I am always ridiculously excited to visit local shops. It’s not just the special finds you can’t get anywhere else—it’s the feeling of walking into a place owned by local families. And trust me, there are some real gems right here in our own hometown. My editor, Judi Cooper, and I have put together a delicious list of our favorite …
The Orange County Voice is devoted to celebrating local excellence in our community. We’ve done that through telling stories. Now, for the first time, we’ve asked you – our readeres – to nominate and vote for members of our community who are doing great things. From local businesses to local leaders and heroes, musicians and locations around the county – …
Photos by John Heishman Long rows of greenhouses stretch across a 28-acre site off of Thornhill Rd in Orange, where millions of flowering plants are grown each year and shipped to Costco and other retailers up and down the East Coast and as far as Georgia. For owner and president Ed Van Hoven, the operation known as American Color is …
Orange County remains in a severe drought, part of a dry spell that began in early August and has intensified through the fall. Aside from a few brief showers, the region has seen little meaningful rainfall. From August through mid-November, the county typically receives about 12 inches of rain. This year, totals are closer to 5 inches — roughly 7 …
Local reenactors and preservationists brought Civil War history to life at Payne’s Farm, commemorating the 162nd anniversary of the Mine Run Campaign with a living history event that drew crowds and heartfelt connections. On November 1–2, 2025, Historical Impressions, Inc. and the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) hosted a living history program at Payne’s Farm in Orange County, Virginia, the …
Concluding with a whispered hush as the last leaves fall and the air grows crisp, the Fall sports season for the Orange County Fighting Hornets has officially wrapped up. The past season has left behind a trail of unforgettable moments, hard-fought victories, excruciating losses, and lessons learned both on and off the playing surfaces. As the respective seasons of Orange …
Most nonprofit organizations grow from a vision held by their founders, but few begin from circumstances as personal as the Paul Stefan Foundation in Orange, Virginia. In 2005, Randy and Evelyn James were celebrating the upcoming arrival of their sixth child when they learned that their unborn baby suffered from a rare and often fatal condition known as diaphragmatic hernia. …
The James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage is stepping into a new era filled with energy, community spirit and exciting milestones. Under the guidance of Executive Director Shannah Mort and a revitalized Board of Directors, the museum is embracing growth while staying true to its roots. This fall, with new board members bringing fresh ideas and renewed commitment, the …
When you hear that the Federal Reserve is cutting interest rates, it’s easy to assume that mortgage rates will drop too. After all, if borrowing money becomes cheaper, home loans should follow suit — right? Not quite. The connection between Fed rate cuts and mortgage rates is indirect and often misunderstood. To understand why mortgage rates don’t always move in …
The Prospect Heights Middle School auditorium filled with applause on Nov. 3 as the Orange County Lions Club honored three young artists whose work captured this year’s international Peace Poster theme, “Together as One.” For more than 30 years, Lions Clubs around the world have sponsored the Peace Poster contest, inviting students to express their vision of peace through art. …