In Country

Theodore Putala • April 23, 2015

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

Thanksgiving brings together everything we love about the fall season—the food, the colors, the warmth and intimacy, the cinnamon-flecked crispness of the cloudy, cool air—and consolidates them into one grand and often tumultuous evening, where family and friends come together simply to share their love, affection and gastronomic stamina.

Here on the East Coast, the spirit of Thanksgiving is arguably at its most consum- mate. I think we get spoiled in this part of the country around Thanksgiving—we take the luminescent hillsides and pumpkin-topped haystacks for granted and begin dreaming of warmer days before winter has even arrived. Try to imagine, for a moment a November family gathering, with a golden roast turkey, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, tannic red wines and pumpkin pie… in the 80-degree heat of Miami, Fla.

No thanks.

So, to best appreciate a true and spirited Thanksgiving around Washington, why not leave the city and take to the countryside? Whether searching for a quiet holiday escape with your better half, or gallivanting about with the whole family, there are a number of places just outside the city that offer the tranquility of the season in its quintessential form, as well as some traditional and brilliantly unique Thanksgiving dinners—and it takes the edge off cooking a 15-pound bird for those loved ones that never cease to offer their critique.

Here are a few of The Georgetowner’s favorite Thanksgiving lunch, dinner and weekend getaway opportunities. Make your reservations before they fill up.

The Robert Morris Inn Oxford, Md.

This small gem on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is the perfect waterfront setting for a traditional Thanksgiving. The culinary team, headed by chef Mark Salter, has put together a traditional and creative menu for this special occasion as an opportunity for regional produce to shine. For large groups, their Tred Avon Room is available for a family group booking.

Their Thanksgiving menu starts with dishes like spiced butternut squash soup with smoked bacon and cinnamon whipped cream, and red and yellow beets with crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts and mixed greens. The main event is free-range turkey and baked ham with roasted potato, onion and celery stuffing and seasonal vegetables, with cranberry, orange and ginger relish. There are also alternative main courses, such as oyster potpie, salmon on creamed sweet onions with kale, pancetta and baby potatoes, and beef tenderloin with a Burgundy-truffle sauce. Desert includes apple and blackberry crumble with Chantilly cream and pecan pie with bourbon ice cream.

Price: $58 per person, plus beverages and gratuity.

For more information or to make a reservation visit www.RobertMorrisInn.com, or call (410) 226-5111.

Keswick Hall Keswick, Va.

Keswick Hall is truly a luxury resort that overwhelms the senses. Their magnificent and secluded estate in the foothills of the Southwest Mountains outside of Charlottesville is itself enough to bowl you over—never mind the fact that Condé Nast rated them the number-one small resort in the country.

At Fossett’s, the resort’s award-winning restaurant, executive chef Aaron Cross will present a four-course tasting menu featuring traditional holiday entrees, as well as beef and fish options. Keswick Hall will also serve two Thanksgiving Day buffets, featuring all your holiday favorites and more ($55 – $65 per person).

Price: $75 person, $25 for children ages 4 – 12.

For more information or to make a reservation visit www.Keswick.com, or call (434) 979-3440.

Sherwood’s Landing St. Michael’s, Md.

St. Michael’s, an intimate, secluded waterside haven, rests along the “Bay Hundred” stretch that runs to Tilghman Island on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Inn at Perry Cabin is the town’s premier luxury escape, with a waterfront property that offers a gorgeous panorama of the Shore at its finest. The resort’s restaurant, Sherwood’s Landing, overlooks the Miles River, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in a delightful waterfront setting.

Its Thanksgiving menu starts with a choice of soups: harvest quash veloute, with caramelized pistachios and popped corn mouse, or oxtail consommé with black trufle, Madeira, savoy cabbage and oxtail ravioli. The main courses, on top of roasted local turkey, include honey-glazed Virginia ham, pan-seared duck breast, roast wild rockfish and tomato tart tatin, all served with whipped sweet potatoes, caramelized root vegetables, sage stuffing, cranberry relish and natural jus. Desert include pumpkin pie flan with maple cream and caramel, caramelized apple and fennel tart with lemon and allspice creams, and cranberry walnut bread pudding with honey, bourbon anglaise and vanilla ice-cream.

Price: $74 per person, plus beverages and gratuity

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.PerryCabin.com, or call (410) 745-2200, ext 213.

The Silver Thatch Inn Charlottesville, Va.

The Silver Thatch Inn is an intimate luxury bed and breakfast that seamlessly weaves culinary and historical experience. Its kitchen offers a special dining experience in its candlelit dining rooms, working with local farmers to ensure that the finest, freshest produce will reach dining guests, and holiday dining is one of its specialties.

The Thanksgiving menu includes seared scallops with warm radicchio and pancetta, carrot-ginger soup with candied orange peel, and fall greens with persimmons, goat cheese, hazelnuts and a Clementine dressing. The featured entrée is the legendary Turducken: a boneless turkey with cornbread and sausage stuffing, filled with a boneless duck with spinach and Parmesan stuffing, which is filled yet again with a small chicken with cranberry jalapeño stuffing. It is served with pan gravy, cauliflower and potato au gratin, braised kale and pear-apple chutney (good luck getting through that one). Other Thanksgiving entrees include Angus beef with onion-mashed potatoes and flounder with lobster stuffing and sweet potato risotto.

Price: $55 per person, children under 12 half price.

For more information or to make a reservation visit www.SilverThatch.com, or call (434) 978-4686. [gallery ids="101060,137051,137047,137042" nav="thumbs"]

Ari Post •

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

Ari Post •

With the first snow in what seems like well over a year, it is safe to say that we have a real winter on our hands. We tend to worry about the dog days of summer, but this is the time of year where cabin fever can really set in. If you want to defy the cold, now is the perfect time for those of us itching to take off on a relaxing weekend getaway. Pastoral bed & breakfasts and luxury hotels surround the D.C. area.

The landscapes of these mountain and riverside resorts are in a rare, hushed state of wintry serenity, and the weather, while perhaps brutally cold, can be a good excuse to cuddle up in front of a fire with the one you love.

The Ashby Inn and Restaurant

In the town of Paris, Va. sits The Ashby Inn and Restaurant. Just an hour outside the city, this popular travel destination offers a respite for those jaded city dwellers seeking nature’s tranquility. A small inn with ten double rooms, it has a restaurant with 70 seats that tends to fill up every Saturday.

For the adventurous couples, nearby Sky Meadow State Park, which can be seen from the porch of the Inn, offers great winter hiking. There’s nothing quite like stomping through the woods and hearing nothing but the rustling of bare branches and the crunch of snow under your feet.

If you are looking for less strenuous quality time, the nearby town of Middleburg is well known for its antique shops, equestrian culture and, of course, the National Sporting Library and Museum, where you can take in the beauty of the wilderness through paintings without shivering in the cold. If it’s warm enough, stop by Middleburg Common Grounds, just across the street. They have great coffee, a cozy atmosphere, and a great chicken salad sandwich. Another great activity for those who want to relax but explore is a trip to any number of the over twenty local wineries located within 30 minutes of the Inn—the tasting rooms at Chrysalis Vineyards and Barrel Oak Winery are open year round, and their wine is worth stopping in to try.

This resort is quite popular—they are often fully booked—so call to see what’s available. www.AshbyInn.com

The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier has the hallowed distinction as “America’s Resort”. Way out in West Virginia, The Greenbrier has entertained guests for generations. Under the ownership of Jim Justice, the hotel has built new amenities offers more entertainment opportunities for visitors, including a casino, live music, and its own PGA Tour event, the Greenbrier Classic, July 2-8, an event that will also feature a concert series with Toby Keith, Rod Stewart featuring Lionel Richie, Bon Jovi.
All this may seem far away, but The Greenbrier now has its own place in Washington. The Greenbrier Upper Lobby, at 1427 H Street NW, is a space where travelers can book vacations at the Greenbrier. Decorated by Carleton Varney in his signature, colorful style, the Upper Lobby transports individuals to the halls of the hotel. The Greenbrier is offering a special getaway package that includes transportation to the hotel. Read more about it at www.greenbrier.com.

The Homestead

Resting on 3,000 acres of Allegheny Mountain terrain, The Homestead is a luxury mountain resort that has been spoiling their guests since before the American Revolution. This National Historic Landmark of a retreat is ranked among the world’s finest spa destinations, and has enough activities to keep you busy through the entire winter.

There are a variety of suite accommodations from which to choose, including pet friendly rooms. Their world-class spa alone would nearly be worth the trip—even more so in the winter months, when the brittle cold leaves skin is particularly sensitive.

After you revitalize the body and spirit with a hydrotherapy treatment, you can go see a movie at the in-house theater, or swim in the naturally heated indoor pool, play tennis on the indoor courts. Go ice skating, bowling, or even snow tubing. You can pretend it’s any season you want! The Homestead understands how to make the most out of every time of year.

With nine restaurants to choose from, guests can dine in almost any manner they please. Put on your evening’s best to enjoy French American cuisine at 1766 Grille, or enjoy a poolside lunch wrapped in a beach towel with a view of the snowcapped mountains just outside the window. www.TheHomestead.com

Goodstone Inn and Estate

Close to The Ashby Inn and Restaurant, you can find The Goodstone Inn in Middleburg, Virginia. It is a luxurious, romantic country inn and gourmet restaurant set on 265 acres of rolling pastures and woodlands in the heart of wine and hunt country. Breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding countryside appear from every vantage point. At Goodstone, the finest hospitality, dining, personalized service and attention to detail ensure that every visit is a special and memorable occasion. With 18 rooms spread about the rustic estate, it is a choice romantic destination—and it is at its most intimate during the winter months.

There are many different activities available at The Goodstone. The estate grounds hold possibilities for hiking, biking and canoeing, all of which are included in the rates. For explorers, The Goodstone Inn can arrange activities such as hot air ballooning, horseback riding and history tours, while the many wineries in the area are a good choice for those seeking a more gastronomic experience.

The Restaurant at Goodstone features a farm-to-table menu and uses only the finest, fresh ingredients available — mostly sourced from Goodstone’s own organic herb and vegetable gardens and the finest purveyors in the country. They Inn and Restaurant are currently offering winter getaway packages, so indulge in a special winter retreat while it still counts. www.Goodstone.com

The Inn at Willow Grove

Moving south, The Inn at Willow Grove is located close to the town of Orange, Virginia. Just under two hours’ drive from Washington, this eclectic country inn presents itself as an upscale, luxury retreat. Recently renovated, the Inn has eleven rooms and a gourmet restaurant. The surrounding scenery combined with the beauty of the Inn attracts guests throughout the year.

With heated floor tiles, soaking tubs and fireplaces, the accommodations are worth the trip alone. You might find yourself not wanting to leave the room—which is exactly the point of wintering away. But should you want to explore, there are plenty of things to do. Guest favorites include wine tours to the various wineries in the area. www.TheInnAtWillowGrove.com

Keswick Hall at Monticello

Just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, lies Keswick Hall at Monticello. A little more than two hours away from Washington, this Hotel is a great combination of a romantic Inn and a large resort. Guests travel here from all over the world to stay at this intimate haven, rated the number-one small resort in the country by Conde Nast. Located in the heart of Virginia, it is the perfect spot for a long weekend getaway.

The Keswick Hall at Monticello offers a range of activities designed for couples. From couples massages and private cooking classes, to fireside billiards and couples tennis matches, there are countless activities to suit any mood. For wine enthusiasts, Keswick Hall has its own private vineyard, and offers tours of the other renowned Charlottesville vineyards nearby. Having all the amenities of a large resort with the intimacy of home, you can spend an entire weekend exploring the wondrous fall terrain of Keswick Hall. www.Keswick.com

The Inn at Monticello

Just a stone’s throw from Monticello proper, The Inn at Monticello is a five-acre bed & breakfast, and a convenient base of operations while exploring all that nearby Charlottesville has to offer. Just far enough outside the city to enjoy the rolling landscapes from your private porch or cottage, and down the street from a handful of vineyards, the Inn is still only a ten-minute drive from the center of town.

Once in Charlottesville, across the street from the UVA campus, visit the Corner. A stretch of coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores and nightspots frequented by the local academic community, the Corner is a cultural watering hole, and a perfect place to enjoy a simple cup of coffee with a good book, grab dinner, or have a few drinks. Among the scenery, UVA’s historic chapel and the “Academical Village” are noteworthy sites.

Restaurants to check out around Charlottesville include The Ivy Inn Restaurant and Hamilton’s at First and Main. Producing cuisine inspired by seasonal and locally grown ingredients, The Ivy Inn offers classic American fare with modern twists, such as pumpkin ravioli or veal osso buco with sautéed bok choy. At Hamilton’s at First and Main, inventive pairings such as roasted halibut stuffed with chèvre, or crab cakes with lemon-basil aioli are the highlights of the menu. www.InnAtMonticello.com

The Inn at Little Washington

When discussing luxury dining and accommodations in Virginia, The Inn at Little Washington garners the same reactions that one gets if mentioning Disney World to a four-year-old. The lovechild of renowned restaurateur Patrick O’Connell, a self-taught chef often accused of having “perfect taste” and a pioneer of the local-organic movement, The Inn at Little Washington is one of the most highly decorated restaurants and hotels in the country—and just about the only nationally lauded two-for-one.

This time of year, O’Connell’s celebrated kitchen is hunkering down and making some of the most innovative and delicious comfort food you could ever imagine, using the hearty ingredients and earthy flavors of winter. www.TheInnAtLittleWashington.com. [gallery ids="101146,140744,140727,140739,140734" nav="thumbs"]

Ari Post •

Come rain or come shine, Easton, Md.’s annual Waterfowl Festival is on the horizon, Nov. 8 to 10. A regional tradition that dates back more than 40 years, the Waterfowl Festival is an ode to the natural history, untamed beauty and landmark conservation efforts of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, featuring our favorite animals in its surrounding ecosystem.

Sportsmen and art connoisseurs alike will find something to admire at this festival, founded by an ambitious local community who envisioned an event that would share with visitors the unique heritage of the Eastern Shore they so treasure. The festival also helps to preserve the ecosystem, raising funds to protect the wildlife and habitats that are integral to the area’s way of life. The nonprofit organization, which initially raised just a few thousand dollars a year, now totals more than $5 million in conservation grants to hundreds of projects by more then fifty organizations. The festival’s new conservation arm, Waterfowl Chesapeake, was founded in 2011 to further enhance the organization’s ability to support waterfowl and the environment.

This event captures the true romance and excitement of the area’s wild birds, while tipping a hat to the sport they create that has so long intoxicated hunters and birdwatchers. From decoy exchanges to art exhibits, and from a children’s fishing derby to wildlife photography classes, Easton’s Waterfowl Festival truly has something for everyone.

SPORTING, HUNTING, CALLING AND TASTING

Each November, proud duck and goose callers from across the country and Canada journey to Easton to vie for the coveted title of “master caller.” At the Festival’s annual Calling Contest, men and women perform their best calls in front of more than 600 spectators.
One of the most popular festival events is the Retriever Demonstrations. The Retriever Demonstrations are entertaining and impressive, as these skilled canines show off by leaping into the pond to fetch a thrown or hidden dummy. You don’t have to be a hunter to appreciate the intelligence demonstrated by the retrievers and the training skills of their handlers. Another canine-crazed event is the Dock Dogs Competition, where the stands fill quickly to watch dog after dog race down a dock to splash into a pool of water. The competition measures which dog remains airborne the farthest or highest.

The Wine, Beer and Tasting Pavilion will host an array of local food and beverage vendors, offering a true taste of the region. From locally brewed craft beer to famous Maryland crabs, it is the perfect pit stop amidst the veritable flurry of Festival activity. Tastings are free after a $10 entry fee, and drinks may be purchased separately by the glass or bottle to take home.

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY

During the festival, a series of galleries and exhibits will be open throughout the day, featuring art and artists devoted to the local waterfowl culture. One of the original Waterfowl Festival galleries, the Art at the Armory Painting Gallery presents an array of exceptional artists offering a variety of work encompassing a wide range of subject matter, style and price. In addition to waterfowl, wildlife and sporting art, the artists present landscape, floral and maritime scenes, both as original paintings and prints.

The Artists Gallery and Workshop, hosted by Easton Elementary School, allows visitors the rare opportunity to see artists at work, demonstrating the techniques and skill required to create the artwork so admired in its finished form. Working artisans are willing and eager to discuss their work and tricks of the trade, from carving to painting and photography techniques. Demonstrations throughout the day make this exhibit a delight for many and an educational must for all aspiring young artists.
There is also a myriad of special programming throughout the weekend, from classes and demonstrations to competitions and performances. For children and families, the art activities at Easton Elementary School feature carving and miniature painting classes. There are also beginning and advanced digital photography workshops with photographer Will Hershberger, as well as a pastel painting workshop hosted by renowned wildlife and landscape artist Clive Tyler.

The Buy, Sell, Swap event at Easton High School is a popular festival staple, getting collectors together to haggle and bargain with their wares. This traders’ bazaar focuses on decoys, hunting and sporting memorabilia, sporting books and much more, with prices ranging from pocket change to the thousands of dollars. Whether a dedicated collector, first time buyer, or browser, any visitor will find something of interest.

There is all this and more at the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Md. So, brush up your duck calls, shape up your pups and get on out there.

For more information, visit www.WaterFowlFestival.org.