Catherine Malone

Feb 6, 2024 | charlottesvillefamily.com | Catherine Malone |Sarah Short

There are few absolute truths in life, but as a parent, I feel I can say one of them is that Charlottesville’s a great place to raise children. With the constant streaming of young families, this area boasts a huge number of resources and services that cater to caregivers and children. There’s story hour, playgroups galore and almost as many playgrounds and afternoons at the Virginia Discovery Museum. There are art classes, language classes and exercise classes—the list is endless.

Oct 31, 2023 | wineandcountrylife.com | Catherine Malone |Mai Guss

Two passions that began in her childhood guide artist Martha Strawther through life. The first, horses, has played out in years of competitive riding and teaching horseback riding. Strawther now serves as the Executive Director of the Montpelier Steeplechase and Equestrian Foundation at James Madison’s Montpelier. As any horse aficionado knows, the passion for horses usually begins quite early, and can’t be tamed. “I was born horse crazy,” Strawther remarks.

Mar 3, 2023 | wineandcountrylife.com | Catherine Malone

In a former railroad depot turned peach-packing plant in Crozet, Charles “Chuck” Pinnell and his staff of five artisans turn out couture leather products for the discerning equestrian, sportsman, gardener and connoisseur. Working in an increasingly ready-made world, Pinnell Custom Leather has made its mark with bespoke products tailored for individuals’ needs. “By taking it to the other end,” Pinnell provides nothing short of perfection for clientele.

Feb 21, 2023 | wineandcountrylife.com | Catherine Malone

In a cozy house, just a few blocks from downtown Charlottesville, Darrell Rose—musician and painter, and all-around intellectual—and I are sitting on a sofa talking about how hard it is to talk about art.