Visitors Guide
More than 500,000 people visit Virginia wineries
each year. To understand why, visit the wineries near Orange,
Virginia! As part of the
Monticello American Viticultural Area, Orange County, Virginia
produces more grapes used for making wine than any other county in
Virginia. The Holladay House Bed and Breakfast is in the heart
of Virginia wine country.
Vinifera varieties are the primary grapes grown
in the Monticello Appellation, although a number of Virginia
vineyards also grow native varieties such as the Norton grape. The
Norton grape is a true American hybrid grape, introduced
commercially by Dr. D.N. Norton of Richmond, Virginia in 1830
(approximately the same time the Holladay House was built!). Several
nearby wineries offer excellent Norton wines, and we recommend
trying each one!
Many wineries offer more than wine to entice
visitors. For example, Barboursville is the site of the Barboursville Ruins,
King Family Vineyards hosts polo matches on Sundays, and
Kluge Estate has a
Farm Shop on site where guests can buy local produce, gifts, and
wine accessories.
The
Virginia Wine Society, the Monticello Wine
Trail, the
Central Virginia Wine Trail,
Official Virginia Wine Lover
Magazine, and the
Blue Ridge Wineway all provide excellent guides to Virginia
wineries in our region. However, we have some personal favorites:
 Keswick
Vineyards
(16 Miles): Keswick Vineyards is located at the historic 400-acre Edgewood
Estate in Keswick, Virginia. According to their website, “The land
was part of the original 1727 Nicholas Meriwether Crown Grant that
comprised nearly 18,000 acres on the east side of the Southwest
Mountains.” Their tasting room is in a picturesque, park-like
setting that promotes a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Keswick is
also a pet-friendly winery, with a nice outdoor area where you can
enjoy a glass of wine, and your pet can enjoy the Virginia outdoors.
We like the 2005 Viognier Estate Reserve, the 2006 Touriga,
and the 2005 Norton. If you like dessert wine (and we do!),
the Keswick 2005 Royale is spectacular.
 Prince
Michel Vineyard and Winery (20 miles): Located northwest of
Orange, Prince Michel creates excellent Virginia wines. Producing
some of the most widely distributed Virginia wines, Prince Michel
produces both the Prince Michel wines and the Rapidan River wines.
The atmosphere is friendly, the staff is helpful, and they have a great gift shop.
 Barboursville Vineyards
(13 Miles): Barboursville Vineyards defines the essence of Virginia
viticulture. Established by Gianni and Silvana Zonin in 1976,
Barboursville is the oldest and most well-known commercial wine
producer in Virginia. Their renowned winemaker, Luca Paschina,
hails from Piemonte, Italy, where his family has been making wine
for generations. Barboursville Vineyards is also the home of
Palladio, one of Virginia’s finest Italian restaurants. To
generate even more interest, Barboursville is the site of one of the
more unusual and fascinating historic homes in Virginia: the
Barboursville Ruins. Octagon is Barboursville’s signature
wine. The Cabernet Franc is a Virginia classic, the Pinot
Grigio 2006 is extremely flavorful, and the Cabernet Blanc
is an excellent semi-sweet blush.
 Burnley
Vineyards (14 Miles): As a family-owned business, Burnley
Vineyards provides its visitors with a rustic and comfortable family
atmosphere. One of the most experienced Virginia farm wineries,
Burnley is a short country-drive from the Holladay House and Orange,
Virginia. In addition to the Burnley Vineyards wines, this Virginia
farm winery produces Daniel Cellars wines. Burnley has several
creative and unique wines, the likes of which you will not find
anywhere else.
 Old
House Vineyards (25 miles): French
winemakers Matthieu Finot and Damien Blanchon are creating
award-winning wines at this delightful Virginia winery. The tasting
room is a restored Victorian farmhouse dating to the 1890s. Located
in Culpeper, Virginia, Old House Vineyards provides a relaxing and
rewarding experience to its patrons.
Gray Ghost
Vineyards and Winery (40 miles): Although farther away from the
Holladay House than the other wineries listed here, Gray Ghost
produces some of our favorite wines. We thoroughly enjoy their
Reserve Chardonnay. Many of our guests visit Gray Ghost on their
way to or from the Washington, D.C. metro area. Located in the
picturesque environs of
Amissville, Virginia, Gray Ghost will not disappoint. The scenic
drive between Orange and Amissville alone is worth the trip!
Pearmund
Cellars (49 miles): Like Gray Ghost, Pearmund Cellars is farther
away from the Holladay House than other wineries listed here.
However, their tasting room is delightful and family-friendly, and
we enjoy a number of their wines. The Vin de Sol Reserve is a
unique aperitif, the Late Harvest Vidal is delectable with
dessert, and the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is one of our
favorite reds.
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Restaurants
A number of outstanding restaurants are nestled
in Orange, Virginia and the surrounding towns. Whether you are
seeking a quick, casual meal after a long day of traveling, or an
elegant feast paired with the perfect wines, our Virginia bed and
breakfast is near many attractive options. For your convenience, we
have listed some of our favorite regional Virginia restaurants
below. When you arrive at the Holladay House, you may peruse our
collection of menus to help you make your decision. We are happy to
make dinner reservations for you!
 Elmwood at
Sparks
(only 1 block away!): Melding quality Virginia products with
innovative dishes, Elmwood at Sparks offers a distinct local dining
experience. Hundreds of our guests have eaten here and all have
returned with great reviews. Executive Chef Randy Cooper showcases
his blend of American and French training, and seeks out the finest
ingredients from local purveyors. Chef Cooper updates his dinner
menu each week, so each visit is a wonderfully unique treat!
Open for lunch Monday-Saturday, 11am to 3pm, and dinner
Thursday-Saturday, 6:00pm to 9pm.
Pomme (9 miles): Master Chef Gerard Gasparini prepares the
finest in classic French cuisine, featuring entrees for every
palate. Our guests love the sophisticated yet casual atmosphere, the
professional service, and the creative menu.
Open for lunch Tuesday-Sunday, 11:30am
to 2:30pm, dinner 5:30pm to 9:30pm. 540-832-0130.
Palladio (13 miles): Executive Chef
Melissa Close brings the finest authentic Northern Italian cuisine
to central Virginia. With commanding views of Barboursville
Vineyards, Palladio Restaurant is a regional gem that attracts
visitors from across the state. Palladio is unique for its four
course dining experience, with each course accompanied by the
perfect Barboursville wine.
Open for lunch
Wednesday-Sunday noon to 2:30pm, and dinner Friday-Saturday 6:30pm
to 9:30pm. Reservations required.
Palladio is CLOSED in January.
Inn at Meander
Plantation (8 miles): Stunning Blue Ridge mountain views at this
eighteenth-century plantation create the quintessential Virginia
dining experience. The Inn at Meander Plantation serves hors d'oeuvres at 6pm and a prix-fixe 5-course menu at 7pm. Virginia wine flights are available.
Open for dinner Thursday - Saturday.
 Silk Mill
Grille
(1/2 mile): Silk Mill Grille offers a casual dining experience rich
in Orange County’s history. Located in a former silk mill (which
produced most of the parachutes used by U.S. troops in World War
II), dinners are affordable and the atmosphere unique. Steak,
poultry, seafood, dinner salads, and sandwiches are all on the menu.
Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner.
 It’s About Thyme
(20 miles): It’s About Thyme offers delicious European country cuisine,
superior service, and creative Old World décor. This is one of our
favorite places to eat on those rare occasions when we have spare
time!
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am to 3pm, and 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
 Foti’s
Restaurant
(19 miles): Hailed by the
Washingtonian in 2006 as one of the “100 very best restaurants,”
Foti’s serves contemporary American cuisine with a Mediterranean
flair. Owner and chef Frank Maragos refined his talents at the
famous Inn at
Little Washington, and his culinary creations and superior
service speak for themselves.
Open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday 5:30pm
to 9:30pm, and Sunday all day. Serves lunch Tuesday to Friday
11:30am to 2pm.
 Toliver
House (9 miles): Located in a beautiful Victorian home built in
the 1870s, the menu is an American regional style with a unique
flare. Entrees include interesting items, such as oven-roasted
Virginia trout with grits and fried green tomatoes and pan-seared
duck breast with cranberry-orange glaze.
Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday-Sunday.
The BBQ Exchange (10 miles): The BBQ Exchange is the culmination of a 37-year culinary journey Craig and Donna Hartman have taken from the Culinary Institute of America to Gordonsville, VA with experiences from the Rockies to the Catskills and lots of stops in between. Craig's love of all things cooking, and especially over a live fire, led them to a deep love for old school, slow-cooked BBQ. Featuring hickory-smoked and slow-roasted pork, beef and chicken with a ton of homemade sides, pickles and desserts!
Open 11am to 8pm-ish Daily.
Stonefire Kitchen (12 miles): Tori and Carl Tremaglios, the founders of Oregano Joes Restaurant in Charlottesville and chef Jeremy Butterfield, formerly sous chef of Palladio Restaurant, have developed a little gourmet sandwich shop in between Orange and Barboursville, Horton and Burnley vineyards. Using mostly locally-sourced ingredients the changing menu offers sandwiches, salads, soups, sides, lunch/dinner entrees, box lunches, gift baskets, and picnic baskets.
Open 11am to 7pm Wednesday through Sunday.
Thai Culpeper
(19 miles):
Located in the historic Lord Culpeper Hotel on South Main Street,
Thai Culpeper is a fusion of Old Virginia architecture and Asian
cuisine. Boasts an extensive selection of standard favorites as well
as several delicious chef specials.
540-829-0777
Open Monday-Sunday 11am to 10pm.
Hazel River Inn (19 miles): Chef Peter Stogbuchner has assembled
an intriguing selection of regional fare, including Virginia bison
tenderloin and honey & orange quail. The building itself is rich in
history, having served as a Civil War jail for both the Federal and
Confederate armies.
Open 11:30am to 2:30pm, and 5:30pm to 9pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
The Bavarian Chef (15 miles): Authentic German menu in an Old
World atmosphere. Meals are hearty, rich, and delicious. The
extensive selection of German beers is a nice compliment to the
meal. 540-948-6505.
Open Wednesday-Saturday 4:30pm-9pm and Sunday 11:30am to 9pm.
The
Lafayette Inn (24 miles): Located in the Blue Ridge foothills,
the Lafayette Inn is worth the beautiful country drive to
Stanardsville, Virginia. Excellent and extensive menu. The Virginia
Food and Wine Society named the Lafayette Inn as “Virginia’s
Restaurant of the Year” in 2006.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
El Vaquero West
(1/2 mile): El Vaquero West is a local favorite. Serving authentic
Mexican fare, prices are affordable, service is fantastic, and the
food is delicious. Great place to go for lunch or a casual dinner.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Hornet’s Nest: Another local
favorite, the Hornet’s Nest is the best place in town for delicious
country cooking. Family owned and operated, the Hornet’s Nest offers
a comfortable place to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
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Cultural and Heritage Sites
Journey Through Hallowed Ground
The Journey Through Hallowed Ground is a National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary designed to explore 65 historic places along the Route 15 corridor. According to the
National Park Service, "these sites evoke in vivid detail the soldiers, statesmen, farmers, and slaves who fought, toiled, and governed in the Virginia Piedmont."
Presidential Mansions and Gardens
America’s greatest thinkers lived and died in Virginia’s
Piedmont region. Steep yourself in the creation of American
democracy and the prominent intellectual tradition left by our most
influential founding fathers.
More presidents have hailed from Virginia than any other state,
and 4 of them lived in the pastoral landscape that defines the
region surrounding Orange, Virginia and the Holladay House Bed and
Breakfast.
James
Madison’s Montpelier (3 miles): From the Montpelier website:
“Montpelier, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains,
was the lifelong home of James Madison. Madison was raised at
Montpelier, lived here after his marriage to Dolly, returned here
after his presidency, and died here in his study surrounded by the
books and papers that marked so much of his life's work. It was at
Montpelier where Madison researched past democracies and conceived
of the system of government that became our republic . . . . In the
splendor of the Virginia countryside, a national treasure is being
recovered. Experience the rediscovery of the mind and the man who
forged the framework of a nation, who created the Constitutional
charter that defines our democracy, our thinking, our society.”
More than just a house, Montpelier offers a
splendid array of activities for a variety of interests:
-
The James Madison Landmark Forest is one of the grandest
old-growth deciduous forest landscapes in Virginia, boasting
200-300 year old oak, tulip poplar, and hickory trees.
-
The new multi-million dollar
Visitor’s
Center is full of exhibits, educational information, and
Madison family treasures.
-
The Gilmore Cabin provides a glimpse into Orange County’s
African-American heritage. George Gilmore was born into slavery
at Montpelier in 1810, and built this cabin in 1873 as a free
American.
-
The
Annie DuPont Formal Garden is a wonderful formal garden
created in the early twentieth century in the area where the
Madison garden once existed.
-
Archaeology: Montpelier is the site of
continual
archaeological excavations, and archaeologists have
unearthed thousands of Madison-era artifacts on the property. A
Civil War encampment site can also be seen.
Thomas
Jefferson’s Monticello (29 miles): Thomas Jefferson was the
quintessential Virginian. He loved Virginia, he loved America, and
he loved democracy. One of the most remarkable thinkers of the last
250 years, Jefferson built an immortal legacy in the heart of
Virginia wine country. Monticello is an amazing place, and is the
only home in America listed on the
UNESCO World Heritage
List.
Recently, Monticello started offering tours of
Montalto, a stunning mountain-top property next to Monticello.
Montalto commands spectacular views of the Virginia piedmont, and
one can literally see most of central Virginia from this gorgeous
peak.
James Monroe’s Ash-Lawn Highland (29
miles): From the Ash-Lawn Highland website: “Ash Lawn-Highland is an
historic house museum, 535-acre working farm, and performing arts
site in Albermarle County, Virginia. President James Monroe and his
wife, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe of New York, owned Ash
Lawn-Highland from 1793 to 1826 and made it their official residence
from 1799 to 1823.”
Minutes from Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland is an
excellent compliment to the other Presidential homes in the region.
In addition, Ash Lawn-Highland hosts an
Opera Festival throughout
the summer, treating guests of the Holladay House to fine performing
arts.
Woodrow Wilson’s Manse: About one hour west of Orange, in the
Shenandoah Valley town of Staunton, Virginia, one can find the
Woodrow Wilson birthplace. The home is an authentically restored
1856 Victorian mansion, and includes a museum and Presidential
Library.
Zachary Taylor’s
Montebello: Although historians disagree about the
precise birthplace of Zachary Taylor, most regard Montebello as the
most likely site. Montebello is privately owned and closed to the
public, but an historic marker designates the property. Zachary
Taylor and James Madison were relatives. Taylor Park, a central
landmark in Orange across the street from the Holladay House, is
named for the Taylor family.
Civil War Sites
The history of Orange County is inseparable from the history of
the Civil War. The Confederate and Federal armies fought some of the
most important battles of the Civil War in central Virginia. One can
hardly drive anywhere within 30 miles of Orange without passing
Civil War battlefields, hospitals, homes, encampments, and
headquarters. Both Union and Confederate troops moved all over this
area, as the Federals desperately tried to crack the Confederate
defenses along the Rapidan River. In fact, a small cavalry battle
was fought on Main Street in the Town of Orange, directly in front
of the Holladay House Bed and Breakfast!
For a complete list and description of local
Civil War sites, visit
the Civil War Traveler Piedmont and
Fredericksburg Area pages. A few highlights are described below:
Ellwood Manor: A restored plantation home near the site of the
Battle of the Wilderness. The arm of Stonewall Jackson is buried
here.
 Wilderness
Battlefield:
According to the National Park Service, “The Battle of the
Wilderness was fought on May 5-6, 1864. It was the beginning of the
Overland Campaign, the bloodiest campaign in American history and
the turning point in the war in the Eastern Theatre.”
Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania Battlefields:
The bloodiest landscape in North America. Chancellorsville is the
site where Stonewall Jackson’s own men shot and wounded him.
According to the National Park Service, “No place more vividly
reflects the Civil War’s tragic cost, in all its forms. These places
reveal the trials of a community and nation at war.”
Other notable battles:
St. Thomas Episcopal Church: One block away from the Holladay
House Bed and Breakfast, the St. Thomas Episcopal church is rich in
Civil War history. Used as a confederate hospital after the several
battles fought in this region, this church was also where Robert E.
Lee, A.P. Hill, Jefferson Davis, and other confederate leaders
worshipped while Lee’s Army was encamped here in 1864. The famous
American painter Mort Kunstler immortalized this church in his
painting
Soldier of Faith.
Exchange
Hotel and Civil War Museum: A delightful and informative museum,
with beautiful Civil War artifacts, Victorian décor, and gift shop.
Colonial Revolutionary War Sites
Virginia historic sites abound in our region, and are too
numerous to list here. However, our region is noted for being the
gateway to colonizing the eighteenth century western frontier.
Fort Germanna is
the earliest German settlement in America, and many Americans of
German descent can trace their ancestry back to this fort. Governor
Alexander Spotswood pushed the colonial boundaries into the frontier
in 1714, settling Fort Germanna and Fort Christanna in the Virginia
hinterlands. The Brawdus Martin Germanna Visitor Center is
architecturally interesting in its own right, and houses a research
center for those interested in German genealogy and the history of
Fort Germanna.
Michie Tavern: Historic Michie Tavern, established in 1784 by
Scotsman William Michie, served as the social center of its
community and accommodated travelers with food, drink and lodging.
In addition to offering fascinating tours, Michie Tavern also serves
hearty colonial fare in their dining room from 11:30am until 3pm. Michie Tavern is a
fantastic compliment to a presidential home tour.
Historic Gardens
In addition to the fabulous gardens located on the properties of
Presidential homes such as Monticello and Montpelier, the Virginia
Piedmont is home to a number of other historic gardens.
Virginia Garden Week is a
fantastic opportunity to enjoy the Virginia weather and explore over
250 historic sites and gardens.
Tour Guides and Services
Tourguide, LTD is a professional step-on guide service that will give you a comprehensive tour of Orange County's storied past. This is not a typical tour bus experience! Join Orange County's most flamboyant historian, Frank Walker, on a fascinating and educational journey though our region's picturesque country-side. As a step-on guide service, Mr. Walker and his capable guides travel with you, in whatever vehicle you have chosen to tour in, and in the company of whomever you have chosen to tour with. If you are interested in the history and culture of Piedmont Virginia, from the earliest times to the present day, do not miss a tour from Tourguide, Ltd.!
Museums
James Madison Museum:
Orange, VA, Discover the first museum to fully commemorate James
Madison, fourth U.S. President and “Father of the Constitution”. The
museum promotes awareness of rural culture along with Madison’s
contributions to both agrarian economies and American history.
Civil War Museum at the
Exchange Hotel: Gordonsville, VA, The Exchange Hotel stands
silent watch over a rich past that intertwines Civil War medicine,
military actions of the Army of Northern Virginia, and the mighty
railroads of Virginia. Visit this unique building and experience
Gordonsville's personal history through medical, military, town, and
hotel exhibits. Private after-dark ghost tours available by
appointment.
Vietnam War Foundation and Museum: The Vietnam War Foundation (VWF) is dedicated to presenting the Vietnam Era story through narration and static displays of actual equipment used by the men and women who served in VN during the 10 years of conflict. This mission is accomplished through the acquisition, restoration and maintenance of historic vehicles (trucks, aircraft, jeeps, APCs, etc.), VN era memorabilia, VC artifacts, weapons, and civilian and peace symbols of the Vietnam Era. The VWF provides the opportunity to hear its veterans share their stories and see its military legacy.
Museum of Culpeper History:
Culpeper, VA, A museum dedicated to the history of Culpeper County:
from the Paleolithic age all the way through to the current age. On
the Museum campus, visitors can enjoy both the Burgandine House, a
fully restored 18th century log cabin and an working American Indian
Village. The grounds are complete with ample green space for
picnicking and outdoor programs as well as a spacious parking area.
Orange County Historical
Society and Historical Research Center: A research, archival, and educational
organization dedicated to the discovery, preservation, and
dissemination of the history of Orange County, Virginia, of its
people, and the surrounding area. The Society's reference library
contains over 2,000 volumes, and there are over 1,300 files with
information on families, historic buildings, events and sites, plus
a map and photograph collection.
Other Historic Architecture
University
of Virginia Academical Village
Barboursville Ruins
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Art, Antiques, Specialty Shops
and Theatre
Art Galleries and Studios
The Arts
Center of Orange: (Two blocks down Main Street) The Arts Center
houses a large gallery and
gift shop,
classrooms, and The Orange Studio.
The Corner House Gallery: (One block up Main Street) Linda
Boudreaux Montgomery and niece Coryne Simone LaBry produce original
paintings and prints of historic sites & landscapes, hand
painted
gift items, and one of a kind handcrafted jewelry. Open with an appointment.
Ed
Jaffe Gallery: (Two blocks down Main Street) From the Jaffe
website: “Featuring more carved marble than any other gallery
outside Manhattan.”
Old Somerset Print Shop: (10 miles) From the Print Shop website:
“ Original prints from the reign of the
last Stuart Kings, the Georgian and Victorian periods. British
watercolours and oils from the 1700s to modern times. All original
works of art.”
Stokes of England Ironworks: (10 miles) From the Stokes website:
"Architectural and ornamental ironwork
from a master craftsman with a family tradition of hundreds of years
in the craft."
Nichols Gallery:
(12 miles) Landscape prints and paintings.
Sun’s
Traces: (12 miles) From the Sun’s website: “ Featuring
ceramic work created by Paula Brown-Steedly who also creates
stunning one-of-a-kind equine pieces. The gallery also represents
other artisans in glass, fiber, metalworking, woodturning, weaving
and photography.”
Nan Rothwell Pottery: (59 miles) From the Nan Rothwell website: “My pots are made to be used to enhance the rituals of preparing and eating food, to hold flowers, to light a corner for reading. Making functional work connects me to the age-old tradition of artist craftsmen who make beautiful objects for daily use. I offer classes and workshops in my studio, and I also teach at conferences and craft schools. I had some wonderful teachers when I was first learning to pot, and teaching allows me to pass the favor on.”
Antique Shops
Melrose Antiques (Two blocks down Main Street)
JS Mosby’s
Antiques and Artifacts (Two blocks down Main Street)
Lionshare Antiques (Two blocks down Main Street)
Odd Chest (10 miles)
Ruckersville Antique Marketplaces (20 miles)
Specialty Shops
Friends of the Library Used Book Store (Three
blocks down Main Street)
Beggars Banquet Gourmet Cheese and Wine Shop (Three blocks down Main Street)
S.H.
Merrick Fashion and Interiors (10 miles)
Floradise Orchids (9 miles)
That Little Quilt Shop (14 miles)
Greater Gordonsville Virginia
Charlottesville Country Properties: Specializing in country homes, farms and estates in the seven counties surrounding Charlottesville. With 27 years of brokerage experience, they will answer all your questions and help you find the perfect home whether it be a mountain cabin or an historic estate.
Theatre and Music
Orange School of Performing Arts Firehouse Theatre (Half block
up Main Street)
Four
County Players (12 miles)
Ash Lawn
Opera Festival (28 miles)
Castleton Festival (30 miles)
Bluegrass Festivals:
Paramount Theater (28 miles)
Live Arts,
Inc. (28 miles)
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Outdoor/Adventure Activities
Skydiving: Skydive with
Skydive Orange! For
experienced or amateur skydivers. Read about
Skydive Orange in the Washington Post!
Open Cockpit Biplane Rides Stay IN the plane this time and view the landscape with Blue Ridge Biplane Rides.
Hot Air Ballooning: Take to the skies at a
more leisurely pace with
Blue Ridge Balloon.
Hiking:
Old
Rag Mountain is a favorite of our guests!
Biking: Bring your bike and helmet, and
we’ll get you in touch with an avid biker for routes.
Scenic Driving:
Skyline Drive,
Blue Ridge Parkway, and Route 231 all provide commanding views.
Horseback Riding:
Oakland
Heights Farm
will take you on a western-style trail ride, for all levels of
riders.
Alpaca Farm and Fiber:
The Langiappe Alpaca Farm will woo your heart with adorable alpacas and tickle your hands with the soft alpaca fiber products. A simple call for an appointment grants access to the farm.
Canoeing/Tubing: Along the Rapidan,
Marina at Lake Anna
Fishing: Lake Anna State Park, Lake
Orange
Summerleas Farm Hunting Preserve (Just click "Cancel" when the login window appears.)
Equestrian Activities: Horse Shows in the
Sun,
Kelley’s Ford Equestrian Center, and the
Shenandoah Crossing Equestrian Center.
Golf:
Meadows Farms Golf
Course,
Shenandoah Crossing Resort,
Somerset Golf
Club,
Browning Golf Course, and
Laurel Ridge
Golf Club
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Local Maps
You may find several great online and printable
maps of
Orange County, the
Town of Orange, and
Gordonsville at the
Orange
County Community Link website.
For additional tourism information, visit the
Virginia Tourism website!
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Annual Events
Virginia
Festival of the Book: Charlottesville, held late March.
A week of mostly free literary events
open to the public to honor book culture and promote reading and
literacy.
Historic
Garden Week: Orange County, held mid-April. Tours
present a rich mosaic of some of the country’s finest properties at
the peak of Virginia’s springtime color.
Montpelier Wine
Festival: Montpelier, held last weekend in April or first
weekend in May. The Festival showcases
distinctive arts and crafts; specialty food vendors; live music;
"cooking with wine" classes; children's entertainment and rides; and
tastings all day.
Graves Mountain Bluegrass Festival: Syria, held end of May. Bringing the very best of
bluegrass talent to Central Virginia.
Castleton Festival: Castleton Farms, held throughout the month of July. Enjoy a month-long line-up of opera, symphonic concerts, dance and puppetry, all under the direction of Maestro Lorin Maazel! Pre- and post-show concert talks, recitals, informal chamber music concerts and cabaret are also available.
Orange County Fair: Grounds of Montpelier, third weekend of July. Orange celebrates its role in American
history, its agricultural heritage, and the traditional values that
created and help sustain a way of life.
Somerset Steam and Gas Pasture Party: Mid-September.
The Pasture Party displays exhibits of steam boilers and engines,
gas engines, tractors, antique and classic cars, demonstrations of
threshing and baling and any other displays or demonstrations that
are in keeping with the theme of the event.
Orange Street Festival: Main Street, Orange,
held the Saturday after Labor Day. Hundreds of food, arts and crafts
vendors display their wares to over 15,000 people.
Orange Harvest Fest: late September. A
family-friendly event with food and live entertainment.
Fall Fiber
Festival and Sheepdog Trials: Montpelier, held first weekend in
October. From animal to fiber to finished craft, this show tells the
whole story. Keep busy with exhibitors, guest speakers, workshops
and crafts for sale. Sheepdog trials are a must see as well!
Pick of the Piedmont Wine Festival: A large wine festival held towards the end of October. Taste all the wineries of the Piedmont have to offer in one great location!
Montpelier Hunt Races:
Montpelier, held first weekend in November. Started in 1924 by
Marion DuPont Scott, the
hurdle course features the only live brush jumps in the Commonwealth
of Virginia.
Holiday Season Parade:
Main Street, Orange, held the first full weekend in December. Enjoy
an extensive small town parade featuring antique cars, local bands,
volunteer organizations, and Santa in his sleigh!
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