Charlottesville, VA April 2026

INVESTING

Home and Future

IN Your

The Investment Issue

In this Investment issue, we explore the many ways we choose to invest in our lives -- financially, personally, and within our community. While the word “investment” often brings money to mind, the stories in these pages highlight something broader: thoughtful decisions that shape our futures, strengthen our relationships, and improve our well-being over time.

Inside, you’ll find a perspective on one of life’s big gest financial choices. One feature takes a closer look at home financing, offering expert insight into how strategic planning, structure, and long-term thinking can influence not just a purchase, but the trajectory of homeownership and personal finances for years to come.

This issue also highlights the power of community investment through a local organization working to support families navigating serious health challenges. Their programs, advocacy efforts, and volunteer-driven initiatives demonstrate how showing up for one another can create meaningful impact, offering both practical resources and hope when it’s needed most.

Investment also shows up in quieter, more personal ways. Our self-care feature examines how seasonal resets -- refreshing routines, repairing winter wear, and prioritizing well-being -- can build confidence and energy that carry into every part of life. It’s a reminder that investing in yourself is not indulgent; it’s foundational. Another story explores an entirely different type of investment -- collecting wine. One local expert discusses blending passion with patience and how personal taste, knowledge, and intention can turn a hobby into something deeply rewarding.

Together, these stories reflect the many forms investment can take -- homes, health, passions, and people -- and how intentional choices today can shape stronger tomorrows.

We’re honored to share this issue with you and grateful to be part of a community that values growth, connection, and generosity. Thank you for reading, supporting local businesses and organizations, and continuing to invest in the people and places that make this region such a special place to call home.

Warmly,

JAMES LISOWSKI, PUBLISHER

@CHARLOTTESVILLECITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

James Lisowski | james.lisowski@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Will Curley, Reid Thompson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lincoln Barbour, Codie Burruss, James Carter, Ron Dressel, Ali Haney Brand & Market, Alzheimer's Association Central and Western Virginia Chapter, Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic, The Smiths Photography, The Vandiver Inn, Trend Salon

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Clear Financial Planning for Real Life

business monthly

Mill Creek Celebrates Two Years in Business and Introduces New Service

Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic is celebrating two years of caring for local pets and the addition of a new Class IV therapeutic laser. This advanced, non-invasive treatment uses photobiomodulation to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting faster healing. The high-powered laser allows deeper tissue penetration and shorter treatment times, offering new options for conditions like osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, injuries, and post-surgical recovery. MCVCVet.com

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A Boutique Experience for Brides

This spring, brides can find their perfect look at Sealed With A Kiss, a longtime Charlottesville boutique offering hand-picked designer gowns, accessories, and in-house alterations. As wedding season blooms, the shop’s personalized service helps make dress shopping feel relaxed and memorable -- from the first fitting to final details -- so brides can step confidently into their big day. SealedWithaKissBridal.com

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Spring into a Fresh Start at Home

Spring is the perfect time to reimagine your home, and Troup Custom Carpentry helps bring those ideas to life with craftsmanship rooted in quality and personalization. From custom builds to thoughtful renovations, their team works closely with homeowners to create spaces that feel fresh, functional, and uniquely theirs, just in time for a new season of gathering, living, and enjoying home. TroupCustomBuilders.com

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Mortgage Planning with Purpose

REID THOMPSON OF FULTON MORTGAGE COMPANY

FINANCING WITH CONFIDENCE

ARTICLE BY REID THOMPSON AND JENNIFER WALDERA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW YOU GOT YOUR START AND WHAT ORIGINALLY INSPIRED YOU TO WORK IN MORTGAGE LENDING?

I graduated from the Darden School of Business at UVA in 2009 and began my career in banking in a back-office corporate role. I enjoyed the business side, but I realized fairly quickly that what energized me most was the relationship side, sitting across the table from someone and helping them think through meaningful decisions.

In 2021, I joined Fulton Mortgage Company and had the privilege of working alongside longtime Charlottesville mortgage advisor Doug Adamson prior to his retirement in 2024. During that time, I became a Certified Mortgage Advisor®, which emphasizes integrating mortgage strategy into long-term wealth planning rather than treating it as a standalone transaction.

Real estate finance touches nearly every major life transition: growing families, career moves, and retirement planning. Mortgage lending is a blend of intellectual rigor, problem-solving, and community involvement.

WHAT

VALUES OR GUIDING

PRINCIPLES

SHAPE HOW YOU WORK WITH CLIENTS?

I approach lending as part of a long-term relationship, not just a transaction. Education and holistic thinking guide the process so that clients approach a mortgage as a strategic decision that deserves thoughtful analysis.

A mortgage should fit your financial plan, so beyond rate and payment, I look at structure, liquidity, time horizon, and opportunity cost, ensuring each choice supports broader financial goals. Clients understand not just what they chose, but why it makes sense for their situation.

Because Fulton Mortgage services the loans we originate, that relationship continues well beyond closing. I remain a resource for questions, strategy reviews, and refinancing opportunities as markets shift and life evolves. A mortgage plan should adapt as circumstances change.

WHEN

MOST PEOPLE THINK ABOUT A MORTGAGE, THE INTEREST RATE DOMINATES THE CONVERSATION. WHAT ELSE MATTERS?

Rate matters, especially because it’s the most visible number in the conversation. But how the loan is structured and how long the borrower realistically expects to keep it often has just as much impact. Historically, most people do not hold the same mortgage for thirty years. Over five or ten years, amortization, time horizon, and down payment allocation can meaningfully change the outcome.

Liquidity provides flexibility. Committing more capital to a down payment or accelerating principal reduction reduces interest expense, but it also affects flexibility. That trade-off depends on the broader financial plan.

The interest rate sets the cost of borrowing. Structure determines how that cost unfolds over time.

HOW DO YOU HELP CLIENTS EVALUATE THE TRUE COST OF A MORTGAGE BEYOND THE MONTHLY PAYMENT?

I model decisions over time rather than just at closing. Instead of focusing solely on payment, I build side-by-side comparisons that show how different loan structures perform over several years. We look at total interest paid, principal reduction, break-even points, and how preserving liquidity might influence other financial opportunities.

For some clients, that means comparing a 30-year structure to a hybrid loan. For others, it’s evaluating whether allocating less to a down payment and keeping more capital invested produces a stronger result.

Seeing the numbers unfold visually over time tends to shift the conversation from emotional to disciplined.

CAN YOU SHARE AN EXAMPLE OF WHEN THE LOWEST INTEREST RATE WASN’T THE BEST OPTION?

This comes up more often than people expect.

Sometimes, a borrower can lower their rate by paying discount points. On paper, that reduces interest

“I realized fairly quickly that what energized me most was the relationship side, sitting across the table from someone and helping them think through meaningful decisions.”

“My role is to help

clients move forward with clarity and confidence, knowing their financing decisions align not only with today’s market but with where they want to be years from now.”

expense. But if the financing is likely temporary because of a planned move or refinance, the break-even period may exceed the expected holding period. Paying two points to save $80 or $100 per month may look attractive until you realize it could take five or six years to recover that upfront cost. If the loan won’t last that long, the math doesn’t support it.

In those cases, preserving liquidity or accepting a slightly higher rate in exchange for lender credits can make more sense. When you analyze the decision over five years instead of thirty, the “best” option often looks different. The spreadsheet tells a fuller story than the rate sheet.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE READERS TO KNOW?

It’s never too early to have a strategic mortgage conversation, and it’s often more costly to wait than people realize. Underwriting guidelines, liquidity positioning, and credit structure are easier to optimize with time. Small adjustments made months in advance can meaningfully expand flexibility.

I’ve worked with clients for a year or more before they made an offer, not because they had to, but because preparation builds options and confidence. If you’re considering a move, renovation, or refinance, or considering a vacation or investment property, in the next year or two, let’s have a brief strategy session to clarify what’s possible now. Good decisions are easier to make when they’re not made under pressure.

My role is to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence, knowing their financing decisions align not only with today’s market but with where they want to be years from now.

BEFORE AN OFFER IS WRITTEN, REID THOMPSON WALKS CLIENTS THROUGH SCENARIOS:

• What happens if the appraisal comes in low?

• How does that affect loan-to-value, down payment structure, or flexibility after closing?

"When buyers understand those trade-offs in advance, they act confidently instead of reactively," he said.

Steps Toward a Cure

Local programs, compassionate support, and community action are helping families navigate Alzheimer's.

For families facing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, the journey can feel overwhelming, but they are not alone. Across Charlottesville and the surrounding region, the Central and Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is working every day to provide education, support, advocacy, and hope. The organization traces its origins to Jerome Stone, who helped launch the national Alzheimer’s Association after recognizing the need for stronger support networks for families. Today, the organization has grown into the leading voluntary health organization focused on Alzheimer’s care, support, and research, with more than 70 chapters nationwide and over 600 Walk to End Alzheimer’s events across the country each year. Locally, the Charlottesville walk is the largest in the chapter, serving communities across 62 counties throughout Central and Western Virginia.

For Brooke Gill, Senior Program Manager, the concept of “investment” -- a theme that resonates with many in our community -- goes far beyond financial contributions. “When we use the word investment, we talk about programming, care, and support as the why behind the walk,” Gill said. “We’re investing locally, and we cover 62 counties. Everyone has their own needs. It’s not just about the broader research, the race to the cure; it’s about each community, care, and support. We’re not just investing in the microscopes and the science— we’re investing in who is living here.”

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

That local investment begins with education and early action. Understanding symptoms, resources, and next steps can dramatically change the experience for families navigating a diagnosis.

“Early intervention gives people the information they need to understand what’s happening with their loved ones,” Gill explained. “Helping people understand what they’re looking for and giving them an opportunity to talk about it. It’s pivotal… we’ve come a long way. There’s no cure yet, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

One of the most impactful resources the organization offers is its 24/7 helpline, which connects caregivers to trained professionals whenever they need guidance or reassurance. “Life doesn’t just happen 9-5,” Gill said. “Helpline workers are trained to help through a hard situation or behavior, or to help you through a hard day. It’s essential.”

In addition to crisis support, the chapter provides ongoing programs designed to strengthen both caregivers and individuals living with dementia. Initiatives like Building Brain-Healthy

Habits focus on lifestyle changes that research suggests may reduce risk and promote brain health, while the Empowered Caregiver series helps families balance independence and safety, improve communication, and navigate behavioral changes. “It’s a great program, and one of the most popular pieces is about behaviors and how to deal with them,” Gill said.

Advocacy is another critical piece of the organization’s work. The Alzheimer’s Association has helped advance dementia training initiatives for first responders across Virginia and continues working to create more dementia-friendly communities statewide.

Community connection remains at the heart of the mission, and nowhere is that more visible than at the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will

take place in cities and towns across Virginia this fall. Sheri Owen, Senior Development Manager, has seen firsthand how the event brings people together.

“We had about 1,000 walkers last year, and momentum grows each year,” Owen said. “The committee is made up of volunteers… high school students up to UVA students, and community participants. It’s an amazing event to bring everyone back together. Walking to find the cure is the most impactful event I have ever been a part of.”

Volunteers play a central role in the organization’s success. Many participants return year after year because of personal connections to the disease and the meaningful sense of purpose the walk provides. “Most of our volunteers have a personal story,” Owen said. “You think it’s an old person’s disease, but it’s really not. The stories are what make it real and what make it impactful.”

One of the most powerful parts of the walk is the Promise Garden, where participants choose and carry flowers representing their personal connection to Alzheimer’s. Each color holds deep meaning: yellow for caregivers, orange for supporters, purple for those who have lost someone, and blue for individuals currently living with the disease. White represents the future -- the cure.

"People pick a color that they identify with," Owen explained. "this is one of the most impactful things that I've ever seen, everyone holding these flowers in solidarity."

Funds raised through the walk directly support free local education programs, caregiver support groups, advocacy initiatives, and resources available to families across the region, while also contributing to research efforts happening nationwide and in our own backyard.

The organization also continues to expand partnerships within the community, including outreach to faith-based organizations and local groups to increase awareness and education.

For those looking to get involved, the path is simple and meaningful. “The easiest way is to participate in the walk. Sign up for a team,” Owen said. “Go to alz.org and get your family or get your business involved. There’s always something you can do. There’s always something for everyone to be able to do.”

Ultimately, the Alzheimer’s Association is investing not only in research, but in people -- caregivers, families, volunteers, and neighbors -- creating a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone affected by the disease.

SEASONAL BEAUTY RESET

INVESTING IN CONFIDENCE AND SELF-CARE THIS SEASON

As the seasons shift, many feel ready for a reset, and one way to do it is with a fresh approach to self-care. At Trend Salon, owner Tara Kennedy sees firsthand how investing in personal care can influence confidence and overall well-being.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY

BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

“We believe when someone looks in the mirror and likes what they see, the body and mind automatically react in a real physiological way,” Kennedy said. “You hold your head higher; you get a pep in your step. We have personally seen clients transform in our chair. Their whole demeanor changes. How you

look plays a direct role in how you feel about yourself, and in return, how you present yourself to others.”

Seasonal change often brings clients looking for brighter, lighter results after months of winter dryness. Kennedy says both hair and skin treatments trend toward restoration this time of year.

“We turn to refresh treatments for both hair and skin,” she explained. “We shed our winter cocoon of drier, heavier hair and our old skin with advanced treatments to revitalize both the hair and the skin cuticle. We also see the dramatic instant results of a professional dermaplane to remove dead skin, and a penetrating oxygen-driven facial to fill your skin cuticle with serums that hydrate and leave you glowing.”

For those new to self-care, Kennedy encourages starting with simple habits that make an immediate difference. “If you are looking for an at-home instant revival, hydrate. Drink your water -- do not underestimate what this will do for your skin,” she said.

She also reminds clients that prioritizing themselves is not selfish. “We truly can't care for others in the best way if we aren't at our best. We can't fill from an empty cup. Being your best allows you to give your best to those in your life that matter most.”

Personalization is central to the salon’s approach. Rather than recommending trends alone, the team builds plans around lifestyle, time commitment, and budget.

“Lifestyle is such a huge part of what we take into consideration before we set a plan for your hair and skin care,” Kennedy said. “We do a full consultation

to determine not only your skin tone, but also your complexion texture, and your hair texture and density.” Stylists and estheticians also discuss how much time clients spend on themselves, how much time they want to invest in the salon, and what their budget is for a customized plan.

Behind the scenes, ongoing education supports clients’ experiences. “We want to be the absolute best in our industry in product knowledge, technique, and consultation,” Kennedy said. “We believe if we invest in ourselves, we can give an experience to our clients that they can't get anywhere else.”

As warmer weather approaches, Kennedy recommends repairing winter damage before peak sun exposure begins.

“Everything is dry and brittle. You want to exfoliate, cleanse, clarify, refill skin and hair with top, clean, concentrated ingredients and seal it in,” she says. “Repair and reinforce your natural barrier, get your glow back, before the sun is at its peak damage-causing season!”

For more information or to book an appointment or an online consultation for some services, visit TrendSalonCville.com .

SMART STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING a Wine Collection

Will Curley of The Wine Guild shares approachable advice for building a cellar that reflects your taste and lifestyle.

ARTICLE BY WILL CURLEY AND JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

When someone starts thinking about investing in a wine collection, what foundational decisions matter most early on?

If you’re to the point of considering investing in a wine collection, there’s a good chance that you already know what you like to drink, and that’s the first step.  Knowing what you like in a bottle (and don’t like) encourages proper planning in your cellar; if, for instance, you have never understood the drinking appeal of a Barolo, you’ll know to spend your money on other prestige reds, in other styles.  It seems simple, but you’ll only ever have room for so many bottles, so why not make them bottles in styles that you can’t wait to drink?

How do you recommend balancing everyday wines with bottles meant for long-term aging, especially for collectors at different stages?

I hate to say it, but it’s math. Anyone can do a bit of back-of-thenapkin to get a rough estimate of how many bottles they drink in a month (no judgement here! ).  These are your ‘drinkers’, your Tuesday night bottles with leftovers, your wine for Saturday afternoons hanging with friends, and wine as a part of your day-to-day life.  Think back to your month - how many times would a special bottle of wine have improved a special meal? That’s a rough estimate of how many drinkers, and how many special bottles per month you’ll need -- multiply it by 12 calendar months, add a few extra for the holidays, and you know

roughly how many prestige bottles you’ll go through a year, along with how many bottles of everyday stuff to have around as well.

That’s your baseline - the number of bottles you can expect to need to purchase every year to allow you to maintain your cellar, and not find yourself drinking bottles that need plenty more time to age.

What storage considerations -- temperature, humidity, light, or space -- tend to have the biggest impact on protecting a collection over time?

Temperature and light are the most pressing concerns for short/medium-term storage, and humidity control is important if you’re aging wines for more than five years.

Long-term storage should have all four components -- the bottle on its side, to keep the cork from drying out; a consistent, mild temperature; not too dry or too humid; and in the dark most of the time. These factors will all increase the likelihood that when you’re ready to drink that special bottle, it’s in prime condition.

Beyond the wine itself, what equipment or tools (racks, cellars, fridges, glassware, tracking systems) are worth investing in as a collection grows?

Personally, I began my cellar with a few wine boxes hidden in the back of my closet, and they served me well for many years til we got a few wine fridges, and it’ll probably serve you just as well

until you get a few too many cases worth of great wine for your closet. Eventually, you will want one with temperature and humidity control, but I’ve never been too worried about multiple temperature zones or most any other bells or whistles.

Are there certain wine styles, regions, or characteristics that tend to age especially well and appeal to collectors looking for longevity rather than immediate enjoyment?

There are four features in wine that allow for lengthy aging: acid, tannins, alcohol, and residual sugar.

I mentioned Barolo wine, from Piedmont, a highacid, high-tannin red that ages beautifully, but there are a number of styles that all age wonderfully. A few other examples:

Bordeaux: Tannins, some acid & a reasonable ABV, wines from Bordeaux have (comparatively) lower alcohol than other prestige reds, allowing for a gentler aging (alcohol is volatile, and in some cases, higher ABV wines develop ‘off’ flavors sooner/more often).  Other age-worthy reds: Rioja, Châteauneufdu-Pape, Cabernets, and red blends from California, and Michael Shaps Meritage.

Virginia reds are worth a special mention here: many, even most, Virginia red wines will benefit

from aging - Tannat, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cab Franc, and Meritage blends all do well with time, and I tend to recommend 5 years from the year listed on the bottle. Our red clay soils impart a ton of youthful energy that takes time to mature, soften and integrate into a really delicious, complete wine. Great examples: Barboursville Octagon, Jake Busching Cabernet Franc, King Family Mountain Plains Red.

German Riesling: a famously age-worthy white with low alcohol, high acid, and lots of residual sugar, aged versions tend to have a beautiful tropical, citrus nose - like a kaleidoscope of mandarins in syrup. See also: Port, Sherry, Sauternes, Barboursville Paxxito.

What’s one common mistake you see collectors make -- and one smart habit that consistently pays off in the long run?

Two sides of the same coin: smart collectors buy, age, and drink what they like, above all else. You’ll get far more pleasure from buying & laying down a case of the $20 Bordeaux that you love over spending triple that on a prestige bottle from a region that, sure, may age well, but isn’t your favorite.

Similarly, an easy mistake to make is to fill your cellar with wines that ‘scored great’, or ‘are a great deal’ (“for a wine like this”). For me, high scores and critical acclaim are useful in differentiating a wine from the pack, but if it’s not a style I love, what’s the point? I’d rather drink more of what I like than find myself popping a bottle in 10 years and wondering why I bothered!

Will Curley's Advice for Organizers

If you’re the type of person who enjoys the organizational side of collecting, then an app like CellarTracker will allow you to classify your wine and keep an eye on the optimal drinking windows of each bottle.

SIP, AND SAVOR WITH

Waterfront Surroundings STAY,

Boutique comfort, standout dining, and beautiful waterfront scenery make this destination an easy escape.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

If you're on the hunt for an historic town that offers gorgeous waterfront views, comfortable stays, and outdoorsy activities in town as well as gorgeous local environs and smalltown charm, Havre de Grace, Maryland is the secret gem you've been looking for. Located in Harford County, Maryland, the charming town is situated where the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River meet, and is the perfect destination for traveler groups of any type, from couples and adventure-seekers to families or friend groups.

STAY

For the most unforgettable stay, the Vandiver Inn is a must for travelers to Havre de Grace. The boutique bed and breakfast features a main mansion with upstairs rooms as well as adjacent properties that meet the needs of any travelers, regardless of the size of the group.

Its gorgeously appointed dining room is ideal for indulging in the establishment’s morning meals from its award-winning chef/ co-owner, Susan Muldoon. Start the day with impeccably prepared eggs and meats or specials like creamy stuffed berry waffles. With cozy nooks, stained glass windows, and a view of the quaint town (which can also be enjoyed from the porch in comfy weather), the Vandiver Inn’s breakfast room is the ideal place to start your day.

Beyond that, the multi-award-winning Vandiver Inn offers a multitude of rooms that range from one-bedrooms to far more expansive stays that can accommodate a multitude of needs. Additionally, there’s a green area to relax in outside, and an adaptable pavilion for renting or for enjoying some of their in-house events. Also, it’s nestled right in town, making it walkable to the waterfront as well as many of the local attractions and activities in Havre de Grace.

“This is a place where customers become friends,” said co-owners John and Susan Muldoon. “We know them, and they know us so well.” Plus, for visitors looking for a setup for corporate events or weddings, Vandiver Inn is an idyllic destination. Susan, who attended Cornell and studied neurobiology, is now the chef who makes dreams come true at the Inn with her incredibly prepared dishes that have expanded even beyond the Inn’s events and innovative breakfasts to its expertly curated Tuesday night Bite Nights that explore

various cuisines and offer an opportunity for locals to take a taste of what the Vandiver Inn has to offer.

For those looking for other ways to experience the Inn, John and Susan are considering opening the spot for breakfast to others beyond the guests at the B&B, and a social happy hour that may also welcome town residents (in addition the current one for guests) may be on the way, too.

FOR WINE LOVERS

For wine enthusiasts up for exploration, downtown Havre de Grace has a destination worth putting on the itinerary. Joe Lertch, a Havre de Grace native for over 20 years, owns The Vineyard Wine Bar, most recently voted by Mashed as the number one wine bar in the state. But it’s also garnered a massive amount of other impressive wine and dining awards and recommendations, making it a top stop for wine-lovers visiting the area that also want to indulge in incredible food.

“I try to source wines from all over the world. I find unusual varietals that not many people have heard of,” Lertch said. “We have a very rare and very extensive selection.”

The restaurant offers 80 wines by the glass, often from bottles that people have never heard of. In addition, the restaurant features 70 half-glasses in flights so that people can sample them. Plus, there’s a full focus on education that extends beyond the restaurant to exploratory trips that are both domestic and abroad.

HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND

If you’re on the hunt for an historic town that offers the combination of gorgeous waterfront views, comfortable stays, outdoorsy activities... and small-town charm, Havre de Grace, Maryland, is the secret gem you’ve been looking for.

“This is a place where customers become friends,” said co-owners John and Susan Muldoon. “We know them, and they know us so well.”

DINING

Beyond Vandiver Inn and the Vineyard Wine Bar, there are multiple other spots to stop into. For a casual afternoon lunch to fuel you through the day, pop into Danny’s Deli, with subs and sandwiches that are sure to satisfy, and a staff that is beyond friendly. You might even meet Danny himself, who is happy to have a chat.

For seafood-based goodness, stop into the warm, friendly, and spunkily decorated Water Street Seafood. While the ambiance is comfy and casual, there are plenty of upscale Maryland seafood delicacies on the menu. Don’t miss the crab hush puppies, bacon-wrapped scallops, or well-seasoned cioppino.

MORE IN HAVRE DE GRACE

While the Vandiver Inn and many local dining destinations are top-notch places to nestle into for food, wine, and a comfortable stay, there is so much more to explore in Havre de Grace.

For peaceful walks, stroll along the adorable downtown with its shops and pubs. Pop into the tearoom for an elevated afternoon or check out numerous other locally owned treasures. Or simply head to the promenade to enjoy a walk with a waterfront view, possibly stopping at the lighthouse or the maritime museum.

If outdoorsy life is your aim on the trip, it’s easy to drop a kayak or pop over to Susquehanna State Park, where there are trails, scenery, and historical sites to check out. Want to get sporty? Run along the promenade, hike the trails, or golf nearby at Bulle Rock’s Pete Dye-designed public golf course.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

THROUGH MAY 3RD

"Twelfth Night"

American Shakespeare Center, 10 S Market St, Staunton, VA 24401

Shipwrecks, disguises, and romantic chaos collide in “Twelfth Night” at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, running through May 3. Directed by Nana Dakin, this take on Shakespeare’s comedy delivers wild parties, mistaken identities, and plenty of mischief. AmericanShakespeareCenter.com

APRIL 4TH

Easter Celebration at SMV

Southwest Mountains Vineyards, 2300 Whipper In Ln, Keswick, VA 22947 | 11:00 AM

Celebrate spring with a special day at the winery! Enjoy kids’ and adults’ egg hunts, face painting, food trucks, wildflower seed spreading, and photos with Tickle the farm donkey. The event is free for families, with a ticketed adult-only egg hunt. SMVWines.com

APRIL 18TH

Garden Basics: Great Flowering Native Plants for Beauty and the Bees

James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | 10:00 AM

Learn how to create a pollinator-friendly garden during this free workshop with the Piedmont Master Gardeners on April 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Discover beautiful native plants, practical growing tips, and design ideas that support bees and other pollinators. Space is limited, and registration is required. Highland.org

APRIL 18TH - 25TH

Historic Garden Week

Various Locations

Celebrate spring during Historic Garden Week, a statewide tradition hosted by the Garden Club of Virginia. Tour private landscapes, public gardens, and historic sites at peak bloom, enhanced by stunning floral designs. Proceeds support preservation projects and research fellowships across Virginia’s historic gardens. GCVirginia.org

APRIL 19TH

Paramount Presents: Step Afrika! The Evolution Tour

The Paramount Theater, 215 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | 7:00 PM

Feel the rhythm with “Step Afrika!” at The Paramount Theater. Celebrating 30+ years and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US Step Afrika! Is on its Evolution Tour that blends stepping, storytelling, and audience participation into a high-energy performance that showcases culture, teamwork, and percussive movement. TheParamount.net

APRIL 23RD

The Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle Presents: Wordplay

The Paramount Theater of Charlottesville, 215 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | 7:00 PM

Put your knowledge to the test at Wordplay, a lively team-based trivia showdown at The Paramount Theater. Hosted by Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle, this annual fundraiser blends wordsmithing, pop culture, and friendly competition while supporting free tutoring programs that help adult learners reach their education and citizenship goals. TheParamount.net.

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