Archive for the 'Fall' Category

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Veterans Day, 2011

Nov. 7th 2011

“The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” –Abraham Lincoln

Veterans Day will be here shortly, and you may be looking to join in the celebration which honors the lives of all men and women who have served in the various branches of the military. During your stay here at the Iris Inn, there are several different options of showing your patriotic thankfulness. You can, of course, adorn yourselves in red, white and blue attire while waving your own star-spangled banner. However, if you’re looking for a more subtle option of celebration, have no fear.

There will be a Veterans Day program at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum in Staunton, Virginia. The program begins at 10:30 am (the 93^rd anniversary of President Wilson’s original Armistice Day address), and it is free to the public.

Shenandoah National Park will be offering free admission to everyone Veterans Day. What better way to thank the men and women of the armed forces than by getting out and delighting in the land they help to protect?

Another Veterans Day commemoration will be found at Ash-Lawn Highland, the home of President James Monroe, who was a Revolutionary War veteran. The event begins at 11 am and is free to the public. Ash-Lawn Highland will be free the entire day to all military personnel, active, former, and retired.

Posted by Tara Stoll | in Area Attractions, Events and Festivals, Fall, History, Holidays, Outdoor Activities, Shenandoah National Park, Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Library | No Comments »

Have a vacation day you need to use before the end of the year? Take a weekday to enjoy the Skyline Drive.

Oct. 8th 2010

Do you have an unused vacation day? Take a weekday to enjoy one of the most beautiful seasons in Virginia-fall. The Skyline Dirve and the Blue Ridge Parkway have an abundance of color this season. During the week you are free from the weekend crowds to enjoy the outdoors with plently of elbow room. Peak colors are everywhere in the mountains mid to late October. Go ahead, take the day off.

Posted by Heidi Lanford | in Events and Festivals, Fall | No Comments »

VA Grape Harvest Time is Mother Nature’s Celebration

Sep. 16th 2010

Grapes ready for harvest

A tasty trip to Virginia’s wineries is best in the fall as the energy is contagious. Imagine driving through a vineyard on a sunny autumn day with the windows rolled down as the lush aromas of grapes caress your nose. Visualize neat rows laden with green and purple fruit evoking a way of life that is simple yet sophisticated. Listen to the harvest season’s frantic dance between the rows as wine lovers and curious individuals flock to the vineyards to sample forthcoming vintages. Experience the winery’s magic in progress of turning Mother Nature’s fruit into an elixir of the gods. Everyone who works in the vineyards throughout the growing season will not warrant rest until every worthy bunch has been crushed and converted to tanks full of fermenting juice.

September, October and November are perfect months to see vintners pick ripe fruit or share in the excitement with the many festivals that celebrate this time of year. Either way, the urge to consume nature’s bounty will overcome you with a craving for the rich earthly flavors of the autumn harvest. It’s the time to take a vineyard or cellar tour where, at many small family-owned wineries, you can learn the heritage and processes right from the source. -Jackie Amrhein-Sells

No one can describe the grape harvest time better than Jackie, so we wanted to share her words with you as we kickoff the Iris Inn blog.  The festivals and special events are every weekend in central Virginia. Consider the first annual Wine Festival at Monticello ,  where only the best central Virginia wines are available for tasting on the north lawn of Thomas Jefferson’s home. Or choose the harvest dinner at King Family Vineyards where you can enjoy a casual, rustic setting with fine food, wines, and interactive cellar tour and tasting. Start the evening watching harvest activities in action, then sample fruit, taste fermenting juice, just finished wine, and compare to the bottled result.

Both events are within 30 minutes of the Iris Inn. Venture out and experience Virginian wine and food!

Posted by Heidi Lanford | in Events and Festivals, Fall | No Comments »

Have a vacation day you need to use before the end of the year? Take a weekday to enjoy the Skyline Drive. »

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