Mount Sidney
Mount Sidney, VA · Local Life
The News Leader
New bagel shop coming to downtown Staunton
Staunton Bagel is set to open in April at 114 N. Central Ave., taking over the former Whipp’d location and bringing traditional New York-style bagels to downtown Staunton. The shop is the creation of Jean-Paul and Helen Shibut, who have lived in the Newtown neighborhood for years. Jean-Paul, a stay-at-home parent until Helen retired from her job, began experimenting with bagel recipes after a disappointing grocery store bagel run. “He pointed out there wasn’t a bagel shop in Staunton,” Helen said. “So, he started tinkering with recipes — and came up with a solid New York-style bagel.” The family began sharing the bagels with friends, church potlucks and relatives, and they quickly built a following. The bagels also fueled a busy year at home. “I ate about a million of them while training for three marathons,” she joked. After retiring from her fulltime job last summer, the couple began seriously considering a small bagel shop or food truck. To gain kitchen experience, Jean-Paul took a part-time job at the Depot Grille, and the family signed up to sell bagels at the holiday farmers’ market in December. "We called ourselves Newtown Bagels at the market, since we live in the Newtown
13News Now
Hampton Roads artist reflects on rapping for J Cole; believes hidden music talent across the 757 is ready to be discovered
NORFOLK, Va. — It's not every day you get a chance to perform for your idol while trying to expand your career. 13News Now sat down with a local recording artist from Hampton Roads, who got his big shot in front of J Cole just last week. Marckel Bonds...
WAVY News 10
Local restaurants take part in pay-what-you-can week
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Short on cash? Pay what you can. Several restaurants in Virginia, including in Hampton Roads, are taking this unique approach. What started as an idea for giving back is back in the region to help people in need. “Philly Vegan in Richmond, and a few other restaurants on that side of […]
The News Leader
Historic Staunton theater rehab begins Feb. 24, targets Dec. completion
The Arcadia Project’s Board of Directors announced in a press release that the rehabilitation of the historic theater at 125 E. Beverley St. will begin on Feb. 24 with a groundbreaking ceremony 11 a.m. in front of the building. Harman Construction in Harrisonburg, will lead the construction effort, with completion targeted for December 2026. Michael Brown in Staunton serves as the architect. Renovations will bring the non-profit’s mission — creating community through culture and creativity — to life. A new event space will host live music, dances, children’s shows, lectures, weddings, corporate events, a tour bus lunch program, and more. A café will become a welcoming gathering spot. The state-of-the-art venue will feature comfortable backstage artist spaces, two new ADA restrooms, and renovated historic front-of-house facilities, blending modern comfort with timeless character. “It has been a labor of love to work on the reconstruction of this important Staunton landmark,” says Board President Elizabeth Respess. “Together with our Board of Directors and many volunteers and donors, we are moving forward toward our goal of re-opening the theater for music, dance, education and films. Its opening will add to the vibrant arts and entertainment scene that exists already in downtown Staunton.” “Arcadia’s
The News Leader
Fundraising underway to support major growth of Staunton High band
Jon Wilson is in his second year as the band director at Staunton High School, coming over from Shelburne Middle in 2024. He has already had a major impact on the program and, for his efforts was recently named the the District 5 educator of the year by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association District 5, which represents nearly 40 schools. "It's very special," Wilson said of the honor. "Where we teach in the Shenandoah Valley there are such a phenomenal batch of music teachers. So it's a very big deal to me. Everyone I have seen win this before I really do admire as a fabulous educator, so it's very uplifting to know that my peers consider me in that light." In just his two years as head of the band program at the high school, Wilson has seen the numbers explode. In 2024-2025, Staunton's band grew from 28 to about 55, with a marching band of 35. This year Staunton has 105 in the program, with a marching band of 64. He's nearly quadrupled the number of students in the program since arriving. While Wilson said the school division has been great about supporting the band, the
rocktownnow.com
Court Square Theater performances return with “The Little Mermaid Jr.” on Thursday
HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Court Square Theater performances return on Thursday with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.”. Act One Theater Company Inc. is presenting the production based on the classic animated film and story by Hans Christian Andersen, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a book by Doug Wright, with music adapted and arranged by David Weinstein.
myfamilytravels.com
People Drive From All Over Virginia To Eat At This Bunker With The State’s Best Burger
Can a fast food joint really be worth the drive? Ask anyone who’s made the trek to Front Royal, and they’ll tell you absolutely yes. Spelunker’s isn’t just another burger spot along the highway. It’s become a full-blown destination for folks craving seriously good comfort food that doesn’t skimp on quality or flavor.
myfamilytravels.com
This Stunning Boardwalk Hike Is Virginia’s Best Kept Secret For Outdoor Lovers
Tucked away in Woodbridge, Virginia, there’s a trail that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a nature documentary. Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Trail isn’t your typical dirt path through the woods. This elevated wooden walkway takes you straight through a tidal wetland ecosystem where herons strut, turtles...