CraveABLEs ice cream shop combines quality desserts with exceptional service to ensure that customers and staff alike feel welcome, supported, and well-fed.
Started by local high school special education teachers Taylor Perkins and Genevieve Weaver, craveABLEs aims to come alongside individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing them with a stable job that not only allows them to better their community, but also gain valuable life skills that they can carry for the rest of their lives, including food prep, money skills, taking inventory, fulfilling online orders, busing tables, building relationships with customers, and more.
Perkins, who serves as the president of the non-profit, said that she first had the idea for the ice cream shop after watching several of her high school students have trouble finding work after graduation.
“Outside of just my classroom, I have also met so many families who have had children with disabilities struggling to find something meaningful… and specifically overlooked in the workforce,” she said.
“A lot of people hear they have a disability and think that they can’t do anything, but that’s false. They are able to do tons of things. Sometimes they just need encouragement or the correct platform to showcase all they are able to do.”
With over a dozen different flavors of Homestead Creamery ice cream as well as options for ice cream nachos, sammies, and floats, the shop looks to meet every customer’s specific sweet tooth.
“Our slogan is ‘full bellies, fuller hearts’ because customers can go to different places and get ice cream, but there’s no other place where you can go and get sweet treats and also know that you are doing a great thing and changing lives,” Perkins said. “You’re providing [craveABLEs employees] with their first and, for some, only job they will ever have. So, we need the community and the customers to make this successful. Without customers, we are an ice cream shop with no one to serve.”
In addition to the craveABLEs trailer, which launched in April, the company also added a brick-and-mortar location in June at 2608 Lakeside Drive. While the trailer allows employees to venture out and serve the community at festivals and private events, the permanent store enables them to better foster relationships with the community.
“By coming to craveABLEs, customers will know that it’s more than just ice cream and they are making a difference in all the employees’ lives,” Perkins said. “And vice versa—our employees are so happy to have a job and a chance to engage with the community and meet new friends. Our customers can learn a lot from our employees, such as how to be happy with the little things in life, specifically the opportunity to just have a job!”
You can find craveABLEs at 2608 Lakeside Drive in Lynchburg and online at craveables.org.
Nature Is Healing
The Importance of Kids Spending Time Outside
By: Shannon Kelly | Photos Courtesy: Jill Waugh
Nature is healing,” said Catherine Eubank, founder of ONE Forest School near Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County.
Her sentiment echoes myriad studies on the healthful impacts of spending time outdoors—and studies that examine what can happen when there is a lack of connection to the natural world.
“Nature deficit disorder” is a term coined by Richard Louv in 2005, in his book, Last Child in the Woods. In an interview with Jill Suttie for Greater Good Magazine, Louv said the term “is not a medical diagnosis, but a useful term—a metaphor—to describe what many of us believe are the human costs of alienation from nature: diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses, a rising rate of myopia, child and adult obesity, Vitamin D deficiency, and other maladies.”
Louv further said urban planning and loss of green spaces contribute to diminished engagement with nature.
Some places in and around the Lynchburg area aim to remedy that.
ONE Forest School
Located near Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, ONE Forest School is an accredited forest school and is also accredited by the American Camp Association for the summer camp program it offers. Launched in 2017, the school operates on a 10-acre campus on Deerhead Nature Preserve.
Open to children from preschool through eighth grade, ONE Forest School’s curriculum and setting aims to address what Eubank said is a root cause of school and workplace violence, substance use issues, and suicide rates, particularly among young people: a lack of knowledge on how to healthfully manage strong emotions, and how to communicate them appropriately.
Part of addressing this issue starts with acknowledging its connection to nature deprivation.
“If you’re in the middle of the forest, and you are not surrounded by anything but sticks and twigs, and beautiful images, and the birds tweeting, it’s a natural sedative. It’s been scientifically proven, the endorphin levels rise in your brain, and all the things that you need to quiet your mind are already right there,” she said.
Eubank has seen the transformative difference nature immersion makes on children as they learn to acclimate to more time outside—building sure-footedness and tuning in to nature rather than manufactured noise and artificial stimuli.
Playing with sticks, making mud cakes, working the garden, putting on skits, making crafts, sharing in talk circles, and spending time in the sand box are all part of the holistic experience. Students learn to identify the flora and fauna by touch, sight, and smell.
“The kids that have been in public school, and were made to sit down, and made to be quiet have a really hard time also adjusting to our way of things, where we don’t sit down, and we’re moving around, and we’re investigating, and looking, and touching, and feeling, and speaking, and communicating. We have to use that time as an unschooling process,” Eubank said.
In the City of Lynchburg, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah is a 47-acre nature oasis that, according to its mission statement, “serves emerging social needs through the process of engaging children, families and community in meaningful outdoor experiences.” In 2021, the camp expanded on that mission by placing 42 of its acres under a conservation easement and rebranding to a new name: Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center.
Featuring a large field, creeks, and some pools, the property is predominantly wooded. Pollinator and sensory gardens are tended there, along with native plants. Students and campers who participate in certain programs have the opportunity to help in the vegetable garden, harvest their own food, and cook with it, learning about nutrition and how to make healthy meals that benefit physical and mental wellbeing.
Being outside tends to make one want to learn, said Amy Bonnette, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah’s executive director.
“Not 100 percent, but the majority of the behavior issues or challenges you might see in a traditional classroom setting just disappear, and a lot of children who might struggle in a traditional academic atmosphere can really thrive and succeed, and are willing to ask questions, and willing to share, and are able to use their hands to explore and to learn,” said Gage McAngus, program director at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center. “It’s been really phenomenal, because in discussions we’ve had with teachers, they’ve seen a completely different side of their children.”
Further initiatives underway at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center include building renovations, handicap accessibility improvements, addition of a kitchen and event space, and the organization is working toward the goal of breaking ground for a new amphitheater. The nonprofit camp also has scholarships available for a limited number of eligible kids.
“I want people to find their place in the woods,” Bonnette said. The experiences at the nature center help develop confidence and self-esteem in the children who participate, building community, exploring new interests and activities, cultivating listening and communication skills, and developing compassion for other living things as they interact with the natural world and with each other. Leadership and mentoring opportunities are also available for teens through the camp’s programming.
“There seems to be a real kind of gentleness when it comes to nature that you might not get from the anxiety that can come from being in front of a screen, playing a video game, or watching a show that’s going to end after 20 minutes with an ad in the middle.
They really are able to take time to breathe, and to calm down, and to appreciate just the beauty of what’s around them every day,” McAngus said.
There are a few public access points around the property to walking trails, athletic fields, and pollinator gardens the community can enjoy. The KinderWoods area is also open to the public every day from 9 a.m. ’til dusk when summer camp is not in session.
More information and a calendar of events is available online at campkumbayah.org.
Healthy Picnic Recipes
Summertime is picnic time! Get three simple and delicious recipes to enjoy on a warm day with friends.
Written & Photographed By: Laura Miner
All of the dishes are jam-packed with flavor while still being a bit better for you than traditional picnic foods. So go ahead, indulge in these recipes at your next backyard cookout or picnic. Your taste buds will thank you!
BLT Salad (Photo Above) Serves: 4 Imagine everything you love about the classic BLT sandwich, but with a refreshing, healthier twist! Every single element that makes a BLT so beloved is represented in this recipe, but this BLT is served in a veggie-packed salad form. Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy croutons are paired together, then tossed in a creamy, rich, and herby dressing, made with a base of Greek yogurt! Every bite just gets better and better.
Dressing Ingredients: 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 2 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup minced fresh herbs. Use any combination of parsley, dill, tarragon, and chives. 1/4 tsp salt & pepper
Salad Ingredients: 6 cups chopped lettuce 8 pieces bacon, cooked and cooled 1.5 cups croutons 1 cup diced tomatoes
Directions: 1. Prepare the dressing by whisking all the ingredients together. Store covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve the salad. 2. Assemble the salad. Cut the bacon and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add all the salad ingredients to a large bowl. Toss with the salad dressing and serve right away.
Notes: • If you’re making this in advance, keep the dressing, bacon, and croutons separate until just before serving to keep it crunchy! • For a lower fat option, use turkey bacon. • Make it a complete meal by adding your favorite protein to the salad, like grilled chicken or hard boiled eggs.
Southwest Turkey Burgers Serves: 4 Inspired by bold southwest flavors, this turkey burger puts a healthier twist on a cookout classic. The burger is flavored with chipotle peppers and tons of herbs and spices for just the right amount of spicy kick. It’s all mellowed out with a cooling cilantro-lime avocado spread, your favorite toppings, and served on a toasty bun.
Burger Ingredients: 1 lb. ground turkey 1/4 cup minced cilantro 1/2 tsp each cumin, salt 1/4 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chipotle powder 3 tbsp canned chipotles, minced Optional toppings: lettuce, sliced tomato, monterey jack cheese 4 burger buns
Smashed Avocado Spread: 2 avocados 1 tbsp lime juice 2 tbsp minced cilantro 1/4 tsp salt
Chipotle Ketchup: 1/2 cup prepared ketchup, any kind 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar 1/2 – 1 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
Directions: 1. To prepare the burger mixture, use your hands to mix together the ground turkey, cilantro, chipotles, and seasonings. Form into four patties. Place the burgers in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes to help them firm up and stay together when transferring to the grill. 2. Make the avocado mash. Cut open and remove the pits from the avocados. Scoop out the flesh and place it in a bowl. Add lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Use a fork to roughly smash the avocado and mix it together. Mix the chipotle ketchup ingredients together. 3. Mix the ketchup with apple cider vinegar and chipotle powder, starting with less and tasting until it’s the level of spicy that you enjoy. 4. Preheat a clean, well-oiled grill to 400°F. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for about 13-16 minutes total, carefully flipping halfway through. When the middle of the burger reaches 165°F, remove the burgers and set them aside. 5. Assemble and serve. Toast the buns. Spoon a few tablespoons of the avocado spread onto the bun, then layer the burger along with any other toppings you enjoy. Serve right away.
Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Skewers with Orzo & Feta Salad Serves: 4-6 (About 8 Skewers) This recipe is a celebration of all things Mediterranean, and it’s absolutely perfect on a hot summer day! Tender pieces of marinated chicken and thinly sliced summer squash, zucchini, and onions are grilled to perfection and served up on skewers. Plate it alongside a crowd-pleasing orzo salad tossed with crunchy vegetables and delicious feta cheese. Best of all, the marinade pulls double duty—half will be used to marinate the chicken and half will be used as a vibrant dressing for the orzo salad!
Chicken Skewers Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken breasts 2 medium zucchini 2 medium summer squash, medium size 1/2 red onion
Marinade/Dressing Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 tbsp lemon juice 3-4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp each of dried thyme, dill, and onion powder 1/4 tsp salt & pepper
Orzo Salad Ingredients: 3 cups cooked & cooled orzo 1/2 cup diced bell pepper 1/2 cup diced tomato 1 cup diced cucumber 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions: 1. Make the marinade by whisking all the ingredients together. 2. Next, marinate the chicken. Cut the chicken in 1 inch cubes. Place them in a large bowl and pour half of the marinade on top, setting the other half of the marinade aside to use as a dressing later. Turn the chicken until all the pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and set it aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, make the orzo salad. Toss the orzo with the diced bell peppers, tomato, cucumber, feta cheese, and the reserved marinade/dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep the salad covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve it. 4. Prepare the skewers. Cut the onion into ½ inch pieces. Using a mandolin or vegetable peeler, slice the zucchini and summer squash lengthwise to make long ribbons. Thread a piece of chicken, folded zucchini, squash, and onion onto the skewer. Repeat this process until the skewers are filled. 5. Preheat a well-oiled grill to 400°F. Cook the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, per USDA. 6. Serve the skewers right away with the orzo salad.
Notes: • Smaller zucchini and squash tend to work better in this recipe. Avoid large zucchini and squash since they are seedy. • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using them to keep them from burning. • Don’t pack the skewers too tightly. Leave a little bit of space between each element to ensure even cooking.
Homemade Linen Dreams
A mother of two runs Amherst-based Alcock Threads
By: Izzi Diaz Young | Photos By: Ashlee Glen
When the owner of Alcock Threads, Renita Kuepfer, was gifted a sewing machine by her parents for her twelfth birthday, she had no idea the impact it would have on her life. What began with creating miniature clothes for her dolls and small quilts for herself eventually grew into Alcock Threads, a custom linen clothing shop based out of Amherst, Virginia.
Uprooting from her home in northern Michigan about eight years ago, Kuepfer settled in the town of Amherst after she and her husband got married. Now, she is a mother to two little boys; when she is not parenting, she can be found with a needle and thread, hand sewing custom creations for customers across the globe.
Her love of sewing and creating was inspired when she was only a child, but was amplified around eight years ago, as Kuepfer realized what might be lying within the details of her beloved materials. Her medium of choice was validated once she began discovering hidden chemicals lying within household objects and many synthetic fabrics.
“When I got married in 2016, I became very aware of all the toxins and chemicals that come with so many cleaners and fabrics, and I really wanted to cut down on that for my own home,” Kuepfer said.
With that, an idea formed.
“That’s when I found linen and fell in love with how sustainable and versatile it is for all your home linens, and, it is so incredibly comfy yet classy while wearing it!” she said.
After having her first son and experimenting with sewing linen, Kuepfer found her niche.
“I really had a hard time finding clothes that actually fit my preferences and body type, and so I resorted back to my initial ability to sew my own clothes,” she explained. “Then I fell in love with the art of being able to take a piece of fabric and some measurements and making something that I wanted to wear and felt beautiful in.”
While she began crafting her vision and designing her stunning products in 2016, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic struck that the store, Alcock Threads, was brought to life.
“I was in the crunches of being a first-time mama and needing to stay home and quarantined. I badly needed something to do as a creative outlet,” Kuepfer noted. “So, out of desperation, I started an Instagram account to document my sewing. Within a few months, I started getting messages about sewing custom orders and I eventually started up an Etsy shop to take orders.”
Alcock Threads shoppers can browse tank tops, dresses, aprons, and anything in between, and purchase hand-created, stunning garments by Kuepfer that are all custom, made to order, and designed specifically for the customer. Browsers will see that all the listed designs have unique names to fit their personal style, such as a linen buttoned bodice dress named Charity, or linen maxi skirt by the name of Evelyn. One might even notice the linen tee the shop offers with a familiar name of Reni, short for Renita.
Kuepfer stated that much of her clothing and style inspiration is drawn from her love of minimalism, and how linen is often associated with “simple yet elegant designs.”
She noted, “Often I find this inspiration from Pinterest…but I also do have four wonderful sisters that I bounce ideas off of!”
Alcock Threads features an array of apparel that is perfect for everyday attire, but can also be adorned for more formal events, succeeding in being versatile to fit all phases and stages of life. Her designs can be woven to fit all body types and styles, becoming the perfect addition to anyone’s closet.
“I’m a hands-on person,” she explained. “So I hand-draw my patterns with a grading process, inspiration photos, and use either USA letter sizes or your specific measurements.”
When asked what her favorite thing about being a business owner is, Kuepfer said, “I love being able to work with people I have never met, creating a design I know will put a smile on their face whenever they wear it.”
She certainly makes her customers happy, having received an average rating of five stars for her listed items. One customer commented, “Renita has a gift, and she is excellent at it! I have bought two dresses and they are both some of my favorite pieces I own.”
Another remarked, “Reni works really hard to make sure you are satisfied with her garments and willing to make changes until you are happy.”
Kuepfer had a goal, a plan to execute her vision, and much help along the way. Kuepfer now operates as a mother and small business owner—two full-time jobs that aren’t for the faint of heart. With much dedication, an immense passion for what she does, and the support of a happy clientele behind her, Kuepfer’s dreams have come to life.
Her community of consumers and encouragers is growing daily and spans the country.
“I’ve met some lovely local friends through sewing orders, but the majority of my business has come from the nationwide online community,” Kuepfer stated.
Kuepfer’s advice for folks interested in starting their own small business? “Just do it,” she said. “Find your niche and stay consistent. It’s hard work but being creative is worth it! Most importantly, have fun with it!”
Adventure Awaits
RVing, Camping with Kids, Creating Content, and Making the Most of Every Moment
By: Megan Williams | Photos by: Ashlee Glen
In a warm summer afternoon, a scene plays out that any mother will recognize: Trying to get lunch on the table while keeping a child occupied and happy. But there are some nuances to this particular scene that are worth noting. The mom, dad, and child aren’t in a house—they’re outside with an RV in the background. And they aren’t at home, they’re in a campground. And, the most unusual, Yogi Bear and Cindy Bear—two mascots from Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Natural Bridge—are wandering up to the campsite to help the mom create content for her hundreds of thousands of social media followers.
Erin Graves, the woman behind the brand Campin’ Erin, has been camping on the weekends with her family for the last five years. Along the way, she shares her camping tips, hacks, and product reviews with her over 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram.
“Every time we would camp, I’d look at TikTok videos to learn more about the campsite or get camping recipe ideas,” she remembered. “People on TikTok want entertainment or to learn something. So I started posting videos of products we bought for our RV, and the account just grew from there.”
Graves launched her TikTok account in 2022 and has since amassed over 1.5 million likes on her content. An Instagram account followed shortly after and is steadily growing.
“Anywhere we are, I’m making some sort of video, whether it’s food or a product,” she said. “I’m also an ambassador for Blackstone and am often creating food content using their camping griddle.”
Graves and her husband, Charles, were both tent campers when they met. But after they had their son, Walker, they switched to an RV—a Keystone Bullet 290BHS. Their 34-foot travel trailer is decked out with amenities, creature comforts, and clever tools that make their camping trips as efficient as possible. And after countless camping weekends and thousands of miles on their RV, Graves has learned a thing or two about streamlining equipment and experiences so she and her family get the most out of their adventures.
“We definitely made some immediate changes when we got our camper and others have happened over time,” she explained. “RV mattresses from the factory are awful. We have upgraded our mattress twice, so one went on our son’s bunk bed, because those mattresses are pretty awful too. We added a new curtain rod in the bathroom to give more space so you don’t have the dreaded shower curtain cling while you’re showering. We added towel storage in the bathroom as well to make it easier and save valuable storage space in the cabinets. Most of the changes we made were small—cup holders, lamp shades, baskets for storage.”
Graves also made a curtain for the shelf above their bed to hide anything they need to store, as their Keystone model is the only year in which the brand didn’t add cabinet doors for that area. They also added shelving to their bedroom closets for more efficient storage space, as well as upgraded screen door handles for ease of use and a homier touch.
“A little bit of extra decor inside makes it feel homey, but I don’t do too much because we are just weekenders,” Graves said. “We don’t want to unpack too much just to have to pack it up again in a few days. We keep most of our things in the camper, so when it’s time to camp, we just pack food and clothes and that’s about it. We’ve really got it down these days.”
The interior of the RV is cozy yet minimal, with small accents like custom throw pillows or a travel journal open and awaiting that day’s camping memories. It serves as a comfortable landing pad after the Graves family has spent the day outside and a safe refuge should rain or storms unexpectedly strike.
When finding the right RV for their family, the Graveses prioritized a standard queen size bed for the primary bedroom, standard fulls for the bunk beds, primary bedroom that was separate from the rest of the space, two doors, and an outdoor kitchen.
“We have had eight people sleep in here, which is the most we’ve had. It was…cozy,” she laughed.
They also found the added laundry chute, which drops the day’s dirty clothes into a storage bin below, to be a welcomed bonus. And while they hardly use the TV, there is a DVD player with six or seven DVDs stored up for rainy days. The couch in front of the TV pulls out into an extra bed, and the Graves family will cozy up for a rainy movie night with popcorn.
“We don’t cook inside a ton,” Graves said. “Camper ovens are hard to get right. The microwave actually gets used more than anything else inside. We use our Blackstone griddle for most of our cooking. I have always professed my love for Blackstone on my videos and they ended up contacting me and asking if I wanted to be an ambassador for their brand—immediate ‘yes!’”
Graves said they typically prepare burgers, fajitas, and lots of breakfast foods when they camp, with their son Walker emphatically adding “bacon!” to the list.
While camping serves as a content source for Graves, it’s not the reason why they go.
“There’s a lot of sitting and relaxing,” Graves said. “We usually stay at state parks, which are more secluded. If there’s water we will fish. If there are trails, we will hike. But for the most part, we stay around the campsite. If we have a fire going at camp, that’s the activity—we sit around the fire. After Walker goes to bed, Charles and I will play board games or Rummy.”
The Graveses prefer state parks because of the amenities they typically have to offer, especially opportunities for Walker to meet and play with other kids his age. State parks tend to be more quiet and offer more relaxing camping experiences—perfect for a young family. Graves says their family loves to be surrounded by trees and have more space between themselves and the next camper versus other campgrounds where everyone is more crammed together.
“We love Virginia State Parks,” she said. “We love so many and there are many we still haven’t been to, but we particularly like James River State Park, Douthat State Park, and Pocahontas State Park. Our favorite ‘local’ park is Smith Mountain Lake State Park.”
While the Graveses aren’t full-time travelers, it’s clear their priority is making the most of their free time. And while they’re creating experiences that their son will remember for years to come, Graves will be there to document it along the way.
Follow along on their adventures on Instagram and TikTok at @campinerin.
Hoist theJolly Roger!
Smith Mountain Lake’s Pirate Days Set Sail
By: Olivia Carter | Photos courtesy: Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce & P.J. Nagel
Pirates and landlubbers alike rejoice as the 11th annual Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days is back again, from July 19 to July 21.
What started as a handful of buccaneers has grown into a grand spectacle, drawing thousands from near and far, doubling in size with each year.
Led by P.J. Nagel, commodore and chief organizer, Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days is a gathering of the local community and a chance for businesses to come together in the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.
Pirate Days was started as an effort to bring lake area businesses together to “pick up the slack” after Fourth of July, Nagel said.
“Business kind of took a tank and the theme of Pirate Days was introduced for local businesses to basically create a new holiday and it’s since morphed into a community event,” he said.
In its first year a handful of attendees, including Nagel and his crew, took to the waters and were met with curious stares from onlookers who were unsure of what was going on, Nagel said.
For the first event, there were just ten people dressed as pirates, he said, and six were with him.
“We actually decorated a boat and sailed around to different ports on the lake and people were looking at us like we were strange and had no idea what was going on,” he said. “It wasn’t marketed, it was something sent out through the Chamber of Commerce to the businesses and basically, they said, ‘Hey, this weekend is going to be pirates weekend.’”
With each passing year, Pirate Days grew and what began as a small gathering soon escalated into a full-fledged event, complete with pirate balls, sea battles, and celebrations.
But as the event grew, so too did the need for a larger space—Bridgewater Plaza, the event’s original home, eventually became too small to contain the pirates and those on land looking on.
Every year, Pirate Days looked for larger harbors, finally finding room at Crazy Horse Marina.
“We realized that, if we increase again, we’re not going to be able to stay here, right? So we started looking for a new venue and we ended up moving the entire event to Crazy Horse Marina because of the size of the property. And with moving there we subsequently saw just as much of an increase in attendance as the previous year and each year it just keeps stepping up,” Nagel said.
However, with the sale of Crazy Horse Marina, Pirate Days found itself once again without a venue.
The new venue must be waterfront and the overall space must be able to fit 100 vendors as well as a few thousand vehicles.
The events over the weekend include a Pirates Ball at Mango’s Bar & Grill at Bridgewater Marina, where staff dress as pirates and professional pirates pay a visit. There are bands playing throughout the weekend as well as mermaids swimming around, Nagel said. Pirate crews from multiple states come for the event and bring their cannons and vendors are set up on land.
Shadow Players Stage Combat Group, theatrically trained swordsmen from Raleigh, will be in attendance and there will also be sea shanty groups that play music and sing.
Not including volunteers, there are just five paid staff members who put the weekend on.
Last year, the event brought in 10,000 over the weekend.
A large portion of Pirate Days is the water battles that take place over the weekend and many spectators watch from land.
Nagel said the water fights mysteriously evolved during the third or fourth year.
“It’s something that just happened, and it took off like wildfire. It’s nothing that we coordinate. It’s nothing that we regulate other than putting out a public service announcement,” he said.
He said pirates on the lake will load their boats with kids and super soakers and drive around the lake “attacking” other boats with water battles and it happens throughout the entire weekend.
“We do advertise a time that they should be there and the reason why we were doing that in the past is because the Virginia Dare [cruise boat] would sail to whatever venue we were at, and they sell a pirate cruise and they outfit all their customers with water guns and they would sail to a location. So in an effort to coordinate the arrival of all these public boats, we’d set a time,” he said.
Due to the popularity and size of the event, many of the area rental homes get sold out ahead of time.
“If you talk to any real estate agent that rents houses, or a real estate company that rents houses on the lake, you’d be hard pressed to find one that will tell you that the third weekend of July isn’t the most requested week of the year,” he said. “These people are spending a fair amount of money not just for the house, but they’re going to all the retail stores and all the restaurants. So the economic impact for the businesses is widespread.”
Pirate Days also employs volunteer groups from non-profits such as the Bedford Humane Society, the American Legion, and local churches. Volunteers contribute to various tasks and in return, organizations receive monetary donations.
Nagel’s dream is to one day expand Pirate Days into a larger event like Gasparilla in Florida, which draws 700,000 people to a one-day event.
But the biggest thing Nagel takes away from the weekend is interacting with the kids that come out.
“Pirate Days is and always will be family-friendly and every year there’s always a couple of kids that stand out.”
He looks at a photo of a kid who came dressed as Captain Hook the second year the event was held who challenged Nagel to a sword fight. The kid, now a teenager, still attends and finds Nagel each year.
“We have updated pictures of the sword fight every year with the same kid,” he said. “So it’s always…it’s about the kids.”
Taste the Love
JD’s Cafe Serves Comfort Food and Community
By: Megan Williams | Photos by: Ashlee Glen
I’m finally in a setting that people enjoy and can come and enjoy the meal,” Julian (J.D.) Davis said sitting at a bistro table outside of his new brick and mortar restaurant, JD’s Cafe.
While the restaurant opened in March, Davis has been cooking for the community for years.
“I’ve been cooking all my life,” he said. “But I’ve been cooking in the industry since I was 15. I started at Charley’s at the mall in ‘87 or ‘88.”
After Davis got his start at Charley’s, he moved on to Shakers where he held his first management job at just 17 years old. From there, he held positions at country clubs, franchises, and local eateries such as Market at Main where, after working there for a number of years, he left to pursue his own business: JD’s Mobile Cafe and Catering.
Operating out of a concession trailer, Davis served crowd favorites like Philly cheesesteaks and po’boys at private catering events or at the outdoor food court, The BackYard, in Forest. Over the years, Davis amassed quite the following and reputation, but the nomadic nature of his business kept him from maintaining a roster of regulars.
So when the opportunity presented itself to fill a vacant space in Boonsboro Shopping Center, Davis jumped and never looked back.
“I feel like I’ve gotten to the right location,” he said. “I feel like it’s a blessing simply because of the people that I’m seeing—people who I haven’t seen in decades. Everything I have done up to this point has been building my name up so that this could happen.”
JD’s Cafe opened its doors on March 18, 2024 and has kept a steady stream of customers since. On any given day, the intimate interior and attached front patio is full of folks picking up to-go orders or settling in for an indulgent lunch.
“My menu hasn’t changed much [since JD’s Mobile Cafe] other than a few additions,” Davis recounted, highlighting a menu offering of large, filling sandwiches such as the catfish po’boy or the Carolina BBQ sandwich as well as hearty comfort entrees like their homemade meatloaf and baby back ribs. “It’s homemade dishes and added sides.”
Davis said he intentionally created a smaller menu to mirror the smaller size of the restaurant and to highlight the foods he knows JD’s Cafe does well.
“I didn’t try to have everything on the menu,” he said. “But people say they can taste the love in my food.”
Whether it’s love or exceptional cooking skills or maybe a little of both, the food at JD’s Cafe is mouthwatering. The pulled pork—slightly smokey and melt-in-your-mouth tender—is leveled up even more with their signature BBQ sauce, a unique blend of sweet and tangy notes. The catfish po’boy is unbelievably delicate and beautifully absorbs the house-made remoulade sauce. And the meatloaf—packed with ground beef, onions, and peppers—is the embodiment of comfort when sliced and served between two pieces of white bread and served alongside country green beans.
“It’s nap food!” Davis joked. “If I were to tell someone what to order, I’d tell them to order the meatloaf or salmon cakes. But our pride and joy are the Philly cheesesteak and catfish po’boy. They’re the most ordered items on the menu.”
Davis said the new brick and mortar has been well-received by the community, specifically noting that all of his past owners and managers from his previous restaurant jobs have dined there since opening in March.
“My passion and gift for feeding people is expressed through those great reviews,” he said. “I’m always about the customer and making them happy—I worry about myself later. It’s what separates me from other places.”
That sentiment is evident to anyone occupying a table for even a short moment at JD’s Cafe. Davis is behind the counter preparing a sandwich one moment, hand delivering an order to an outside table the next or taking the time to know exactly how to pronounce a customer’s name so it’s correct when he announces their to-go order is ready. Amidst caring for his customers, he’s constantly checking in on his team.
“I’m so proud of the opportunity to provide jobs,” he said. “This is a small business and a family atmosphere. The opportunity to provide great food and great service to the community on top of a great atmosphere is something I’m really proud of.”
Davis is content building his base of regulars and serving a steady stream of delicious food to customers and doesn’t foresee moving or expanding in the near future.
“Contentment is my thing,” he said. “The only reason I would grow is if there is a need to grow if I can’t make a customer happy. The second I’m not making a customer happy is when I’ll make a change.”
JD’s Cafe can be found at 4925 Boonsboro Road in Lynchburg. They are currently open for lunch and dinner. Their menu can be found at jdscafelynchburgva.com.
TransformingYour Yard
Conservation Landscaping Best Practices
By: Lindsey Cline-Shrader
Conservation landscaping blends aesthetic appeal and ecological responsibility. It creates spaces that are not only visually stunning but also conserve resources and create havens for wildlife. The key to enchanting, low-maintenance gardens are also conservation landscaping best practices, such as dense planting, no-till gardening, and plug planting.
Dense Planting
The benefits of dense planting are manifold. Dense planting minimizes the space available for weeds to grow, a needed “win” in Virginia summers. A dense network of root systems enhances the soil’s ability to absorb water, reducing erosion and runoff, improving soil structure, and promoting deep infiltration.
Dense plantings can increase the number and variety of plants, supporting a range of pollinators and beneficial insects and reducing the distance they must fly for nectar. Furthermore, dense planting provides shade and reduces temperature fluctuations in the soil. It also allows plants to signal to one another about threats from insects or diseases, creating a stable environment for growth and more successful plants.
Dense planting may bring English cottage gardens to mind, but it can be adapted to various styles. Try a single ground cover grass species between forbs (herbaceous flowering plants) in modern gardens, or a mix of plant textures for added interest in shade gardens, or overlapping plant blocks for simplicity and artistry in Arts and Crafts style gardens.
No-Till Gardening
Another conservation landscaping practice, no-till gardening, preserves soil structure and the life within it. Traditional tilling disrupts soil microorganisms, depletes organic matter, and leads to erosion. No-till gardening maintains the natural soil structure, allowing deeper water infiltration and root growth. Undisturbed soil holds more water over time, helping plants withstand drought.
No-till also protects the habitat of beneficial soil organisms, such as earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi, which recycle soil nutrients.
When creating new beds, use sheet mulching or cover crops. Sheet mulching involves layering organic materials (like compost, topsoil, or mulch) to suppress weeds and build fertility. The “lasagna” method uses cardboard to smother turfgrass, followed by topdressing with organic materials. Studies show cardboard slightly reduces carbon and oxygen in the soil, but those levels rebound in less than a year.
My favorite method for creating new garden beds is to mow the grass as low as possible and then compost in place by layering grass clippings and leaves in two-inch-thick layers. This builds soil and smothers most turfgrasses within several weeks.
I recommend steering clear of solarization with plastic and landscape fabric. Solarization with plastic tarps generates microplastics and pollutes soil. Landscape fabric hampers the exchange of air and water in the soil, reducing soil health and decreasing plant vitality. Most weed seeds are wind-dispersed, allowing them to germinate on top of fabric, rendering it useless. Fabric can strangle trees and shrubs and typically becomes trash after several years.
Plug Planting
Plug planting establishes gardens efficiently, particularly perennials and native plant species. Plugs are small, young plants typically grown in deep but narrow containers—allowing strong root growth with minimal height. Plugs require smaller planting holes, minimizing soil disruption and root damage.
Young plants adapt quickly to their environment, establishing roots more rapidly than larger, more mature plants. Plug planting allows for precise placement, enabling the intricate patterns recommended for dense plantings. Plugs often cost less than larger plants, allowing you to cover larger areas with less investment.
Plugs are planted directly into the ground like larger plants, though a narrow spade creates less disturbance and awakens fewer weed seeds, encouraging a smoother first-year garden.
Additional Conservation Efforts
Efficient water management is essential in conservation landscaping. Although our area has an abundant water table, capturing water during rainy spells can protect our water supply during summer droughts.
Adding rain barrels to downspouts not only provides extra water in hot, dry summers but may reduce overflow into city storm water drains. Rain gardens, beautiful spaces in their own right, reduce erosion and pollution by capturing and filtering water runoff. These gardens slowly absorb rainwater, promote groundwater recharge, and create unique micro-habitats in damp to wet soil.
One final touch in conservation landscaping are accessories that provide food, water, and shelter to turn your garden into a habitat haven. Bird feeders, birdbaths, nesting boxes, berry-producing shrubs, and small water features support wildlife. Brush piles, logs, and dead trees provide shelter, breeding sites for reptiles and amphibians, and food sources for birds like woodpeckers.
By implementing these practices in our own landscapes, we can support biodiversity, conserve resources, and enhance beauty. We have a role in nature, and our collective efforts can make a significant difference.
Top 5 Native Plants for Rain Gardens
1. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) attracts monarchs and other pollinators with clusters of pink to mauve flowers.
• Full sun to partial shade and wet to moderate soils
2. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) attracts pollinators and adapts to clay soils with large cluster or pink to purplish flowers.
• Full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soils
3. The Lobelias: Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) & Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) attract hummingbirds and butterflies to their vibrant red and blue tubular flowers on tall spikes.
• Full sun to partial shade and consistently moist soils
4. New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) provides height to borders and late-season nectar for bees and butterflies with vibrant fuchsia flowers.
• Full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils
5. Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) provides showy blue-purple iris flowers among sword-like leaves.
• Full sun to partial shade and wet, boggy soils
Summer Reads
Books by local (and local-ish) authors to enjoy this season
All the Little Hopes By: Leah Weiss All the Little Hopes is a Southern tale of friendship set in North Carolina during World War II. Thirteen-year-old Lucy Brown, eager for adventure, befriends Allie Bert Tucker, a mysterious newcomer. Inspired by her hero, Nancy Drew, Lucy teams up with Allie to solve local mysteries. Their sleepy town, now hosting a Nazi POW camp, is stirred by disappearances and silent townsfolk. As the girls delve deeper into their investigation, they confront the complexities of right and wrong in a world shadowed by war. This coming-of-age story is rich with Southern charm, highlighting the bond between the girls and the blurred lines of morality during tumultuous times.
Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances By: Leland Melvin In Chasing Space, former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver Leland Melvin shares his inspiring journey from the football field to the cosmos, highlighting the crucial roles of community, perseverance, and grace in achieving success. Despite facing severe setbacks, including a career-threatening injury that left him temporarily deaf, Melvin’s determination and support from his NASA family enabled him to recover and eventually serve on two space missions aboard the shuttle Atlantis. His memoir not only chronicles his unique achievements but also celebrates the many individuals who helped him overcome adversity and achieve his extraordinary destiny.
Operation Dimwit: A Penelope Lemon Novel By: Inman Majors In Operation Dimwit, Penelope Lemon returns for more uproarious mom adventures. With her son away at camp, Penelope dives into phase two of her post-divorce life, starting with a date with the enigmatic Fitzwilliam Darcy. However, her plans for relaxation are disrupted by her boss Missy’s kooky sting operation to catch a suspected thief in their trailer park, a tough new gym trainer, and a skunk infestation requiring the help of a mystic wildlife expert. This hilarious southern comedy by Inman Majors offers a warmhearted look at the chaotic life of a single working mom navigating modern middle-class challenges.
The End House By: Michael Robertson, Jr. Declan Scheider, a struggling writer, wakes up alone in an abandoned farmhouse hidden in the mountains, grappling with fragmented memories that feel both familiar and foreign. As he navigates the eerie house, he experiences unsettling visions and sounds, feeling constantly watched. His discovery of an ancient, gruesome book blurs the line between reality and hallucination, consuming his mind with its horrific tales and leading him to question his identity and surroundings. Amidst the creeping dread and confusion, Declan struggles to hold onto his sanity and uncover the truth about himself and The End House.
Doomsday: A Remy Jones Adventure By: Heather Elizabeth King In a world where magicians are exiled and a wall separates Bal’Mor from traditionalist cities, peace under Triune’s watch is threatened by a vengeful magician. Investigator Remington Jones, living undercover in the Underground, must navigate a complex case involving magic, zombies, and Triune’s questionable involvement. Teaming up with Vincent Hall and his genetically enhanced team, Remy delves into a web of intrigue to uncover the truth behind the rising unrest and the dark secrets at the heart of Triune’s operations.
Uncovering the Charm of Greenville, South Carolina
Written and Photographed by: Abby Price
Greenville, a small city in the northwestern part of South Carolina, has been rising in popularity over the last few years. Its adorable downtown area is filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and breweries. Greenville’s abundant charm and nature-filled downtown is only enriched by its outstanding performing arts center, beautiful parks, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
After hearing so much about Greenville and seeing amazing photos, I decided to visit the city myself. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Greenville not only met but exceeded my expectations. The city is overflowing with southern hospitality, scenic views, and plenty of activities to enjoy, making it the perfect getaway not too far from the state of Virginia.
Traveling To Greenville, South Carolina
You have a few options for reaching Greenville, South Carolina. The city has a decently sized airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, which makes flying in and out convenient. The airport is just a 15-minute drive from downtown, which is very convenient for those wanting to avoid being in a car for long stints of time.
If you prefer a road trip, like I did, the drive is very pleasant. From Lynchburg, you can take I-29 towards Greensboro, then switch to I-85 past Charlotte and head towards Spartanburg, which leads to Greenville. The drive takes about 5 hours exactly and is well worth it for the charming city and all it offers.
Where To Stay
I chose a hotel in downtown Greenville because the area is so walkable! Staying downtown means you can easily explore the vibrant dining and shopping scene without driving. Plus, you avoid the hassle of finding parking, which can be tricky near popular restaurants, stores, and venues.
I recommend staying at the Hyatt Place Greenville Downtown. The rooms are spacious, and it’s conveniently located near many restaurants. Plus, it’s close to Falls Park on the Reedy, a 32-acre park in Greenville’s Historic West End, where the Reedy River flows through. It’s perfect for strolling, admiring the waterfall, and enjoying nature in a downtown setting.
Experiences Worth Having
A visit to Greenville isn’t complete without stopping by Falls Park on the Reedy. This massive park is perfect for walking around, appreciating the water features, and enjoying its lovely suspension bridge. It’s an excellent spot for outdoor activities and taking memorable photos of your time in the city.
I loved that the park has plenty of seating, including picnic tables, porch swings, and chairs for visitors to enjoy. My husband and I spent a few hours strolling around the park, and it was nice to sit in different areas and take in the soothing sound of the cascading waterfall.
For live entertainment, I recommend heading to Bon Secours Wellness Arena. They host concerts, wrestling matches, and Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey games. My husband and I attended a wrestling event there and enjoyed the lively atmosphere, excellent facilities, and convenient location. Since we stayed downtown, we could walk to the arena, which made the experience even better!
Another worthwhile experience, especially for animal enthusiasts or those traveling with children or grandchildren, is visiting the Greenville Zoo. It has a variety of animals, such as giraffes, red pandas, alligators, and more, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for everyone. I appreciated its downtown location, making it another fantastic place to walk to if you stay downtown.
Outdoor Activities You Shouldn’t Miss
Greenville boasts 39 parks spread across 500 acres of its land, offering plenty of green spaces to explore. Each park has its unique charm, making choosing just one to visit hard. Although Falls Park on the Reedy stands out as my favorite due to its proximity to downtown and our hotel, the city’s array of parks makes it effortless to step outside and spend time in nature.
Fluor Field offers another fantastic outdoor experience with minor league baseball games featuring the Greenville Drive team. It’s a perfect spot to spend a summer day soaking up the sun while enjoying the game.
If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, consider venturing just outside of Greenville to Chimney Rock State Park, located approximately 55 miles north. It’s an ideal spot for hiking, offering many different trails suitable for all skill levels. Try the nearly 2-mile Hickory Nut Falls Trail for an easy yet stunning hike leading to a majestic 400-foot waterfall. This trail is perfect for beginners or those searching for a leisurely stroll with beautiful scenery.
Check out the Exclamation Point and Skyline Trail to Hickory Nut Falls for a more challenging workout. Although this route is less than 3 miles, it includes numerous steep stairs. However, the breathtaking views from the summit, overlooking the mountains, water, and towns below, make the effort well worth it.
Expert Recommendations
My favorite thing to do in Greenville is stroll through downtown and explore the diverse range of restaurants, breweries, cafes, and shops. For a unique place to dine, I highly recommend Trappe Door, a Belgian restaurant known for its delicious Belgian beer, short ribs, steak frites, and other tasty specialties that are sure to impress.
Another great tip I have for you is to explore the city’s coffee scene. Greenville is packed with coffee shops offering amazing variations, and if you enjoy specialty coffees, it’s a must-try. I recommend visiting Coffee Underground. They have a quirky atmosphere and serve scrumptious coffee and food. And don’t miss trying a slice of their strawberry cake with your coffee. It’s an unexpected but delightful combo that you’ll love.
My last tip is to consider scheduling your trip for spring, summer, or fall. I recommend avoiding winter since Greenville’s charm lies in its scenic beauty, views, and outdoor parks. Opt for a time when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. This way, you can fully appreciate Greenville’s unique appeal, including its mountains and abundant green spaces.
