Chris & Sara's Wedding Anniversary Reception
Things To Do
Shenandoah National Park (Front Royal Entrance Station)
A visit to the Shenandoah Valley would not be complete without a refreshing hike within Shenandoah National Park or a scenic ride along Skyline Drive (sunset and sunrise are stunning). Keep your eyes peeled for the Virginia black bear!
Shenandoah National Park (Thorton Gap Entrance Station)
A visit to the Shenandoah Valley would not be complete without a refreshing hike within Shenandoah National Park or a scenic ride along Skyline Drive (sunset and sunrise are stunning). Keep your eyes peeled for the Virginia black bear!
Sky Meadows State Park
This state park, home of the world-famous Delaplane Strawberry Festival, offers bountiful hiking options with beautiful vistas of the Shenandoah Valley. You can even try to find the overlook where Chris proposed to Sara.
Delaplane Cellars
Virginia is known for its burgeoning wine scene, and Delaplane Cellars is by far the Jamesons' favorite winery with its peaceful, beautiful views, and amazing wines.
Hollin Farms
High on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, next to Sky Meadows State Park, lies Hollin Farms, a fourth generation family farm, owned by friends and members of Emmanuel Church. The farm specializes in a variety of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, Angus cattle, and pasture-raised natural beef. Late June might offer a delicious variety of fresh raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, sour cherries, spring and summer vegetables.
Middleburg
The picturesque town of Middleburg is the nation's horse and hunt capital. Established in 1787 and officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the town has perfectly maintained its historic charm. You can easily wile away a lovely afternoon strolling the idyllic streets, popping into many of the unique boutiques and shops (Creme de la Creme is Sara's favorite), munch on delicious food (the Upper Crust Bakery is Chris's go-to), or check out the National Sporting Library & Museum for some local history and culture.
Upper Crust Bakery
A quaint, country bakery specializing in cookies and pies, but also offering delicious sandwiches and breakfast options. Known for its "cow puddle" cookie, we also recommend the "okie dokie" and their scrumptious pulled pork barbecue sandwich. This is where Chris and Sara spent much of their youth; and where fate led them to serendipitously meet and rekindle their relationship over Christmas break, 2014.
King Street Oyster Bar
A new favorite in Middleburg, this restaurant specializes in fresh oysters and seafood. The cocktails are also divine! (Sara and Julia love the Leesburg Rose).
Creme de la Creme
Sara's favorite shop in Middleburg, this store specializes in home decor with a French and Italian influence.
National Sporting Library & Museum
A beautiful building, perfect for those wanting some history and art from the area. From the website: "The inviting, 6-acre campus, world-class research Library, and fine art Museum highlight the rich heritage and tradition of country pursuits. Angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeplechasing, foxhunting, flat racing, polo, coaching, and wildlife are among the subjects one can explore in the institution’s general stacks, rare book holdings, archives, and art collection."
Salamander Resort & Spa
Perfect for those in need of some pampering, located just outside of Middleburg.
The Plains
Small, charming Southern town, perfect for a brief wander. There are many cute shops, including Peyton's Place for home furnishings and The Bittersweet Garden for all plant lovers.
Girasole
The Jamesons' go-to place for a lovely dinner or Sunday brunch in The Plains. Nestled right next to the railroad tracks, you can watch the trains speed by as you savor a delicious Italian feast.
Front Porch Market & Grill
A local favorite in The Plains, you are able to munch on a delicious, locally-sourced meal while people watching on the porch.
Red Truck Rural Bakery / Marshall
This local bakery has gained incredible popularity in the last decade, offering delicious pies, muffins, sandwiches, and their amazing rosemary foccacia. Obama even endorsed their pecan pie!
The Whole Ox
A true local success story: "The Whole Ox is an old-fashioned, full-service butcher shop specializing in whole, local foods from your neighbors' farms." They offer an amazing array of sandwich options for lunch, paired with local Virginia wines.
Field & Main Restaurant
A new favorite, Field & Main sources local ingredients to produce an array of elegant dishes with rustic roots.
Frost Diner
An old haunt of Chris and Sara's. A worn, rustic vestige from the days of diners and table-top juke boxes.
Linden Vineyards
Nestled in a beautiful, tranquil setting, this award-winning winery is another favorite of locals in the area. Like Delaplane Cellars, you often avoid the tourist whirlwind and can enjoy a peaceful glass and picnic overlooking the Shenandoah Valley.
The Blue Door Kitchen and Inn
This charming restaurant, located in historic Flint Hill, is reliably delicious, partnering with local farms and markets to craft culinary delights with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The outdoor seating area is beautiful!
Rappahannock Cellars
Noted for its incredible wines, Rappahannock Cellars is located just minutes from Sommarbeth Farm. Sara recommends the Cabernet Franc, a family favorite.
Blue Rock
"Sip.Savor.Stay" is Blue Rock's mantra. Nestled on a beautifully scenic estate, this old country inn has been renovated with elegance and charm. Great for a meal, sipping on wine or whiskey, or an overnight retreat.
"Little" Washington
The Rappahannock County seat, well known for the famous Inn at Little Washington, the charming, historic Washington, VA boasts several restaurants, small art galleries, charming shopping and beautiful views.
Patty O’s Cafe and Bakery
Just down the street from the party! A new favorite eatery in Little Washington, featuring country comfort food in an atmospheric setting. Lovely outdoor seating. Delicious pastries and coffee for the morning crowd. No reservations, but online waitlist available.
The Inn at Little Washington & Tavern Shops
This world-famous, three-star Michelin-rated inn and restaurant might cost you your entire life savings, but it's at least worth a brief visit (if only for the gift shop). Embracing a high Victorian style, the inn is described by the Michelin guide as "embellished to the last inch, the dining room resembles a jewelry box lined with patterned carpets, lush wallpaper, heavy drapes and bejeweled upholstery." Across the street are the Tavern Shops, which feature lovely gifts and trinkets and books.
Foster Harris House
Splurge on an intimate, 6-course dinner at this charming, historic inn.
Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen (RPK)
Low key vibe. Delicious pizzas.
Bar Francis
Cozy neighborhood bar in rustic Sperryville. Delicious craft cocktails with locally sourced ingredients. Perfect for a nightcap.
Copper Fox Distillery
Virginia Craft Whisky in Sperryville, Virginia featuring Whiskey, Rye, Bourbon, and Gin.
Pen Druid Brewing
From the website: "Pen Druid Brewing focuses on wild fermentation, barrel fermenting and aging, traditional spontaneous fermentation and naturally carbonated beers. The brewery is owned and operated by the three brothers Lain, Van and Jennings Carney who are in the psych-rock band Pontiak."
Stonewall Abbey Yoga & Wellness
If you're feeling the need to exercise, this local fitness and wellness center offers a popular Sunday morning yoga class and day passes for their modern gym.
Shenandoah River Outfitters
Perfect for those interested in canoeing, kayaking, tubing, or rafting on the beautiful Shenandoah River.
Luray Caverns
From the website: "Deep beneath Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, this U.S. Natural Landmark is the largest and most popular caverns in Eastern America. From well-lighted paved walkways explore cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high, filled with towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools. And experience the haunting sounds of the world’s only Stalacpipe Organ."
Manassas National Battlefield Park
For those history buffs among us, Manassas Battlefield Park offers historic tours and information about the First and Second Battles of Bull Run.