New Books You Might Want to Check Out

For many adults, the phrase “summer reading” may conjure up childhood memories of required reading lists and time spent writing papers on days better suited for swimming. Luckily, summer reading as an adult means having your pick of countless books from countless genres to enjoy on a plane, in the car, on the beach, or anywhere and anytime you get a bit of time to yourself. Read on for some of my recent favorites!

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
by J.D. Vance
It is impossible to place this buzzworthy title into one genre—and that is a good thing. Vance’s harrowing and often touching account of his life growing up in Appalachia is autobiographical, but it is also an insightful sociological analysis of poverty and the struggles of the American working class, particularly in the Appalachian region. This is a very thoughtful, timely and well-written book.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
by Neil deGrasse Tyson
If you enjoyed Carl Sagan’s television series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage (1980), and/or Neil deGrasse Tyson’s follow-up series, Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014), chances are you will love Tyson’s new collection of essays about such topics as the Big Bang and black holes. Tyson’s childlike wonder and sparkling wit come across just as clearly on the page as they do on the screen, and he is a master at explaining complex concepts succinctly and imaginatively.

Theft by Finding: Diaries (1977-2002)
by David Sedaris
With his sardonic wit and predilection for blunt cultural criticism, David Sedaris is a somewhat polarizing author. I, for one, think he is a comedic genius, and I think Theft is his best work yet because it is his most personal. This is Sedaris at his most introspective, self-deprecating, observant and hilarious. I found myself noticing and appreciating life’s little moments and details more after reading this book.

Norse Mythology
by Neil Gaiman
From movies to comic books to action figures, superheroes are a ubiquitous and beloved part of pop culture. As Gaiman’s new retelling of Norse folklore proves, the origin stories of these heroes are just as entertaining and exciting as their modern adventures. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the mythology of Odin, Thor and Loki but makes the story his own with his characteristic dark humor, attention to detail and effortless prose.

Behind Her Eyes
by Sarah Pinborough
I will admit that the promise of a shocking twist ending piqued my interest in reading this thriller, but once I began reading it, I discovered that the entire book, in fact, is shocking and twisted. Single mom Louise falls for married man David, but she also becomes best friends with David’s wife Adele, who has some dark secrets of her own. The resulting drama was so unpredictable and addictive that I finished the book in two days!

Since opening in 2010, the Riverside Park Sprayground has become a go-to destination for parents and children during the hot summer season. From spitting fish to dumping buckets, kids have a blast splashing around with their friends and family. The sprayground is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through October 1.

Photo by Jim Pile

Behind the Scenes
Photographer RJ Goodwin visited sculptor Ken Faraoni’s studio inside Hill City Hardwoods/The Craft Crucible off Thurman Avenue. Full disclosure, according to Ken—he does not usually work wearing a suit jacket!
Read about our Artist Profile’s career on page 24!

Quotables
“I truly believe that the display of art in the community brings us together. The artist whose work is on display is giving something to the viewer and that person takes that something, whatever it may be—a feeling, a memory, an idea—and shares it with someone else. This begins a domino effect of communication, all starting with a piece of artwork.” – Kimberly Gibson-McDonald, E.C. Glass High School teacher.
Read more about outdoor art in Lynchburg on page 29!

#LynchburgLiving
Referencing the Bluffwalk steps,
@ariellanae wrote “Beautiful spot downtown. Had to capture all these wonderful textures and strong lines!”

@manndalynn posted a gorgeous summer sunset that’s reflected by standing water in the parking lot below.

Include the hashtag #lynchburgliving on your posts and your photo may be featured in an upcoming issue!

Mark Your Calendars July/August

Plein Air Painting at Randolph College:
July 9, 2 – 4 p.m.
Summer is the perfect time to unwind by getting in touch with your creative side. Spend the afternoon on the lawn of the Maier Museum learning the French painting technique of en plein air, or the act of painting outdoors, as a local artist shares their tricks of the trade then cuts you loose to create a masterpiece of your own.

Virginia Dare Pirate Cruise: July 15, 16;
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Come walk the plank and spend an afternoon living like a pirate on Smith Mountain Lake. This cruise on the Virginia Dare is a guaranteed good time for all ages. Maybe you’ll see Jack Sparrow!

Glow Ride on Percival’s Island: August 5, 8 – 9 p.m.
Forget dancing in the moonlight—let’s bike! All ages and skill levels are welcome to join this 6-mile roundtrip cruise around Percival’s Island. Don’t forget to get decked out for the occasion—there’s a prize in store for the most festive bicycle!

Annual Riverfront Chalk Festival: August 19,
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The streets of downtown Lynchburg become your canvas at Amazement Square’s Annual Riverfront Chalk Festival. Watch the riverfront area come to life as members of the community splash chalk onto the streets to create a smorgasbord of inspired doodles. With live music, food trucks, activities, and a chalk art contest, this free event has something for the whole family to enjoy!

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to Beale’s Brewery and BBQ on Grove Street in Bedford.

Hello! to Craft Beer Cellar on Wards Road, expected to open in June.

Goodbye to Hill City House on Timberlake Road, which was torn down for a new roundabout.

Hello! to a new location of Mister Goodies in the Village Courts Shopping Center in Boonsboro.

Goodbye to Rivermont Makery on Rivermont Avenue.

Hello! to Mookie’s, now serving homemade ice cream sandwiches next to Aylor’s in Forest.

Mark your Calendars for May/June

1st Annual Food Fest:
May 20, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Finally, a local event that focuses on what brings us all together—food. Head to Riverfront Park to try some of the city’s finest cuisine, from food trucks, local restaurants
and more. And in between bites, enjoy activities for all ages and live music.

Buy the Burg! Trade Show & Bites of the ‘Burg:
May 23, 1 – 6 p.m.
Recognizing that we all love to eat, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance has added a new layer to its annual business-boosting event. This year’s Buy the Burg! Trade Show at LU’s LaHaye Student Union will include Bites of the ‘Burg (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.), a showcase of delicious food from the region’s restaurants and catering businesses.

National Donut Day at Old City Cemetery:
June 2, 8 – 11 a.m.
At first glance, it’s your chance to snag a sweet treat, but there’s more to National Donut Day than meets the eye. Started as a Salvation Army fundraiser in 1938, National Donut Day honors the female volunteers of World War I who served donuts to soldiers behind the front lines. Drop by Old City Cemetery for a free donut and tour of the Station House Museum.

Lynchburg Restaurant Week:
June 10-17
Our annual event is back and better than ever! This year, 23 restaurants across the region are offering incredible meal deals to showcase their best dishes. Find their menus beginning on page 77, and start planning today.

Putting Tourists on the Right Path to Find the Area’s Best Artisans

A team of leaders in Lynchburg and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox and Campbell are working to develop an artisan trail for the region.

“Lynchburg is well known for its strong artist community with anchors such as the Academy Center of the Arts and Opera on the James bringing in professional level performing arts, Riverviews Artspace bringing talented visual artists from around the world and four strong college and university arts programs,” said Sergei Troubetzkoy, Director of Tourism for the Lynchburg Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau.* “And we’ll now be able to promote these assets alongside individual artisans and unique businesses.”

The trail will encourage visitors to discover the four localities by connecting artist studios, galleries, local farms, wineries, craft breweries, farmer’s markets, distilleries, cideries, restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and other artisanal and agritourism-based businesses.

Right now, they are calling it the Lynchburg Region Artisan Trail but that name could change. The team’s next steps include identifying potential participating artisans and local businesses, public awareness gatherings, a process to build consensus for the trail’s name, and the development
of promotional materials/activities.

*Troubetzkoy retired from his position in early April.

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to Fire & Hops Taphouse in Wyndhurst

Hello! to Rustic View Home and Gardens on Waterlick Road (formerly Gary’s Garden Center)

Goodbye to Flowers Bakery Company on Hollins Mill Road

Hello! to Dublin 3 Coffeehouse on Jefferson Street

Hello! to breakfast diner The Barking Dog, expected to open downtown mid-June

Hello! to The Provincial Atelier, an artist workspace and photography studio on Timberlake Road

Hello! to The Leaf Creative Salads in Cornerstone

In the Jefferson National Forest

Get lost in the beautiful scenery of the Jefferson National Forest by hiking Apple Orchard Falls just east of Buchanan. For about 90 percent of this hike, you are next to or within view of streams—including the 200-foot Apple Orchard Falls.

Photo by Tyler Stephens—this issue’s Person of Interest featured on page 23.

Top Teacher Reception
The 2017 Top Teachers were recognized at a special reception at Timberlake Tavern on March 4. After the event, Top Teacher Jessica Hott (Bedford Middle School) wrote to the editor, “I love [the] magazine this month and appreciate all of the great things you said about educators and the education profession. The luncheon at the Timberlake Tavern was just perfect. The presentations, food and fellowship were absolutely wonderful…” See more photos from the event on page 18!

Lynchburg’s Cutest Baby
Our social media pages were on fire as the top 10 finalists in the Lynchburg’s Cutest Baby contest worked hard to get votes for their little ones. When the deadline arrived
March 31, over 2,100 people had cast votes on the Lynchburg Living website. See this year’s Cutest Baby on page 27!

Social Media Shout Outs
The staff and writers of Lynchburg Living are proud to tell meaningful stories about the people and places that make this region so great.
We appreciate these mentions on Instagram from the people profiled in the Home and Art departments of our March/April issue.Living Out Loud May/June 2017

We Want To hear From You!

Write to Feedback, Lynchburg Living magazine, 1035 Avalon Dr., Forest, VA 24551. Send e-mail to feedback@lynchburgmag.com.

Correspondents must identify themselves; names may be withheld on request. Lynchburg Living may edit or condense letters.

Behind the Scenes
Photographer RJ Goodwin uses two cameras on many photo shoots, such as our Local Flavor profile that involved a variety of shots. One camera has a wide-angle lens. The other is better for those close-up details of ingredients and food.
Check out this issue’s Local Flavor recipe on page 100.

Quotables
“I buy things because I like them, not because of their supposed value or because they’re considered antiques.
I like old things with a history…” – Peg Breiholz owner of
The White Brick House in Forest.
Read about her farmhouse style on page 66!

#LynchburgLiving
Lauren Ferry shared her love for Downtown Lynchburg on Instagram.
She wrote, “I truly love this street. I love this town. I love our loft…” We love that you love your downtown life, Lauren. Thanks for sharing!
Include the hashtag #lynchburgliving on your posts and your photo may be featured in an upcoming issue!

Richmond Ballet II,
March 25 at 7 p.m.
Experience the beauty and elegance of ballet. The Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra and Liberty University are joining together to bring these incredible performers to LU’s Worship Arts Concert Hall. Tickets at lynchburgsymphony.org.

Food Truck Thursdays Begin,
April 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Featuring food trucks from across the region, this popular event is back for its third year! Stop by Miller Park every Thursday through September 31.

Hillcats Home Opener,
April 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Bring the whole family to City Stadium to watch the Hillcats take on Myrtle Beach. Read more about the team’s new look (and more exciting changes) on page 31!

Lynchstock Music Festival,
April 22 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
With over 40 bands, musicians, and performers, Lynchstock is the largest local music and arts festival in Central Virginia. Read more about the event’s history and growth on page 25!

Lynchburg Garden Tour,
April 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This walking tour features five private homes with gardens in varying stages of development. Find ticket and schedule information at www.vagardenweek.org.

Paint Out Lynchburg,
April 28 – 30
The Lynchburg Art Club welcomes you to a weekend of painting “in the open air.” Bring your easel and paints and be inspired by Lynchburg’s beautiful architecture and scenery. Full schedule of events at lynchburgartclub.com.

Tree Hugging World Record Event,
April 29 at 3 p.m.
You could help Lynchburg go down in history! Stop by Peaks View Park to help break the Guinness World Record for the most people hugging trees at the same place at the same time. Check in starts at 3 p.m.; the attempt is at 5:30 p.m. Then, stick around for an after party that will include live music, food trucks, inflatables and more.

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to William Alexander Tobacconist (formerly City Place Cigar) on Main Street and on Enterprise Drive.

Goodbye to women’s consignment store Salvaged in Cornerstone.

Hello! to Marco’s Pizza in the new Forest Square Shopping Center.

Goodbye to the J. Crew Clearance Store on Millrace Drive, which closed in January.

Hello! to the newly reopened salad and juice bar Crisp on Church Street.

Goodbye to Isis Spa on Enterprise Drive in Wyndhurst.

Mark Your Calendars January/February

Cookiefest 2017:
January 14,
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Put your New Year’s Resolution on hold for a day, and head to Heritage United Methodist Church for Cookiefest 2017. This family event includes tasty samples from a Cookie Cook Off Contest, face painting, nature learning activities and more. Admission is $5 (free adult with each accompanying child). All proceeds benefit Camp Sacajawea.

“Doublewide Texas”:
February 17-18, 24-26
Beat the winter blues, and visit the Renaissance Theatre for “Doublewide Texas,” a hilarious, fast-paced comedy written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten. The plot centers around one of the smallest trailer parks in Texas that’s fighting a town’s move to annex them. Buy tickets at Etix.com.

Red Carpet Gala:
February 25, 5 – 11 p.m.
Even though we are 2,500 miles from Hollywood, you can still feel like you’re a celebrity at the Red Carpet Gala for United Way at the Academy Center for the Arts. Dust off that fancy dress or tux, and enjoy this evening of delicious cuisine, a live/silent auction and dancing. Tickets for sale at UnitedWayCV.org.

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to a new location of Gladiola Girls, now open in Boonsboro Shopping Center.

Hello! to the much-anticipated Dunkin Donuts’, open on Old Forest Rd. since November.

Hello! to Jump Trampoline Park on Candlers Mountain Road in the old movie theater.

Hello! to two new loft apartments, Piedmont Flour Mill (Jefferson St.) and Gish Flats (Court St./Fifth St.).

Goodbye to Charlie’s Chicken on Timberlake Road.

Hello! to Woven Devotion, a women’s clothing store in Cornerstone.