The Omniterrum

By Zoe Eisenberg

In search of a truly global experience? Want to travel without actually leaving your lovely hill city? The Omniterrum, a unique globe shop located on Main st., lets you travel with the tips of your fingers.  The store holds current and antique globes, from the 18^th to the 21^st century.

Omniterrum owner Kim Soerensen opened the doors of the shop in 2009 as a space to showcase her collection of vintage globes, with the hope of providing a place to inspire Lynchburg locals and teach a lesson in history with these three dimensional masterpieces. The shop was originally located on Church street, but swapped locations following Lynchburg’s first ever globe exhibit, held by Soerensen’s non-profit organization, the American Globe Preservation Society, in October 2010. Come visit the new location and browse through globes from different periods of time and mingle with the store mascot, a Boston terrier named Winston Churchill.

A destination location for globe enthusiasts, history buffs or curious shoppers, the Omniterrum is a unique piece of Lynchburg culture. Located at 1225 Main Street next to the community market, the store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10-5. Give the shop a call at 434-847-4788, visit them online or find them on Facebook.

The Shoppes at Ashwood

By Zoe Eisenberg

Tucked away on Ashwood Park Road in Forest are The Shoppes at Ashwood, located in the historic Ashwood Manor and offering everything from Avon to Antiques.

For any history buffs out there, the land that Ashwood Manor stands on was once a part of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, gifted to his daughter Martha as part of her dowry.  The Shoppes at Ashwood provide a fun shopping experience in a unique setting, with a broad collection of new and used products including collectibles, gifts and gift baskets, books and children’s clothes. Be sure to visit the ladies boutique to sort through vintage clothing and accessories, shoes, designer labels and stylish jewelry. The historic mansion also houses a vast selection of home goods such as candles, rugs, furniture, paintings, photography and more. Bring your kids along and let them browse through the collection of toys, children’s books and dolls as you savor a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Shopping is not the only thing you can do at Ashwood Manor.  The shoppes also hold arts and crafts classes, including basic drawing, watercolors, mixed media and more and taught by talented art instructor Karen Mahanes.

Whether you’re looking to consign any gently used clothing, pick up a few new outfits for yourself or search for the perfect gift, The Shoppes at Ashwood provide a lovely escape from the everyday shopping experience.

The Shoppes at Ashwood are located at 1197 Ashwood Park Road and open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call them at 540-597-7396, find them on Facebook or visit them online to check for specials and events, like their upcoming wine festival!

Outdoor Trails

By Zoe Eisenberg

Lots of Lynchburgers are taking advantage of this warm February weather by breaking out their sneakers and hiking boots to hit the trails at Blackwater Creek or mosey up a mountain for breathtaking views. For top-notch outdoor wear, gear and equipment, check out Outdoor Trails, Lynchburg’s premier outdoor equipment and clothier. Family-owned and operated since 1995, Outdoor Trails has locations in Lynchburg and Daleville, each offering a vast variety of hiking, climbing, backpacking,camping and canoeing gear and supplies.

The shop offers products by high-quality  brands like  Patagonia, Teva, Montrail, Mountain Hardwear, Birkenstock, The North Face, Vasque, Merrel, Keen, Chaco, Osprey, Gregory, Petzl, Mad River Canoe and Cloudveil. Whether you’re a steady walker, fearless climber, hiker, camper or paddler you are sure to find the gear, clothing and accessories to fully prepare you for your next outing. Have little outdoor fanatics? Fit your kids in the finest gear with a large selection of youth and infant clothing and accessories. Find your inner ohm with the shop’s selection of yoga-wear, check out their travel section for the perfect luggage, or snag a deal on their 40-50% off sale rack.

Visit Outdoor Trail’s Lynchburg location in the Boonsboro Shopping Center and chat with their experienced staff about premier local hiking and camping spots, or pay some special attention to the shop’s loyal mascots, two perky pups named Gizmo and Tigger.

Outdoor Trails Lynchburg is located at 4925 Boonsboro Road. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For questions about products or outdoor opportunities in the area, give the shop a call at (434) 386-4302. Check out specials and sales at www.outdoortrails.com, and don’t forget to like them on Facebook!

Oxide Pottery

By Zoe Eisenberg

If you’re looking for something new to do on a lazy Saturday afternoon or happen to be sucker for handcrafted pottery, head over to Oxide Pottery, located on 1337 Main Street across from Robin Alexander.

Showcasing the work of three skilled potters, Joe Monk, Chatham Monk and Justin Rice, Oxide offers a selection of beautiful hand built and wheel thrown ceramics. Mixing bowls, serving platters, vases, plates and mugs available in a collection of shapes, sizes colors and prints are only some of the bounty offered at Oxide. The tiny storefront, which made its debut in 2009, also carries unique jewelry and specialty crafted kitchenware, such as carved wooden utensils and cast glass bowls.

Using lead-free glazes that are microwave and dishwasher friendly, a piece of Oxide pottery makes a beautiful and memorable gift. While browsing through the shop, be sure to take a peek at the small on-site studio where Oxide’s unique pottery is produced.

Oxide Pottery is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 to 6 and Saturday 10 to 5. For more information, call the shop at 434-845-5656 , visit them online or find them on Facebook.

Shelly’s Women’s Activewear Boutique

By Zoe Eisenberg

Most store-owners begin their business with an idea, and then look around for the perfect location. For Shelly Montgomery, owner of Shelly’s Women’s Activewear Boutique, the process was exactly the opposite. When a space opened up next to Snap Fitness in the Village Courts Shopping Center in Boonsboro, Shelly —who originally studied aviation in college— decided it was a great location, and started brainstorming. Nestled next to Snap Fitness and the International Karate Academy, Shelly realized a shop for activewear would do really well, and was exactly what Lynchburg needed to support local women leading active lifestyles. Located in such an exercise friendly zone, the shop often receives traffic from Lynchburg residents coming to the gym as well as daily exercise classes offered at the Karate Academy.

“I love the relationships I get to build with the women who come to shop,” explains Montgomery, who has always been a fitness enthusiast. She opened the shop in August 2010 with the goal of providing comfortable, stylish clothing for women who lead active lifestyles. “Our clothes are really versatile and unique,” says Montgomery, who finds her products all over the country, from California to Canada. “We try to carry lines that you can’t find anywhere else around here.”

Lynchburg’s only exercise boutique, Shelly’s carries high-end activewear lines like Avani and Rese Pilates, offering a variety of tanks, tees, shorts, pants, sports bras and accessories. The merchandise at Shelly’s is not only for the avid exerciser; there is also a selection of comfortable loungewear and everyday wear perfect for hanging around the house or running errands.

With miles of scenic running and biking trails and hikes with breath-taking views of the Blue Ridge mountains, staying active in Lynchburg can be beautiful and fun. To help you look and feel your best while keeping fit and healthy, Shelly’s Women’s Activewear Boutique provides casual and workout wear suitable for walking, running, yoga and Pilates.

Shelly’s Women’s Activewear Boutique is located at 4119 Boonsboro Road, with hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Can’t make it into the shop? Browse Shelly’s online selection at www.Shellys-boutique.com, or call the store at 434-485-8222.

The Dahlia

By Zoe Eisenberg

Ask any old-time Lynchburg local about the Dahlia, and you will get avarietyof responses, ranging from tales of barstool glory days to scrunched-face grimaces. “That was the type of place visited and didn’t tell your wife about,” notes one Lynchburg lifer.
Although the original Dahlia — first opened in 1947— was a staple of Lynchburg’s nightlife, it had the reputation of being a bit of a dive. The spot was closed in 2008 and spent a few years becoming a mossy Bedford Avenue eyesore. However, since being purchased by James West, owner of the neighboring Blue Marlin Seafood, the restaurant has been reopened and revamped.

Since its debut on Christmas Eve, the Dahlia has become a local hotspot. With a terrific feature in the Lynchburg News & Advance, the restaurant and bar has received even more traffic, from the working crowd dropping by for lunch to a rowdier bunch at night. With only eight tables and a handful of bar stools, the space is always packed and alive the buzz of laughter and conversation.

The Dahlia’s menu features unique choices ranging from Beer Cheese Soup to Organic Salmon, so whether you’re a lover of pub-grub, southern style fare (just what exactly is a hoe cake, anyways?) or high quality seafood, you are sure to find something appealing. With a fresh new face and glossy wood interior, the Dahlia is back in business and ready for action.

Stop by the Dahlia, located at 2221 Bedford Avenue, or them a call at (434) 846-0601.

Dolce Vita

By Zoe Eisenberg

Dolce Vita, located at 1102 Commerce Street downtown Lynchburg, is the premier spot  for any aspiring chefs or foodies. Store-owner April Wood Farmer, prior owner of Fresh, the healthy eatery previously located in the downtown community market, opened the tiny shop with the hopes of offering high-quality kitchen and home products to Lynchburg’s expanding crowd of gourmet food-lovers.

The shop, which opened November 19^th 2010, sells everything from candles to spices, including wine accessories, aprons, scarves and serving platters sure to impress the guests at your next party. Located above Shay’s Jewelry and Gifts, Dolce Vita carries both imported and locally made products, from Spanish pottery to Virginia jams, as well as fresh baked quiche and locally made bundt cakes.  Check out their unique selection of spreads, with flavors like Carrot and Peach Orange Clove.

With limited hours, make sure to plan a visit to the store, open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.For more information, visit www.yourdolcevita.com or call (434) 455-5510.

Lynchburg's Beer and Wine Festival

Do you love great food, music, and wine sampling? Well, then the Lynchburg Beer and Wine Festival is just for you. The Lynchburg Beer and Wine Festival

will be held in the Riverfront  Festival Park

in Downtown Lynchburg, on Saturday September 18^th from 10:00-5:00. There will be lots of entertainment and fun that you won’t want to miss out on.

Sampling admission is $15 in advanced or $20 at the gate. A general admission (non sampling) ticket is $5 and tickets for children 10 and under are free.

You can purchase tickets in advance at Lynch’s Landing, Accent Flags and Gifts, Travel Lovers, The Basket Case, Virginia Handcrafts, and Hill House Interiors or you can purchase them online at www.LynchburgTickets.com.

There are more than 18 breweries and wineries with sampling, PLUS, there will be artisans and craft businesses along with other local businesses. There are many different types of foods, such as coconut shrimp, sweet potato fries, pizza, burgers, gyros, and much more.

There will be many wineries such as Bright Meadows Farm, Tomahawk Mill Winery, Brooks Mill Winery,

and Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery. Some of the breweries who are participating in this events are Jefferson Street Brewery, Century Beverage, Tuppers,

and Starr Hill Brewery. Plus, vendors such as Blue Ridge BBQ Company, CoCo’s Jewelry Boutique, Koto’s Grill, Little Treasures, Ned’s Beer Shop, and Pints O Plenty

will also be there. To learn more about the other breweries, wineries, and vendors participating in this event, go to http://www.lynchburgshows.com/beer-wine-festival/participating-vendors/.

This is a great opportunity for those in sales who are looking for potential customers and to show them your products and services; to increase sales and drive quality leads. In addition to this, you can learn about sponsorship opportunities to help your marketing strategy. For more information about vendors, you can go to http://www.lynchburgshows.com/beer-wine-festival/vendor-information/http://www.lynchburgshows.com/beer-wine-festival/vendor-information/.

There will be great music and entertainment feature Dragonfly, The House Band,

and Jerry Wimmer. Dragonly will perform at 10 with a mixture of country, rock, and dance hits. Do you love some of the 70’s great hits? Then, you will love The House Band

who will perform hits from people such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder

, Jeffrey Osbourne

, and many more.

Jerry Wimmer is very talented and has been the featured tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah

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when he was a student at Radford University and he did solo acoustic shows entertaining thousands in The Worx. He has done bluegrass and jazz and gospel quartets in his first band called Southern Breeze.

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He will be performing an acoustic show at 3:00.

So, come on out and join the fun! You can get directions from Charlottesville, Danville, and Roanoke on the lynchburgsshows website, plus find close hotels near the downtown Lynchburg area.

Gerald's

Are you looking for a new place to eat in Lynchburg? Well, come on over to Gerald’s in Wyndhurst. This is a local, comfortable restaurant that even has a lounge near the back of the restaurant for private parties, along with TVs and leather black couches.

Gerald’s has a unique menu with dishes such as the chicken curry, steaks, fried potato salad, German potatoes, and even has a five-cheese mac and cheese. Gerald’s also has a fun desert Gimmie S’mores, for those who love classic s’mores. For those who love the south and southern food, Gerald’s also has grits that comes with shrimp.

Gerald’s, owned by Michelle Hamrick, is a small unique local restaurant in Wyndhurst. This restaurant has many different types of foods, such as Italian, Irish, German, and Mexican. Gerlad’s

also has delicious foods such as, smoked sausages, different types of sandwiches,  lobster ravioli, burgers, pastas, and so much more.

Gerald’s

also has many different types of hoagies, such as the Hawaiian Chicken Salad Hoagie with chicken salad, cucumber, spinach, pineapple, bacon, lettuce, and nuts. The Smoked Sausage and Bacon Roll has BBQ sauce, pepper jack cheese, and sweet pepper relish. For the vegetarians out there, Gerald’s

also has a Grilled Veggie hoagie with different vegetables and wasabi mayo. These are only some of the items Gerald’s

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offers.

Michelle Hamrick spent four years as the head chef in a local restaurant in Wyndhurst called Home Gourmet

, and had also been the executive chef at the Holiday Inn’s Lunchbag on Main in Downtown Lynchburg.

Michelle Hamrick also networks with other restaurants nearby, such as Montana Plains Bakery, who fixes their dinner rolls, and Mountain Frost Creamery who make ice cream.

This is what one customer had to say about Gerald’s, “It’s nice to have something different for a change.  The menu was very different from the usual fare in Lynchburg.  I really hope this restaurant succeeds.  If you want something that is reasonably priced and different from the typical steakhouse fare, then this is the place for you.”

To contact Gerald’s

you can call (434) 582-1414 and it is located in Wyndhurst on 112 Tradewynd Drive. You can also find Gerald’s on Facebook. Their hours are from 11am-10pm daily. There are so many different items to choose from, so come out to Wyndhurst and check it out today.

Lynchburg's Underground Supper Club

Do you want a fun eating experience? Then, you should come and find out more about Lynchburg’s Underground Supper Club

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. This is really unique because it is in non-restaurant locations with people you may not know. You will enjoy a 5-7 course meal at a place the chef will choose with people that you will meet that you might not have known before.

Chef Preston Cravey III makes all of his foods from locally and organically grown meats and vegetables. He’s from Charleston, SC. He has learned a lot from Chef McKee and has won the highest award for cooking from the Charleston Food and Wine Fest

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as well as the James Beard House

. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of Charleston

.

He is a certified chef with the American Culinary Federation and has been a judge for two high school culinary programs, which are the VICA and FCCLA. He has also been a personal chef to Robert McNair who is the NFL owner of the Houston Texans, has worked with celebrity chefs, and local authors of different cookbooks.

After leaving Charleston, Chef Preston, was the Campus Ex Sous Chef for UNC Chapel Hill until arriving in Lynchburg to take over as Executive Chef at Liberty University. A knee surgery in 2009 ended what was to be his last stop before returning to North Carolina, as a Regionial Chef. He took a job as an Instructor at Culinas, and taught his way of cooking. In keeping with his Southern background,in 2010 started running his Famous Underground Supper Clubs.

The Supper Club announces its next meal online once a month a week ahead of the event. The next event is August 7^th Dancing Leaf Premier Dinner Party, welcoming the special guest, Mayor Joan Foster. You can purchase tickets online at http://lynchburgsupperclub.com/tickets/.

You can contact Chef Preston at pcravey1021@gmail.com. To learn more you can go to http://lynchburgsupperclub.com and by following Lynchburg’s Underground Supper Club on Twitter. It will be a fun experience with the most incredible food! You don’t want to miss out.

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