About Us

The live.love.local Mission:

Cville Niche is a blog-a-zine targeted at University students and Cville’s young professionals to inform them not only of events, restaurants, businesses, and retailers available in the larger Charlottesville community, but also the opportunities they have to participate together with the Charlottesville community.

The primary goal of this blog is to connect the UVa students with all things local, as well as cross-promote with businesses through local cooperative trade. Secondly, it will also provide and expose students and young adults to a wider selection of different and enjoyable opportunities both on and off Grounds to fit a range of budgets and interests. Lastly, Cville Niche aims to be a resource and forum for reader networking, suggestions, questions and reviews.

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The Team

Katerina Diplas | Founding Director & Creative Director

Hometown?

Blacksburg, VA

Where do you go in Cville to think?

Beaver Creek

Where do you go in Cville to do anything but think?

Whiskey Jar

For some meditative non thinking, Common Ground for some yoga or Opal to get my vinyasa on.

Favorite local bottle of wine?

Gabrielle Rausse Cabernet Franc or Blenheim Rose when it’s above 60 outside.

Favorite spring picnic spot?

The deck of Blenheim Vineyards

Favorite local food stop?

• Tavola for a long evening catching up with friends
• Beer Run for some amazing nachos and sandwiches
• Blue Mountain Brewery for some apple and bratwurst pizza and cornhole!

Describe yourself in 5 syllables 

Spontaneity

Linnea White |Communications Director & Content Strategist

Hometown?

Virginia Beach, VA

Where do you go in Cville to think?

I drive, sometimes with music, sometimes in silence… usually up Garth Road. There’s a little creek way out there I love to stop and sit by. It’s my secret spot – I can reveal no more!

Where do you go in Cville to do anything but think?

Modern dance class with Faith Levine! It has always amazed me how a great dance class can both clear your head and inspire you at the same time.

Favorite local bottle of wine?

Potter’s Cider is a recent favorite, and constantly stocked in my apartment. Also, Veritas’ Claret and Mousseux.

Favorite spring picnic spot?

Beaver Creek

Favorite local food stop?

Mas. I wish I could eat there every day of the week… necesito MAS dinero.

Describe yourself in 5 syllables 

Serendipity — “I dwell in possibility.” (Emily Dickinson)

Rachel Robinson | Foodie and Local Events Writer

Hometown?

Norfolk, VA

Where do you go in Cville to think?

Carter Mountain

Where do you go in Cville to do anything but think?

Trinity on the Corner

Favorite local bottle of wine?

Anything from Potter’s

Favorite spring picnic spot?

The Lawn

Favorite local food stop?

This is probably the hardest question you can ask a Cville resident! There are so many amazing/unique places. I do love the Local, though.

Describe yourself in 5 syllables 

Unpredictable

Scott Tiernan | Music and Tunes Writer

Hometown?

Saugerties, NY

Where do you go in Cville to think?

Milli Joe

Where do you go in Cville to do anything but think?

Stoneyfield Theater

Favorite local bottle of wine?

Red Star Veritas

Favorite spring picnic spot?

Beaver Creek

Favorite local food stop?

Cinema Taco

Describe yourself in 5 syllables 

Joyful music heart

Caitlin Rivas | Foodie and Local Events Writer

Hometown?

Richmond, VA

Where do you go in Cville to think?

Sugar Hollow Reserve

Where do you go in Cville to do anything but think?

Anywhere with a solid local beer menu!

Favorite local bottle of wine?

Jefferson Vineyard’s Johannisberg Riesling

Favorite spring picnic spot?

The Lawn!!!

Favorite local food stop?

Beer Run

Describe yourself in 5 syllables 

Chacos Sun Nalgene

Alex Wead | Food and Drink Extraordinaire  Writer

Hometown?

Harrisonburg, VA

Where do you go in Cville to think?

Milli Joe

Where do you go in Cville to do anything but think?

Saunders Monticello Trail

Favorite local bottle of wine?

Pollak Meritage

Favorite spring picnic spot?

King Family Vineyards

Favorite local food stop?

Beer Run

Describe yourself in 5 syllables 

Eccentric skilled chef

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Archived Staff Members | Rebecca Effron, Kelly Sullivan, Charlotte Lamontagne, Caroline Newman, Michelle Doty, Lauren Doerr, Alexandra Orsini, Vicki Fort, Melanie Dick, Jill Martiniuk, Kate Garber, Abby Skolits, and Annie Wilmer