Thoughtful decisions about our homes can lead to happier and even healthier living. And Idea Homes provide owners and buyers with lots of food for thought. Top tier magazines like Southern Living, Sunset, House Beautiful—and, of course, Coastal Virginia—embrace the…
Erin Matteson, marketing/publicity chair on the Board of Directors for Little Theatre of Norfolk, summed up live performances best when she said, “You never know what people are going through during their day. So just to have a few hours…
There’s a lot to be said for environmental influences. Dr. John S. Liu is keenly aware of this. He comes from a family that is in the medical profession and, as a result, grew up in a setting where he was…
Dr. Eric Darby always knew he wanted to be a surgeon. He found the operating room exciting, and he loved the idea of being able to help patients almost immediately. During his medical school rotations, he became intrigued with urology.…
Crystal Harper used all the strength she had to beat cancer. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 25, this local meteorologist tried to keep up her active lifestyle for as long as possible but naturally found…
Most would agree that there are three major elements required to host a fabulous party. A stunning venue? Check. Music made for dancing? Check. Mouthwatering cuisine? Oh, yeah. Plus, you’ll be in good company—the best company, in fact. You’re invited…
Let’s face it. Summers tend to fly by quicker than a fiddler crab dancing across the sand. Oftentimes, we’ll get to the end of the season and realize we hadn’t accomplished all the exciting activities we’d set out to do.…
Photography by Ashlee Glen One of the best parts about going out to a nice restaurant—aside from the fact that you just get to sit there and relax while your meal is prepared—is the way the dish looks when it…
Ice cream joint Gelati Celesti has anchored Richmond’s craft creamery scene for 35 years. The freshly churned flavors are now taking over the Southside as owner Steve Rosser opens his sixth location in Virginia Beach. Gelati Celesti will make its Hilltop…
Country farm or downtown? Big bridal party or small? Dinner or heavy appetizers? As soon as a woman says “yes,” the questions start coming, and, along with those decisions—a lot of stress. Wedding planning anxiety is a real problem for…
There are so many kinds of summer camps out there to choose from. Some follow the traditional sense of the word “camp” by promoting activities such as boating safety, proper technique and swimming. Some focus on the fine arts, such…
Photo by Peretz Partensky After being stuck inside for several dreary days, the sunshine on a recent Sunday afternoon was the impetus to gather my family, put our weekend chores aside and take some time for hikes and bikes. For this…
We began this article intent on finding the five best fries in Coastal Virginia, only to realize that when it comes to fries, considering “best” is asking for an argument. There are places and occasions for slender shoestring fries and…
Heeding “two is better than one,” several popular restaurants recently opened seconds … Siblings Stefanie Osfolk Brown and Kevin Osfolk, offspring of the founders of Portsmouth’s Bier Garden, perpetuate Oktoberfest at The Bier Garden Festhaus in Virginia Beach. While its…
Photo by Ilsy Serrano Dessert and wine pairing? Afternoon sugar rush? Bridal shower tea? Kisha Frazier has you covered under one roof (multi-tiered with upturned, tiled eaves) at Hummingbird Macarons at the Pagoda Garden and Teahouse in Norfolk. After a…
2018 CoVa Battle of the Burgers Champ Repeal Bourbon and Burgers. Photo by David Uhrin When you consider the standard components that make up a burger, individually, they’re not that riveting. A patty. Cheese. Lettuce. Tomato. Condiments. Two buns. But…
When would a person ever spend $20 on s’mores? When the s’mores are compiled of a buttery graham cracker cookie crust, followed by a homemade brownie or blondie, topped with a made-from-scratch marshmallow and toasted right on the spot—that’s when.…
Tamales from Luna Maya, Norfolk. Photo by Ilsy Serrano. Compiled by Angela Blue If you knew that you had one day left to dine in Coastal Virginia, where would you go, and what would you order? This is the question…
We all know the importance of eating healthy. Nutrition affects not only our physical appearance, but also our overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy for everyone to eat healthy throughout the week. Packed schedules, odd working shifts and busy lifestyles…
What an exciting time to dine in Coastal Virginia. Throughout 2018 we’ve witnessed and experienced some truly remarkable restaurants joining the local cuisine scene—from a permanent place to stuff your face with those pillowy soft Belgian waffles to a cozy…
Gone are the days where the only wedding dessert was the cake. While the wedding cake is certainly still a popular fixture in today’s weddings, couples are increasingly opting to supplement the traditional cake with other sweet options. Adding a…
'Tis the season for holiday parades, Christmas lights and winter fun. Throughout Coastal Virginia, experience an abundance of festive family celebrations including a colonial-era Christmas, firework shows, nighttime ice skating and more. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Nov. 30–Dec. 1:…
Ever heard the phrase, “See a need, fill a need”? That’s how many nonprofit organizations got started. Someone, or a group of individuals, saw a need—people going hungry, children falling behind in their education, animals with no homes—and made a…
According to the Virginia Distillers Association, Virginia became the birthplace of American Spirits when colonist George Thorpe distilled the first batch of whiskey made from corn in 1620. This first batch became the ancestor of all corn-made moonshine and bourbon.…
