Thank You, Readers
As a local, community-focused magazine, nothing makes our Lynchburg Living team smile more than hearing that one of our articles made a difference.

Tracey Dixon, director of nonprofit Lynchburg Daily Bread, sent a note to former editor Shelley Basinger saying: “Thank you so much for the amazing spread you did on Daily Bread in your November/December issue. It helped us tremendously with donations—and at a time when we really needed them.

Because of the article, we have had a lot of new financial donors. Your readers definitely responded!”

Social Media Shout Outs
Roger Price, Jr. was quick to pass along the “thank yous” after reading our March/April feature about Madison House of the Arts: “Thank you Madison House of the Arts for giving me a comfortable, nonjudgemental space to go and experience and grow in my photography. Thank you Lynchburg Living for the amazing piece you did on the Madison House and for choosing my photos to be featured in it.”

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

Our 11th annual Lynchburg Restaurant Week is here to remind you that you needn’t travel far for amazing food—but you’ll still want to have your passport on hand. We are excited to introduce our new Lynchburg Restaurant Week passport program, which will allow you to eat some of the best food in Lynchburg while also giving you the chance to win an awesome prize!

Tear-out the passport card and take to any—or, ideally, all—of this year’s 14 participating restaurants. Simply enjoy a meal, get your passport punched (once per restaurant), and mail your card to us by July 8. The person with the most punches will win a weekend stay at the gorgeous 2022 Lynchburg Living Smith Mountain Lake Idea House (featured in this issue)!

In the event of a tie, a random drawing will be conducted to determine the winner. Please see the passport card for additional details.

Start planning your Lynchburg Restaurant Week (June 18-25) itinerary now by feasting your eyes on the participating restaurants’ mouthwatering menus, found in the pages ahead.

Charcoal Artist

Lynchburg Living: Nakila, tell us a little about yourself.
Are you from the area?

Nakila White: I was born and raised right here in Lynchburg. Growing up I tried my hand at several different hobbies and the one that seemed to stick the most—and that I really had a passion for—is art!

LL: When did that passion for art begin?
NW: Art has always played a pretty big part in my life since I was little. I used to take any piece of paper I could find and make illustrations either from my imagination or a cartoon I was obsessing over. It wasn’t until after high school that I started getting serious with what I wanted to do with it. My art teacher at the time, Mrs. McDonald, gifted me with a bigger sketchbook and different mediums to try out, which slingshot my interest in creating on a larger scale. Once I realized portraits were what I wanted to do, I focused more on trying to perfect methods and narrow down which medium I preferred.

LL: That leads us to the next question. Is charcoal your primary medium?
NW: I’ve dabbled in colored pencils, normal graphite and, very briefly, paint—however after not really meshing well with any of them I turned to charcoal and instantly fell in love. I purchase charcoal blocks in bulk, place them in a small container and crush them up myself into a fine powder. Using normal paint brushes and small eyeshadow brushes, I dip the brushes into the powder and apply it directly to the paper over and over until I achieve the tone I want. After applying details with either a charcoal pencil, kneaded eraser or mono zero eraser (which is just a very small mechanical eraser) I smooth everything out with Puffs Plus Tissues with Lotion! Puffs Plus is the only tissue that allows a light layer of charcoal to be lifted while also creating a smooth skin type texture.

LL: What are some of your favorite pieces you have created so far?
NW: Each piece I’ve created has its own special place in my heart due to the challenges each one presented that helped me to become a better artist. However my “In Moonlight, Black Boys Look Blue” series, which I finished in 2020, is always the one I find myself looking at over and over again. In a close second is my more recent “No One’s Laughing Now” based off Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker. This was the first portrait I’ve done with a not-so-normal skin texture due to his face being covered in paint.

LL: What types of challenges have you faced as an artist?
NW: At the end of the day, I am my biggest critic. The process of drawing is long, mentally and physically exhausting and very time-consuming—from picking out a photo reference that has the right amount of expression and detail to the very end when I hang the portrait on a wall and stare at it for hours at a time finding the smallest of inconsistencies. There have been plenty of times I get halfway through a drawing and, because I didn’t make sure I was in the right headspace when I started, I ended up scrapping the entire thing and starting over.

LL: What are you currently working on?
NW: By the time this article comes out I should be elbow deep in commissions! The recent amount of love and support I’ve gotten since my art show at the Academy Center of the Arts in February is very overwhelming in the best way possible! Knowing that so many people appreciate my art to the point they trust me to draw their loved ones or favorite celebrities means the world.

LL: What advice do you have for future artists?
NW: There are no rules or regulations that need to be followed. And that’s what I love so much about it. No matter what your medium or style is, at the end of the day, if you love it, it is art. And if you’re proud of what you created, then that’s the best success anyone could ask for.

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.

The Bower Center for the Arts
Looking for an ARTVENTURE this summer? The Bower Center for the Arts is offering a perfect summer outlet for children to expand their imaginations and artistic talents with a full lineup of fun-filled Art Camps in June and July. Weekly themes will allow youth to express their creativity in all mediums!
Visit bowercenter.org for details.

FEKS Martial Arts Center
Shalom (Hi), My name is Bruce Rubinberg and I am the proud owner and head instructor of FEKS Martial Arts Center. FEKS has been a local staple in the Lynchburg and Forest communities for more than 44 years and has trained thousands of people in our beautiful communities. We are offering a FUN and COOL summer activity as a way of saying THANK YOU for all the love and support you have shown us. Enjoy “8 weeks of summer fun” for $99. Every week is a
different theme, packed with self-defense techniques, exercise, and fun drills. 20 spots available. Reserve yours today!
For more information, call 434-219-4207.

Imagination Station
We are keeping little minds growing and creating through art. Masterpieces will be made on different canvases, ceramics, glass, tiles, or wood, while learning to use a variety of mediums. These consist of but are not limited to acrylic, watercolors, oil pastels, gesso, charcoal and much more. Pack a NUT-FREE lunch with a drink and get ready to create.
Visit imaginationstationstudios.com for more information.

James River Association
The James River Association’s historic batteau trips are back for the 2022 season! Book a batteau trip or one of our guided paddle trips featuring stories about the wildlife, natural resources, and history of the James. Protect the river you love and find your adventure at www.jamesriveradventures.org!

James River Day School
Summer is here and full of possibilities! Sign your child up for a summer camp at James River Day School to watch the FUN begin! There are adventures for children coming into kindergarten through students going into 8th grade. Kids can get outdoors, be locavores, become math whizzes, explore artistic mediums, dive into books, play basketball, get ready for the fall sports season, and even engineer their own projects. Kids come from all over to have tons of summer fun at James River, so make your choice and sign up SOON! Check out all the possibilities at jrds.school/summer-fun/.

Lazy Days Winery
Kick off the start of summer at the 12th Annual Virginia Summer Solstice Wine Festival on June 25 from 11-6pm at Lazy Days Winery. Celebrate great wines from local Virginia wineries, live music on two stages, great festival foods, craft vendors, belly dancers, a petting zoo and more! Wine tasting
tickets include a free souvenir glass. Tasting tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Admission is free for kids 12 and under. For more information and tickets: summersolsticefestival.com

LCA Theatre Camp
The LCA Theatre Camp will meet for two full weeks from July 5 through July 16. This comprehensive theatre camp is open to students who will be entering the second through the ninth grades. Campers will attend sessions in the areas of makeup, costuming, choreography, musical theatre, improvisation, characterization, acting and theatre. Each child will have the opportunity to take part in a Camp Cabaret or One Act production, where they will memorize lines and demonstrate their skills on the final day of the theatre camp. At the end of camp, various awards will be presented to campers who have distinguished themselves in various areas.
For more information or to register go to payit.nelnet.net/form/UcmOBqFr.
For additional information, email Ray Jones at LcaTheaterDepatment@gmail.com.

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre
Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre specializes in yearround mountain activities open to Liberty University students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Blast down one of our Neveplast tubing runs or ski in all four seasons on our Snowflex® slopes. Our popular Combo Pass includes 2 hours of skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sledding, trampolining, and rentals!
Learn more at Liberty.edu/Snowflex.

Little Town Players
Little Town Players is proud to present the Tony-award winning musical The Secret Garden this Spring. Based on the story by Frances Hodgson Burnett, orphan Mary Lennox discovers her late aunt’s hidden and abandoned garden. As she revives its beauty, the sadness that has covered the garden and her bereft uncle is lifted. Directed by Mark Foreman and starring newcomer Maleigha Jeffcoat.
For more information, visit littletownplayers.com.

Lynchburg Parks & Recreation
Lynchburg Parks and Recreation manages 17 parks, more than 40 miles of trails, and 9 recreation centers throughout Lynchburg. Our department contributes to a healthy, active, and educated community and provides stewardship and management of parklands, trails, and facilities while also creating opportunities for all to participate in a variety of recreational activities. We invite you to Find Your Fun with us!
For more information, call 434-455-5858 or visit lynchburgparksandrec.com.

Natural Bridge Zoo
Natural Bridge Zoo is the wildest place in the state of Virginia, full of fun and excitement for any age! We allow you to get close and personal with
a wide variety of rare and endangered animals. Stare into the eyes of a huge white tiger, feed a giraffe, hug a llama, and have a parakeet land on your
hand in parakeet landing. Experience an elephant ride by looking at the world from a different view point while feeling the gait of the elephants walk (offered scheduled days/times). See a wide variety of beautiful birds, colorful goats, monkeys, deer, mountain lions and many more. Spend a wonderful day at the Natural Bridge Zoo creating lasting memories with the whole family.
For more information, call 540-291-2420 or visit naturalbridgezoo.com.

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill
Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is the final home and burial place of Founding Father, American Revolution hero, and five-time Governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry. Visitors can tour Patrick Henry’s reconstructed home, kitchen, and blacksmith shop, as well as his original law office and family gravesite along with other structures. This summer, come walk numerous trails around the property, pack a picnic lunch to eat outside, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of over 1,000 of Patrick Henry’s original acres.
Red Hill is open year-round but offers special events throughout the warmer months including an Independence Day Celebration, Lantern Tours, Star-Gazing Nights, and Living History Days. Plan your visit to Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, a place he called “the garden spot of the world,” this summer!
Visit redhill.org for more information.

Putt-Putt Fun Center Lynchburg
Every summer has its own story. We hope you’ll choose to make lasting family memories at Putt-Putt Fun Center™ where cool activities abound for all ages to enjoy!

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 our Typhoon Roller Coaster simulator. 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!
Visit PuttPutt.com/Lynchburg-VA to start the fun!

YMCA
The YMCA is committed to strengthening individuals and communities. At the Y, we’re here to help you find your “why” – your greater sense of purpose – by connecting you with opportunities to improve your health, support young people, make new friends and contribute to a stronger, more cohesive community for all. Through the support of our community, the Y works to empower every child, adult, and family to be healthy, confident, and connected, regardless of age, income, or background. Through outreach swim lessons, cancer survivor programs, community health initiatives, education and enrichment programs, and strategic partnerships, the Y creates solutions to some of our community’s greatest needs.
To learn more about the YMCA, visit ymcacva.org.

Season of Change

Hello, Lynchburg, and greetings from Virginia Beach! I am the Editor-in-Chief of Coastal Virginia Magazine, a lifestyle magazine similar to Lynchburg Living and, like this publication, a member of the VistaGraphics publishing family. I had the privilege of working alongside Lynchburg Living’s former editor, Shelley Basinger, for almost three years and, like you, I will miss her talent, tenacity and dedication to the Lynchburg community.

Not long after I came on board at Coastal Virginia Magazine, I had the chance to take a road trip to Lynchburg along with Lynchburg Living’s wonderful art director Chris Meligonis. We spent some time exploring the downtown area, strolling the Bluffwalk and checking out the Craddock Terry Hotel. And, after a fun photo shoot for the magazine, we grabbed some pints and bites at Grey’s restaurant. I hope to visit again soon.

I think I speak for Shelley and Chris and the entire Lynchburg Living team in extending a big “thank you” to one of the magazine’s regular contributing writers, Emily Mook, for stepping in to assist with the production of this issue during a time of transition.

Have your napkins ready because this is the food issue, and you’ll find plenty to dish about including all of the participating restaurants in the 11th Annual Lynchburg Restaurant Week, happening June 18-25, as well as a guide to summer fun and a preview of Lynchburg Living’s Smith Mountain Lake Idea House.

Finally, I am thrilled to share that Megan Williams has accepted the Managing Editor position at Lynchburg Living. Megan comes to us with an impressive and diverse background in publishing and marketing that includes a key role in the establishment of this very publication and, most importantly, a passion for the community and culture of Lynchburg.

By the time this issue is published, Megan will have been on the job for just a couple of weeks. I hope you, our readers, and the Lynchburg community will embrace and support her in her new role. I have no doubt she will be a tremendous asset, and you will hear much more from her in our July-August issue. Welcome, Megan!

Happy summer and bon appétit.

Leona Baker, Editor-in-Chief, Coastal Virginia Magazine
Leona@CoastalVirginiaMag.com

Calling all foodies! As you likely already know, Lynchburg’s restaurant game is strong.

The eateries featured in this issue, those participating in Lynchburg Restaurant Week, and a myriad of others boast delectable dishes and drinks that are undoubtedly worth a venture out. That said, the Lynchburg area also has plenty of offerings for discerning foodies that can be prepared and enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. Read on for details about five of our favorites!

Blackwater Bitters Co. Bitters
Blackwater Bitters Co., owned by Christy Christmas and Katie Elliott, is dedicated to producing high-quality and handcrafted bitters for foodies who want to add some zest to their drinks and food. Their small-batch production process often involves use of a tincture-based method, in which each agent is extracted individually, steeped from one to four weeks, and then combined. Products include cedar, orange, mocha, lavender, aromatic, celery, and rosemary bitters, and purchases can be made online or at select retailers in Lynchburg. For more information or to order online, visit blackwaterbitters.com.

T.C. Trotters Moose Mix for Bloody Marys
After T.C. Trotters Restaurant & Bar closed its doors, the company continued to produce its famous Moose Mix for Bloody Marys and sell it online and at various retailers. Then, near the end of 2020, owner Paul Webster opened a storefront on Commerce Street where the mix is made and where customers can sample the mix at a tasting bar. Each bottle is handmade and hand-poured, and the mix is bold, hearty, and just the right amount of spicy. It also doesn’t get watered down no matter how long you nurse it, and it tastes great with vodka or on its own. For more information or to order online, visit tctrotters.com.

Gunnoe Sausage Co. Country Sausage
Gunnoe Sausage Co. has been making fresh country sausage in Goode, Virginia since 1965. According to owner Craig Gunnoe, the formulations and flavor profiles haven’t changed, and the Gunnoe family recipe, which spans four generations, continues to impress. Country sausage varieties include sage, mild, and hot. Gunnoe products can be found in Virginia grocery stores and in stores throughout the mid-Atlantic. For more information, visit gunnoesausage.com.

Scratch Pasta Co. Pasta
Scratch Pasta Co. was created in 2017 by Chef Stephanie Fees, who is passionate about sharing her love of high-quality pasta with others. The pasta combines simple, fresh, and carefully-sourced ingredients with hand-made textures that are ideally suited for sauce. From spinach fusilli to spicy garlic mohawks to squid ink campanelle, Scratch Co. offers unique and flavorful options for every palate. You can purchase Scratch Pasta Co. products at the Lynchburg Community Market and online. For more information or to order online, visit scratchpastaco.com.

Stone Spice Company Spices
Stone Spice Company offers unique handcrafted, small-batch dry rubs and seasonings. Owner Josh Stone is dedicated to using the highest-quality spices to produce his original recipes, and he uses organic products as often as possible. Offerings include several varieties of the sweet and salty “BBQT,” including “Kickin’ BBQT,” “Screamin’ BBQT,” and “Buzzin’ BBQT,” along with “Sketti Sprinkle,” “Everything Sprinkle,” “Hot Toddy,” and more. Stone Spice products are available for purchase online and at many retailers throughout Virginia. For more information or to order online, visit stonespicecompany.com.

Don’t let the name fool you: Lynchburg Living Idea Houses may be driven by ideas, but they are built, decorated, and documented thanks to the collective actions of talented and dedicated individuals. The 2022 Lynchburg Living Smith Mountain Lake Idea House—a bright and family-friendly lakehouse—is no exception.

For instance, Woody Watts, President of Watts Creative Studios, took the photos of the house and the photos for the Idea House Partner Profiles, and Kasey Bruffy, Marketing and Production Assistant at Watts Creative Studios, assisted on the shoots and snapped these behind-the-scenes shots.

To read more about the Idea House team and to step inside the SML Idea House to find inspiration for your home, go to: lynchburgliving.com/lynchburg-idea-house

Thank you to our Lynchburg Living Smith Mountain Lake Idea House Partners!

Whether you are looking to build a new home or renovate an existing one, our in-house design staff and master craftsmen pride ourselves on walking our clients on a path to make their dreams become reality. If details and the highest quality are what you desire, call us today to start the EXPERIENCE.

Check back soon for the amazing video put together by Woody Watts.

Until then, enjoy viewing the wonderful photography of this years Idea House.