Spend Thanksgiving weekend 2013 in historic Staunton, Virginia

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF2CsT5ZntjeVfI2GyaJpw0EZvaTAmh2Y9sMWnAUNcov_ku8vrjc0LSev3sQ2d38NL3C6UQeNCg8Ilij19J_mJBeSHZkR90Twi-sgm3wNKvQcXk_Eef-z_Hr_vZV97wbQlP_Xz6uCEas/s1600/Thanksgiving+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF2CsT5ZntjeVfI2GyaJpw0EZvaTAmh2Y9sMWnAUNcov_ku8vrjc0LSev3sQ2d38NL3C6UQeNCg8Ilij19J_mJBeSHZkR90Twi-sgm3wNKvQcXk_Eef-z_Hr_vZV97wbQlP_Xz6uCEas/s400/Thanksgiving+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />There are few places as quaint and picturesque as the city of Staunton in the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, this community-oriented small town celebrates holidays in style, and Thanksgiving is no exception. For a fun and exciting adventure, spend the long weekend enjoying all the area has to offer. The calendar of events is packed with activities to celebrate Thanksgiving and welcome the holiday season.<br /><br /><b>Wednesday, November 27:</b><br />- Playhouse Tour, 2:00 pm, Blackfriars Playhouse<br />- Trivia, 7:00 pm, Zabbs Beach Day Cafe<br />- "She Stoops to Conquer," 7:30 pm, Blackfriars Playhouse<br />- Live jazz, 7:30 pm, Mill Street Grill<br />- The Level, 8:00 pm, Clocktower Restaurant<br />- Brent Hull & Joe Tyree, 9:00 pm, Byers Street Bistro <br /><br /><b>Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 28:</b><br />Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal at one of the local restaurants that will be open:<br />- <a href="http://www.kathys-restaurant.com/thanksgiving-buffet/">Kathy's Restaurant</a>, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm, reservations available<br />- <a href="http://www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com/media/docs/ChristmasCalendar2013.pdf">Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center</a>, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm<br />- Rowe's Restaurant<br />- <a href="http://www.crackerbarrel.com/restaurant/thanksgiving#OpenForThanksgiving">Cracker Barrel</a>, 6:00 am - 10:00 pm<br /><br /><b>Friday, November 29:</b><br /><b>Black Friday"</b> offers the opportunity to check out the local stores and shops of downtown Staunton and the surrounding vicinity. From unique gift items, jewelry, clothing, handmade chocolates, and domestic goods in Staunton to the shopping availabilities of Waynesboro's Target, Books-a-Million, and Kohl's, there's plenty to keep everyone happy. Check out local restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as unique coffee shops throughout town.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.gvbookfair.com/">Green Valley Book Fair</a></b> will open Friday, November 29, for its last two-week run of 2013. Open daily, this Mt. Crawford book retailer is known far and wide for its deeply discounted deals on books, audio tapes, and more. It's a great spot to pick up gifts for everyone from children to grandparents. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.frontiermuseum.org/"><b>The Frontier Culture Museum's gift shop</b></a> offers imported items from Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain as well as America -- nutcrackers, Christmas ornaments, glassware, historical and cook books, and other just-right gift items for that special person. Don't forget the Museum's famous fudge that comes in a variety of flavors and is always a favorite with visitors.<br /><br />Staunton's world-known <b><a href="http://www.americanshakespearecenter.com/">American Shakespeare Theater</a></b> kicks off the holiday season on  Friday, November 29, with a variety of offerings<i></i> in the authentically recreated Blackfriars Playhouse as well as tours of the theater. The playhouse can be found on Market Street beside the Stonewall Jackson Hotel.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oxeyevineyards.com/our-tasting-room/"><b>Ox-Eye Vineyard's tasting room</b></a> is located in a renovated 1910 building in the historic Wharf District of downtown Staunton which offers an inviting location to taste this local wines crafted by Susan and John Kiers.<br /><br />The <b><a href="http://www.stauntondowntown.org/">Staunton Christmas Parade</a> </b>will add a magical touch on Monday, December 2 (always the first Monday after Thanksgiving). The route will begin at Frederick and Augusta Streets, turn down Market Street, and then turn right onto Beverley Street. Thousands of tiny white twinkly lights, Christmas decorations, and inviting window displays will entice visitors to step into shops and dine in restaurants before and after the parade. Bundle up for a fun evening in the brisk December air, followed up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Meeting friends downtown is a must for this annual tradition.<br /><br />Be sure to check the <a href="http://www.visitstaunton.com/stauntonontap.htm">Visit Staunton</a> website for more activities as well as lodging and dining opportunities. Come to the Shenandoah Valley for Thanksgiving and stick around to kick off your holiday season.

Appalachian Mountains Blue Ridge Mountains Central Shenandoah Valley Christmas Historic Downtown Staunton Lynn R. Mitchell Thanksgiving western Virginia Spend Thanksgiving weekend 2013 in historic Staunton, Virginia

There are few places as quaint and picturesque as the city of Staunton in the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Surrounded by the Blue ...

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'Tis the season for Christmas tree farms

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNFjjeWNepEBYdwa4QPnr85L5TayNg1BPsOKfQmLNUbtPcB9QDNfBnYzsKd5cJWkIFzsKL-u9ZS3frNDiPOjOG_6M8nphw5N-2IbgdhWbTmu6EmSuX78hNfv0qQxhRAr2rrxpd_uaRD-L/s1600/Christmas+tree+McDonnell+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNFjjeWNepEBYdwa4QPnr85L5TayNg1BPsOKfQmLNUbtPcB9QDNfBnYzsKd5cJWkIFzsKL-u9ZS3frNDiPOjOG_6M8nphw5N-2IbgdhWbTmu6EmSuX78hNfv0qQxhRAr2rrxpd_uaRD-L/s400/Christmas+tree+McDonnell+2.jpeg" width="308" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Linda Jones and Joe Freeman of Mistletoe Meadows Tree Farm deliver Christmas tree to Virginia Executive Mansion in 2010. With First Lady Maureen McDonnell.</i></div><br />So you may not be ready to pick out a <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/christmas-tree-season-comes-early-this-year/article_0b606dde-4fe1-11e3-a267-0019bb30f31a.html" target="_blank">Christmas tree</a> today but it's not too late to be thinking about this year's purchase. After all, there's only <a href="http://www.xmasclock.com/" target="_blank">35 days until Christmas as the countdown clock shows</a>. <br /><br />Here's a list of Virginia Christmas tree retailers: <a href="http://vagrown.va-vdacs.com/Default.aspx?category=CHRISTMAS%20TREES" target="_blank">Virginia Grown Christmas Trees</a>.<br /><br />Here's a list of Christmas tree farms in the Staunton area: <a href="http://vagrown.va-vdacs.com/Default.aspx?category=CHRISTMAS+TREES" target="_blank">Staunton Christmas Tree Farms</a>.<br /><br />Gather the family and have fun! 'Tis the season....

Blue Ridge Mountains Christmas in Shenandoah Valley Christmas tree farms Joe Freeman Linda Jones Maureen McDonnell Mistletoe Meadows Tree Farm Staunton Virginia Grown Christmas Trees western Virginia 'Tis the season for Christmas tree farms

Linda Jones and Joe Freeman of Mistletoe Meadows Tree Farm deliver Christmas tree to Virginia Executive Mansion in 2010. With First Lady Mau...

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Crimora Mine retreat for rent in Blue Ridge foothills of Augusta County

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhEbdbPWGCh5r6t1AkYHiDdo9zZ_3e0_iFGCocr_9sZL8tOiOCBXWtC6ZaYGdlUhm6ySB16trC5oAWub2tbD7aBEVEZfEgneLwb3sNUpUgMBBkyZjOzn-H4MLcaVTwG0tF2vaygLVKCmB/s1600/Crimora+Mine+rental+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhEbdbPWGCh5r6t1AkYHiDdo9zZ_3e0_iFGCocr_9sZL8tOiOCBXWtC6ZaYGdlUhm6ySB16trC5oAWub2tbD7aBEVEZfEgneLwb3sNUpUgMBBkyZjOzn-H4MLcaVTwG0tF2vaygLVKCmB/s400/Crimora+Mine+rental+house.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Crimora Mine Retreat is a beautiful log home available for rent that is located in eastern Augusta County adjacent to Shenandoah National Park and accessible by an old-fashioned covered bridge.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.crimoramineretreat.com/">From their website</a>:<br /><blockquote><b>Crimora</b> <b>Mine Retreat</b> is a luxurious log home completed in the fall of 2007. This private vacation cabin is located on 150 acres of woodland in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bordered by the Shenandoah National Park and a few miles from the Appalachian Trail, Crimora Mine Retreat is the perfect place for a getaway with family and friends. <br /><br />You can enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing all while soaking up breathtaking views from this stunning locale. Mountains, lakes and sunsets can be seen from every angle and the surrounding area is teaming with deer, bear, turkey, beavers, ducks, hawks and even an occasional bald eagle! <br /><br />This state of the art, four bedroom, three bath home boasts a gourmet kitchen, game room, wrap-around porch with hot tub and most importantly…this all comes to you at an affordable price!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Crimora, Virginia is conveniently close to:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Harrisonburg</div><div style="text-align: center;">Waynesboro</div><div style="text-align: center;">Staunton</div><div style="text-align: center;">Charlottesville</div><br />Crimora Mine Retreat is part of the open pit manganese mines that started in 1866. Manganese was used in the production of steel and can still be found scattered all over the property. The three adjoining man-made lakes range anywhere from 20 to 100 feet deep with underground shafts connecting multiple water sources around the Crimora area.</blockquote><a href="http://www.crimoramineretreat.com/contact">Rental rates and accommodations info</a>:<br />Crimora Mine Retreat sleeps up to ten people<br />No pets/smoking - 25 year age requirement<br />$475/night for weekdays<br />$575/night for weekends/holiday<br />$3000 weekly<br />$30/day optional golf cart rental<br /><br />Pavilion available for rent separately for special occasions.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1z5ge1naLv4O-2awHMnE7Xgux8LS6mtl0sSd0aIaSw51zAbYY0OOH-5iQrAjuVzTOTE2lkCsfc12hOvgb7silAS1eQwfkq-QU-TBAS4W6dJ45EogK3P3nX6iX-wL0ZUO-N_exzufd2xMQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1z5ge1naLv4O-2awHMnE7Xgux8LS6mtl0sSd0aIaSw51zAbYY0OOH-5iQrAjuVzTOTE2lkCsfc12hOvgb7silAS1eQwfkq-QU-TBAS4W6dJ45EogK3P3nX6iX-wL0ZUO-N_exzufd2xMQ/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Covered bridge entry to Crimora Mine Retreat.<br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell, November 2, 2013.</i></div>

Augusta County Blue Ridge Mountains Crimora Mine Retreat log home rental Shenandoah National Park Crimora Mine retreat for rent in Blue Ridge foothills of Augusta County

Crimora Mine Retreat is a beautiful log home available for rent that is located in eastern Augusta County adjacent to Shenandoah National Pa...

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Adventures with Barb ... enjoying the waning days of fall leaf season 2013

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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oXsLBCWuFeulp3RhS2eB2UGRCdwSLljsdq2-Z9_d7JyBLLDLtyhRiupHq1X55bQcU5CcrLsH7CEBygHUGhlR-64PH9DQ-udiRy-VY6AtTSXmC7zmpAZDmCbt8DGaufgvVEciRG9NV5-G/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oXsLBCWuFeulp3RhS2eB2UGRCdwSLljsdq2-Z9_d7JyBLLDLtyhRiupHq1X55bQcU5CcrLsH7CEBygHUGhlR-64PH9DQ-udiRy-VY6AtTSXmC7zmpAZDmCbt8DGaufgvVEciRG9NV5-G/s400/18.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeayDJsFFBHlSmFhaUfsiK6VhnR8idf6_PSSe-PbkWowOAhASd9IIi-uxVqhyDU6tXTupjUL7_tzKXGb7Ml_pzyxv63aPrlV1fQUrsxKXll0OvKGko2r1fCgadFSFj3ojlsQ5l_QztVWY/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeayDJsFFBHlSmFhaUfsiK6VhnR8idf6_PSSe-PbkWowOAhASd9IIi-uxVqhyDU6tXTupjUL7_tzKXGb7Ml_pzyxv63aPrlV1fQUrsxKXll0OvKGko2r1fCgadFSFj3ojlsQ5l_QztVWY/s400/29.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><br />These photos were all taken in Augusta County, most of them along the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. What a glorious day just going where the wind blew. The Shenandoah Valley was at peak leaf color on the first weekend in November, unusually late for this area, but it's been an unusual leaf season. With sunny skies and cool temperatures, the final colors of red and gold popped out which sent Barb and me on another adventure along the back roads and up to Afton.<br /><br />We found a covered bridge, visited a friend whose property touches the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park, found trees with leaves of shimmering golds and brilliant reds, observed vehicles parked at Skyline Drive overlooks along the Blue Ridge Mountains, toured the Dooleys' marble mansion on Afton known as Swannanoa, stopped for caramel corn from Afton's popcorn man, and lunched at McAlister's where our plans to eat at an outdoor table were sidelined by a prevailing wind with an exceptionally cool edge to it. <br /><br />It was a fun day. More photos to come<br /><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />#FallinVA <br />November 2, 2013

Adventures with Barb Afton Mountain back roads of Augusta County Blue Ridge Mountains Lynn R. Mitchell Swannanoa tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Adventures with Barb ... enjoying the waning days of fall leaf season 2013

These photos were all taken in Augusta County, most of them along the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. What a glorious day jus...

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Leaf peeping on the back roads of Rockingham County

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Blue Ridge Mountains fall in Shenandoah Valley October leaf looking Rockingham County tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Leaf peeping on the back roads of Rockingham County

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell October 27, 2013

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Virginia back roads ... Foggy Ridge Cider

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrbWPXq5lRwGjLLfuwX-gZMCUdrlr6diIN-_HUw3pjiT26fS8CHvYjKWoYjU8_b04Lpiglf7W_SBlVfMs9NRplcpN6Z_OCIB1mdn4nEWawo6RmQLfookqRizXPY-rn5JmBdy-biGJOBPU/s1600/46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrbWPXq5lRwGjLLfuwX-gZMCUdrlr6diIN-_HUw3pjiT26fS8CHvYjKWoYjU8_b04Lpiglf7W_SBlVfMs9NRplcpN6Z_OCIB1mdn4nEWawo6RmQLfookqRizXPY-rn5JmBdy-biGJOBPU/s400/46.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"It is indeed bad to eat apples. It is better to make them all into cider ."<br />--<i>Benjamin Franklin </i></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.foggyridgecider.com/">Foggy Ridge Cider</a> ... what a delightful discovery on the back roads of Virginia as we explored communities near the Blue Ridge Parkway! You've heard of Dugspur, right? <i>No?</i> It's a tiny little community tucked away off Rt. 58 in Carroll County, and that was where we were headed to check out this <a href="http://www.foggyridgecider.com/our-cider/our-cider.php">award-winning cider</a>. After all, September is apple season in the Commonwealth.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fPlXYKEyjZHByw0GPKBN_o1Per6hR5hj8fuqpda54z-KhBqwWekO-eS1K0rUaJFtwvDXcWpLaaqDbKCaO44UwJBItEatz2rMk-KuwQFIqmgYMjb9lCxagoyq9nDhrAFjPkSAcg_czMaF/s1600/47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fPlXYKEyjZHByw0GPKBN_o1Per6hR5hj8fuqpda54z-KhBqwWekO-eS1K0rUaJFtwvDXcWpLaaqDbKCaO44UwJBItEatz2rMk-KuwQFIqmgYMjb9lCxagoyq9nDhrAFjPkSAcg_czMaF/s400/47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.foggyridgecider.com/">website</a> had an inviting greeting that intrigued me: "At Foggy Ridge Cider we value a rural life. Dirt roads, starry skies and plenty of wildlife are more important to us than WalMart, Hardees or a shopping mall. The surrounding three counties average 1.3 traffic lights and less than 20,000 people per county. This is a good thing.While we're not on the beaten path, we are easy to find and will greet all visitors with a warm and gracious welcome."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwosUG5V159cCPmGJKw1xq0vbcGEwX9ckPPCc8vxrACF14v96y0plEwoN-ps2U1J6uccUagb3y8E63w7RbqdzzyXr09Nu-PWiaLFL5Ksgcz6rvPHPOmjVTycfyDUwGphnWzDn_k-Iy3AOf/s1600/48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwosUG5V159cCPmGJKw1xq0vbcGEwX9ckPPCc8vxrACF14v96y0plEwoN-ps2U1J6uccUagb3y8E63w7RbqdzzyXr09Nu-PWiaLFL5Ksgcz6rvPHPOmjVTycfyDUwGphnWzDn_k-Iy3AOf/s640/48.jpg" width="529" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like places that are off the beaten path so we set out in search of Foggy Ridge Cider, following Buffalo Mountain in the distance and the wildflowers along the roadways and the occasional brightly-colored tree signaling fall had arrived. It was late September and the weather was sunny and cool.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We arrived just in time for a tasting with two other couples. Lynn was our warm and friendly server and entertainer, providing an excellent presentation of artisan cider and story-telling that kept everyone laughing as they tossed out verbal observations after each offering. The comfortable feeling was of seven friends enjoying an afternoon drinking hand-crafted cider while overlooking the orchard with Buffalo Mountain in the background.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQjlE5meeO-hRzuj9EGrcHgINJt8JP1vLu4Ck6M7E_VN76dGWt-RCQM0D23RC049dc-5NRSzB8aLTVywhBV9nSItNE30NF-7eAV1hhRbOB85WkJ3qLJaT1SQyPfxidkCSxNfkyBm6D6nh/s1600/45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQjlE5meeO-hRzuj9EGrcHgINJt8JP1vLu4Ck6M7E_VN76dGWt-RCQM0D23RC049dc-5NRSzB8aLTVywhBV9nSItNE30NF-7eAV1hhRbOB85WkJ3qLJaT1SQyPfxidkCSxNfkyBm6D6nh/s400/45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <a href="http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/natural_area_preserves/buffalo.shtml">Buffalo Mountain</a>. It was said that in pioneer days, children were given permission to roam as long as they had Buffalo Mountain in their sights. It can be seen from a thirty-mile radius. It looms over the orchard at Foggy Ridge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFIduslGmeNWmUcwC42R3hpHIORwmM0QXprIPLKEEG8yaWuh3xM8S4kbWnc3HiSJ-qMC6MmuxaNqYPQ2asZIwxFVFN2sr-9rMnsz5epYM4hvPAEmZlU_ts5wRkkkjQaNT7B1fujbniQX8/s1600/49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFIduslGmeNWmUcwC42R3hpHIORwmM0QXprIPLKEEG8yaWuh3xM8S4kbWnc3HiSJ-qMC6MmuxaNqYPQ2asZIwxFVFN2sr-9rMnsz5epYM4hvPAEmZlU_ts5wRkkkjQaNT7B1fujbniQX8/s400/49.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foggyridgecider.com/our-cider/our-cider.php">Reviews</a> over the years have been numerous and glowing, as seen in the framed copies on the walls of the tasting room.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0-jROdD5xhW1YgNw7c5gAaUwS8gPhIllzACle420AGosnjRUf2I7wwZGRc-O0Ch1RiouiHgfKznaKFEJLySS3DD8Y5CB_9-Fl0uCz3AnjJ4MHV3Bj0KwXBeRV83rh7evKyg-VKjNiYtT/s1600/56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0-jROdD5xhW1YgNw7c5gAaUwS8gPhIllzACle420AGosnjRUf2I7wwZGRc-O0Ch1RiouiHgfKznaKFEJLySS3DD8Y5CB_9-Fl0uCz3AnjJ4MHV3Bj0KwXBeRV83rh7evKyg-VKjNiYtT/s400/56.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUHrWo2W7oAnN6RYLIse4osfCUbq4btiKEqBchBJf-WlE2GsWmuCXe1IAivfmam1mvepr87Dk0GX5C1WcTszpDuKe6KBno7m_wJiwrA09MJsvuM6iVfGAnCMmgPahjT3RP262WbXjNgF8/s1600/57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUHrWo2W7oAnN6RYLIse4osfCUbq4btiKEqBchBJf-WlE2GsWmuCXe1IAivfmam1mvepr87Dk0GX5C1WcTszpDuKe6KBno7m_wJiwrA09MJsvuM6iVfGAnCMmgPahjT3RP262WbXjNgF8/s400/57.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Diane Flynt, owner and cider artist, wrote: "Simple is often best–think of a just caught whole fish brushed with fruity olive oil and grilled on a bed of fresh herbs. Or pasta topped with fresh tomatoes, basil and a syrupy balsamic vinegar. Simple is also best with cider. Foggy Ridge Cider begins in the orchard with apples carefully selected for their unique flavors and grown for taste, not appearance. In our cidermaking, we aim to put this fruit in the bottle with minimal manipulation."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGYf-X9lM_p_66axOGYdlwp47KEnBjOO-B61XtEjhS8xt6cmWCCRtbGWPgb0_X76AxYcQLFNAOOC9J8SeuGB76vJrJkFxROMaT0DrQLhTsNF1ubX0XHl4CmFFBZM1AXvyPNu48qsRaMOR/s1600/60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGYf-X9lM_p_66axOGYdlwp47KEnBjOO-B61XtEjhS8xt6cmWCCRtbGWPgb0_X76AxYcQLFNAOOC9J8SeuGB76vJrJkFxROMaT0DrQLhTsNF1ubX0XHl4CmFFBZM1AXvyPNu48qsRaMOR/s400/60.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5im9z6ma8-AQM7hbNpRYO_jrIWymvBYseCQHaxrVrSWgDPigecCVjKmbYU70arkkmuw2O1HtwnTmFiF1-_ut6neCEgng-6jkQOvLvGy1dNNnRprotIz0hHUjgHTASlziP6SMzNeHDoMi/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5im9z6ma8-AQM7hbNpRYO_jrIWymvBYseCQHaxrVrSWgDPigecCVjKmbYU70arkkmuw2O1HtwnTmFiF1-_ut6neCEgng-6jkQOvLvGy1dNNnRprotIz0hHUjgHTASlziP6SMzNeHDoMi/s640/1.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">We adopted three bottles to take home for enjoying and sharing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>First Fruit</b> cider blends early season American heirloom apples to create a rich fruity cider with lively acidity to drink, like Thomas Jefferson, on its own or with a meal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Foggy Ridge Handmade</b>, bottled in baby champagne bottles, is for sale only at restaurants, retailers, and at Foggy Ridge Cider Mill. This crisp cider made from Newtown Pippin apples has beautiful soft tannins and a delicate apple flavor with light pear notes.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiTgJODnsteY5oOwSutBYdtCRNbXgS4UI5bO5n4x6C7PG5Ybh_3zIwChGprAeqxs3sBWveb49IN8f00ZNwVc_pLaJ6LTBPJX37SPsqUqcqypzJqgquFrIW4qMO1TFn0qV9phCH6ytRIYL/s1600/61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiTgJODnsteY5oOwSutBYdtCRNbXgS4UI5bO5n4x6C7PG5Ybh_3zIwChGprAeqxs3sBWveb49IN8f00ZNwVc_pLaJ6LTBPJX37SPsqUqcqypzJqgquFrIW4qMO1TFn0qV9phCH6ytRIYL/s400/61.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Award-winning medals.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntd0lK-ED47zN7fAgYHUwuHM17iJn_FtS4cugbjOTs8rXLSf58EQ_bBNfg9oYXm9K979qK2dELwI-4OcrQblJJjEGnXVXBS66f_Zkq4n7IB-xD8r3AYWZm1OCw8WEi8wmCxgZAg_tX5GW/s1600/62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntd0lK-ED47zN7fAgYHUwuHM17iJn_FtS4cugbjOTs8rXLSf58EQ_bBNfg9oYXm9K979qK2dELwI-4OcrQblJJjEGnXVXBS66f_Zkq4n7IB-xD8r3AYWZm1OCw8WEi8wmCxgZAg_tX5GW/s400/62.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36JW94rf2BOKMWDrPOrCS-g7XVCcKP6Sxbyu6c0Ls4hFqENJlrczVOFGiw7XdiJqFobHS_20oiQ_z2vrlCTQpSMp6TQAJpVbTsNg5mT0yLw25y3HbElE9D8Xbtg5cBx2DV7dp8ABnU3OF/s1600/63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36JW94rf2BOKMWDrPOrCS-g7XVCcKP6Sxbyu6c0Ls4hFqENJlrczVOFGiw7XdiJqFobHS_20oiQ_z2vrlCTQpSMp6TQAJpVbTsNg5mT0yLw25y3HbElE9D8Xbtg5cBx2DV7dp8ABnU3OF/s400/63.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJJIDaW_JVs_1_FoqNgukxv4QtAwXZktwmxXrKnM_YVwvn2apWxdTLri10XoVzO5ksI2nNo_0zBVU2Sh5VIGMtkxpKaCMYa3kdghdCXdEYrt87hDuFJz7PJONqimv0_06TuwpeEALXj8H/s1600/64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJJIDaW_JVs_1_FoqNgukxv4QtAwXZktwmxXrKnM_YVwvn2apWxdTLri10XoVzO5ksI2nNo_0zBVU2Sh5VIGMtkxpKaCMYa3kdghdCXdEYrt87hDuFJz7PJONqimv0_06TuwpeEALXj8H/s400/64.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77UHi9dUkvFMGPyl_h0kkqhGIaiDeIexXTyw4oV8gNk7xmE2cFaeWAYdaJaiqUsEXnqmTFgjLlWm5C7sjy5eIF3Ih0VCIft8y5FR-mr-vptvJj4daeH9fbJ79QIGMamWERzT4YeyXzx2D/s1600/65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77UHi9dUkvFMGPyl_h0kkqhGIaiDeIexXTyw4oV8gNk7xmE2cFaeWAYdaJaiqUsEXnqmTFgjLlWm5C7sjy5eIF3Ih0VCIft8y5FR-mr-vptvJj4daeH9fbJ79QIGMamWERzT4YeyXzx2D/s400/65.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5Mv2hRtR3enQcMVhbXSEiTLo3WVImnGbC6dIXKWfrVWH9gblcw7A38hCi4qFzT61qr5GoYDtGd47Z5redTy9HJtIuWJakQggpkddJbI1r96v1z8F_7ndrMWkjdHYsD97A_IZIxbTca2c/s1600/66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5Mv2hRtR3enQcMVhbXSEiTLo3WVImnGbC6dIXKWfrVWH9gblcw7A38hCi4qFzT61qr5GoYDtGd47Z5redTy9HJtIuWJakQggpkddJbI1r96v1z8F_7ndrMWkjdHYsD97A_IZIxbTca2c/s400/66.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFieYlJynERiX8E1Lfc4mvdNQpTNk5U1Q0r8TJx5bIZsJuWrdyXgLFaNUj3mNIHK0KQuEcAxph3zpA_8m9rjYexBIwsuRlXXXYlv7JnmLNTP1_OCOw5u2OOj5YmHnmlnAqZod9TAJa8ie4/s1600/67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFieYlJynERiX8E1Lfc4mvdNQpTNk5U1Q0r8TJx5bIZsJuWrdyXgLFaNUj3mNIHK0KQuEcAxph3zpA_8m9rjYexBIwsuRlXXXYlv7JnmLNTP1_OCOw5u2OOj5YmHnmlnAqZod9TAJa8ie4/s640/67.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Overlooking the apple orchards ... Buffalo Mountain is in the distance.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEteSJ-26iwcz5IQKFx72p3bsK4HJAgBQTbJGKZnrAhjUNkt3HZNvOW8lHrdoiJoEjETa_vXQuGGGrDFBKmd_fT_nMBsphxQODCf09b8tRnrgBktHKqEPJ1JcHOfEAMrNZpzlrO0VPQPD/s1600/68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEteSJ-26iwcz5IQKFx72p3bsK4HJAgBQTbJGKZnrAhjUNkt3HZNvOW8lHrdoiJoEjETa_vXQuGGGrDFBKmd_fT_nMBsphxQODCf09b8tRnrgBktHKqEPJ1JcHOfEAMrNZpzlrO0VPQPD/s400/68.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYNSo4NlAhTZw4Y3hufkB52HFBtzMnuL4tyRakVLL2jkouFBn2a0X11_rVZYfxckc7xopKRB_bbUyL6xbAvw1Z20w9-sfDC9vfJVIdn1zLQcAElPpnrVx0axac6lvLi3AiYe0qcisFKK-/s1600/70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iRmr4nF30rplbdr_jKBorZtTnSKPhJNHpF-RoHrhkrYTOMy1mvX8JBQIkvaFr9FKOcZLOLa2R31t82oWXyPmq21kpIIS93eUKDyvediLfFxLCbGZBT6Falv5D-Tmu5j30qnTZQioH3JH/s640/55.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg56mkkhvH2o7iPA9PzrmzxWSZXlGNIHLwlTp7Ai8YTFRGSTvj2016vu2hKqOOBbtm94omjCupq_tOjmsOqpTprZunbRQguTLq4SBfggMBpsb9cG1npjT1KAOP4PNDbvthxI1P1TzeJb-/s1600/59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg56mkkhvH2o7iPA9PzrmzxWSZXlGNIHLwlTp7Ai8YTFRGSTvj2016vu2hKqOOBbtm94omjCupq_tOjmsOqpTprZunbRQguTLq4SBfggMBpsb9cG1npjT1KAOP4PNDbvthxI1P1TzeJb-/s640/59.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes the best treasures are found in the tucked-away corners of Virginia and beyond. Foggy Ridge is one of those treasures. Years ago I said there had never been a gravel road that I didn't want to explore and find out where it went. Thankfully, SWAC Husband indulges my free spirit and good-naturedly goes along with my curiosity which has resulted in a lifetime of special memories sharing the places we've traveled and the sights we've seen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was just one more stop on our September journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway as we continued south to North Carolina....</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />September 27, 2013

apple cider back roads of Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Carroll County Foggy Ridge Cider tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Virginia wine Virginia back roads ... Foggy Ridge Cider

"It is indeed bad to eat apples. It is better to make them all into cider ." -- Benjamin Franklin   Foggy Ridge Cider ... what a ...

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