Charlottesville, VA November 2026 by City Lifestyle

THE

Thankful ISSUE

F O O D + B E V E R AG E

POU R, PAIR, GIV E THAN KS A R T S + C U LTU R E

FRO M N ATU RE TO ART LI F E + C U LTU R E

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Thankful Issue

November 2026 PUBLISHER

November has a way of reminding us to notice what matters. As Thanksgiving approaches and another year begins to wind down, we often find ourselves thinking about the people who have shaped our lives, the communities that support us, and the experiences and traditions that connect us. That spirit of gratitude runs throughout this month’s Thankful issue. In these pages, we’re celebrating people who create, serve, remember, gather, and give back, sometimes in ways that have been part of our community for generations and sometimes through paths that are just beginning to unfold. You’ll discover the story behind a historic local memorial that has offered veterans, families, students, and visitors a place for remembrance for six decades. As Veterans Day approaches, its history offers a meaningful reminder of service, sacrifice, and the importance of preserving stories for future generations. We’re also exploring the many ways creativity can bring people together. Meet an artist who transforms an unexpected natural material into one-of-a-kind sculptures inspired by childhood memories, and a baker whose creative path has grown from early experiments in the kitchen into a business centered around helping others celebrate life’s moments. You’ll also get a glimpse of an evening where food, art, and live performance came together to raise funds and support meaningful conversations about mental health and healing. Of course, November wouldn’t be complete without gathering around the table. Just in time for Thanksgiving, an award-winning Virginia winemaker shares ideas for choosing wines that complement the many flavors of the holiday meal, along with a reminder that sometimes the story behind a bottle can make sharing it even more meaningful. Each of these stories offers a different perspective on gratitude. It can be found in remembering those who came before us, pursuing work that brings people together, supporting an important cause, sharing something we’ve created, or simply sitting down at a table with people we care about. As you make your way through this month’s issue, we hope you’ll discover a few new reasons to appreciate the people, stories, and experiences found throughout our community. We’re grateful for the readers, businesses, organizations, and neighbors who continue to share them with us and allow Charlottesville City Lifestyle to bring those stories to your doorstep each month. STEVE LIBERMAN, PUBLISHER @ C H A R LOT T E S V I L L E C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

Steve Liberman | steve.liberman@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jim Carpenter C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Jim Carpenter, Ron Dressel, Kristen Finn, Alisa Foytik, Christine Molnar, Frank Shepard, Jamie Waller, Brian Wimer, Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority, Lyan M. Figueroa López/ KINGDOM’S LLC, Proper Focus Optical, UVA Health Department of Endoscopy

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Zach Miller LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

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inside the issue NOVE M B E R 2 0 2 6 | TH ANK F U L

14 Featured

14 22

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Creating Something Sweet Christine Molnar's baking journey blends creativity, connection, and gratitude.

Shaped by Nature

Frank Shepard’s distinctive sculptures trace their beginnings to childhood walks with his grandfather.

From Virginia Vineyards to Thanksgiving Tables A winemaker's take on choosing bottles worth sharing with friends and family

On the Cover Septenary Winery in the fall. Photography: Kristen Finn

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE

Our Town LIFE + CULTURE

Locally Sourced FOOD + BEVERAGE

Giving Back LIFE + CULTURE

Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

Must See TRAVEL

Events

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NOVEMBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Finding the One Wedding season may feel far away, but November is a smart time for brides planning next year’s celebrations to begin the search for a gown. Sealed With A Kiss on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall offers hundreds of hand-picked gowns from unique designers, along with custom design options and expert in-house alterations. With more than 20 years in business, the boutique guides brides from their first appointment through their final fitting. SealedWithaKissBridal.com

Scan to read more Photography by Ron Dressel

A Personal Approach to Real Estate Realtor Jamie Waller’s clients rave about her work and professionalism. One recently said, “She remembers every detail, responds to every email and text promptly and thoughtfully, and knows every nook and cranny of our area like the back of her hand. She's brilliant at what she does, and knows exactly how and when to work some magic in real estate transactions.” JamieWaller.realtor

Scan to read more Photography by Jamie Waller

Celebrating 35 Years of Style Proper Focus is celebrating a milestone from one of its favorite eyewear brands. KaLa marks its 35th anniversary with a limited-edition sunglass that reflects the independent brand’s distinctive approach to eyewear. Known for classic round frames in tortoise and playful colors alongside more unexpected designs, KaLa handcrafts its frames in the USA, with its titanium styles produced in close partnership with a longtime, family-owned manufacturer in Japan. ProperFocusOptical.com

Scan to read more Photography by Proper Focus Optical

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CRE ATING SOME THING SWEE T CHRISTINE MOLNAR'S BAKING JOURNEY BLENDS CREATIVITY, CONNECTION, AND GRATITUDE.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISA FOYTIK AND CHRISTINE MOLNAR

Christine Molnar. Photo Credit: Alisa Foytik

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Long before Miss Day Delights became a business, baking offered owner Christine Molnar a way to create. As a child, she loved paging through her parents’ cookbooks, and one recipe in particular caught her attention. “I came across a peanut butter cookie recipe and couldn’t stop baking,” Molnar said. “I have always been very artistic, from painting to drawing, so when I baked, it was another way to be creative.” Baking was also part of family traditions. Molnar remembers sitting at the kitchen table around Thanksgiving while her father made his famous sugar

cream pies and cinnamon rolls. Yet when an opportunity to become a pastry chef arose years later, she chose a different path, accepting a job in healthcare instead. Molnar has no regrets about that decision. She said her years in healthcare taught her valuable lessons and introduced her to amazing colleagues, while the compassion at the heart of that work ultimately carried into her next career. “Even though I’m no longer at bedside, I’m still working harder than ever and able to give comfort, celebrate milestones, and help someone through my baked goods,” she said. Molnar started Miss Day Delights from her home kitchen in 2017 while juggling multiple jobs and baking on the side. Orders gradually grew through friends, coworkers, and word of mouth, and in 2024, she began running the business full time. Today, her creations include custom cakes, cupcakes, pastries, and other desserts, along with catering, farmers market offerings, and work with Tribute Coffee. She has also expanded her options to include gluten-free and vegan baked goods, as well as dye-free sprinkles and food coloring. For Molnar, however, the artistry remains one of the most rewarding parts. “I get to turn someone’s vision into something they can actually see, taste, and experience,” she said. She particularly enjoys sculpting cakes that challenge her creatively, sometimes sketching a blueprint before bringing a design to life. Molnar is grateful for the opportunity to work from BEACON Kitchen, which has provided the commercial space and resources to accommodate larger orders and new opportunities. But even with larger-scale work, her approach A display of baked goods from Miss Day Delights. Photo Credit: Christine Molnar

remains personal. She makes her baked goods from scratch and wants each dessert to be as memorable for its flavor as its appearance. Sometimes, that connection reaches beyond a single celebration. In May, a customer entrusted Molnar with a grandmother’s recipe for a custom order. With the family’s permission, she later sold extras at a farmers market under the name “Granna’s Recipe.” “I was so honored and thankful they trusted me with this,” she said. Looking ahead, Molnar hopes to continue growing Miss Day Delights and eventually teach baking classes where others can create, learn, and spend time together. For her, the business has become about far more than desserts. “More than anything, I’m incredibly thankful for the path my life has taken and for everyone who has been a part of my journey,” Molnar said. “Every experience has helped shape me into the baker and business owner I am today, and I’m excited to see where this journey continues to take me.” Follow Miss Day Delights on Facebook (@Christine2Day) or Instagram (@Miss_Day_Delights).

Christine Molnar with cookies. Photo Credit: Alisa Foytik

Baked good from Miss Day Delights. Photo Credit: Alisa Foytik

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A RLOT T E S V I L L E

Shaped by Nature Frank Shepard’s distinctive sculptures trace their beginnings to childhood walks with his grandfather. Frank Shepard’s work as a pine resin sculptor has roots that stretch back roughly 70 years, to childhood walks with his grandfather in search of “lightwood,” highly resinous pine traditionally used for kindling fires. “My grandfather taught me what resin is,” Shepard said. Decades later when Shepard was walking through the woods behind his Albemarle County home, he discovered an interesting wood fragment. Whittling the piece with his knife released an aroma he immediately recognized, along with the amber hues of the lightwood he remembered from childhood. As he continued working with it, he found intricate trails of resin running through the wood. “I was hooked when I found more potential pieces,” Shepard said. That discovery in 2016 launched an artistic pursuit that continues today. Shepard searches for partially buried and decaying fragments of pine, then carefully examines each to determine whether it might be suitable for a sculpture. The transformation is a meticulous process. Using hand-carving tools and steel wool, Shepard works with each piece before applying several coats of wax to reveal the colors and patterns of the resin within it. He

considers the opportunity to uncover those natural features a gift from nature and describes bringing the aged pine resin to life as a spiritual experience. Shepard came to sculpture following a career that combined engineering, entrepreneurship, and building. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Virginia, he spent 26 years working as a research engineer. He later owned and operated a tent and event company and designed and built custom homes. While pine resin sculpture became part of his story later in life, after a long list of other achievements, Shepard believes the process he developed produces artwork unlike anything else he has encountered. “I’m the only person that does sculptures as I do,” he said, adding that he has yet to meet someone who

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK SHEPARD

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

Pine resin sculpture by Frank Shepard. Photo Credit: Frank Shepard

Frank Shepard

has seen artwork created using the same process. Plus, through showings of his sculptures, he estimates he has interacted with more than 600,000 people. Each sculpture begins with material that Shepard finds outdoors, making the characteristics of the individual piece an important part of the finished work. The patterns created by the resin differ from fragment to fragment, and the carving and finishing process exposes details that were previously hidden beneath the weathered exterior. Nearly a decade after beginning his work as a sculptor, Shepard continues searching for potential pieces and discovering what lies inside them. The process has also kept him connected to a lesson passed down by his grandfather decades before he knew where it might lead. That early introduction to lightwood ultimately provided Shepard with both the knowledge to recognize what he had found and the foundation for an artistic pursuit that arrived much later in his life. Seventy years after those walks with his grandfather, Shepard remains grateful for an experience that continues to influence what he creates today. See more of Frank Shepard's work or to contact him: PineResinSculptures.art; frankshepard2415@gmail..com

CONTINUED >

Pine resin sculpture by Frank Shepard. Photo Credit: Frank Shepard NOVEMBER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A RLOT T E S V I L L E

All Photos: Pine resin sculpture by Frank Shepard. Photo Credit: Frank Shepard

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

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A LASTING PLACE OF

REMEMBRANCE Dogwood Vietnam Memorial. Photo Credit: Jim Carpenter

O UR TOWN | L I FE + C ULT U RE

A CHARLOTTESVILLE LANDMARK OFFERS A MEANINGFUL PLACE FOR REFLECTION THIS VETERANS DAY.

Military members at the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial. Photo Credit: Jim Carpenter

As the Vietnam War brought loss to the Charlottesville area, locals took up the cause of honoring those who served with the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial, which still stands today. Jim Carpenter, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, Charlottesville native, and board member of the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial Foundation, shares the history of this enduring tribute, the first of its kind in the United States. In November 1965, the Vietnam War reached close to home when Earlysville’s SPC Champ Lawson became the area’s first casualty. Lawson lost his life in a helicopter crash in Southeast Asia on November 4. The idea of honoring Lawson emerged during a conversation among three local veterans, Ken Staples, Bill Gentry, and Jim Shisler, at a barbershop. All three were members of the Dogwood Festival, and they presented the proposal at the next board meeting, where it was approved. Shisler then brought the idea to City Manager Jim Bowen, who supported it provided the memorial occupied a highly visible location and required no city funding.

Honoring servicemen who lost their lives in Vietnam at Dogwood Vietnam Memorial. Photo Credit: Jim Carpenter

Before the project was finished, Charlottesville recorded another casualty, PFC Grandville Jones Jr., a Lane High School graduate and University of Virginia alumnus. In early January 1966, the project was completed. It was then formally dedicated during the annual Dogwood Festival on April 20. SGT Barry Sadler, a Green Beret known for “The Ballad of the Green Berets,” was a special guest. As opposition to the war grew across the country, including demonstrations at the University of Virginia, local losses continued. For many who returned from Vietnam, there was no formal welcome home. In a divided nation, some encountered hostility or silence rather than gratitude, while many returned with physical and emotional wounds or later experienced the effects of Agent Orange. Over time, public understanding changed, and the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial became a place where veterans could gather, remember, and share experiences once difficult to discuss. Some Vietnam veterans who visit have called it the “hill that heals.” CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY JIM CARPENTER AND JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM CARPENTER NOVEMBER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A RLOT T E S V I L L E

The site continues to prompt quieter moments of remembrance. It has also served as a place for younger generations to learn. For several consecutive years, Charlottesville High School students who had read Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” walked to the site to meet Vietnam veterans, hear their experiences, and ask questions about the war. In 2015, the memorial was redesigned during construction of the John Warner Parkway. Much of the original material was incorporated, including cobblestones, the American flagpole, and the engraved granite stone bearing the names of local service members who were lost in the war in Vietnam. Its new level concrete base also improved accessibility. A year later, stainless-steel plaques featuring photographs and brief accounts of the fallen were added. The memorial is as meaningful to family members as it is to veterans. At the 50th rededication, one of the first plaques unveiled honored SPC Richard Carter, who lost his life in Vietnam in 1970. His mother, Beulah, attended despite having pneumonia but had to leave early. She returned weeks later, raised her hand to her lips, and touched it to the steel. The memorial continued to grow in 2025 with a new plaza honoring 26 University of Virginia students lost in Vietnam. The approximately $240,000 addition was completed debt-free through private donations and a Foundation brick campaign honoring U.S. veterans. Today, the memorial honors 56 young men who gave their lives in service to their country. It is the oldest civic memorial in the country dedicated to all who served in Vietnam, predating the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., by approximately 16 years. Six decades after Staples, Gentry, and Shisler first envisioned a local place of remembrance, the DVM Foundation continues its work. Shisler guided the memorial from its creation until his death in 2022, and veteran Bruce Eades now serves as Foundation president. Plans are also being developed to improve access for visitors with mobility challenges, including parking and a pedestrian bridge connecting the eastern side of John Warner Parkway with McIntire Park. Supported throughout its history by the community it serves, the memorial continues to provide a place to remember those who did not return home, recognize those who served, and preserve their stories for generations to come.

O UR TOWN | L I FE + C ULT U RE

Military members at the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial. Photo Credit: Jim Carpenter

A crowd gathered at Dogwood Vietnam Memorial. Photo Credit: Jim Carpenter

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FROM Virginia Vineyards TO THE Thanksgiving Table A winemaker's take on choosing bottles worth sharing with friends and family

Septenary Winery's vineyard. Photo Credit: Kristen Finn

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Thanksgiving dinner brings sweet, savory, tart, and rich flavors to the same plate, which may make it a challenge to choose just the ideal wine to serve with the meal. However, award-winning winemaker Corry Craighill suggests that the Commonwealth’s multitude of winemaking styles and vineyard locations makes it ideal for finding wines that have the potential to suit every palate. She offered up her suggestions on how to reach for the right wines, and some tips on how to make the pairing special.

IF YOU WERE CHOOSING VIRGINIA WINES FOR A THANKSGIVING TABLE, WHICH VARIETALS OR STYLES WOULD YOU REACH FOR, AND WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU PAIR WITH EACH?

Cabernet Franc would be my first choice because of the variety of styles in Virginia. The 2022 Cab Franc at Septenary is savory and textural, while the 2024 Valley Road Cab Franc is fresh, fruity, and vibrant. Pair with stuffing that has some sausage in it, but your cranberry sauce accidentally spilled off the turkey and smudged into it. For whites, I would go classic with Chardonnay. I know Chardonnay can be controversial, but now is your chance to convince your aunt and uncle that they actually do love this varietal because this one comes from Virginia. My impression is that Virginia winemakers tend to be lighter on the oak and malo, so think fresh acidity but without losing texture to stand up to a full meal. Pair with turkey and gravy -- classic meets classic.

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Corry Craighill in the vineyard. Photo Credit: Kristen Finn

TURKEY GETS MOST OF THE ATTENTION, BUT THANKSGIVING SIDES OFTEN HAVE MUCH STRONGER FLAVORS. ARE THERE PARTICULAR VIRGINIA WINES YOU LOVE WITH DISHES LIKE STUFFING, SWEET POTATOES, CRANBERRY SAUCE, OR GREEN VEGETABLES?

Corry Craighill in the vineyard. Photo Credit: Kristen Finn

With the specific dishes here, I would suggest Sauvignon Blanc because it usually has bright acidity that can cut through some of those heavier dishes, and it often has grassy notes to complement the vegetables on your plate. CONTINUED >

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H A RLOT T E S V I L L E

Corry Craighill. Photo Credit: Kristen Finn

WHAT PAIRING MISTAKES DO PEOPLE COMMONLY MAKE WITH THANKSGIVING DINNER, AND WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST INSTEAD?

The mistake that has happened at our dinner table is choosing a wine that is too big and bold for the meal. There are a lot of flavors going on, so choosing a wine that overpowers the meal makes for more chaos.

FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO SERVE JUST ONE OR TWO BOTTLES THAT WILL WORK ACROSS MOST OF THE MEAL, WHAT QUALITIES SHOULD THEY LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A VIRGINIA WINE?

Bring a wine that has a story behind it. Don't bring it just for the tasting notes or the awards it has won, bring it to share because you want to talk about the winemaker you ran into after your tasting or a fun fact you learned while enjoying the vineyard setting. Share your experience with friends and family so they can understand the work that went into the Virginia wine on the table. If there is just going to be one bottle on the table, make it memorable.

IS THERE A VIRGINIA WINE OR THANKSGIVING PAIRING THAT MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE BUT WORKS PARTICULARLY WELL, AND WHAT MAKES THAT COMBINATION SUCCESSFUL?

Don't forget about the sparkling wine to start the night off!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE READERS TO KNOW:

Keep supporting your Virginia wineries. When you share a wine with folks unfamiliar with our area, you're not just sharing a bottle but an experience you had. Get people curious about the wines we are making here because we have a lot of talent, camaraderie, and ideas that should be celebrated.

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Meet the Winemaker Behind the Pairings Corry Craighill began her winemaking career at Blenheim Vineyards in 2011. After traveling to work harvest in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, and the West Coast (twice), she returned to Virginia to take on a role as head winemaker in Loudoun County. In 2020, she moved to Charlottesville, where she has been working at Septenary Winery. Craighill makes custom crush wines for Valley Road, Chisholm, and Southern Revere, all at Septenary's location. This year, she won the 2026 Governor's Cup with the 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve she made for Valley Road.

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C I T Y L I FEST Y L E G I V ES BAC K

GIVING TOGETHER A Community That Shows Up

Every year, City Lifestyle sends checks to hundreds of families in need across the country through our annual Giving Campaign and our nonprofit arm, Kingdom Building Foundation. But none of it would be possible without you. We can only help the people we know about, and

G IV IN G BAC K | L I FE C ULT U RE

that’s where our readers come in. If you know someone quietly struggling, whether it’s a single parent, a senior citizen, or a family facing something they never saw coming, we want to hear their story. Nominations are what make this whole campaign possible.

We provided a chair lift for a teenager paralyzed in a gymnastics accident so she could move freely through her own home again. We helped a child who lost an eye to cancer get the prosthetic because insurance wouldn’t cover it. We covered dental work for a man who needed his smile back just to walk into a job interview. We got heat turned back on for a family who had spent part of the winter without it. We helped a family keep up with bills while a husband and father fought pancreatic cancer, and we helped another family cover medical expenses after the unimaginable loss of a child. These are just a few examples of some of the hundreds of individuals that have been helped through nominations from readers like you. None of it happens without someone noticing first and speaking up. "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 the holiday season. "This is about community," Matthew says. "We believe we've been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing." Often, the person making the nomination gets just as much out of the experience as the recipient. There's something powerful about being part of the reason someone else's burden got lighter, especially when that need might have otherwise gone unnoticed. The campaign is completely confidential. No names are ever shared or publicized, and nominating someone is as simple as telling us their story. We are looking for those in our communities who fall between the cracks of getting help, and together as a community, we can meet those needs.

Nominations open November 1st and close December 3rd. To nominate someone in your community, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and find the form in our bio, or visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org.

This season, giving starts with you. Let's do it together. Nominate someone in need today.

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CREATIVITY, CONNECTION, AND PURPOSE An inspiring evening raises funds for healing-centered programs.

Breaking the Chains Foundation’s annual

Mike Ledesma, and Sober Pierre, while 7

The Night Out event brought food, art, and

Chairs presented a live dance performance.

live performance together at The Wool

The evening also featured the Finding Alice

Factory to support conversations around

photo exhibition and a silent auction, raising funds to help expand the Foundation’s healing-centered, arts-based programs into more communities.

mental health, body image, self-esteem,

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA

and

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN WIMER

Tucker Yoder, Walter Slawski, Gason Nelson,

I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE C ULT U RE

healing.

Featured

chefs

included

Sadie’s RulesBecause the best days

are better when your

dogs are part of them. Tailored

Training for the

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BEYOND Beach Season Sunset Beach. Photo courtesy of Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority.

DISCOVER ANOTHER SIDE OF NORTH CAROLINA'S BRUNSWICK ISLANDS ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUNSWICK COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

M UST SE E | TRAVEL

Calabash. Photo courtesy of Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority.

Oak Island Lighthouse. Photo courtesy of Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority.

Beach vacations often bring to mind warm summer days spent swimming and lounging along the shoreline. But along North Carolina’s southernmost coast, the arrival of fall opens the door to a different kind of coastal getaway, with fewer crowds and plenty of reasons to spend time outside. North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands encompass six beaches and 10 communities, including Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Caswell Beach, Oak Island, Bald Head Island, Leland, Shallotte, Southport, and Calabash. Fall temperatures typically remain comfortable for outdoor adventures and lying out on the beach, with average highs in the upper 70s in October and upper 60s in November. With winter come cooler days, but walking, biking, golfing, fishing, and exploring the coastal towns can remain on the itinerary. The beach itself is still one of the biggest draws. Without summer crowds, families can search for shells, fly kites, watch for dolphins and shorebirds, or simply take a long walk along the water. Because of the orientation of the area’s south-facing beaches, late fall through early spring also brings a bonus: visitors can watch both the sunrise and sunset over the Atlantic. At Sunset Beach, a walk along Bird Island leads to one of the area’s most distinctive destinations. The Kindred Spirit Mailbox holds notebooks where visitors can leave thoughts, wishes, memories, and messages for others to discover. CONTINUED >

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Biking is an approachable way to see more of the islands thanks to the relatively flat terrain. In Southport, Cycle-logical Tours offers an e-bike tour highlighting filming locations from movies including “Safe Haven”, “A Walk to Remember”, and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” For those who would rather walk, maps are available at the Southport-Fort Johnston Museum and Visitors’ Center to create your own movie-location tour through downtown. The area’s natural landscape provides plenty of opportunities for exploration. At Green Swamp Preserve in Supply, visitors may spot some of the 14 species of insectivorous plants found in parts of the Brunswick Islands, including the Venus flytrap. In Ocean Isle Beach, The Swamp Park offers eco-tours through a cypress swamp. Trails and preserves throughout the area also offer more options for nature walks and wildlife watching. With salt marshes, creeks, estuaries, and the Intracoastal Waterway, there are adventures on the water, too. Kayaking and paddleboarding are options, and fishing charters remain popular into the fall. Scenic boat tours and sunset cruises may operate into early November, though visitors should check schedules because they may become more weather-dependent as temperatures cool. For a different view, visit Oak Island Lighthouse in Caswell Beach. The lighthouse can be seen from the surrounding area, while guided climbs are available year-round with advance reservations.

Additionally, golfers will have plenty to do, with more than 20 courses and 540 holes throughout the Brunswick Islands. When it’s time to wander through town, Southport’s walkable downtown is home to a number of independent boutiques, galleries, gift shops, antique stores, and dining alongside its waterfront. Shallotte combines shopping with a stroll along the Shallotte Riverwalk, while Calabash has locally owned shops and spots that serve up the town’s signature Calabash-style seafood. Meanwhile, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island and Sunset Beach also have shops, galleries, and more locally owned businesses. Those planning a late-year trip may want to consider the area’s annual events. November is the time to check out the Southport Wooden Boat Show, while December is when holiday markets, tree lightings, flotillas, and other seasonal festivities come to life. For rainy or chilly days, there are indoor attractions to visit, too. Consider a stop at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach, the Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach, and the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport. Be sure to check operating hours for winter visits, though -- some shops, restaurants, tours, and attractions reduce their schedules during the quieter months. For more information about the Brunswick Islands, including stays and dining, visit NCBrunswick.com.

“The area’s natural landscape provides plenty of opportunities for exploration.”

M UST SE E | TRAVEL

COMFORT THAT MAKES YOU FEEL AT HOME ALL YEAR LONG We deal in Trust and Building Partnerships – The Kind Only A Neighbor Can Deliver Charlottesville's weather keeps us guessing. Your home shouldn't. At Zephyr Environmental Solutions, we deliver heating, cooling, ductwork and indoor air quality performance solutions that keep you truly comfortable, not just patched up. We fix the real issues with honest diagnostics, clear choices, and no pressure. We help you tailor your home to deliver lasting comfort and peace of mind - as only a trusted neighbor can. Make the call, you'll be glad you did | 434-505-4121 | www.Zephyres.com | Family Owned & Operated

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NOVEMBER 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

T H R O UG HO UT N OV E MB E R

Mustaches 4 Kids Cville Charlottesville area Put down the razor for a cause during Mustaches 4 Kids Cville’s annual “Growing Season.” Participants grow mustaches throughout November while collecting donations for Piedmont CASA and Foothills Children’s Advocacy Center. The lighthearted fundraiser is an easy way to bring a little fun to giving back, and culminates with a celebration at Timberwood Taphouse on December 1. PCASA.org NOVE M BE R 4 T H

Heyward Community Forest Guided Hike 1730 Reservoir Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903 | 5:00 PM Explore newer trails at Heyward Community Forest during a guided hike with Charlottesville Parks and Recreation staff. The approximately two-mile trek introduces participants to the natural history of this addition to the city park system, along with local vegetation and wildlife habitat. Expect natural-surface trails and some moderate hills and climbs. RivannaTrails.org NOVE M BE R 4 T H A N D 5TH

Merry Go Round Fall Pop-Up Boutique Christ Episcopal Church, 120 W. High St., Charlottesville, VA 22902 | November 4, 6–8 PM & November 5, 9:30 AM–1 PM Shop more than 1,500 pieces of pre-loved children’s clothing and shoes, from newborn through size 8, while supporting local families. Merry Go Round donates 100% of sales to Stepping Stone, which provides essentials to under-resourced families with young children. The organization has donated more than $10,000 from each of its pop-up events. MerryGoRoundCville.com

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