Farms, Family Fun and Ice Cream in Shenandoah County May 16, 2022 by Visit Shenandoah County Bring the Family together for a Summer Experience in beautiful Shenandoah County, Virginia! Get closer to nature and build family bonds with a visit to Shenandoah County. Attractions here are no-frills and not fancy, but are guaranteed to bring smiles and warm hearts. Hike in the woods, skip rocks on the river, feed llamas, pick berries and explore caverns are just a few ideas, but imagine a place that allows for together time, marveling at the views, enjoying farm-fresh foods and creating beautiful memories. Agricultural Experiences Once called the “Breadbasket of the South”, Shenandoah County has deep roots in agriculture with many family farms still in operation a hundred or more years after their original ancestor first put a shovel in the land. Nowadays, family farms are diversifying, and creating spaces for visitors to pick fruits and pet the animals. One “Century Farm” has even begun brewing craft beer and serving wood-fired pizzas made with ingredients sourced within a stone’s throw. Here are some of our favorite farm experiences in the area: Posey Thisisit Llama Farm– This 27-acre farm is home to over 30 llamas visitors can meet, pet, feed and, if you’re lucky, even share a llama kiss! The mission of the farm is to share their love of llamas with all who visit and they deliver on that promise. The owner’s love and enthusiasm for these charming animals is infectious. Open year round by appointment. Swover Creek Farms– is a Virginia Century Farm offering pick-your-own berries in several varieties including raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and black raspberries, and gooseberries. Their kitchen also offers wood fired pizzas, farm crafted sausages and home-made pretzels and well as farm crafted beers. Woodbine Farms– is a family owned and operated farm market offering a huge variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs including peaches, plum, cherries, apricots, apples, tomatoes, green beans and much more. Their bakery also serves up some of the best cookies around as well as fresh baked pies, artisan breads, and apple dumplings. Enjoy local cheeses, jams, ciders and more inside the market or venture outside for their children’s play area complete with mining sluice. Rivers, Caverns and other outdoor destinations Bryce Resort– This four season resort offers a variety of summer activities including biking, boat rentals, and golf. Beginner cyclists can take a lesson on their state of the art mountain bike trail which allows visitors to coast down the mountain and take in the spectacular views. Lake Laura is also part of Bryce Resort’s summer fun where the family can enjoy paddleboarding, canoeing and tubing. Shenandoah Caverns Family of Attractions– Beat the heat in an underground landscape- At a constant 56°F, the beauty and wonders of Shenandoah Caverns is a family experience like no other. Check out Shenandoah County’s beautiful scenery below the surface and learn the story of two young boys who discovered it over a hundred years ago and made it their secret hideaway. Shenandoah Caverns has working elevator service and is home to the famous “bacon formations” as featured in National Geographic Magazine. Included with your ticket to the Caverns there are several other attractions that are definitely worth seeing: Main Street of Yesteryear, the Yellow Barn and American Celebration on Parade. American Celebration on Parade is a favorite among families who enjoy seeing floats from the Rose Bowl Parades, Thanksgiving Day Parades and Presidential Inaugurals up close and personal. Many even come to life with the push of a button. Strasburg River Walk– This park offers a one of the most family/kid friendly river access points in the area suitable for canoes, kayaks and shallow aluminum boats. Fish for redbreast sunfish or small-mouth bass along the shores or enjoy a stroll along the gravel path running alongside the river. Woodstock Tower– Take a short 1/3 mile round-trip hike to one of the most spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley. The Woodstock Tower was originally built as one of the first Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) projects now offers stunning 360 degree views of the Seven Bends of the Shenandoah River, the Town of Woodstock, and Fort Valley. It’s a perfectly short hike for little ones and the views are breathtaking. Note: The drive to the trail head is filled with switchbacks as it climbs over Massanutten Mountain. RV’s Trailers and buses are not allowed. Hike to Big Schloss– For your tough-and-mighty trail warriors this 4 mile round trip hike offers a perfect day on the mountain with places to stop for a picnic. A beautiful rock outcropping at the end makes a perfect spot for a family photo. You can’t beat the views here! At the trail head are several places to set up a tent and campfire for the night. Memories made. Ice Cream Stands: No matter what part of the county you visit, there’s always a good place to stop and cool down with a sweet treat. After your adventures, on the rivers, trails or underground it’s easy to find a place to stop at one of the many ice cream stands around the County. Offering classic treats such as hand-dipped cones, custard and milkshakes as well as chillers filled with your favorite candy bars. Most places are open seasonally and are enjoyed by locals and travelers alike. Ice Cream Depot 363 E King St Strasburg Katie’s Custard– 870 S Main St Woodstock Smiley’s Kustard– 1562 Orkney Grade Bayse (near Bryce Resort) Sugar Creek Snowy & Sweet– 154 E King St Strasburg Pack’s Frozen Custard – 211 East Lee Hwy New Market
What’s Cooking? Shenandoah County for Foodies May 16, 2022 by Visit Shenandoah County When you’re zipping along on the interstate, it might be easy to assume that Shenandoah County is a county full of fast food. But while there’s plenty of convenience food to be found, there’s also a wealth of restaurants serving fresh-cooked food that emphasizes local meat, produce, and other ingredients. From bakeries and cafes to brew pubs, wine bars, and even a restaurant in a greenhouse, the “Breadbasket of the South” is a wonderful place to enjoy farm-to-table dining. Basye When you’ve worked your body hard – as you surely will skiing, biking, or hiking at Basye Resort – you’ll be hungry for the choices at the Cooper Kettle Bar & Lounge the ultimate venue to relax après ski or after a round of golf. Offering soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees of braised beef and spring salmon. Catch live music on the weekend in the evenings. For an upscale experience at an extensive wine bar, try RHouse Wine & Cafe. Share plates from their menu, including charcuterie platters and dishes like mushroom fontina fonduta, which is mushrooms baked with fontina and drizzled with truffle oil. Other decadent dishes include baby back ribs with maple sauce and mashed potatoes. Save room for decadent desserts like key lime cheesecake and Spanish flan. New Market If you’re exploring the area around New Market and indulging your appreciation for history at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park you’ll definitely work up an appetite. Stop at the Jackson Corner Cafe in the Lee-Jackson building for a light meal of salad, quiche, pastries, and soups and sandwiches. Don’t skip that good-smelling cup of Crazy Fox Coffee Roasting Co. coffee. This local small-batch, artisan roaster buys beans from farms that emphasize sustainability. For a nostalgic treat, a view of a retro neon sign, and true Southern cooking, plant yourself in the locally-owned Southern Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not only can you get classics like peanut soup, and sirloin barbeque beef tips, you can also gnosh on something called a 50/50 burger that’s made from a mix of ground beef and ground bacon. If you’re around on a Wednesday evening, indulge in the all-you-can-eat fried chicken wing special. Follow that up with some homemade apple fritters or fruit or meringue pie. Mount Jackson Mount Jackson is a terrific place to start a day of biking. Explore the quiet country roads surrounding the town, making sure to stop for photographs of the Meems Bottom Bridge and the landmark water tower that’s decorated with Shenandoah County apples. Spread out a blanket and catch some Second Sunday music at Mayor’s Park if you happen to be in town for it. A nice place to have a meal is the Curtain Call Coffeehouse Cafe. The interior is decorated with cool classic movie posters, and you’ll love the lattes, scones, and other items freshly made by local bakers. The cafe specializes in sandwiches and wraps, as well as other breakfast and lunch items. You also won’t want to leave Mount Jackson without a tour of the Route 11 Potato Chip factory facilities and a taste of local, kettle cooked goodness Edinburg A day in Edinburg isn’t complete without a visit to the Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum at Edinburg Mill. The 1848 mill, known for being spared when Sheridan burned the Shenandoah Valley, provides hands-on history exhibits about the Civil War and America’s first Civilian Conservation Camp. Head downstairs to dine on pub-style food in the Edinburg Mill Restaurant. Chefs Jason Burns and Dennis Stickley emphasize local products in their seasonal menu items. Start with an order of braised pork belly prepared with local apples and fresh herbs. Next, dig into an entree of blackened Virginia catfish or pecan chicken. The restaurant also serves steaks, burgers, as well as breakfast and lunch selections. Penelope’s Cafe-Gallery puts “coffee, pastries, soup, and art all in one place.” Munch breakfast or lunch on freshly-baked bread while admiring the works of local artists like Ralph Weber, Brigitte Smith, Kent Harper, and more. You won’t leave hungry after a meal at Beans BBQ, but you’ll want to pack a cooler and take some with you to eat at home the next day. The eatery is low frills, but the food is simple, but it’s to die for. Choose from pork bbq, ribs, chicken bbq, andouille sausage, brisket and a selection of sides. Edinburg is also centrally located for touring five nearby vineyards: Muse Vineyards, Shenandoah Vineyards, Cave Ridge Vineyard, Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery, and the Winery at Kindred Pointe. Woodstock Whether you’re hiking or biking the trails in Seven Bends State Park or hunting for treasures in the antique shops lining Woodstock’s main drag, eventually you’ll want to slow down for a meal. Check out the bread schedule, peruse the pastry menu, and see what’s on the drink specials menu at Flour and Water. Your favorites will probably include olive sourdough, bacon, cheddar, and chive scones, and marigold lattes, but there’s much more to choose from on the menu of chef-designed sandwiches, fresh soups, and more. Chef Jose at Woodstock Cafe serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Standout menu selections include D’Artagnan grass fed ribeye with fries and Shenandoah ramp butter and the homemade mafaldine pasta with asparagus, hen of the woods mushrooms, bacon, and parmesan fondue. Save room for a seasonal dessert or swing by Sugar Creek Snowy and Sweet for hand-dipped Pennsylvania Dutch-style ice cream. Choose from more than two dozen delicious flavors like orange creamsicle, coffee crunch, and coconut. Plant enthusiasts will dig eating inside the Fort Valley Greenhouse at Woodstock Garden Cafe. The cafe emphasizes the use of fresh, local ingredients from area producers like Mowery Orchard, Shenandoah Spice Company, and Dayton Produce. They also grow ingredients onsite and change their menu seasonally to reflect what’s fresh. Strasburg A fun way to explore downtown Strasburg is to look for the colorful murals painted on the sides of buildings. Afterwards, widen your pancake horizons with The Pancake Underground’s savory fried chicken and pancakes doused in house-made Nashville hot or apple bbq sauce. Your tastebuds will sing with a serving of Elvis-inspired peanut butter, banana, and bacon cakes doused in bourbon-maple syrup and powdered sugar. You can even get a stack of s’mores cakes, which are flavored with cinnamon and piled high with marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker crumbles. If you’d rather have fresh seafood, Crabby Maggie’s offers a wide selection at fair prices. Try the crabcakes or a cluster of snow crab legs with sides of hush puppies and cole slaw. Hungry for chicken? Chow down on “sandwichez, tenderz, or wingz ” hand-breaded and prepared according to a family recipe at Chickn EATZ. If you’re sick of the hockey puck burgers and dried up hotdogs coming off your grill, take the family to Old Dominion Doggery and Burger Shoppe. Start with Bavarian pretzel logs dipped in beer cheese sauce and then build your own kosher all-beef dog or 100% local grass-fed beef burger. The extensive list of toppings includes classics like chili and cheese as well as pork rinds and crushed pineapple. The Box Office Brewery taproom is located in a renovated 1918 theater – the first in Shenandoah County. The bar is constructed from a local reclaimed bowling alley lane and flights of beer are served in cool film reel-inspired trays. You can order local wine, cider, and a dozen refreshing craft beers on tap. Accompany you drinks with brick oven pizza, sandwiches like cheesesteaks and smash burgers, and starters like wings and nachos.
When you’re zipping along on the interstate, it might be easy to assume that Shenandoah County is a county full of fast food. But while there’s plenty of convenience food to be found, there’s also a wealth of restaurants serving fresh-cooked food that emphasizes local meat, produce, and other ingredients. From bakeries and cafes to brew pubs, wine bars, and even a restaurant in a greenhouse, the “Breadbasket of the South” is a wonderful place to enjoy farm-to-table dining. Basye When you’ve worked your body hard – as you surely will skiing, biking, or hiking at Basye Resort – you’ll be hungry for the choices at the Cooper Kettle Bar & Lounge the ultimate venue to relax après ski or after a round of golf. Offering soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees of braised beef and spring salmon. Catch live music on the weekend in the evenings. For an upscale experience at an extensive wine bar, try RHouse Wine & Cafe. Share plates from their menu, including charcuterie platters and dishes like mushroom fontina fonduta, which is mushrooms baked with fontina and drizzled with truffle oil. Other decadent dishes include baby back ribs with maple sauce and mashed potatoes. Save room for decadent desserts like key lime cheesecake and Spanish flan. New Market If you’re exploring the area around New Market and indulging your appreciation for history at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park you’ll definitely work up an appetite. Stop at the Jackson Corner Cafe in the Lee-Jackson building for a light meal of salad, quiche, pastries, and soups and sandwiches. Don’t skip that good-smelling cup of Crazy Fox Coffee Roasting Co. coffee. This local small-batch, artisan roaster buys beans from farms that emphasize sustainability. For a nostalgic treat, a view of a retro neon sign, and true Southern cooking, plant yourself in the locally-owned Southern Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not only can you get classics like peanut soup, and sirloin barbeque beef tips, you can also gnosh on something called a 50/50 burger that’s made from a mix of ground beef and ground bacon. If you’re around on a Wednesday evening, indulge in the all-you-can-eat fried chicken wing special. Follow that up with some homemade apple fritters or fruit or meringue pie. Mount Jackson Mount Jackson is a terrific place to start a day of biking. Explore the quiet country roads surrounding the town, making sure to stop for photographs of the Meems Bottom Bridge and the landmark water tower that’s decorated with Shenandoah County apples. Spread out a blanket and catch some Second Sunday music at Mayor’s Park if you happen to be in town for it. A nice place to have a meal is the Curtain Call Coffeehouse Cafe. The interior is decorated with cool classic movie posters, and you’ll love the lattes, scones, and other items freshly made by local bakers. The cafe specializes in sandwiches and wraps, as well as other breakfast and lunch items. You also won’t want to leave Mount Jackson without a tour of the Route 11 Potato Chip factory facilities and a taste of local, kettle cooked goodness Edinburg A day in Edinburg isn’t complete without a visit to the Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum at Edinburg Mill. The 1848 mill, known for being spared when Sheridan burned the Shenandoah Valley, provides hands-on history exhibits about the Civil War and America’s first Civilian Conservation Camp. Head downstairs to dine on pub-style food in the Edinburg Mill Restaurant. Chefs Jason Burns and Dennis Stickley emphasize local products in their seasonal menu items. Start with an order of braised pork belly prepared with local apples and fresh herbs. Next, dig into an entree of blackened Virginia catfish or pecan chicken. The restaurant also serves steaks, burgers, as well as breakfast and lunch selections. Penelope’s Cafe-Gallery puts “coffee, pastries, soup, and art all in one place.” Munch breakfast or lunch on freshly-baked bread while admiring the works of local artists like Ralph Weber, Brigitte Smith, Kent Harper, and more. You won’t leave hungry after a meal at Beans BBQ, but you’ll want to pack a cooler and take some with you to eat at home the next day. The eatery is low frills, but the food is simple, but it’s to die for. Choose from pork bbq, ribs, chicken bbq, andouille sausage, brisket and a selection of sides. Edinburg is also centrally located for touring five nearby vineyards: Muse Vineyards, Shenandoah Vineyards, Cave Ridge Vineyard, Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery, and the Winery at Kindred Pointe. Woodstock Whether you’re hiking or biking the trails in Seven Bends State Park or hunting for treasures in the antique shops lining Woodstock’s main drag, eventually you’ll want to slow down for a meal. Check out the bread schedule, peruse the pastry menu, and see what’s on the drink specials menu at Flour and Water. Your favorites will probably include olive sourdough, bacon, cheddar, and chive scones, and marigold lattes, but there’s much more to choose from on the menu of chef-designed sandwiches, fresh soups, and more. Chef Jose at Woodstock Cafe serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Standout menu selections include D’Artagnan grass fed ribeye with fries and Shenandoah ramp butter and the homemade mafaldine pasta with asparagus, hen of the woods mushrooms, bacon, and parmesan fondue. Save room for a seasonal dessert or swing by Sugar Creek Snowy and Sweet for hand-dipped Pennsylvania Dutch-style ice cream. Choose from more than two dozen delicious flavors like orange creamsicle, coffee crunch, and coconut. Plant enthusiasts will dig eating inside the Fort Valley Greenhouse at Woodstock Garden Cafe. The cafe emphasizes the use of fresh, local ingredients from area producers like Mowery Orchard, Shenandoah Spice Company, and Dayton Produce. They also grow ingredients onsite and change their menu seasonally to reflect what’s fresh. Strasburg A fun way to explore downtown Strasburg is to look for the colorful murals painted on the sides of buildings. Afterwards, widen your pancake horizons with The Pancake Underground’s savory fried chicken and pancakes doused in house-made Nashville hot or apple bbq sauce. Your tastebuds will sing with a serving of Elvis-inspired peanut butter, banana, and bacon cakes doused in bourbon-maple syrup and powdered sugar. You can even get a stack of s’mores cakes, which are flavored with cinnamon and piled high with marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker crumbles. If you’d rather have fresh seafood, Crabby Maggie’s offers a wide selection at fair prices. Try the crabcakes or a cluster of snow crab legs with sides of hush puppies and cole slaw. Hungry for chicken? Chow down on “sandwichez, tenderz, or wingz ” hand-breaded and prepared according to a family recipe at Chickn EATZ. If you’re sick of the hockey puck burgers and dried up hotdogs coming off your grill, take the family to Old Dominion Doggery and Burger Shoppe. Start with Bavarian pretzel logs dipped in beer cheese sauce and then build your own kosher all-beef dog or 100% local grass-fed beef burger. The extensive list of toppings includes classics like chili and cheese as well as pork rinds and crushed pineapple. The Box Office Brewery taproom is located in a renovated 1918 theater – the first in Shenandoah County. The bar is constructed from a local reclaimed bowling alley lane and flights of beer are served in cool film reel-inspired trays. You can order local wine, cider, and a dozen refreshing craft beers on tap. Accompany you drinks with brick oven pizza, sandwiches like cheesesteaks and smash burgers, and starters like wings and nachos.
12 Best Brunch Spots in Norfolk, VA May 1, 2022 by Visit Norfolk 12 Best Brunch Spots in Norfolk, VA From pillowy soft, savory biscuits to fluffy pancakes topped with delicious syrup, brunch in Norfolk never disappoints. No matter what your taste buds are craving, these popular brunch spots have all the essentials. Gather your brunch squad and get ready to dig in! Photo above: @veronilynne Downtown Brick Anchor Brew House Those looking for a more boozier brunch with a Southern twist can head to Brick Anchor Brew House. They have three different types of Bloody Marys on their menu as well as a mimosa flight. Their offerings range from traditional omelettes and buttermilk pancakes to spicy Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles and scrumptious Cajun Parmesan Cheese Shrimp and Grits. Cafe Milo @cafe.milo_va, Instagram Tucked within the NEON Arts District, enjoy a mimosa at Cafe Milo alongside their Savory Hash – a gluten-free smash up of potato, sweet and salty bacon, bell peppers, onions, mustard greens and egg, topped with Red Eye gravy. Vegan and Vegetarian options are also available, including Avocado Toast – avocado drizzled with Green Goddess dressing, topped with pickled onion, radish and field greens on top of Sourdough toast. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. Cork and Co. Wine and Martini Bar Why be limited to Sunday brunches when you could enjoy brunch six days a week? At Cork and Co. you can, with their delicious brunch menu available Tuesday through Sunday, and we are not complaining! The menu is filled with distinctive brunch items like their Down South Benedict – buttermilk golden fried chicken breast on an english muffin, topped with two poached eggs and finished with jalapeno hollandaise. The food is delicious, but it’s their Grande Mimosas that will keep you coming back for more. Grain @chelsemily_, Instagram Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to the fifth floor of 100 Granby Street to enjoy the rooftop brunch at Grain. The incredible views of the waterfront, paired with an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet will make for a picture perfect Sunday brunch. Enjoy specialties like fresh oysters and made-to-order omelets and tacos. Brunch is offered only on Saturday and Sunday. Four Eleven York @fourelevenyork, Instagram Arguably the classiest of brunches in Norfolk, Four Eleven York knows how to whip up some fabulous dishes. From classic French Toast, made with housemade brioche and topped with maple syrup, to their Fried Oyster Benedict which has Wicked Salt oysters and crispy bok choy served an english muffin with hollandaise, you will not be disappointed with anything you order. Brunch cocktails are traditional in concept but have unique flares of flavor thrown into each to spice it up. A favorite is an orange crush Man-mosa – orange infused vodka, gin, lime juice, orange juice and prosecco, topped with orange blossom water. Spoiler alert, they give out complimentary fresh baked flavored donuts upon ordering. The flavors are constantly changing and range from blackberry glazed to peachy donuts, made with Blue Bee Cider’s Peach Madness – like a dessert Bellini! Don’t worry, our taste buds are watering too. Omar’s Carriage House Originally an 1840s carriage house, Omar’s is located along the cobblestone streets of the historic Freemason District and serves up classic dishes such as Egg Benedict, Pancakes and more. One item that you can only find at Omar’s is their Crepe Bretonne — a French dish with ham, gruyere, spinach and mushrooms with béchamel, breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit. Press 626 Cafe and Wine Bar @press626_awinebar, Instagram Wine isn’t the only thing that Press 626 does well, their brunch is just as wonderful, with so many tasty options it makes it hard to decide what to order. You’ll find exquisite dishes like their Cast Iron Skillet Veggie Frittata, Croque Madame, Dark Chocolate and Brie French Toast and R’s Duck Confit and Sweet Potato Hash. Brunch is offered on Saturday and Sunday. Chelsea Smartmouth Brewery’s Second Sunday Jazz Brunch Looking for an atypical sit-down brunch? Smartmouth Brewery’s monthly Jazz Brunch hosts food trucks, pop-up coffee vendors and live jazz musicians to help set the relaxed vibe for your Sunday morning. Every other month they host a Vegan brunch catered by Desmond’s Island Soul Grill. Forget the bacon and dive into one of their Vegan dishes like their Escovitch Krabcakes and Coconut Grits – seared Crab Cake made with chickpeas, hearts of palm and sauteed vegetables over creamy coconut grits, topped with a spicy pickled vegetable medley. Riverview Clementines at Riverview @_nomarama_, Instagram This Southern-styled hidden gem located in Riverview is pumping out some exceptional brunch dishes. Your mouth will water after you take a bite of their King’s French Toast – thick sliced challah and melted peanut butter topped with bananas and applewood bacon drizzled with hickory smoked maple syrup. Ease into your Sunday with a house-made cocktail, or ‘remedy’, as they refer to them, or enjoy their Sunday Morning Coming Down – cold brew coffee mixed with Bulleit bourbon and Demerara syrup (amber-hued simple syrup which yields a caramel and toffee flavor palate). Ocean View and East Beach Stony’s Dockside Bar and Grille Brunch with a view! Stony’s is owned and operated by Chef Stony and Laura Johnson and is located in the neighborhood of East Ocean View, offering complete views of the East Beach Marina. Their brunch menu offers typical dishes like Cinnamon French Toast and eggs benedict, but they also have Southern classics like scrumptious Shrimp and Grits and, of course, Chicken and Waffles. We know bloody marys and mimosas are a must at any proper brunch, but try a local favorite cocktail that rivals the mimosa, the Orange Crush. This cocktail has orange juice, Sprite and flavored vodka making it a perfect mimosa substitute. Railroad District Handsome Biscuit While this isn’t your typical brunch outing, you can ask any local for a brunch recommendation and we can guarantee that Handsome Biscuit is at the top of their list. This trendy biscuit shop popped up in 2013 and has been slinging the best breakfast sandwiches ever since. Stating the obvious here: they specialize in biscuit sandwiches, like fried chicken biscuits, pulled pork biscuits and more. Their more breakfast-forward biscuit, the Hot Betty (fried egg with seared greens, garlic and topped with their specialty Lupo hot sauce), can be paired with their crispy hashbrowns to really tie in the brunch vibe. It’s common for Handsome Biscuit to have a line out the door, but the wait is well worth it. Toast Toast, located in the Railroad District, is known very well for there, uh, toast. This isn’t your average slice of bread; Toast makes their bread in-house and tops them with everything under the sun. For a healthier brunch option choose their Eggs Italia – soft boiled eggs with kale, roasted veggies, Vegan bolognese, parmesan and toast – or dive into their French Toast – BP bread pudding made with brioche, cinnamon, eggs and cream served with maple syrup and whipped Nutella cream. Brunch is offered Friday through Sunday.
Discover Golf in Williamsburg March 28, 2022 by VisitWilliamsburg Williamsburg has top-ranked premier courses that bring golfers to the area and great supporting courses that bring golfers back. The region is home to more than 12 championship courses ranked 4 stars or better and is very affordable compared to similar golf courses in other golf destinations. Several facilities have multiple courses on-site, allowing golfers to easily play two different courses on the same day. Williamsburg National Golf Club Voted “Best Golf Course in Williamsburg” by the Virginia Gazette two years in a row, this open-to-the-public private club features two very different courses when it comes to layout and putting surfaces (Bermuda vs. bent). The Jamestown Course, developed by Nicklaus Design, is a 4-star Golf Digest winner. The par-72 course measures close to 7,000 yards from the championship tees with five different sets of tees appealing to golfers of all skill levels. It has received several awards, including being named “One of the Ten Best Courses you can play in Virginia” by Golf Digest magazine. The Yorktown Course layout offers a great mix of classic course design with a few modern twists. In addition to being ranked No. 7 of the most-improved courses in the nation by Golf Advisor (now GolfPass) in 2018, it has the area’s most interesting back nine featuring three par-5s, three par-4s and three par-3s. Bermuda fairways, bent grass putting greens, and a course full of fun challenges await. Golden Horseshoe Golf Club Just as Colonial Williamsburg brings America’s history to life, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club honors the classic traditions of the game—while still creating an entertaining challenge for today’s player. Designed by the father-and-son team of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones, players will experience 45 walkable holes over three courses, surrounded by mature woodlands. The Gold Course is a classic reimagined. Recently renovated by “the Open Doctor” Rees Jones, the Gold Course now features cutting-edge turf grasses, new grass on the fairways, greens and surrounding roughs, and utilizes “Better Billy Bunker” construction. Tees have been re-leveled and resurfaced, and the expansion of the practice putting green and range gives golfers plenty of opportunity to work on their long and short games. Opened in 1991, Rees Jones drew inspiration from his father Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s iconic Gold Course to create the acclaimed Green Course. Carved from the same beautiful parkland terrain, the Green Course is longer than the Gold Course but also more forgiving—creating an enjoyable challenge for golfers of every skill level. Perfect for networking or a quick golf getaway, the Spotswood Course is Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s updated version of the original 1947 Williamsburg Inn course. Called the “best short nine-hole course in the country” by Golf magazine, this par-31 course includes six par-3s, two par-4s and one par-5 to test your whole game. Spotswood is family-friendly and fun for beginners and juniors, but still presents a signature Jones contest for the more experienced golfer. Kingsmill Resort Championship golf is the centerpiece of the Kingsmill Resort experience. It has hosted 38 PGA and LPGA events with golf legends Payne Stewart, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer among those who have played the famed courses. Additionally, the Kingsmill Golf Academy offers expert advice for all level of players. The River Course, a Golfweek “Top 200 Resort Course,” is designed by prominent architect Pete Dye and home to the LPGA Pure Silk Tournament. This course has welcomed presidents Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed the Plantation Course to test the skills of all types of players with its generous fairways, water hazards, and undulating greens. Kiskiack Golf Club Kiskiack Golf Club is home to one of the top-ranked 18-hole golf courses in the state of Virginia. Designed by John LaFoy, it’s nestled along a ridge of a natural bluff in Williamsburg. Kiskiack’s public course features tree-lined fairways, gorgeous water features, and is easily walkable. While the course can be demanding even for the experienced player, the course’s open fairways and picturesque views will allow beginners to enjoy a round of golf as well. It’s the only golf course in Williamsburg with no houses on the course. Stonehouse Golf Club The 18-hole golf course at Stonehouse Golf Club in Toano features 7,013 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par 72. Stonehouse was originally designed by one of the most innovative golf course architects in the business, Mike Strantz, a former protégé of Tom Fazio. Strantz envisioned a mountain-style course that disturbed nature as little as possible. With deep bunkers and wide fairways, the par-72 layout features dramatic elevation changes and enormous putting greens perched on the edges of natural cliff formations with constant challenges for all levels. Williamsburg golf travelers looking for a unique golf experience will find it at Stonehouse. Ford’s Colony Country Club Located just minutes away from historic Williamsburg, Ford’s Colony offers some of the best resort golf in Virginia. This semi-private golf club features 54 holes with three distinct championship golf courses designed by Dan Maples. Each course brings its own challenges and highlights. Blackheath is the most picturesque of the three courses with water coming into play on 13 holes. Every green on the course is guarded by bunkers and the course also features many doglegs with rolling fairways. The Blackheath course is the only course at Ford’s Colony that plays to a par 71. Blue Heron is a continuous 18 that has long, challenging par-3s and par-5s. The Blue Heron has generous fairways carved out of dense wetlands. The course has new Champion Bermuda greens which provide the smoothest surfaces throughout the year. Blue Heron is the longest of the three courses and contains many different species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. Marsh Hawk features traditional tree-lined fairways. It has small, undulating greens with strategically placed bunkers. The narrow fairways, well-placed bunkers, natural lakes, and elevation changes are the defenses of this course. Marsh Hawk was the host of the 1998 and 1999 Virginia State Opens, a Monday Qualifier for the 2005 – 2007 Henrico County Open, and a Monday Qualifier for the PGA Tour’s Michelob Championship for 12 straight years. Colonial Heritage Golf Club Featuring the only Arthur Hills signature-designed golf course in Williamsburg, Colonial Heritage is open to the public and offers pristine playing conditions on an exceptional layout that winds through rolling hills, streams, and pine forests. This artfully crafted masterpiece emulates the classic beauty and refinement of the natural terrain of its southern Virginia surroundings. Thoughtfully planned bunkers, undulating fairways, and well-arranged water features create an enjoyable golfing experience for novices and experts alike. Each year since 2013, Colonial Heritage has been ranked “Best in Region” by Coastal Virginia Magazine.
7 Essential Things To Do On A First-Time Visit To Williamsburg, VA February 25, 2022 by VisitWilliamsburg Never been to Williamsburg? Baffled by how to plan your visit? This insider’s guide to an initial visit hits all the highlights you don’t want to miss. We’re going to make sure you don’t forget your first time. Here are the essentials for what will be the first of many memories. Live in Colonial Times – Eighteenth-century Colonial Williamsburg is not the place you visited in fourth grade. The world’s largest living history museum — with more than 40 sites and trades and two world-class art museums — is full of participatory experiences. Stop by Peyton Randolh House and take the “Freedom’s Paradox” tour examing slavery’s evolution and the reliance upon it by patriots to build a city, a colony, and eventually a nation. Take part in a dig into the past. For the adventurous, learn how to fire a flintlock musket. Amuse Yourself – After a fascinating dose of history, time for some fun. Who doesn’t love a day at an amusement park? Head to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA where new rides and old favorites will leave you smiling — and maybe screaming with joy. Check out Finnegan’s Flyer, the swinging ride that takes your childhood playground experience to the extreme. Two-pendulum arms soar to 80 feet over the cliffs of the Celtic coast at the park’s Ireland village at 45 mph. If you can keep your eyes open, you’ll get a stunning vista of the park, annually named one of America’s most beautiful. At Water Country USA, chill with some wet thrills. The Cutback Water Coaster is the only RocketBlast coaster on the East Coast and Virginia’s first hybrid water coaster, combining a water jet propulsion system, tunnels and open-air saucers at a speed of 35 feet per second over 865 feet. Caught your breath yet? Exactly. Quench Your Thirst – Greater Williamsburg is home to a tasty mix of breweries, distilleries, and a winery. It offers a journey through the old and the new — and the exciting — ways of making beer, wine, and spirits. Check out the fun at relative newcomers like The Virginia Beer Co. or the Precarious Beer Project and old standards like The Williamsburg Winery and Alewerks Brewing Company. Leave the driving to others by taking a Drink Williamsburg tour. Cheers! Experience the Revolution in a Revolutionary Way – At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, children of all ages will identify with the stories of ordinary people in an extraordinary time, a time when subjects of a king become citizens of a nation. Inside, nearly every attraction is interactive. Outside, there are old-fashioned interactive options. Drill in an Army encampment. Help fire artillery. Pick up a recipe from colonial cookbooks at the bakehouse. Tend to the crops at a colonial-era farm. Time Travel Four Centuries in a Day – Head back in time to the beginnings of the colonies at Historic Jamestowne. There you can talk with archaeologists about their excavations on the exact site of the first permanent colony in America, experience the first democratic assembly, and visit the Archaearium, a museum that houses some of the two million artifacts uncovered since the Jamestown Rediscovery Project began in 1994. For another view of the time, drive over to the living history museum at Jamestown Settlement where you can climb aboard replicas of the three ships that made the historic voyage from England in 1607, visit the re-creation of a Powhatan village, and walk through a re-creation of the original fort, interacting with interpreters. Find Your Outlet – You can’t return home empty-handed. Go shopping. Browse the more than 120 stores of Williamsburg Premium Outlets. You’ll find deals up to 65 percent off where that word “premium” is not an accident. These are the best of the best. Pick up bargains at Burberry, Calvin Klein, Nike, the Coach Outlet, Oakley, Ralph Lauren, L’Occitane, Swarovski, Waterford, and many others. Take a Tour Standing in Place – Head to Yorktown and hop on a Segway with Patriot Tours for a one- or two-hour tour covering the waterfront and historic Main Street. If you’ve never tried a Segway, it’s easier than you think. Lean forward, imagine you are moving and — presto — you are.
20+ Ways To Celebrate Black History Month in the DC Area All Year Long February 17, 2022 by Visit Fairfax The African American experience is intricately entwined in the rich tapestry of Fairfax County’s history and in America’s story. As you celebrate America’s Black history this year, you’ll have the opportunity to visit sites around the region in person, or online, to reflect on an inspiring journey of hope, sacrifice, liberation, empowerment, and beauty. Here are a few places that should be on your “must see” list, not just during Black History Month, but any time throughout the year. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Image courtesy National Museum of African American History and Culture This gem of a museum offers a multitude of exhibitions, and collections that explore the complete African American experience here in America. The only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture, this national treasure explores the topics of history, culture, race, and social justice through thought-provoking collections, stunning exhibits, and interactive multimedia. Where: National Mall, Washington, DC Hot tip: Free timed-entry passes are required for entry, be sure to reserve yours to ensure you can visit on the day and time of your choosing. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mount Vernon gives historical accounts of what life was like for enslaved African Americans which can give you a unique perspective on the struggle for freedom these people yearned for. The Enslaved People of Mount Vernon Tour is the best way to learn personal stories from those who worked the estate and allows you to walk in their footsteps with a guide taking you on a 60-minute history lesson. The tour is free with paid admission. You can also browse the Lives Bound Together online exhibit to learn more about the enslaved population who lived on the Mount Vernon estate. Where: Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Immediately following this tour, accompany the guide down to participate in a moving tribute at the Slave Memorial and Cemetery. The 1983 Memorial comprises three circles, symbolizing faith, hope, and love. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy, this is the first memorial on the National Mall devoted to a citizen activist for civil rights and peace. The MLK, Jr. Memorial is a tribute to a man of conscience, the freedom movement, and his message of equality, justice, and love. Where: Tidal Basin, Washington, DC Hot tip: Combine this stop with a visit to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Gum Springs Image courtesy Gum Springs Gum Springs is a town of 2,500 residents that was established in 1833 by West Ford, a freed slave. It became a haven for former slaves, both freedmen and runaways, creating a self-sufficient community that thrived into one of the oldest African American communities in the United States. Read more about this incredible story here. Where: near Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Visit the Gum Springs Historical Society’s Museum & Cultural Center, open Monday-Friday from 6-8pm and Tuesdays/Saturdays from 1-3pm. It’s advisable to call to confirm hours before visiting. George Mason’s Gunston Hall Image courtesy Gunston Hall Located not far from Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall is the historic home of George Mason, the outspoken proponent of civil liberties and author of Virginia’s Declaration of Rights, yet also a former slave owner. This sprawling site includes restored structures and interpretative actors throughout the grounds that depict the varying contributors, including slaves, that made the 18th-century household work. Where: Mason Neck, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Read more about this Founding Father’s complicated relationship with slavery before you visit, to get a better understanding of his viewpoints. Purchase of a general admission ticket grants access to the grounds, museum, and limited access to the mansion. A Grounds Pass is available for you to explore the grounds on your own. Laurel Grove School Museum Closed in 1932 and restored by family descendants and interested citizens, Laurel Grove tells the unique story of a community’s refusal to narrow its ambitions. Of all the “colored” schools that opened in the region, only Laurel Grove exists today as a “living museum.” Read more about this incredible story in our blog feature article. Where: Alexandria, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: The schoolhouse is currently closed due to COVID restrictions, but check their website as restrictions ease in the coming months to plan your visit. Sully Historic Site Image courtesy Don Sweeney/Fairfax County Park Authority On the National Register of Historic Places, Sully Historic Site includes original outbuildings, representative slave quarters, and gardens in addition to the main house. Guided tours highlight early 19th century life of the family, their tenant farmers, and enslaved African Americans. It is also a site along the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Trail. Learn more about its connection in our feature blog article. Where: Chantilly, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Forgotten Road Tours of the outbuildings and representative slave quarters are offered by reservation only from December – mid-March, at 2 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday, weather permitting. You can reserve your tours online in advance. Historic Pleasant Grove Church Image courtesy Friends of Pleasant Grove This community landmark and historic church was built in 1895 by and for African and Native Americans. On-site, you can also visit the Frances K. Moore Memorial Museum, named for a descendant of the church founders. It features a unique collection of late 19th and 20th-century household furnishings, tools, photographs, and memorabilia. Where: McLean, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Keep an eye out for the many cultural and community-wide programs and events held by the Friends of Pleasant Grove throughout the year, including the annual Black History Celebration which features the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Ensemble. Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has a fantastic online exhibit, African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space, which showcases amazing stories of some of the greatest African American Air and Space explorers and innovators in American history. When you visit in person, be sure to look for interesting artifacts including several related to Neal V. Loving, the first African American (and the first double amputee!) to be licensed as a racing pilot. (Like the Loving WR-3 airplane, which was homebuilt!) Where: Chantilly, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Don’t miss the online exhibit Black Wings, which details the stories about how African Americans shared the widespread enthusiasm for flying, but they found themselves routinely denied access to training as pilots and mechanics. Tinner Hill Historic Park & Monument Image courtesy NOVA Parks Tinner Hill is recognized as the location where the first rural branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was initiated in the United States. Today, a 15-foot monument constructed of pink granite honors the men and women of Tinner Hill who made this happen and nearby, visit the historic site and Zig Zag Monument, a sculpture that follows the original location of the segregation line. Learn more about Tinner Hill’s incredible story in our feature blog article. Where: City of Falls Church and Fairfax County, Virginia border lines Hot tip: Plan to visit the park when you can or watch the Tinner Hill Remembered video that was broadcast on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January 2021. African American Civil War Memorial & Museum As the nation’s only memorial to African American Civil War soldiers, this site is inscribed with the names of more than 200,000 members of the United States Colored Troops who fought in the Union Army. Nearby, the museum tells the stories and preserves the roles these brave soldiers played in ending slavery and keeping America united under one flag. Where: U Street Corridor, Washington, DC Hot tip: Check out this overview of the museum on YouTube to see all the things you can expect to find. Frederick Douglass Historical Site Cedar Hill is open to the public to walk the grounds and is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and the hours vary by season. The Visitor Center and Historic Home remain closed. There will be no Ranger-led tours, but visitors are invited to ask questions of park staff. Where: Anacostia, Washington, DC Hot tip: You can take a virtual tour of Cedar Hill online. Smithsonian National Museum of African Art The museum is currently open and timed tickets are not required to enter. Many of the current exhibitions delve into the profound history of Black culture both domestically and abroad. This is America’s only museum dedicated to the collection, research, conservation, and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art. Docent-led tours are available throughout the week and special events occur throughout the year. Admission is free. Where: National Mall, Washington, DC Hot tip: Make sure to check out their educational resources for both students and teachers. Other notable spots: Alexandria Black History Museum Anacostia Community Museum (closed until further notice due to COVID restrictions) Freedmen’s Memorial Monument “Black Broadway” – the U Street Neighborhood Blues Alley The National Archives Mary McLeod Bethune Council House The Lincoln Memorial (“I Have a Dream” speech location) African American Heritage Trail Black-Owned Restaurants Visiting all of these important sites and attractions are sure to stir up an appetite. Lucky for you, there are hundreds upon hundreds of restaurants in Fairfax County. But if you want to support local, black-owned eateries, there are many cuisine options to choose from as well. Grab a taste of the islands at Caribbean Plate in Falls Church, treat yourself to a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Enatye Ethiopian Cuisine in Herndon, find comfort in delicious southern home cooking at Della J’s Delectables in Springfield, or take home a mouth-watering pie from Pie Gourmet in Vienna. For an evolving list of black-owned restaurants in Fairfax County, click here. Did we miss a spot? Share your favorite places to celebrate African American history and culture below. Check our calendar of events for Black History Month events and programs happening all month long.