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.

Boudoir- Lynchburg’s Fine Lingerie Boutique

By Zoe Eisenberg

Kasey Forehand was having lunch with her husband in November, 2009, when they decided that what Lynchburg really needed was a high quality lingerie shop. Flash forward to October, 2010 and the opening of Boudoir, a lingerie and sleepwear boutique located in the Boonsboro Shopping Center, 4925 Boonsboro Road .

“My goal for our selection is to have at least one thing for every possible kind of woman who could walk into the shop,” Forehand explains. From your typical black lace negligees and hosiery to cotton loungewear, shapewear and pajama sets, Boudoir covers a large range of style and taste.

While robes and pajama sets were best sellers over the holidays, Boudoir’s designer bras fly off the shelf faster than any product in the store, and with Valentine’s day just over a month away, Boudoir is already stocking up.  For the holiday, the boutique will be transformed into a one-stop-shop with fresh flowers, homemade chocolates and spa certificates to Bodyworks Day Spa and Salon. The shop will hold extended hours from Friday, February 11^th to Monday, February 14^th.

The boutique’s atmosphere is pure girl, from its hot pink and black décor to its plush sofas and a floor space just begging for a fashion show. Looking to spoil the special woman in your life, or searching for the perfect location for your next girly pow-wow? Boudoir After-Hours, the shops private event service, allows you to host your next bridal shower, baby shower, lingerie shower, private fitting or girl’s night out at the boutique. You can choose from pre-packaged events or pick options a la carte, from sweet treats to champagne and photo packages.

The shop holds hours Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call them at 434-384-2722, visit them online, find them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @votreboudoir.

Otter Peaks Alpaca Farm

Do you want to learn more about alpacas? Then, come to the Otter Peaks Alpaca     Farm in Thaxton, VA.  The farm is owned by John and Cindy Ferrante, who love their animals and love what they do. They have worked with experts such as successful alpaca breeders, veterinarians, farmers, and building contractors, so that they can provide the best services for those interested in alpacas. The farm is active locally, but also participants in the Virginia Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (VAOBA) and the national Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA).

Otter Peaks Alpacas take great care in their alpacas by providing quality and personal attention through good management practices such as: daily medical care; nutrient, mineral and vitamin supplements; parasite prevention programs, and they provide excellent hay and pastures. They also practice good farm management by deploying rotational grazing and isolating the animals from sensitive habitats, such as wetlands.

Otter Peaks Alpaca Farm can provide you with fine alpacas for showing or for growing fine alpaca fiber for spinning. They can help you in answering your questions, and offering free consulting services to the customer for a year from the original purchase. They will mentor you as your farm develops and can even support you in breeding, birthing and a full range of alpaca husbandry and farm development.

They also take great pride in caring for their alpacas by making sure that they have no more than 25 alpacas and only conduct selective breeding to improve the quality of the herd.  This allows Otter Peaks Alpacas the opportunity to give the alpacas the special attention that they need. They currently have 15 alpacas.

Visiting Otter Peaks farm is a fun activity for school trips, field trips, camps, and individuals. To learn more about farm visits, you can contact John and Cindy at JFerra745@aol.com

Otter Peaks Alpaca Farm is also active in events, such as the Sedalia VA Farm Show and Fiber Festivals, and other such local events. The alpacas usually draw a big crowd at these events to see the alpacas and to learn more about the farm.

Otter Peaks Alpacas prides itself in supporting other local businesses by buying their supplies locally. John and Cindy also traveled to Peru to establish a business arrangement between two companies there that produce alpaca products. They sell many products that came from the United States and Peru, such as handbags, accessories, rugs, clothes, tapestries, paintings, and home-made alpaca products, which were made on their farm from their own fiber. They also have an exclusive line of unique Peruvian jewelry that is designed and made only for them by a company in Peru using products from the Amazon jungle.

For more information about the farm you can contact John and Cindy by emailing them at JFerra745@aol.com or by calling their office at (540) 587-6766 or cell phone at (540)525-0965. The farm is located on 2398 Union Church Road Thaxton, VA 24174. So, come by for a visit today!

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

filmyogi bear

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.

the rite movies

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.

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