October is Virginia Wine Month, and a great time to discover why Wine Enthusiast magazine named us one of the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world. Here are a few tips to help maximize your Virginia vineyard experience.
1. Do your homework. Are there specific types of wines you want to try or viticultural areas you’d like to visit?
2. Go to VirginiaWine.org and plan your route. There are existing wine trails designed to make the most of your trip. It’s recommended to visit no more than three to four vineyards per day, and if possible, go during the week for more personalized attention and less crowds.
3. Check out each winery beforehand for details. All have different hours, special events, tasting policies and group availability. Many require advance notice for larger parties.
4. Travel smart. It’s important to have bottled water on hand to stay hydrated between tasting sessions. All those sips can add up. Experts recommend spitting out wine after tastings to ensure sobriety. And be sure to have a designated driver.
Virginia wines are now recognized among the world’s best, and there are over 250 local wineries ready to show you why. There are exciting events and special promotions going on all month long. Be sure to visit VirginiaWine. org for a complete list of October Wine Month activities.

Drink Local October Challenge Be true to your roots, Virginia! In celebration of Wine Month, please choose a Virginia vintage when enjoying wine during the month of October. Whether at home or in a restaurant, be sure to support our local wineries. Tell us about your Virginia Wine crush at #VAWine and #OctVAWineMonth.

Always drink responsibly. VirginiaWine.org 804-402-1896

October is Virginia Wine Month, and a great time to discover why Wine Enthusiast magazine named us one of the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world. Each turn of our scenic roads brings a new adventure. In one afternoon, you can go from rolling vineyards, to picturesque horse farms, to cozy country inns. A mouthwatering barbecue stand to a five-star restaurant. A stunning Viognier to a world-class Cabernet Franc. This is Virginia. It’s how we roll.

 The more time you take, the more you’ll discover ― every region, every vintage, every winery in Virginia is unique. The one constant is a warm welcome. 

 Virginia wines are now recognized among the world’s best, and there are over 250 local wineries ready to show you why. There are exciting events and special promotions going on all month long. Be sure to visit VirginiaWine.org for a complete list of October Wine Month activities.

Drink Local October Challenge Be true to your roots, Virginia! In celebration of Wine Month, please choose a Virginia vintage when enjoying wine during the month of October. Whether at home or in a restaurant, be sure to support our local wineries. Tell us about your Virginia Wine crush at #VAWine and #OctVAWineMonth.

Always drink responsibly. VirginiaWine.org 804-402-1896

From beginner to pro, some of THE East Coast’s best hiking destinations are just a short drive away

There is a wide world out there to explore, beyond the concrete jungles and fields of houses in suburbia. And while it would be a far cry into the wilderness to say that Appalachia is all there is to see, some of the best nature hikes are at the disposal of Hill City residents, if they but wander a bit from their own backyards.

The rewards are as bountiful as the trees and rocks through which one can journey—air so crisp and clean you could practically drink it, a melodious tranquility humming all about, chance encounters with intriguing critters, stunning views like master strokes across the horizon and a pulsing rush of energy through your body, reminding you of your connection to what’s around.

Pick any direction from Lynchburg and a worthy hike is not far off.

“There are hikes all over this place. They are so cool,” said Herb Vreeland, Outing Committee Chair for the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club (NBATC). “We live in an incredible place. It would be great to see more people take advantage of that.”

Below are some of the area’s must-see hiking attractions, from those that are relatively family-friendly to intermediate and more advanced challenges. (Some of Vreeland’s recommendations are starred for emphasis.) It should be noted, however, that the difficulty levels may be relative in some instances. Most of these hikes are found along the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world.

As a friendly reminder, Vreeland said these trails are in the mountains.

“People have to understand, it’s not like walking in your neighborhood.”

For The Family

LIBERTY MOUNTAIN
The Liberty Mountain Trail System spans approximately 5,000 acres, featuring more than 50 miles of trails. Located off Candlers Mountain Road overlooking the university campus, this spot is an easy place to start for a novice hiker (though experienced ones have much to enjoy as well). Hikes range from beginner to intermediate.

For families looking to get started, the 0.6 mile 1971 trail is a fun hike starting at the Snowflex Centre and working its way up to the top of the monogram, where a gazebo provides rest and views of the city, the Blue Ridge and Liberty’s campus.

PANTHER FALLS
A short, muddy hike near Buena Vista (less than half a mile) has a refreshing payoff—a popular swimming hole. People jump from 10-foot rock shelves into a still pool below and enjoy the small streams that that meander through. Caution is advised when swimming; currents can be strong.

CRABTREE FALLS
In Nelson County near Charlottesville is one of Virginia’s bucket list hikes and one that is manageable for families to boot. The trip up is littered with sparkling cascades culminating at the top of the tallest vertical dropping waterfall east of the Mississippi. There’s a beautiful view at the top and enough space for a rest and family picnic before completing the approximately 3.5-mile journey. While this is true of all hikes, it is important to emphasize the importance of staying within the boundaries of the trail and to not wander past the warning signs.

*FALLING WATER CASCADES
Off the Blue Ridge Parkway toward the Peaks of Otter is a beautiful family-friendly hike with a lush backdrop of greenery and clear water splashing off rocks.

“It is incredible,” Vreeland said. “It follows the cascades all the way up on the trail. It is a loop hike, a really great hike for families.”

*MATT’S CREEK SHELTER
Just up the road from where 501 crosses the James River is the James River Footbridge. From there, Matt’s Creek Shelter is not far. It is a great place to stop for a lunch break halfway before completing an out-and-back hike—following a stream along the way—on the AT.

Step It Up

FLAT TOP/SHARP TOP
From Lynchburg, two of the most iconic peaks on the horizon are Sharp Top and its flat neighbor. Both of these Peaks of Otter overlooking Bedford County make excellent hikes for beginners and have amazing views from their apexes. While Sharp Top is often the more popular, Flat Top (which is across from Falling Water Cascades) is an equally worth-it hike and both are must dos for local residents.

*COLE/COLD MOUNTAIN
Both Cole and Cold are acceptable names for this Amherst County hike that is a must see.
“Did you ever see The Sound of Music?” Vreeland said. “It looks just like that. It is wide open. If you ever saw Cole Mountain, it would blow your mind.”

The trick, Vreeland explained, is getting to the trail head. One must be prepared to drive about four miles on a forest service road, Wiggins Spring Road. The drive will get bumpy.

But the payoff at the end of the hike (about six miles there and back) is a panoramic view unlike any other in the area.

“It really is like The Sound of Music,” Vreeland emphasized.

MCAFEE KNOB
Near Roanoke, this seven-mile hike is often started at a full parking lot. But McAfee Knob is popular for a reason. One of the best views to reward any hike, period.

*FLOYD FIELDS APPLE ORCHARD FALLS OVERLOOK

Another hike up on the Blue Ridge near the Peaks of the Otter, this eight-mile trek (or four-mile runaround, with cars parked at both ends) features passage under the Guillotine, an unbelievable rock formation.

“It’s right on the AT,” Vreeland said. “You go right under this big round rock that got stuck between two other big rocks. You literally go right between that thing as you go along; it is a beautiful rocky area. And you end up at the old Air Force Radar Station. It is quite an interesting hike and not a hard hike to get to.”

DEVIL’S MARBLEYARD
While the view from the top of this three-mile journey is impressive, this hike is
really about the journey itself. After about a mile and a half comes the marble yard, an array of giant boulders splayed across the mountainside. Rock-hopping is the most exciting part of this adventure.

Devil’s Marbleyard is best enjoyed in the spring or fall as it gets very hot in the
summer sun and snakes are more likely to be seen.

*PUNCHBOWL SHELTER TO PEDLAR RIVER DAM TO BROWN MOUNTAIN CREEK SHELTER
This is an eight-and-a-half-mile hike in Amherst County if you plan to park cars at both ends so you don’t have to retrace your steps. It is rich in history. Old stone hog walls are seen along the way, and remnants of homes long gone litter the wayside.

“They had an actual civilization up there. There are some walls left from the houses, there are a lot of foundations, chimneys,” Vreeland said.

Take It To The Limit

BIG ROCKY ROW
On the opposite side of the James River from Matt’s Creek is the strenuous, weaving hike to Fuller’s Rock that features 20 switchbacks. From Fuller’s Rock is a beautiful view over Big Island and the James River.

After completing that challenge, continue with about a mile of straight upward climbing. Altogether, this is about 11 miles of tough hiking. It can be done as a loop or an out and back.

OLD RAG MOUNTAIN
Amazing panoramic views are featured on this nine-mile loop in Shenandoah National Park that challenges with a one-mile rock scramble. But as one of the most popular destinations in the Mid-Atlantic, crowds flock to Old Rag.

THE PRIEST
Dubbed one of the most difficult hikes on the entire AT, the Priest, near Crabtree Falls, is a nine-mile trip that includes some of the steepest terrain in Central Virginia, upwards of 3,000 feet in elevation.

Connect with the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club on Facebook @NBATC.Hiker
or on their website NBATC.org.

Summer is here and with it comes endless dreams of vacation, sun, ice cream and poolside lounging. But instead of planning a long-term summer vacation—one that requires time off from work, a specific budget and loads of logistics—spend these next few months whisking off to weekend destinations. Short weekend trips allow you to really explore the area in which you live and challenge you to be creative with the time you have. Plus, instead of using up all of your vacation time at once, you’ll have an entire summer of adventure and exploration to look forward to.

Start with a trip to Smith Mountain Lake. This manmade reservoir covers over 20,000 acres and its shores contain everything you need for a weekend, or even a day, away.

We’ve compiled two helpful itineraries to jumpstart your travel planning. Whether you’re spending the weekend with your family or are taking a day trip with your significant other, Smith Mountain Lake will deliver endless memories and adventures.

A Day Trip for a Couple
11:30 a.m.—Take a lunchtime cruise on the Virginia Dare. This legendary cruise will take about two hours and allow you to see many of Smith Mountain Lake’s best sights, including private islands, osprey nests and even an antique carousel!

2 p.m.—Once you’ve docked, hit up a local brewery or vineyard. Depending on your beverage fancy, you can visit Sunken City Brewing Company (try their popular Dam Lager!) or one of three vineyards: Ramulose Ridge Vineyard, Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery, or Brooks Mill Winery.

4 p.m.—Catch a matinee movie at Westlake Cinemas. Guys, bonus points if you let her pick.
6:30 p.m.—Enjoy a romantic waterfront dinner at The Landing at Bernard’s Landing. Here’s a tip: Try the fresh clam linguine! You may even find a wine or beer you sampled earlier in the day on their menu.

An Overnight Trip with the Family:
Day 1
10 a.m.—Arrive at Bridgewater Plaza and head to Bridgewater Marina to rent a pontoon boat (or, if your crew is particularly adventurous, a Wakeboard Boat or a few Waverunners!). Enjoy a few hours out on the water.

12 p.m.—Anticipate a few grumbling stomachs after a morning on the water. Head back to Bridgewater Plaza, dock your boat and visit the Pizza Pub for a delicious slice of pizza. Here’s a tip: Get the Boardwalk Fries with malt vinegar!

1 p.m.—Look right off of the deck at the Pizza Pub and onto the miniature golf course at Harbortown Miniature Golf. You’ve found your next stop. Play an 18-hole round.

2:30 p.m.—Treat the kids to an ice cream cone at the Ice Cream Cottage, right in the plaza. While they’re savoring their sweet treat, walk down to where you docked your boat and pay a quarter to feed the fish. The kids will love it!

3:30 p.m.—Drive to Halesford Harbour Inn and check in to your room. You’ll love the lake access, complete with a beach to relax on and boats to rent. Spend some time on the beach. Read a book or soak up the sun while your children play.

6 p.m.—Wash up and grab dinner nearby at Jake’s Place, a local favorite. It’s built out over the water and dining on the deck will be an incredible experience for the entire family.

Day 2
9 a.m.—Visit Old Oak Café for breakfast. The kids will love all of the short stack options!
10:30 a.m.—Check out of Halesford Harbour Inn, but rent a boat from them for the day. Spend a few more hours relaxing (or playing!) on the water before you head home.

12 p.m.—Point your boat in the direction of Bridgewater Plaza and visit Moosies for a lunchtime sandwich. (Here’s a tip: Try the Bridgewater Bagel!)

1:30 p.m.—After lunch, work off the calories at the Fun-N-Games Arcade. Parents will find some beloved classics and the kids will love the goodies they can get with their tokens.

3 p.m.—Take your boat back to Halesford Harbour Inn and head home with a weekend full of memories.

By Megan Norcross

Fantastic furniture is just the beginning of your visit to Farmville.

I didn’t plan to buy a rug. I have a house full of rugs. It was my sister, Theresa, who needed a rug—three to be exact—for the hallway of an old church she’s renovating into a house. It was she who’d said, “Let’s go to Farmville and look at rugs.”

And by “Farmville,” she really meant Green Front Furniture, the family-owned company that, by all appearances, owns most of the old tobacco warehouses and former department stores in downtown Farmville.

In addition to furniture and accessories from all over the world, Green Front sells rugs. Lots of rugs. Indian, Turkish, Persian, Chinese, cowhides. Rugs of all descriptions and price points. While I didn’t need a rug that day in early May, when we drove the hour or so from Lynchburg to Farmville, I should’ve known I’d be coming home with one.

I’ve been to Farmville many times. I’ve perused the antique shops. I’ve perched on a stool at Walker’s Diner. On my most-recent visit, I had my first “cronut”—a croissant/doughnut hybrid—at Uptown Coffee Cafe.

I’ve ridden my bike on the High Bridge Trail, a 31-mile-long, walking, biking and horseback path that gets its name from a 125-foot-tall bridge spanning the Appomattox River.

After returning home from my recent Farmville trip—toting a red Persian rug, no surprise—I was already thinking about my next visit. Here are some of the things I’d like to check out:

Arts
Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, part of Longwood University, hosts exhibits and events throughout the year. From August 25 through mid-October, the gallery will exhibit work by John Parra, illustrator of “Waiting for the Biblioburro,” “Round is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes” and other children’s books.

And a plus: There’s an Art-o-mat in the lobby of the LCVA. For those unfamiliar with the Art-o-mat, it’s a converted, vintage cigarette machine from which, for five bucks, one can purchase tiny, original artwork.

There are Art-o-mats all over the U.S. and beyond. On my recent visit to the LCVA, I purchased a landscape painting by a California artist.

For theater buffs, Waterworks Players, Farmville’s community theater, has been performing shows for more than 40 years. Its next production, the Agatha Christie murder mystery “And Then There Were None,” opens August 4.

The 2017-18 season opens in October with “Shrek, the Musical.”

Adventure
The High Bridge Trail isn’t the only game in town for outdoorsy people, but it might be the most popular. According to the folks at The Outdoor Adventure Store, which rents bikes for use on the trail, on some weekends bikes are rented out again as quickly as they’re returned.

“Our mainstay is bike rentals,” said Erica Venter, whose daughter and son-in-law own the store. “During the week, people can just arrive, but certainly on weekends—Saturdays for sure—reservations are encouraged.”

A few miles out of town in the community of Rice, Sandy River Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of outdoor activities for people ages 7 and up. Sandy River has 17 zip lines, 60 high-ropes obstacles, canoe and kayaking trips, and boat rentals.
For those who would like to do some “glamping,” there are rental cabins and what park manager Maddie Corwin described as “luxurious tipis” on site.

Eating, Drinking, Shopping
Farmville has a variety of restaurants, everything from the popular Charley’s Waterfront Cafe, where you can dine with a view of the Appomattox River, to Walker’s Diner, where you can sit, shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, for a bacon-and-eggs breakfast, a burger and fries or other casual fare.

Farmville’s first brewery and taproom, Third Street Brewing Company, opens its doors in August. “We’re just excited to bring this to Farmville,” John Dudley, one of Third Street’s founding partners, said, adding that he’s seen “how craft breweries have become a destination in communities.

“We’re right on the High Bridge Trail [and] hope to get a lot of bicyclists, horseback riders and runners. We hope to get lots of people who utilize that trail. … There’s a lot going on in Farmville and we’re happy to be part of it.”

Farmville also has a wine tasting room, The Virginia Tasting Cellar. It opened last year and features wineries from across Virginia—as many as 12 at a time—along with Buskey Hard Cider, out of Richmond.

The tasting room is located in a building once used to house mules during Farmville’s tobacco trading days. This fact is reflected in the way The Virginia Tasting Cellar calls its individual tasting areas “stables.”

“Mules brought the tobacco on bateaux down the Appomattox River,” general manager Megan Martin said. “They were kept [where] we are now. We’re trying to stay historically true to our area.”

In addition to the one million square feet of retail space that makes up the aforementioned Green Front Furniture, Farmville has a variety of antique shops, boutiques and specialty stores.

Along with renting bikes, The Outdoor Adventure Store sells high-end outdoor gear and clothing, including High Bridge Trail T-shirts. At Farmville’s farmer’s market, on Saturdays, you can buy local produce and meat, baked goods and handmade items.

History
Farmville, which prides itself as “America’s First Two-College Town”—Longwood, founded in 1839, and nearby Hampden-Sydney College, founded in 1775—is chockablock with history.

The last major battle of the Civil War was fought nearby at Sayler’s Creek, after which Gen. Robert E. Lee retreated through Farmville. Along the way, the Confederates attempted to burn down the original High Bridge.

The current bridge was built around the turn of the 20th century.

It and several sites along the route known as “Lee’s Retreat” are part of the Virginia Civil War Trails system.

Farmville and Prince Edward County also played a prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly the fight against school segregation.

The museum at Robert R. Moton High School tells the story of how, in 1951,16-year-old Barbara Johns and her classmates
began a student strike that paved the way for Brown v. Board of Education, the U.S. Supreme Court case that ruled school segregation was unconstitutional.

“We tell the civil rights history of Prince Edward County between 1951 and 1964,” Cameron Patterson, the museum’s managing director, said, adding the strike was “one of the first student-led movements of the Civil Rights era.”

The museum, which has free admission, sees visitors from all over the U.S. and can be an “eye opening” experience, Patterson said. “I think one of the reasons is that it didn’t happen that long ago and we’re so fortunate that a lot of the folks who lived this history are still here with us and actively engaged in the museum. They help us tell the story.”

Patterson said visiting the museum also can be a “powerful” experience for young people, “for them to see that Barbara Johns and her classmates were not much older than [they]. That resonates with them and hopefully helps to let them know that they, too, have a voice.”

This Fly-In Bed and Breakfast on Smith Mountain Lake Offers a Serene Weekend Getaway

We turned in on a bright afternoon, the main sign greeting us at the edge of the property.

“I wonder where we should…” I started to say, “park” when my eyes found the next sign: “Guest Parking” with an arrow pointing left. It was the last time I found myself saying, “I wonder where…” because at Bedford Landings everything has been taken care of, down to the very last detail; a visit here is an experience in true relaxation—the type of relaxation where you don’t have to find, fiddle or figure anything out.

Looking for a tranquil view of Smith Mountain Lake? Which seat would you like? Upper observation deck? Or screened-in porch, fireside, back yard, hot tub? The options—the comfort—abound. Grab a homemade cookie or a drink to go along with whatever book you’re ready to dive into (and if you forgot one—they have plenty to share).

Relaxation rules the day in this quiet corner of Smith Mountain Lake, an ideal weekend getaway just under an hour from Lynchburg. And it’s all possible because two people brought their shared dream to life with a lot of work and a whole lot of love.

A Home Made for Hosting
The exceptional design of Bedford Landings is visually stunning. Approaching from the road, one is first struck with its height and expansive windows—even more impressive from inside where soaring ceilings and the stone fireplace span 35 and a half feet up to the highest point of the Eastern White pine timbers, brought in from Northern Georgia.

The windows provide gorgeous views of the quiet lake and the sky as well. Four guest suites span the upper level and look down on the fireplace and comfortable couches below with the open kitchen and dining area directly off the grand room. Each of the four suites have their own unique themes—the Fishing Room, the Forest Room, the Flying Room (appropriate as Bedford Landings is a fly-in destination for pilots) and the Fourth Room, their honeymoon suite, where I was excited to discover a gas fireplace and a jetted tub for our stay there. All guests enjoy private bathrooms in each of the suites along with all of the amenities you may expect to find at a hotel; the difference here, of course, is the personal touch.

“I think it is personal service and uniqueness,” Karen DeBord says of what sets them apart. They offer a hot tub; a fitness room; in-room, specialty treats; hold an ABC license; prepare gourmet breakfasts (Cheddar Baked Apples, anyone?) and offer a home theater with dozens of movies and a surround sound system. Karen adds that “reservation forms come directly to me for personal responses, and we have the extras (like flights over the lake for guests), the cleanliness of our home and our unique room décor” all to put Bedford Landings in a class of its own.

And if it all seems ideally designed for a bed and breakfast, it’s because it is. Perhaps most impressive of all is that Jack Phillips and Karen built it all from scratch.

A “Match” Made in Heaven
Chat with Jack and Karen for only a few minutes, and you’ll find a couple very much in sync. Married for 10 and a half years, it’s surprising to discover that they found each other later in life, after first marriages, decades of careers and child rearing. Now, in their “second act,” they are both quite sure of their individual strengths, interests and, most importantly, how well they complement each other.

It all started when they found each other on Match.com, and Jack noticed that Karen had a special quality from the very beginning.

“Comfortable,” he says. “She has a gift for making others feel comfortable and welcome.” It was something that drew him in, and today, provides the foundation of their bed and breakfast.

This “welcoming atmosphere” is one thing that recent guest Tim Huneycutt especially appreciated. Flying in from Lincolnton, NC, this past winter, he says, “Karen and Jack were just fantastic hosts. We felt like family and enjoyed conversation and hangar talk. Jack is building the same experimental airplane as we are, so we instantly connected.”

As Tim also noted, these hosts make quite the pair: Jack, with his unassuming, quick sense of humor; Karen, with a warm laugh and easygoing demeanor. It’s hard to separate their roles at Bedford Landings since their individual tasks meld so fluidly from one to the other. For the hot plated breakfasts each morning, Jack prepares their signature pecan-crusted bacon; Karen, the granola and other specialty items on regular rotation. Jack prepares scratch-made biscuits and the eggs benedict while Karen handles all things omelets.

Reservations and booking inquiries are Karen’s department while bookkeeping and annual records are Jack’s domain. And so it goes, all the way to the very foundation of the home; both of their fingerprints can be found all over the project. Jack designed the plans, drawing on his background in engineering to incorporate unique and practical elements (such as passive solar energy), and worked closely with their builders to create the one-of-a-kind home. Karen not only oversaw the daily operations throughout the construction process, but also did the interior decorating, bringing in works from local artists, special antique finds from their personal travels and some of her own stained glass art pieces.

It doesn’t take long to realize that Jack and Karen have infused their life with purpose and passion as even the smallest choices belie their commitment to industrious, quality efforts. Both coming from well-established, professional careers (he an engineer and project manager; she a university professor and graduate studies director), they have now fused their hobbies into a sustainable and shared “retirement plan,” albeit unlikely: hosting a fly-in bed and breakfast.

A Shared Second Act
Ask Jack and Karen when they first decided to open a bed and breakfast, and they look at each other inquisitively. “Well…it just happened gradually,” Karen says.

First, they discovered an ideal plot on Smith Mountain Lake—one that borders a public airport. Next, their conversations about retirement and what that could look like brought them to the idea of designing, building and operating their own bed and breakfast on that land.

“We have always enjoyed staying at ‘B & Bs’ and have been curious about their design and services,” Karen explains.

“We knew there were particular things we did not like in a ‘B & B’ and wanted to address these; combined with enjoying entertaining and meeting new people, [that] led us to building and running our own ‘B & B’.”

The name “Bedford Landings” is rich with meaning; not only representing their home county (which conveniently includes “bed”), “landings” denote both boats and planes, which is perhaps the most unique aspect of all. An avid pilot from the age of 16, Jack has flown for decades and even built his own recreational planes from scratch, including an award-winning Pietenpol Air Camper, designed by Bernard Pietenpol in 1929, and his current project, a Van’s RV-10, which is currently halfway completed.

To find a plot by Smith Mountain Lake that bordered the public airstrip was nothing short of “karmic” Karen says. They decided their “B & B” would allow for fly-in guests who can land their own planes and stay for a visit. Such an option allows guests such as Tim the opportunity to fly his personal plane up for a visit that otherwise wouldn’t happen.

“Residential air parks are rare,” Tim says. “I know of only two on the east coast, and we were lucky to be close to one of them—and to find a bed and breakfast on one is a miracle! It was the main reason we visited the area, which is beautiful.”

And for guests who drive in, which I did and highly recommend for those in the Lynchburg area, Jack offers flight tours over the lake. Knowing this, I’ve already thought of excuses to return for another quick getaway.

Jack and Karen are also expanding their services; so far, they’ve offered paint classes, a biscuit-making school and murder mystery dinner parties. But whatever it is that draws you to Bedford Landings—a much needed escape or a weekend celebration—enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, fireside, and chat with Karen and Jack for yourself; there’s so much more to their fascinating story that you should hear.

Learn more about this regional gem at www.BedfordLandings.com.

At Nelson County’s Virginia Distillery Company

When George Washington started a commercial distillery in the late 1700s, it was at the urging of his Scottish farm hand James Anderson. Washington’s distillery at Mount Vernon became the largest in the nation of its time.

The Virginia and American whisky tradition continues today in Lovingston, with Scottish malted barley and the vision of another George.

“We found the southern highlands,” said Guest Experience Manager Amanda Beckwith when talking about how early Scottish immigrants described the Blue Ridge Mountains. Beckwith was our guide on our mid-winter visit to Virginia Distillery Company.

The late Dr. George Moore came to the United States for new opportunities in the 1970s. The Irishman’s two great passions were single malt whisky and his adopted Virginia home. A marriage of the two gave birth to Virginia Distillery Company in 2011. Moore’s son and wife continue the vision he did not live to see come to fruition.

The distillery opened in late 2015. Tours and tastings began the following summer. Guided tours start with a brief history of single malt whisky in the distillery museum. A moonshine still, generously donated by a neighbor, sits in the corner. It’s non-working, licensed as a museum piece to keep it legal.

From there visitors have the opportunity to see modern-day whisky making in action on the distillery floor and cask house. The guide describes the science of making the beverage, though they consider it an art.

Virginia Single Malt, an American Malt Whisky, is produced on-site using malted barley from the United Kingdom and water from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests unknowingly walk right over freshwater springs as they move from the museum to the distillery.

Inside the distillery, there’s a working 1920s Boby Malt Mill. Copper pots, handmade by a fabricator in Scotland, are used for their even conduction of heat, removing the things that would give the whisky an undesired flavor. The spirit safe, which looks like something you’d see in a mad scientist’s lab, assists the distiller in making the cuts between heads, hearts and tails.

When the cask house doors swing open, the strong yet gentle aroma of whisky sneaks out from 700 carefully stacked former Kentucky bourbon, sherry and wine casks, patiently resting inside since November 2015.

“It’s a beautiful smell, but it also breaks my heart because it’s evaporation,” said Beckwith.

That evaporation occurs at a rate of six to eight percent per year, and there’s always the devastating chance a barrel will end up bone dry inside. The resources and surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains are reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, though the weather in Scotland is much more consistent than the four seasons we enjoy. The distillery does not employ artificial climate control.

“Climate has a huge impact on our whisky,” said Beckwith.

The bottling date for the Virginia Single Malt will be determined through tasting. The finished product may come from a single barrel or samples from different barrels could be “married” or mixed for the perfect flavor and finish. Either way, the finished product can bear the single malt label. The expected release date is three to six years from the time of the 2015 casking.

While we wait on Virginia Single Malt, guests can already enjoy the distillery’s Virginia Highland Malt. The aged whisky is brought over from Scotland and cask-finished in port-style wine barrels that once held Virginia wine. It’s finished over six to 12 months.

Virginia Highland Malt was waiting for us at the conclusion of our tour. In another toast to Scotland, Beckwith meticulously poured the beverage into traditional Glencairn whisky glasses, emblazoned with the distillery’s split-V logo.

“It’s the best way to experience whisky,” said Beckwith.

It’s meant to be an experience, not just a drink. When trying the whisky neat, Beckwith shows us how to hold the glass, depending on the season. She suggests letting the whisky hit the tip of your tongue and slowly roll back, so you’re able to taste the individual notes.

“It breaks my heart to see people throw it back,” said Beckwith.

There’s no need for that with the distillery’s bar offerings. Bartenders will serve it neat or with a splash or cube. Tasting options also include seasonal cocktails, both hot and cold, served full-sized or in a choose-your-own flight. This whisky can be both a manly drink or the surprise in a girly drink with a twist.

“It has a backbone,” said Beckwith. “You can put it in a cocktail and not lose it.”

The cocktail menu changes the first Friday of every month. Cocktails are selected based on what ingredients are available by season, getting as much as they can from local farms.
Virginia Highland Malt is available for purchase on-site and in ABC stores. The delicious hot and cold cocktails served at the distillery bar are easily recreated at home using the whisky and the cocktail recipes found on the Virginia Distillery Company website.

For the distillery, Virginia isn’t just in its name, it’s in its business model. In addition to purchasing cocktail ingredients such as lavender and honey from local suppliers, the distillery is working with local farmers toward sourcing some of the barley used in the whisky making process. A test patch is growing on a hill near the site.

Albemarle Baking Company uses the distillery’s flour by-product to bake bread. Early Dawn Dairy in Crozet feeds cattle with spent grain from the distillery.

Charlotteville’s McCharen’s Bitters makes bitters to complement the distillery’s whisky. They’re used in the cocktails made on-site and are available to take home with a bottle of whisky. Gearhart’s Fine Chocolates, also in Charlottesville, created Virginia Highland Malt Whisky Truffles in conjunction with the distillery. The chocolates are also sold in the distillery’s shop.

A late fall forest fire crept over the hill, dangerously close to the distillery operation, cask house and visitor center. To thank the firefighters for saving the facility, Virginia Distillery Company will sell a one-barrel, limited release, coffee finish whisky. Proceeds will benefit the county’s first responders.

In an area some call the Fruit Loop, once wiped out by Hurricane Camille, spirits are starting to rise both literally and figuratively. Virginia Distillery Company is a welcome addition to Nelson County’s popular and growing beverage tourism industry.

While they won’t bottle the whisky until it says “I’m ready,” there’s no better time than now, even for non-whisky drinkers, to try something new, perhaps something against the grain.

Learn more at www.vadistillery.com

By Angela lynch

A Firsthand Experience of Virginia’s Iconic, Historic Hotel

It was a particularly cold night the evening I drove to the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va. It was a beautiful, scenic drive—the mountains and rural towns of Bath County acting as a precursor to heighten my anticipation. Finally, around a bend I could see the resort in the distance. It was dark, but the lawn and resort were intricately decorated with Christmas lights. The sight was overwhelming; I knew my stay would be memorable.

When I stepped into the thankfully very warm lobby, I admit, the long hall adorned with columns and fireplaces was a little intimidating. It was equal parts shopping mall, fine dining, fancy estate and hotel. It felt like something out of a movie; something I might not be fit for. The staff, with their warmth and attention, assured me otherwise.

The Homestead is, at times, a place where you may feel underdressed in your Sunday best. But, that’s all right. Because, for every luxurious amenity, there are plenty of homey touches that encourage relaxation.

Whatever your background may be, Homestead Marketing Manager Eileen Judah assures that there are several draws to make the resort a personalized experience. “It’s very flexible.”

The History
About 10 years before the ink dried on the Declaration of Independence, the Homestead opened to the public in the rural town of Hot Springs. The resort just wrapped a full year of activities and events to celebrate its 250th anniversary.

Hot Springs is named after the earthy springs that were staples of the area, drawing the likes of political figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Robert E. Lee.

The Homestead proudly displays its rich history—from the Jeffersonian architecture to the daily history tour. The South Parlor is surrounded by painted panels displaying imagery that tells the story of the Homestead’s many milestones, starting with its founding in 1766 to the fire of 1901 that lead to much of the current building you see now through reconstruction.
Homestead Historian Keene Byrd—a man with a dry delivery, accompanied by a surprisingly cheeky sense of humor—is an expert on the lodge’s past.

“So much history happened here in this one place,” Byrd said.

Byrd says the springs were the height of the Homestead’s activities in the 1800s, but the traditions of the time demanded men and women enjoy them separately. Different color flags were used to indicate which gender was currently soaking. According to Byrd, sometimes pranksters would switch the flag colors causing embarrassing results.

Byrd also showed me the lobby bar that had walls covered in portraits of American presidents who have visited the Homestead during their time in office. Over the span of 250 years the expansive resort has built an impactful legacy, that fire or time seem unable to mar.
“We must be doing something right,” Byrd said.

The Celebration
In an age of trends, technology and businesses with shrinking life spans, the milestone of 250 years—older than America—is nothing short of remarkable. And the Homestead celebrated that anniversary in a grand fashion.

“We started planning our 250th anniversary a couple of years ago.

We had a very long list of ideas,” Director of Marketing and Communications Lynn Swann said.

Those ideas manifested themselves in several unique ways, big and small. For instance, the bakers were challenged to create a different cake recipe for every day of the year. The initiative brandished the fun slogan, “A historic anniversary that truly takes the cake.” Additionally, every month had its own theme. For example, January celebrated associates (staff), while February focused on presidents.

Swann says they even used the 3 p.m. tea time as an additional opportunity to celebrate the anniversary. A guest suggested the time be changed to 2:50 p.m. Swann was amused they had not thought of it.

The Staff
According to Swann, the Homestead is staffed with roughly 1,100 associates during its peak seasons, the holidays and summer.
The staff help to provide what Swann describes as “genuine southern hospitality.”

“The associates are the core of who we are,” Swann said.

Some staff members follow a legacy of family members who have served the Homestead for generations. Those Homestead mainstays—
often remembering names and even food orders—are cherished by the guests.

“Guests come back, and they form bonds with our associates.

It’s almost like a reunion of sorts,” Swann said.

Kenny Gwin is a perfect illustration of the legacies some associates share with the Homestead. He has worked at the resort for 46 years, and his family has worked at the Homestead for three generations.

Gwin, dressed in all white and covered in paint, spoke softly but passionately during our interview about the resort and its positive impact on his life. He stated that he had nothing but good to say about his workplace and home, the “old girl.”

“Me and the ‘old girl’ [have] been together a long time. She’s an old girl, but she’s a beautiful girl. She’s seen her times, she really has,” Gwin said.

The Experience
It is quite the task to attempt to experience everything the Homestead has to offer. Even more challenging is remaining concise while trying to describe it all. The Homestead boasts more than 2,000 acres, 483 guest rooms, and over 30 activities for guests to discover.
When I found my room, I was awestruck. It had all the perks you’d expect at any hotel, but touched with Homestead’s unique brand of colonial warmth. The attention to detail was refreshing.

My first evening there was little time to rest, as I had a dinner reservation at Sam Snead’s Tavern—a quaint and subtle eatery nestled away from the main resort site.

The tavern honors Snead, Bath County local celebrity and the Homestead’s own golfer extraordinaire. The meal and the atmosphere were a little closer to what I’m used to, with a simple menu and rustic aesthetic you would expect in a sports bar. French onion soup, fish and chips, and one big cookie were my company for the night, as I feasted like a very modest king.

The next day, I was treated to a breakfast buffet that was almost as extensive as the resort itself. This day was particularly exciting, as I experienced a few of the Homestead’s many activities. My choices: horseback riding, a much-needed massage afterward, and a trip to the resort’s unique spa area, the aqua thermal suite. The suite houses various, unique spa treatments including aromatic steam rooms, a chilling mist room, and experiential showers that combine light, sound and temperature to create the feel of a Caribbean or Atlantic storm.

Throughout my day I enjoyed my experiences alongside other guests and families and got a chance to chat with them about what brought them to the resort. For many, the Homestead is a family tradition. Others were exploring the resort on a tour to plan a future trip. Some were simply in town on business or said they visit to see the leaves change.

“This is also sort of that grand, old-fashioned, American family vacation,” Swann said.

Whatever the reason for their stay, all agreed that the Homestead was a unique place with a special environment.

“It’s just really nostalgic in a weird way,” businessman Matt Childers said.

Before I would leave in the morning, I had one more dinner to attend at Jefferson’s Restaurant. Although the menu seemed high class, it was comprised of several meaty dishes that appealed to those unique American sensibilities. The meatballs and a braised lamb stew were delicious and so well presented that I could not help but take a few photos.

On my last morning, a particularly sunny day, I did some exploring, ate as much of that breakfast buffet as I could, and attended the Homestead’s history tour.

I was thankful for the weather because when it was time to leave, I was able to take in the amazing view of Bath County, home to a one-of-a-kind destination full of history and culture.

By Jeremy Angione

Think there’s nothing to do when the weather turns cold? Don’t whine—there’s always wine. At wineries across Central Virginia, you can spend winter weekends warming up with a glass— or bottle—of locally-made wine.

Area winemakers will tell you that wintertime, what some might consider the off-season, is a great time to visit wineries. George Hodson, general manager at Veritas Vineyard & Winery in Afton, says at Veritas winter is “more of a mindset.”

In addition to the ambience of the fireplace—a good place to “snuggle up,” he said—winter is a quiet season, but in the best way. “We have our fireplace burning constantly,” Hodson said. “The other aspect is how quiet it is. Wintertime is the perfect time to do the wine trails because there’s less traffic.”

In addition, he said, the winter tasting room staff is “more tenured,” which can mean a better experience. “They can have a really good interaction with people who have worked at the wineries a long time, that core tasting-room staff,” he said.

Wineries also can be a great place to enjoy the winter weather, albeit probably from indoors. After all, as Afton Mountain Vineyards puts it on their website, “Grapes don’t grow in ugly places.”

At Afton Mountain, which along with Veritas is one of several wineries located along State Route 151 in Nelson County, visitors can sip wine in an enclosed pavilion overlooking the winery.

“It offers all the beautiful views, like you’d be sitting outside, but it’s enclosed, and you have heat and a nice place to relax,” tasting room manager Michelle Kimmell said. “It’s a large, relaxing space for people to gather.”

The tasting room at Afton’s Valley Road Vineyards offers a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Rockfish Valley. CEO Stan Joynes calls it “the money shot” and said they plan to install a fire pit outside as well.

The Homeplace Vineyard, in Chatham, hosts its tastings in a rustic log cabin, and for history buffs, the tasting room at Chatham’s Tomahawk Mill Vineyard & Winery is a grist mill, built in 1888 by Confederate veteran James Anderson.

Close to Wintergreen Resort, Flying Fox Vineyard is a good place to wind down after a day on the slopes, “It’s really cozy here,” owner Chloe Watkins said, adding, “When they’re sick of skiing, they’ll come see us.”

Bring out Your Reds
The staff at area wineries will tell you winter is the time to bring out the red wines. With holidays and heavier foods, reds are more popular. “In the winter, we find that a lot of people come in to get red wine because they’re having a party or an Italian meal, something like lasagna or a pasta dish,” Kimmell said.

Ports are a big seller, too. “We have a fabulous, port-style wine,” Kimmell said of Afton Mountain’s VDN. “[It’s] fortified with brandy. It’s made from our grape juice, and we send it off to be distilled—aged—in bourbon barrels. It’s a definite cold-weather favorite. It’s the perfect wine to cozy up in front of a warm fire with in the wintertime.”

Valley Road, which released its first bottles this past April, has what Joynes describes as “particularly spectacular” reds. “What we’ve been told is our Meritage is really special and will be more special if we put it away for a while,” Joynes said of the blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

At Flying Fox, Watkins said Red Table is a popular winter wine. Described on the website as an “off-dry blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot,” it’s said to appeal to both red and white fans. It’s also the wine Watkins uses to make mulled wine, a spiced, heated wine offered at some wineries during the winter.

Around Thanksgiving, Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery, in Afton, releases a nouveau, a holiday wine that’s made from grapes harvested just weeks before. “It’s not aged very long,” said Rose Harper, who works in the tasting room. “It’s a pretty quick process.”

For that reason, Harper said, it “only lasts about three months before it starts to go,” and nouveau wines are sold only until about mid-January. “You’ve got to get it and drink it. It’s a pretty limited batch.”

While not a red and technically not even a wine, Sans Soucy Vineyards’ Ginger wine is a popular choice for winter. According to co-owner Jackie Anctil, Ginger is “more of a cordial, after-dinner drink” and is a good partner for Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.

Anctil also suggests mixing it with bourbon or whisky to make a “Whisky Mac” or with champagne, her favorite. “It’s quite sweet and very gingery,” she said.

According to Anctil, Sans Soucy, located about a half-hour from Lynchburg in Brookneal, is the only winery in the Commonwealth and possibly beyond that makes ginger wine. “We’re the only ones who make ginger wine,” she said. “We’re the only ones in the state, for sure, and we pretty much believe we’re the only ones on the East Coast.”

Holiday Happenings
When thinking about the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” what’s likely to come to mind are drumming drummers, milking maids and partridges roosting in pear trees. This holiday season, consider a new, grownup take on the classic ditty: 12 days of holiday spirits—more specifically wine — along State Route 151 in Nelson County.

Nelson 151 (www.nelson151.com), a group that promotes wineries, breweries and distilleries along the scenic byway, will present its “Twelve Days of Christmas on Nelson 151” from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5, 2017.

Five wineries along the route—Flying Fox, Afton Mountain, Hill Top, Veritas and Cardinal Point—are participating in the fundraiser, which benefits several area charities.

“Each member of 151 chooses a local charity that they want to support on their designated day,” Hodson, of Veritas, said. “They also choose how they want to determine their contribution. Some will do a percentage of total revenue, some will have the value of tastings.”

Take a Drive
Route 151 Wine Tour (From Lynchburg, south to north)
Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery,
2800 Berry Hill Rd., Nellysford.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days.
www.hilltopberrywine.com.

Flying Fox Vineyard,
27 Chapel Hollow Rd., Afton.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Monday.
www.flyingfoxvineyard.com.

Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery,
9423 Batesville Rd., Afton.
11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days (November/December), weekends only, January through March.
www.cardinalpointwinery.com

Afton Mountain Vineyards,
234 Vineyard Ln., Afton.
11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days (weather permitting).
www.aftonmountainvineyards.com.

Veritas Vineyard & Winery,
151 Veritas Ln., Afton.
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
www.veritaswines.com.

Valley Road Vineyards,
9264 Critzers Shop Rd., Afton.
10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
www.valleyroadwines.com.

Southside Wine Tour
The Homeplace Vineyard,
568 Rigney Circle, Chatham.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Closed January and February.
www.thehomeplacevineyard.com.

Tomahawk Mill Vineyard & Winery,
9221 Anderson Mill Rd., Chatham.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday, through mid-December. Mid-December through mid-March, by appointment.
www.tomahawkmill.com.

Sans Soucy Vineyards (and Staunton River Brewing Company),
1571 Mount Calvary Rd., Brookneal.
1 to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday (check Facebook for additional hours).
www.sanssoucyvineyards.com.

By Suzanne Ramsey

Mulled Wine
Pictured Above. (Sans Soucy Vineyards)

Ingredients
1 bottle Sans Soucy Oak N’ Berry wine
1 quart apple cider
1 cup orange juice
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. orange zest
2 tsp. butter (not margarine)
Cayenne pepper, to taste
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Handful of cinnamon sticks

Directions
Mix first nine ingredients in a pot or slow cooker and simmer on low one to two hours. DO NOT BOIL. Serve in cups with a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese
(Pairs well with ports, www.allrecipes.com)

Ingredients
1 pound thin-sliced bacon, cut in half
1 pound pitted dates
4 ounces blue cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice dates in half and stuff with blue cheese. Wrap a half-slice of bacon around each stuffed date. Secure with toothpick. Arrange dates on rack in baking dish. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, turning halfway, until bacon is crispy.

Whisky Mac
Ingredients
2 shots whisky or bourbon
1 shot ginger wine
Ice

Directions
Mix ingredients, stir, enjoy.