BEHIND THE SCENES

The Lynchburg Living team was invited to attend a media night at the historic Academy of Music Theatre on November 19.

Academy staff took local journalists and photographers on a tour of the newly restored theatre and gave some behind the scenes information along the way. (One fun fact: the chairs are identical replicas to the originals… except they are wider to accommodate our larger backsides.)

The Academy offered media guests popcorn (of course) and their new signature beverage that’s served in the lobby—the Academy 1905 Pilsner, brewed in Amherst by Loose Shoe Brewing Company.

Many thanks to the Academy for your hard work to restore this Lynchburg landmark and for making us feel so welcome.

Read our full feature about the historic Academy of Music Theatre on page 64!

These images are a part of Eye for Ebony, a collection of African American stock photos created by Lynchburg entrepreneur LaShonda Delivuk. As the owner of a marketing business, she saw a need for more diversity in stock photos and took action. Since creating Eye for Ebony, her photos have been viewed over 30 million times, with this photo of a mother and daughter becoming a global favorite.

Learn more at eyeforebony.com.

Photos by LaShonda Delivuk

Behind the Scenes

We never know what the weather will be when scheduling Lynchburg Living photo shoots weeks in advance. Although it was a drizzly morning on October 10, the rain held off during our shoot outside of Daughters and Sons Pizza on 5th Street. Arnulfo Jacinto was there putting the finishing touches on his mural.

Jason Arbusto, owner of Daughters and Sons, says they were used to dealing with wet weather. “There would be only a 30 percent chance of rain and Arnulfo would be out there ready to paint. Then the sky would turn grey and it would pour down on him,” Arbusto explains.

According to Goodwin, it started pouring right after Jacinto completed his signature at the bottom of the mural.

Read about the numerous outdoor art projects on 5th Street starting on page 25!

Mark Your Calendars November/December

Turkey Trot 5K
Nov. 22

Before you put on your fat pants for Thanksgiving dinner, strap on your running shoes for this annual event to benefit HumanKind. The family-friendly run/walk starts at E.C. Glass High School bright and early at 8 a.m.—so you have plenty of time to get home and back to the kitchen.

Virginia Christmas Spectacular
Nov. 30-Dec. 2

From dazzling lights to precision dancing, this iconic Thomas Road Baptist Church performance has been a holiday attraction in Central Virginia for more than four decades. This year’s show is “Christmas Comes to Love”—centering around a small town called Love Valley that is not lacking in Christmas spirit. Find ticket and show time information at trbc.org/vcs/.

Celebration of Lights
Dec. 7-31

You don’t have to burn up a tank of gas to enjoy some twinkling holiday lights—Lynchburg Parks and Rec has made it easy with this free, drive-through attraction. It opens nightly in Riverside Park and includes light displays from various businesses and organizations.

Lynchburg Christmas Parade
Dec. 2

Local organizations and businesses will show off their best floats in this 59th annual Hill City event with a “Home for the Holidays” theme. Bring the family to Memorial Avenue at 4 p.m. and be prepared to leave feeling in the Christmas spirit.

Charlottesville Ballet presents: The Nutcracker
Dec. 15

What better way to celebrate the newly opened Historic Academy of Music Theatre than with this classic fairy tale ballet featuring Clara and her magical nutcracker doll? Local dancers join Charlottesville Ballet’s professional company onstage with live music by the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra. Find show times and ticket information at academycenter.org.

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to BitterSweet Boutique on Fifth Street.

Hello! to BUNNS Gourmet Hot Dogs in Madison Heights.

Hello! to Meeples, a board game café in Cornerstone.

Hello! to In The Attic, featuring products by local artisans, in Forest.

Goodbye to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on Wards Road.

Goodbye to Steak and Shake on Candlers Mountain Road.

Hello! to Wyndhurst Salon in Wyndhurst.

Another “Best Of” Record

Our website was in overdrive this fall as readers casted their votes in the 2019 Best Of Lynchburg contest, featuring your favorite businesses, destinations and more. We counted 203,466 votes this year, breaking last year’s record of approximately 172,000 votes. Find the full list of winners in our January/February issue of Lynchburg Living!

Rave Reviews

On the Lynchburg Living Facebook page, Elise Weber gave us five stars, saying “It’s my go to guide for everything in Lynchburg.” We also received five stars from Emily Peerson who said “Love it!” We would love to hear from more readers. Visit our Facebook page and rate/review us today!

Top Teacher Search

We need your help choosing our 2019 Lynchburg Living Top Teachers! Visit LynchburgLiving.com to nominate your favorite educator and tell us how they are making a difference in the lives of students. (He or she must be a current teacher at a local school). A panel of judges will review the nominations and select the top group. Then look for the full feature in our March/April issue!

We Want To hear From You!

Send us an e-mail to shelley@lynchburgmag.com. Correspondents must identify themselves; names may be withheld on request. Lynchburg Living may edit or condense.

Photos by 323 Unmanned Flight Services

This bird’s eye view of the Christmas tree at the roundabout in Wyndhurst was taken by 323 Unmanned Flight Services, an aerial photography and drone service company located in Lynchburg.

Photos by Christopher Breedlove

Student-doctors and faculty from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) returned to Zacapa, Guatemala this past summer to provide medical care to underserved communities. This was LUCOM’s seventh medical outreach trip to the region.

Behind the Scenes

Our feature photo shoots often happen outside normal business hours. One Saturday in June, Taste contributor Mikael Blido, photographer RJ Goodwin and editor Shelley Basinger started their day off at 8 a.m. at the Forest Farmer’s Market.

After getting a few shots of Mikael’s local buys, they headed to his home where a few more items were gathered from “Mikael’s Garden”—as it is very clearly named—before heading inside to start prepping the meal.

It can be difficult to cook while also posing for photographs, so Mikael’s wife Traci stepped in from time to time to monitor the ingredients on the stove.

Many thanks to Mikael for going the extra mile with his recipes and opening his home kitchen to our team.

See what he whipped up in “Think Outside the (Mail Order) Box” starting on page 90!

Mark Your Calendars September/October

Get Downtown
September 7

Celebrate the start of the fall season along Lynchburg’s Main Street. Get Downtown provides great food from local eateries and unique attractions. In honor of their 10th year, they’ve expanded the hours from 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more: www.getdowntownlynchburg.com.

Virginia 10 Miler
September 28 – 29

One of Central Virginia’s premier events kicks off September 28 with the Amazing Mile Children’s Run. The Genworth Virginia 10 Miler on September 29 is celebrating its 45th year. Learn more: www.virginiatenmiler.com.

Bedford County Fair
September 27 – 30

Few childhood memories can top the nostalgia of a good old-fashioned fair, complete with fun rides, arcade games, and plenty of sugary treats. The whole family can enjoy free admission at the Glenwood Center, 2074 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway. Learn more: www.bedfordcofair.com.

Get Your Wine On
Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, Moneta
September 29 – 30
Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival, Amherst
October 13 – 14

Start the last weekend of September at Smith Mountain Lake for their 30th Annual Wine Festival and find out what drew 10,000 spectators last year! Then, on October 13 and 14, plan time to enjoy the food, drinks and 150+ arts and crafts vendors at the 27th annual Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival. Learn more: www.visitsmithmountainlake.com and www.virginiagarlicfestival.com.

Local Openings & Closings

Hello! to Golf Park Coffee on Bedford Avenue.

Goodbye to The Corner on Rivermont Avenue.

Hello! to a new location of Brauburgers in The Corner’s former spot.

Goodbye to Hippo’s in Wyndhurst (will continue as a catering service).

Hello! to Tahini’s Mediterranean Grill on Main Street.

Goodbye to comic book store Star Port in River Ridge Mall.

Hello! to T&E Catering’s new location in Poplar Forest Plaza.

Sharp Top Trail in Bedford County

With its impressive summit offering a 360-degree view of the region, Sharp Top Trail at Peaks of Otter is a bucket list hike for Central Virginia natives. Park at the Visitor Center to begin your journey.

Length:
1.5 miles

Difficulty:
Strenuous

Time:
Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzard’s Roost, which is a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area.

What to Pack: Water—none is available at the top. Professional camera—to capture amazing photos.

PHOTO BY TYLER STEPHENS

Get Moving! Area Races and Fitness Events

August 4, 2018
Be BOLD Trail 5K
Bold Rock Cidery, Nellysford
9 a.m.

August 11, 2018
Lynchburg Half Marathon and 5K
Percival’s Island, Lynchburg
7:30 a.m.

August 18, 2018
Face the Forest 5K
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
8 a.m.

August 24, 2018
Glow Ride
Percival’s Island, Lynchburg
8 – 9 p.m.
Bikers of all ages are welcome to decorate their bikes and wear bright colors for this group ride.

August 31-September 2, 2018
Love. Pets. Match. Tennis Tournament
Oakwood Country Club, Lynchburg
Starts 8 a.m. 8/31, ends 5 p.m. 9/2.
Learn more at lynchburghumane.org.

September 1, 2018
Roanoke River 8K
Roanoke River Greenway
Golden Park/Bennington St. Parking Lot
8 a.m.

September 28, 2018
The Amazing Mile Children’s Run
Amazement Square, Lynchburg
6 p.m.
Register at virginiatenmiler.com.

September 29, 2018
Genworth Virginia 10 Miler & 4 Miler Run/Walk
E.C. Glass High School, Lynchburg
8 a.m.
Register at virginiatenmiler.com.

November 3, 2018
CASA Superhero Run
Percival’s Island, Lynchburg
9 a.m.

November 22, 2018
Turkey Trot for HumanKind
E.C. Glass High School, Lynchburg
8 a.m.

November 17, 2018
Star City Half Marathon and 10K
O. Winston Link Museum, Roanoke
8 a.m.