The Piedmont Virginian’s blog

Posted under: Clarke County, Events, Friday Photo on July 3rd, 2009 | by Margaret McCann No Comments »

 The Castleton Festival is yet another reason why the Piedmont is a very special place to live.  On July 3, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, nestled on 550 acres of rolling hills and beautiful lakes, the first annual Castleton festival opens. The Castleton Festival will feature the crème de le crème of young artists from around the world, performing in symphonic concerts and four of Benjamin Britten’s famous chamber operas. The Opera’s include The Turn of the Screw, The Beggar’s Opera, Albert Herring and The Rape of Lucretia.  As part of the concert series performances will include Mozart Symphony No. 29, Bruch Violin Concerto and Beethoven Symphony No. 7. The second concert includes Verdi: Overture to a La forza del destino; Barber: Adagio for Strings; Britten: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra; Brahms: Varians on a Theme by Haydn; Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra.
This new festival is the cornerstone project of the Chateauville Foundation, founded by Maestro Lorin Maazel and his wife, Dietlinde Turban-Maazel, to train and mentor young musicians. The Castleton Festival is the only festival in the U.S. devoted to chamber operas and is built on the success of the Castleton Residency program. This festival represents a major commitment from Maestro Lorin Maazel, who has stepped down as music director of the New York Philharmonic in June 2009.  During the festival there will also be master classes taught by Maestro Maazel, an open house with tours of the Maazels’ property and even a traditional, country dance on Saturday, July 4.  Ticket prices range from $50 - $80. For a schedule of the Castleton Festival, please click here: chateauville.org/festival.html

Posted under: Art, Artists, and Galleries, Events, History and Historic Places, News, Rappahannock County on July 2nd, 2009 | by Margaret McCann No Comments »

The Virginia International Polo Club will host an exciting high-goal exhibition polo match on Friday, July 3rd at 12:00 noon at historic Llangollen located on Trappe Road, Uppervillle, Virginia. This 20 Goal Match will benefit Golden Dreams Therapeutic Riding Center and will feature some of the most competitive players in the country, including top American players Adam Snow and Owen Rinehart. Each team will have an aggregate handicap of 20-goals which will make this event an exciting spectator event as well as one of the highest levels of polo played in Virginia. For those of you who have never been out to Llangollen, this is a wonderful opportunity. The vistas are breathtaking and the polo field and pavilion are top notch. This event is a great kick-off the Fourth of July weekend with a luncheon & Silent Auction under the fieldside Pavilion with all the proceeds to benefit Golden Dreams Therapeutic Riding Center.
Golden Dreams Therapeutic Riding Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities in Loudoun and surrounding counties in Virginia. Individuals with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability can benefit from therapeutic riding through safe, supervised interaction with equines.

Lisa Iantosca, Board President says, “ We are extremely excited about the upcoming polo match hosted by VIPolo Club. More than anyone, the horse community and specifically the polo community, understands how powerful the relationship between a horse and rider can be. We look forward to increasing the awareness of the public benefits Golden Dreams provides and the potential for raising much needed funding for our many program needs.

Please contact Golden Dreams at 540.687.5800 for ticket information or to set a date for a personal tour to see the Riding Center or visit www.goldendreamsriding.com.

Posted under: Events, Farms and Farmers, Loudoun County, News on July 2nd, 2009 | by Margaret McCann No Comments »

Here’s an opportunity for us to support all the local food purveyors in the Piedmont and celebrate a holiday that for many has become a grilling outing. According to the Weber grill folks, Independence Day is the number one grilling holiday in the United States. There are no shortage of local products: vegetables, poultry, meats, and even cheeses that taste like a celebration when they visit the grill.

We have talked endlessly about locavore issues and now a new organaization has sprouted up to give a major shout out for sourcing our ingredients as “locally, sustainably, and deliciously as possible,” The Food Independence Day Organization wants everyone to get involved.

In our region we, of course, have the bounty of offerings from purveyors and restaurants that are committed to sourcing as many local products as possible. If you’re doing the grilling, don’t forget the farm markets and stands throughout our region that carry the grower’s products or visit the producers directly, such as, Fields of Athenry Farm, Woodtrail Graziers, Ayrshire Farm, or its market, the Home Farm Store. (Remember if you are visiting a farm, it is a good idea to call first).

If you want someone else to do the cooking, here are some places to support that personify the local experience: The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm, Tuscarora Mill, Clyde’s at Willow Creek Farm, The Wine Kitchen, Palladio Restaurant, and Fossett’s Restaurant. (Check to make certain they are open the 4th, they may be cooking at home that day)!

For a complete local experience, don’t forget the winegrowers and breweries!

Posted under: Events, Farms and Farmers, Gourmet Food, Local Products, News, Piedmont Regions on June 30th, 2009 | by Judy Liberson No Comments »

The Sunday Washington Post shines the spotlight on “A New Crop of Farmers” in Virginia and Maryland, harvesting organic and heirloom veggies for farmer’s markets in the D.C. area. The changing face of American farming? More and more women are running them on their own. Journalist Lori Aratani gives a shout out to Seven Oaks Lavender Farm in Fauquier County, from where Deborah Williamson and her mother, Edith, sell their crop locally at Whole Foods Markets. For the full article, click here.

Posted under: Farms and Farmers, Fauquier County, Land Conservation and Environmental Stewardship, Local Products on June 29th, 2009 | by Mary Nicklin No Comments »

Don’t miss the beautiful illustrated story in The New York Times about a visit to Monticello. Artist Maira Kalman inspires folks to visit the home of the Renaissance man who wrote the Declaration of Independence when he was just 33 years old. (Just check out the comments at the bottom of the essay.)

Posted under: Albemarle County, Art, Artists, and Galleries, History and Historic Places on June 27th, 2009 | by Mary Nicklin No Comments »

With the 4th of July just around the corner I would love to hear about the plans, parades and traditions of the Piedmont. The best resource is your local ‘word of mouth.’ Typically we head for the hills and watch fireworks display’s from everywhere, but am I missing the watermelon spitting contest, antique car show or the best neighborhood BBQue? You tell me! I would love to hear, and see photos, from the best places in the Piedmont to celebrate the 4th. I know that most wineries have events, just about every Main Street has a parade, and really who puts on the best fireworks display?  Celebrate!

Posted under: Events, Gourmet Food, History and Historic Places, News, Piedmont Regions on June 26th, 2009 | by Margaret McCann No Comments »

Posted under: Land Conservation and Environmental Stewardship, Wineries on June 25th, 2009 | by Margaret McCann No Comments »

I can think of no better way to spend a summer evening than with good friends and good food, and, of course, good wine. Join Chef Mark Marrocco from Magnolia’s at the Mill and Jim and Lori Corcoran of Corcoran Winery for a five-course dinner paired lovingly with their delightful wines. The dinner will be held on June 25th at 7:00 pm in beautiful Purcellville, VA.  There is no better pairing, Chef Mark makes magic of the freshest, local, and high quality ingredients, and Corcoran Wines pair so well with the better things in life, there will be nothing average about this meal.  Make your reservations today, this dinner is one not to miss. The mouthwatering menu can be found at the Magnolia’s Website. Call Magnolia’s for your reservation 540-338-9800.

Let me leave you with this thought, Chocolate Bread pudding souflee, with chocolate and vanilla bean sauce, paired with Corcoran Malbec, ahhhh - Now wipe off the drool and go about your day!

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Posted under: Events, Gourmet Food, Local Products, Loudoun County, News, Restaurants, Wineries on June 23rd, 2009 | by Margaret McCann No Comments »

Now that Dancing with the Stars has ended another season, you can use that new found inspiration and those long lost dance moves under the spotlight of a Summer Sky. The Clifton Inn is inviting you to dance UNDER the stars for one special evening, Tuesday, June 23. For that night, noted dance instructor Steve Shergold and a partner will  provide a free social dance lesson, in Salsa and Swing, before the dance floor is opened up to everyone. The lessons will be followed by dancing to the sounds of local d.j. Derek Tobler, who is a specialist in social dance music  The dancing is free of charge, and Clifton Executive Chef Dean Mauphin is whipping up a special meal that night for those who would like to add fine dining to their fancy footwork.  The price for the optional dinner portion of the evening is only $38 per person. There is no reason that Tuesday cannot be date night!
“We are really looking forward to a great night out at Clifton and welcome beginners all the way to experts to enjoy this event,” Shergold said.
With special summer rates at Clifton Inn beginning at $195, you can easily dance your way right into one of Clifton’s luxurious rooms and suites and turn the evening into a true midweek getaway!
For more information on Dancing Under the Stars at Clifton, call 434-971-1800 or visit online at www.cliftoninn.net.

Posted under: Albemarle County, Events, Gourmet Food, History and Historic Places, Hotels and Country Inns, Restaurants on June 22nd, 2009 | by Margaret McCann No Comments »