Altus: For the Love of Chocolate

Altus: For the Love of Chocolate

The first time Carl and Mary Matice made chocolate they spent 20 hours hand grinding the cacao beans. In search of a hobby they could enjoy together, the couple had been married for five years at the time, they even purchased a granite mortar and pestle—a large Mexican molcajete. Though they only had a pound of raw cacao beans, after…

A Jewel: The Heart of Downtown

A Jewel: The Heart of Downtown

Robert Moses is a Premier Goldsmith and Master Jeweler, but he refers to himself simply as “the man in the window.” That’s because if you visit Bowen Jewelry Company at 829 Main Street, you’ll see Robert through the glass, creating custom jewelry pieces destined to become treasured family heirlooms. “I sit down with the customer and find out exactly what they…

Shredded: Upcycling With Skateboards

Shredded: Upcycling With Skateboards

Jeff Gray remembers skateboarding in a downtown parking garage in the 1990s. In his teenage opinion, the relatively deserted area seemed as good a place as any to skate and hang out with friends. When someone broke a skateboard, they could just throw it in a heap on one of the fire escapes. Eventually, dozens of boards piled up there.

Downtown Lynchburg: Where the Makers Are

Downtown Lynchburg: Where the Makers Are

Lynchburg has plenty of shopping options, but for those in the market for something unique and skillfully crafted, Downtown Lynchburg is the place to go. Only along Main Street will you find a local jeweler who has forged wedding bands and family heirlooms for more than 80 years. Only at the Lynchburg Community Market will you find a family working in the early morning hours to turn out fresh bread and pastries for their loyal customers.