7 Places to Get Your Oyster Fix in Norfolk, VA

October 12, 2022

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

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.

Spooky Specials in the Mid-Atlantic

October 11, 2022

(October 2022) – Travel throughout Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia to find the most ghoulish and gruesome attractions that All Hallows’ Eve has to offer. Get your spook on with spine-tingling ghost tours and thrills at haunted sites, or attend a spooky event! For those looking for a less eerie Halloween, check out family-friendly corn mazes and pumpkin patches, or plan a road trip to check out the best local candy stores and chocolate shops. There’s enough tricks and treats for everyone across the Mid-Atlantic.

For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below. For general information on the Mid-Atlantic, visit MATPRA.org.

DELAWARE

Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley
Be part of an actual paranormal investigation at Fort Delaware. Well known for its hauntings, this former Union fortress on Pea Patch Island once housed as many as 12,000 Confederate prisoners at one time. Head over to Historic New Castle for a tour of its cobbled streets and a glimpse into its darker side. Who knows? You may encounter the “Woman in Blue.” Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected]

MARYLAND

Allegany
Taking a show on the road and putting the “fun” into funeral, a theatre group in Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, escorts participants of the “Not So Spooky Ghost Tours” on a guided walking tour through Cumberland’s favorite haunts. These family-friendly tours are offered on Thursdays in October. Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, Mindy Bianca, MDMountainSide.com, [email protected]

Baltimore
The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival celebrates Baltimore’s icon of macabre every October with performances, art, vendors and food. Highlights of Poe Fest include the Black Cat Ball, a cognac and roses graveside masquerade, Poe impersonators and a tour of Poe’s Baltimore. Visit Baltimore, Tracey Johnson, Baltimore.org, [email protected]

Calvert
Join us for a family-friendly Halloween festival at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, a beautiful 30 acre park. More than 50 local businesses and organizations will be here handing out treats for the kids, plus there will be fun and games, a DJ dance party, food trucks, and more! Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected]

Harford
Do you believe in ghosts? Find out if you do when you journey back in time to experience the tales of Bel Air’s spooky history during their Haunts and History Walking Tours. Need less of a scare? Pumpkinfest at Falling Branch has scarecrow making, corn mazes, and hayrides every October weekend. Visit Harford, Matthew Scales, VisitHarford.com, [email protected]

Maryland (State of)
Hocus pocus, haunts and howls abound this October in Maryland. Run amok across the state with ghost tours through historic towns, giant corn mazes and frightful attractions for all ages. Maryland Office of Tourism, Claire Aubel, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected]

Prince George’s
Once upon a time, in an eerily dark setting flanked by goblins and ghouls, gremlins and ghosts, the thrills and chills of Halloween came to life! Enjoy a sweet, and spooky great time at Six Flags of America Fright Fest, Laurel’s House of Horror, National Harbor’s Halloween, and our farms packed with festive, family fun! Experience Prince George’s, Kaletha Henry, ExperiencePrinceGeorges.com, [email protected]

Talbot
Each fall, throngs of kids and young-at-heart ring in fall at Councell Farms in Easton. In the Field of Fun, kids enjoy the combine harvester slide, scarecrow slingshot, straw maze graveyard, and jumping pillow. Adults select fall decorations from numerous varieties of pumpkins and gourds, Indian corn, and mums. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected]

Wicomico
Celebrate Halloween with fun, family-friendly activities in Wicomico County. New this year is a Fall Fest & Trunk-Or-Treat at Pemberton Park, and the Salisbury Zoo will also host its annual events. Pick a pumpkin at one of many farm markets, and enjoy festivities at Wright’s Market and Adkins Farm Market. Maryland’s Wicomico County, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, [email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA

Allegheny National Forest Region
October is fall foliage season! The Kinzua Sky Walk and the scenic byways within the Allegheny National Forest offer stunning vistas in northwestern Pennsylvania. Visit the dungeon of the McKean County Jail for a spooky introduction to their resident ghost. Download seven scenic driving tours and color-coded map from on our website. Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Linda Devlin, VisitANF.com, [email protected]

Bradford
Head to Towanda when The Keystone Theatre presents “Hale’s Haunted Weekend” October 21-23 – a ghost walk and live performance event! Enjoy spooky fun on guided one-hour tours to discover the ghosts, legends, and lore of some of Towanda’s most famous (and infamous!) residents. Then experience the comedy play: “Blithe Spirit” live onstage at the historic theater. Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, [email protected]

Columbia-Montour
Every October, when crisp fall winds begin to blow and Halloween approaches, Knoebels Amusement Resort transforms into a spooktacular place for ghosts and ghouls of all ages! Get in the spirit of the season during the park’s Hallo-Fun weekends; experience tasty seasonal treats, thrilling games, spooky rides, and fall fun. Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, ITourColumbiaMontour.com, [email protected]

Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Discover one of the Endless Mountains favorite Halloween thrills when you take part in a Ghost Walk at the historic Old Mill Village in Susquehanna County! Take a spine-tingling nighttime candlelight tour of the Village, while being thrilled by tales of ghosts and hauntings from our area and around PA. Your shivers will not be from the chilly weather! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected]

Erie
Get spooked in Erie Pa! Eerie Horror Film Fest, ZooBoo, Haunted History Tours of Union Station, Candlelight Historical Ghost Walks, Sparrow Pond Haunted Hayride/Walk of Darkness, Axe Murder Hollow Escape Game and more! Visit Erie, Christine Temple, VisitErie.com, [email protected]

Juniata River Valley
Get ready for a full day of fall fun! Wind your way through the complex paths of At the Barnyard Corn Maze before relaxing on a scenic hayride around the farm in their wheelchair-accessible, covered wagon. Be sure to visit the pumpkin patch to pick your own perfect pumpkin and the play yard for even more fun times! Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, JRVVisitors.com, [email protected]

Laurel Highlands
Ever had a nightmare about having to “place the lotion in the basket?” You can do just that at Buffalo Bill’s House, the property featured in “The Silence of the Lambs.” Owned by a horror-movie lover, it’s open for tours, features a replica of the basement pit and offers overnight stays. GO Laurel Highlands, Eric Knopsnyder, GoLaurelHighlands.com, [email protected]

Lawrence
Haunted Hill View Manor offers paranormal investigations and tours of a former nursing home /poor farm built in 1926. In the month of October the back yard is transformed into Scare Manor which consists of a Haunted House and grass maze field behind the main building.Visit Lawrence County, Janet Falotico, VisitLawrenceCounty.com, [email protected]

Lehigh Valley
Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton come with their share of ghost stories. Stay in a haunted or spot the former hostess haunting the lobby of Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Avoid the random swinging doors at The Museum of Indian Culture or hear the footsteps of “J. Fred Osterstock” at the State Theatre. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected]

Potter-Tioga
Take a truly terrifying stroll through a section of the Austin Dam Memorial Park if you dare!!!! There will be ghosts and ghouls lurking around each turn, in every shadow, to show you their scariest scares!!!! Head to Potter County October 21st and 22nd to be part of this fun event. A Halloween themed movie will be projected on the Dam as well! Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected]

Raystown Region
Visit the Raystown Region this fall for a hauntingly good time! Experience Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks’ Ghost and Goblins Tour, ride the Phantom Trolley at the Rockhill Trolley Museum, and visit Fort Roberdeau for their haunted Halloween Adventures. Find these and more on our website. Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, Matt Price, Raystown.org, [email protected]

VIRGINIA

Hampton
Have a frightfully fun October in Hampton! Get ready for the return of Hampton Horror Tours from October 25-30. These ghastly tours include eerie tales of Old Hampton and the Coastal Virginia area. Visitors can also enjoy the spooky Fort Monroe Ghost Walk, Where History Meets Mystery from October 21-23. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Mahogany Waldon, VisitHampton.com, [email protected]

Shenandoah
As if giant parade floats weren’t scary enough in the dark, be prepared for ghouls and goblins at every turn! It’s a real scream! American Celebration on Parade at Shenandoah Caverns turns into a 40,000 square foot haunted attraction on American Fright Night during weekends in October. Check out our website for dates and times. Visit Shenandoah County, Brenda Black, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected]

Stafford
Get costume ready in Stafford, VA. Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and come ready to run! Change into your lederhosen or fall attire and attend multiple Oktoberfests, fall festivals, and events. Experience the crisp fall weather and celebrate cooler temperatures in Stafford with local events happening every weekend. Tour Stafford Virginia, Courtney Swenson, TourStaffordVA.com, [email protected]

Staunton
Black Raven Paranormal’s Ghosts of Staunton Tours explore the most haunted spots by candlelight. Not only will you learn the best places for sightings in this “hub for paranormal activity,” you’ll get a healthy dose of history as well. Discover the ghostly tales about eerie spirits lurking in Staunton, VA. Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com, [email protected]

Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Nightmares, a new haunted attraction in Roanoke where a 60,000 sq. ft. warehouse is transformed into a city with its own characters and story. Created by Anthony Giordano, a Hollywood designer who worked on multiple Academy Award nominated projects and specializes in makeup, special effects, and costuming. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Kathryn Lucas, VisitVBR.com, [email protected]

Waynesboro
If you’re looking for a fright, check out Madame Redrum’s Nine Gates of Doom for a haunted house experience you won’t soon forget. For a more family-friendly fall adventure, visit Troyer’s Fruit and Produce Farm for a pumpkin patch and corn maze, or the 6-acre Skeeter’s Cornmaze at Creative Works Farm, along with other fall-themed things to do. Visit Waynesboro, Jennifer Kiser, VisitWaynesboro.com, [email protected]

Williamsburg
From terrifying haunted houses to frightful ghost tours, round up your crew, and check out some of Williamsburg’s most thrilling and chilling events of the season. Varying degrees of bravery are required at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream, and with all of the area’s history, guided ghost tours allow you to explore the haunted streets of the region under a cloak of darkness. Visit Williamsburg VA, VisitWilliamsburg.com, [email protected]

Take a look at even more images from across the Mid-Atlantic. Please be sure to provide photo credit to the appropriate DMO.

About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance

The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries to better promote common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.

Fairfax County’s Haunted Places & Urban Legends in Virginia

October 5, 2022

Bunnyman Brewing Company Fairfax, VA — 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

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.

Classic Fall Festivities in the Mid-Atlantic

September 2, 2022

(September 2022) – Everyone has a favorite way to welcome fall. Whether you fancy pumpkin picking, hayrides, checking out the changing leaves, or warming up with a hot apple cider or spiced latte, here’s how to get into the fall festivities around Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below. For general information on the Mid-Atlantic, visit MATPRA.org.

MARYLAND

Allegany
Autumn in Allegany County is an unparalleled experience. Two unforgettable ways to “ride” through this region include on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which travels through the colorful mountains of changing leaves on a 3½-hour round trip, and on a 44-mile scenic overlook driving tour through Green Ridge State Forest. Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, Mindy Bianca, MDMountainSide.com/blog/unforgettable-leaf-peeping-locations, [email protected]

Annapolis & Anne Arundel
Fall means Navy Football, the U.S. Sailboat and Powerboat Shows, Maryland Seafood Festival, Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival, Captain Avery Oyster Festival, and Maryland Renaissance Festival. Check out our MD Corn Maze, Great Annapolis Pumpkins, Arts in the Park, and candlelit ghost tours through the nooks and crannies of Historic Annapolis. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, [email protected]

Baltimore
Foodies know that fall in Baltimore means oyster season! Get to celebrating at fabulous restaurants in Charm City, including Thames Street Oyster House in bustling Fell’s Point, Nick’s Fish House on the Port Covington waterfront, or the very Instagram-able raw bar at No Way Rosé in Federal Hill. Visit Baltimore, Tracey Johnson, Baltimore.org, [email protected]

Calvert
The Southern Maryland Wine, Jazz, R&B and Funk Festival will be held in September. With an all new music lineup, get ready for a day of fun, great food, wine & music. Tents and coolers acceptable. No alcoholic beverages allowed. Come prepared for a great time. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected]

Caroline
Caroline County, Maryland. Situated on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Caroline County’s natural beauty beckons visitors to explore. Through pristine waterways and countryside, you’ll find a region brimming with rich heritage experiences, outdoor excursions, and agritourism adventures. Caroline County Office of Tourism, Tara Hill-Coursey, VisitCaroline.org, [email protected]

Cecil
Pair an autumn countryside with world-class equestrian competition, and you have MD 5 Star at Fair Hill in mid-October. Only 2 in the USA and 7 worldwide. Best described as an equestrian triathlon, this event is a level higher than the Olympics and one of a few athletic competitions where men and women compete against each other. Food, shopping, beer & wine fest. Cecil County Tourism. Sandy Turner, SeeCecil.org, [email protected]

Harford
Fall in love with Harford County, Maryland’s fall foliage and mild weather while enjoying pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, arts & crafts, live music, and food & drinks from local establishments at any of our fall festivals at locations like the Steppingstone Farm Museum or Ladew’s Garden Glow! Visit Harford, Matthew Scales, VisitHarford.com, [email protected]

Kent (MD)
Pay homage to the almighty oyster at Rock Hall’s FallFest. Concoct a magical potion at Chestertown’s HP Festival. Sip and savor home-grown wines after a delightful harvest and grape-stomping celebration at Crow Vineyards. Or set sail on a tall ship at the Downrigging Festival in Chestertown. Kent County Tourism, MD, Jana Carter, KentCounty.com/visitors, [email protected]

Maryland (State of)
Fall into fabulous Maryland festivals at Garrett County’s Autumn Glory Festival, Ocean City’s Sunfest, or St. Mary’s County’s U.S. Oyster Festival or simply wind your way on any one of our state scenic byways to discover vibrant foliage, refreshing craft beverages, or delicious dining featuring scrumptious Maryland seafood. Maryland Office of Tourism, Connie Spindler, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected]

Prince George’s
Fall for our agritourism. Fall for the arts. Fall for our breweries. Fall for the flavors. Fall for our landmarks. Fall for the accommodations. Fall for our wineries. Fall in love with Prince George’s County this fall and the many sensory experiences found at our farms, restaurants, trails, historic sites, museums, and attractions. Experience Prince George’s, Kaletha Henry, ExperiencePrinceGeorges.com, [email protected]

Talbot
Cool breezes and autumn hues adorn the Chesapeake Bay luring thousands to Talbot County fall festivals. OysterFest celebrates the mollusk with live music, cooking competitions, boat excursions, retriever demos, and more. Holiday gifts of sea-glass jewelry and art are purchased at the Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected]

Wicomico
Each October, the Good Beer Festival, held outdoors at Pemberton Historical Park, offers attendees a chance to enjoy the fall season with craft beer samples, games, and food. Enjoy the tastes of autumn by shopping at one of the area’s many produce markets, and pick out the perfect pumpkin. Maryland’s Wicomico County, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, [email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA

Allegheny National Forest Region
The brisk scent of Fall is in the air! Enjoy the beauty of the fall colors and the crunch of leaves as you hike or bike along the trails in the Allegheny National Forest. Fresh apple cider awaits at the Kinzua Bridge State Park Festival in Mt. Jewett, PA. Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Linda Devlin, VisitANF.com, devlin@visitanfcom

Butler
Sprankle’s 4th Annual Octoberfest is a three-day festival experience loaded with local vendors, musicians, special guests, and more! Sprankle’s Octoberfest is a chance to gather, celebrate, and appreciate family, friends, and community. It’s a time to enjoy a weekend of amazing food, beer, and live entertainment! Join us, raise a glass, and enjoy the festival! Prosit! Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Jeff Martinelli, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected]

Columbia-Montour
This year, the 40th Annual Covered Bridge & Arts Festival takes place October 6-9 at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. This classic festival ushers in the start of autumn in the region and welcomes 150,000 people who come to explore 350+ handmade craft and food vendors and tour the area’s covered bridges. Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, ITourColumbiaMontour.com, [email protected]

Cumberland Valley
Enjoy a new fall experience this year that includes pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, fall foliage, and outdoor explorations at three state parks…all while earning prizes. The Cumberland Valley Fall Fun Trail includes 18 locations and every check-in via mobile device gets you closer to winning a prize. Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, Aaron Jumper, VisitCumberlandValley.com/FallFunTrail, [email protected]

Erie
Fiery oranges and reds, warm browns, splashes of purple and radiant golds transform Erie Pennsylvania into a dazzling display of colors. Celebrate the season with Wine Fest, ZooBoo!, Eerie Horror Film Fest, Peek n’ Peak Fall Fest, Erie Irish Festival, plus winery & brewery tours! Visit Erie, Christine Temple, VisitErie.com, [email protected]

Juniata River Valley
Need luck? Find your lucky bird in the Juniata River Valley during the Goose Day celebration in September. This local autumnal tradition has been observed for more than two centuries, carried here by an early settler. Legend has it that if you eat goose on St. Michaelmas Day, or locally called Goose Day, you will ensure wealth and prosperity for the coming year. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, JRVVisitors.com/Events/Goose-Day/, [email protected]

Lancaster
Want to get your scare on? Your haunting won’t go wanting in Lancaster County at Field of Screams or Jason’s Woods. For a little less maniacal fright, try Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland family amusement park, or ride along with a Spooky Scoot tour from Strasburg Scooters. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected]

Lawrence
Fall in Lawrence County is a must-do! Enjoy local farms with pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, hayrides, homemade cider, and bonfires to rent for a fun evening. The changing of leaves provides a beautiful backdrop for hiking, biking, and leaf peeping. Visit Lawrence County, Janet Falotico, VisitLawrenceCounty.com, [email protected]

Lehigh Valley
Autumn makes way for crisp morning walks through Lehigh Valley’s notorious farmers’ markets, covered bridges, colorful, tree-lined trails, apple orchards & pumpkin patches, and so much more. Get into the season at Fall Festival, where Grim’s Orchard offers PYO apples and pumpkins along with an obligatory hay ride you’ll love. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, DiscoverLehighValley.com/fall/, [email protected]

Raystown Region
Come to the Raystown Region to experience our many fall festivals! Visit historic Downtown Huntingdon for our OktoberFest celebration, see the Pumpkin Pole at the 46th Annual Hartslog Heritage Day, and ride the Pumpkin Patch Express at the East Broad Top Railroad. Find these and more on our website! Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, Matt Price, Raystown.org, [email protected]

Reading, Berks
Forget Munich! Reading Liederkranz invites you to experience Oktoberfest stateside. Complete with authentic German foods, music, and beers (of course) the Liederkranz’s annual 5-day event won USA Today’s 10Best Oktoberfest – twice! Grab your dirndl, lederhosen, and favorite stein and head to Reading Liederkranz’s Oktoberfest for a truly unforgettable fall getaway. Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, Lisa Haggerty, VisitPaAmericana.com, [email protected]

VIRGINIA

Giles
Historic covered bridges, smallmouth fishing on the New River, staying with the whole family in a riverside cabin, and watching college football are quintessential fall activities in Giles County. Extend the fun with fishing with Tangent Outfitters or New River Outdoor Company and finish the trip off with a picnic at the Sinking Creek Covered bridge. Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, VirginiasMtnPlayground.com, [email protected]

Hampton
Fall is brewing and it’s the perfect season to create harvest memories. Rake up the fun in Hampton at several of our classic fall festivals. From the Phoebus Fall & Beer Fest to the Bluebird Gap Farm Fall Festival, you can enjoy hayrides and pumpkin pies all season long! Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Mahogany Waldon, VisitHampton.com, [email protected]

Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg is surrounded by beautiful mountains with spectacular displays of fall foliage and lovely farms with apple and pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and fresh cider. Harrisonburg’s downtown is bustling with festivals and races: International Festival, Valley Pride Festival, Resolute Release Weekend, Rocktown Cyclocross, and the Shenandoah Mountain Bike Festival. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jennifer Bell, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected]

Norfolk
September in Norfolk is an extension of summer, full of vibrant colors and beautiful days. Enjoy a day at the beach, on the Elizabeth River Trail, strolling through the city, or out on the water before watching the sky take on colors that match some of the best fall foliage. Visit Norfolk, Paige Hawsey, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected]

Shenandoah
Ignite your Senses at Shenandoah Autumnfest! See how Virginians barbecued whole hogs for hundreds of years. Enjoy barbeque, craft beverage tastings, music, harness racing, log splitting, and more local traditions in a colorful fall mountain setting. This year celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the introduction of honeybees to Virginia! Visit Shenandoah County, Brenda Black, Facebook.com/shenandoahautumnfest, [email protected]

Stafford
Catch the fall in Stafford, Virginia by hiking through the crisp air and the vibrant leaves at Crows Nest. Grab your kayak and explore Stafford’s eight-mile kayaking trail to historical Government Island or Widewater State Park. Spend your afternoon at local Oktoberfests or around the fire at a Tuscany-inspired winery. Tour Stafford Virginia, Courtney Swenson, TourStaffordVA.com, [email protected]

Staunton
Walks through Staunton’s historic neighborhoods, long drives through rural Augusta County, and hikes in Shenandoah National Park all make great ways to check out the Fall colors. Explore the local trails at Montgomery Hall Park, Betsy Bell Wilderness Area or climb up to Woodrow Park for stellar views of Staunton. Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com, [email protected]

Williamsburg
Crisp, cool air means it is time to get outside. There are many trails to take you into the changing leaves of Williamsburg’s forests, wetlands, and fields. You’ll discover historical landmarks, scenic waterways, and birdwatching opportunities. For the adventurous, you can also explore the area via kayak, Segway, or zipline. Visit Williamsburg, VA, Miranda Jarrell, VisitWilliamsburg.com, [email protected]

Take a look at even more images from across the Mid-Atlantic. Please be sure to provide photo credit to the appropriate DMO.

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Enjoy a Gastronomic Getaway in Marshall

August 25, 2022

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.

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