About Us

Virginia Living celebrates all things Virginia—from its people and places, to its deep history and traditions. The highest quality, most widely read magazine in the state, Virginia Living’s combination of smart, engaging stories and stunning photography makes it a must-read for anyone interested in the Commonwealth.

Publisher John-Lawrence Smith conceived of Virginia Living while relaxing with his dog Cutty on the James River one beautiful June day in 2002, and the premiere issue was published on October 31, 2002. The glossy, upscale lifestyle magazine is now the top media reference in Virginia, with a readership of over 600,000.

Cape Fear Publishing is the parent company of Virginia Living, and is named for a favorite rest and relaxation spot of our owner, John-Lawrence Smith, who founded the publishing house in 1988, shortly after he graduated from the University of North Carolina.

The lower Cape Fear region of North Carolina is where much of the thinking and planning for the company originally took place. John-Lawrence was looking for a good, strong, striking Southern name for his company, and Cape Fear Publishing Company seemed like the perfect choice.

Virginia Living publishes six bimonthly issues per year, plus the bonus Best of Virginia issue in May. We add bonus departments and super sections to every issue. Look for Weddings in January/February, State of Education in March/April, WaterLife in July/August, both Drink and Top Hospitals in September/October, and Made in Virginia in November/December. Health + Wellness and House + Garden each appear three times annually, and we cover Retirement Living twice each year.

Virginia Living is available by subscription and at quality newsstands across the state, including Barnes & Noble, Kroger, Wegman’s, and more.