WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Going pumpkin picking has become a beloved fall tradition in America, but how did it start? Well, the origins of this tradition can be traced back to Native American history and European settlers' folklore, as well as harvest festivals, the media and pop culture, and the rise of agritourism.

WRITTEN BY DORI STEWART

Contact K&M Roofing and Contracting to solve all your rooftop issues. They are a family-owned company founded by Mike Jenkins and have been operational for 28 years. Mike has been in the roofing industry since he was 12 years old. His parents owned a roofing business for 40 years and he grew up with the trade. Their business philosophy is simple, “to build a lasting and trustworthy relationship with their customers.”

WRITTEN BY DORI STEWART, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

It's a rare gift to find a partner who shares your most crucial values and supports you in all of life's most thrilling adventures. But for Ben and Raeann Litalien, that's exactly what they found when their paths first crossed nearly 40 years ago.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Mental Health America of Fredericksburg has been supporting the citizens of District 16 since 1955. District 16 includes Stafford, Fredericksburg, Caroline, King George and Spotsylvania counties. Mental Health America identifies the gaps in local services and creates unique programs and forms local partnerships to address those issues.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, RECIPE BY STEPHANIE ROMAN

September kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month! A hodgepodge of celebrations for many Hispanic countries. I reached out to a dear friend to share the only birria taco recipe you need in your life.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

September is here! Get ready for pumpkin patches, tractor rides, and corn mazes! Here is a fun September activity to get you ready.

DIY Tree Craft

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Where were you on September the 11th 2001? It’s a moment one never forgets. I was an 8th grader at Blessed Sacrament School in Queens, New York. I was a witness to the aftermath of this tragedy. I clearly remember the next day opening the door of my grandmother’s house and being surrounded by debris that made its way to us from Manhattan. For this edition of our Heroes Spotlight, we are highlighting our local heroes and the residents whose lives were lost that day.

WRITTEN BY DORI STEWART

Are you looking for a local plumber ready to knock your next job out of the park? Grand Slam Plumbing is prepared to step up to the plate to get your repairs done right!

WRITTEN BY DORI STEWART, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

During life's most challenging moments, love, community, and shared passions are often what get us through the day. The Vorse-Sales family serves as a testament to this truth and acts as a symbol of resilience and love in the face of adversity.

WRITTEN BY PETMAN GROOMING

Great Pyrenees. Husky. Samoyed. Chow Chow. Not only are these usually very large dogs, all of these breeds also have what's known as a double coat. Double and single coated dogs all have an outer coat composed of guard hairs that should be thick, coarse and flat. What lies beneath this outer coat on a double coated breed is known as the undercoat.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Hillary is a Marine Corps spouse who has followed her spouse all over the world. After her husband retired they decided to settle in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

WRITTEN BY LINDSEY BRITTEN

Now that Summer 2023 is upon, let's talk Design as I share with you one of my most requested “trends” from homeowners who want to renovate their home.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Anthony Cubbage enlisted in the Air Force from Missouri as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist. He served in the Air Force for 14 years before he was medically retired. He has been stationed in New Mexico, California, Missouri, and Turkey.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

It’s Summer! The pools are in full effect! What to do on a rainy summer day, or on a way too hot to do anything outside day?

An art project with your pet!

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Travis Keyes started his business when he was a sophomore at Mountain View High School. He started with traditional lawn maintenance that included mowing lawns and mulching.

WRITTEN BY MASON LEWIS

Maintaining a vibrant and healthy landscape requires more than regular mowing and watering. Seeding, aeration, and topsoil are crucial for effective lawn care and landscaping practices. Learning the benefits of these three fundamental techniques and how they contribute to your outdoor space's overall health and beauty will ensure your yard stays healthy this summer.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Corraine Cotton is a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps currently stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico as an aviation maintenance data specialist task analyst.

WRITTEN BY GHOST FOX WINERY

Inspired by the iconic Italian cocktail, the Southern Belle-ini (Bellini) puts a charming twist on tradition by infusing it with our sweet Southern roots.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Sgt Kristin Psaros is originally from Portland, Oregon and now resides in Stafford with her two daughters, Arianna (9), Olivia (14) and their lab mix Gunner (13).

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

With the new school year approaching our little ones (and maybe not so little ones) can be experiencing some big feelings.