Virginia is home to some of the most incredible hotels and resorts, blending Southern charm with modern luxury. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly retreat, or a luxurious escape, these hotels and resorts provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable stay. See the guide our team curated.

Holly steps out of Maria’s car and is rocking a kick-ass ensemble. Minutes later, she is literally stopping traffic. Renée has posed her across the double yellow lines on Royal Street, a few hundred feet from King Street. None of the cars I’m halting seem to mind; they’re taking in the scene of four women scrambling around the pavement in 90 degree heat.

Renée signs everything “Shine Bright” and when you meet her, you’ll immediately grasp that because her energy puts you at ease. “I journal a lot…to find the light in myself, for my family, as a photographer I’m always looking for a light, and finding light, being the light.” 

With the 2024 Olympics lighting up Paris, you’ve probably been like us – glued to our screens in awe of the incredible athleticism taking place. If you have ever dreamed of a Gold medal (or Silver or Bronze because all are truly amazing), we have found the perfect spots around the DMV to learn, practice and train to become a future Olympian!

Emily always circles back to wanting to make people feel safe. Safe talking about taboo topics, safe finding products they need, and safe in sharing uncomfortable symptoms they may be too embarrassed to share with their partner or friends. That’s what’s so amazing about her – a woman passionate about making taboo topics not taboo. 

With fifty states, six continents, and countless trips under my belt, here are my personal Top 5 Areas I like to specifically budget for, and sometimes allocate a bit more in order to get the most out of a trip.

If you’re looking for a fun weekend about three hours from D.C, you’ve been to Deep Creek Lake and want a different adventure— check out Thomas and Davis, West Virginia.

“We’re surrounded by history, American history – not political history. In England, the local pub is part of your community, you walk in and you know people. I want that here. I love the walkability of Old Town, the character in the architecture. Sometimes I close my eyes and can almost hear the hooves clanking from horse-drawn carriages.”

The waiting, the rejection, the reward, it all taught her resilience. “We come to what we’re supposed to come to when we come to it. And you’re the best mother you can be with your child at the time when you’re a mother. We all have different circumstances.” 

Creating a portrait is not just about the technical skill; it’s about encapsulating the essence of the subject. Maria is more than a muse—she is a source of inspiration, a beacon of creativity. The challenge lies in translating her vibrant spirit onto the canvas. A tall order.

Summer is the ideal season to explore Virginia and discover its abundant waterfalls. Here’s a list of some of the state's most beautiful waterfalls, complete with scenic hikes to satisfy your adventurous spirit this summer!

Delia shares this pearl, “You wouldn’t have wanted to choose what you went through, but what you went through is giving you the impetus to share and someone will resonate with some part of it.”

Natalie says, “You can keep an eye on your clients and work out. There’s an energy transfer when we’re doing it together…we know when we’ve fatigued…that’s harder to tell when you’re not actually doing it. I also give my team the freedom to bring their own flair to their class, it’s not plug and play.”

I am a longtime restaurateur, but I recently opened a retail shop and learned a few things—retail can be tough. This being said, do not be afraid to be the queen of the castle, but be smart and listen to those who have walked the walk.

Our team of lucky booksellers got to take on a fun challenge: Match the cover of a book you’re recommending this summer to an M.M. LaFleur outfit! Here’s what we came up with. How did we do?

There’s a reason the world loves a spritz, it’s light, refreshing and so easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying these by the Piscina “pool”, Spiaggia  “beach”, Terrazza “patio” or Ristorante “restaurant” do as the Italians do and enjoy.

“Coming from Old Town Alexandria, I wanted to open my first restaurant here. Restaurant Eve was born, named for my daughter. I didn’t want it to fail so I named it after her. We were very fortunate, we received four out of four stars from The Washington Post…served two sitting presidents. After Eve, I opened 14 restaurants…”

The heat index keeps on rising, and with it nearing 100 degrees this week, we can’t help fantasizing about an escape to the beach, cool water and summer breezes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to beaches up and down the East Coast with estimated travel time, and recommended places to stay and where to eat.

When our kids were born my husband waxed poetic about family road trips. He longed for the nostalgia of it (clearly, he doesn’t remember pain). On our first road trip with a small child, it didn’t take long for reality to set in. Traveling with kids is hard. For everyone.

I get that right now everyone is all about setting boundaries and saying “No.”  But for some of us, life needs to be about saying YES. I am newly divorced, and I want to be open to new life experiences right now.