April 1st  to April 1st  is how time is measured for the honeybee. As I write this article, news (dare I say, ‘the buzz’) on how their health, vibrancy and survival rate …

The Kilgore Law Office in Gate City and The Mitchell Law Firm in Blacksburg recently combined their legal practices, in an effort to become the “go-to” firm serving Southwest Virginia.“We have completely …

Imagine heading out to look at a property that boasts a pond, waterfall and terraced rock gardens. A lady who enjoys gardening and lovely outdoor spaces could fall in love with all …

His affinity for bowling almost killed Terry Stike. Once an employee of the old Triangle Lanes in Christiansburg, he was told to change out a dead light bulb in the outside sign. …

From a $5 steal to a copy of the Declaration of Independence, thrift stores are a local gem for surrounding communities. And once you’re in the know, you’re likely to keep coming …

The allure of a farmer’s market is in the unique blend of nostalgia, sustainability, heritage, fresh-from-the-farm food, community connection, creative crafts and functional artifacts. The newly launched Draper Village Heritage Market promises …

A homeowner’s personal touches transform a house into a home, reflecting the personality of those who live there. When you step inside, a first impression might come from glimpses of favorite hobbies …

Americans own about 85 million backyard chickens. For many, it represents a taste of homesteading. Montgomery County residents Rick and Susie Weaver have made chickens their own backyard dweller.The Weavers live on …

The enduring beauty and timeless quality of natural stone is unparalleled. From wrapping a few columns, adding a stone wall behind a woodstove or around a fireplace to a full interior wall, …

We live in this world in order always to learn industriously and to enlighten each other by means of discussion and to strive vigorously to promote the progress of science and the …

The King Ranch Legacy The Ford Brand

The Town of Blacksburg and surrounding New River Valley are known for vibrant communities, picturesque landscapes, and a unique local culture. Although the town thrives in many ways, like other small towns …

Ryan and Lisa met through friends at Virginia Tech initially. Two and a half years later, their paths crossed again. They worked together setting up an outdoor TV on a patio in …

Coach James Lofton is offering something unique to the New River Valley ~ high-level strength and conditioning training for young athletes. Focusing on athletes ages 11 to 22, Lofton offers training tailored …

“I have always loved Volkswagens,” explains Kim Lovern of Giles County. “My husband Gabe and I own a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, so when I saw this deserted camper bus sitting alone, in …

Every little girl dreams of her wedding. Visions of the church, the dress, the first dance. Then we grow up, and maybe the church image gives way to swaying palms; the veil …

“Even now, someone will come up to me and say, ‘Oh! I still have one of the airport’s mugs!’” Keith Holt, director of the Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport, relates.The “mugs,” as …

Four women. Decades of experience. And a mission to take their expertise in the language of music to their community. The result? Music that touches the heart and soul as talented musicians …

In the world of small business, remarkable stories frequently emerge. One such tale revolves around Alli Trent, the talented creator behind “Lola Lou,” a business that specializes in handmade clay jewelry, clothing …

This is a love story. One very talented beach babe connected her heart and soul to one extremely skilled, guitar pickin’, country cowboy. Linda grew up in Virginia Beach. Larry hails from …

From Aesop to the Grimm brothers, one creature has made its appearance in fables and fairy tales time and again. Opportunistic, territorial and elusive, the fox is not often spotted, as it …

As it turns out, this decades-established New River Valley staple for nautical fare is dichotomously named after a beloved landlubbing pet – the late Indigo Iris, a blue/brown-eyed Dalmatian. Sweet mascot Indigo Iris …

Hokie football twins, Jayden and Jorden McDonald, are quick to roll their eyes at how everyone expects them to be the same. While the 2021 Salem High School grads, as identical twins, …

The Knowltons moved to the New River Valley the same year that General Motors launched the first electric car and Mariah Carey topped the charts with “Always Be My Baby” and “One …

From carrying the burdens of life on one’s shoulders, putting forth a cold shoulder or offering a shoulder to cry on, to looking over your shoulder, taking a weight off your shoulders …

The motorcycle bug touched this mother and son riding duo early. Cindy Schiffer started with small mopeds as a child, moving on to dirt bikes and dual sport bikes. Her first bike …

Frozen S’More Pops(photo courtesy of The Hershey Company)HERSHEY’S milk chocolate bar, choppedHeavy whipping cream7-oz jar marshmallow cream¼ cup milkGraham crackers coarsely crushedMini-marshmallowsBeat whipping cream into soft peaks. Add marshmallow cream and beat …

People will try anything to improve their health. In fact, 2024 lifestyle trends are marked by an increased interest in everyday practicality and outdoor adventure. Start Simple For many, practicality and the outdoors go …

David Boyd works as a Registered Nurse, but it was an earlier job stocking shelves at Food Lion that proved pivotal on the family front. “I met Heather one day on the …

Youth is impressionable. At the age of 6, David Reynolds attended the New York World’s Fair, which covered 646 acres at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. More than 51 million people turned out …

Summer dusk in southwest Virginia brings tiny, flickering insects, their yellow bulbs brightening scrubby fields and brushy meadows. Many of us reminisce about childhood evenings spent catching these ~ to many the …

Who hasn’t heard of AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, founded in 1958? The organization has 38 million members age 50 and up nationwide with many local AARP chapters. Most operate …

The desire to look nice and accessorize outfits with jewelry is perfectly natural. According to theprivatetherapyclinic.co.uk: “ An interesting feature of humans, as opposed to other mammals, is our love of adornments …

In 1864, the International Red Cross was founded in Switzerland, Jules Verne published “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, and Abraham Lincoln was re-elected President of the United States. In the same …

Most people will tell you their most precious sense is their vision, followed closely by hearing. We use sight and hearing to gather information and assess situations quickly. It becomes second nature, …

While to the introvert, taking refuge in your mental shell is a coping mechanism, to others – specifically small, green, shelled reptiles – it’s literally a home.  Turtles in southwestern Virginia are …

May 4 Annual Kids Fishing Day Ages 3 to 15 Narrows Town Park, Narrows May 11, 9:30 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m. House & Garden Tour of Floyd County $35 ticket include …

It too often carries a negative connotation: To “slap a coat of paint” on something means going for the quickest, easiest spit-spine. Maybe you’re covering up prodigious crayon masterpieces. Maybe those picture-hanging …

Steven Kenny’s art possesses an underlying theme of our interaction with nature. He accurately states that we are animals, and even though we think of ourselves as intelligent, most of our decisions …

The neckline of the bride’s dress is one of the most prominent visual features, as the human eye is naturally drawn from one’s head and face to the shoulder and upper chest …

Humble.  Having a modest estimate of one’s own importance. Resonant. Deep clear remembrance of an experience.  Deep. Extending far down from the surface. Bright. Giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining; intelligent and …