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

GhostStop & Lynchburg Ghost Tours Search for the Paranormal

By: Jeremy Angione  |  Photos By: Ashlee Glen

Lynchburg, as you might expect of a city founded in the late eighteenth century, has its share of rich and unique history. While the Lynchburg Museum and other historical preservation societies tend to focus on stories related to its founding, one business in particular is more interested in the weird and macabre history of the Hill City.

Originally founded in 2006, in Florida, by Shawn Porter, GhostStop specializes in manufacturing and selling ghost hunting equipment to paranormal enthusiasts. Although Porter claims he could have never seen himself opening a store like GhostStop, many of his life experiences prepared him for it.

“My background is theme park marketing,” Porter said. 

After working as the marketing director for Universal Studios Orlando for 14 years, Porter joined The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS), made famous by their Travel Channel television show, Ghost Hunters (now streamable on Netflix). Porter says that possible paranormal experiences as a child spurred on his curiosity for the paranormal.

Porter always had an interest in technology. He’d built websites “before they were even called websites,” and worked a few positions at Universal Studios Orlando that required and enhanced his technical knowledge. His technical prowess made him an asset for the TAPS team and other paranormal teams that needed equipment to capture ghostly phenomena. 

“There was really no equipment for ghost hunting,” Porter said.

After his inventions gained traction in the niche field, Porter decided to open up his store. Although the store makes for an interesting spectacle for passersby, much of GhostStop’s operations are dedicated to the in-house manufacture of nearly all ghost hunting equipment.

“We actually make all the equipment that you see on those shows,” Porter said.

In 2023, Porter, along with most of his staff, decided to move the business to Lynchburg for lower cost of living and doing business, appealing scenery, and to be closer to family. Despite the niche nature of ghost hunting, GhostStop has had enough success over the years for Porter to purchase all of 918 Commerce Street where the business now resides, each floor serving a different function.

Porter says that he believes he may have experienced paranormal phenomena in the building on a few of his late-night work sessions.

“I’m a big skeptic myself. I’ve never had an experience that I considered evil or scary. For me it’s just more of a curiosity,” Porter said. 

Although he and the GhostStop staff all employ a healthy level of skepticism when it comes to their work, they revel in the fun of all the different possibilities that might cause phenomena in a particular location.

The shop space itself comprises mostly ghost hunting equipment for the avid paranormal investigator, and fun ghostly merchandise for more casual fans of all things spooky. Porter’s theme park marketing experience is on full display at GhostStop, as the shop looks as if it were a gift shop at any amusement park.

The store acts as the first stop on the Ghost Tours, which commenced last Halloween.

Operations Manager Megan Paxton handles much of the logistics of arranging the Ghost Tours. Despite the name, Paxton and Porter try to differentiate the experience they bring to their tours from other similar services.

“It’s definitely more history driven. Our goal is not necessarily to scare, it’s more to intrigue,” Paxton said.

Currently, the walking tours are about one mile in length and explore the history of popular locales on Commerce Street.

“I want to look at the history in a very in depth and respectable manner. Then intertwine some of the stories we get here and try to see how they connect to the weird history of this town,” Porter said.

One locale that illustrates the weird history that Porter mentions is the old C.B. Fleet building across from GhostStop. Although there have not yet been any confirmed sightings of Fleet’s ghost, the tour guides often share that his claim to fame was his invention of ChapStick and the enema.

Both Porter and Paxton agree that the shop has become a beacon for so many people—local, national, and even international—to come in and share their interests in the paranormal.
Porter says that many locals come into the shop to share stories of paranormal experiences they’ve had at specific locales.

Paxton says that GhostStop uses those stories to cross reference with the established history of those locales to uncover more unique stories for the tours.

In that way, Porter says that no two tours are the same and that many of the stories shared are essentially “crowdsourced.”

“The overall history remains the same. It’s just the stories that are told might be different,” Paxton said.

According to Paxton the tours have been popular and typically see a wide range of demographics, from out of state visitors, to friend groups looking for a unique evening activity.

“It’s very family friendly too,” Porter said.

Currently, the tours take place roughly twice a month, a number Porter hopes to increase if the demand is there. Tickets for a tour are $25. Although the tour is a fairly short walk, a major priority for GhostStop was to make the tours as accessible as possible,

“We make sure everything is ADA accessible. That’s very important for us,” Porter said.

The GhostStop team is in the process of building out new routes for more variety in the tours. There is even a plan to start conducting paranormal investigations at certain locations that community members can assist with.

To book or find more information on the Lynchburg Ghost Tours you can visit lynchburgghosttours.com. Information on GhostStop can be found at ghoststop.com.

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.  

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.”  

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.

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.  

Books by local (and local-ish) authors to enjoy this season

All the Little Hopes
By: Leah Weiss
All the Little Hopes is a Southern tale of friendship set in North Carolina during World War II. Thirteen-year-old Lucy Brown, eager for adventure, befriends Allie Bert Tucker, a mysterious newcomer. Inspired by her hero, Nancy Drew, Lucy teams up with Allie to solve local mysteries. Their sleepy town, now hosting a Nazi POW camp, is stirred by disappearances and silent townsfolk. As the girls delve deeper into their investigation, they confront the complexities of right and wrong in a world shadowed by war. This coming-of-age story is rich with Southern charm, highlighting the bond between the girls and the blurred lines of morality during tumultuous times.

Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances
By: Leland Melvin
In Chasing Space, former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver Leland Melvin shares his inspiring journey from the football field to the cosmos, highlighting the crucial roles of community, perseverance, and grace in achieving success. Despite facing severe setbacks, including a career-threatening injury that left him temporarily deaf, Melvin’s determination and support from his NASA family enabled him to recover and eventually serve on two space missions aboard the shuttle Atlantis. His memoir not only chronicles his unique achievements but also celebrates the many individuals who helped him overcome adversity and achieve his extraordinary destiny.

Operation Dimwit: A Penelope Lemon Novel
By: Inman Majors
In Operation Dimwit, Penelope Lemon returns for more uproarious mom adventures. With her son away at camp, Penelope dives into phase two of her post-divorce life, starting with a date with the enigmatic Fitzwilliam Darcy. However, her plans for relaxation are disrupted by her boss Missy’s kooky sting operation to catch a suspected thief in their trailer park, a tough new gym trainer, and a skunk infestation requiring the help of a mystic wildlife expert. This hilarious southern comedy by Inman Majors offers a warmhearted look at the chaotic life of a single working mom navigating modern middle-class challenges.

The End House
By: Michael Robertson, Jr.
Declan Scheider, a struggling writer, wakes up alone in an abandoned farmhouse hidden in the mountains, grappling with fragmented memories that feel both familiar and foreign. As he navigates the eerie house, he experiences unsettling visions and sounds, feeling constantly watched. His discovery of an ancient, gruesome book blurs the line between reality and hallucination, consuming his mind with its horrific tales and leading him to question his identity and surroundings. Amidst the creeping dread and confusion, Declan struggles to hold onto his sanity and uncover the truth about himself and The End House.

Doomsday: A Remy Jones Adventure
By: Heather Elizabeth King
In a world where magicians are exiled and a wall separates Bal’Mor from traditionalist cities, peace under Triune’s watch is threatened by a vengeful magician. Investigator Remington Jones, living undercover in the Underground, must navigate a complex case involving magic, zombies, and Triune’s questionable involvement. Teaming up with Vincent Hall and his genetically enhanced team, Remy delves into a web of intrigue to uncover the truth behind the rising unrest and the dark secrets at the heart of Triune’s operations.  

The Importance of Kids Spending Time Outside

By: Shannon Kelly  |  Photos Courtesy: Jill Waugh

Nature is healing,” said Catherine Eubank, founder of ONE Forest School near Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County. 

Her sentiment echoes myriad studies on the healthful impacts of spending time outdoors—and studies that examine what can happen when there is a lack of connection to the natural world.

“Nature deficit disorder” is a term coined by Richard Louv in 2005, in his book, Last Child in
the Woods. In an interview with Jill Suttie for Greater Good Magazine, Louv said the term
“is not a medical diagnosis, but a useful term—a metaphor—to describe what many of us believe are the human costs of alienation from nature: diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses, a rising rate of myopia, child and adult obesity, Vitamin D deficiency, and other maladies.”

Louv further said urban planning and loss of green spaces contribute to diminished engagement with nature.

Some places in and around the Lynchburg area aim to remedy that.

ONE Forest School

Located near Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, ONE Forest School is an accredited forest school and is also accredited by the American Camp Association for the summer camp program it offers. Launched in 2017, the school operates on a 10-acre campus on Deerhead Nature Preserve.

Open to children from preschool through eighth grade, ONE Forest School’s curriculum and setting aims to address what Eubank said is a root cause of school and workplace violence, substance use issues, and suicide rates, particularly among young people: a lack of knowledge on how to healthfully manage strong emotions, and how to communicate them appropriately. 

Part of addressing this issue starts with acknowledging its connection to nature deprivation.

“If you’re in the middle of the forest, and you are not surrounded by anything but sticks and twigs, and beautiful images, and the birds tweeting, it’s a natural sedative. It’s been scientifically proven, the endorphin levels rise in your brain, and all the things that you need to quiet your mind are already right there,” she said.

Eubank has seen the transformative difference nature immersion makes on children as they learn to acclimate to more time outside—building sure-footedness and tuning in to nature rather than manufactured noise and artificial stimuli.

Playing with sticks, making mud cakes, working the garden, putting on skits, making crafts, sharing in talk circles, and spending time in the sand box are all part of the holistic experience. Students learn to identify the flora and fauna by touch, sight, and smell. 

“The kids that have been in public school, and were made to sit down, and made to be quiet have a really hard time also adjusting to our way of things, where we don’t sit down, and we’re moving around, and we’re investigating, and looking, and touching, and feeling, and speaking, and communicating. We have to use that time as an unschooling process,” Eubank said.

More details about ONE Forest School can be found at oneforestschool.org.

Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center

In the City of Lynchburg, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah is a 47-acre nature oasis that, according to its mission statement, “serves emerging social needs through the process of engaging children, families and community in meaningful outdoor experiences.” In 2021,
the camp expanded on that mission by placing 42 of its acres under a conservation easement and rebranding to a new name: Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center.

Featuring a large field, creeks, and some pools, the property is predominantly wooded. Pollinator and sensory gardens are tended there, along with native plants. Students and campers who participate in certain programs have the opportunity to help in the vegetable garden, harvest their own food, and cook with it, learning about nutrition and how to make healthy meals that benefit physical and mental wellbeing. 

Being outside tends to make one want to learn, said Amy Bonnette, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah’s executive director. 

“Not 100 percent, but the majority of the behavior issues or challenges you might see in a traditional classroom setting just disappear, and a lot of children who might struggle in a traditional academic atmosphere can really thrive and succeed, and are willing to ask questions, and willing to share, and are able to use their hands to explore and to learn,” said Gage McAngus, program director at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center. “It’s been really phenomenal, because in discussions we’ve had with teachers, they’ve seen a completely different side of their children.”

Further initiatives underway at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center include building renovations, handicap accessibility improvements, addition of a kitchen and event space, and the organization is working toward the goal of breaking ground for a new amphitheater. The nonprofit camp also has scholarships available for a limited number of eligible kids.

“I want people to find their place in the woods,” Bonnette said. The experiences at the nature center help develop confidence and self-esteem in the children who participate, building community, exploring new interests and activities, cultivating listening and communication skills, and developing compassion for other living things as they interact with the natural world and with each other. Leadership and mentoring opportunities are also available for teens through the camp’s programming.

“There seems to be a real kind of gentleness when it comes to nature that you might not get from the anxiety that can come from being in front of a screen, playing a video game, or watching a show that’s going to end after 20 minutes with an ad in the middle.

They really are able to take time to breathe, and to calm down, and to appreciate just the beauty of what’s around them every day,” McAngus said. 

There are a few public access points around the property to walking trails, athletic fields, and pollinator gardens the community can enjoy. The KinderWoods area is also open to the public every day from 9 a.m. ’til dusk when summer camp is not in session.

More information and a calendar of events is available online at campkumbayah.org.   

A mother of two runs Amherst-based Alcock Threads

By: Izzi Diaz Young  |  Photos By: Ashlee Glen

When the owner of Alcock Threads, Renita Kuepfer, was gifted a sewing machine by her parents for her twelfth birthday, she had no idea the impact it would have on her life. What began with creating miniature clothes for her dolls and small quilts for herself eventually grew into Alcock Threads, a custom linen clothing shop based out of Amherst, Virginia. 

Uprooting from her home in northern Michigan about eight years ago, Kuepfer settled in the town of Amherst after she and her husband got married. Now, she is a mother to two little boys; when she is not parenting, she can be found with a needle and thread, hand sewing custom creations for customers across the globe. 

Her love of sewing and creating was inspired when she was only a child, but was amplified around eight years ago, as Kuepfer realized what might be lying within the details of her beloved materials. Her medium of choice was validated once she began discovering hidden chemicals lying within household objects and many synthetic fabrics. 

“When I got married in 2016, I became very aware of all the toxins and chemicals that come with so many cleaners and fabrics, and I really wanted to cut down on that for my own home,” Kuepfer said. 

With that, an idea formed. 

“That’s when I found linen and fell in love with how sustainable and versatile it is for all your home linens, and, it is so incredibly comfy yet classy while wearing it!” she said.

After having her first son and experimenting with sewing linen, Kuepfer found her niche.

“I really had a hard time finding clothes that actually fit my preferences and body type, and so I resorted back to my initial ability to sew my own clothes,” she explained. “Then I fell in love with the art of being able to take a piece of fabric and some measurements and making something that I wanted to wear and felt beautiful in.” 

While she began crafting her vision and designing her stunning products in 2016, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic struck that the store, Alcock Threads, was brought to life. 

“I was in the crunches of being a first-time mama and needing to stay home and quarantined. I badly needed something to do as a creative outlet,” Kuepfer noted. “So, out of desperation, I started an Instagram account to document my sewing. Within a few months, I started getting messages about sewing custom orders and I eventually started up an Etsy shop to take orders.” 

Alcock Threads shoppers can browse tank tops, dresses, aprons, and anything in between, and purchase hand-created, stunning garments by Kuepfer that are all custom, made to order, and designed specifically for the customer. Browsers will see that all the listed designs have unique names to fit their personal style, such as a linen buttoned bodice dress named Charity, or linen maxi skirt by the name of Evelyn. One might even notice the linen tee the shop offers with a familiar name of Reni, short for Renita. 

Kuepfer stated that much of her clothing and style inspiration is drawn from her love of minimalism, and how linen is often associated with “simple yet elegant designs.” 

She noted, “Often I find this inspiration from Pinterest…but I also do have four wonderful sisters that I bounce ideas off of!”

Alcock Threads features an array of apparel that is perfect for everyday attire, but can also be adorned for more formal events, succeeding in being versatile to fit all phases and stages of life. Her designs can be woven to fit all body types and styles, becoming the perfect addition to anyone’s closet. 

“I’m a hands-on person,” she explained. “So I hand-draw my patterns with a grading process, inspiration photos, and use either USA letter sizes or your specific measurements.” 

When asked what her favorite thing about being a business owner is, Kuepfer said, “I love being able to work with people I have never met, creating a design I know will put a smile on their face whenever they wear it.” 

She certainly makes her customers happy, having received an average rating of five stars for her listed items. One customer commented, “Renita has a gift, and she is excellent at it! I have bought two dresses and they are both some of my favorite pieces I own.” 

Another remarked, “Reni works really hard to make sure you are satisfied with her garments and willing to make changes until you are happy.”

Kuepfer had a goal, a plan to execute her vision, and much help along the way. Kuepfer now operates as a mother and small business owner—two full-time jobs that aren’t for the faint of heart. With much dedication, an immense passion for what she does, and the support of a happy clientele behind her, Kuepfer’s dreams have come to life. 

Her community of consumers and encouragers is growing daily and spans the country.

“I’ve met some lovely local friends through sewing orders, but the majority of my business has come from the nationwide online community,” Kuepfer stated. 

Kuepfer’s advice for folks interested in starting their own small business? “Just do it,” she said. “Find your niche and stay consistent. It’s hard work but being creative is worth it! Most importantly, have fun with it!”