Simply Charlottesville....

The roots that anchor this community are homegrown, local businesses. When we ask locals to name their favorite restaurants, cafes or shops, they almost always cite a neighborhood business. These businesses are part of what gives Charlottesville its unique flavor and vibe — they’re where locals go! We love everything local and think you should, too! Need more reasons? Find them here.

Bright Ideas

There was a time, not so long ago, when lighting was just about design. The choices were still dizzying — modern or traditional, nickel or brass, pendant or flush — but it was all about aesthetics. With new technology and upcoming legislation mandating greater efficiency, these days it sometimes feels like you have to be an electrical engineer to know what to buy. “People are confused,” says Renee Baker, Timberlake Lighting’s Showroom Manager. Luckily, she gave me a primer on the pros and cons of bulbs, as well as an overview of hot trends and popular styles. Read more here.

Clear the Clutter

If you resolved to cut the clutter in the New Year, find out how to finally get (and stay) organized this year with our top tips. First, take inventory. If you are tackling a catchall drawer or cupboard, remove all the contents to start. As you do so, add items that you no longer need or want to a donation pile and throw away anything that can't be repaired or has expired. Next, sort and categorize. When everything is out and you’ve trashed or given away what you don’t need, group similar things together. From there, assign a home to each grouping. The most-used things need special consideration; they will need to be easily accessible. Read more here.

Bringing Fresh, Local Foods to Your Dining-Room Table

It's always a treat to spend a Saturday morning at the Charlottesville City Market. As you approach the corner of Second and Water Streets in our historic Downtown district, wonderful aromas of cooking sausages, spicy curries and fresh donuts drift through the crowds. And, walking up and down the aisles, you'll see brilliant harvest colors on display in the wide array of produce. Organic peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins and other produce are all on hand, just waiting to be taken home to be made into a delicious meal. Finish off your grocery shopping with a small wheel of artisanal cheese and enjoy a mid-morning snack — any of the baked goods are a delectable choice. Read more here.