7 Places to Get Your Oyster Fix in Norfolk, VA October 12, 2022 by Visit Norfolk 7 Places to Get Your Oyster Fix in Norfolk During your next visit to Norfolk, grab some friends and nosh on a freshly-shucked batch of Virginia oysters. However you like to eat them – raw, steamed, baked or fried – we’ve got you covered! When you are in the mood for shucks and fun, check out these seven local favorites to get your oyster fix! Saltine Hilton Norfolk’s The Main hotel houses three restaurants in including the seafood restaurant Saltine, located at street level. Saltine offers an airy, open environment, with garage door windows that open to the main streets of downtown Norfolk. Their happy hour oyster deal is all the rave at 50 cents per oyster! Todd Jurich’s Bistro This downtown bistro has been open since 1992 and offers rotating seasonal menus. Chef Todd Jurich uses fresh ingredients from local vegetable gardens and Virginia produce farms. The Bistro holds the Triple AAA Four Diamond Award and serves hand-harvested oysters from Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Byrd & Baldwin Steakhouse A traditional steakhouse located in a historic building built-in 1906. Executive Chef Carlton Spurlock brings his culinary expertise to every dish served. Byrd & Baldwin serves up the tastiest James River oysters. A.W. Shucks A casual raw bar & grill specializing in oysters, seafood and an array of specialty craft beers. Their oyster menu features favorites from up and down the East Coast. Take a seat at the bar and learn more about the oysters from the bartender, who also tends to the raw bar. Captain Groovy’s Raw Bar This wharf-themed eatery offers regional seafood dishes and casual cuisine with a full bar and patio. Captain Groovy’s proudly serves an array of Virginia oysters in many variations; from oyster stew to East Beach style (topped with spinach, onion, bacon and parmesan cheese). Norfolk Seafood Company & Big Easy Oyster Bar Simply a seafood lover’s heaven, Norfolk Seafood Company & Big Easy Oyster Bar is the quintessential seafood restaurant without the fancy prices. Each night, this oyster bar serves up four to seven different types of oysters from the Chesapeake Bay to New England. Small’s Smokehouse & Oyster Bar Offers freshly caught seafood from Virginia’s Eastern Shore, along with dynamite BBQ. Enjoy a relaxed, down-home family atmosphere and daily promotional specials.
Fairfax County’s Haunted Places & Urban Legends in Virginia October 5, 2022 by Visit Fairfax Bunnyman Legend – Fairfax, VA Legend has it that, each October, the veil between this world and the spirit world grows thinner leading up to All Hallows Eve, aka Halloween. It is a time to remember the dead. And some believe it is a time for the dead to visit us. Over the centuries, however, October 31st changed into something less somber—a holiday filled with candy, pumpkins, scary stories, and haunted trails. Whatever Halloween means to you, you’ll find it in Fairfax County. Some of our most historic sites have been witness to unexplainable encounters with things that go bump in the night. Then there are the urban legends that get dusted off every October to add spice to our lives. And, finally, there are sites that have been carefully engineered by live humans to frighten you into thinking ghouls really do exist. Put it all together and there’s something for everyone, young and old, brave and frightened, living and…well, you get the point. Let’s start with the spooky stories. Founded in 1742, Fairfax County’s roots go deep into American history. A revolution was led from here. Battles were fought here. Founding fathers lived here. And a lot of hardship and triumph took place on our soil. Some say the echoes of these times remain at some of our historic sites and manifest as visions, scents and sounds that can’t be explained. Here are just a few of those tales. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Image courtesy Mount Vernon Going back as far as the 1890s, stories abound. Victorian era members of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association who spent the night in George’s chamber swore his brooding spirit appeared before them in the still moments of the night. In the 1980s, an interpreter saw a full-body apparition of a young woman on the stairs with flowers who disappeared when she reached the bottom. In 2012, a security employee had already emptied the house and locked up when he heard the jingling of a large set of keys moving across the floor in the Washington bedroom. In life, George was known for being heard all over the house, jingling his heavy set of keys. These are just a few of the dozens—if not hundreds—of stories from interpreters, staff and visitors over the years. While you may not be able to be inside the mansion at midnight, Mount Vernon does host a popular trick-or-treating event each year, as well as a Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour and Fall Harvest Festival. Who knows what you’ll encounter? George Mason’s Gunston Hall Image courtesy Gunston Hall George Mason was one of our founding fathers and the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which was used as the basis for the US Bill of Rights. His estate, Gunston Hall, was built in the south end of the county near the Potomac River’s Gunston Cove. Visitors have seen George’s apparition in mirrors, unexplained footsteps have been heard in the halls and staff have seen apparitions of people dressed in period clothing inside and outside the house. It has been suggested that having costumed interpreters working in the home triggers the entities to come forward. While not Halloween-themed, there are a couple of upcoming events at the estate. Try your hand at cooking in a hearth fireplace at the Hearth Cooking Workshops on October 8 and 22, 2022. Or attend Revolutionary War Day on November 5, 2022. The Winery at Bull Run Image courtesy The Winery at Bull Run During the Civil War, two major battles were fought in Manassas/Bull Run. And The Winery at Bull Run is located adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park on grounds that were once used for battle. Ghost stories are rampant on the battlefield. Visitors say they see soldiers, smell gunpowder, hear cannon fire and see lights where there are none. And at the Winery, it has been said that some soldiers still visit to this day. They play with lights, appear as apparitions and make their presence known. From now until November 6, 2022, you can attend a haunted wine tour where you can taste wines, “meet” the ghosts through costumed interpretation, learn history and hear the Winery’s ghost stories. But these sell out quickly, so don’t delay! Get in the Halloween mood with this urban legend. Urban legends are a form of folklore, describing events that are rarely ever experienced first-hand, rather they happened to a “friend of a friend.” While there may be a grain of truth in them, most are manufactured to scare and are passed down through word of mouth. The Legend of the Bunny Man is one such tale. It is said that a man in a bunny suit once roamed a neighborhood in Fairfax carrying an ax. Some stories have him scaring off trespassers in the neighborhood. As the legend grew, he was said to harm children who misbehave. Some say he still walks the woods of the neighborhood, armed with his ax and a bad attitude. What makes this urban legend special is its staying power. According to Fairfax County resources, it dates back to the 1940s and some of the sightings were documented at the time. Rather than go searching for a man dressed as a bunny and wielding an ax, however, we recommend the next best thing—Bunnyman Brewing. Themed around the urban legend, the folks at this new microbrewery can fill you in on all the spooky deets of the “real” Bunny Man and you can even wander into their woods for a selfie with the Bunnyman from their logo. Hot tip: Before you head out, sign up for the new Fairfax County Locally Poured Field Guide to get discounts on your beer! Find guaranteed ghosts, ghouls and frights this Halloween. Real-life hauntings are unpredictable. Urban legends are rarely experienced first-hand. But haunted houses and trails of terror always deliver the Halloween frights you seek. Here are the region’s best. None of it is real, but all of it is real scary! Workhouse Haunt: Nightmare Harvest Image courtesy Workhouse Arts Center The Workhouse Arts Center is an arts community filled with working studios and exhibits. It is also set in a former penitentiary. This adds to the creep factor for their annual Workhouse Haunt. This themed walk-through event takes visitors through spooky scenes with costumed characters, then to the site’s abandoned buildings and into the dark woods where terrifying ghouls await. Now through November 5. Not recommended for children 12 and under. Cox Farms Fields of Fear Image courtesy Cox Farms Cox Farms turns dark at night. Its normally friendly Imaginature Trail transforms into the half-mile long The Forest: Back 40 where madmen with chainsaws, creepy spiders and tales of the occult rule the night. If you survive this fright, Fields of Fear will then take you on a Dark Side Hayride or set you loose in the Cornightmare. It’s an evening your screams will never forget. Now through November 5. Not recommended for children under 12. Clifton Haunted Trail Image courtesy Clifton Haunted Trail website After a three-year hiatus, the Clifton Haunted Trail is returning to the woods of Clifton on Saturday, October 29. Explore eight acres of haunted woods featuring scary skits and spooky scenes. The trail itself is half-mile long. This one-night-only event is highly popular and tickets go fast, so keep an eye out for on-sale dates in early October. If you’re planning a visit this October, be sure to check out all our Halloween events. You’ll find pumpkin painting at Sully Historic Site, goblin golf at Burke Lake Park, a Haunted Pond at Hidden Pond Nature Center, and of course, the longstanding tradition of the Vienna Halloween Parade in the Town of Vienna. See you among the spooks! Originally published for Visit Fairfax/FXVA.com
Celebrate Virginia Wine Month and experience Stafford, VA’s Tuscany-Inspired Winery October 5, 2022 by StaffordVA Calling all wine lovers to Stafford, Virginia! Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind, get dressed up, or a little bit of both, consider visiting Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery in Stafford County, Virginia. Potomac Point is situated along interstate 95 and offers a taste of Tuscany in Northern Virginia. This Mediterranean estate offers an up-scale ambiance with award winning wines. Recently featured on the front cover of the Washingtonian for the best Winery Day Trips in the DMV area, this winery offers an escape from your everyday. This winery showcases a variety of unique experience. The hard part? Choosing which one to do first. Potomac Point leans in to each of the seasons, and fall is no different. This fall, make a reservation and taste your way through their new fall bistro menu, highlighting local flavors and your favorite fall cuisine. Put a spin on traditional Halloween traditions with their Fright Flights – where experts at Potomac Point have paired their wines with popular Halloween candies. Take the experience outside and capture your memories onsite. Participate in multiple photo-op locations. Take a picture in front of the wine-inspired butterfly wings known as the “Winery Wings”, the Virginia LOVE barrels, or stroll through the vineyards and capture the rich green color of the vines. During Virginia Wine Month, Potomac Point is offering two complimentary bonus wines to taste as part of the Premier Cru and Grand Cru tasting experience. Make your reservations and cozy up at one of their fire pit tables throughout the season, or book your wine tent reservations from November 23rd through the end of March. Want to bring your best furry friend? You’re in luck! Potomac Point Winery was named one of Virginia’s friendliest wineries for pets. On your way out, don’t forget to purchase your specialty Virginia Wine Month and Halloween custom labels that will make each bottle of wine perfect for you! Whether you’re looking to gather with friends and family or take your experiences on the road, make a day-trip or weekend getaway and tour Stafford, Virginia.
Enjoy a Gastronomic Getaway in Marshall August 25, 2022 by Visit Fauquier Take a deep breath. In Fauquier County Virginia, this is our way – and it’s as relevant a motto as it is a beautiful one. Once you’ve exited I-66, you have officially entered the cozy village of Marshall, any small town lover’s dream getaway where peace is paired with quiet, and invigoratingly fresh air comes right along with the big mountain views. And you can take big bites too! Gastronomy is the art of making food, enjoying food, and celebrating how each person’s culture brings something special to our shared table. The American Heritage Dictionary defines gastronomy as the pleasures of the table, and gastronomic restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and wineries dot the pretty hills of Marshall. To make your visit delicious and nutritious as well as easy-peasy, see our insider’s guide below. But First, Coffee For truly authentic hospitality, visit Hunt Country Coffee. They craft “designer espresso drinks and fine teas” (including organic), and guests are always raving about the almond milk latte, the shop’s comfy and cheerful ambiance, and the nice, bright daylight filtering through the windows. For some beautiful outdoor seating with your morning buzz, go to Half Past Moon Coffee Buzz. Order the honey-cinnamon latte with a pastry, quiche, or some soup, and if your coffee gives you so much energy you just can’t stand sitting anymore, take an energizing walk to nearby one-of-a-kind local shops to experience some of the best that Marshall has to offer. Lunch Spots Whether you’re wanting to dine in or grab what you need on the go, The Whole Ox is a place you really have to visit. This old-fashioned butcher shop specializes in “whole local animals from your neighbors’ farms” with NO added hormones OR antibiotics (yes, please!). They offer fresh meats, eggs, produce and bread, and a various assortment of cheeses—all the right fixings for your cute wicker picnic basket—as well as a wonderful collection of seasonal prepared foods (from Italian meatballs and red pepper tomato soup to cranberry walnut bread pudding). The Whole Ox also serves up some pretty tasty entrees (the most highly esteemed of which is the house burger, but ask about their in-house smoked bacon too!). This cool local spot offers beer and wine, so whether you go for lunch or dinner, you can take a deep, long breath and really sit back in your chair. We’ve got a hidden gem alert for you: The La Palmita Market at the Citgo station has the most authentic Mexican food. Just ask a local pumping gas and they will nod their head vigorously at you! Tacos, burritos, and the best spicy sauces to top things off, The La Palmita Market is a Marshall must. Sometimes nothing can quite hit the spot like a classic diner meal, so if that’s what you’re in the mood for, go to The Marshall Diner. They literally have everything: breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, sides (from English muffins to mozzarella sticks), and they also have Wifi for guests. Cozy up to down-home classics, and revel in the golden-fried perfection served up with a serious side of Southern hospitality. Where To Do Dinner Field and Main is the perfect spot for dinner because the food is amazing AND it comes with a show! Take a seat near the kitchen and then watch in wonder as your chef prepares the meal: shrimp and grits, Bison steak, hearth-roasted sunchokes, seared scallops… the menu is diverse and delectable, and because their desserts are ridiculously good (check out their flower-garnished ice cream, chocolate-chip-marshmallow cookies, classic carrot cake, and pumpkin creme brulee), be sure to save room for your sweet tooth. For fans of al fresco dining, be sure check out the lovely outdoor cabana to up the ante on the entire experience. Air conditioned in summer and heated in the winter, the outdoor portion of Field and Main is ready for you year-round (just be sure to book a reservation in advance!). Johnny Monarchs is the ORIGINAL American bustaurant that serves fresh and delicious food from farm to table, so you can’t visit Fauquier County and not go here. The bus, where you’ll place your everything’s-so-good-it’s-hard-to-choose order, is surrounded by a field of green with pretty plants, a stage for live music, and cozy picnic tables (and when it’s cold out, they’ll even let you eat inside the bus!). The portions are larger than life, and when it comes to fan favorites, Steak Me Away and the Classic Adult Fried Bologna both get cheers (and deserve a second round of beers). For veggie fiends, try the Veetball Sub, Piedmont Harvest Lasagna, or Piedmont Tomato Pie. It’s an unforgettable dining experience with exceptional fare! If you’re down to try something new, consider Tapatios; the area’s brand new taqueria that’s already getting stellar reviews, and their outdoor seating is so fun and festive complete with colorful flags, planters, and lights that we’d recommend going right around sunset and staying a while. As for what to order, you can’t go wrong with Birria (a special, savory stewed beef) tacos or a grilled-to-perfection chicken quesadilla. For a no-regrets, make-everyone-happy kind of meal, order a cheesy hometown pie or other Italian favorite at Joe’s Pizza. Our vote: a large Bianca with a side of calamari. Now, that’s amore! Save Time for Wine and Pie As a lover of all things epicurean, Fauquier has more than great coffee and food; the county boasts more vineyards and wineries than we could possibly list here! And be sure to check out our event calendar to stay in-the-know before you experience this relaxation destination for yourself! One more culinary selling point: Do you remember President Barack Obama raving about this special apple pie one year? It was none other than the famously good apple pie at Red Truck Bakery, home to an apple pie so delicious that he posted about it on the White House website! When you come into town for your own sweet slice, also ask about their seasonal cake (and booze cake) offerings. In the summer, the Meyer Lemon and Honeysuckle & Sweet Tea varieties are heavenly, and in the fall, their Shenandoah Apple Cake is sinfully good. The menu includes gluten-free sweets too, though it isn’t all desserts—you can come here for the great coffee and sandwiches alone, and if you want to try their cake before you actually get here, you’re in luck because they can ship anywhere! We hope you have the best time wining, dining, and breathing in deep here in the village of Marshall and when you snap that pic of yourself with some apple pie or your friend grinning in front of the coolest European double-decker bus, be sure to tag us at #fauquiercounty so we can smile right along with you.
Norfolk, VA’s Breweries August 15, 2022 by Visit Norfolk Norfolk’s Breweries – Find the Brewery For You Breweries are the new neighborhood pubs and lucky for us, Norfolk’s brewery scene has taken off! With multiple breweries calling Norfolk their home and more to open within the year, Norfolk welcomes all beer enthusiasts. Below you’ll find a quick guide that enlightens you on all the breweries in Norfolk. Elation Brewing Company Elation brings great happiness, hence the name, to Norfolk’s Larchmont neighborhood. Here, at Norfolk’s only brewpub, you’ll find black leather chairs accompanied with high top tables made of old bowling alley lanes, that complement the overarching centerpiece of the brewery, the bar. It might seem obvious that the bar is the centerpiece, but the arch that resides over Elation’s bar was handcrafted by the owner himself, an architect guru. The remainder of the space is filled with Oktoberfest style tables, made from reclaimed wood from Suffolk, VA’s planters peanut factory. Elation brews all different types of beer while also serving local Virginia wine for those who are gluten-free or simply love the grapes more than the hops. Be sure not to miss the two-dollar grilled cheese and Sunday brunch! Rip Rap Brewing Company Just outside of the Ghent neighborhood (and a four min walk from O’Connor Brewery) lives the Chesapeake Bay-themed microbrewery, Rip Rap. Their once four tap menu has now more than doubled offering many much-loved brews. This being said they brew in smaller batches and once the barrel is gone, it is gone. With their ever-revolving beer list, you’re in for a surprise with each visit allowing Rip Rap to continue to surprise their customers while giving the brewery an exclusive feel. Picnic tables and board games fill the brewery with a mural of coastal waterways that is the main decor focus paying tribute to the owners’ Coast Guard roots. Veil Brewing Co. A Richmond favorite opened its doors to their second establishment, this time in the heart of Norfolk’s up-and-coming Railroad District. This new three-story brewery features taps on all floors, a rooftop balcony overlooking the city, and the minimalistic and modern interior plays well the neon art displayed and garage doors that open up into the community. Their rotating selection of favorite IPAs, like the Crucial Taunt – a beloved house Citra double IPA, or Never Recover3 – a fruity gose with triple boysenberry and fresh peach purée will quench any beer lover’s palate. Serving highly sought after beers without the long lines that normally come with it, this spacious and energetic brewery welcomes guests to experience handcrafted beers with unique flavor profiles on draft or to grab them canned or bottled to-go. With a full kitchen by Codex Chef, Ian Hock, you’ll find mouth-watering double stacked burgers and delicious tacos to go alongside the beer of your choice. Reaver Beach Brewery Before we dive into their unique Sours and award-winning IPAs, the historic building Reaver is housed in holds stories which make this brewery more of a destination tied to American history instead of a place to slug brews. The building was formerly a post office that dates back to 1945. While inside you will notice an upstairs portion to the brewery which is also classified as a catwalk – original to the layout of the post office. Today, this catwalk is enlisted as an adults-only area with tables and chairs, but back in the day inspectors used these catwalks to prevent crime. Their purpose was to monitor for high profile coach and carrier robberies, but mainly focused their spying on the sorting and delivery activity of the postal staff. Inspectors would use secluded back doors to sneak into the post office, and today, that hidden stairwell is now a mini museum to showcase Reaver Beach’s evolution as a brewery. @reaverbeach, Instagram Now let’s talk beer. They are known for their unmatched IPAs like Hoptopus and their incomparable Sours like the Red Messenger. Their Hoptopus collection is a crowd pleaser and they offer six variants of this hoppy IPA year-round. Another staple is their Tidal Wave, an American Wild Ale that is brewed using a Coolship and fermented spontaneously by microflora native to our coastal Virginia home. Similar to other breweries, Reaver Beach is dog friendly (inside and out), hosts live music and rotates a line up of food trucks outside on their patio. For more information about Norfolk’s breweries check out Brew Norfolk! Smartmouth Brewing Company You might have heard of this Norfolk-born brewery — they made national news for their Lucky Charm’s beer, Saturday Morning — ring a bell? Well whether you’ve heard of Smartmouth or not, this brewery puts out some creative beers with even more imaginative cans. Located in the Chelsea District, just outside downtown, Smartmouth hosts many events year-round including street parties and concerts. Food trucks frequent the brewery or find delicious Norfolk restaurants such as Orapax and theBakehouse at Chelsea only steps away. @_sydneybarrett Bold Mariner Brewing Company Located in an old bank building in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Ocean View, this veteran-owned craft brewery will have you feeling like a local in no time, as their welcoming demeanor is contagious! Housed inside Bold Mariner is BBQ favorite, Bar-Q, a local favorite barbecue spot that specializes in beef brisket and craft scratch sausages. Don’t stress, their revolving draft selections are equally as flavorful as the food. Frogman Lager is their fan favorite and rightfully so, the lager has won numerous Virginia Craft Beer awards. COVA Brewing Co. COVA is nestled in the heart of East Ocean View, also known as East Beach, and is owned by two local families whose passions brought this project to life. COVA’s building was formerly an auto repair shop but has been beautifully transformed into a coastal influenced brew-house, offering both craft beers and coffee. Cedar slatted counters imitate beachy dune fencing and the color schemes throughout reflect the palette and sheen of sea glass. While they’ve kept the classic garage door look, you would have never guessed the building’s previous life. @coastalvamag, Instagram Their slogan, “there’s always something brewing at COVA…” not only refers to the frothy liquids that fill their fermenters, but also their tasty craft coffees. Coffeehouse by day and brewery at night, COVA has mastered quenching our thirst no matter the time of day, and their ingredients are often combined in both aspects – sip a mocha latte or enjoy the same flavor palette in their Mocha Madness Porter. What’s truly unique is that you can pour your own beer with their self serve taps from copper handles, chosen for their antibacterial properties. Benchtop Craft Brewing Company Located in the Chelsea District, Benchtop offers some of the most unique beer combinations you may ever sip on. The owner, Eric, started his career as a food scientist but left his role to further his creativity in the form of beer. Benchtop uses Norwegian yeast which ferments at a much higher temperature allowing them to produce beer faster — they’re one of the only breweries in the country to do so and it allows them to try new recipes more frequently. Just how unique are their beer creations? We suggest visiting the brewery for yourself to find out but to tease your taste buds, their Chapulin Exchange is a beer made with grasshoppers (inspired by grasshopper street tacos), and Quick Pickle beer is a goze beer that uses pickles and carrots. So be sure to stop by to try something new while geeking out with Eric over these culinary experiences via beer! Maker’s Craft Brewery Enjoy local brews and Emerson cigars at Maker’s Craft Brewery at their onsite cigar lounge. Set in a historic 1906 burlap bag factory, this brewery incorporates the old with the new. The bar is made from reclaimed wood while brick walls line the interior and old cobblestones (found during construction) decorate their outdoor patio. Their beers take “local ingredients” to the next level by using a ghost pepper plant from a customer’s backyard in their ghost pepper stout. All the grains from production are repurposed and sent to a local Virginia Beach farm to provide feed for the cows. Maker’s also has food trucks Thursday through Saturday, coffee, a popcorn machine and pool tables for you to enjoy. @_addyskitchen_, Instagram O’Connor Brewing Co. O’Connor kick-started the brewery scene in Norfolk in 2010 and we couldn’t be happier they did. Of course they have delicious beers and offer multiple flagship beers, as well as limited releases, but one of the best parts ofO’Connor’s is their atmosphere. Their welcoming vibe and large outdoor bier garden make for a perfect afternoon of sippin’ brews, and their annual events will give you some serious FOMO if you aren’t in attendance! For instance, their anniversary celebration coincides with St. Patrick’s Day every year, making it a can’t miss event. With yoga classes, food truck pop-ups, a farmers market and so much more, there is always something to partake in at O’Connor Brewery.
A Stargazer’s Guide to the Laurel Highlands August 9, 2022 by Laurel Highlands PA The Laurel Highlands is hustling and bustling with bikers, hikers, families, rafters, and foodies during the day, but what outdoorsy activity can you do once the sun goes down? Get lost in the stars! While there aren’t any dark sky sites in the region, we know a few spots where there is minimal light pollution and not too much tree coverage, making it a great place to get a mesmerizing view of the constellations. Laurel Hill State Park Like all state parks in the Laurel Highlands, Laurel Hill State Park closes at dusk, but they still want you to enjoy the beautiful view of the stars. If you want to stargaze in the large parking lot near Laurel Hill Lake, just give the park office a heads up by calling them and providing the make and model of your vehicle and you’re good to go! Laurel Hill sits at a high elevation and has little light pollution, making it a great stargazing spot. This would be a perfect way to end a day exploring the spectacular state park! Forbes State Forest Gather your friends, head to Forbes State Forest, and hang out under the stars! The state forest offers more than one area that is absolutely perfect for stargazing. Where else could you get a better view than the highest point in the entire state? Mount Davis may require a little bit of a hike, but it’s totally doable in the dark. Remember to pack flashlights! Another great place to set up shop is Roaring Run Natural Area, right off of Fire Tower Road via Route 31. The lack of trees in this area gives you a big wide open to lay on your back and take it all in. The Historic Summit Inn Resort The Historic Summit Inn Resort is one of the best locations to watch the sunset in the Laurel Highlands. One of the only remaining grand porch hotels in America, the Summit has an amazing great veranda front porch. Get there early and enjoy dinner before starting your stargazing adventure with an incredible view of the astounding sunset. Vin de Matrix Winery As if the name doesn’t give it away, Vin de Matrix Winery in Rockwood is completely celestially themed! The winery’s name was inspired by the star Vindemiatrix, the third brightest star located in the Virgo constellation, which means “the grape gatherer.” While you can’t stargaze here, you can grab a bottle of Cosmic Cord, Sirius Red, or Beetlejuice Berry to enjoy wherever you’re laid back staring at the night sky! Campgrounds Make your outdoorsy outing complete by sleeping under the stars at a campground. If you’re feeling adventurous, sleep outside of the tent or play it safe and rent a cozy cabin. Regardless, you’ll have a great view of the sky with the sound of the fire crackling nearby. Tips and Tricks: Many state parks and organizations host special events like night hikes, sunset snowshoeing, and educational outings. Keep your eyes peeled for outdoor events as they are announced. Google a meteor shower schedule and mark dates in your calendar. During the Perseids meteor shower in August, you can see up to 60 meteors per hour! While full and super moons are fascinating, new moons are just as gorgeous. Even natural light hides the stars, so new moons show off layers and layers of glistening stars you couldn’t see any on another day! State parks close at dusk, even their parking lots. Please abide by this rule!