Hideaway Cafe

Hideaway Cafe

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

The Hideaway Cafe opened up just a few months ago in Winchester. True to its name, the Hideaway Cafe is tucked away across Braddock Street from Handley Library. As you enter there are signs guiding you downstairs to the warm niche where you can buy your coffee. The baristas are friendly and are ready to answer any questions you may have about their coffees and teas (they have a fierce cold brew). There is a piano in one corner where musicians come to play on some weekends. A wide variety of seating is available from couches, a picnic table bench, high tables, and classic seating. Crayons are provided for both little ones and adults to get creative at some tables and books abound in a cozy corner. The Cafe has done an excellent job of combining coffee and entertainment, giving the cafe an open, welcoming, and community-centered feel. The owners have done a great job syncing their business with the feel of Old Town while also adding their own flare, so utilize your sleuthing skills and come find the Hideaway Cafe. 

Visit the Hideaway Cafe website here.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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CrepeWorx

CrepeWorx

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

My husband and I visited CrepeWorx, a new restaurant on the walking mall. They create, you guessed it, crepes! 

What's nice about the ordering options is you can choose from pre-created crepes (both savory and dessert types) or you can build your own once to suit your tastes. I ended up trying their Turtle dessert crepe which has chocolate, nuts, and caramel and it was delicious; it was very sweet and would be a nice item to order and share as a dessert on a date. My husband did a 'build your own' crepe and he made it into a savory breakfast crepe. He enjoyed the flavors a lot, but told me he was still hungry afterwards. 

We agree the interior atmosphere has been revamped splendidly and that the food tastes good. My recommendation would be to go for lunch when you might be looking for a meal that's not too heavy, or for breakfast. The hours at CrepeWorx suggest they agree, as most days they are open from 7:30am - 3:00pm. This would be a great place for friends to meet up for a brunch or a bible study to meet and chat. Stop by and try a crepe and bring a friend. 

You can visit their Facebook page here. 

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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. 

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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.

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