In Country

Georgetowner • May 21, 2015

To experience the Tower Club Tysons Corner, go to the Towers Crescent building and take the elevator to the 14th floor. Then – if you’re a Tower Club member, a ClubCorp member, a member of D.C.’s City Club or attending a private event – take a second elevator to the 17th floor.

General Manager Kara Carmichael discovered only recently that the Towers Crescent architects added that separate trip to the top by design – as a symbolic ascent to the building’s exclusive upper floors.

That “you have arrived” feeling was recently taken up a notch with the completion of the Tower Club’s $2.2 million renovation. But don’t call it a renovation around Carmichael. To her, it was a “reinvention.”

The grand reopening of the 25-year-old club was Jan. 8, with work continuing. The Reinvention Celebration took place April 16.
Gone are the staid hues of an earlier time. The former color scheme of dark woods and fabrics has been swapped out for a palette of light, contemporary colors. New furniture – and upgraded Wi-Fi – is suited to the modern business environment.

The new facilities include a Work Zone; the Touchdown Rooms, for four-to-five-person meetings; and the Crescent Lounge, a new “anytime bar.” The Lobby Lounge has been refreshed and the outdoor terrace dining area – with 360-degree views – expanded.
The name of the club’s new upscale restaurant, Reserve, is a play both on restaurant reservations and the term for a specially aged vintage. The wine selection is extensive and impressive.

Judging from social media, the reinvention has been a hit: “awesome” (the renovation), “stellar” (the menu), “top notch” (the experience). “The only downside was that I’m more accustomed to this in Los Angeles than Northern Virginia…made me homesick,” wrote one reviewer.

Of course, one of the goals was to add members, especially younger and female. The club has more than 1,200 members and, gratifyingly, those who have joined in the past year include a higher percentage of millennials and women than the overall membership.
Another attraction for younger business people and entrepreneurs is the ramped up calendar of events. Coming up, among others: a Bourbon & Bacon Dinner on May 27; Network After Work, hosted by the Young Executive Society on June 3; and a Harvest Cooking Class with Executive Chef Marc Wilson on June 15.

Carmichael, who came to the Tower Club in May 2014 from nearby Chef Geoff’s, pointed out the appeal in today’s business world of giving back. The club is raising money to buy 500 backpacks from Stillbrave, the club’s charity of the year for 2015, for Fairfax County kids with a cancer diagnosis.

Two private events directors are on staff to build that side of the business, including wedding receptions. The Tower Club received five stars in the Weddingwire 2015 Couples’ Choice Awards.

As noted above, the Tower Club has reciprocity with D.C.’s City Club, and members have access to clubs nationwide through its affiliation with Dallas-based ClubCorp, the owner-operator of more than 200 private golf, country, business and alumni clubs, which recently acquired Sequoia Golf.

All in all, the 26 members of the Tower Club’s Advisory Board of Governors should congratulate themselves on a job well done. Transported to the reinvented club, Don Draper of “Mad Men” would probably approve of everything but the business casual dress code.
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Sallie Lewis • May 11, 2015

With Washington, D.C., in my rear-view, I drove east, watching as the terrain became sparser, yet more vibrant. Wide fields of gold were scattered with grain mills and dandelions. In the distance, a small plane flew low over the countryside.

Talbot County is located on the Delmarva Peninsula, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, facing more than 600 miles of tidal shoreline. Cassandra Vanhooser, Talbot County’s director of tourism, is a woman who understands both the historical impact and the present-day attraction of the Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary.

“The word ‘Chesapeake’ resonates around the world,” she said. Agriculture is an important component of the county’s identity, evidenced by the many farm fields, yet what struck me most were the countless boats outside people’s homes and businesses – symbols of pride and purpose that bind the communities of Talbot County together.

Since the late 17th century, the region has been inextricably linked to the water that surrounds it. That sentiment hasn’t changed, according to Vanhooser. “The maritime history is still alive and well,” she said.

At just under two hours from D.C., Talbot County’s culture exhibits a more relaxed, nostalgic filter than its bustling, politically charged counterpart. People craving the quiet allure of small, historic settings love traveling here, as do boatmen, artists and cyclists.

I stopped in Easton first. Established in 1710, the town remains the county seat, in addition to being a center for arts and culture. I went straight to the Academy Art Museum, where the exhibition “From Rubens to the Grand Tour,” on view through July 5, focuses on two paintings by 16th-century master Peter Paul Rubens. In addition, colorful portraits by California artist Ray Turner brighten the Museum’s Lederer Gallery.

Talbot County’s titillating natural backdrop is celebrated in festivals and events throughout the year. This summer, from July 11 to 19, the town will host the 11th annual Plein Air Festival. Named for the French term for ‘open air,’ the festival is the largest outdoor painting competition in the nation. In 2015, 58 of the world’s premier plein-air painters will compete for over $25,000. Another event is the Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, when it will take place from June 7 to 21.

From Easton, I traveled south to the quaint town of Oxford. Since colonial times, Oxford residents have wrapped their yards with signature white picket fences of varying designs. These fences are blanketed in rose bushes, lavender hydrangeas and other flora. My visit wasn’t complete until I sampled homemade ice cream from Scottish Highland Creamery. The owner, Victor Barlow, and his wife, Susan, use local ingredients, fresh milk and cream, along with Italian flavorings. In Oxford, I felt as if I’d jumped into a chalk drawing, a la Mary Poppins.

I crossed the Tred Avon River on the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, America’s oldest privately owned ferry (1683), and drove to St. Michaels. The town is home to a cluster of lovely shops and restaurants, in addition to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The museum, which sits on 18 waterfront acres, has 12 exhibit buildings, a working boat barn, the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse and the world’s largest collection of traditional Bay boats. It’s a place designed to share the heritage of the region, from oystering to waterfowling and boatbuilding. This year marks the institution’s 50th anniversary; from May 22 to 24, the community will commemorate the history of the Chesapeake Bay with activities and events, including a party on May 23.

Before driving back to D.C., I had lunch at the town’s famous Crab Claw restaurant, overlooking St. Michaels Harbor. Also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the restaurant will have food and drinks specials, music, trivia and giveaways on May 22.

Still farther south is Tilghman Island, accessible via the Knapps Narrows Drawbridge, the nation’s oldest operating drawbridge. Tilghman Island is home to a working watermen’s community, with sport fishing, charter cruises and lighthouse tours available to visitors.

Whether you have a whole weekend or just a day, Talbot County is a premier escape, one that recalibrated my mind and relaxed my soul. It can do the same for you.
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Peter Murray • April 23, 2015

District restaurants may boast menus featuring local, organic foods, but if you want the real thing, the freshest food out there, head to the source (or close to it) in Middleburg, Virginia. Artisanal food is plentiful there and in nearby Upperville and The Plains, all about an hour from Washington, D.C. These small towns offer not only an abundance of country charm, but also a plethora of fresh foods in their quaint restaurants, inns, groceries and butcher shops.

Here are a few highlights of the artisanal and organic food offerings in the Middleburg area:

The Hunter’s Head Tavern

The Hunter’s Head is a must-see – and must-eat – attraction in Upperville. Originally built as a log cabin in 1750, this English pub-themed restaurant maintains all the charm and character of the 1700s in its ambience and décor, with original log-cabin walls, fireplaces, floors and mantels. While those are the most striking features when one enters, the food is the real selling point here.

The menu leans heavily toward English fare: meat pies and sausage dishes, sometimes with an American twist (sweet-potato biscuits with gravy, for instance). There are also a number of internationally-inspired dishes, including vegetable curry, whole-wheat pizza, risotto bites and stroganoff (topped with melt-in-your-mouth veal). The menu uses icons to tell patrons which items are made with organic and local ingredients, the large majority falling into one or both categories. The Hunter’s Head team prides itself on the local-ness of their food, even displaying a map of vendors by the restaurant’s entrance to show customers where their food is coming from.

The Hunter’s Head Tavern, 9048 John S. Mosby Hwy., Upperville. Monday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (opens 11 a.m. on Sunday for brunch). 540-592-9020

The Whole Ox

Housed in an old train station, the Whole Ox is owned and operated by Derek and Amanda Luhowiak, two impressively badass characters living their dream of butchering humanely-raised local meat. “We carry humanely raised, antibiotic and hormone free meat from our neighboring farms and various small distributors around the country,” the duo says on the company website. Their offerings include beef, lamb, chicken, turkey and a huge, ever-changing selection of sausage.

6364 Stuart St., The Plains. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
540-253-5600

The Home Farm Store

The Home Farm Store, the outlet for meats and produce from nearby Ayrshire Farm, is becoming as much of an institution as the former bank that it occupies. Located in the heart of Middleburg, the store sells Certified Humane and Certified Organic pork, beef, veal, chicken and turkey. Larger orders for special occasions include succulent meats and delicious, inventive side dishes. The Home Farm Store also sells local wines, ciders, honeys, jams and fresh-baked goods, and sandwiches for lunch.

1 E. Washington St., Middleburg. Seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 7 p.m. on Friday). 540-687-8882 [gallery ids="102024,134912" nav="thumbs"]

Theodore Putala •

As a barman, I do not get to travel for my wine-related work. Yet I’m often thinking of maps and countryside. My wine information comes largely through importers, the people who fly to France, hire a driver, visit wine regions, taste, buy, ship.

A good importer’s website, like that of local Wine Traditions – offering excellent wine, often from off the beaten paths – yields condensed information, pictures, a general sense of land, grape, grower and wine. Wine importers tell great stories, and, of course, to find good wine, there is nothing like paying a visit to a promising vineyard.

The sommeliers who do get to travel are another source of information. The excellent Facebook page of Julian Mayor, sommelier of Bourbon Steak, reveals extensive far-flung travels to wine regions of note (which some of the rest of us look upon with envy). There are pictures of distant lands, tasting rooms, vineyards, wine-making operations. The rest of us get to taste, if we’re lucky; Julian visits in person, learning all the while.

One might even garner a good general sense of things watching the Tour de France on television, as the aerial coverage will quite often linger over chateau and vineyard. You can see the lay of the land, how vines fit in.

Wine books are, for good reason, filled with pictures, with detailed geological maps down to the layers of soil underneath.

The grape must be a wise creature. Its lives attract us, country boy or not. One too-hot-to-move summer day in D.C. an out-of-town friend coaxes me to come along on a trip to the Virginia wine country, and as soon as we are out on the hillside of Three Foxes, yes, I get it. Further on, we make an enjoyable visit to Linden, simply refreshing. We are a part of the land again, understanding the human scale in nature’s surroundings.

And then there are the pros at this, people who’ve developed an interest in wine organically over the years of their careers, who then combine talents to offer for the rest of us wine tours of the most intelligent, circumspect and rewarding kind. Annette and Christian Schiller of Ombiasy PR and Wine Tours are a husband-and-wife team, organizer and blogger respectively, with a shared passion.

So where, to what fresh air, do you want to go? And with whom would you like to travel? [gallery ids="102056,134556,134557" nav="thumbs"]

Linnea Kristiansson •

“We are very proud to be able to bring three-day eventing to Great Meadow. It is probably the most difficult of any of the equestrian sports, since it involves all three disciplines,” said Robert Banner, president of the Great Meadow Foundation, which operates the famous field events center and steeplechase course in The Plains, Virginia.

On April 3, Banner announced that, in connection with building a new arena, the foundation will bring back three-day eventing to Great Meadow.

Three-day eventing is the sport of horse trials. It presents the ultimate challenge of horsemanship because it requires horse and rider to perform three totally different activities within the same competition: dressage, cross country and show jumping.

Construction of the new arena will start July 1, so that it can be ready for Nations Cup 2016, should Great Meadow’s bid be selected. A new acquisition of land has provided 174 acres dedi-cated to this type of competition. The new, world-class arena will be 300 feet by 250 feet, with a warm-up arena 400 feet by 70 feet. It will have an all-weather surface or footing, which will pre-vent competitions from being canceled due to rain.

Great Meadow’s new international-level venue will host top horses and riders from around the world. At the Olympics in London, the U.S. team failed to medal at all, their worst performance since 1956. This venue will raise the bar by bringing the nations that won to the U.S., so that the team can train and face the competition at home. This is expected to help the U.S. reclaim its rightful position on the international medals podium.

The new competition will be called the Land Rover Great Meadow International and feature the Nation’s Cup format annually. There are plans to live-stream coverage on the internet this year. Next year, the plans are to broadcast the competition on NBC Sports.

A big spectator-based event, FEI Nations Cup is organized by Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for all Olympic equestrian disciplines. It is the most prestigious competition series for national teams in the world.

”The Nations Cup has been going on for a long time for show jumping, but we have never had one for three-day eventing,” said Banner, former publisher of the Chronicle of the Horse.

Banner and the Great Meadow Foundation expect the new facility and level of competition will draw numbers similar to those for the Virginia Gold Cup races and other major events at Great Meadow.

Great Meadow will host a Concours International Combiné (CIC) 3 Event, which means the competitors do their dressage on Friday night. The show jumping takes place on Saturday night, and they run over a shortened version of the cross country course on Sunday morning. There are VIP dining and entertainment options throughout the weekend. CIC competitors are required to qualify for the same level of CCI competition, therefore the horse/rider combinations in the CIC tend to be slightly less experienced than in the CCI.

Course designer Mike Etherington-Smith, chief executive of British Eventing, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, has already completed renderings and layouts. The groundbreaking ceremonies and pep trials will be held June 19 to 21.

Linnea Kristiansson •

Each year, horses have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to run in the Kentucky Derby. To earn a spot at the starting gate, they must travel the “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” a 10-week series of 35 designated races at tracks across the country and around the world. A sliding scale of points is awarded to the top-four finishers in each of the 35 races, includes 16 significant events that make up the ”Kentucky Derby Championship Series.” The 20 horses with the most points will be at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.

The horse to keep an eye on at this year’s Derby is named International Star, the fourth colt since 1992 to sweep the Fair Grounds series of races for three-year-olds on the 2015 Kentucky Derby trail. In capturing the Lecomte Stakes, the Risen Star Stakes and the Louisiana Derby, International Star joins an elite group of colts to win two or more of these Derby preps without a loss.

Linnea Kristiansson • April 13, 2015

With summer on its way, so is the equestrian season. Perhaps you want to buy a dramatic hat for the Derby or the Oaks, the Royal Ascot or the races in Middleburg.

Of course, every woman needs a casual hat for everyday shopping, travel, the garden, the beach, “bad-hair days” or to stay cool and out of the sun. Wear a hat and be treated like the lady you are.

Remember to buy a hat that’s comfortable and has a wide brim. Choose the color carefully since dark colors tend to get warmer. The most easily worn hat is the one with a light pastel color – mint green or apricot pink, for example. Combine the outfit with a light-colored skirt and a top in the same color as the hat. Or simply wear a summer dress that matches your hat. [gallery ids="102040,134726" nav="thumbs"]

Sallie Lewis • March 11, 2015

Designing idyllic country homes has become a cornerstone of architect John Rhett’s career. “Most of my clients have a place in the city where they do business and enjoy the urban life, but they need a place to recharge,” he said. “People want to relax in the country. People want to enjoy what they have, and they like to reconnect with nature.”

Rhett’s work is a testament to this communal appreciation for the rural landscape. The Connecticut native received an architecture degree at Rice University and did additional work at the University of New Mexico, where he studied solar architecture and sculpture. While there, Rhett spent time working for an adobe contracting company, where he learned firsthand about the efficiency of passive and active solar architecture, the importance of the sun’s orientation in respect to a home and, more generally, the value of sustainability in design.

Today, Rhett is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, with a satellite office in Charleston, South Carolina. The Rhett family has deep ties to the Holy City, going back to 1624.

“Charleston has great classical architecture and that appeals to me a lot,” he said. “The city has a beautiful culture of art and music, and Charlottesville has a similar energy.” In both places, Rhett has found a “culture of craft.” He enjoys employing local talent and using local materials when working on his projects. “It adds another layer of joy,” he said.

In all of Rhett’s work, both commercial and residential, he and his team actively work to solve the puzzles presented to them. They consider what a client envisions as well as the potential and energy a property has to offer, then propose creative solutions to balance those factors.

As a result, Rhett’s projects and his peaceful country homes are all different. They are a product of listening to his client’s vision and making it come alive through creative – and often technical – choices. According to Rhett, there are always things to be aware of: “where the sun is, where prevailing winds are coming from, how a house can use those to its advantage.”

A harmonious sense of proportion suffuses Rhett’s designs, yet it operates on a subliminal level. The owners of his country homes are able to relax and enjoy their surroundings because the designs aren’t discordant; rather, they are in balance. In addition, the property and the home complement one another.

Particularly with country residences, Rhett recognizes the opportunity for the surrounding landscape to influence the architecture, to tie together in a unique way so that the home is an extension of the land. It’s a philosophy of respecting the natural environment and incorporating architecture into it, bringing out the best of both.

Sustainable architecture and eco-friendly building is a large part of the industry today, and Rhett believes it is here to stay. “It’s addressing very important issues and I think it will grow more important over the years as resources get more and more scarce,” he said.

Though most of his homes are in Virginia, Rhett has had the opportunity to work elsewhere, from the aforementioned California to Portugal, and he takes pride in bringing those diverse experiences to every project. He has been influenced by many bright minds, including Thomas Jefferson; Carlisle Becker, a landscape professor of his at Rice; Antoni Gaudí, the acclaimed Catalan architect; Frank Lloyd Wright; and François Goffinet, a Belgian architect and garden designer for whom Rhett worked prior to starting his own firm in 1995.

Goffinet taught Rhett a great deal about master planning of properties and the symbiotic relationship between land and home.

While with him, Rhett worked on his first landscaping project, a multimillion-dollar job in Bel Air, California, during which he learned from some of England’s finest horticulturists. Since then, the landscape component has been further woven into his career.

As spring settles in after a winter that persisted into March, the countryside around D.C. will be further beautified by Rhett’s lasting work and harmonious, creative legacy.

Rhett Architects
1857 Rivanna Farm, Charlottesville, Virginia
434-249-4667
jmr@RhettArchitects.com

Sallie Lewis •

As winter’s wrath continues here in D.C., places like Palm Beach, Fla. – with its warm breezes, bright sunshine and lush greenery – have never looked better. For a last-minute escape, this idyllic, palm-filled destination is a good option. Flights to Palm Beach are as low as $400, and once you arrive you can rest assured that there will be no shortage of glamour and grandeur.

This week alone, the Honda Classic is at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens and the 58th annual International Red Cross Ball, Feb. 28 at the Mar-a-Lago Club, will welcome ambassadors, dignitaries and philanthropic leaders from around the globe.

There is always something to do and someone to see in the Town of Palm Beach, not to mention glorious weather to be enjoyed. This roundup of ideas will help you plan a memorable getaway.

On arrival, drop your bags at one of the town’s premier hotels. The legendary and historic Breakers Hotel sprawls beautifully on the Atlantic oceanfront and features a classic Italian-Renaissance style with numerous pools, restaurants, a spa and countless other amenities. If you’re looking for more of a boutique property, try The Colony Hotel, which has been home to notable visitors for more than 60 years and just last summer completed an $18-million renovation. This cozy hotel, with its British Colonial architecture, doesn’t skimp on style. Guests enjoy pillow top mattresses, 350-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, European duvets, great food and entertainment. The Brazilian Court Hotel, with its lush courtyards, its delightful Café Boulud restaurant and its soothing Frédéric Fekkai Salon and Spa, is another option for undisputed luxury. For budget-friendly lodging, consider The Palm Beach Historic Inn.

The Town of Palm Beach is a magnet for the lover of sports and the outdoors. Whether you’re playing golf or tennis at one of the many clubs, or spending the day shopping, the town will shine for you. The Palm Beach Par 3, on 39 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, is open to the public. It’s a popular and picturesque place to work on your golf game.

Worth Avenue is one of the nation’s greatest and most iconic shopping streets, its familiar archways boasting upscale retailers such as Ferragamo and Cartier. Tucked amidst these famed shops are quiet “vias” blossoming with flora, fauna and boutiques. Enjoy an afternoon of window-shopping and get lost in the maze of antiques dealers and art galleries.

Palm Beach is also home to many memorable restaurants, several the creations of true gastronomic visionaries. James Beard-nominated chef Clay Conley opened Buccan in 2011 along with partners and friends Sam Slattery and Oliver “Piper” Quinn. Today, it continues to be one of Palm Beach’s year-round hot spots, with its small plates, big flavors and great ambiance. For classic French cuisine and glamorous dining, head to Café L’Europe, a staple since 1980. For decadent Northern Italian food, stop at the consistently delicious Bice and sit on the back patio for an unforgettable al fresco dinner. Michael McCarty’s on Cocoanut Row is another gem, serving everything from soufflés to seafood since it opened in 2002. McCarty’s is renowned for its socializing prowess as well as for its food and drink. After dinner, it becomes a popular watering hole for late-night cocktails.

The Town of Palm Beach is beloved for its Old World charm and glamour, its quiet streets, its beautiful architecture and its ritzy scene. Escape the winter slush and retreat to Florida for a short respite. The warm winter sunshine, the soft clatter of palm fronds in the breeze and the fresh, salty smell of ocean air await you.

Ari Post • January 16, 2015

A two hours’ drive from the Washington area, Charlottesville, Va., is a city that was founded 250 years ago along a trade route that led from the Great Appalachian Valley to Richmond. Today, it still stands as a middle ground between natural bounty and urban vivacity, making it the ideal location to indulge in the apple-spiced luxury of the autumn and winter months.
Charlottesville is a city that stands out because it indulges visitors in the surrounding area, reminding them of the beauty and richness of Virginia’s history, from the Jeffersonian erudition to the rugged, rolling hillsides and farmland. And now is the perfect time of year to settle in for a cozy Charlottesville weekend, sitting fireside at a rural inn, dining at one of their classic or contemporary restaurants, or warming up from a wintry vineyard tour in a rustic tasting room.

WINE & SPIRITS
As we stand on the precipice of winter, vineyards and cideries may seem low on the list of worthy discussion topics. Now, of course, is the time where vines go dormant and production comes to a standstill until the spring. But while everyone else with the winter wonderland bug is waiting in line at the ski slopes, Charlottesville’s many wineries, cideries and breweries offer intimate afternoon getaways off the beaten path. In the seventh edition of “The World Atlas of Wine” that was recently published, authors Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson even devoted an entire section to Virginia wines, heavily focused on the Monticello and Charlottesville region.

Early Mountain Vineyards is a great place to begin a Charlottesville wine tour. It is not only producing impressive wines but maintaining their historic property with a commitment to biodiversity and sustainable farming. In its lovely tasting room, ranked second place out of 220 wineries by “Virginia Wine Lover” online, visitors can warm by the fire and enjoy the views after lunch with fare from the winery’s “eat local” marketplace, featuring cheeses, charcuterie and products from local area purveyors. It also keeps a selection of the best Virginia wines from other vineyards in house along with rotating featured selections.
www.EarlyMountain.com

Meanwhile, if you crave something slightly sweeter than wine, Virginia Cider Week (Nov. 15 to 24) is an upcoming event that should not be missed. In colonial America, fermented cider was the drink of choice. John Adams attributed his health and long life to a tankard of cider before breakfast, and Thomas Jefferson’s estate-grown cider, made with Hewe’s Crabapples, was his “table drink.” Throughout the 19th century, growing apples and crafting cider from cider apples was an integral part of every community, and Virginia cidermakers are working hard to revive this American tradition. It is the fastest growing segment of the alcohol industry, with more than 60-percent category growth in 2012. And nowhere is the cider revival more evident than in Virginia wine country.

Throughout the week of events throughout Virginia, there are cheese and cider workshops, opportunities to learn about what pairs well with what, and cider flights at local vineyards. And the week culminates in Charlottesville on Saturday, Nov. 23, with the second annual CiderFest at Castle Hill Cider. The all-day event includes cider tastings from a wealth of Virginia cidermakers, food from lauded local chefs, and music from Love Canon, one of Charlottesville’s most popular bands.
www.CiderWeekVa.com

DINING
As hinted at by the wineries, local and regional produce plays a large part in Charlottesville’s culinary scene. A handful of restaurants are spearheading this movement, delivering innovative but comforting American fare, inspired with international flavors and rooted in the surrounding farmland.

Judging by its name alone, you can probably guess where The Local cultivates its culinary inspiration and resources. Since it opened in March 2008, The Local has provided a venue to showcase the abundant supply of small farmers, artisan cheese makers, breweries, distilleries and award wining vineyards in the Charlottesville area. They even support local craftsman and artisans, and much of what you see in the restaurant is fabricated locally. Try the roast Squash stuffed with Caromont goat cheese, quinoa, dried cherries and almonds over braised greens with a fresh tomato sauce, or their crispy duck breast with port wine and blackberry glaze, with a parsnip and cauliflower puree.
www.TheLocal-Cville.com

Mas is another champion of organic, artisanal food and wine, conceived by chef Tomas Rahal as an opportunity to emphasize simple, well-handled ingredients served in a casual neighborhood setting. Featuring a contemporary tapas-style menu, their menu options this season include tender leeks slow-roasted in duck fat and saffron over housemade brioche, as well as smoked beef tongue sliced thinly, grilled on the plancha, heaped on hearth-baked bread with spicy mustard, slaw and pickles. They also have an outstanding selection of Spanish wines for unforgettable pairings.
www.MasTapas.com

There is a gentle, serene beauty about the Virginia countryside that is perfectly tailored for those looking for an intimate but lively experience. Charlottesville is a quiet pinnacle of romance, culinary indulgence and relaxation, and now is the perfect time of year to fall into its warm and generous arms

CIDERWEEKVA
Nov. 15 to 24
Cider Week features multiple complimentary tastings and events featuring local Virginia ciders. For a complete schedule, visit CiderWeekVa.com.

Nov. 17
Hill & Holler Cider Dinner
Enjoy regional dishes prepared by top local chef Amalia Scatena from Pippin Hill Vineyard. Dishes will be served dim sum style and served with Virginia cider. Live music will also be featured. Tickets at $65 and can be reserved by emailing hill.holler@gmail.com. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Meriwether Vineyards, 1040 Owensville Road, Charlottesville, Va.

Nov. 19
Cider Y’all
Chef Jason Alley will cook Southern small plates paired with Foggy Ridge Cider at Pasture restaurant in Charlottesville. No entry cost. The Shops at Stonefield; 434-973-2270

Nov. 20
Home Cidermaking Workshop
Learn cidermaking basics from Tim Edmond of Potter’s Craft Cider and Chuck Shelton of Albemarle Ciderworks. Free workshop. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fifth Season Gardening, 900 Preston Ave., Charlottesville, Va. 434-293-2332

Nov. 23
CiderFest with Love Cannon
Music from Love Cannon wraps up the week with the all-day event at Castle Hill Cider. Tastings and food from area chefs will also be featured. Tickets $20; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 6065 Turkey Sag Road, Keswick, Va. 434-296-0047

CARTER’S MOUNTAIN ORCHARD
It’s apple season at Carter’s where you can spend a family-filled day “Picking Your Own,” buying apples from the Apple Barn or indulging at Aunt Sarah’s Bakery featuring home-made apple cider donuts, fresh-baked apple pies, apple caramel cookies and hand-dipped ice cream. The orchard also offers pumpkins and lunch foods in the Mountain Grill. Open through Dec. 1, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 6 to Dec. 22: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weather permitting. 575 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, Va. 434-977-1833