Mackintosh Fruit Farm

Mackintosh Fruit Farm

Friday, June 24, 2016

About 10-15 minutes east of town, between Winchester and Berryville, lies Mackintosh Fruit Farm. They grow a variety of fruits for you to come and pick during different seasons. Strawberry season is just ending but they have a nice supply of blueberries and raspberries coming in! As you drive in there is a friendly little dog who greets you and on the particular day we visited there were three free kittens available (that the owners had found in a box on the side of the road). Clearly the owners are animal lovers! 

An attendant will help by giving you a basket to put your desired fruit in and you're off! You can traverse the rows in their fields and hunt for ripe strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Once you finish picking you weigh your fruit and pay (a very reasonable price). There are plenty of tables and chairs if you'd like to sit and try some of their baked goods or even the fruit you picked. I would recommend arriving earlier in the day to avoid crowds and to enjoy picking the fruits in the coolest part of the day. 

Read more »

Winchester Brew Works

Winchester Brew Works

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Winchester Brew Works opened recently in Old Town on Cameron Street, near Piccadilly. They offer a variety of beers, from stouts to ales, or you can try on a flight for size. The interior space is minimalistic with wooden tables and a pergola, with plenty of space to come in with a group of friends for the night. It's somewhat reminiscent of the outdoors with a canoe in one corner, the wood grains, and unique Virginian beer names popping up on their tap list. You can sit at the bar or sit with a group of friends and enjoy beers brewed right in downtown Winchester. Our personal favorites were the Mango Wheat and the Lil Schloss (don't you love the call out to the Virginian hiking spot?). Stop by one evening and try some craft beers and decide what your favorite is!

Visit their website here and Facebook here. 

Read more »

Valerie Hill

Valerie Hill

Monday, June 6, 2016

My husband and I recently visited Valerie Hill near Stephen's City to do a wine tasting. We really enjoyed the premises and asking about the history of the home. We sipped on several different wines, and our personal favorite was the Vidal Blanc (we'll be stopping back by for a few more glasses this summer I'm sure). There was a beautiful event tent outside with views of the vineyard. While you visit you can move around to several different rooms in the home to find some privacy, sit on the patio, or walk down to the event tent and enjoy some music if an artist is present that day. The winery is only a few minutes outside of Winchester and could provide an easy, relaxing afternoon this summer.

Visit their website here. 

Read more »

Chocolate Escape

Chocolate Escape

Friday, February 19, 2016

This month some friends and I met together downtown to meander the Loudoun Mall in search of decadent chocolates. The Chocolate Escape was back in town for the third year (you can see last year's post here)!

We started our journey at Brewbakers with their chocolate mouse martinis (and select members opting in for a glass of wine on the side). This was a delicious dessert and an excellent start to the tour. 

We also stopped by the Winchester Book Gallery, which was offering a smattering of different desserts that were made from some of their cook books. Isn't that a clever idea? 

The next stop on our tour was actually Murphy's Beverage Company, but we got distracted with the chocolate wine tastings. Then we headed on south to the Bright Box. They had a talented duo, Someone to Ride the River With, singing for the event so customers could buy some chocolates and then listen to live music.

We also hit up The Black Rose, which is a quaint boutique that offers a variety of little desserts and foods along with some gifts and trinkets.

All in all, I'm very glad that the city of Winchester has continued to do these events and that the turnout is great. It's a fun event to draw people into the heart of Winchester and recognize all the our community has to offer. A big thanks to the coordinators and participating businesses; we had a blast.

Read more »

First Night 2016

First Night 2016

Thursday, January 14, 2016

First Night Winchester takes place downtown with participating churches and businesses. A variety of acts (such as magicians, musicians, and performers) will come and show their acts to enthralled audiences. To participate there is a $10 price tag per button. These buttons get a new design every year and by wearing it for the evening you get admittance to all of the shows. If you're ever looking for something fun to do on New Years Eve, give First Night a shot on the downtown walking mall.

Read more »

Shenandoah University: The Arts

Shenandoah University: The Arts

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

I recently went to a performance of Romeo & Juliet at the Ohrstrom Bryant Theatre. The university adds value to the community that I believe is often over-looked. First, for students, it is possible to get to free tickets to nearly every performance. For citizens of Winchester there are occasional free performances (such as the upcoming Navy Band Concert on January 15). 

The performances are worth the cost and the students are very good at what they do. Whether you're interested in theater, chorales, or jazz music you can certainly find your niche. 

Read more »

Hill High Farm

Hill High Farm

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Hill High Farm is a locally owned business that invites people onto their land to pick apples and pumpkins, navigate a corn maze, take a hayride, and pet some animals. In one week they will open their Haunted House as well. 

Their corn maze covers several acres and you're given a punch card before you enter. There are six stations placed throughout the maze that you and your team are supposed find. There are pictures and jokes spread on each sign and a hole punch, so you can tag your card and prove you found all six stations. 

There are funnel cakes, pork rinds, apple cider, pies, and much more for sale along with autumn-themed gifts.

If you and your family decide to take a hayride you'll hop aboard and a tractor will pull you through the farm. For $6 you get a hayride, a pumpkin, and a short educational talk with the owner, Vernon, as he rides his horse (Bo or Rooster) with his farm dog Max trailing alongside him. 

There are also several animals such as donkeys, goats, and calves to pet and interact with. Kids and adults both will be sure to have a lot of fun at the farm. If you're looking for more information check out their website or their Facebook.

Read more »

Family Drive In

Family Drive In

Sunday, July 5, 2015

If you're in Winchester for the summer and are looking for a unique experience, you've found it. Did you know the Family Drive-In has been open for 58 years? It's well-deserved. Having grown up in the area, the drive in was a key part of summer evenings for my family. We would grab the truck and either an air mattress or lawn chairs and head to Stephen's City for an evening filled with food and movies. 

There are two screens at the drive in, one of which is usually family & kid-oriented so everyone can have a good time. When you get your tickets at the booth they direct you to the screen your movie will be playing at, then you park your car next to one of the radios. You can extend it into your car (pictured below) and listen to class tunes before the show starts. While you're here make sure to take a look at their movie reels and grab some concessions, which are reasonably priced. You can also bring your own food for $5, so you could order a pizza and bring it with you. If you have kids there is a play ground near Screen 1 with swings and a jungle gym too. 

This is a great experience for families, dates, or a group of friends to enjoy. Many people haven't been to a movie at a drive in theater so make sure to drive down and visit (10-15 minutes outside Winchester).

Read more »

Farmers Market

Farmers Market

Saturday, May 30, 2015

The Winchester Farmers Market is open for the season and with a new location at the Taylor Pavilion. There are many vendors that are selling a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. You can stop by and get some cool, refreshing drinks and chat with the vendors and volunteers. Musicians will be performing each Saturday so be sure to set aside some time each week to support our community and check out the variety offered at the market. 

Read more »