation easement with the Virginia Outdoor Foundation and the property remains under that easement today.

Red Hill’s Restoration Begins

Driving up to the property today, the experience is idyllic. Finches leap from roadside thickets as you ascend the mountain, the Pedlar River trickling and ambling below.

As you crest the hill, an English Springer Spaniel named Pancho runs at your back wheels, the unofficial welcome party of the property. The front door—East-facing to allow the morning light to gently warm the front of the home—is framed by a Greek-style portico which was added to the facade sometime around the 1930s. Before climbing the wide stairs to the front entrance, however, you pause and allow your eyes to sweep over the neighboring mountain view. You take in the serene silence—a hush that it seems everyone but a nearby Pileated Woodpecker has adopted. Despite it being an active construction site, there is a reverence on the grounds, an understanding of the important work being accomplished.

“When we were first driving here [in October 2022], we had it in our mind that we were just going to see it and decide it was too much of a project,” Melissa remembered. “It was fall, so even the drive was stunning. We just kept joking to each other, ‘I hope it sucks.’

We were so quiet walking through with the realtor. I hung back, taking photos with my camera. I remember saying to myself, ‘This does not suck.’”

Melissa recalled the pastoral views they had just out of the front door. At the time, the land was owned by Sammy Myers, a local farmer, and his son Henry, as part of a larger tract of cattle farm land.

Melissa remembered seeing cattle amble around the front yard.

“It felt right, it felt like home,” she said. “We called the realtor that day and told him we were putting in an offer.”

That night over dinner at The Virginian, where they were staying while they toured Red Hill and another property in the area, the Holgados feverishly drew up plans for the property. With Melissa and Federico having backgrounds in architecture and design, respectively, they had the skill sets needed to tackle such a large restoration project.

“The property was near and dear to the owners’ hearts and they wanted to see it go into the right hands,” Melissa said. “They had turned down offers before because people didn’t have the right intentions—they wanted to gut it or turn it into a business. I wrote them a letter telling them our intentions and our background. I think that went a long way.”

Currently, and when the Holgados purchased the property in January 2023, the home on Red Hill Farm is uninhabitable. It had been vacant for decades and had fallen into disrepair. Former owners had added bathrooms and a kitchen to the twelve-room footprint, but major upgrades need to be made to the electrical and plumbing before the home can be lived in once again.

The home has twelve interior rooms, each with its own fireplace and original mantel and a grand hallway on each of the three floors.

As with most Federal-style homes, the floor plan is nearly identical on each floor.

“Old houses function best when they are used as they were built to be used. So we are going to start lighting some fires in the fireplaces soon,” Melissa said, who has a masters in architecture with a focused-passion on “embodied energy,” a concept that states that the most environmentally considerate building is one that is already built. For the Holgados, their priority is to maintain as much of the historical integrity of the home as possible, while ensuring it remains for another 200 years.

Melissa believes the work she and Federico are doing at Red Hill differs from many historic renovation projects because of their background.

“We are able to recreate architectural details that need repairs by 3D modeling and use of our CNC machine, which is no easy feat,” she said. “My architectural schooling allows me to draw plans, understand basic structural engineering, and the importance of using old school construction methods and materials to ensure the health and stability of the structures.”

After purchasing the home, the Holgados immediately got to work on the tax credit process with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, which is a program that provides state tax credits to property owners who undertake the rehabilitation of historic buildings in compliance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

“We turned the milking barn into a proper wood workshop so that we were ready to fix the architectural wood details ourselves,” Melissa said, also noting that Federico’s hobbies include traditional woodworking with a focus on furniture making.

“It also helps to expedite the work our amazing contractor, David Mahler, does. Last year was focused on the exterior in order to get the building weather tight and secure before we begin the interiors this year. We also had a large septic system placed as there hadn’t ever been a proper plumbing system.”

The Holgados acknowledge that they’re undertaking the restoration of two very important stories—the story of a 200-year-old home and the story of the people who lived and worked on the property.

“We can’t wipe history away,” Melissa said, brushing mortar dust from her hands as she stepped away from the fingerprinted brick. “It’s important that these structures exist. It’s important that we keep this alive and are honest about the stories. I don’t mince words, I don’t call this house an estate or a mansion—I call it a plantation because that’s what it was.”

Newly opened Trailhead Bar offers relaxed atmosphere for thrill seekers

By: Christian Shields | Photos by: Ashlee Glen

Where is your next adventure? As Lynchburg residents and visitors seek to answer that question, Trailhead Bar provides them a chance to refuel and connect with the downtown community.

Trailhead, which opened in October 2024 and is located at 1312 Jefferson Street, boasts a wide variety of shareable plates, sandwiches, hotdogs, and more, as well as numerous beers and wines on hand. While other restaurants in the area may offer full meals, Trailhead instead hopes to be a springboard through which its patrons can explore everything else that downtown Lynchburg has to offer.

With a covered deck, a large outdoor area featuring a fire pit, and both indoor and outdoor seating, owner John Seinar compared the space to “the living room I never had and the backyard I could never afford.” He also said the atmosphere is similar to what one would expect if they were visiting his own home.

Although Seinar also owns the adjacent Bikes Unlimited bicycle shop, he said Trailhead seeks to appeal to adventurers of all backgrounds instead of those only in the biking community.

“We’re super into the outdoors, and we want to encourage people to have a healthy lifestyle and engage in community. That’s a big part of our DNA here,” he said, noting the spot’s proximity to the Blackwater Creek Trail and other outdoor recreational opportunities.

One major aspect of the bar that separates it from its competition is its unique approach to employee involvement. Instead of asking for tips from customers, Seinar will instead implement a “profit-sharing” model in which employees are proportionately compensated for overall business success.

“We’ve found some incredible employees and I want to keep them here,” Seinar said, noting the struggle many restaurant owners have remaining fully staffed. “I don’t mind sharing the profits of this place with them so they can have ownership. I would rather have a little bit of something really, really excellent, than a lot of something we’re not proud of.”

Customers are encouraged to find their own seats when they arrive and order from their smartphones, with their food then being delivered to their tables. They will also be able to close out their tabs online, further limiting the time they are waiting on assistance from staff. Although these features may be much different than the typical culinary establishment, Seinar fully expects patrons to welcome these divergences from the restaurant norm.

For more information, contact Trailhead by emailing info@trailheadlyh.com, calling (434) 385-4157, visiting www.trailheadlyh.com, or visiting in-person during normal business hours of 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

Embracing Gaps for Mental Wellness

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, our schedules often fill to the brim with parties, shopping, and family gatherings. While these activities can be joyous, they can also lead to overwhelming stress and burnout. Enter the concept of “holiday unplanning,” a refreshing approach that encourages intentionally leaving gaps in your holiday calendar for spontaneous relaxation or adventure. This practice not only promotes a healthier mindset but can also lead to deeper connections with loved ones and self.

The Case for Unplanning
As the holidays approach, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of events. The pressure to attend every gathering, buy the perfect gifts, and create memorable experiences can quickly overshadow the true essence of the season. By embracing the idea of unplanning, you can carve out precious moments that allow for rest and rejuvenation. These gaps in your schedule provide a necessary counterbalance to the frenetic pace of holiday life, fostering a more mindful and enjoyable experience.

One of the key benefits of unplanning is its positive impact on mental health. Studies have shown that downtime is crucial for our well-being. Allowing yourself the freedom to relax can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance creativity. When you leave space in your schedule, you create opportunities for spontaneous activities that can lead to new experiences. Whether it’s a leisurely walk in a winter wonderland or an impromptu movie night at home, these moments can infuse joy into your holiday season.

Cultivating Mindfulness Through Unplanned Moments
When we rush from one obligation to the next, we often forget to savor the little moments that bring us joy. Holiday unplanning encourages mindfulness, a practice rooted in being present and fully engaged in the moment. By intentionally leaving gaps in your schedule, you give yourself the chance to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of the season.

For example, instead of filling every weekend with events, consider setting aside a day for quiet reflection. Perhaps you can light a candle, enjoy a warm drink, and read a book that’s been on your list for ages. This simple act of slowing down allows you to reconnect with yourself, promoting a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

Spontaneity: The Gift of Adventure
Unplanned time opens the door to spontaneity, allowing you to embrace adventures as they arise. Rather than adhering to a rigid itinerary, you can follow your whims and explore new activities that pique your interest. This spontaneity can lead to memorable experiences that strengthen bonds with family and friends.

Imagine receiving an unexpected invitation to go ice skating or discovering a local holiday market. With unplanned time in your schedule, you can seize these opportunities without the stress of rearranging prior commitments. The joy of spontaneity not only enriches your holiday experience but also creates lasting memories that you’ll cherish long after the season ends.

Setting Boundaries for a Balanced Holiday
Incorporating unplanned time into your holiday schedule requires setting boundaries around commitments. This can be challenging, especially when friends and family expect your presence at various gatherings. However, learning to say “no” can be liberating and essential for your mental health.

Start by assessing your current schedule. Identify events that genuinely bring you joy and those that feel obligatory. By prioritizing the former and eliminating the latter, you’ll create space for unplanned moments that foster relaxation and adventure. Communicate your intentions to loved ones, explaining that you’re focusing on quality time rather than quantity this holiday season. Most will appreciate your honesty and may even find inspiration to embrace unplanning themselves.

Embracing the Unexpected
While unplanning emphasizes the importance of gaps in your schedule, it also invites a spirit of flexibility. Life is inherently unpredictable, and the holidays often come with their own set of surprises. Embracing this unpredictability can enhance your holiday experience, allowing you to adapt and find joy in unexpected situations.

For instance, if a planned gathering falls through, view it as an opportunity rather than a disappointment. Use the extra time to indulge in a favorite hobby, catch up with a friend, or simply enjoy some solitude. These unanticipated moments can lead to delightful discoveries and a renewed appreciation for the season.

Connecting with Loved Ones
Unplanning also opens the door for deeper connections with family and friends. With fewer scheduled commitments, you’ll have the time to
engage in meaningful conversations or enjoy shared experiences without the pressure of a ticking clock.

This can strengthen your relationships and create a more supportive environment during the often stressful holiday season.

Consider inviting loved ones to join you in unplanned activities. A spontaneous game night or a cozy movie marathon can bring everyone together without the constraints of a formal gathering. These relaxed settings allow for authentic interactions and the creation of shared memories that enhance your holiday spirit.

A Holistic Approach to Holiday Joy
Ultimately, holiday unplanning is about embracing a more holistic approach to the season. By leaving intentional gaps in your schedule, you prioritize your mental health and well-being. This practice encourages mindfulness, spontaneity, and deeper connections with those you care about.

As you navigate the holiday season, remember that it’s okay to step back and take a breather. Embrace the beauty of unplanned moments, allowing them to enrich your experiences and bring a sense of joy to your celebrations. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of unplanning—a chance to reconnect with yourself and those around you in a way that feels genuine and fulfilling.

In a world that often glorifies busyness, choosing to unplan can feel revolutionary. By intentionally crafting space in your holiday schedule, you open the door to relaxation, adventure, and, ultimately, a more meaningful celebration. As the year draws to a close, consider how these unplanned moments can serve not just as a counterbalance to holiday chaos, but as a reminder to savor the present, cultivate joy, and cherish the connections that truly matter.

Fine Art Photography and Ethereal Self Portraiture

By: Emeri Glen | Photos by: Ashlee Glen

Lillian Merritt works in avenues of redemption, but this may not be evident upon first glancing at her work. Filled with beautifully rich tones, breathtaking scenery, and packed with ample opportunity for different interpretations, Merritt’s fine art photography exists to create shared meaning.

Merritt grew up in the small military town of Eden, Oklahoma, with an older sister, two scientifically inclined parents, and a love for the arts. At the surprisingly young age of two, Merritt was already learning ballet at a studio, and it was at this establishment that she was first exposed to photography at the age of eleven.

For Merritt, photography just clicked.

“I was just like, this is it. This is what I [want to] do long-term,” she said.

Merritt began to explore the different avenues of photography and eventually landed on self-portraiture with a twist; she added the component of fine art-style post-editing to create something ethereal.

“I instantly fell into this other-worldly, fanciful style,” she remembered. “I’d never seen it anywhere before.”

Encouraged by her ballet studio’s photographer and an online teacher (who Merritt has since met and worked with), Merritt began to flourish in her newfound venture.

In an almost eerie way, Merritt’s pieces often have subtle connections to her childhood. One piece, “Jadis,” is based off of the popular Chronicles of Narnia book series. The picture portrays a white dress-clad Merritt trapped and suspended behind a fractured pane of ice. The whole piece is a chilling blue, much like the environment of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Merritt excitedly reminisced about how she grew up listening to her mother read the books in the series.

“The books are amazing. … Edmund is my favorite,” she said. “There is a special place in my heart for people who are like the black sheep, the people who need extra love and saving.”

Merritt and her family have lived in the Lynchburg area since 2015, and it was around this time that she truly began to invest in her natural talent.

By 2017, Merritt had gained the opportunity to send her art to a gallery in The Louvre. While she wasn’t able to travel with her art that year, she has since visited France, England, several states in the U.S. (her favorite is Montana), and several other countries. On each trip, she’s made sure to add to her photo reserves.

Merritt’s artistic process begins with coming up with a theme, envisioning what she wants to communicate through her art, packing up her tripod, camera, and any props that she may need, and setting off for her shoot location. After the shoot, which typically takes thirty minutes or so, Merritt heads back to her studio and resizes her photos to fit her standard template. Then comes the fun part, where Merritt plays with light and magic in the colors and landscape of her photos.

When she’s not creating with her camera and laptop, working her day job, seeking out new shoot locations, or choreographing for a production, Merritt is planning her next steps. Her love for “black sheep” and the Edmunds of the world has played a part in her vision for redeeming things very near and dear to her heart: Old abandoned homes.

“I’ve always loved the surrealness about abandoned properties,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to restore them. They need—they deserve—a second chance at life.”

Merritt hopes to start a nonprofit in the near future where she redeems these old homes (she’s already purchased her first and is ecstatic) and creates an environment for other artists to thrive and grow in. Its name? “Restory.”

To contact or learn more about Merritt and the stories that she tells through her work, visit her website (www.strengthofatlantis.com) or
Instagram account (@strengthofatlantis).

New Bar & Music Hall

By: Christian Shields | Photos by: Ashlee Glen

Less than a year after opening Trading Post by Traber Ranch in downtown Lynchburg, the Traber family has expanded the business through several new additions.

Located at 1222 Main St., the Trading Post provides locals with a selection of coffees, convenience store items, and specialty meats. This past summer, the Trabers opened the Trading Post Speakeasy below the Trading Post.

This 6,000-square-foot space includes a full bar and offers a variety of shareable plates and appetizers.

It also features five large screen televisions for sporting events as well as multiple pool tables and darts lanes.

Melanie Traber, who owns the business along with her husband Peter, noted that the location’s open space sets it apart from other bars in the area and provides customers with much more space for activities outside of solely grabbing a drink and a bite to eat. In addition, the speakeasy offers a much more casual feel than is typically found at restaurants.

“There isn’t a lot to do downtown as far as activities, so it’s nice to have a place where you can come and hang out with your friends, play pool or play a game of darts, and not just go to a restaurant,” Melanie said. “If you go to a restaurant, you sit down, and the bills come and they’re pushing you out. So, it’s a good place to hang out and relax.”

In an effort to cater to college students and other patrons who may not drink alcohol, the site offers a wide selection of “mocktails,” kombucha, mushroom-based elixirs and teas, and Olipop sodas.

“We really want our space to be a laid-back, enjoyable place for everyone, so we want to make sure that we encourage kids and adults who don’t want to drink alcohol to have plenty of options too,” Melanie Traber said.

This past October, Traber Ranch Music Hall also opened with an additional 6,000-square-foot space behind the Trading Post for live music and private events. This area boasts an extensive dinner menu, live music on a state-of-the-art stage with a tour-grade audio and lighting system, and weekly events such as karaoke and line dancing.

During the day, this space will be available for students to study, with Wi-Fi and charging outlets onsite to help them complete their assignments. As an added incentive to draw in the college crowd, the Traber family is currently running a promotion where for every $5 a student spends onsite, that student will be entered into a raffle, with three students receiving $500 scholarships at the end of the semester.

Because the Trading Post, Speakeasy, and Music Hall share one building and serve as complements to each other, guests are welcome to move freely throughout each spot. This allows customers to enjoy the best offerings of each without feeling confined to a specific space.

In addition to the main Trading Post entrance on Main St., customers can access the Speakeasy at 113 13th St. and the upstairs Music Hall through the patio entrance at 1222 Main Street.

Leesburg, Virginia, is an Idyllic Winter Escape

By: Megan Williams

Imagine it: It’s a few weeks until Christmas and you’re in desperate need of a getaway. Your shopping list is complete, the paper full of crossed off names and gift ideas looking worn since you meticulously crafted it months ago. Your freezer is stocked with sweet potato casserole, sourdough bread, and the turkey you snagged on sale—all ready to be pulled out for the big family dinner. The stockings are hung, the ornaments are perfectly placed, and your social calendar is filling by the minute.

Then, a light bulb moment. What you need most of all is a weekend away, filled with window shopping along cozy, evergreen-lined streets. You need a dim restaurant or two to tuck into with a glass of wine. You need the beauty and stillness of the holiday season without having to orchestrate every detail yourself. You need a trip to Leesburg, Virginia.

A Postcard-Worthy Town in Virginia Wine Country

In the heart of Loudoun County, Leesburg is a charming town that perfectly embodies the spirit of the holiday season. Just about an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., this picturesque locale is surrounded by the rolling hills of Virginia’s wine country, making it an ideal escape for those seeking both relaxation and festive cheer. With its rich history, vibrant downtown, and stunning countryside, Leesburg invites visitors to slow down and savor the magic of Christmas.

Photo: Katey Jackson

As you stroll through downtown Leesburg, you’ll be enchanted by the historic buildings that line the streets, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The town’s aesthetic is a delightful blend of quaint small-town charm and modern vibrancy. Cobblestone sidewalks are adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Boutique shops offer unique gifts, artisanal crafts, and local wines—perfect for finding that one-of-a-kind present for your loved ones. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts from cozy cafes, while the sound of cheerful holiday music fills the air, inviting you to pause and soak in the festive spirit.

What makes Leesburg truly special is its sense of community and celebration. During the Christmas season, the town comes alive with events that highlight its rich heritage and festive spirit. You might find yourself enjoying a classic holiday parade, where local floats and marching bands fill the streets with cheer or attending a seasonal market featuring local artisans and delicious seasonal treats. There’s something undeniably heartwarming about mingling with locals, all while taking in the sights and sounds of the holidays.

Photo courtesy: Town of Leesburg, Photo Credit: Samantha Eisenhower

And do take the time to explore the surrounding Virginia wine country—which is celebrating its 40th anniversary as an acclaimed wine region. The region is renowned for its award-winning wineries and breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect backdrop for a winter getaway. Spend an afternoon touring vineyards, sipping on rich red wines by the fireplace, and soaking in the beautiful scenery dusted with a hint of winter frost. Many wineries offer special holiday tastings and events, so you can experience the local flavors while getting into the festive spirit. If you prefer not to leave the comfort of Leesburg’s cozy downtown, most restaurants offer local and regional wine by the glass or bottle. Not to mention, Echelon Wine Bar is a downtown tasting room for the award-winning Vineyards and Winery at Lost Creek, which makes 100 percent Loudoun County wine from grapes grown in their Meridian Ridge vineyard.

As the sun sets and the town glimmers with holiday lights, you can settle into one of Leesburg’s inviting restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy pub or an elegant dining experience, you’ll find plenty of options that cater to your cravings. Enjoy a hearty meal paired with a glass of local wine and relish the warmth of good company.

For a truly magical evening, visit The Wine Kitchen, which runs right through the heart of downtown Leesburg on King Street. Set in a 1840s-era brick building, The Wine Kitchen boasts a seasonal, Italian-inspired menu that features local, seasonal food through the lens of fresh Italian cuisine. Its small footprint and dimly lit interior offer the perfect respite from winter’s chill. Forty wines by the glass and in tasting flights are also available to give you your first glimpse into what makes Loudoun County wine so magical.

Photo courtesy: Town of Leesburg

In Leesburg, the magic of Christmas is woven into the very fabric of the town, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, savoring seasonal treats, or simply enjoying the beauty of the countryside, you’ll find that this charming town captures the essence of the holiday spirit, leaving you refreshed and filled with joy.

As you wrap up your weekend in Leesburg, let the spirit of the town linger long after you’ve packed your bags. Imagine carrying a piece of its charm with you—a handcrafted ornament from a local shop, a bottle of exquisite wine, or even the warmth of a shared laugh with new friends at a festive gathering. This town isn’t just a destination; it’s a reminder that the holiday season is about connection, community, and the simple joys that come from slowing down and savoring the moment. So, as you return to the hustle and bustle of your holiday preparations, take with you the essence of Leesburg: a spirit of warmth and togetherness that invites you to create your own cherished memories, one twinkling light at a time.

Leesburg Holiday Events You Won’t Want to Miss

• December 7: Annual Christmas tree lighting in the Town Square
• December 7 & 8: 34th Annual Leesburg Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show with more than 90 local artists, artisans, and crafters
• December 14: Annual Christmas parade down King Street, lined with boutiques and local restaurants, many of which are decorated for the season
• Throughout the season: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Forest at Morven Park, just outside the main historic streets

Written and Photographed by: Abby Price

Bristol, a twin city straddling the border of Virginia and Tennessee, is famous for the world-renowned Bristol Motor Speedway. However, it’s also celebrated as the birthplace of country music.

In 1927, the Bristol Sessions, which were a series of music recording sessions that took place in Bristol, marked a significant milestone in country music history. Musicians from near and far like Ernest Stoneman, the Carter family, and Jimmie Rodgers, flocked to Bristol to record their songs, guided by Ralph Peer, a Victor Talking Machine Company producer. These sessions catapulted country music into the national spotlight, cementing Bristol’s place on the musical map.

Today, Bristol’s rich musical heritage permeates the city, evident in nods to its musical past at nearly every turn. Whether strolling through a park, enjoying live music at a restaurant, or staying at the lovely Sessions Hotel, you’ll feel immersed in Bristol’s musical legacy practically everywhere.

Harmonious Details at The Sessions Hotel

The Sessions Hotel takes its name from the historic Bristol Sessions of 1927. This event is echoed throughout the hotel, which retains a vintage exterior while offering modern amenities inside.

The hotel consists of three separate buildings: the Bristol Grocery Building, the Jobbers Candy Factory, and the Simply Grand Granary Mill. These three historic buildings were refurbished and now serve as The Sessions Hotel.

The rooms at The Sessions Hotel are a delightful blend of industrial and contemporary design. They feature exposed brick, tall ceilings, and other classic details paired with chic, modern touches and musical elements.

As you enter your room, you’re greeted by a record player and vinyl on your bed, a nod to Bristol’s musical legacy. Other thoughtful details throughout the room honor the Bristol Sessions, including musical accents like wall art and light fixtures crafted from antique microphones, adding to the unique charm.

Complementing the musical touches in your room, the hotel boasts three live entertainment spaces, including a rooftop venue where we enjoyed a local musician’s performance. With soft seating and a cozy bar serving delicious drinks and small bites, it was the perfect way to conclude a day of exploring, especially with the stunning mountain views you can appreciate all around you from on top of the hotel.

Another live entertainment venue sits between the three buildings in the grassy courtyard area. While we couldn’t catch a live performance while we were in town, it’s undoubtedly a highlight of the hotel, making it convenient for visitors to catch live shows just outside their doorsteps. 

Adding to the hotel’s appeal is the addition of the Southern Craft barbecue restaurant located at the bottom of one of the hotel buildings. The restaurant offers outdoor seating right by the courtyard entertainment area, making it super convenient to eat and watch live music. 

Not only is the restaurant a prime location for catching a concert, but it’s delicious, too. We enjoyed our dinners there, relishing dishes like burnt ends, pulled pork, and mac and cheese. The convenience of having such a great restaurant just steps from our room was a highlight, enhancing the overall experience and thoughtfulness that went into the hotel’s refurbishment and design.

Country Music Roots Throughout the City

While the hotel excels at celebrating the town’s musical history, the entire city also embraces this heritage. Many venues throughout Bristol offer live music, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

During our weekend getaway to Bristol, my favorite spot for live music was The Rooftop at the Sessions Hotel. However, another great venue to visit is the Axe and Ale House, offering ax throwing, bar food, and live music on specific days. >>

In addition to live music, Cumberland Square Park is another fantastic destination with unique tributes to the town’s musical history. The park is a great place for a stroll and features statues of musicians singing and playing the guitar and violin, showcasing the community’s pride in its musical heritage.

The park is conveniently situated near numerous top-rated restaurants, bars, and attractions in town, including the renowned Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The museum is the perfect place to explore the origins of country music and learn about the historic Bristol Sessions.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum 

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a place to learn more about the roots of country music and Bristol’s history. One of the highlights is a short film that plays every 20 minutes in a small theater in the museum, providing a glimpse into Bristol’s musical past.

When you reach the top floor of the museum, you can choose to watch the short film first or explore the exhibits. My husband and I opted to explore the exhibits and were instantly captivated by the various displays, which included archives, guitars, letters, and more. The exhibits featured items from the film, such as the Victor Talking Machine, alongside other artifacts like signed instruments, letters from musicians, and photographs. 

The maze of archives provided us with a deeper understanding of the Bristol Sessions and the development of country music. We saw old banjos played by country music legends, black-and-white photographs of Bristol during the Sessions, and glimpses of how the community would come together to watch live performances or gather on porches to listen to radios. We also had the opportunity to listen to the recordings themselves, experiencing the static yet brilliant music that was shared across the United States.

The museum excels at guiding visitors through the history of country music, from the musical instruments to the nuances of how country music permeated households in the 1920s. One unique exhibit I found particularly noteworthy was the role of porches during this time. Interestingly, porches were especially significant in the 1920s when family and friends used them as gathering places for chatting, singing, and enjoying good music. This greatly facilitated the spread of music at that time because not every family had a radio. Instead, people valued their porches as gathering spots where loved ones could visit, enjoy each other’s company, and listen to the latest songs.

Besides the porch exhibit, the museum does a fantastic job of showing the timeline of country music’s development and explaining why Bristol is called the Birthplace of Country Music.

Just like a porch in the 1920s, where community was created over warm songs and the soulful sound of Jimmy Rodgers crackling over a radio, Bristol continues to foster a community of music lovers. By nature, the city spans across both Virginia and Tennessee and equally transcends genre and musical tastes. While it’s known as the Birthplace of Country Music, it will continue to be celebrated for its liveliness and remarkable character.  

Peace of Pie Pizzeria Offers Customers Stellar Food at Reasonable Prices

By: Christian Shields  |  Photos by: Ashlee Glen

Through a combination of quality food and family atmosphere, as well as an appreciation of classic rock music, Peace of Pie Pizzeria diligently serves the Altavista community.

Featuring a variety of pizza, salad, sandwiches, and more, the restaurant aims to provide every customer who walks through the door with fantastic food.

Started in 2010 by Donna Hendricks, the restaurant was purchased by Breezy and Lucas Peterson, who by their own admission have done as little as they can to change the small business since their acquisition. This includes adding only one new menu item, the Chicken Bacon Ranch (available as a pizza, sub, or salad), and keeping prices similar to what they have been in the past.

“We have done as little differently as possible, because everything [Hendricks] did was so successful,” Breezy said. “For her, her guiding principles were to love people and love food. That is what we continue to do. First and foremost, we are Christians, so our faith definitely guides all of the decisions that we make. When we love people, we love them as Christ would love them, we just do that with pizza.”

Originally from San Francisco, California, the Petersons first moved to Altavista from Connecticut in 2013 after Lucas completed six years of service in the U.S. Navy. They instantly fell in love with the town and decided that it would be a great place to raise their young children. After several years as faithful customers of Peace of Pie, Breezy and Lucas decided to purchase the place after hearing from a mutual friend that Hendricks was planning to sell the restaurant. 

“It’s cool that we get to know people and they get to know us,” Breezy said. “When you buy from a small business, you aren’t throwing money into the corporate void. It literally pays for our kid’s horseback riding lessons and our 17-year-old just bought her first car with the money she earned here. When you come and see us, we are a part of the fabric of Altavista, and we love that.”

The couple recently purchased a two-story building on Main St., providing them with three or four times the amount of space they had at their previous location. This new building also includes an inn on the second floor, offering yet another business opportunity for the family. 

While the current focus for the Petersons has been on renovating the pizzeria in the new space, they plan to eventually rebrand the inn to match the restaurant’s musical theme once they rebuild their cash reserves. 

Customers entering the restaurant are instantly greeted with a wide range of music memorabilia ranging from vinyl records, homemade coasters, and even Lego models of Volkswagen Beetles. Breezy noted that a lot of this memorabilia was purchased alongside the restaurant, but a large portion is gifts by customers who wanted to add their own personal flair to the restaurant. 

“It’s amazing how much it resonates with people, and that comes from our culture,” she said. “It’s very important to us to love people well. It’s not about being nice for a good tip, but we genuinely enjoy people and want them to enjoy the experience and the food.”

When the family purchased Peace of Pie, they were originally hesitant to broadcast the change in leadership, hoping to continue the same level of expertise maintained by the previous ownership.

“For us, it was a point of pride to make it so that no one noticed,” Breezy said. “We didn’t want the quality of food to change, and we didn’t want the quality of the service to change. We actually didn’t ‘out’ ourselves on social media for almost a year. That was a choice that we made because we wanted to see if we could continue with Donna’s standard to honor her. She is one of the coolest people on the planet—if she could do this forever, I’m sure no one would be mad about it. But I’m glad she gets to relax, enjoy her dogs, and be retired.”

Keeping with the family environment, Peace of Pie utilizes an exposed kitchen. Not only does this allow the couple and their older children to remain close while working long hours in the restaurant, but it also allows customers to see firsthand how the food is made. Breezy noted everything on the menu is made in-house, apart from the gluten-free and vegan options (which, Breezy noted, are incredibly tiresome to make by hand) and the chicken wings.

“It’s unique to function like that and it would certainly be cheaper to get things coming in in little pre-sliced cubes and frozen things that have a better shelf life, but we are not willing to compromise on taste and quality,” she said. “It works for people, and we are really glad. If the economy were a little different and we weren’t so successful, then maybe we couldn’t do things the way we do because it is more expensive for us. But it is true to the identity of Peace of Pie, which is good food, made well, by real people. I have the scars from the slicer to prove it. We do everything ourselves.”

Another way Breezy and Lucas maintain this family atmosphere is through selective hiring, ensuring that everyone who joins the Peace of Pie community falls in line with the restaurant’s values and mission. With a workforce composed largely of local high school and college students as well as the couple’s own children, Peace of Pie remains a place where Altavista residents feel comfortable and at home. 

Because of the small staff, the Petersons are unable to keep the restaurant open for the same number of hours as other similar restaurants, but Breezy noted that this decision is intentional, so the couple still has time to raise their children.  

Customers can visit Peace of the Pie Pizzeria, located at 534 Main St., Wednesday-Saturday from 12-8 p.m. They can also keep up with the restaurant by following them on Facebook.

The Community-Building Power of the Village Concerts Series

By: Emily Mook / Photos by: Brianne Friberg

The power of music is boundless and often paradoxical: it hearkens back even as it innovates, it defines moments in time and is defined by those moments in seemingly equal measure, it can inspire conflicting emotions within seconds, and it can transport listeners while simultaneously making them feel more grounded. And yet, despite its myriad complexities and its capacity for evading definition, music has at its center an abiding feature: the ability to foster meaningful connection. 

Music can—and does—mean entirely different things to different people, but anyone who listens to it can agree that it is meaningful, and so we find ourselves listening to it, talking about it, and perhaps even making it together. In the extraordinary case of Polly King and Van Holton, music has led to finding a life partner and hosting a groundbreaking concert series together that spotlights and nurtures music’s singular community-building power: the Village Concerts Series.

King started the Village Concerts Series in Palmyra, Virginia, in 2007 and met Holton
when he attended one of the concerts in 2009. Long before that fateful meeting, music had
played a significant role in both of their lives.

“I’ve been a groupie since the late 60s,” Holton remarks. “Nobody could ride in the backseat of my Volkswagen because I had so many boxes of 8 tracks back there!”

For King, music was a constant in a childhood characterized by frequent change.

“I was an army brat, and we ended up traveling quite a bit,” she recalls. “My mom loved to sing and cofounded a choir in Wilmington, North Carolina, many, many years ago. We always had a piano and I learned to play the flute.”

At a certain point, King realized that she felt more suited to playing a supporting role when it comes to music, and this realization played a role in her decision to get her master’s degree in Arts Administration.

“I always loved the arts in general and gravitated toward creative people,” she notes. “I always felt that many of my friends were more creative than I was, but I was a good organizer and support person. When I ended up going to graduate school at Virginia Tech, I went for a MFA in Arts Administration with the full intention of being the background person.”

After attaining her degree, King traveled widely and worked for the Baltimore Symphony, a chamber music and jazz producing company in Mount Gretna, and an ethnic folk arts center and a baroque chamber ensemble in New York City. Subsequently, her then-husband got an arts job in Abingdon and hired her to put together an arts series that they called “The New Traditions.”

“The series lasted about three years,” says King. “We featured music, lectures, and films. It was a lot of fun and really brought people together in a good way.”

These experiences, coupled with a desire for connection, led King to start the Village Concerts Series in Palmyra in 2007.

“I started the concert series in Palmyra because I was lonely,” she remarks. “I lived in a village of twelve houses, ten of which were occupied, and when I was home on the weekends, people were gone. I didn’t see very many people. So, I thought, ‘Well, I know how to push furniture back in my living room and put up folding chairs and host concerts,’ and that’s what I did. The first year was rough and I thought I wasn’t going to be able to continue because we didn’t have a lot of people coming for the parties, but then more and more people started coming and this wonderful community of music lovers was built up around a common theme of sharing live music.”

As luck would have it, one of those attendees was Holton, who had incidentally had a similar realization to King about playing a supporting role when it comes to music.

“It used to frustrate me that I can’t sing or play an instrument, but then I learned a word: aesthete,” he states. “An aesthete is an expert appreciator.  That’s me; I can do that!”

And so, although neither King nor Holton sang or played an instrument on that fateful day in December 2009, music—in its limitless capacity for facilitating connection—brought them together.

Holton built King a gardening shed (which was actually more suited to serve as a stage), and in 2013, the pair began hosting annual outdoor “SHED Song” concerts in addition to several indoor concerts per year. The two wed in their backyard in Palmyra in 2015 between the second and third bands of that year’s outdoor concert.

In 2018, the couple decided to move to Lynchburg. After looking into hosting concerts through various commercial venues, they ultimately decided to host concerts at their home on Harrison Street in 2020. After hosting one concert in January and one in March, however, the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. In late 2021, they moved to their current home and started presenting again.

Location changes aside, the Village Concerts Series has retained certain qualities from the start: it features a mix of Sunday matinee shows (seven to nine per year) and an annual “SHED Song” show the weekend before Father’s Day, attendees are invited through a mailing list and pay strictly on a voluntary basis, the shows are deemed “listening shows,” and the caliber of music presented is always topnotch.

Because attendance is limited to a mailing list—a longstanding but also ever-growing list—of Holton and King’s friends and friends of friends, Village Concerts are able to operate in a non-capital driven and organic capacity. The couple asks attendees for voluntary contributions and then makes up the difference from their own pockets.

“The folks who attend the concerts are not patrons—they’re friends,” notes Holton. “It’s not about commercialization. We don’t make or keep a dime. We love to introduce our friends to our other friends who just happen to be musicians!”

According to King, “guests can come up and talk to the musicians in the potluck line and have one-on-one conversations that they would never have elsewhere.” That intimate feel also extends to the concerts themselves in that they are considered “listening shows.”

“People come here and learn that musicians want to be listened to,” King says. “It’s rare to be at a show where people actually listen. We’ve had people cry in the audiences of the concerts we host because they’re so moved—the beauty of the music and the experience moves them to tears. People stop talking and truly listen, and the musicians really appreciate that.”

Village Concerts Series concerts are not limited to specific genres of music, but they all feature first-rate talent.

“When people ask what kind of music gets played at the concerts, I always say that it’s good music,” says Holton.
“It could be jazz, folk, bluegrass, rock and roll—it could be just about any genre. It’s professional, high-shelf music. These are artists who live to play music. I personally admire strong stage presence, beautiful timing, and a good backstory. I love to see what music does to a room.”

Past featured artists include Wayne Henderson, Mike Seeger, The Honey Dewdrops, The Steel Wheels, Will Kimbrough, Mary Gauthier, Ana Egge, Morgan Wade, David Olney, Love Canon, David Wax Museum, Arkansauce, Palmyra, Abe Partridge, The Matt Flinner Trio, Tony Furtado, Maeve Gilchrist, Danny Schmidt and Carrie Elkin, Eric Taylor, James and Vivian Leva, Danny Knicely, Tony Trishka, Robin and Linda Williams, Michelle Malone, Seth Walker, and more.

Additionally, at the time of publication of this issue, the Blue Newt Band—a popular and award-winning Lynchburg-based band from the 1990s through the 2000s—will have reunited for their first performance in almost 20 years for a special Village Concert on August 31. The show will have been open to the public and all voluntary donations will have gone to the Lynchburg Daily Bread.

An upcoming collaboration with the Academy Center of the Arts (ACOA) will also increase access to the Village Concerts Series’ unique charms. The Academy will host shows coordinated by Village Concerts in their new Music Hall or in the Warehouse Theater, with the first show slated for September 20.

“Polly and Van are bringing acts to the Academy that they could not bring to their own venue, whether because of audience size, cost of artist, etc.,” remarks Tabitha Abbott, Chief Operating Officer of ACOA. “These acts will be reviewed by an internal committee and presented through the Village Concerts brand. I love how Van and Polly have created a niche audience, and our hope is that we can bring their influence to downtown Lynchburg to continue to diversify the music scene in the arts and culture district. They have a reputation and a following and we are honored to combine our resources to benefit the community.”

As more and more voices add their harmonies to the beautiful melody that King and Holton have composed with the Village Concerts Series, Lynchburg stands to become an even more sought-after musical destination—a fact that is music to King’s ears.

“I find the sense of community especially rewarding,” she notes. “Even though I called the concerts ‘Village Concerts’ because I lived in the village of Palmyra, what has actually grown up around it is a village of people.”  

Exploring Magical and Mythical Gardens

Gardens have long been places of tranquility, beauty, and contemplation. Yet, beyond their aesthetic allure, some gardens are steeped in folklore and legend, where the plants themselves are believed to possess magical properties. These mythical gardens, brimming with plants associated with ancient stories and mystical qualities, captivate the imagination and invite us to explore the intersection of nature and legend.

The Alchemist’s Garden: Plants of Transformation

Alchemists, in their quest for the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life, were believed to tend gardens of transformative plants. One such plant is the rose (Rosa spp.), symbolizing secrecy and sacred knowledge in alchemical traditions. The phrase “sub rosa” (under the rose) signifies confidentiality. Roses have long been associated with love, beauty, and even mystical enlightenment. Alchemists valued the rose not just for its beauty but for its symbolic representation of transformation and the perfection of the soul.

The Garden of Hesperides: The Golden Apples

One of the most famous mythical gardens is the Garden of Hesperides, from Greek mythology. Tended by the Hesperides, nymphs of the evening, this garden was said to be the home of the golden apples of immortality. While these apples are purely mythical, the garden’s real-world counterpart is believed to be the quince (Cydonia oblonga). In ancient times, quince trees were often associated with love and fertility. The fruit’s aromatic scent and bright golden hue mirror the legendary golden apples, suggesting why ancient Greeks might have drawn this enchanting parallel.

The Sacred Groves of Asclepius: Healing Herbs

In ancient Greece, sacred groves dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, were known for their medicinal plants. One such plant is the mandrake (Mandragora officinarum), which has a storied history in both medicine and magic. The mandrake’s root, often anthropomorphized in legends, was believed to emit a deadly scream when uprooted. Despite its fearsome reputation, mandrake was used in small doses as an anesthetic and sedative in ancient times. Its potent alkaloids contributed to its revered status among healing herbs in these mythical gardens.

Avalon: The Isle of Apples

The mythical island of Avalon, prominent in Arthurian legend, is described as a paradise of perpetual summer, where magical apples grow. These apples are said to grant eternal youth and healing. In reality, the apple (Malus domestica) has long been a symbol of knowledge and immortality in various cultures. Orchards of apple trees, with their blossoms in spring and bountiful fruit in autumn, evoke the essence of Avalon, blending the boundaries between myth and horticulture.

The Garden of Eden: Symbolism & Scent

The biblical Garden of Eden is described as a paradise where the first humans lived. Among its fabled flora is the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, often depicted as an apple tree, though the Bible does not specify the fruit. Another significant plant is the fig tree (Ficus carica), which provided leaves for Adam and Eve’s garments. Figs are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, revered in many cultures for their sweetness and medicinal properties. Their presence in this sacred garden underscores their enduring symbolism of life and abundance.

The Witch’s Garden: Poisonous & Magical Plants

In European folklore, witches were believed to cultivate gardens filled with both healing and harmful plants. One such garden might feature belladonna (Atropa belladonna), also known as deadly nightshade. This plant has a dark history, used by witches and poisoners due to its potent tropane alkaloids, which can cause hallucinations and death. Despite its dangerous reputation, belladonna was also used medicinally in controlled doses to treat muscle spasms and as an anesthetic. The dual nature of belladonna—both perilous and medicinal—reflects the complex relationship between humans and the natural world in folklore.

The Druidic Groves: Sacred Oaks

Druidic traditions hold oak trees (Quercus spp.) in the highest regard, considering them sacred. The oak’s strength, longevity, and the nourishment provided by its acorns made it a symbol of endurance and wisdom. Mistletoe (Viscum album), which often grows on oaks, was another plant of great significance to Druids. It was believed to have magical properties, especially when harvested during the winter solstice. The ritual of collecting mistletoe with a golden sickle underscores its revered status in Druidic culture.

The Lotus Garden: Symbols of Purity & Enlightenment

In many Eastern traditions, the lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a plant of profound spiritual significance. It is often associated with purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. The lotus’s ability to emerge pristine from muddy waters symbolizes spiritual awakening and the journey toward enlightenment. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the lotus is a central motif, often depicted in art and literature. The serene beauty of a lotus garden, with its blooms rising above tranquil waters, embodies the mystical qualities attributed to this revered plant.

The Legacy of Mythical Gardens

The allure of mythical gardens lies not just in their beauty but in the stories they tell. The plants within these gardens are real, yet their associations with folklore and legend enrich our understanding of cultural history and human imagination. As we wander through these enchanted realms, we discover that the magic of these gardens is not in their supernatural qualities but in the profound connection between nature and the stories we weave around it.