Charlottesville, VA November 2025

The Thankful Issue

November is a time to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the people, stories, and experiences that make our community feel like home. As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, this issue invites you to celebrate the creativity, passion, and heart that surround us.

Inside, you'll discover a local photographer who has spent decades capturing the breathtaking beauty of our landscapes, and an anthology that preserves the stories and culture of a changing region. You'll also meet musicians who blend heritage and community in new and unexpected ways, and learn about the inspiring work of a local organization dedicated to advocacy, inclusion, and community support. For seasonal inspiration, we've included expert advice for fall wines, as well as tips for bringing the vibrant colors of autumn indoors through florals.

This month, we're especially grateful for the partners and makers whose creativity and dedication make these stories possible and for you, our readers, for supporting local artists, creators, and establishments. Together, we celebrate the richness of our community and the joy of giving thanks.

Warmly,

JAMES LISOWSKI, PUBLISHER

@CITYLIFESTYLECHARLOTTESVILLE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

James Lisowski | james.lisowski@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stephen Barnard, Maxine Clifford, Ron Dressel, Kristen Finn, Anne Henry, Trevor Joppich, Brian Schornberg, Cindy Schornberg, Michael O. Snyder, Lindsey Walters, Wyeth Ward, David Withers, The Arc of The Piedmont, Atlas Restaurant Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, Brand & Market, LLC, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, Franklin Knox Photography, Josephine Manet Photography, Keswick Vineyard, Roderico Y. Díaz/Iximché Media, Stacey Evans Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Gratitude in

Artist

Lua

How

Michael

At Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic, our passion lies in delivering exceptional, ethical veterinary care for pets and their humans. We seamlessly blend top-tier medical knowledge and surgical expertise with low-stress techniques and a friendly, down-to-earth approach to solve your pet’s health concerns. From wellness to complex care, we’re here for all your pet’s needs. Let our compassionate team help you navigate the journey with confidence.

NOVEMBER 2025

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: 10th anniversary celebration at pūrvelo. 2: Band at Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard's Sundowner Series. 3: Southwest Mountain Vineyards' Cape Town Comes to Keswick event. 4: Geoffrey Warren Barnes II as Launce and Lady as Crab in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, ASC 2025. 5: Maren Morris performs at Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection, kicking off the 2025 Auberge Concert Series presented by Bilt. 6: Isabel Lee Roden as Juliet, Angela Iannone as Friar Lawrence, and Nick Ericksen as Romeo in Romeo & Juliet, 2025, at American Shakespeare Center. 7: Visitors at the Southern Living Idea House in Charlottesville.

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Expert Tips for Bringing a New Dog Into Your Home

Sadie's Rules’ founder Jess Schneiderman has tips for new dog owners to make the transition smooth:

• Agree on expectations for the dog.

• Use a crate (dogs need a space all their own to decompress).

• Start training as soon as you interact with them.

• Avoid allowing the dog to free roam until it has earned that privilege.

• Build a bond by spending quality time with your new family member (playing, walking, etc.).

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Troup Custom Carpentry Builds with the Best Materials in the Industry

Troup Custom Carpentry is proud to be a TimberTech Pro contractor, and this year brings game-changing upgrades. Their all-new cable railing system delivers a sleek, modern look at a competitive price point. Their new Harvest+ deck board collection raises the bar with colors and durability. It’s full PVC (no wood fibers), so it’s clear of splitting, cupping, rot, mold, and mildew. Quality, care, and craftsmanship aren’t buzzwords—they’re Troup Custom Carpentry's standards.

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Prepare for Your Winter Wedding

If walking down the aisle is part of your plan for next winter, it's the perfect time to choose your dress. Get your bridesmaids on board and schedule an appointment to try on the latest styles at Sealed With a Kiss.

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Associate Broker, GRI 434.466.5850 | griermurphy.com | griermurphy@nestrealty.com

Gratitude in Focus

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

STACEY EVANS

As a child growing up in the Shenandoah Valley, Stacey Evans says she was inspired by the scene through her bedroom window of hills, trees, cows, a pond where geese landed during migration, and the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Now she brings similar landscapes and nature to life through her photography.

ARTIST STACEY EVANS REFLECTS ON GRATITUDE AND FINDING INSPIRATION IN SEASONS, LIGHT, AND EVERYDAY MOMENTS.

“WHAT I AM MOST THANKFUL FOR ARE THE RELATIONSHIPS I HAVE FORMED. I HAVE A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT ME.”

WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR ABOUT BEING AN ARTIST ROOTED IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA?

The Charlottesville community accepts me and provides numerous opportunities for me to experiment and grow, from working as a freelance photographer -- photographing attic rooms at Monticello -- to learning printmaking at the Virginia Book Arts Center. What I am most thankful for are the relationships I have formed. I have a community of people who support me. Being in a smaller art community rather than a big city allows me to connect with cool people in a variety of ways. I meet new, wonderful people every year. I'm lucky.

ARE THERE PARTICULAR LANDSCAPES, SEASONS, OR PLACES HERE THAT ALWAYS SPARK YOUR CREATIVITY?

There is not just one spot, although the Albemarle High School parking lot has beautiful sky views. I live right around the corner, and we don't have a big sky view. When I was working on my “For the Love of Clouds” project and noticed magical light in my backyard, I'd head there.

There is a rhythm to the seasons I appreciate in Central Virginia. When I lived in Georgia, seasonal change was not as dramatic; my soul craves this rhythm. I love deciduous trees and observing their process of dropping leaves, becoming dormant, and the sap rising in spring. It's regenerative.

DO YOU FIND THAT THANKFULNESS PLAYS A ROLE IN HOW YOU APPROACH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY OR PAINTING?

Photography has given me a direction in life that fulfills me. I realize not everyone is fortunate enough to find a career they feel passionate about. Being an artist, working with cameras and photographic processes, and creating [is what I'm grateful for].

WHAT IS SOMETHING SMALL OR ORDINARY IN THIS AREA -- MAYBE A DETAIL MOST PEOPLE OVERLOOK -- THAT YOU FIND YOURSELF THANKFUL FOR AND INSPIRED BY?

My artwork is focused on the ordinary, rather than the extraordinary, showcasing subtle shifts in light, season, and time. One thing that comes to mind, which is not necessarily

Stacey Evans

PHOTOGRAPHER

WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT YOUR CAREER SO FAR, IS THERE A MOMENT OR PROJECT THAT FEELS LIKE A GIFT -- SOMETHING YOU'RE ESPECIALLY GRATEFUL FOR?

One summer, National Geographic photographer Sam Abell had an exhibition, and I got to know and work with him. He recommended me to be a judge for a high school photography contest, which would take shape in the form of a book, “Our View.” John Grant was a judge and the designer of the book. A few years later, I asked John to join me on my first overnight train trip from Charlottesville to West Glacier, Montana. I wanted to photograph power lines from the train, and we'd been dating on and off for over a year. I have photographed on forty-four Amtrak trips across the United States, as well as routes in Scandinavia, Canada, and France, creating over 15,000 born-digital photographs. John has traveled with me on many of these trips, and we've been married for twelve years. John is an artist as well, and we have studios in our home. I am grateful for that summer.

related to this area, but to all areas, is light. When I taught at PVCC, one of my first assignments given to students was to photograph the same place at three different times of day. It could be a windowsill in your home, a place on your commute to work, just find an ordinary place and notice how the light changes. Students always came back very grateful after this experience because I shared with them the gift of seeing light and how it shapes our surroundings.

WHO IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR -- PEOPLE WHO'VE ENCOURAGED, COLLABORATED WITH, OR INFLUENCED YOUR WORK?

Goodness, if I listed everyone in this community I am grateful for, this would be a very long list. So, to everyone out there who has hired me, worked with me, purchased artwork, taken a class, or met with me to chat about hopes and dreams, I appreciate you for joining me on this journey.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY OF PHOTOGRAPHING SOMETHING HERE THAT MADE YOU PAUSE AND FEEL THANKFUL FOR THE MOMENT?

Photographing from trains for my “Passenger” project is all about precise moments. It's about anticipating what's coming and relinquishing control to a giant moving machine. Over the years, I've gotten to know the route between Charlottesville and Washington, DC pretty well. I knew I wanted a snowy scene and took the train to DC on such a day. This trip was early in the project, so I was not as intentional when choosing my seat and ended up facing east. I knew the Barboursville crossing was coming by our location, and [heard] the sound of the train whistle. I prepared myself.

This was one of those magical moments when all the elements align. I captured the flashing red light, motion, the street, and the surrounding buildings. And, the real magic happened when I saw a woman walking and was able to focus on her in a split second.

The next thankful moment in this story was during an exhibition where this photograph was on view. Fred and Beth Nichols were there and walked up to me. We'd known each other for years, as I admired his work and had worked a couple of times for Beth at their gallery. Beth was the one walking in this scene.

HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR ART MAKES OTHERS FEEL THANKFUL?

I hope others feel a connection with my work, notice something familiar; giving someone a place to look deeply might help bring this out into their daily lives.

MUSIC THAT TELLS STORIES

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Estela Diaz Knott and David Berzonsky met through music nearly three decades ago and have traveled around the globe. One location that they've traveled extensively is Central America, from where Knott’s mother hailed before she moved to Appalachia, where Knott was raised. Both Knott and Berzonsky have Appalachian heritage as well as a shared love of storytelling through music and exploring their individual identities in addition to Appalachian roots -- hers, Mexican, and his, Jewish. After a storied start to the first years of their relationship that

took them from Latin America to Berkeley, California, the two started the band Lua Project before ultimately landing in Charlottesville and continuing their style of music that they call Mexilachian.

While the two, along with their band, combine a wide range of musical styles, their most recent album is a compilation of stories born from interviews with families of Latine descent that have settled in Appalachian regions. The team worked together, with Knott doing much of the lyrical writing and Berzonsky contributing

largely to composition, to document the oral histories through song. And, as always, they collaborated with the other band members, including their daughter Luna, to bring the stories and music together.

In addition to playing at local venues as well as around the country, the Lua Project also teaches early childhood classes, organizes community events and outreach efforts, and offers workshops. And while Knott is dedicated to the pursuit of compelling storytelling and music-making with Lua Project, her own favorite song is a moving one titled Gracias a la Vida (Thank You to Life), sung by Mercedes Sosa, who Knott said, “carried the voice of the people.”

To experience the work of the Lua Project and find where they’re performing, visit LuaProject.org .

Estela Diaz Knott on Being a "Cultural Pollinator"

“I'm second generation, and I know about growing up where no one was like me -- I craved to be around people like me. Over time, I started to realize, as I was running back and forth between here and there, I’m a bridge -- I’m a connector. And that’s what I really want to be. I realized there are a lot of people who feel that way.

So if there’s a way that we can weave people’s stories together, so they realize they don’t need to fit into one box, that's what we want to do. You can be Mexilachian -- your people can be here and belong. Cultural traditions aren’t static; they evolve over time. I hope it inspires to look inside us, and see the culture that we share as Americans.”

Creating Joy with Fall Flowers

Karen Walker of Hedge Fine Blooms offers suggestions for filling your house with

Whether you’re looking to bring the colors of fall inside or you want to spruce up your Thanksgiving table, there are plenty of ways to add autumnal color to your home. Karen Walker of Hedge Fine Blooms suggests starting with seasonal flowers. “I really like the fan cockscomb and coral cockscomb, and of course the ever-amazing dahlia,” she said. “You can’t go wrong with dahlias -- they’re beautiful.” She also advises incorporating lisianthus, hypericum, and spirea, as well as dried flowers and leaves, and fruits like Lady Apples or grapes.  For presentation, you can use any vessel from simple vases to statement pieces, particularly ones that are special to the family or are visually interesting with textural components. If you want to keep things simple on your

Thanksgiving table, she says that filling bud vases is an elegant approach. And if you’re looking to let someone else do the arranging, Hedge Fine Blooms is happy to do the work. “People can bring a container to us to fill -- it brings us a lot of joy and it’s really fun,” she said.

While colors like taupe, brown, yellow, and orange are most commonly associated with the season, Walker says that other colors will work well, too. She suggests turning to jewel tones, mauve, or a rich, deep pink to add non-traditional colors that still capture the season.

Finally, in addition to floral arrangements, add warm fall ambiance throughout the home by incorporating autumnal flowers into wreaths or swags. Using a combination of dried and fresh flowers and other elements will channel autumn while keeping the presentation fresh.

The Gift of Community

How the Arc of the Piedmont builds inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for all.

It was in the 1950s, a time when information about Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) was scarce, that a group of parents spearheaded the founding of Arc, an organization with a mission of supporting individuals with IDD. Since then, locations have opened around the country, and activists have worked diligently to push forward legislation and provide needed services that help people with IDD to be a part of the greater community. While the first Arc opened in 1950, Central Virginia’s outpost, the Arc of the Piedmont, wasn’t far behind, opening in 1954.

“Advocacy is a large part of the work that we do. We serve our folks daily, incorporating person-centered care,” said Melissa Wolcott, Director of Development & Community Relations. “But we are also regularly educating the community on ways to practically show respect and courtesy, dignity, and choice to the individuals.”

In order to serve its mission, the Arc of the Piedmont collaborates with a variety of organizations, including Region 10 and the Virginia Institute for Autism. But Executive Director John Santoski points to numerous others that have also helped to take the organization, and the individuals that it serves, from surviving to thriving, such as donors, event sponsors, grant funders, and people who provide in-kind gifts, such as wheelchair lift vans (including one donated

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

by a local family who had no prior connection to the organization). And the gratitude doesn’t end there. “A few specific partnerships we’d like to acknowledge are the Cornell Foundation, which supports our arts program, as well as the Perry Foundation,” he said. “We’d also like to thank the Civitans and Kovar, who were instrumental in the renovations that took place for our facility, and the Charlottesville City CDGB grant that was awarded, which helped us to renovate one of the bathrooms at our Shamrock group home.”

Volunteers, too, are at the heart of the organization. “Volunteers are our Arc ambassadors, Santoski said. “Volunteers help support the events and contribute in meaningful ways [in] the way that they share our work with their network. The community all has a better understanding of who we are because of them!”

One of the things that Santoski harbors the utmost gratitude for is the people he works alongside every day. “I can tell you that over all the years, I am always the most thankful for people who want to do this type of work," he said. "As I look on the horizon, my hope is that there [will] be a willingness for others to advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves.”

To support the Arc of The Piedmont, consider attending its upcoming events: The Santa Fun Run on December 6th, 2025, at 10 am on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall and the Spring Gala on April 18th, 2026, at 5:30 pm at the Hotel Forum.

“There is nothing more satisfying [than] seeing a sea of Santas every December at our Santa Fun Run &

Walk,” Santoski said. The event is the Arc’s way to give back to the community and to say: thank you! The heart of the event is that when you see a sea of Santas, we all look the same, you can’t tell who has a disability and who doesn’t, and this is how it should be every day.

The Gala is also a wonderful opportunity for us to share our stories about our people and for people to see us. It’s a fun, elegant night to celebrate our work and raise money at the same time.”

VIRGINIA WINES to Share This Season

KESWICK VINEYARD'S WINEMAKER STEPHEN BARNARD ON THE PERFECT WINES FOR AUTUMN.

ARTICLE

BY

JENNIFER WALDERA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

FALL IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA IS FULL OF HARVEST FLAVORS -- WHAT WINES DO YOU THINK BEST CAPTURE THE FEELING OF THE SEASON?

I am such a fan of Virginia wines. It’s a little cooler, colors are changing, so for me, a fuller-bodied white wine. I love Viognier -- Jefferson Vineyards makes a good one and King Family Vineyards’ [White Plains] is a blend with Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, and Viognier.

Reds, you can play around with everything. You can go with lighter fruit-forward types of wine. Pollak makes a great Pinot Noir. There are also so many meritage blends -- Barboursville Octagon stands out. Up north, Linden makes a wonderful Claret. Those are the kind of wines I’ve had multiple times. Absolutely perfect for that time of year.

ARE THERE ANY UNEXPECTED FALL FOODS THAT YOU LOVE PAIRING WITH WINE, SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT IMMEDIATELY THINK OF?

It’s amazing how pumpkin spice and Riesling can go together. But traditional is traditional for a reason. With cranberry, you want a red that goes with that tartness. Always start with bubbles and don’t forget rosé -- Southwest Mountain Vineyards, our neighbors, make tremendous rosé.

THANKSGIVING TABLES CAN BE A MIX OF RICH, SAVORY, AND SWEET -- WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO PAIRING THAT CAN HOLD ITS OWN ACROSS ALL THOSE FLAVORS?

I’d go with a really medium-bodied fruit-forward type of wine that can stand up to all of those, like Sangiovese, which is a really lovely fruit-friendly wine. A really,

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really good rosé that has seen some oak can also be a surprising crowd-pleasing wine.

HOW DOES THE TERROIR OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA INFLUENCE YOUR WINES, AND DO YOU THINK THAT ADDS SOMETHING SPECIAL WHEN PAIRED WITH LOCAL FALL FOODS?

I think the fact is that the saying “if it grows together, it goes together” is a wonderful thing. We have 8 AVAs and 10 geographical regions, and they’re all so influenced by rainfall. If you had to sum up Virginia wines, they’re so balanced and well-made. You can have them on their own or pair them. If you’re in Virginia, you want to support local. Local beer, local food, local cider, local wine. They grow in the same soil … they’re going to go well together.

cheeses. But be curious -- try dark meats with white wines. At the end of the day, you have to drink and eat the thing and like it. You might come up with a pairing that none of us have ever thought about.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WINE YOU LIKE TO SIP DURING THE QUIETER MOMENTS OF FALL -- MAYBE BY A FIRE OR WHILE COOKING?

“That’s the beauty of wine - it gets people together and stimulates community... It just goes together with the season.”

FOR SOMEONE WHO’S JUST STARTING TO EXPLORE PAIRING, WHAT’S A SIMPLE GUIDELINE THEY CAN USE IN THE FALL SEASON TO MAKE THEIR CHOICES FEEL ELEVATED BUT NOT INTIMIDATING?

I would say, trust your palate, drink what you like when you like. Yes, reds and meats and whites with

I do -- it would be hard not to say it’s a Keswick wine because it’s our family and we make it! But I just love all Virginia Cabernet Franc. It’s some of the best in the world. And I always have a soft spot for the wines that I make and that I’m proud of, but I’d drink any Virginia Cabernet Franc.

ANY OTHER WINE PAIRING ADVICE FOR THE SEASON:

I think that’s the great thing about wine -- it’s such a wonderful thing to bring people together. Thinking of fall and Thanksgiving, essentially, what we’re thankful for is each other, and if Virginia wine is on the table, that’s great. That’s the beauty of wine — it gets people together and stimulates community. And it’s local. It just goes together with the season.

Exploring Change, Capturing Culture

Michael O. Snyder captures Appalachia's evolving traditions and its people.

Michael O. Snyder spent much of his younger life in Appalachia, where he took note of how the mining industry affected the land he called home. It was that inspiration that led him to pursue a career as an environmental scientist with an eye on tackling climate change. However, he ultimately pivoted to film and photography to marry his passion for affecting change with the power of telling stories through visuals.

“The story is one of the most powerful ways we can change minds,” Snyder said. “I decided to make a career transition into storytelling to make some sort of positive impact in society.”

Initially, Snyder started a production company in Washington, D.C., then moved into documentary photography. In 2011, he began what would ultimately become his 2025-published anthology, “Alleghania,” a collection of stories and photography of 104 individuals in the Alleghany Highlands, a place he holds close to his heart. While the project is not focused on the change of the environmental climate (a story he continues to tell

in many renowned publications), it does address the changes in the area from a different perspective.

“The point is not any sort of environmental connection,” he said. “It’s a process of looking at Appalachia during this period of great change -- maybe some of the most rapid change it’s ever gone through -- and exploring how culture and identity are changing over time, and allowing new traditions to come in and exploring how people are adapting to that.”

Snyder spent several years in Charlottesville when his wife accepted a position at UVA, which led to him pursuing a residency at the McGuffey Art Center. It was there that he completed a large amount of the work for the anthology, and it’s an opportunity that he’s grateful for. “To be in a space of community felt very empowering and perfect for what I do,” he said. “It was very important and special. The project is really inspired and influenced by my time at McGuffey. It was wonderful to be working there.”

To purchase “Alleghania”, visit Snyder’s website at MichaelOSnyder.com.

“To be in a space of community felt very empowering and perfect for what I do.” “

WATERFRONT VIEWS AND Upscale Comfort

Experience a vibrant waterfront, top-notch restaurants, and a serene hotel retreat.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

If you dream of waking up to sparkling panoramic water views with access to amazing amenities, food, and drinks, look no further than the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore. Only a few hours away, this waterfront destination is a luxury spot with everything you need for a weekend getaway or a mid-week trip.

Situated in Harbor East, the towering Four Seasons is the go-to destination for travelers looking for an upscale visit to the city. Hospitality is impeccable from start to finish, with attendants that take bags directly from your car to your room (and vice versa when you check out) and concierges who can answer any questions about your stay or the city.

The gorgeous entryway is filled with dramatic lighting fixtures and flower displays that inferentially forecast the grandness of your stay. Rooms, which either overlook the expansive harbor or the bustling circle of this part of town, are comfortable and quiet, and come in an array of sizes to fit travelers’ needs.

The property boasts a multitude of on-site restaurants, all of which offer top-notch service and high-quality food options. The views from The Bygone, the property’s 29th-floor restaurant and bar, are not to be missed from either inside or in their outdoor seating areas, where visitors can sip on exquisite cocktails or dine on the likes of freshly prepared seafood and steaks. Simple, upscale snacks or caviar service are an option, too. Also impressive is the hotel’s Loch Bar, a more casual destination on the bottom floor that also offers indoor and outdoor seating where you can enjoy waterside sips and dishes like their renowned lobster roll or a sandwich that channels the city’s flair -- a Chesapeake club with layers of shrimp salad, fried oysters, and crab cake with gruyère, bacon, and garlic aioli. The property also boasts an impressive waterfront sushi bar, Azumi, with a quality selection of Japanese whisky (amongst many other spirits), as well as a contemporary South American and Mexican restaurant, Maximón. Plus, in-room dining service is perfect, especially for breakfast -- the Maryland Crab Eggs Benedict is a can’t-miss with an abundance of lump crab and a rich yet bright hollandaise sauce.

For travelers looking for a leisurely day, a trip to the spa is ideal. The expansive space offers a multitude of options for relaxation.

However, if soaking in the sun is the goal, the two levels of outdoor options may also fulfill the desire for winding down. On the fourth floor, settle into, or next to, the waterfront pool with drinks (including Champagne or mixed beverages) and snacks from the Splash Pool Bar & Grill, or rent a cabana for a cozy, loungy, and leisurely afternoon. Or, meander up to the fifth floor for an adults-only area to slip into a hot tub or quietly lounge with a beautiful view of Baltimore’s skyline.

While the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore could serve as a one-stop destination for an entire trip, getting out and about is an option, too. The promenade along the water is a popular place for running and walking, and the Harbor East neighborhood offers an abundance of shopping destinations for clothing, home goods, and more. Plus, there are more nearby drinking and dining spots like Elk Room (named one of Esquire’s Best Bars in America) and Charleston (a James Beard award-winning restaurant helmed by Cindy Wolf). For casual spots, stop over to Chiu’s Sushi or Lebanese Taverna, or take a short walk to the newest location of Attman’s, a renowned delicatessen in the area.

CRAB CAKES IN BALTIMORE

Maryland is all about crab cakes, and if you're up for trying them as a traveler, this is the place to do it. While you can get versions at some of the restaurants at the Four Seasons, here are a few other options that locals would say may be worth a short drive if you're looking to explore:

• Jimmy’s Famous Seafood

• Koco’s Pub

• By the Docks

“If you dream of waking up to sparkling panoramic water views with access to amazing amenities, food, and drinks, look no further than the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore.”

If you’re looking to see the city from the water, the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore is perfectly situated for that, too. Only a couple-minute walk from one of the city’s water taxi stops, it’s the perfect location for hopping on a tour or traveling to various other parts of the city’s waterfront.

Harbor East is also close to a variety of other locations that are worth a stroll and that harbor the history of the area. Walk just a few steps to the National Aquarium, where you can spend hours enjoying and learning about sea life. Plus, just a a couple of blocks away is the city’s Little Italy neighborhood with many restaurants that any Italian-food lover will embrace. Meanwhile, the charmingly Belgian-block-paved Fells Point is also only a few steps away, filled with waterfront nightlife, live music, and more restaurants and bars than anyone could visit in even a months-long trip.

With such rich history and culture in Baltimore, there’s an abundance to explore. If you’re making a longer stay of your time at the Four Seasons, you can also hop in your car or a rideshare and explore Hampden (where you might spot filmmaker and writer John Waters or dine on inventive dishes at The Food Market) or Mt. Vernon for gorgeous architecture and stellar food and drinks at Brewer's Art. Or visit other local attractions that are just as appealing to locals as they are to visitors, like the American Visionary Arts Museum, the Maryland Science Center, the Walters Art Museum, Fort McHenry, or any of the city's many venues for live music or theatrical performances.

H O P E

Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

events

THROUGH NOVEMBER 18TH

The Two Gentlemen of Verona at the American Shakespeare Center

10 S Market St, Staunton, VA 24401 | Times vary

This Shakespearean comedy is a playful show about friendship, love, and heartbreak. For times and tickets, visit AmericanShakespeareCenter.com

NOVEMBER 8TH AND 9TH

31st Artisan Studio Tour

Throughout Central Virginia | 10:00 AM

Visit makers throughout Madison, Greene, Nelson, and Albemarle Counties for the 31st annual Artisan Studio Tour. Artists working with a wide range of mediums welcome visitors into their workspaces to see them at work. ArtisanStudioTour.com

NOVEMBER 8TH AND 15TH

Lua Project Concerts

The Loft at Liberty/Albemarle Ciderworks

On November 8th, the Lua Project will play in Harrisonburg at the Scholars Initiative Gala at The Loft at Liberty. The fundraiser benefits Latine students by raising money for scholarships. On November 15, the band will be at Albemarle Ciderworks for its last show at this venue for the year. Visit LuaProject.org for times and more information.

NOVEMBER 15TH

November Wildflower Walk at Ivy Creek

1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901-1392 | 9:00 AM

This two-hour walk, hosted by the Jefferson Chapter Virginia Native Plant Society, gives participants an opportunity to enjoy nature at the Ivy Creek Natural Area and Historic River View Farm. Attendees are encouraged to wear clothing that protects from ticks and mosquitoes. VNPS.org

NOVEMBER 20TH

The Next Chapter Travel & Speak Language Center Provence Tea & Travel

The Vault, 300 Main Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22902 | 6:00 PM

Join The Next Chapter Travel & Speak Language Center for an evening exploring the picturesque region of Provence in Southern France. Martha, founder of The Next Chapter Travel, will share the details of her upcoming all-women, small group luxury tour, Pilates in Provence, scheduled for June 2026, and Christina of Speak will highlight her recent travels to this region. TheNextChapterTravel.com and SpeakLanguageCenter.com

NOVEMBER 24TH - JANUARY 3RD

Veritas

Vineyards

and Winery Illumination

151 Veritas Ln, Afton, VA 22920 | 5:30 PM

Join Veritas Vineyards and Winery for its 4th annual illumination. Wind through the colorful, brightly lit trails and settle in afterwards for wine and bites from their seasonal Winter Wonderland menu that features something for children, too. Purchase tickets at VeritasWines.com

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