Midlothian, VA July 2024

REAL ESTATE

A JOURNEY UNFOLDING

EXPLORING LOCAL TREASURES

LIFE + CULTURE DISCOVERING

FOOD + BEVERAGE

Hart to Heart…

Happy July, Midlothian!

As the summer season flies by, we're soaking up every moment with vacations, backyard barbecues, swimming lessons, and poolside chats. These warm Virginia nights are perfect for family time and relaxation. With the 4th of July festivities and numerous traditions and events around RVA, there's so much to look forward to. Let's make the most of everything our community has to offer!

With that, we invite you to the July 2024 Explore issue! Don't miss out on all the fun experiences waiting for you right in your own backyard! From wonderful wineries and distilleries to cherished local establishments and new real estate ventures, there is a lot to explore. Plus, be sure to check out the new City List - a handpicked selection of must-visit businesses and venues for you to enjoy this summer. Get out there and make the most of it!

We are truly thankful for our amazing partners and our incredible community for giving us the opportunity to share these publications with you. As we chart our path for growth, we are inspired by the endless possibilities that come from collaborating with the businesses and individuals who work tirelessly to better our community. Your ongoing support and commitment to the future mean the world to us. Thank you for being a part of this remarkable journey!

The best is yet to come!

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Aaron Swart | aaron.swart@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Joanna Tannenbaum

joanna.tannenbaum@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Steven Casupanan | steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS

Naylor Taliaferro | lcrmediallc@gmail.com

Steven Casupanan | steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amanda Rae Linas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Beloved Pet & Equine Photography, Melanie Cooper Studios

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

BY

Who’s ready to go for a ride? We all know there isn’t a dog alive who doesn’t love to hop in the car, thrust his head out the window, and relish that “windin-the-hair” thrill of multiple aromas wafting through the countryside. But then there’s always the one who wants to enjoy the comfort of your warm lap as you’re struggling to make out the directions from that computer voice on your phone. Hand your little Benji over to us, and we’ll give him the instruction he needs to become the helpful navigator that he truly wants to be!

is at the of it all.

heart

The heat is on at the

perk!

come see and hear the hottest music and art in the richmond

metro area.

summer nights at the perk: cheap comfort

Wednesday, july 10 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Summer Nights at the Perk is BACK with it’s 3rd year of bringing people together for a good time! Join us on our Panchita Cline Patio for a midweek break with some great music, cool drinks, yummy food, and art activities!

Cheap Comfort brings us soul soothing acoustic comfort packin’ electric folk-rock covers and hit home originals.

artful gatherings: exploring creativity together friday, july 12 & 19 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Drop in and get creative with us at the Perkinson Center. Try your hand at creating art in an informal relaxed environment. Each session will feature a different art activity suitable for all ages. Spend some time with the kids or take a break from the daily grind. You’re sure to get those creative juices going!

summer nights at the perk: willie williams wednesday, July 17 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Willie Williams is a multiinstrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter known for his blend of Carolina twang, Memphis soul, blues, and bluegrass influences. He is currently touring with Great Southern Reunion and shares guitar duties with legendary Lee Roy Parnell. Williams also performs solo and with SKYDOG, Allman Brothers Tribute band, and occasionally plays guitar with Steve Bassett.

Once more…with feeling Community exhibition On display through august 2 tues-fri, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

From joy to sorrow, emotions penetrate every aspect of our lives. Once More… With Feeling! is an emotive exploration of the human experience through the eyes of our community. From vivid paintings to captivating sculptures, this community exhibition offers us an evocative journey that celebrates the power of art and its ability to convey the depths of our emotions.

city scene

1: Aaron Swart and Steven Casupanan enjoy a drink at Fogo de Chão’s bar. 2: Cassie Cabaniss, Barbara St. Amand, Toyia Bell, and Abby Golovin of Agnihotri Cosmetic Facial Surgery at Fogo de Chão. 3: Aaron Swart, Joanna Tannenbaum, and Steven Casupanan at City Lifestyle’s happy hour at Fogo de Chão in Short Pump. 4: Jing Ma, Navona Hart, and Tori Elmore of Century 21 Realty @ Home. 5: Tiara Holloway and Tamara Singleton of RVA Design Group pose for a photo at City Lifestyle’s happy hour at Fogo de Chão. 6: Joanna Tannenbaum, Aaron Swart, and Pearl Ayers chat while sipping cocktails at Navona Hart’s grand opening of her new Century 21 office in Midlothian. 7: Century 21 Realty @ Home associates welcome guests to their grand opening celebration in Midlothian. Photography by Melanie Cooper Studios

Gelati Celesti Debuts New Ice Cream Flavor

After several rounds of taste testing Gelati Celesti ice cream flavors, testers have chosen the inaugural ice cream flavor for Chesterfield County's 275th-anniversary celebration. The winning flavor, Chesterfield Honey Bear Tracks, is a smooth honey ice cream with pieces of Butterfinger candy bars mixed in for a crunchy texture. This new flavor is now available for purchase at all Gelati Celesti locations across Virginia throughout the summer. gelatiicecream.com

Chesterfield Launches New Website

In May, Chesterfield County revealed a new website. The revised site offers an improved user experience and enhanced accessibility through easy navigation, improved site search, and easier access to essential services and information. The new site also features interactive and mobile-friendly forms and applications, allowing users to conveniently make payments, register for classes, or access services on the go. chesterfield.gov

The Diamonds at Iron Bridge Opens

Last month, the new six-field baseball and softball facility, The Diamonds at Iron Bridge, opened at Harry G. Daniel Park. Construction was completed on Friday, June 7th, and the grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the same day. Park improvements include regraded playing surfaces, new infield material, irrigation, and sod. New fencing, backstops, and dugouts have been installed, along with improved spectator seating. chesterfield.gov

OU R P I CKS

CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Hotel

The Jefferson Hotel jeffersonhotel.com | 804.788.8000

Quirk Hotel Richmond www.quirkhotels.com | 804.340.6040

The Commonwealth commonwealthparksuites.com | 804.343.7300

Linden Row Inn lindenrowinn.com | 804.783.7000

The Berkeley Hotel berkeleyhotel.com | 804.780.1300

Local

Adventure

Metro Richmond Zoo metrorichmondzoo.com | 804.739.5666

Maymont maymont.org | 804.525.9000

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden lewisginter.org | 804.262.9887

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Science Museum of Virginia smv.org | 804.864.1400

Chesterfield Museum Complex chesterfieldhistory.com | 804.777.9663

A JOURNEY UNFOLDING

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the perfect balance between a successful career and a fulfilling personal life is more important than ever. Navona Hart was determined to strike the ideal balance, and she absolutely nailed it! After becoming pregnant with her first child, Navona switched from selling food to selling real estate. Her decision to change careers allowed her to explore her passion for real estate and created a schedule that accommodated her new role as a parent.

CONTINUED >

Navona’s journey in real estate began in 1994, shortly after welcoming her son Kyle. She started at Century 21 in Falls Church, Virginia, and later moved to RE/MAX in Chantilly, Virginia. By 2000, she had earned her broker’s license and relocated to Rice, Virginia in 2002. Despite the move, Navona continued commuting back and forth to Northern Virginia to sell real estate until she opened her own Real Living Cornerstone office in 2007. Marking another milestone in her career, her office transitioned to Century 21 Realty @ Home in 2021 after Real Living discontinued its brand.

Over the years, Navona discovered she favored a client-focused approach and a desire to improve customer service. “There are so

many bad experiences in customer service that I wanted to try to raise the bar,” Navona explains. “I got the idea that growing my company would add fulfillment to my life, and it has been one of the most amazing and challenging roads I have ever walked.”

In May, Navona expanded her horizons and opened a new office in Midlothian, demonstrating her dedication to personal growth and her relentless pursuit of new challenges and opportunities for learning and self-improvement. Midlothian Lifestyle attended the grand opening celebration of Navona’s new office, where she introduced her Century 21 team to the Midlothian community. The event featured pizza, tacos, drinks, and music – everyone had a fantastic time!

“Her mission at Century 21 is clear: to foster a worldclass, collaborative, and inclusive culture that invites everyone to thrive and grow together.”

With her executive team of Tori Elmore, Melissa Southall, Charity Booker, and Rhionna Eberhard, Navona provides everything an agent needs to flourish at Century 21. She is a hands-on broker who is always available for assistance and development. In addition to comprehensive sales training and tailored onboarding processes for each agent, Navona offers various resources for agents and consumers. Her mission at Century 21 is clear: to foster a world-class, collaborative, and inclusive culture that invites everyone to thrive and grow together. Intending to have 75 agents and multiple offices involved in nationwide real estate, Navona wants to establish a lasting brand for future leaders.

“There are so many bad experiences in customer service that I wanted to try to raise the bar. I got the idea that growing my company would add fulfillment to my life, and it has been one of the most amazing and challenging roads I have ever walked.”

- Navona Hart

When she’s not working as a real estate expert, Navona enjoys reading, walking her dogs, traveling to tropical destinations with her husband, and spending time with her family. She values community involvement, and as part of this commitment, Century 21 sponsors and supports various initiatives related to art, sports, music, and education to enrich the lives of community members. Navona thrives on building meaningful connections with people and is eager to connect with someone who shares her passion for learning and personal growth.

Century 21 Realty @ Home is located at 240 Browns Way Road in Midlothian. To learn more, visit navonahart.c21.com or call (804) 924-7225.

E X P LORING

Richmond, Virginia, is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Nestled along the scenic James River, it provides breathtaking views and plenty of outdoor activities. The city’s historic architecture, art culture, and food scene add to its unique character, making it a great place to live and explore.  Midlothian Lifestyle  caught up with partners April Morris and Michelle Davenport, who shared their favorite things to do in and around our remarkable city.

LOCALTREASURES

MIDLOTHIAN LIFESTYLE PARTNERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE PLACES IN AND AROUND RICHMOND

ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS

photography by Amber Kay Photography

April Morris

FNP and Owner of InnoVitamin Solutions

Some of my best-loved places to explore in Richmond are sporting events. Whether catching a Flying Squirrels baseball game at the Diamond or a Richmond Ivy Women’s soccer game at City Stadium, my family and I enjoy going to games, eating snacks from local food trucks, and hanging out on a beautiful night. Being able to do the wave with other spectators, catch a t-shirt, or watch fireworks after the game is an added bonus!

Another favorite activity of ours is taking a boat tour of downtown Richmond with Riverfront Canal Cruises. This delightful boat ride on the James River along the Kanawha Canal not only offers a unique perspective of the city but also serves as a fascinating history lesson. In less than an hour, we get to learn all about Richmond’s rich history while enjoying the scenic beauty of the river. The added fun of spotting wildlife during the cruise makes it a perfect family activity!

To learn more about April Morris and the services she offers at InnoVitamin Solutions, visit innovitaminsolutions.com.

Michelle Davenport

Owner/Distiller at Three Crosses Distilling Co.

Exploring has always been woven into the fabric of our family. Before becoming small business owners, my husband John and I used to take our kids on road trips to explore Virginia. We discovered and fell in love with Powhatan County while searching for a location for our distillery, Three Crosses Distilling. If you have a free day and want to hit the road, head to Powhatan County. We have a state park for hiking, camping, and water sports and several charming shops, including The Mercantile at Three Crosses, good breweries, and great restaurants like The Table at Three Crosses. There are many hidden gems throughout the county. If you are interested in finding out what Powhatan has to offer, you can visit the website visitpowhatan.com to explore all our county has to offer, or stop by the distillery for a cocktail, and we can direct you to all the great spots!

To find out more about Michelle and Three Crosses Distilling, please visit threecrossesdistilling.com

Discovering Everleigh

Located in the serene hills of Louisa County, Virginia, just a short drive from Richmond, Everleigh Vineyards & Brewing Company is a captivating, family-operated boutique winery and brewery. Beyond its rustic allure, Everleigh stands out for its extensive selection of craft beer, cider, and wine, all meticulously handcrafted in the heart of Central Virginia. Led by Barbara and Joe Evers and their son Ryan, a talented cider maker, the family is deeply committed to maintaining a small-scale vineyard operation, ensuring every step of the process is executed with the utmost care and attention. Their unwavering dedication to excellence guarantees they leave no stone unturned in delivering the finest products to their community.

Since the beginning of their winemaking venture in 2015, The Evers family has firmly believed that exceptional wine can only come from exceptional vineyards. That is why they conducted extensive research to determine the best grape varieties, site layout, and logistical considerations for growing high-quality wine grapes. In addition to entrusting their harvest only to the finest winemakers, the Evers also receive guidance from professional consultants from Bordeaux and Napa. This tradition extends to the brewery, where they receive invaluable support from an award-winning craft beer consultancy.

Apart from Ryan, the accomplished cider maker, Barbara and Joe’s other children are also involved in Everleigh Vineyards & Brewing Company. Their oldest son, Taylor, helps out in the vineyard and the tasting room, while their youngest son, Colby, runs his own distribution company to assist with the distribution of beer products. Their daughter, Jordan, manages their social media accounts with assistance from their daughter-in-law, Stephanie. The active participation of the entire family in the business truly showcases the remarkable unity and collaboration within the company.

CONTINUED >

“Beyond its rustic allure, Everleigh stands out for its extensive selection of craft beer, cider, and wine, all meticulously handcrafted in the heart of Central Virginia.”

At Everleigh, it’s not just about the wine and beer. The Evers family provides their guests with an unforgettable experience. Their spacious indoor area offers stunning views of the vineyard, featuring an upstairs area with two expansive open-air decks that seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor atmospheres. A large two-tiered outdoor deck overlooking the lawn provides the perfect setting to savor the moment. To enhance this already splendid setting, they offer an eclectic music experience, featuring live performances ranging from jazz trios and 7-piece bluegrass bands to country and rock every Saturday and Sunday, with occasional shows on Fridays as well. And when it comes to food, their seasonal menu is always a hit, with the added bonus of food trucks stopping by once a month to offer a diverse selection of local eats.

More than just a vineyard, Everleigh is a hub of community engagement. It’s the perfect venue for a variety of

special occasions, from weddings and bridal showers to birthdays and milestone celebrations. The vineyard has hosted unique events like the Peony Flower Festival, First Fridays in Louisa, and its legendary Halloween costume party. Everleigh is all about giving back to the community, organizing fundraisers for veterans and the SPCA, and proudly supporting the Louisa County High School jazz band. They also love showcasing local artists by exhibiting their artwork on a regular rotation, and they go to great lengths to support local musicians.

Everleigh Vineyards & Brewing Company is located at 9845 Jefferson Highway in Mineral. Stop by today to sample their best-selling wine, a still white Chardonel (Jordan’s Bench), or their most popular beers: the “Prospect” IPA and the “Precambrian Lager.” To check out their upcoming events or learn more about Everleigh, visit everleighvineyards.com.

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JULY 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, & 29TH

Sedona Taphouse Dine Out for Charity

Sedona Taphouse - Midlothian 10:00 AM

Support the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Program every Monday in July at Sedona Taphouse as part of their Dine Out for Charity initiative. For every Dine Out plate sold, at least $1 is donated to the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Program. sedonataphouse.com

JULY 4TH

Fourth of July Celebration

Chesterfield County Fairgrounds 5:00 PM

Join Parks and Recreation for the Chesterfield Fourth of July celebration presented by Virginia Credit Union. This event includes a kids’ zone, food vendors, live music by The Morgan Lynsey Band, special entertainment, fireworks, and more! Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the fireworks display will commence after dark. There is no rain date for the event, and best of all, it's free! chesterfield.gov

JULY 12TH

LOVESONGThe CURE Tribute

Ember Music Hall | 7:00 PM

Get ready to experience LOVESONG –The CURE Tribute, the most incredible tribute to The Cure you'll ever witness. Fronted by the amazing Rusty Wilmot, who embodies the spirit of Robert Smith, LOVESONG delivers faithful renditions of timeless hits like “Friday I’m in Love” to lesser-known gems. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at: embermusichall.com

JULY 13TH

RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles

SERVPRO of Chesterfield After Hours River City Sportsplex | 7:00 PM

Check out RAIN—A Tribute to the Beatles, a thrilling live performance celebrating the timeless music of the Fab Four. With vibrant costumes, psychedelic visuals, and flawless detail, RAIN creates a stunning concert full of nostalgia and good vibes—a nod to the '60s but in high definition. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at: etix.com

JULY 20TH

Smoke & Vine Festival 2024

Bon Secours Training Center | 4:00 PM

Get ready for the return of the Smoke and Vine Festival! Join in for an array of fine wines, spirits, and cigars, as well as live entertainment, DJs, great food, and good company. Sponsored by Johnson's Charities, a portion of the proceeds benefit children with disabilities and special needs. Bring your lawn chairs or opt for VIP access beneath the tents. Until 10:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at: smokeandvinefestival.com

JULY 27TH

Forever Summer Fest 2024

Main Street Station | 1:00 PM

Forever Summer Fest is bringing together some of the world's best breweries and brewers to raise funds for ChildSavers, a Richmond nonprofit organization dedicated to children's mental health and trauma recovery in Virginia. General admission tickets are priced at $70 and include an FSF beer glass with unlimited pours from over 45 amazing brewers. Until 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at: ticketscandy.com

Royal Pet of the Month

Prince Hairy Takes the Spotlight in Midlothian Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY AMANDA RAE

Meet Prince Hairy, a Persian cat with a unique and radiant orange coat who turned four in March. Named for his regal mane, Prince Hairy is as dog-like as he is regal. He’s friendly and loyal. When his family steps away from the house, he eagerly waits for them on the table. He’s a laid-back, go-with-the-flow kind of guy. One of his favorite pastimes is watching wildlife through the windows. He also loves to chase his favorite catnip toy around the house. He is definitely a unique and one-of-a-kind little guy.

To submit your pet for a chance to be featured in Midlothian Lifestyle, visit: belovedpetphoto.com/midlothian

Few