We finally made it to Spring. I told you it was coming and promised warmer weather. Spring’s first week here was in the 60’s. Birds are chirping hooray! So what is there to do in April? Well, here are 5 great THINGS………….
THING #1
9th Annual Bull & Oyster Festival
Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery, Lexington
Saturday April 4th 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoyable afternoon of food, music, and of course great beer! Live music by Bryan Elijah and the Wild Hearts, delicious food prepared by the Southern Inn and Hogback Mountain BBQ. Plus the great Devils Backbone beers! $40 per person and benefits Rockbridge Area Health Care. Tickets available for purchase online or buy in person in the Outpost Tap Room. And now with the warmer weather, the Bier Garden will be open for outdoor seating.
THING #2
15th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival
Banks of the South River in Waynesboro
Saturday April 11th 9am-5pm & Sunday April 12th 9am-5pm
Exhibitors will have the latest in fly fishing equipment, and guide services. Expert anglers will be on hand to discuss anything and everything about fly fishing. Plus Virginia Wines to taste, beers to sample, food and music! Tickets $20. Visit their website for more information.
THING #3
Virginia’s Historic Garden Week
Staunton – Saturday April 18 & Lexington – Saturday April 25
Historic Garden Week dates back to 1927 when the first Garden Club of Virginia raised money to save several trees at Monticello which were planted by Thomas Jefferson. And the tradition continues as proceeds from Historic Garden Week go toward the restoration and preservation of Virginia’s historic public gardens. Several projects benefitting our area occurred at Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Washington & Lee University. Our local Garden Clubs are hosting 2015 Garden Week events in Staunton and Lexington on April 18 & 25.
Spring is time to get out and view the new buds and blooms of 2015. Enjoy your Saturday touring historic homes and their gardens in either historic Staunton or Lexington.
THING #4
Go Antique Shopping. We have several Antique Shops in our area that will fill your car with valuable finds! Here are some of our guest’s favorites:
Staunton – 17 E Beverley Antiques, Warehouse Antiques, & Queen City Marketplace are all located on Beverley Street – downtown Staunton’s main street.
Lexington – Duke’s Antique Center (1495 N Lee Hwy) & The Antique Mall (760 N Lee Hwy)
Fairfield – 3 Seasons Antiques (5562 N Lee Hwy)
Stuarts Draft – Antique Mall (Rt 340/School Blvd)
Verona – Factory Antique Mall (10 Lodge Lane)
Shenandoah Valley website has great information on these shops plus many others in the area. Take a day and travel back in time with some of the pieces displayed in these shops. And buy local!
THING #5
13th Annual VA Hot Glass Festival
Sunspots Studio, Staunton
Saturday April 25th 9am-6pm & Sunday April 26th 10am-5pm
Every year, the Virginia Hot Glass Festival is held at Sunspots during the last weekend in April. The 2 day event (April 25 & 26) fills up two floors of their building with artists from around the region who are busy doing non-stop demonstrations. Besides glass demonstrations, Virginia Stone Carvers Guild will be there doing stone carvings. Plus Barren Ridge Vineyards will be on-site for wine tastings and selling wine by the glass. Even more reason to go!
Sunspots is a great “spot” to learn about glass blowing and shop for some local artisan goodies!
After your day of fun doing with one of these THINGS, come to our Social Hour and share your adventure with us!
See you in April!
Melissa, Ray and Bacchus
