Photos by Lake Anna Photography Country line dancing is experiencing a resurgence across Central Virginia, and nowhere is it more visible than on weekend nights at Unionville Brewing Company. What began as a small instructional group has evolved into a regional draw, bringing together dancers from across the Commonwealth under the banner of Cowgirl Up, LLC. Founded by Doria Walker, …
Ever dreamed of crawling through subterranean caverns, scaling a cliff face to take in the view from the top, or learning how to live more confidently outdoors? Maybe you are not quite that adventurous but still want to explore the natural beauty of Central Virginia in a hands on way. Whatever your experience level, Orange County Parks and Recreation has …
Sponsored by Clearwater Grill One of Locust Grove’s most familiar restaurants is Clearwater Fire Grill & Catering, known locally as Clearwater or simply The Grill. Located on the eastbound side of Germanna Highway, it has become a regular meeting place for weeknight dinners, Sunday brunch, and special occasions. Over the years, it has built a reputation for reliable food, attentive …
Newly relocated at 141 Caroline Street in Orange, Coopers Cookin’ & Catering serves Southern staples rooted in a family history that reaches back to the post Civil War period. The restaurant’s story begins with the waiter carriers of nearby Gordonsville, a group of skilled African American cooks and servers who built respected catering businesses during Reconstruction. After emancipation, many newly …
The Town of Orange opened 2026 with a series of major leadership changes, headlined by the appointment of Rebecca Davis Nelson as Chief of Police—the first woman to lead the department in its history. Then Interim Town Manager Chris Snider, now officially promoted to Town Manager, announced the appointment in early January, praising Nelson’s decades of service and steady rise …
Over the last 20 years, 30 year mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster. They dropped to record lows in the early 2010s after the financial crisis and again during COVID, then shot up quickly in the early 2020s. As we head into 2026, rates have come down slightly but remain much higher than the record lows of the …
Historic Germanna has received a $10,000 grant through the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, in partnership with Yamaha Rightwaters, to support public access and sustainable maintenance at Siegen Forest. The forest includes more than seven miles of free public trails along the Rapidan River and Germanna Ford, which serves as the only public river boat launch in Orange County. Founded in …
Orange County may soon join other Virginia communities in offering Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to its youngest residents. A newly formed nonprofit, Orange County Books and Beyond, is leading the effort to bring the program to local families. Orange County Books and Beyond is a 501(c)(3) organization created by a small group of community members focused on early childhood literacy. …
Woodbrook Farm Vineyard, located near Montpelier Station, received nine first-place honors in this year’s Best of Orange awards. The vineyard was named #1 for Best Outdoor Event Venue, Winery, Wine Selection, Karaoke Venue, Indoor Entertainment, Place to See Local Music, Place to Make New Friends, Locals Hangout, and Local Music Venue. The business also earned the Diamond Award, recognizing the …
What began as a simple conversation among neighbors has grown into one of Gordonsville’s most ambitious and community-driven projects; reshaping how residents gather, play, and connect with the outdoors. Town to Trail, a local nonprofit founded on the belief that access to green space and recreation strengthens both communities and local economies, traces its roots back to 2017. That year, …