Archive for September, 2011

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Route 11 Potato Chips

Sep. 24th 2011

America loves potato chips. Whether it’s Lay’s Ruffled Chips, Cool Ranch Doritos, or Frito-Lay Sunchips, most people indulge every once in a while in these crispy, crunchy morsels. Here in Virginia, we are lucky enough to have our own fantastic brand of potato chips, made by the the company Route 11, which is located in Mt. Jackson, Virginia.

According to Route 11′s official website, their chip recipe is “simple,” including only “good potatoes, high quality oil and unusually delicious seasonings,” and this company certainly succeeds in the quality of their snacks! Not only are the chips delectable, but they have different flavors for different preferences (meaning that all you picky eaters out there have a wide variety from which to choose)! You’ll have to visit their gallery for a complete list of their flavors, but here’s a hint of what they offer: Chesapeake Crab, Dill Pickle, Garlic and Herb, Mixed Vegetable, and Sweet Potato.

Did you know that you can also visit Route 21 and feast your eyes on a frying demonstration? Indeed you can, though they recommend calling beforehand to make certain of their cooking hours.

Happy Eating!

 

 

 

Posted by Tara Stoll | in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Bed and Breakfast Scrapbookers, 2011

Sep. 18th 2011

Here at the Iris Inn, we have the privilege of meeting a wide variety of individuals who stay here as guests. Some are so nice and engaging that we’re sad to see them leave. Others are more disagreeable, and we’re not so terribly sad when they make their departure. And then there are some guests who are just downright terrifying. The scrapbookers fall into this latter category.

No, I’m totally kidding. The scrapbookers are a wonderful group of ladies. *twitch*

Hailing from northern Virginia, this lively party of women descends on the Iris Inn with much laughter and merry-making. They call themselves the Crop Tarts and are comprised of about thirteen individuals, 1,000 bags of luggage, and around 2,000 boxes of craft materials. (Please note that this is a gross exaggeration, and I humbly apologize if you overlooked the sarcasm.)

So, what is the big deal about scrapbooking? Have no fear; I’m about to tell you.

The preservation of memories is at the heart of scrapbooking, and for the ladies of the Crop Tarts, their craft is not only an excuse to get away for the weekend, but it is also a way to partake in a hobby that they describe as “a type of therapy,” an “obsession,” and “a way of life.” It’s a brief respite from the hectic pace of everyday life and also an outlet for stifled creativity. As with most forms of art, scrapbooking reflects the personality of the artist. From photographs of friends, family, and pets to bits of poetry or famous quotations, the design of a scrapbook is virtually limitless and depends entirely on the individual. On the whole, the main goal of a scrapbooker is just to have fun, as demonstrated by the energy and enthusiasm of the Crop Tarts.

Trust me, I could blather on and on about how fantastic scrapbooking is, but you would be much better off trying it for yourself. And what better place for artistic inspiration than the Iris Inn?

For information and ideas about scrapbooking, visit the cleverly named www.scrapbooking.com.

 

Posted by Tara Stoll | in Uncategorized | No Comments »

The Brew Ridge Beer Trail

Sep. 7th 2011

Virginia has become increasingly popular for its production of wine, but what does not receive as much attention is its beer output. Virginia does, in fact, make some fantastic beers, and if you would like to spend some time on a unique tour of this area, try out the “Brew Ridge Trail.”

The Brew Ridge Trail includes five different breweries that create a nice little loop for you to traverse:

First, there is Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton, Va. Blue Mountain is a farm brewery, meaning they grow their own hops, and they offer an excellent selection of ales and lagers, including nearly twenty seasonal drafts.

The next beer destination is Devil’s Backbone in Roseland, Va, and at this establishment, you can sample the gold medal-winning Gold Leaf Lager and the silver medal-winning Vienna Lager.

Third is South Street Brewery in Charlottesville, Va, providing beer that is “always fresh” and a “friendly, relaxed atmosphere.”

Moving on, we come to Starr Hill in Crozet, Va, the home of many award-winning microbrews. Starr Hill’s motto includes a promise to provide people with “the Gift of Great Beer.”

The fifth destination along the Brew Ridge Trail is the Wild Wolf Brewing Company, located in Nellysford, Va. Their beers on tap include the Weiz Wolf, the Alpha Ale, and the Wry Wolf, and at the moment, are in a temporary location which features a home brew shop and a nano-brewery.

Overall, the Brew Ridge Trail is a fun way to explore various places in Virginia as well as having the opportunity to try out some delicious beers! Grab your designated driver, and “hop” to it! (Okay, yes, that was a horrible pun…)

Posted by Tara Stoll | in Area Attractions | No Comments »

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