Leona Baker

Norfolk

Editor-in-Chief at Coastal Virginia Magazine

Editor-in-Chief at Savor Virginia

Editor-in-Chief at CoVa BIZ

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Articles

Magic in the Trees at Owl Creek

2 months ago | coastalvirginiamag.com | Leona Baker

By Leona BakerBahman Azarm’s sense of childlike wonder is infectious. Peering down from the top level of the new Owl Creek Landing Nautilus Tower as workers are rappelling off trees around which they are still busy constructing the wooden canopy walk that will surround the Tower, the founder and CEO of Outdoor Ventures Group is like a kid on a playground. A pretty magical playground at that.
Welcome Back to the Dome

2 months ago | coastalvirginiamag.com | Leona Baker

By Leona BakerThe buzzing, banging and beeping of construction equipment inside and outside The Dome this spring may have been loud, but it was music to the ears of those who have waited decades for it to become a reality. Those sounds will soon be replaced by rock vocals, guitar riffs, drum solos and a little bit of “Joy to the World” for good measure.
25 Reasons to Love Summer in Coastal Virginia | Coastal Virginia Magazine

2 months ago | coastalvirginiamag.com | Leona Baker

By Leona BakerThe SunCome August, we might feel differently. Until then, bring on the SPF. Those UV-inspired endorphins are a real thing, and until at least the Summer Solstice on June 20, we’re here to bask like a box turtle on a log. The real beauty of those longer summer days lies in the added hours of light after work in the evenings. Meet a friend for happy hour at your favorite outdoor dining spot, go for run on a local trail or get in some gardening while the getting is good.
Playing to Learn

2 months ago | coastalvirginiamag.com | Leona Baker

By Leona BakerJust about anyone who has ever picked up a bat at Little League or ran track in high school understands the power of play. Participating in sports is a physical and social rite of passage for many, but it also teaches teamwork, self-discipline and resilience among many other critical life skills. Opportunities for kids to be involved in sports from a young age have also expanded tremendously in recent years thanks to the popularity of club sports.
These Burgers & Dogs Are Boss

2 months ago | coastalvirginiamag.com | Leona Baker

Here’s a hot-off-grill take. Burgers and dogs are having a moment. But our collective cravings for these meaty American icons have diversified far beyond fast food or even gourmet twists on cookout classics. A harkening back to simpler times—not to mention more wholesome ingredients and saner portions—seems to be at the heart of this trend.
Thanks Mom | Coastal Virginia Magazine

2 months ago | coastalvirginiamag.com | Leona Baker

By Leona BakerApril Woodard (photo above with Mom)Host, Coast Live on WTKR Channel 3Lucy R. WilsonRetired Associate Vice-President, Old Dominion UniversityApril Woodard’s on-camera charisma and signature style are well-known in Coastal Virginia through her role as host on WTKR-TV 3’s Coast Live and her earlierwork as a local reporter and anchor andnational correspondent for Inside Edition.
Celebrating Amazing Moms

2 months ago | coastalvirginiamag.com | Leona Baker

By Leona BakerApril Woodard (photo above with Mom)Host, Coast Live on WTKR Channel 3Lucy R. WilsonRetired Associate Vice-President, Old Dominion UniversityApril Woodard’s on-camera charisma and signature style are well-known in Coastal Virginia through her role as host on WTKR-TV 3’s Coast Live and her earlierwork as a local reporter and anchor andnational correspondent for Inside Edition.
Prime Time for Mediterranean

Mar 3, 2025 | coastalvirginiamag.com | Leona Baker

Sometimes the best things come as a delightful surprise. I was both delighted and surprised by Prime Mediterranean, a new restaurant located off the beaten path (at least for Southsiders) in Middlesex County and serving a mélange of dishes from Italy, Greece, Southern Spain, France, Turkey and other coastal countries of the Mediterranean region. There is nothing monochromatic about the tantalizing plates emerging from the kitchen of chefs Heather Minter and Jonathan “JL” Lewis.
More Than Just Bills On Capitol Hill | Coastal Virginia Magazine

Mar 3, 2025 | coastalvirginiamag.com | Leona Baker

D.C.’s Capitol Hill inevitably conjures images of lawmakers and lobbyists, politics and protests. But this iconic neighborhood in the heart of the nation’s capital also happens to be a really vibrant place to visit, whether for a weekend getaway or a work retreat. If you are a lover of history, art, books or food—or, like me, all the above —Capitol Hill is a veritable treasure trove of flavors and finds waiting to be savored and explored.
In Bloom for Mental Health

Mar 3, 2025 | coastalvirginiamag.com | Leona Baker

The phrase “say it with flowers” takes on a new meaning in an interactive art project on display at various locations in Coastal Virginia in 2025 as a part of the With Love initiative for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Coastal Virginia. Through the 1,000 Flowers Community Art Project, participants were invited to create origami flowers inscribed with personal messages of hope and healing for those whose lives have been affected by mental illness.