Mid-Atlantic Gardening: Mid-Atlantic Snowstorm, 1 by DaylilyDiva219

DaylilyDiva219 wrote:
I was trying to think of areas closer to where I actually live, but another option I'd recommend would be Staunton, VA. We pass through there on a regular basis, most recently Feb 28-March 1. I highly recommend catching a play at the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse downtown, and staying at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel right next door. It can be pricey, but there are definitely deals to be had - we snagged a room for $90 (including tax). They also offer breakfast packages, and play ticket packages.

http://www.americanshakespearecenter.com/

http://www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com/hotel.html

Cute shopping right downtown, and a number of nice restaurants - The Dining Room is where we've eaten most recently for dinner, Mill Street Grill is also good. We had a nice lunch before our Saturday matinee of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at a little place called "Cranberry's Grocery and Eatery", a combination of herbal and organic shopping, plus a small cafe area. It was just around the block from the hotel and theater.

http://www.thediningroomstaunton.com/

http://www.gocranberrys.com/index.php

Then afterwards!

There's a winery not too far away - about 20 minutes tops, in Fishersville: Barren Ridge Vineyards. We discovered it in an earlier trip in January, and returned again in February to taste and sip a bit by the beautiful fireplace, between the matinee and our dinner reservations. It also has a lovely vineyard view and the patio looks like it would be a splendid place to enjoy a few hours on a spring or summer day.

http://www.barrenridgevineyards.com/

And finally... Andre Viette's Nursery is just minutes away from the winery, and again, a mere 20 minutes or so from downtown Staunton. He's a legendary daylily hybridizer, and has a huge spread in the rolling hills outside of town. He doesn't just sell daylilies, though, it's a regular nursery. The annual Daylily & Wine Festival in mid-July is worth a trip.

http://www.viette.com/v.php?pg=2

Other info: Staunton is the home of Mary Baldwin College, Woodrow Wilson's birthplace and also the home of the Statler Brothers. I think there is even a museum for them. ;-)

The Frontier Culture Museum just outside of town (right off of Exit 222) is really nice, requires walking, but a great place to stroll through time on a nice day.

http://www.frontiermuseum.org/

If you have more time, Charlottesville is not far away via 64 East, with lots more history, scenery, dining, and of course, wineries!

Now all you'll need is time to take all these trips we've planned for you! LOL!

Barb

PS: Photo is of the giant watering can by the RR overpass leaving downtown Staunton. There are 2 giant pots on the other side. I'm sure there's a story behind them, but I don't know it. I just know I like to see them!