There’s A Historic Train Depot In Virginia That Whisks You Back To The Early 1900s

There’s a spot in Montpelier Station, Virginia where the calendar on the wall still reads 1927, the telegraph equipment sits ready for the next message, and the only thing missing is the sound of a steam whistle cutting through the trees. The Historic Montpelier Railroad Depot, built around 1910,...

Staunton's Kevin Hart brings Friends Turned Family home for pop-up

Kevin Hart turned the idea of friends becoming family into a clothing brand. Now, the Staunton native is bringing Friends Turned Family home to Staunton for a pop-up event celebrating fashion, friendship and community. Hart is partnering with Heard The Store, Inez’s Kitchen and the Staunton Black Business Collective for a pop-up event from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. “It will just be a time for people to connect,” Hart said. “This is for everyone. I really do want to share this experience with Staunton. I will have some Staunton pieces, specifically for this pop-up. We’ll have some good food and take some dope photos. “It will be a family reunion of sorts, man; just people listening to music, having a good time and exploring a new store in Staunton that, from what I hear, is extremely dope. People will be exposed to Friends Turned Family and exposed to Heard.” A popular vintage clothing store opened by co-founders Cutter Chisnell and Jeffrey Placide, Heard The Store is a fitting venue for the pop-up event. “We are so excited about one of Staunton’s own coming back home to host a pop-up in our space,” Chisnell said. “These types of

Renowned Virginia-based luthier makes his 1,000th guitar

Renowned Virginia-based guitar maker Wayne Henderson is being recognized after completing his 1,000th guitar. During his 60-year career, Henderson has made countless contributions to music makers across the country and around the world. He's built guitars by hand for a Who’s Who list of pickers, including Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs...

More than Just Public Worship Services: Some Thoughts on “Free Exercise” and the History from Virginia

Senate Revisions to House Proposed Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, National Archives (US-PD) On October 15, Canopy Forum, hosted by the Center for the Study of Law and Religion, held an online book symposium regarding Donald L. Drakeman’s upcoming book, to be published November 2026, titled The Free Exercise Clause and the Rights of Conscience (Harvard University Press, 2026). The following is a review essay of Professor Drakeman’s book written in anticipation of the symposium.

Virginia Lands Maria Isabella Errichetto on National Signing Day

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia head women’s golf coach Ria Scott announced Wednesday (Nov. 11) the signing of Maria Isabella Errichetto, who will join the program for the 2027-28 season. “We are thrilled to welcome Maria Isabella Errichetto to the Virginia Women's Golf family," Scott said. "She has established...

Your Family Guide to Holiday Parades Near Fredericksburg

Make time for holiday parades near Fredericksburg, and explore more holiday and seasonal fun to enjoy with your family. Find holiday parades in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Colonial Beach, Bowling Green and other nearby communities. Listings include dates, times and locations to help you plan your family’s outing. Some celebrations also...

Two Central Virginia Elementary Schools selected to produce Disney musicals

According to WRIC 8 News, two Central Virginia elementary schools have been selected to participate in Disney Musicals in Schools for the 2026-27 school year through the corporation's Stage Connect program.

PHOTOS/WATCH: Veterans Day in Fredericksburg

Kings Dominion’s new Hops & Harvest Festival takes over International Street

DOSWELL, Va. (WWBT) - Kings Dominion is debuting a new festival this fall, turning International Street into a festive gathering place complete with fall foods, local drinks, live music and family activities. It’s called the Hops & Harvest Festival, and it runs from noon to 6 p.m. on select dates...

Spotsylvania student rep: “Prioritize student art over AI”

In her last meeting as student representative to the Spotsylvania School Board, Cora Shields asked division staff for support. “I would like to ask SCPS staff to consider asking art students to create their school flyers and posters,” Shields said during her comments at Monday’s school board meeting.

The 540: Hometown’s Best Winners chat

We discussed all the winners and participants of our Hometown’s Best competition on The 540 on Thursday. The 540 is a relaxed, conversational show built around the people, places and ideas that make Southwest and Central Virginia special. To watch the Nov.12, 2026 episode of The 540, click here.

History on the rocks: FAM turns museum pieces into cocktails

Some assignments are harder than others. This one sent me to two downtown restaurants to watch two talented bartenders at work, then drink what they made, all in the name of local history. I did it for you, dear reader. My excuse for a midday cocktail (OK, two) is FAM-TINI,...

Visitor Center exhibit showcases Patawomeck Tribe’s literal roots

For David Jett and his fellow Patawomeck tribal citizens, the objects on display in the Fredericksburg Visitor Center this past Friday held dual meanings. “Where others see a poplar tree, we see a bark basket or a dugout canoe,” he said. “Where others see pine needles as an annoyance to sweep off your porch, we see a basket.”

Highway marker to commemorate rock legend

It happened in 1957 at a sock hop in the old Fredericksburg Arena – a native-American musician named Link Wray first played what would become a huge hit – the instrumental known as Rumble:. Wray is now remembered for his innovative use of distortion or fuzz and the...

The Wood Brothers at The Jefferson 11/11

Grammy Award-nominated group The Wood Brothers come to town with plenty to crow about. The progressive Americana trio is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and touring in support of its latest record, Puff Of Smoke. The band’s ninth album of original music explores the state of the human condition and pathways for overcoming the turmoil of the current geopolitical environment. With a new live album due out early next year, this concert offers a solid opportunity to catch the act at a time when it’s particularly dialed into its stage show. $49.55, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com.

Get an Inside Look at the Movie-Making Process in Northern Virginia

Virginia Film Office director Andy Edmunds has worked in the state’s film industry since the late 1990s, and has enticed Steven Spielberg, Terrence Malick, Patty Jenkins, Ridley Scott, and Clint Eastwood to film in Virginia. “Virginia has such a great diverse palette for filmmakers,” Edmunds says. “We’ve got mountains,...

A 312-year-old Stradivarius made a secret stop in Fredericksburg

For one night in October, the James Monroe High School auditorium was home to one of the most famous violins in the world, and almost nobody knew it was coming. Violinist Timothy Chooi joined the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 23 for Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, playing the 1714 “Dolphin” Stradivarius, the instrument famously associated with Jascha Heifetz. For security reasons, the orchestra didn’t announce the violin’s appearance in advance.