Mountain Biking 101 for Kids

Riding a bike may be a rite of passage for most children, the first source of freedom and independence for many. But what about leaving the safe passageways of sidewalks, streets and parking lots and venturing off-road? How young is too young to take up mountain biking? Andy DeVault, a former competitive cyclist, helps train... Read More

Features, Health, Local, Tools and Tips

August 20, 2020

Learning from history: Dedicated historian, artist Danny Ricketts dies at 79

In George Lucas’s Raiders of the Lost Ark, antagonist Dr. Rene Belloq holds up a pocket watch and tells Indiana Jones, “Look at this watch. Cheap. Nothing. Take it out into the desert and bury it for a thousand years and it becomes priceless.” Belloq may have been correct, but without the written history of what... Read More

Culture, Local

August 14, 2020

“Weird” Would Be the New Norm Inside the Creative Process of Jameel Rashad Austin

“We’re all gifted with creativity, but not everyone utilizes the gift,” says Jameel Rashad Austin when asked about how he found his creative spark. Austin, a local photographer and content creator, is producing some of the most unique and thought-provoking art in our area. Austin spent his early childhood in Trenton, New Jersey. He adds,... Read More

Arts + Music, Culture, Local, Uncategorized

August 11, 2020

7 Ways to Get on the Water at Philpott Lake

Philpott Lake is a natural sanctuary in Southwest Virginia that provides a welcome escape from the everyday workings of modern life. This sprawling lake region offers not only the quiet beauty of time on the water but is surrounded by almost 20,000 acres of pristine wilderness with the Blue Ridge Mountains rising up in the... Read More

Health, Local

August 4, 2020

COVID Adventures

“I’ve been away, but now I’m back.” That line from The Shining is one of many that I quote from time to time in my daily life and seemed to be appropriate for my return to a monthly column. Like everyone, I’ve been dealing with the new abnormal and life during COVID-19, which has involved... Read More

Columns, Confessions of a 30 Something

July 6, 2020

Biking in MHC

Hit the trails, or the open road, in Martinsville—Henry County. Cycling has become a favorite pastime for many, and numerous trails, varying in difficulty and magnificent views, are awaiting you in MHC. Take a ride on one of our many trails along the Smith River Trail System or visit our award-winning mountain biking complex. There... Read More

Health, Local

July 6, 2020

A Library is More Than Just a Building of Books: Inside the Danville Public Library

If you ask Russell Carter to recommend a book to read, he can’t recommend one. “How do you pick just one?” He asked. The written word has always been a part of Carter’s life and career, whether as a journalist, communications officer for Danville Parks & Recreation, and now as Director of the Danville Public... Read More

Cover Feature, Local

July 6, 2020

The Perfect MHC Itinerary – Designed by Locals

Last month, Martinsville – Henry County celebrated National Travel & Tourism Week with the U.S. Travel Association and the Virginia Tourism Corporation. One element of the week-long celebration, was the opportunity for residents of Martinsville – Henry County to help design a perfect itinerary for visitors. Each day, VisitMartinsville launched an open-ended question on their... Read More

Local