Ingredients:

2 10-inch loaves French baguettes

2-4 Tbsp olive oil

8 oz. Cream cheese

½ cup mayonnaise

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1 lb. cooked shrimp

½ cup minced green onion

1½ Tbsp chopped fresh dill

1 Tbsp grated lemon zest

Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

Preheat broiler. Slice the baguettes into forty ¼ – ½-inch thick diagonal slices, and lightly brush one side of each slice with oil. Broil until lightly toasted, about 1 minute.

Peel, devein, and coarsely chop the cooked shrimp; set aside. Using a mixer, beat cream cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard in a large bowl. Mix in shrimp, green onions, dill, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.

Spread 1 tablespoon of shrimp mixture on top of each toast. Arrange on baking sheet, and broil until shrimp mixture begins to brown, about two minutes. Top with parsley.

Enjoy!

© E. Nigma (http://share.food.com/community/E-Nigma/style.esi?member_id=382898)

This signature festival will begin by honoring all who have served and died in war, and it will end with a two-day costumed reenactment at Court Square and Lee Park. (Even if you’re not a hardcore fan of history, the reenactment will bring life to what is usually only observed in the written word.)

Day-by-day Schedule:

May 26- Remembering Those Who Died in the Civil War

May 27- Remembering the 200th Anniversary in 1962

May 28- 250 Years of Sacrifice in Our Nation’s Wars

May 29- 250 Years of African-American Community Life

May 30- 250 Years of Growing Neighborhoods

May 31- 250 Years of Religion, Education and Culture

June 1- 250 Years of Architecture, Development and Design

June 2- Living History Festival of Our First 200 Years

June 3- Reenactment of the British invasion of 1781

© http://www.visitcharlottesville.org/about/history/

Carter Mountain Orchard is also well-known for its events and festivals, and coming up in a little more than a month is one such event. Starting on June 7, 2012 and continuing until October 4, 2012, every week the orchard will feature its Thursday Evening Sunset Series:  “Come pick your own fruit when it’s a little cooler, shop in our Country Store, grab some donuts and cider from our bakery, and dinner from our Grill, and then head into the Carter Mountain Wine Shop for wine (tastings, by the glass, or by the bottle). Perch on our two large decks to listen to free live music, and catch an amazing sunset.”

Complete your Sunset Series adventures with a stay at our bed and breakfast!

Like, Add, and Follow the Iris Inn!

All of the performers are local artists from central Virginia, and you will be delighted to know that all the performances in this concert series are free.  Also, part of the proceeds from concession sales will go towards local non-profit organizations. (How great does this concert series sound???)

If you aren’t able to make any of the shows during the first half of this 2012 concert series, have no fear. A list of musicians for the second half will be released sometime towards the end of June.

April 20- Love Canon (Low Fat. Bluegrass. Eighties)
April 27- No BS! Brass Band (Modern Funk Brass Band)
May 04- Skip Castro (Swing, R&B, Boogie Woogie)
May 11- Soul Transit Authority (Golden Hits of Soul)
May 18- Honey Island Swamp Band (Bayou Americana)
May 25- Chickenhead Blues Band (Soulful Dancing Blues)
June 01- Second Draw (Jam Band, Bluegrass)
June 08- Baaba Seth (Worldbeat Dance)
June 15- Indecision (C’ville’s Favorite Jams)
June 22- The English Channel (British Invasion Rock)
June 29- Terri Allard (Rootsy Country Folk)

Book your room at the Iris Inn, and start planning your Fridays After Five activities!

© nTelos Wireless Pavilion

You will be quite delighted to learn that the Montpelier Wine Festival is only a month away. May 5-6, 2012, you will have the opportunity not only to visit and tour the beautiful grounds of Montpelier, but also to sample wine from 24 local wineries, indulge in delectable dishes prepared and served by festival vendors, and enjoy a variety of live events.

Want to bring the kiddies with you? Don’t be dissuaded by the “wine festival” title! There are plenty of children-friendly activities as well, including a free ride in the barrel train, face painting, kite-making, and a kite-flying contest. Instructions, stunts, and demonstrations will be provided by the Wings Over Washington Kite Club.

Book your room at the Iris Inn, and immerse yourself in wine and history!

© Billy Hathorn

On April 21-22, 2012, make your way to Waynesboro’s South River and partake in a host of free lectures and tips. The two-day schedule includes such lectures as “Casting Tactics for Trout in Tight Cover,” “Getting Into Saltwater Fly Fishing,” and “Fishing the Best Waters of the Mid-Atlantic.” If you’re a fly fishing beginner, have no fear. There will be experts available to answer all of your questions and to teach you the how, when, and where of this sport.

Perhaps you are asking yourself, “What if I don’t have a fishing license? Must I rush to buy one in time for this magnificent event so that I can partake in the merriments of my fellow fishermen?” If that is indeed your question, then you will be happy to know that the Fly Fishing Festival will have licenses for sale. (Make sure you have a picture ID and cash or a credit with you in order to purchase your license.)

Fly Fishing Festival Quick Facts:

DATE: April 21-22, 2012

LOCATION: South River, Waynesboro, VA

COST: $20 for a day, $35 for a weekend pass, children ages 16 and under free.

LODGING: The Iris Inn, of course!

Nothing proclaims the arrival of spring quite like the sight of budding flowers and the gradual shades of green that seep in the landscape. The Shenandoah Valley is a lovely place to watch spring emerge, and as a result of such an ideal location, there are specific places that commemorate this coming season.

Historic Garden Week in Virginia takes place April 21-28, 2012, and it includes around 250 gardens, historical landmarks, and homes all over the Commonwealth. We at the Iris Inn are lucky enough to be located near several of the Garden Week participants:

Morven Farm, Charlottesville, VA- This beautiful property was open during the first Historic Garden Week in 1929, and “it has been open for every Garden Week since” (Virginia.edu). When you tour Morven Farm, know that you will be experience a piece of history laden with the flora of spring.

Monticello, Charlottesville, VA- Garden Week at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello includes a Revolutionary Garden Tour on April 21 and April 23 as well as a National Book Launch on April 23.

© James Maxwell

Woodrow Wilson Birthplace, Staunton, VA- On April 21, 2012, take a tour of the historic boxwood garden next to the birthplace of former U.S. president Woodrow Wilson. Sponsored by the Augusta Garden Club, the tour also includes both the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and the Woodrow Wilson Museum.

© Rolfmueller

If you’re a fan of reading, writing, or literature in general, then mark your calendars for the renowned Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville, VA. For five days, March 21-25, 2012, you can attend book signings, readings, seminars, luncheons, and much more: There are “approximately 125 events on books of many topics, including but not limited to history, mystery, fiction, current affairs, poetry, cooking, photography” (Visit Charlottesville). Not only will this festival celebrate the potency of the written word, but it will also provide an enjoyable gathering of like-minded individuals, people who respect writing for the power that it holds in spite of ever-growing technological advances.

Every year, the festival boasts a myriad of authors, both fiction and non-fiction, as well as poets, publishers, and editors. A few of this year’s many participants include “international number-one bestselling author” Jeffery Deaver, National Geographic writer Jennifer Holland, and Shamus-award winning author Andy Straka.

What are other people saying about the Virginia Festival of the Book?

“Every year the Festival of the Book comes along to dispel the notion that reading has gone the way of the eight-track tape.” –Lisa Province, The Hook

“Mr. Jefferson would be proud to know such things as the Virginia Festival of the Book still occur.” –Festival Attendee 2011

“A five-day nonstop bookish bash with something that caters to every interest.”  –Susan Stevens Huckle, Roanoke Times

(All quotes can be found VaBook.org)

In case you are unfamiliar with the area, Charlottesville, VA is only a quick drive, 25 minutes or so, away from the Iris Inn. Spend a day or two (or all five) at the festival, and know that you have a comfortable place to return to once you have enjoyed your literary ventures!

Although we, Dave and Heidi Lanford, are the head innkeepers here at the Iris Inn, there is a third individual who whole-heartedly welcomes guests on arrival. She helps show them to their rooms, keeps them entertained, and bids them farewell when they leave. We are, of course, talking about Katie, our 12-year old border collie who has been our constant companion since she was five months old.

A few reasons why we all love Katie:

1. Guests enjoy using a “launcher” to throw tennis balls for Katie outside. She always returns with a tennis ball, but we suspect that it’s rarely the same ball that was thrown. There are tennis balls scattered about the surrounding woods, and Katie always manages to bring one back so as not to disappoint the thrower.

2. To the delight of most everyone who meets Katie, she has a trigger word—“tail.” Say this word to her, and she will immediately begin chasing her tail, her barks growing louder as her viewers’ laughter increases. Sometimes it requires a firm command of “stop” before she actually ceases the pursuit of her tail.

3. If Katie wants you to throw her ball for her inside the inn, she certainly lets you know. She nudges it towards you with her nose, and then backs up in anticipation.

4. Katie knows she is not allowed in the rooms, so after she had helped show guests to the rooms, she patiently waits at the threshold, nudging her ball into the room so that guests will play with her.

Know that when you arrive here at the inn, you will be met with the utmost warmth and enthusiasm, not only by your innkeepers, but also by our beloved Katie.

Katie and Ariel

And now, I present to you a list of upcoming festivals. Check our blog for posts closer to the event date, as they will list more details.

1. April 20-22 Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival: A fine festival of fly fishing, feasting, and fantastic wine.

2. May 18-20 Ash Lawn-Highland Wine Festival: Fun festivities of food, frolicking, and free wine glass souvenirs.

2. June 8-10 Veritas Starry Nights: A medley of bluegrass music, a delicious dinner, and an affluence of wonderful wine.

3. July 6-8 Veritas Starry Nights: In case you missed Round One of this event, here’s another opportunity for you to go!

4. July 20-22 Andre Viette’s Daylily and Wine Festival: Named one of July’s top 20 events by Southeastern Tourism Society, this event offers floral and flag festivities and artsy attractions, and of course, wine tasting.

7. August 10-12 Veritas Starry Nights: And if you missed Round One and Round Two of this event, here’s one more chance for you to attend!

Wine Therapy at the Iris Inn: Book your weekend today. Choose your room, and then add the Wine Therapy Package. We will take care of the rest!

© Jon Sullivan