Ashley Miller

3 weeks ago | winchesterstar.com | Ashley Miller

FORT VALLEY — On weekday mornings at 7 a.m., the doors of Fort Valley Country Store open. The day begins with steaming cups of coffee, the scent of breakfast sandwiches and the familiar hum of lively conversations between neighbors and friends. “The only reason we’re able to stay open is because of the local support around here,” said Brad Johnson, a country store board member and shareholder.

3 weeks ago | dnronline.com | Ashley Miller

MOUNT JACKSON — Inspired by the traditional beauty of early American pottery, Emily Rarity creates pieces that bring warmth into daily rituals, such as drinking a Sunday cup of coffee or baking a loaf of grandma’s sourdough bread. “As an artist, I would say my style is functional, approachable and inviting,” said Rarity, owner of Potomac Clay, her home-based pottery studio in Mount Jackson. “I’ve definitely developed more into surface design since I left college.

1 month ago | dnronline.com | Ashley Miller

TIMBERVILLE — A horse named Willow was the inspiration behind Willow’s Haven Farm Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization that provides lifelong care and funding for horses who have fallen on difficult times. “She’s the reason we started the nonprofit,” said founder Danielle Southerly, her gaze soft as she looked lovingly at the 22-year-old Tennessee Walking horse.

1 month ago | winchesterstar.com | Ashley Miller

MOUNT JACKSON — Ready to have a grand ole’ time? Join the Town of Mount Jackson from 2 to 8 p.m Saturday for Buck Ryan Day, honoring what would have been the three-time national fiddle champion’s 100th birthday. “Buck Ryan was a local fella, who apparently at 14 was working in one of the orchards and fell out of a tree,” Mount Jackson Assistant Town Manager Greg Beam said. “He got real mad and said he wasn’t having it anymore.

2 months ago | dnronline.com | Ashley Miller

ORKNEY SPRINGS — Tickets for this summer’s Shenandoah Valley Music Festival are on sale, with the popular concert series gearing up to celebrate its 62nd year of bringing great music to the region. The star-studded line-up includes Gaelic Storm, The LSO Big Band, Rumours ATL, The Bacon Brothers and Shenandoah — all performing on the grounds at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs on weekends this summer. Executive Director Dennis Lynch said he’s looking forward to another successful year.