So we found Nemo at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Life Center, and that's all that mattered to our Nemo-obsessed toddler.
Even before the trip began, I had high expectations... and reservations. The aquarium admission price for an adult is by no means cheap, and after factoring in the other costs (Airbnb rental, food, gas), my thrifty side nearly scrapped the whole trip. But wanderlust prevailed, as did the toddler's increasingly-cute obsession with sea turtles and marine life.
Almost everyone has a travel wish list. Or bucket list. Or whatever you want to call it. It's just a list of places and experiences that you'd like to see and do before a specified time. I've decided to throw out all my buckets, though, in lieu of something a little more spicy:
My friend Meghan is a Wine Nazi. And I mean that in the most flattering, complimentary way possible!
On a cool April day, we three girls - Meghan, my fellow #252by2022 challenger Brittany, and myself - piled into the car and headed west for Virginia's wine country. We hoped to visit at least three wineries; we dared to think we may even see four. But seven?! Well, when you have a determined wine fanatic like Meghan at the wheel, all things are possible!*
(c) Brittany James
1. Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery
As our taste for wine tends to run on the sweeter or less dry side, we were very pleased with a lot of the selections at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery as most are fruit-based wines and meads. My particular favorite was their strawberry "Sweet Vixen" wine, but the Sweet Melon was a close runner-up.
2. Bold Rock Cidery Bold Rock is an old favorite of ours as Brittany and I first concocted our #252by2022 challenge after a spontaneous visit to their establishment earlier that spring. The Virginia Apple and Vat No. 1 are our ciders of choice, with the latter resembling more of a champagne than a true cider. 3. Flying Fox Vineyard
The wines of Flying Fox Vineyard suit the palate of dry wine aficionados, of which we are not. However, we found the 2013 Pinot Gris and the White Table Wine to be drinkable** and were pleased that the price for tasting included keeping the stemless wine glass as a souvenir!
Flying Fox Vineyard. (c) Brittany James
4. Afton Mountain Vineyards
With a sign at the front of the property proclaiming that "Grapes Don't Grow in Ugly Places," we had high hopes for beautiful scenery at Afton Mountain Vineyards, and we were not disappointed! Similar to Flying Fox, Afton has many dry varieties of wine, although there were a few sweeter ones which we fancied, such as the Muscat and Mountain White. 5. Cardinal Point Winery
Folksy, bluegrass music greeted our ears at Cardinal Point Winery's outdoor porch and patio where we settled down on comfy couches with a glass of 2014 Quattro, a blend with tastes of apple, peach, pear, and, of course, grape. It is slightly drier than my normal wine favorites, but I took a bottle home with me anyway!
Virginia Is For [Wine] Lovers.
Veritas Vineyard & Winery. (c) Brittany James
* Meghan later went on to visit 8 wineries in 5 hours on a separate occasion. This should be a Guinness Book of World Records title! ** For all we know, they could be very good wines, but as we have not yet developed the taste buds for the drier varieties of wine, we can't recommend either way. ***All photos were taken by and used with permission of Brittany James. Unauthorized use of these photos, as with any photo on The Thrifty Gypsy's Travels, is strictly prohibited.
Listen, my children, and you will hear Of the midnight ride of -- Jack Jouett?
It's the most famous, unheard-of ride in American history: How the young and handsome Jack Jouett out-rode British dragoons in the dark of night in 1781, covering 40 miles through thickly wooded trails in just over six hours. He successfully warned Thomas Jefferson and members of the Virginia legislature holed up at Monticello with his own shouts of "The British are coming! The British are coming!", thus saving the legislative body from capture in toto.
Talk about bad-ass!
But thanks to Longfellow, most Americans are familiar with Paul Revere's famous ride from Boston to Lexington in 1775, but have never even heard of Jack with the strangely-spelled last name (Jouett: pronounced "Jew-ett") from Virginia whose ride arguably played a bigger role and had a larger impact on the outcome of the American Revolution than his northern counterpart.
But Monticello wants to change all that with their annual "British Invasion Days," which debuted this year with a reenactment of Jack Jouett's ride, the arrival of British cavalry, musket and cannon demonstrations, and a walk-through of a militia camp - all hosted on the beautiful and historic grounds of Thomas Jefferson's home.
For just $15 per adult (or $25 if you'd like to tour the house, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and well worth the admission), take yourself back to 1781 and learn about Jack Jouett's midnight ride!
The visitor center and cafe are located at the bottom of the hill near the parking lot. Currently, there are no options to buy meals on top of the mountain, so be sure you have full bellies before taking the shuttle to Monticello. There are restrooms up top, however. Beyond standing in a bathroom stall, there is no privacy for nursing mothers unless you fancy wandering into the woods and sitting beneath a tree. Strollers are permitted in the house, but if you're visiting on a busy day, a staff member would be more than willing to push it through to the back of the house where you can collect it upon exiting.
Every city has a combination of personality, culture, and natural attractions (or lack thereof) which makes it distinct from any other place in the world. Call it a fingerprint or call it a flavor - but each town is unique. When traveling to a new city or country, I seek out the best examples in each of these categories to get a holistic view of that place as a living, breathing entity of people and attractions.
And when I stop to seek out these same ideals in my own backyard, I come to one conclusion:
Richmond is one cool city.
Whether you live here, work here, or just pass through here, Richmond has something for everyone.
St. John's Church
...Come for the History, Stay for the Food
Richmond's history is colorful, and at times dark, but familiarity with its past brings deeper understanding of its present. You can find vestiges of revolution in St John's Church (located in the historic Church Hill neighborhood) for daily guided tours or every Sunday in the summer for free reenactments of Patrick Henry's famous Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death speech of 1775. Fast forward nearly a century to a nation at war with itself when Richmond was the capitol of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The Museum & White House of the Confederacy and the historic Tredegar Ironworks, which will soon be breaking ground on a new museum, are both located in Richmond, and the area around the city is scarred with the battlefields of that conflict, most notably the famous crater at the Battle of Petersburg just to the south.
Twentieth century notables for Richmond include Agecroft Hall and the Virginia House, both originally built in England, bought, shipped, and reconstructed in Richmond along the James River during the the 1920s. These Tudor houses predate the oldest Virginia colonies, and touring Agecroft Hall in particular can take you back through several centuries' worth of history spanning two different countries.
Today Richmond stands out as a foodie destination, having most recently been named by National Geographic Travel as a must-taste destination for your taste buds in 2016. This is not Richmond's first appearance on various "best places to eat" lists, but perhaps the most buzzworthy shout-out in Richmonders' opinions was when Daniel Radcliffe (yes, Harry Potter himself) informed Thrillist that one of the best meals he's ever had - in the world, mind you - was a steak fromage at Buckhead's Chophouse, located in a rather nondescript strip mall in Richmond's Tuckahoe district. Who would've thought?
In recent years many Hollywood standouts have visited Richmond to film movies and shows. PBS's new hit drama, Mercy Street, uses Richmond as their film location. Daniel Radcliffe was filming his upcoming movie Imperium when he discovered Buckhead's, and Spielberg's in-depth drama, Lincoln, used various buildings and locations in Richmond as stand-in representations of a 19th century D.C. Many waiters and waitresses in the River City will never forget the day they served a meal to various cast members, and the whole city was caught up in "Daniel Day-Lewis sightings" while filming was in progress.
I've fallen hard for Richmond, VA. What a great town this is. #MercyStreetPBS#RVA
Other RVA Favorites Edgar Allan Poe Museum: Did you know that Poe spent many years living in Richmond? His mother is actually buried at St John's Church. The Virginia Holocaust Museum: The late Elie Wiesel said that "for the dead and the living, we must bear witness." A visit to this museum will remind you of the atrocities of which man is capable along with the hope that can be found with those who survived the holocaust. The John Marshall House: Belonging to the Great Chief Justice John Marshall, a native of Virginia, this brick residence was completed in 1790 by John Marshall and is one of the best examples of Federal architecture in the Commonwealth. Shirley Plantation: Visit the oldest family-run business in the United States! The plantation dates back to 1638 with the house having been completed in 1738. It is a wonderful example of early American plantation life, best viewed in the summer when the crops and livestock are in full swing.
At the Capitol Complex
...Black and White and Rad All Over
Richmond has an attitude problem in the best possible way. For a state that was at the forefront of the Confederacy, Virginia ranks the highest in the US for interracial marriages. In fact, the landmark civil rights case Loving v. Virginia, whichresulted in the Supreme Court striking down anti-miscegenation laws as unconstitutional, originated right here in Richmond, Virginia. With racial tensions seemingly engulfing the nation, one can only hope that the interwoven relationships and friendships will continue to set Virginia - and Richmond - apart. Truly the state tourism slogan rings true in Richmond: Virginia Is For Lovers.
In fact the Richmond of today is full of contrasts: black and white, genteel and edgy, traditional and progressive. On one block you can see the some of the best examples of Old South architecture lining Monument Avenue, the only street listed on the National Register of Historic Places and touting fine Georgian, Victorian, or Colonial houses, and on the next street over, you can view fascinating street art blanketing an otherwise plain apartment building. Plenty of y'alls permeate conversations among strangers as here in the South there's no such thing as a stranger - just a friend you haven't made yet. Even transplants to the area find themselves picking up the idiosyncrasies of a city where sweet tea and fried chicken could be the official fare.
Either as a testament to its alternative-friendly atmosphere or a result of it, hipsters have flocked to Richmond, deepening the cultural contrast between bearded, skinny-jeaned men and the Country Club Prep ladies and gents passing each other on Carytown's bustling streets. It's cool to buck the mainstream, and it's cool to be mainstream in Richmond. Whatever floats your boat, y'all, but no matter what side of the river you live on, everyone comes together for $2 movies at the Byrd Theater.
A photo posted by Thrifty Gypsy's Travels (@thriftygypsytravels) on
Other RVA Favorites Strawberry Street Cafe: A Richmond taste bud destination since 1976, offering Southern inspired food. Richmond Mural Project: Richmond gets a face lift and attitude adjustment at the annual street mural exhibit scattered throughout the city. The National: This music venue brings in big names and local favorites, and a visit here is a must for any local, especially the hipsters.
...Summahtime is Rivah Time
When it gets hot and humid in Richmond, the only logical destination is the River. Richmond is the only city in the U.S. where you can navigate Class III and IV rapids against a city skyline. The James River is one of the most treasured natural resources of the area, and scoring a seat at a brewery, restaurant, or prime shady spot for river viewing might just be the highlight of your day. For family friendly outings, grab the stroller and head for Maymont Park; kids will ooooh and ahhhh over their small, but quality zoo. And if the thought of a cemetery doesn't automatically run chills down your back, head for Hollywood Cemetery, located on a commanding bluff over the river and as beautiful as any New Orleans or European resting place. There you can pay your respects to John Tyler and James Monroe, two of the five presidents claiming Virginia as their home, and also indulge in some supernatural legends of Richmond.
The abundance of festivals, many of which are hosted rain or shine, entice many to enjoy the great outdoors and ensure there is never a dull moment in the city. The Carytown Watermelon Festival, hosted annually on the second Sunday of August and now on its 33rd year, is possibly the most venerated, rivaled only by other fan favorites such as the Folk Festival, the Greek Food Festival, the Oktoberfest Festival, or maybe the Central Virginia Celtic Festival & Highland Games. But there are so many festivals in Richmond, how could one possibly choose a favorite?
Northern Neck, VA
But there's even more nature to explore beyond Richmond, and there's no need to travel all that far. Within a 90 minute radius, you can park yourself on a secluded beach on Virginia's Northern Neck or hike the Humpback Rock trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The region just west of Richmond in the Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley is emerging as the "Napa Valley" of Virginia; currently, there are over 250 wineries in the commonwealth and over 100 breweries, of which 10 can be found within Richmond city limits. Want some decent Vietnamese food with your beer? For the third year in a row, Mekong took the #1 spot for best "Great American Beer Bar" in the nation by CraftBeer.com, and for 2016, they won the top spot for Best Beer Bar in America hosted by USAToday 10Best! Take your Virginia brews on a float trip down the James River in Goochland County or escape to the beautiful Shenandoah River in the Appalachians. Richmond is the perfect staging point to reach most of the state in two hours or less.
Other RVA Favorites The Canal Walk: Inspired by the beautiful River Walk in San Antonio, Richmond's Canal Walk is not quite there, but still pleases with its quiet pathways along the James River canals. (The TripAdvisor photos are sure to interest.) Blue Bee Cider: Delicious local cider with beautiful views of Richmond's southern skyline. (Like, seriously, this view is legit.)
No matter how many beautiful cities, countries, and natural wonders I see on my travels, the unique combination of culture, personality, and outdoor entertainment makes the Richmond area a wonderful place to call home. Come by and see it for yourself.
"If you stick around a little longer, you'll see Ozzy Osbourne."
I laughed, thinking the archaeologist was pulling my leg. We three gypsies - myself, Danny, and baby girl - had just spent the last five hours wandering through Jamestowne, Virginia, and enjoying the unusually wonderful March weather. Surely celebrities like to tour historical sites as much as the next person, but Ozzy? THE Ozzy Osbourne? No way. He's probably one of the last celebrities I'd expect to see in Virginia's historic triangle.
We strolled past the archaeologist - literally; baby was snoozing in the stroller (#Imsopunny) - and made for the door, but as we were about to walk out, I heard the park ranger ask the archaeologist when Ozzy was expected to arrive. Weird, I thought. Maybe they aren't joking.
"He's supposed to be here already," the archaeologist said. "His film crew has been here since three."
Since it's the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service, I had assumed the professional photographers and film crew seen in the park were for promo material. We had even wandered in front of the lens a few times, trying our best to look like polished national park visitors. But apparently, black nail polish and dark clothing would have stood us in better stead - Ozzfest had come to Jamestowne for the day!
Despite American textbooks placing such a huge emphasis on the colonies in Massachusetts, Jamestowne holds the distinction of being the first successful English colony in North America, making it THE birthplace of America. Sorry, Plymouth, we beat you by a solid 13 years. English settlers, financed by the Virginia Company in a venture to discover gold in the New World or at least a westward passage to Asia, landed in Virginia in 1607 and made camp on a mosquito-ridden, swampy island on the James River. Defensibly, it was a good set up to fend off attacks by natives or the Spanish. But its livability proved to be less than ideal. Over 80% of the original 104 boys and men sent to settle Jamestowne died within the first year or two. Starvation and sickness proved to be worse enemies than men.
After enduring droughts, starvation, sieges and attacks by natives, fevers, plagues, and bloodthirsty mosquitoes, the colony at Jamestowne became successful and thrived by 1613, ostensibly because John Rolfe planted tobacco but more likely because women were sent to the colony, because, girls rule!
And note, this was still before your time, Plymouth!
Today the entire island is under the dual control of Preservation Virginia and the National Park Service. Visitors can see the exact location of the original fort, its outline reproduced through the erection of wood logs. Excavations have uncovered thousands of artifacts, several skeletons, and even the skull of a young girl who was cannibalized presumably during the great starving time of 1609-1610.
With this gruesome aspect of Jamestown's history, perhaps it's not so out of place that the "Prince of Darkness" himself, Ozzy Osbourne, would choose to film an episode there for his upcoming History Channel show (warning: link contains strong language). So while baby gypsy slumbered in her stroller, we waited outside the visitor center for a shot to meet or at least see Ozzy Osbourne. As celebrities are rarely punctual, we waited for thirty minutes, but weren't disappointed!
A photo posted by Thrifty Gypsy's Travels (@thriftygypsytravels) on
Unfortunately, we were shooed away from our original vantage point by Ozzy's film and security crew so this is the best picture we got. As we walked to our car, I casually mentioned to another couple leaving the park that Ozzy was on his way in. Apparently, they followed him and got a much clearer photo than we did. Check it out!
So while Jamestowne did not disappoint in the history department, Ozzy gave our experience added flavor. And you better believe I'll be checking out his episode on Jamestown to see if we three gypsies made the cut for background material that the crew was filming throughout the afternoon. This just may end up being my ten seconds of fame, y'all!
Ever been to Jamestowne? Or have you ever seen a celebrity while on your travels?
Last month we took Baby Gypsy, then two months old, on an outing to Appomattox National Battlefield in central Virginia, where General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of the Northern Virginia to General Ulysses S. Grant's Army of the Potomac, effectively ending the American Civil War. Rather than boring you with an adult's account of the visit, I'll let Baby Gypsy tell you about our day - from her own unique perspective.
***
The "clean" house
I could tell today was going to be different. Mama kept telling me that we were going somewhere, and Daddy was busy checking my swag bag for the fifteenth time. I wasn't sure what all the fuss was about. Mama kept talking about adventures and "baby's first outing." I had no idea what that meant, but she sounded excited, so I grinned up at her as I shoved my fist in my mouth. I was put into the box with the handle, and then Daddy took me outside. The yellow ball above my head was very bright, and the blue ceiling didn't have any white fluff this time. What a beautiful day! Mama and Daddy kept talking on and on about "Ah-poo-mattox" and "useless grant." It made no sense to me, so I closed my eyes and fell asleep...
"Where am I?! I'm so hungry! Someone FEED ME!!!" I shouted as I woke suddenly from a deep sleep. I had no time to ask nicely - my tummy felt so empty! Mama and Daddy must have expected this as within minutes I had my lunch while they ate theirs. I think they can read my mind.
Daddy pushing my chariot through Ah-poo-mattox.
As soon as I finished, Daddy got my chariot ready and off we went! We walked up a small hill to where a large brick building was surrounded by a few other buildings. They looked older than my Daddy, and he's really old! Mama told Daddy that this was the courthouse, whatever that means. Inside this so-called courthouse a man in a green uniform handed Daddy a map and explained that the "clean" house across the way is where the surrender happened. Mama is always cleaning, so I figured she'd like that house. We followed a green uniformed lady outside and towards the clean house. The lady kept talking on and on about "generally" being chased by blue men until he got trapped there at Ah-poo-mattox. The blue men took generally's trains away, and he had to send a message to useless grant to meet at the clean house. I still didn't really understand, but I waved my hand at the green uniformed lady as if I did.
The scene of my crime, aka where useless grant won.
Inside the clean house, Daddy held me in the same room where generally surrendered. The green uniformed lady was still talking, but I couldn't pay attention - my tummy really hurt! I scrunched up my face, and I tried to be ladylike but.... I just couldn't hold it in anymore. My diaper ranneth over. I sneaked a peek at the green uniformed lady, but she was still talking. Phew. I was quite embarrassed, but Mama looked like she was laughing. She said something about blackmail for my wedding. Whatever that means. Anyway, we walked around a little bit longer outside before they took my chariot back to the bigger chariot so we could go home. I think I liked this little adventure thing, and I hope we can do more!
Ya, my brother went first and they called me, too.
I was green as clover in the morning dew.
So I marched to the drum, and I sang to the tune.
Carry me back to Virginia!"
- Old Crow Medicine Show, "Carry Me Back to Virginia"
When it comes to summer pastimes in Virginia, tubing is king. Although we're relatively new to the tubing scene, having only launched our maiden voyage in the summer of 2013, we have acquired a respectable amount of gear and equipment that would make any redneck yacht club green with envy.
Our most frequented river is the James, which runs west to east through central Virginia and eventually spilling into the Chesapeake Bay, due to living within 15 minutes of its banks. Whenever we're unable to get away for a whole weekend, we'll spend a Saturday or Sunday floating the five miles between the Cartersville and West View landings in Goochland and Cumberland counties. If the river is high (5 feet or above), the float generally takes about 2-3 hours, but if it's below four feet, you could be floating for 4.5-6 hours! Those are the days when drinks and sunscreen run out before you finally reach the take-out point!
But by far our favorite float trips are found on the Shenandoah River through the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains north of Charlottesville in the towns of Luray and Shenandoah. This is rural Virginia at its finest.
In July we rented a beautiful log cabin situated on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in the general proximity of the Grove Hill public access point. As soon as we saw the cabin, we were in love. Sycamore Landing was appointed with all the comforts of home, and the owners went above and beyond to stock snacks for us to take out on the river!
Tubin' in style
Despite forecasts of a hot and sunny day, Saturday dawned cool and cloudy after an early morning thunder-burst of rain. We went out on the river anyway, floating the 1 mile stretch from the nearest public access point to the cabin. By the end of it, my goosebumps seemed permanently tattooed on my arms, but it was a great ride! There was a long, quiet stretch of water followed by a series of riffles and baby rapids that necessitated our maneuvering around rocks barely covered by the water flow.
After a quick break for lunch, the sun finally broke clear, and we were back out on the water! This time we spotted a family of deer, and the fishermen were pulling out a decent catch.
Blurred action shot
Our passion for tubing still not satiated, we drove even further up-river and parked alongside the road to risk breaking our necks going down a 90° incline to facilitate an even longer trip back to the cabin. The risk was worth the trip, though. It began with even more powerful rapids than the other stretch, and at some points we were amazed that we didn't popped a tube on a rock! But we made it back to the cabin in one piece and with only a few casualties: a soaked iPhone, a destroyed e-Cigarette, lost sunglasses, and epic sunburns.
The trip was a blast, and I can't wait to do it again! It's not really a safe stretch for little ones, though, so the arrival of Baby Gypsy may delay a return trip longer than we'd like.
Have you ever gone tubing? Where is your favorite place to go and what equipment do you bring?
What We Brought (For 5 People):
2 "Double Tubes" also called floating couches
1 Single Tube (and sometimes a back-up)
2 Cooler Tubes
Beverages and snacks
Sunscreen, an umbrella, and flip-flops or water shoes
Radio
Where We Floated:
Our shortest trip utilized the Grove Hill Public Access Point, but the longer trip (where we scrambled down the river bank) was from the Grove Hill Bridge to roughly Ingham (exact location of landing point not shown to respect the privacy of the rental home). It was approximately 2 miles and took a little over 2 hours.
As a 2009 graduate of UVa, I must confess that I didn't realize the UNESCO status until, well, just a few months ago. If there were an award for obliviousness, I would win it, hands down. I walked by the UNESCO sign every single day. But when you attend a university that screams history, it's easy to become immune.
The University of Virginia was established in 1819 and is affectionately known as Jefferson's University in honor of the man who designed the central buildings (picture above and to right). Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe all served on the first Board of Visitors, jump-starting the University's reputation as an elite school. Today UVa is known as a "public Ivy" and consistently ranks as the best or second best public university in the nation.
But before I lose you in a sea of alma mater nostalgia, let's focus on what makes UVa a great place for travelers. Obviously, the UNESCO World Heritage status is one reason. Jefferson designed the Academic Village with neoclassicism in mind. The Rotunda dominates the Village, and those who have traveled to Rome will recognize its resemblance to the Pantheon. Four colonnaded rows flank the terraced Lawn that extends from the Rotunda down to more academic buildings. The student residences along the Lawn are prime real estate at UVa, but only fourth-year students with high GPAs (think, 4.0 and above) and who have shown "unselfish service to the University" can apply to live in these rooms. Edgar Allan Poe himself lived in these rooms when he was a student at UVa for a few months in 1826 before he withdrew due to lack of funds. His room is still on display on the West Range.
Besides Poe's footsteps, you'll also be retracing the steps of notable alumni and faculty such as Laura Ingraham, Antonin Scalia, Tina Fey, Larry Sabato, Katie Couric, Ronde and Tiki Barber, countless Kennedys, a Roosevelt, and more than a few astronauts. Pretty cool, huh?
Poe's room on the West Range.
Be sure to check out the University Chapel located just northwest of the Rotunda. Constructed in the 1880s, the Chapel is a great example of Gothic architecture and even features a Tiffany stained-glass window.
Finally, enjoy the serenity of the Lawn gardens tucked behind the unique serpentine brick walls before you leave Charlottesville visit Jefferson's Monticello, the other half of the UNESCO site.
Do you consider universities to be a cultural attraction worth seeing when traveling? Which one(s) would you like to visit?
Let's face it, the stereotype for most wine drinkers generally runs along the adjectives of affluent, sophisticated, and somewhat aloof, and most wineries tend to cater towards that higher-class stereotype - pinkies up, my friends! But while these stereotypes may have some root in truth, many of us winos are just your average Joes and Janes looking to enjoy a good glass of wine while rubbing shoulders with people from every background. Wine is not just a country club event, and Mountain Cove Vineyards, the oldest operating winery in Virginia, showcases this approachable side of wine in a rustic setting fit for the Queen of Sheba herself.
Old red barn near the tasting room.
(C) Brittany James
I loved Mountain Cove Vineyards from the moment we wound our way down the gravel driveway, flanked by rows of vines and capped with the rolling skyline of the Blue Ridge. Everything about the place, from the rustic red sheds on the property to the country-style interior of the tasting room, makes a visitor feel welcomed. Whether in a sundress and sandals, shorts and a t-shirt, pinkies up or down, you'll feel right at home.
As we exited the car, we were greeted with a friendly "Hello!" from the vines. "Are you here for the wedding or the wine?" the woman asked as she took off her gardening gloves. "The wine!" we called back, and she came out of the vineyard and led us into the tasting room.
Wooden shelves, canned jams, and a pot-belly stove sit side-by-side with the rows of Mountain Cove's wine inside the tasting room. Tastings are free, which is a welcome practice in an industry that often charges fairly high prices for very small samples. Two wines in particular took our fancy: the Skyline White and the Tinto.
(C) Brittany James
The Skyline White is Mountain Cove's signature white made from the Villard Blanc variety, a grape native to the Vouvray region of France. It is light on the palate with semi-sweet tones, perfect to pair with a chicken or seafood meal - or just drink it sans food like some of us do!
But for us the Tinto wine stole the day. As their website states, this is the red wine for non-red drinkers, and I can personally vouch for that. The only wines I tend to enjoy are light and sweet like muscadine. However, Tinto is neither light or sweet, but the minimization of tannins and the overall drinkability of this Norton, Cabernet Franc, and Chambourcin blend made me an immediate fan.
Don't take my word for it, though. Stop by and taste it for yourself!
My grandfather always used to call the youngest grandkids "puddle-jumpers." The sheer childlike joy of being swung over a puddle while dangling from between the arms of two adults is a feeling that will always remain with me, and only certain places can evoke the memory of those feelings. Bear Creek Lake State Park, a family-friendly and nature lover's haven, stimulated some of those memories.
Located in central Virginia's Cumberland County south of the James River, there is literally nothing near Bear Creek Lake State Park. Sometimes, though, that's exactly what you want. No grocery stores. Little to no cell service. No flashing neon lights. Nothing but the chirping of insects, the quiet stir of the lake water against the shore, and plenty of puddles for kids - and puppies - to jump over.
James River Brewing Company boasts the finest beers in town. Not a hard feat for a one-horse town of 591 residents in Scottsville, Virginia. But in my opinion, this craft brewery deserves recognition on a greater level for its quality of beers, friendliness of service, and the warm atmosphere of their tap room.
Let's start with the beers at James River Brewing Company (hereafter referred to as JRBC for short). If you've read any of my other craft brewery reviews (or if you follow me on Instagram), you might have noticed that my brews of choice are very, shall we say, wheaty. Some call it hefeweizen or witbier, but I call it liquid bread. Smooth, comforting, and filling. JRBC's Fluvanna Fluss transported me halfway across the globe to Germany. It has a slight citrus tone in its aftertaste, which was nicely complemented with the addition of an orange to the glass, but the beer stands solidly on its own two feet, too.
A photo posted by Thrifty Gypsy's Travels (@thriftygypsy87) on
As you can see from my picture (which totally has my taste buds in a knot right now), the beer has a golden, slightly cloudy appearance, which is typical for a hefeweizen. European hefeweizens can be even cloudier in appearance, but the Fluvanna Fluss is the best American version I've tasted yet.
We stayed at JRBC for so long in one afternoon that they almost made us pay rent on our patio seats (just kidding!), but we had such a great time soaking up the early spring sun, letting our dogs be spoiled with dog treats from the manager, and swapping stories with a local whose small son climbed up on our laps like he belonged there. It was an absolutely stellar afternoon in Scottsville, and one I hope to replicate there again soon.
But thanks to Longfellow, most Americans are familiar with Paul Revere's famous ride from Boston to Lexington in 1775, but have never even heard of Jack with the strangely-spelled last name (Jouett: pronounced "Jew-ett") from Virginia whose ride arguably played a bigger role and had a larger impact on the outcome of the American Revolution than his northern counterpart.
