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.”

Not sure where to start with that holiday shopping list? You’ve come to the right place!

Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is an overview of unique gift ideas, all found from local businesses. So you’ll not only feel good about what’s under the tree, but you’ll also know your purchase helped support the local economy.

 

Inside the 1905 Georgian Revival of Rosa Morgan and Ed Gearke

By: Megan Williams / Photos by: Ashlee Glen

If I do have a philosophy, it is best expressed by Henry David Thoreau: ‘If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.’ That is my credo. It is absolutely true. It is my whole life summed up.” – Tasha Tudor

Rosa Morgan and Ed Gearke move with intention throughout their home. A 1905 Georgian Revival in the historic Diamond Hill district, the brick house on a hill is a time capsule in and of itself. The looming Doric columns, original slate roof, and six over nine double hung windows greet passersby and invite them to pause—to take in the symmetry and order of the facade that rises well above street level. Those acquainted with the owners of the home, however, who are invited to peer around the corners into the verdant gardens or cross under the columned portico and through the wide front door, would see a different type of order—one that is tethered to ease, curiosity, and the rhythms of the natural world.

“Many years ago, I’d visited Monticello and Mount Vernon and was taken with the natural beauty of the state,” Morgan recalled. “We had never even been to Lynchburg, but we shipped all our earthly possessions here because it was centrally located. Of course, I’d researched it as a possible city to live in because we loved its history, architecture, and the four seasons—something you don’t get in Texas.”

Morgan and Gearke moved into the home on Madison Street in 2022 and immediately set to work, transforming the historic house into a space that supported their creative endeavors. Morgan is a writer, who has published two historical fiction novels and is currently working on a third.

Gearke is a pastel artist and historian.

“Together, we create miniature houses; so far a Georgian, Tudor, Victorian, and a castle,” Morgan said. “Last Christmas, our house was on the Diamond Hill holiday tour, where we had a miniature house displayed in each room.”

On the first day in their new home, Morgan remembers Gearke pulling up carpets and she ripping off wallpaper.

“We’re both hard workers and passionate about creating a home that reflects our aesthetics,” she said. “The kitchen was the first big project. I’m not a purist, but I do like to capture the old-fashioned feel of the place.

That means not having a dishwasher and using a 1940s toaster that you must manually flip the bread. We were pleased to discover the original wood floors beneath two layers of linoleum.”

Since moving in, two ceilings have collapsed—one of the more challenging aspects of owning an older home.

“The ceiling in our ‘summer parlor’ fell in in May,” Morgan recounted. “The chandelier barely survived. We wouldn’t have redone this room so soon, but the ceiling forced our hand.”

Despite the setbacks, Morgan and Gearke have approached the revitalization of their home with tenacity, honoring the original pieces they can preserve and infusing details from their travels and work.

“As temporary caretakers of the house, we feel a responsibility to care and improve it,” she said. “I was thrilled when one day, Ed yelled up from the coal bin in the cellar, ‘Guess what I found?’ It was the original overmantel mirror to the dining room! Returning it to its original place just felt like the right thing to do. We’re also lucky to have an Italian sideboard that is original to the house.”

In the winter, the original dining room features are accompanied by natural elements brought in from the backyard gardens.

“We gather natural materials to create a Yule Log each year,” Morgan said. “We start our celebrations on the winter solstice. We light the first candle, have readings, and open a gift each day. The winter solstice is so important because it slows down the holiday. It’s a time where you know that spring is going to come.”

Morgan and Gearke also make orange pomanders—dried oranges studded with cloves—each year as a natural means of decorating for solstice and the holidays. Their trees and greens are adorned with Victorian ornaments Morgan has made over the years. And even their holiday cards are handmade, depicting scenes that are special from Morgan’s memory—her former home in Galveston, Texas; Gearke dressed as Santa Claus where he was Santa in the Houston and Galveston area for 17 years; and so on.

Apart from the more holiday-centric decor brought out just for the winter months, Morgan and Gearke’s home is peppered with conversation-starters.

There’s the signed René Magritte print over the mantle in the summer parlor, which Morgan proudly bought for a song in a thrift store years ago. There are pastel and ink artworks throughout the home created by Gearke and Morgan, respectively. And there’s the sun-drenched solarium just off Morgan’s writing room where herbs are collected, dried, and gathered for future tinctures and concoctions.

“We’re both gardeners and so we’ve created a formal parterre with brick generously given to us from several neighbors,” Morgan explained. “My aim is to have cutting flowers every season of the year. We have raised beds with vegetables and herbs, a shade garden, and we added a gazebo. As an herbalist, I dry the herbs in the solarium, and in my herbarium, I process them into teas, tinctures, and balms. I study the culinary, medicinal, and magical lore of herbs and often use that information in my novels.”

As Morgan and Gearke move about their home, taking a tea break in the winter parlor for conversation and a slice of the fruitcake that Gearke makes every year for Yuletide, they give no indication of “slowing down,” as is the phrase uttered as one enters retirement years. Rather, you get the sense that they are just ramping up—indulging in their curiosities, picking up projects that fuel them intellectually or creatively, and, as Thoreau said, advancing in the direction of their dreams.

“I’m 65 and Ed is 81 and sometimes at the end of the day, we are so bone-tired from working, we fall into bed,” Morgan said. “After the second ceiling fell, I asked Ed through tears, ‘Is it worth it?’ ‘Yes!’ he said. ‘Is it tea time yet?””

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.  

Two Loft Owners are Ready to Restore Downtown’s Historical Spaces

By: Megan Williams  |  Photos by: Ashlee Glen

For so many, Lynchburg is a place of promise. Its varied terrain, historical charm, and quaint communities are what attract so many to the Hill City year after year—including Allyssa Martinez and Scott Campbell.

“In August 2021, we sold our home in Utah, packed everything into a storage unit and, with our dog Bear, set off on the journey to find our new home, which ultimately led to us finding Lynchburg and falling in love with the city,” said Martinez. “ We especially loved the downtown and the history which it told. It was an ideal location being close to so much culture, art, entertainment, food, and recreation. The downtown is something out of a story book.”

Martinez and Campbell fell in love with our small city on the river.

“The stone curbs and sidewalks, with historical brick sidewalks lining the neighborhoods surrounding the downtown—Lynchburg is definitely a hidden gem,” she continued.

“We were walking downtown and it’s what sold us on Lynchburg,” Campbell added. “We looked everywhere—Forest, Boonsboro, Madison Heights—but it wasn’t downtown.”

Martinez and Campbell had been looking at many different cities around the country for their next home, going so far as putting areas into a spreadsheet with specific criteria they needed a location to meet before it could be considered “home.” In short, Lynchburg checked all the boxes.

Martinez and Campbell lived in Airbnbs and short-term apartment rentals before finding the right home. And, it turned out, the right home wasn’t a traditional home at all, but a 7,200-square-feet circa 1911 men’s clothing store.

“We purchased it in December 2021 and have lived in it as we did the remodeling,” Martinez explained. “Living in the space has really allowed us to experience how the building and space
works and make improvements and repairs where necessary.”

The former S.H. Franklin building, located on Main Street, was one of two men’s clothiers in downtown Lynchburg in the early 1900s. According to Martinez and Campbell, it was the place to go if you wanted high-end fashion and business attire. The building itself was constructed for the clothing store, with art deco style display windows and heart pine wood floors. S.H. Franklin occupied the building until the 1980s and then the first floor was converted to office space, with the S.H. Franklin display tables used as desks.

In 2004, Jim Tracey and John Seminatore purchased the building.

“They wanted to preserve its history and bring it back to life as a working art studio (921 Fine Art),” said Martinez. “They converted the third floor into a two-bedroom loft apartment while bringing the structure up to modern codes. A large portion of the roof was opened up to make a comfortable living space that brought in an abundance of natural light into an area that was void of light. The completed renovations made for a great live-work downtown location.”

In 2021, when Martinez and Campbell purchased the building, with much of the modernization work completed by the previous owners, they had the luxury of truly making the space their own.

“We wanted to bring out the history and the amazing craftsmanship of the building,” Martinez said. “The third-floor storage space was converted into a living space in 2004, however it was missing an outdoor space. The rooftop deck was one of the main changes that we felt needed to be made to make this place a home. This project has been the most involved, as it is constantly adjusting as we start to use the space.”

Martinez and Campbell hope to expand their rooftop herb garden—which benefits from sweeping views of the city—as well as adding more seating areas.

While the Main Street building may not be Martinez and Campbell’s forever-home, they are reveling in the process of maximizing the full potential of the building, including preparing the lower floors to be available for commercial lease.

“I love things like this,” said Campbell, who is a retired Marine with a background in electronics and engineering. “Owning a commercial building is very niche. Commercial is a different animal, and it can, understandably, feel intimidating. But there is so much potential in downtown Lynchburg—it’ll take just the right people and right investors to make it what it could be.”

Campbell and Martinez share an interest and passion in the promise of Lynchburg, specifically its downtown.

“We really enjoy living in downtown Lynchburg and we are looking forward to finding the right use for this amazing building so it can be a real asset to the businesses and culture downtown,” Martinez furthered. “This may possibly lead to us finding another project here in downtown. We feel there are a lot of underappreciated historical buildings that need a lot of TLC. We want to be a small part of preserving the historic downtown.”

When asked what types of businesses they hope move into their lower two floors, Campbell says it’s more about the people behind the businesses.

“We need people [downtown] who are passionate about what they do and passionate about providing a service and a value, not someone who wants to come in and just make money,” he said. “I think of downtown Lynchburg like an outdoor mall—it’s what all these other subdivisions are trying to be. Of course, it’s going to take a lot of work from the city and investors to bring it up to that. I’m trying to connect and network and get to know people in the city, so they get to know me and know that we’re champions for downtown.”

Whether it’s casting a vision for their loft and making the most of their 130-foot-long living space or setting broader sights on downtown Lynchburg as a whole, Martinez and Campbell are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work—and the spaces they leave will be all the more beautiful for it.  

If you live in a downtown or more urban apartment or townhouse without a ton of greenspace, you may find yourself wanting to connect a bit more with nature. Incorporating greenery into urban living spaces is a wonderful way to improve air quality, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Whether you live in a compact apartment or a sprawling city loft, adding plants can refresh your environment. 

Enhance Air Quality

One of the most compelling reasons to introduce plants into your living space is their ability to improve air quality. 

Certain plants are particularly effective at purifying the air. Spider plants, for instance, are known for their ability to remove pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Peace lilies are another excellent choice (they are even approved by NASA as one of the best air purifying plants!); not only do they remove toxins, but they also thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for apartments. Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are hardy and require minimal maintenance while efficiently cleaning the air.

To keep your air-purifying plants healthy, place them in areas with indirect sunlight. Water them moderately, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Regularly wipe the leaves to remove dust, allowing the plants to breathe and function optimally. By paying attention to their light and water needs, you can maintain a lush, green environment that continuously purifies the air.

Reduce Stress

The presence of greenery has a profound impact on mental health. Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm.

To create a stress-free zone, consider dedicating a corner of your living space to a mini indoor garden. Choose plants with soothing qualities, such as lavender, which is known for its calming scent. Ferns, with their delicate, feathery fronds, can also add a touch of tranquility. Place these plants in your bedroom or living area to create a serene environment where you can unwind after a hectic day.

Keep your stress-relief plants in well-draining pots to prevent root rot. Ensure they receive adequate light, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. Water them regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. By creating a routine for plant care, you can engage in a meditative activity that further helps to reduce stress.

Enhance Overall Well-Being

Beyond improving air quality and reducing stress, plants can enhance overall well-being by creating a visually pleasing and vibrant living space.

Incorporate plants into your home decor to add a touch of nature and improve your living environment. Hanging planters are perfect for small spaces, allowing you to utilize vertical space effectively. Place trailing plants like pothos or ivy in these planters to create a cascading green effect. For a minimalist look, opt for succulents and cacti, which require minimal maintenance and add a modern touch to any room.

Decorative plants, while beautiful, still require proper care to thrive. Succulents and cacti need bright light and minimal watering—usually once every two weeks. Trailing plants like pothos prefer indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Regularly check for pests and trim any dead or yellowing leaves to keep your plants healthy and attractive.

Cultivate a Green Lifestyle

Incorporating greenery into urban living spaces is more than just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that promotes health, well-being, and environmental consciousness. By selecting the right plants and providing proper care, you can transform your home into a verdant sanctuary that not only looks beautiful but also supports a healthier, happier lifestyle. The act of nurturing plants encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection with nature, even in the heart of the city.

As urban dwellers, we often seek ways to bring balance and harmony into our lives. Embracing greenery is a simple yet profound way to achieve this. So, start small, experiment with different plants, and watch as your living space comes alive with the refreshing, revitalizing power of nature. By cultivating a green lifestyle, you can create a personal haven that nurtures your body, mind, and soul, proving that even in the busiest cities, a touch of nature can make all the difference.  

RVing, Camping with Kids, Creating Content, and Making the Most of Every Moment

By: Megan Williams  |  Photos by: Ashlee Glen

In a warm summer afternoon, a scene plays out that any mother will recognize: Trying to get lunch on the table while keeping a child occupied and happy. But there are some nuances to this particular scene that are worth noting. The mom, dad, and child aren’t in a house—they’re outside with an RV in the background. And they aren’t at home, they’re in a campground. And, the most unusual, Yogi Bear and Cindy Bear—two mascots from Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Natural Bridge—are wandering up to the campsite to help the mom create content for her hundreds of thousands of social media followers.

Erin Graves, the woman behind the brand Campin’ Erin, has been camping on the weekends with her family for the last five years. Along the way, she shares her camping tips, hacks, and product reviews with her over 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram.

“Every time we would camp, I’d look at TikTok videos to learn more about the campsite or get camping recipe ideas,” she remembered. “People on TikTok want entertainment or to learn something. So I started posting videos of products we bought for our RV, and the account just grew from there.”

Graves launched her TikTok account in 2022 and has since amassed over 1.5 million likes on her content. An Instagram account followed shortly after and is steadily growing.

“Anywhere we are, I’m making some sort of video, whether it’s food or a product,” she said. “I’m also an ambassador for Blackstone and am often creating food content using their camping griddle.”

Graves and her husband, Charles, were both tent campers when they met. But after they had their son, Walker, they switched to an RV—a Keystone Bullet 290BHS. Their 34-foot travel trailer is decked out with amenities, creature comforts, and clever tools that make their camping trips as efficient as possible. And after countless camping weekends and thousands of miles on their RV, Graves has learned a thing or two about streamlining equipment and experiences so she and her family get the most out of their adventures. 

“We definitely made some immediate changes when we got our camper and others have happened over time,” she explained. “RV mattresses from the factory are awful. We have upgraded our mattress twice, so one went on our son’s bunk bed, because those mattresses are pretty awful too. We added a new curtain rod in the bathroom to give more space so you don’t have the dreaded shower curtain cling while you’re showering. We added towel storage in the bathroom as well to make it easier and save valuable storage space in the cabinets. Most of the changes we made were small—cup holders, lamp shades, baskets for storage.”

Graves also made a curtain for the shelf above their bed to hide anything they need to store, as their Keystone model is the only year in which the brand didn’t add cabinet doors for that area. They also added shelving to their bedroom closets for more efficient storage space, as well as upgraded screen door handles for ease of use and a homier touch.

“A little bit of extra decor inside makes it feel homey, but I don’t do too much because we are just weekenders,” Graves said. “We don’t want to unpack too much just to have to pack it up again in a few days. We keep most of our things in the camper, so when it’s time to camp, we just pack food and clothes and that’s about it. We’ve really got it down these days.”

The interior of the RV is cozy yet minimal, with small accents like custom throw pillows or a travel journal open and awaiting that day’s camping memories. It serves as a comfortable landing pad after the Graves family has spent the day outside and a safe refuge should rain or storms unexpectedly strike.

When finding the right RV for their family, the Graveses prioritized a standard queen size bed for the primary bedroom, standard fulls for the bunk beds, primary bedroom that was separate from the rest of the space, two doors, and an outdoor kitchen.

“We have had eight people sleep in here, which is the most we’ve had. It was…cozy,” she laughed.

They also found the added laundry chute, which drops the day’s dirty clothes into a storage bin below, to be a welcomed bonus. And while they hardly use the TV, there is a DVD player with six or seven DVDs stored up for rainy days. The couch in front of the TV pulls out into an extra bed, and the Graves family will cozy up for a rainy movie night with popcorn.

“We don’t cook inside a ton,” Graves said. “Camper ovens are hard to get right. The microwave actually gets used more than anything else inside. We use our Blackstone griddle for most of our cooking. I have always professed my love for Blackstone on my videos and they ended up contacting me and asking if I wanted to be an ambassador for their brand—immediate ‘yes!’”

Graves said they typically prepare burgers, fajitas, and lots of breakfast foods when they camp, with their son Walker emphatically adding “bacon!” to the list.

While camping serves as a content source for Graves, it’s not the reason why they go.

“There’s a lot of sitting and relaxing,” Graves said. “We usually stay at state parks, which are more secluded. If there’s water we will fish. If there are trails, we will hike. But for the most part, we stay around the campsite. If we have a fire going at camp, that’s the activity—we sit around the fire. After Walker goes to bed, Charles and I will play board games or Rummy.”

The Graveses prefer state parks because of the amenities they typically have to offer, especially opportunities for Walker to meet and play with other kids his age. State parks tend to be more quiet and offer more relaxing camping experiences—perfect for a young family. Graves says their family loves to be surrounded by trees and have more space between themselves and the next camper versus other campgrounds where everyone is more crammed together.

“We love Virginia State Parks,” she said. “We love so many and there are many we still haven’t been to, but we particularly like James River State Park, Douthat State Park, and Pocahontas State Park. Our favorite ‘local’ park is Smith Mountain Lake State Park.”

While the Graveses aren’t full-time travelers, it’s clear their priority is making the most of their free time. And while they’re creating experiences that their son will remember for years to come, Graves will be there to document it along the way.  

Follow along on their adventures on Instagram and TikTok at @campinerin.

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.  

Conversations on Childhood Flavors, Embracing Cultures, and the Beauty of a Simple Meal

By Megan Williams  |  Photos by Ashlee Glen

When it’s ready, your roux should look like peanut butter,” Candace Vinson said, standing in front of her stove in her 100-year-old home.

Vinson swirled the roux around the pan with a rubber spatula in a way that was effortless and seasoned, giving the sense that it’s a movement she has done time and time again in her 39 years. The scent wafting through the kitchen is nutty from the toasted roux and slightly sweet from the biscuits proofing on the sunlit countertop. She moves through the kitchen, rinsing mustard greens one moment and dropping celery ends in broth the next—it’s a beautiful balance of improv and choreographed movements that are the hallmark of a practiced chef.

As the Culinary Director for Hen and Hound Management Group, the managers behind The Water Dog, The Glass House, Fratelli’s, and 7 Rooftop Bar, Vinson gets her fair share of time in front of a stove—but it’s her childhood that inspires the meal she’s preparing in this moment.

“After the roux is done, I toss in the trinity of vegetables,” she said of the celery, onion, and green pepper she rustically chopped. “These vegetables are the ones I’m so familiar with because it’s what my mom always cooked with.”

Vinson grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, an area that forms part of the U.S. military complex in Hampton Roads. Her childhood is earmarked by a transience that’s common in military towns—people from every branch of the military, representing a melting pot of cultures, moving in and moving on.

“There were a lot of people who brought in a lot of different cultural influences,” she said, recalling eating Filipino foods like lumpia from local restaurants and Ya Ka Mein from church fundraisers.

“Yock (referring to Ya Ka Mein) is a staple dish from where I’m from,” she said. “Black churches always had fundraisers and sold yock. Essentially you boil yock noodles in soy, oyster sauce, vinegar and onions. It almost tastes like adobo chicken but in a broth. You go back home—anyone born and raised in the 757 knows about yock.”

As Vinson strains a homemade broth of shrimp shells, smoked turkey leg, and odds and ends from the vegetables she’s working with (“I never waste anything”), you begin to see her childhood reflected in the saltiness of the broth, the pepperiness of the mustard greens, and the warmth of the biscuits rising in the sun.

“My dad used to always make soup,” she said, dipping a small spoon in the broth for a quick taste test before adding in chopped chicken thighs. “We would get home from church on Sundays and my dad would cook. Everyone would come to our house and just eat. That’s what made me become a chef—everyone is happy when they are eating together. On Sundays, it was peaceful. The rule for us kids was, ‘get out of your church clothes, put your play clothes on, eat, and go play.’ We’d eat whatever my dad had cooked and be outside playing double dutch or hopscotch.”

Vinson describes her family as “improv cooks,” using up whatever you had in the refrigerator or pantry and making something out of it. Oftentimes, those meals involved seafood that was
freshly caught by a family member off a nearby pier.

“A lot of people think of soul food as collard greens, mac and cheese, fried chicken,” she said. “Soul food is what imparts your memories. Everyone’s soul food is different. For me, that’s seafood.”

Vinson remembers crabbing for blue crabs with her father or celebrating a fresh catch of croaker and spot—two fish native to the East Coast—from her Uncle Curtis. Tossing in the freshly washed and chopped mustard greens, Vinson points to her refrigerator, decorated with magnetic letters and family photographs, where head- and tail-on croaker is wrapped in the freezer.

“Anytime I go back home, I bring a cooler with me just so I can bring back croakers and spots,” she laughed.

It’s this appreciation for local food and ingredients that informs Vinson’s cooking, both at home and at the restaurants. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University’s North Miami Campus, Vinson got a firsthand look at another cultural junction in Miami, and grew to love discovering the food that meant “home” to so many. After graduating, Vinson moved back to Virginia where she took a job at Colonial Williamsburg.

“One of the most significant milestones in my career was working at Colonial Williamsburg. I had the opportunity to receive more intricate training from chefs from around the world,” she explained.
“It was there that I learned about Virginia foodways and developed a deep appreciation for food history.”

Vinson treats her job as Culinary Director for Hen and Hound as a personal charge to educate customers on the Lynchburg region’s unique ingredients.

“I can’t wait to get my hands on a pawpaw,” she said, referring to the mango-banana-citrus fruit that grows wild along banks and waterways and is only ripe for a week or two out of the entire year.

Vinson uses her childhood, Virginia’s food history, and her own unique culinary point-of-view to inform the menus she creates under Hen and Hounds purview. Whether it’s a caramel-coated chicken wing as an ode to her husband who always requests an old-fashioned caramel cake; or she-crab croquettes, where the star of the show is Chesapeake blue crab, Vinson’s restaurant menus are equal parts nostalgic and inventive. 

“Blue crab is home to me,” she said, pulling out a small tray of day-old rice to make crab fried rice, a creamy, salty accompaniment to the stew simmering on her stove. “I can’t live without rice, seafood, or my cast iron at home.”

Vinson whirls oil around a wok before dropping in a few roughly chopped green onions. Blue crab goes in next, followed by the rice—dry and firm, ready to take on the flavors of the crab and stew. With a gentle squeeze of one of the biscuits to make sure they have proofed enough, she brushes them with buttermilk and pops them in the oven, a sign that the meal is almost ready.

Watching Vinson in her home kitchen, which looks and functions like any other home cook’s kitchen, it’s almost difficult to make the connection between the young, apronless woman stirring stew on her glasstop and the meticulous, styled chef we know from Jefferson Street’s beloved restaurants. But as she puts two cornbread biscuits brushed with honey into a small bowl, each slightly askew and perched onto one another, and gives a deft swipe with a kitchen towel to the steaming bowl of stew, you see it. And as you expectantly dip your spoon into the stew, assembling the perfect bite of crab, rice, greens, smoked turkey, shrimp, and broth, you taste it, too.  

HAVE A TASTE

Cook the recipes Chef Candace makes in this story! Find the recipes for her sweet cornbread biscuits and black eyed pea, chicken, and shrimp stew over crab fried rice on page 35 of the printed magazine.
Read digital version here >>

When it comes to planning your family’s summer, balance is key. There is much to be said for the lazy, hazy days that find you laying outside with a good book and a glass of lemonade, but having too many of those days—especially when kids are involved—is a no-go. Luckily, adding structure to your summer also adds fun and excitement! The following pages are full of family-friendly events, outstanding organizations, and adventurous activities that will make your summer memorable—and the furthest thing from monotonous.

434 Fun

At 434 Fun, our aim is to provide a play-filled and active environment that encourages physical movement, enhances social interaction, and promotes creativity while making special memories with the whole family. 434 Fun offers an inflatable playground for ages 10 and under, family friendly arcade, a delicious take on concessions, and party rooms and tables for every occasion! Sign up at our website today for news about our grand opening dates. 434fun.com

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GhostStop & Lynchburg Ghost Tours

GhostStop HQ Moves to LYH

The world’s prominent ghost hunting equipment store and manufacturer is now headquartered in Lynchburg following 16 years in Orlando.

Whether you’re a pro ghost hunter or curious novice, GhostStop has everything needed to explore the paranormal from spirit boxes and sensors to cameras and full kits for all levels of interest. Plus, a ‘BOOtique’ of spooktacular gifts.

Owner, Shawn Porter has been featured on shows including GHOST HUNTERS and Ghost Brothers working with many more including GHOST ADVENTURES and Kindred Spirits.

Follow @GhostStop for more including classes, investigations, speakers and events. GhostStop.com

How about a Ghost Tour?

Lynchburg Ghost Tours takes you on a curious and spirited journey of Historic Downtown.
Visit LynchburgGhostTours.com and follow @lyhghosttours for year-round tour dates. 

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Johnson Health Center

Johnson Health Center’s newest location will open in June 2024!

The newly constructed Amherst County Community Health Center will provide primary care for adults and pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy with drive-thru, and a fitness and wellness center, with a teaching kitchen.

Join us on Saturday, August 3, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. for our 10th Annual Back to School Care Fair and Community Open House to tour our new building, meet staff and celebrate National Health Center Week!

The new Amherst County Community Health Center is located at 109 Clearview Road in Madison Heights, Va. 24572. jhcvirginia.org

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Patrick Henry’s Red Hill

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is the final home and burial place of Virginia’s first governor and celebrated orator, Patrick Henry. Spanning nearly 1,000 acres of pastoral beauty, Red Hill has something for the whole family. Travel to the 18th century through guided tours, exciting public programs, historic buildings and artifacts, and much more. Join us in person or at www.RedHill.org.

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Putt-Putt Fun Center^® 

Time for the ULTIMATE SUMMER STAYCATION! And we’ve gota hole lota fun for your crew! 

Feel the Breeze 
Jump into the driver’s seat and zoom around our track for a rush of pure adrenaline. We have karts for single riders, as well as karts that can accommodate a parent and child.

Get Wet
A cool splash on a water ride is a great way to beat the summer heat. Battle it out with friends during a whirling, twirling and wet ride on our bumper boats equipped with water cannons.

Indoor Fun 
Escape the heat and challenge friends to a game of laser tag. Guaranteeing nonstop excitement, our laser tag arena is the only two-story arena in Lynchburg. With neon lights and dark colors, our arena is the place to escape sunburn and see who really the ultimate champion is.

Be Cool
Our arcade is the place where “cool” kids hang and parents come to “cool off.”  Test your gaming skills with all sorts of arcade games from classic air hockey to Brand new merchandisers and cranes! After you’ve won all the points you can, turn them in at the redemption counter for awesome prizes.

Loop the 18
Our two 18-hole Putt-Putt® Golf courses are the perfect way for the family to stay active, on their feet, and soak in the Vitamin D. You may even get lucky and ace your shot on our skill-based par 2 courses!

Experience a summer packed with fun, competition, and a hole lota together time! puttputt.com/lynchburg

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Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

Join Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest for family-friendly events this summer! 

This May 24th and 25th, Playwright Teresa Harris’s original drama, The Day is Past and Gone, returns to Jefferson’s south lawn for two performances only. Drawn from real-life experiences of the men and women who were enslaved at Poplar Forest, the trilogy explores the complexity of their lives and their struggles to survive. 

From June 27th to the 29th, revel in the revolutionary spirit of America’s Founding Fathers at Poplar Forest’s presentation of 1776—the Tony Award-winning comedy by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone based on the events leading up to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Tickets for both events are available at poplarforest.org/events.

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Wolfbane Productions

BIG NEWS: Wolfbane is expanding into Downtown Lynchburg this Fall as they open the Wolf Den – Downtown, located at 723 Jefferson Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504

Kick off your Halloween festivities with an in-your-face telling of Wolfbane’s Dracula, the “Audience Choice Poll” Winner for the 2024 season. Wolfbane is thrilled to present their own unique take on the Father of all Universal Monsters, which will be as witty as it is horrifying. September 27-October 26, 2024.

Then, create a new holiday tradition for the whole family with Wolfbane’s A Christmas Carol. Experience this timeless classic full of magic, heart, and redemption, done in Wolfbane’s signature immersive style. December 5-22, 2024.

For tickets, membership information, and FAQs, please visit www.wolfbane.org

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YMCA of Central Virginia

The YMCA of Central Virginia is Lynchburg’s cherished destination for families and youth, offering diverse programs for all. From enriching swim lessons to empowering outreach initiatives, the YMCA provides a welcoming environment for all ages to thrive. With a legacy of promoting wellness and community involvement, the YMCA fosters connections, growth, and personal achievement. Committed to instilling Christian Principles through programs that nurture spirit, mind, and body wellness, the YMCA of Central Virginia remains a vital part of Lynchburg’s fabric. Cherished across generations, it embodies enduring dedication to community strength. ymcava.org