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.
Family Time is Time Well Spent in Virginia’s Mountain Playground July 25, 2022 by Giles County All items and locations are perfect to add to your trip with your family, large or small, to Giles. Close-knit group or large family gathering- read on for trip inspiration and plan to come to Giles. There’s always so much to consider when planning a family get-away. With Giles’ easy-to-access location, family-friendly activities, and welcoming people let us help you take some of the work out of planning your next get-away. Large groups of up to 16 can enjoy the riverfront cabin at New River’s Edge. While staying at “The Edge” guests have access to the firepit, their own river access, and all the yard and river toys you can imagine. New River’s Edge can also set up the entire group to enjoy a short section float on the New River in tubes or kayaks. For a flat rate all day (10am-4pm) guests can enjoy the Pembroke to NRE section of river as many times as they’d like, stopping only to play as needed. Small family groups will enjoy Mr. Hunter’s Cottage which features two units in a single-story cottage, also near the New River. With accommodations for eight people, this historic vacation home in the heart of the Village of Eggleston is in the heart of it all (easy access to everything), but off the beaten path so your family can enjoy their time together. Adjacent to Mr. Hunter’s Cottage, groups of all sizes are welcome at The Palisades Restaurant. Their seasonal menu features unique, contemporary Appalachian cuisine and fan favorites. If you’re looking to try farm-raised trout or sticking to the pepperoni stone-fired pizza there is something on the menu for the family to enjoy. Their dessert menu is top-notch and homemade ice cream is worth the trip. The Palisades also regularly features live local music on the weekends and offers food to go if you’d rather enjoy the company of family in your lodging accommodations. While there are many things to do in Giles that offer up fun to your family unit- in the warm months, you can’t miss getting out on the New River. Tangent Outfitters, also located in Pembroke, can help you pick the best float for your family in kayaks or canoes and based on the amount of time you want to spend on the water. Along the New River Water Trail families can enjoy easy access at our 14 public boat landings, making it easy to spend an hour or the day on the water. From scenic rock cliffs to fun water rapids, the New River in Giles, with the appropriate level of caution, is an easy and safe family fun experience. In cooler months, when on-water isn’t ideal take the family for a hike in Virginia’s Mountain Playground. Short and easy nature walks, or more moderate hikes to spectacular waterfalls- you’ll find your family’s next adventure is here in Giles County, Virginia. The most important part and takeaway from playing in Giles with family and friends is the time spent together was well worth the memories made. We’ll see you soon, in Virginia’s Mountain Playground. At a glance: Stay at New River’s Edge or Mr. Hunter’s Cottage Play with New River Edge or Tangent Outfitters Dine at Cascade Café or The Palisades Restaurant
Our Guide to Em”bark”ing on a Pet-Friendly Trip to Staunton, VA July 19, 2022 by StauntonVA If you’re like most Americans, you rarely leave home without your pandemic pet! Fortunately, there are a lot of pet-friendly activities, plenty of lodgings that cater to paws, and a wealth of restaurants and watering holes that are totally cool with your pet joining you on the patio. Here’s a “pound-up” of where your pet is welcome in Staunton. Pup-cation Fun for People and Pets Get outside to howl, run, and play fetch. Here are our favorite parks and hikes. Montgomery Hall Park has miles of wooded trails as well as big, open fields for playing catch and fetch. Dog owners who like solitude and taking serious hikes with their dogs should sniff out the Betsy Bell Wilderness Area. Gypsy Hill Park has a paved 1.3-mile loop that offers a nice view of the park as well as doggy bag stations and convenient trash cans. The star of the show, however, is the Gypsy Hill Bark Park. Divided into separate enclosures for small and large dogs, it gives pups a chance to meet and greet while their owners make small talk. The enclosures include tunnels, training ladders, “fire hydrants,” and benches for humans to sit. Leashed pets are welcome on the majority of the hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. It’s actually one of just a few national parks with this perk. For day-trippers and campers, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest stipulates that dogs must be leashed on hiking trails (but may go off-leash in undeveloped areas). Make sure you pack plenty of water for your furry friend and check them for parasites after your outing. Coyner Springs Dog Park in Waynesboro boasts a large, open off-leash area as well as trails for leashed dogs and their human packmates. The nearby Crozet Tunnel trail is a good hike for leashed dogs, especially if you’re afraid of the dark! Make sure you take your flashlight. Leashed dogs are also welcome on the Augusta Springs Wetland trail, but you shouldn’t take your dog if you think he might disturb the waterfowl and other wildlife. Un-Pack Your Bags Kenneling your dog is expensive, sad, and can cause a lot of stress shedding. Fortunately, many Staunton inns and hotels offer luxury accommodations for people and dogs, so you can share that king-sized bed just like at home. Just check the fine print: lodgings may have restrictions on size and number of pets. They may also apply additional fees to bunk your fur baby. Hotel 24 South is both a luxury, historic hotel as well as a pioneer in Staunton’s dog-friendly accommodations. The Blackburn Inn opens select rooms to dogs and has extensive grounds to explore while you walk them. Howard Johnson by Wyndham is steps from downtown shopping, dining, and the farmers’ market. There’s also free parking, light breakfast, and wifi. Sleep Inn Staunton ensures you’ll sleep well in one of their Designed to Dream rooms. Bring your pet: there’s no pet fee! Best Western Staunton Inn boasts comfortable rooms, easy access to I-81, and no pet fee. Comfort Inn Staunton has free breakfast, a pool, and is convenient to both the highway and downtown Staunton. Motel 6 Staunton allows pets and lets kids stay free. You’ll also enjoy free coffee and expanded cable options. Holiday Inn Staunton Conference Center allows up to three pets. It’s convenient to golf, the interstate, and kids eat free with paying adults. Red Roof Inn Staunton is a great budget option. Kids and one pet up to 80 pounds stay for free. Econo Lodge is convenient to the Frontier Culture Museum and downtown Staunton. It’s pet-friendly and offers free coffee. Walnut Hills KOA and Sherando Lake Campground both accommodate families and dogs. Paw-some Patios Staunton has several dining spots where the waitstaff doesn’t mind stepping over Teddy’s outstretched paws. They might even bring him a dish of water! Well-behaved dogs on leashes can join you at a table on the covered, gated patio at Table 44. The patio at Byer’s Street Bistro also welcomes dogs. Spend your lunch hour dining with Rex and watching the bustle of downtown. Bonus: Dogs will find water bowls and often treats. Just want a quick bite? Stop by the outdoor patio at The By & By for coffee drinks, beer and wine, and sandwiches. The patio at Thai Staunton Restaurant is pet-friendly. If you’re feeling like eating Mexican, take your pooch to Mi Rancho’s outdoor dining space where you can get relax with a big, tasty margarita. Prefer Italian? Family-owned Maria’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant has a dog-friendly patio where you can share your spaghetti with Lady. The Pampered Palate, Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery, The Split Banana, Nu-Beginning Farm, and the Clocktower Eats & Sweets all have delicious food and allow dogs at their sidewalk seating. Get there early and grab a spot at the Peck’s Bar-B-Que’s dog-friendly picnic table. There’s shade and nearby grass for your pet to sniff. There’s also a lone pet-friendly table at Sam’s Hot Dog Stand where you can enjoy a sack of all-beef hot dogs. Share your BBQ and ice cream with your dog at one of the two dog-friendly picnic tables at Hog Wild BBQ and Klines Dairy Bar. Edelweiss Restaurant serves authentic German food like bratwurst and jager schnitzel. If you dine outside at one of the covered tables, Fido can join you and lick knackwurst juice off your fingers. Bark-tastic Breweries Want to spend an evening out having beers with your best fur buddy? Raise a glass because many of Staunton’s breweries are pet-friendly. Redbeard Brewing and Skipping Rock Beer Co. allow well-behaved dogs on the patios, and Shenandoah Valley Brewing and Queen City Brewing actually welcome dogs inside their taprooms. Hang with your pup on the patio at Ciders From Mars. Or if you’d rather have wine, Barren Ridge Vineyards welcomes leashed dogs if there are no ticketed events. Other Staunton Stops that are Mutts about Dogs It’s not surprising to come across a dish of cool water waiting on the sidewalk on a hot day in downtown Staunton. Here are other pet-friendly destinations. Your pet will be the star of the show at the Well Balanced Paw Pet Wellness Shoppe and Barkery. Specializing in nutrient-rich pet nutrition and relaxing small-animal massage, this downtown destination will keep your pet balanced and healthy for years to come. Latitudes has all kinds of fair-trade gifts, including this snazzy puppy place-mat! Locally owned Pets N Pals has been selling pet supplies like habitats, food, and toys since 1989. They also have healthy pets of all kinds for sale if you’re seeking a new companion. Petco has a big selection of supplies as well as fish, lizards, birds, spiders, and rodents. Also, check out Augusta Dog Adoptions and the SPCA for pets that need new homes. It’s common to see happy dogs walking with their owners as they shop for dinner at the Staunton Farmers’ Market. Leashed dogs can also browse the aisles at Tractor Supply Co.
Race to Shenandoah Downs July 18, 2022 by Visit Shenandoah County Strong bodies pull against the weight of the carts behind them. Manes flying, nostrils wide, sucking in as much air as possible, the horses follow behind the moving gate waiting for the moment the wings come in and the race begins. The crowd roars as the race starts and the horses and drivers head into the first turn, jockeying for position. Twice around the track and the winner crosses the line in front of the grandstand to the cheers of the crowd. Shenandoah Downs at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, VA, is the only harness racing venue in the state of Virginia. In April and May and mid- September through October, the racetrack is open to harness racers. Previously 188 horses are registered to participate in 25 races over a weekend. Harness racing has been part of the Shenandoah County Fair for more than 100 years. Many local families have participated in the sport over the years as well. One such family is the Lineweavers. Doris “Dee” Lineweaver has been a trainer and driver since she was in her teens and now is the director of Shenandoah Downs. Her young children, Weston and Maggie, help at the Downs, continuing the tradition by working with the horses in their stalls and taking care of them both before and after the races. “It has been something our family has been involved in forever,” Dee said, from her seat in a golf cart as she watched the horses fly by in front of her. When Shenandoah Downs was established four years ago, it was announced as a pari-mutuel track which means that race-goers can place bets on their favorite horses. Pari-mutuel is a betting system in which all bets are placed together in a pool; taxes and the house take are deducted and payoff odds are calculated by sharing the pool among all winning bets for that race. Winnings are awarded to win, place, show and exacta in every race. No entry or parking fee is charged to people who want to come and watch the races. Typical crowds are full of people of all ages who have come to enjoy this historical sport. To draw larger crowds, simultaneous events are held at the track on race day. The race early October will take place at the same time as Autumnfest, a chamber-sponsored event which will feature whole-hog barbecue, chicken barbecue, 35+ crafters, a wood-splitting competition, music and beer, wine and spirits tasting. Dee noted that Shenandoah Downs is sponsored by the Virginia Equine Alliance which is a non-profit association comprised of members from the Virginia Harness Horse Association, the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, the Virginia Gold Cup Association, and the Virginia Thoroughbred Association. The purpose of the Virginia Equine Alliance is to sustain, promote, and expand the horse breeding and horse racing industries in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Standing outside the barn area where the horses are prepared for racing is fascinating and offers an up-close view of these beautiful racers and all that goes into getting them prepared to run. The horses are excited, waiting for their turn on the track. Their ears are pointed and some paw at the dirt in their stall as their harnesses and tracings are checked for a final time. They will get on the track for a brief trot until it is time for the race to begin. Each racer pulls up behind a car which has wings sprouting from its sides. Inside, the back has two bucket seats facing the horses. The rear driver has control over the wings and the gas. The front driver does the steering. He increases the speed of the car until the race is ready to begin and he draws in the wings as the driver moves off to one side to let the horses pass. Shenandoah Downs is a wonderful way to spend the day. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/Shenandoah-Downs or www.shenandoahdowns.com.