Fall Gardening and Prep for a Successful Spring and Summer Season

Aaahhh, autumn in Virginia.

Before you pull your mittens over those green thumbs, there are a few things you can do to get ahead of the game and be in top shape for the arrival of spring. 

First of all, the growing season doesn’t have to come to a screeching halt. In fact, I LOVE winter vegetable gardening. So many cool weather crops grow well here in our region, and with fewer weeds and less humidity, it makes for a more pleasant gardening experience.

Now is a great time to get your fall/winter brassicas established. To give your cool season garden a head start, you can often find already-established plants at local garden centers and skip the process of starting from seed. Broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, and others grow very well in the fall, and even in frost and snow!

In fact, they sweeten with the colder temperatures. Other options like carrots, parsnips, and even tender greens can grow through the fall and winter, especially with the help of a hoop house or cold frame. In fact, sweet and snow peas will grow through the fall as long as you protect them from frost. Many of these veggies are quick to mature, so plant in succession as long as the weather allows. 

There are lots of simple, cheap options for plant protection on bitterly cold days. A quick Google search on DIY hoop houses, cold frames and mini green houses will turn up plenty of results, and you may have the necessary tools and materials just lying in your garden shed! 

As for your non-edible landscape, a little attention now will serve you well when warm weather returns. September is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Gentle pruning is also recommended this time of year. Take some time to remove the dead and brittle branches, and shape up your canopies and bushes. For the rose gardeners, now is a good time to give your roses their last feeding of fertilizer and allow them to harden off. You can, of course, continue deadheading and think about collecting those rose hips (if your shrubs produce them) for later use in herbal teas, hand-made soaps, and other fun crafts.

A favorite fall gardening activity for many people is, of course, planting bulbs. There are so many options for fall planting that will provide bright bursts of color in the earliest days of spring. A few regional favorites include daffodils, tulips, alliums, lilies, hyacinth, and crocus. Bulbs are great fun for those who enjoy landscape design. Consider using different colors and flower heights to create interesting patterns. It will be exciting to see your hard work popping up after along winter.

These are just a few things you can do to clean up your landscape and dive into the fall gardening season. It’s also a good time to pull any unwanted weed invaders, separate crowded perennials, and give your lawn a little love by testing and adjusting your pH levels (between 6.2 and 6.5 is desirable), dethatching, and aerating.

We wish you happy gardening and a lovely fall season!  

How Two Brothers Turned A Family Farm Into A Winery

Not a hobby, a passion. 

That’s how brothers Ed and Paul Gerhardt describe owning and running Burnbrae Vineyards in Forest. 

It’s a “blink and you’ll miss it” type of place. Tucked off Cottontown Road, the road to the property is marked by a tiny sign. Looks can be deceiving, however; once you pull further down the gravel road, visitors will find themselves at a little wooden cabin on a sprawling green lawn where it isn’t abnormal to see wildlife around. 

The property has been in the family since the 1930s after it was purchased by a great uncle. You could find sheep, pigs, cattle, and horses—but no grapes. 

“It became a lot for our father to take care of on his own,” Paul said. “For a long time, he and his siblings ran it but after they got older, it was just him.” 

Paul and his brother, Ed, purchased it from their father and cousins, but they weren’t sure what they would do with it. The Lynchburg natives both had careers—Paul, a lawyer, and Ed, a surgeon—away from the area. 

A vineyard wasn’t their first thought for the property. They were more concerned with preserving family history and memories they had on the farm. Besides, growing grapes is no easy process. It requires extensive consulting and research to see if the property could even sustain grapes. If it can, it takes a year for grape vines to arrive and another three years for them to be mature enough to be harvested. 

But the brothers decided it might be worth it to have a study done on the land to see if it was even possible. 

“We looked at three different spots on the property before we settled on this one,” Paul said of the ridge where their grapes reside. “You need something with a little higher altitude to protect crops from frost.”

That turned out to be the easy part. Once the grapes arrived, it was time to plant them. It was an endeavor that the brothers took on with the help of friends and family. 

“If we learned anything that first year it’s hire people,” Ed said with a laugh. 

While the original plan was to just grow the grapes, the brothers wanted to do something more. 

“While exploring what more we could do, I ended up at this winery that I had never been to before,” Paul said. 

And the wine stood out. Paul called up Ed and his sister-in-law Lori to get their opinions. They all agreed: it was good. 

The Gerhardts ended up meeting the winemaker who expressed an interest in helping them create their own wine. From the petit verdot, sauvignon blanc, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit manseng varieties grown on the farm, they produce 14 different wines. 

“My wife said, ‘I thought this was going to be a hobby,’” Paul laughed. 

It had become more than just that. Ed and Lori decided to retire and moved full-time to Forest where they live on the property as caretakers. 

“We just retired and changed career paths,” Lori, a former nurse practitioner, said.

 When asked what the biggest adjustment was, Ed said, “a different call schedule.”

“I definitely get more texts from him now,” Paul mused. 

“It was the perfect activity during COVID,” Ed said. “You got to be in the field all day with a seven-foot distance between the rows. You didn’t encounter anyone.”  

Over the last few years, new life has been breathed into the property as the business continues to grow. They renovated the 19th century cabin into a tasting room, which opened in 2022. The winery has seen visitors from as close as Bedford County to as far as Utah. There’s even an option to ship wine to 41 different states. 

“We’re not trying to do all the things,” Paul said. “We’re a small property. Every winery is a little different. We set out to make good wine and have an oasis for people to enjoy it. 

It has also allowed them to connect with old friends from childhood—and new ones too like a couple hiking the Appalachian Trail or a group of friends on their yearly girl trip. 

“This place has always been special to us and now we get to share it with the community,” Paul said. 

If suddenly you’re inspired to start your own vineyard and winery, Paul said there’s a lot to consider.

“I recently sat down with a guy who wanted to chat,” he said. “I asked him, ‘Well, how much time do you have? How many acres do you have? Have you accounted for the employees you’ll need?’ If you’re going to do it as just a weekend thing, try it, and see how you do. Explore it. Maybe start with one or two varieties. Keep it small, unless you have a full business plan. You can do a lot of things if you’re willing to study and learn.”  

Burnbrae Vineyards is open Monday through Friday 12-5 p.m. by appointment only and from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays (reservations recommended). 

Inside Joshua & Deidre Stone’s 19th Century Home

Peeking out behind a boxwood hedge in College Hill is a whitewashed stone cottage crested by a green metal roof and accentuated by black window shutters. A black and white cat sunbathes on the stoop, acting as the unofficial guardian of the home. On a still, quiet morning, the faint sound of a record can be heard emanating from behind the arched glass transom and, if you stand up on your tip toes and hold your nose just right, you may catch the subtle whiff of sandalwood. 

It’s an idyllic scene to stumble upon—the exterior of the home giving the impression of a place frozen in time. But if you step through the front door, you’ll be greeted by its current owners, Deidre and Joshua Stone, and realize that the space isn’t frozen in time at all. Rather, it’s a work in progress—a constant evolution of creativity, eclecticism, and whimsy.

Deidre, dressed in a thrifted kimono with a large bronze ankh necklace draping from her neck, lights incense in the front living room while Joshua, shirt buttoned behind a bolero tie, switches the record on the record player. The two move about the home in sync with one another, with the ease of a couple who has been together for 17 years. Their energy is effortless, with a spark of expressiveness and curiosity that is infectious but unrepeatable. Within the walls of their 200-year-old home, everything is a canvas, everything is an opportunity, and everything is art.

“We purchased the house in 2018,” said Deidre, “after living in an apartment that had flooded multiple times. We knew we needed to move.”

“We weren’t looking for a house,” Joshua continued, “instead we were looking around at other apartments. The flooding happened on a Sunday, and this house was listed on that Wednesday. We looked at it, loved it, put an offer on it that Thursday and it was accepted the next day.”

“We closed and moved a month later,” Deidre concluded.

The house was move-in ready, though it had been vacant for ten years. But while it was move-in ready in the practical sense—replacement windows, central air conditioning—the Stones knew they were embarking on a journey to marry their aesthetic with the circa 1815 home.

The front part of the cottage—the living room, front bedroom, and second floor—are all original to the home, which is one of the oldest remaining homes in Lynchburg. The kitchen and bathroom were added sometime in the early 20th century. When the Stones purchased the home, they immediately ripped up the carpet and painted over the pale blue walls.

“I was hoping that there was goodness underneath all they had covered up,” Deidre remembered. “There were drop ceilings everywhere and layers and layers of wall and wallpaper.”

And goodness was in fact discovered as the Stones started stripping away two centuries worth of renovations. The original fireplace was unmasked after hiding behind plaster walls for decades. Sweeping ceilings and stunning wood beams were unearthed beneath drop ceilings. Original heart pine floors were waiting, perfectly preserved under beige carpet. In each room, the Stones meticulously rediscovered the original beauty of the home.

“I still think there’s a lot that we haven’t uncovered,” Deidre acknowledged.

Then, the Stones got to work making the home their own.

“Admittedly, all of this work and this vision is hers,” Joshua said, nodding toward Deidre.

“I love darker, moodier vibes. I like to think the house is an extension of my personal style. I fit in well with the decor,” Deidre laughed.

The Stones wanted to create a space that felt cozy, moody, and dark, but remained welcoming.

“It’s a marriage of style and aesthetic, but also comfort and livability,” explained Deidre.

Throughout the home, inky walls offset velveteen and metallic textures. In the living room, a plush brocade sofa from Gold Tusk Vintage sits amongst scented mystical candles. Geodes, tarot cards, and plants line metallic shelves. Celestial brass wall hangings dot the walls while dried flowers hang like fragile banners across windows.

Every element is a nod to Joshua and Deidre’s life and tastes. Deidre, the owner of Storm + Stress—a shop devoted to mystical jewelry, candles, art, and home decor—peppers her pieces throughout the home.

Her original artwork trails up the tiger print lined stairs. A brass tarot card from her shop hangs against an ebony wall. Joshua, who owns Stone Spice Company and sells his rubs and seasonings at the Forest Farmer’s Market, brings home a bouquet of flowers to dry each week—each one unique and delicate. When a corner of the home isn’t styled with elements from the Stones own hands, thrifted pieces take their place.

“It’s rare that I purchase anything new, unless it’s handmade,” said Deidre. “I think of myself as an intuitive thrifter. I let pieces come to me. I have an idea in my mind of what I need and I don’t try to rush it. I just wait until it presents itself. You don’t always get instant gratification that way, but when you do find the right piece it’s amazing.”

Much like their mentality with decorating and embellishing their home, the Stones are intuitively letting their home show them what’s next. It’s a constant evolution of projects—from the smallest of paint upgrades to plans to build out a commercial kitchen so Joshua can run Stone Spice Company entirely from their home.

“There’s no need to rush things,” Deidre concluded.  

Follow along as Deidre and Joshua continue to transform their home. Find them on Instagram at @blackmoonstonecottage.

Vintage Stores Offering Style and Sustainability

Many people would still prefer to read a paperback rather than an e-reader or capture a touching moment on film rather than on their phone’s camera. Certain things never lose their charm or the experience they give.

Even buying clothes can provide a fun and nostalgic experience for savvy shoppers. While thrift stores are nothing new, the appreciation for vintage clothing is on the rise. For many, thrifting is much more than finding a great deal on clothes. It can be a way to engage in more sustainable consumerism, or to create a signature look that is unlikely to be replicated with the clothes of today.

Tastes in fashion vary from person to person, but there are plenty of options in some of Lynchburg’s newer vintage and thrift stores. Each has its own way of keeping unique styles alive, while also making culturally conscious business choices. 

Mission Thrift

A collaborative project of Freedom 4/24 and Sports Outreach Institute, Mission Thrift is a store dedicated to offering the community an affordable place to shop for many essentials, while also supporting other nonprofits.

“Our goal is to be very collaborative and very community-focused,” Mission Thrift Manager Faith Towles said.

Located on Bedford Ave. in a former Food Lion building, Mission Thrift officially opened January 14, and has seen a consistent crowd ever since.

“We really are seeing the community, as a whole, come in the door,” Towles said.

The building is spacious enough to have several distinct sections for various household items, clothes, and even an entirely different wing of the building dedicated to furniture and large appliances such as refrigerators or ovens.

“We are an avenue for people to not throw away things. It’s amazing what items we get in,” Towles said.

Mission Thrift offers no-charge pickups for anyone wishing to give away furniture or appliances.

Although Mission Thrift offers a variety of products, Towles says that clothing is undoubtedly the biggest seller. Despite the sheer amount of clothing they take in, Mission Thrift still adheres to standards of quality to ensure customers also receive a great product.

According to Towles, if a clothing item is deemed unusable for any reason, it is packed away to be passed along to Mission Thrift’s clothing and textile recycler. The clothes stay out of the landfill and the materials can be given to communities with urgent needs around the world. To date, Mission Thrift has recycled 36,000 pounds of clothing.

Empire Fleet Vintage

With a greater focus on clothing, Empire Fleet Vintage boasts a unique array of styles and time periods on its racks. Owner Lisa Jonas opened the store May 2021, to accommodate her desire to start a business and her love for thrifting.

Part of Jonas’ goal in highlighting vintage clothing is to help combat the waste that “fast fashion” can cause.

“We don’t want to ever look down on people trying to rock their own fashion, but we like to encourage this idea of looking for pieces that are recycled, making it a little more sustainable,” she said.

Aside from the benefits of sustainability, what makes something vintage, as opposed to just secondhand, is the quality that it is made with—quality that is rarely found in modern clothing, according to Jonas.

“Having those time capsules from different periods is also really fun.”

She often gathers pieces for the store that she feels have some unique quality, but still keeps the store stocked with items with broad appeal.

“We do try to keep it curated to a degree that you don’t have to look too hard to find something that suits you,” Jonas explained.

The variety of styles at Empire Fleet is due, in part, to Jonas’ collaboration with other vintage consignors. She finds other people in the community who shop for vintage and offers them an avenue for their respective businesses.

“When they find their treasures, they can resell them here,” she said.

A+ Attire

While there is likely some cliché about couples who thrift together, Felix and Megan Guevara of A+ Attire prove there must be something to the success that their teamwork has provided.

Although you’ll sooner find A+ Attire at a community market pop-up rather than a traditional storefront, Megan also works at Empire Fleet Vintage, so some of her finds can be found there. The A+ team does business wherever they can and have made thrifting a part of their lives.

“Most of everything we’ve owned—furniture-wise, housing-wise, clothing-wise—has been thrifted,” Megan said.

Megan and Felix started A+ Attire just under two years ago. The company is named after their daughter Ainsley, whose blood type also happens to be A positive. However, the A+ also refers to the quality they seek in their repurposed clothes.

“We love to reuse and not let a lot of things go to waste,” Felix said.

Fortunately, after such a short time in business, Felix says that A+ found a degree of success early on.

“There’s a good market for it here in town. It’s an emerging market,” Felix said.

A+ likely has the most specialized vintage wear of the previously mentioned vintage stores—they specialize in vintage t-shirts and hats.

Imagining some of your old t-shirts or hats, you may not see the appeal of A+’s inventory at first, however, much like Empire Fleet, they look for items that stand the test of time and have unique qualities.

“We’re repurposing everything. That’s a big part of it, is repurposing,” Megan said.

Much of A+’s business comes from direct communications with the vintage community and their customers, who, at times, have very specific requests. Felix says that if a customer has a request, they “don’t have to put in the legwork.” Felix hunts down the requested item and notifies the customer when they’ve found it.

Megan recalls one of their more unique finds was a red satin jacket used in the 1960s-1970s television series Dark Shadows. “That was probably one of my favorite finds, to this day.”

Both Megan and Felix agree that they love finding something unique that a customer gets excited about. Continued research and discoveries into unique clothes have been a mainstay of A+’s business.

“We know infinitely more than we did a year ago. Our tastes have refined,” Felix said.  

A Guide to Propagating Houseplants

Houseplants bring a touch of nature indoors, adding vibrancy and life to any living space. One of the most rewarding aspects of plant ownership is propagating new plants from existing ones. Propagation is not only a cost-effective way to expand your collection, but it also allows you to share the beauty of your plants with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your green journey, learning how to propagate houseplants can be a fascinating and fulfilling endeavor.

Understanding Plant Propagation
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. It involves taking a part of the parent plant, such as a leaf, stem, or cutting, and encouraging it to develop roots and eventually grow into a new, independent plant. Houseplants can be propagated through various methods, including stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, division, offsets, and even air layering.

Selecting the Right Parent Plant
Before you begin the propagation process, it’s essential to choose a healthy and mature parent plant. Look for plants with vibrant foliage, sturdy stems, and no signs of disease or pests. Healthy parent plants increase the chances of successful propagation and produce strong, thriving offspring.

Materials You’ll Need
Gathering the necessary materials before you start propagation can make the process smoother. Some common materials include:

1. Sharp Scissors or Pruning Shears: These tools are essential for taking clean and precise cuttings.

2. Rooting Hormone (Optional): A rooting hormone can encourage faster root development in cuttings.

3. Pots or Containers: Small pots or containers filled
with a well-draining potting mix or water will be needed for
planting the cuttings.

4. Water Mister: A water mister helps maintain humidity levels for the cuttings, promoting successful root growth.

5. Transparent Plastic Bags or Domes: These create a
mini-greenhouse environment that keeps humidity high
around the cuttings.

Common Propagation Methods
1. Stem Cuttings: This is one of the most popular propagation methods. Select a healthy stem from the parent plant, usually a few inches long with a few nodes (areas where leaves attach). Make a clean cut just below a node and remove any lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in a pot with moist potting mix. Place a plastic bag or dome over the cutting to maintain humidity. Alternatively, cuttings can be placed in water with a few drops of liquid fertilizer and after a few weeks roots will begin to form from the nodes. Replace the water once a week or when the water becomes cloudy. Once the roots reach at least 3” the cuttings can be planted in soil.

2. Leaf Cuttings: Some plants, like succulents, can be propagated from individual leaves. Gently twist or cut a healthy leaf from the parent plant and let it callous over for a day or two. Plant the calloused end in a potting mix, keeping the leaf slightly above the soil surface. Over time, a new plantlet will sprout from the base of the leaf.

3. Division: This method is suitable for plants with multiple stems or clusters. Carefully remove the parent plant from its pot and separate the roots and stems into individual sections. Each section should have its own set of roots and stems. Replant these sections in separate pots.

4. Offsets: Some plants naturally produce offsets or “pups” that can be separated and grown into new plants. Gently remove the offset from the parent plant and plant it in its own pot with well-draining soil.

5. Air Layering: This method is used for larger plants with woody stems. It involves creating a small wound on a healthy stem, applying rooting hormone, and wrapping the wounded area with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it in place. Over time, roots will develop within the moss. Once the roots are well-formed, cut the stem below the rooted area and plant it in a pot.

Nurturing the New Plants
After planting the cuttings or divisions, it’s crucial to provide the right care for their successful growth. Place the pots in a warm and bright location, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch delicate new growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mist the cuttings or use the plastic bag/dome to maintain high humidity, which aids in root development.

Patience and Persistence
Propagation is an art that requires patience. Not all cuttings will succeed, and it’s important not to get discouraged by failures. Some plants may take several weeks or even months to establish roots and start growing. Keep a watchful eye on the new plants, and as they grow stronger, gradually acclimate them to normal indoor conditions.

Propagating houseplants is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level. It’s a journey of discovery, nurturing, and growth. As you explore different propagation methods and learn about the unique needs of each plant species, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the intricate beauty of nature. With the right techniques, materials, and a sprinkle of patience, you can successfully propagate houseplants and contribute to the lush greenery that transforms your living space into a thriving indoor oasis.  

Interiors With A Little Bit Extra

Jewel-toned rooms, curated collections, dark color palettes, and bold accents own these stunning interiors from local interior designers. If you’re ready to achieve a moody and maximalist look for your home, look to these examples as inspiration.

Bold Bathrooms
“I designed this bathroom for a historic home in Boonsboro. The client was looking for the wow factor when walking in the space. We utilized a mural for the walls with rich jewel tones. Instead of a typical sink vanity, we retrofitted a console table from Arhaus with a limestone bowl sink on top. The back legs of the console were taken off and we had the base wall mounted. The scale of the console table helps balance the statement mural. We chose a tall mirror to reflect the light from the crystal chandelier.” – Agatha Interiors, www.agathainteriors.com

Rental Property Reno (Featured Top Photo, Courtesy of Agatha Interiors)
“We utilized pops of jewel tones in rich velvets for the furniture pieces, which make a big impact against the white walls due the high contrast. In lieu of art, a large, gold mirror was used which helps to visually fill the expansive wall and creates a focal point in the space.” – Agatha Interiors, www.agathainteriors.com

Curated Corners
“The Dragonfly basement was done for clients who had a sad, depressing space that hadn’t been touched since the 1960’s. As avid readers, it needed ample book storage as well as a dedicated reading area. As graphic designers they wanted to be surrounded with images that were inspiring to them, so we added cork treatments to the walls to allow for a rotating display of items that bring them joy. A black and white photo mural of the family takes up the darkest corner in the space bringing some contrast and interest to an otherwise lost area. 

This space is ‘curated, moody Scandinavian.’ The clients love raw, natural wood, texture, simplicity but also cozy warmth and a collected feel.”  – Skylark Designs, www.instagram.com/Skylarkdesignsllc.

Moody Main Floors
“The moody main floor bathroom is actually in my own home. This bathroom serves as an ensuite for a guest room as well as the main bathroom for the main level of the house. The vanity and top were here when we moved in and were in good condition so the dark wall color (Knoxville Gray by Benjamin Moore) was chosen to help them blend into the space better. The collage of art is a conglomeration of lots of things: Old family photos, cheap Hobby Lobby finds, antique art, silhouettes, China plates, and even some needlework. It was all about finding things with the right ‘tone’. My motto: things don’t have to match, they just have to complement one another.”
– Skylark Designs, www.instagram.com/Skylarkdesignsllc.

Luscious Libraries
“The library bedroom was a pale lavender little girls’ room until recently. I wanted it to be a cozy, peaceful space you could curl up and read in all day and no one would find you—a secret library. I wanted this space to feel curated and not matchy-matchy, like pieces have been acquired over time so there is a natural variation in the pallet: the bed quilts are made out of recycled Saris from India, but the couch and light fixtures feel more modern. It’s a wonderful room that feels like a warm hug and invites you to sit, relax and discover something new.” – Skylark Designs, www.instagram.com/Skylarkdesignsllc.

Stylish Starters
“This was a design project for clients in Lexington. The space was small so using the darker colors on the walls as accents rather than the entire room was important, as well as keeping our ‘collections’ (wall murals, bookshelf design, etc.) a bit more reigned in for a more refined look. A little reading corner with deep green velvet chairs fills the far end where the windows are covered with warm gold velvet drapes. In the bedroom, they were afraid to commit to the darker wall colors and lose the beautiful light, so instead we brought in the deep greens with a wall treatment we created with sconces and warm green velvet drapery on all the windows. The gold sconces sparkle beautifully against the deep green (Tarrytown Green by Benjamin Moore) and the wood molding gives the space the architectural detail it was so desperately lacking.” – Skylark Designs, www.instagram.com/Skylarkdesignsllc.

A Groomed Suite
“Every bride wants to feel special on their day, but equally so does the groom and what’s better than giving him a brag-worthy space for him and his groomsmen? We made this space dark, moody and perfectly masculine! Since the room is small, we opted for a single black textured feature wall instead of going dark in the entire room to still maximize light. In the space, we brought in rich textures that provide a dark and masculine mood—from leather lamp shades with metal rivets to luxe velvet window treatments layered over warm textured shades and of course a classic Chesterfield style sofa. Just add in a craft beer or a glass of whiskey to cheers your favorite friend, and the room is complete! All of these elements marry each other to create the perfect moody space to gather with your boys.” – Curtains, Blinds & Bath, curtainsblindsbath.com

Bridal Beauty
“Just because this room is bright doesn’t mean it’s not moody! This space is a whole mood in itself because of some big time texture! We created so much visual interest in this room by keeping things flowing in neutral colors, yummy textiles, and very intentional pops of soft color—think your favorite hotel, where you go in and expect a welcoming and trendy vibe! While the room feels full, your eyes don’t land necessarily on one specific spot because we intentionally left it soft and soothing to compliment any bride’s color story. We left plenty of walking room once the girls add in their garments, bags, and all the getting ready supplies. Plus, we had to have a floor mirror moment for the bride in her dress, or a champagne toast boomerang!”
– Curtains, Blinds & Bath, curtainsblindsbath.com

Perfect Powder Rooms
“We were channeling an organic, timeless look in this small (we mean very small) bathroom. We kept the room moody by layering warm greens and grays that veer more on the brown undertone side and paired them with a mid-tone wood vanity to complement each other.

The curbless shower was soldier-stacked with a glossy subway tile to help bounce the light around, while the continuous warm floor brings in a slight maximalist vibe with the pattern. Matte black and a warm brass play into the moody aspect of the design, rather than pulling in cool tones of chrome or nickel. The granite selected for the countertop and shower shelf also tie in the gray greens of the room. Overall, the dimmable lights and warmth of the space give off a moody modern New England vibe.” – Curtains, Blinds & Bath, curtainsblindsbath.com

 

Artist Richard Riley Creates Surreal, Spooky, and Sublime Replicas

Photos by Ashlee Glen & Courtesy of Richard Riley

He has created pop culture and movie prop and character replicas for major amusement parks, Disneyland, orthodontist offices, museums, and myriad private clients. Madison Heights–based Riley Replicas has shipped creations around the globe, finding his work featured in France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, and Australia. What turned into a full-time passion enterprise for Richard Riley began as a side job when the artist needed a second income. 

In 1999, Riley was working for a fire extinguisher company. The Lynchburg-area native needed a second job to supplement his regular paycheck, and an idea came from his brother. 

Riley’s brother subscribed to a magazine called Toy Fair, which catered to action figure collectors, he said. The magazine was hiring artists to make dioramas they could stage their featured action figures in. 

“He was like, ‘Why don’t you try that?’ I said, ‘Sure, why not?’” Riley said. So, he made some dioramas, took photographs of them, and sent them in to the magazine in response to their job advertisement. He was hired on the spot.

Riley worked for the magazine making dioramas for a year, until operations shifted and the work started drying up. Riley’s brother, once again, gave him another idea.

“My brother, again, showed me where people were making replicas of figures from Star Wars and he said, ‘They’re selling them on eBay.’ And again, I was like, ‘I can do that!’ So I just jumped into it and started making these small figures,” Riley said. 

After launching that endeavor, Riley got what he considers his big break in the replica-making world. 

In 2003, a New York City client who owned a comic book shop commissioned Riley to make some Star Wars replicas for his private collection. This contract had Riley making a replica every two weeks. One of his first projects was a Jabba the Hutt replica, re-creating the infamous sloppy space slug. 

One day, the client asked Riley if he would start making some Star Wars mask replicas. His vision was to put them on full-size mannequins, dressing them to look like various Star Wars characters to set up around his comic bookstore. 

“I had no idea how to even begin to make one, but I could either lose a customer or figure it out, so I told him ‘I’ve never done a mask. I know the principles behind it. Let me try something but of Styrofoam.’”

The Styrofoam mask was a success. 

Styrofoam has been Riley’s go-to material ever since. 

Sometimes he works with fiberglass or uses plastic resin molds when making multiple pieces of the same item, but Styrofoam is by far the most common and primary material used to create his replicas. 

“It’s more economical for the client, and also it’s so forgiving,” Riley said. “If you cut something or if you carve something and it’s not exactly right, just cut that part out, put a new piece in, and then carve it again. No big deal.” 

In 2015, Riley went full-time with his business. 

He is mostly a one-man show, except on occasion where he needs something like a metal frame or a metal decoration for a particular replica. In these cases, Riley said he hires a local specialist for whatever service he needs. 

All of Riley’s clients find him online, he explained. 

“The internet has completely changed how people like me do work,” Riley said. 

In a competitive market, Riley chooses not to limit himself to a hyper-specific niche and makes sure he always delivers by his promised deadline.

“I’ve really diversified when it comes to what I make,” he said. “I don’t try to pigeonhole myself.” 

The most fulfilling part of his work, Riley said, is troubleshooting—figuring out how to go from nothing to the final product. Each creation is different and requires a different process as a result.

“I know what the piece is going to look like before I finish it. In my mind’s eye, I know exactly what it’s going to look like. It’s just the figuring out how to get to that point because certain pieces will require it to be hollow. Other pieces may require it have an internal structure. It might have to have a metal frame in it, or a wood frame in it,” Riley said.

The least favorite part of his job is shipping the items, particularly large ones, Riley admitted. Trying to pack and pay for everything can be a headache. When possible, he said he drives a project to its destination himself. 

One hundred percent of his work goes out of state, Riley said. Although he is based in Virginia, no client has contacted him directly from the Commonwealth. 

Riley’s annual commissions vary year by year, but this year he is booked solid through 2024. Clients are on a waitlist for next year, he said. Sometimes, he might only do five jobs a year, but they are usually major ones. 

In May, Riley had a replica of the head of the shark from the classic movie Jaws. The nearly four-foot piece will be mounted on the wall of a 1970s/1980s movie-themed Texas restaurant, he said. As a major fan of this movie, the job was an extra special one for the artist. 

The dream job would be to make a replica of the full-sized shark from Jaws, Riley said. That, along with a life-size T-Rex and some spaceships from the Star Wars universe. 

If people visit Kings Dominion during Halloween, they might see one of Riley’s creations on display: a cemetery arch. This commission was made through a New York-based firm working with the amusement park. Other Halloween pieces can be found at Six Flags amusement park, and Disneyland in California. 

Out of his extensive portfolio, three projects stand out to Riley among the most memorable. 

Around 2013, Riley made a replica of a Star Wars creature for a car manufacturer. His work was featured in that year’s Super Bowl advertisement for the manufacturer. 

A few years ago, Riley received a commission to make an ancient-looking statue of the legendary Greek hero Hercules fighting Cerberus, the three-headed dog who, in mythology, stands guard in the realm of Hades. After delivering the piece, Riley found out it was displayed at an event the president attended. 

Riley said his personal favorite project was making Max, the dog from Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas. This piece went to an orthodontist office in South Carolina, where the holiday theme was “the Grinch.”

Chris Jerrigan, the orthodontist at this office, has been a regular client of Riley’s for five years now. He practices what he calls “experiential marketing,” setting up elaborate quarterly themes in his office. Countries of the world; Disney themes with castles, cottages, and soon an eight-foot dragon; and a 12-foot Rockefeller Center replica; seasonal themes for Halloween and Christmas—there is always something set up in the small-town practice. 

“I always wonder if he’s not going to get snapped up by Lucasfilm or Universal to start making their stuff. It’s just crazy, his level of talent,” Jerrigan said. 

Riley’s biggest piece of advice to fellow artists, which he wishes he had done, is to take business courses.

“Whatever job or dream someone has, there’s absolutely no reason why they can’t follow it. None whatsoever,” Riley said.   

If aliens had landed and embedded a tribe of intergalactic species into one room… .”  No, that’s not the start of a zany joke; rather, it’s how one story in the January 2004 issue of Lynchburg Living began. In the article, Cutting Edge, Curious, Contemporary, writer Craig Shaffer reviewed a sculpture installation exhibiting at the time at Riverviews Artspace. We’d like to adopt that title—Cutting Edge, Curious, Contemporary—as the autobiographical title to this trip down memory lane. Twenty years of magazines. Twenty years of curiosity, of exploring the cutting edge, the contemporary, and the celebratory. Twenty years of putting ink to paper to catalog all that our beautiful region has to offer. If you’ve been with us since day one, this is just as much your celebration as it is ours. If you’re new to these pages, welcome. We hope you’ll stick with us for the next 20.

An Oasis for Dog, Beer, and Mountain Lovers

Photos Courtesy of Xiaoqi Li Photography & THE INDIGO HOUSE

A right turn off of the famed Nelson 151 and a quick cruise up a hill on Blundell Hollow Road will give you the first glimpse of The Indigo House—a white and stone 3,600-square-foot house just peeking through the gold- and carnelian-hued trees. Positioned in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountain, The Indigo House isn’t just one lucky person’s mountain oasis. It’s a four-bedroom bed and breakfast that’s been meticulously designed to cater to the next generation of B&Bers.

Owners Kyle and Stephanie Thomas bought the five-acre plot of land in 2018 after traveling the country for a year with their tear-drop camper and dog Marietta in tow.

“We stumbled into the area and quickly fell in love,” Stephanie remembered.

For several years the Thomases simply camped on the land, relishing the easy access to Rockfish Gap, the Appalachian Trail, and the growing number of breweries and wineries along the 151 corridor. With the flexibility of their remote tech jobs, the Thomases would end their 9 to 5s with woodland hikes, post-work beers, and exploring the food and beverage scene of nearby Charlottesville, with Marietta happily trailing alongside them. As they explored the area, an old idea crept to the surface: Why aren’t there more places for people like us? People who want to bring their dog on vacation and explore the area together?

That idea had been rumbling around in their minds and popping up in idle conversations for the past few years and, with the new land practically begging for a project, they knew it was time to explore that idea further.

Construction on the bed and breakfast ended earlier this year and The Indigo House immediately opened up for guests and their furry friends to come and stay.

“We are a unique crossfire between a B&B and a boutique hotel,” Stephanie said. “There are four guest rooms, each with their   own bathroom, and three community spaces. The dining room has three tables and serving stations for produce-heavy, farm-to-table breakfasts. We aim to provide guests with wholesome meals that they won’t feel guilty about. As we like to say, ‘Fuel your fun.’”

The kitchen comes equipped for basic necessities for guests to enjoy a gourmet lunch on the go—whether it be for a roadside picnic between brewery stops or a mid-hike power up. The Indigo House also serves afternoon tea with sweets for cozier afternoons when guests are relaxing indoors.

Every amenity is aimed at helping guests feel as comfortable as possible, while still giving
them complete autonomy to go about their day and schedules.

“We offer guided reception from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. if guests want us to show them the ropes, or self-check-in after 7 p.m.,” Stephanie explained. 

The Indigo House is designed for creature comforts—both for the two-legged and four-legged guests. Each guest room is uniquely designed and styled. There’s the Shenandoah room, named after the Shenandoah National Park, which borders the 151, the only room on the ground floor, featuring a spacious king bed, zero entry shower and calming blue hues. There’s the Glacier room, named after Glacier National Park in Montana, ideally positioned closest to the snack bar and lounge, featuring a charming green wainscoting and rugged, cozy decor. The Rocky Mountain
room, named after its counterpart in Colorado, is equipped with a shower/tub combo and is the only room with a sitting area. Its decor boasts rich blue walls and matching headboard and a gallery wall of art curated from the Thomases’ travels. Finally, there’s the Zion room. A Utahan desert meets mid-century modern design, the room is a stunning blend of textures and earth tones.

“Our color story is modeled after a bed and beverage we stayed in in Nashville and we also love the simplicity of the California aesthetic,” Stephanie said. “We’ve mixed a bunch of styles and have an eclectic focus, but everything is pulled together with the colors of nature. We like bringing the outside in.”

Each room also includes a designated nook and custom dog beds for the canine traveler. When they get hungry or just need a reminder that they’re a good boy, custom dog treats can be found in the kitchen and a dog run sits just outside so they can safely get out some energy.

When guests aren’t hitting the 151 brewery trail or hiking a nearby mountain, they can cozy up inside with board games—the Thomases’ own collection can be found on the second floor right next to the honor bar where guests can enjoy a complimentary bottle of Gabriele Rausse Winery wine.

“We’ve really tried to prioritize evening entertainment,” Stephanie explained. “We’ll have themed nights like classic movies with classic cocktails and in October we’ll have a haunted weekend. We like to think of The Indigo House as a grown-up summer camp, where you can really find all of the activities you need just inside and outside of our doors.”

Whether you think of The Indigo House as a grown-up summer camp, a mountain oasis, a place to rest your head after a day on the trail, or perhaps a little of everything, one thing is certain: It’ll be a stay full of intention, comfort, and adventure.  

For many newly engaged couples, wedding planning seems like a dream—until you are faced with dozens of choices all at once. From the venue to the dress (and all of those little details in between), it’s hard to know where to start!

We are here to help. Our Best Of Bridal Picks list tells you who recent brides and members of their wedding parties recommend in 27 categories. Read below to see who made the list!