Richard Ernsberger Jr.

1 month ago | virginialiving.com | Hope Cartwright |Madeline Mayhood |Richard Ernsberger Jr. |Mindy Kinsey

Tucked in hidden alleyways and behind disguised doors lie some of the state’s best-kept secrets … and cocktails. Speakeasies promising vintage vibes and low-light charm dot the map far and wide, but where to find them? Here are 10 to get you started on a journey to delicious drinks and illicit adventures of 1920s allure.

Nov 8, 2024 | virginialiving.com | Peggy Sijswerda |Heather Bien |Richard Ernsberger Jr. |Eric Wallace

Big red bows adorn lantern-style street lights. Pine-bough garlands, twinkling lights, and decorated storefronts add to the festive factor. Soon, carolers approach, wearing 18th-century garb, singing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Bob Cratchett waves. No, wait. This isn’t a Dickens novel. It’s Main Street in downtown Lexington. It’s time to shop, and Lexington merchants want to help you cross items off your Christmas list.

Nov 4, 2024 | virginialiving.com | Hope Cartwright |Heather Bien |Richard Ernsberger Jr. |Don Harrison

ART FOR GIFTSNov. 15–Dec. 31: For a full seven weeks, the Staunton Augusta Art Center transforms its galleries into a holiday shopping heaven. Local and regional artists and makers alike gather at this extensive marketplace to present their most giftable wares and artworks. SAArtCenter.orgMAGICAL CHRISTMAS VILLAGE & MARKETPLACENov. 23–Jan.

Jul 21, 2024 | virginialiving.com | Madeline Mayhood |Dawn Klavon |Richard Ernsberger Jr. |Daisy Ridgway Khalifa

Lazy afternoons spent strolling down King Street in Old Town Alexandria are about to get better. The car-free, pedestrian portion of the street is here to stay—perfect for window shopping, stopping for a bite or an ice cream cone, and meandering with friends. Implemented to promote walkability, outdoor dining, and event activation, the pedestrian zone gained huge popularity as a pilot project for summertime, with 90 percent of surveyed residents supporting it becoming permanent.

Jul 12, 2024 | virginialiving.com | Madeline Mayhood |Dawn Klavon |Richard Ernsberger Jr. |Dean King

Commuters rejoice! Good news abounds for Northern Virginians who utilize the DC Metro. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has plans to improve the stations and train lines throughout the area in 2025. Those tired of the wait times and crowds on the Blue Line between the Pentagon and Rosslyn stations in particular will be especially victorious, with WMATA proposing two solutions to improve commuter flow.