Farmville Part 2

Saturday morning we took a drive (#58) to Charlottesville to visit five wineries and a brewery. We were on a mission and nothing was stopping us!

We had a gourmet picnic (#76) lunch at Trump Wineries, thanks to Jenn & Landon. Whole grain everything ciabatta bread with marinaded portabella mushrooms, Havarti cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion and mustard...yumm!

The view at Trump was probably my favorite, plus it was the only one I hadn't been to before. We had quite the animated sommelier, who taught us quite a bit about the wines and the Trump family in general.

Ryan at James River Brewery, located in Scottsville, Virginia. Ryan was the best host, who played the Designated Driver all day and lead the adventure in an 18-seater bus! The quaint brewing company offered a small bar and lounge room with just enough room to fit in a keyboard and a guitar player. But the beer was tasty and the small-town crowd was super pleasant (#70: Visit a Brewery, off the list).

Virginia Wineworks/Michael Shaps

Tom O'Grady, our tour leader for the day. Tom had owned and operated a winery on his property for more than 20 years. If we had any questions regarding wine - or anything - Tom had the answers.

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to read all about it and here to a see a gallery of pictures of everyone participating. 

Monday Musebles

Considering it rained the entire week leading up to and intermittently through the weekend, our annual Fall Camping Trip was a success! This trip we made it back to the original Wineberry Cabin, where this whole trip started. I absolutely love this cabin, it's beautiful porch and large fire place. On the other hand, the slippery and slightly scary trek to its doors leave a little to be desired.

With the government shut down and impending rain showers, half of us headed to the Luray Caverns. It was such a great alternative to our normal hiking routine....and absolutely beautiful! If you haven't had a chance to check out this regional attraction, it's definitely a must.

The caves were discovered in 1878 by five men checking out a nearby sinkhole. They dug a hole deep enough for the smallest boy to shimmy down and they began exploring what would become the 1.25 mile-long tour of the caverns. It reminded me a lot of Mammoth Cave, which I visited during a college spring break (caves gone wild version), but way more touristy.

Hence our hedge maze splurge! Even in the rain, it was totally worth it! I surprised how tricky it actually was and had we not been rushing to get out of the rain, we could have spent hours in there.

While we were waiting for the other group to finish up their hike, we happily detoured to Wisteria Vineyard. It is such a cute boutique winery with sheep, chickens, adorable pups and yummy wine. The Chardonnay and Ashtaroot were definitely my favs, but I really couldn't complain about any of the unique varieties.

We made it back to the cabin with just enough daylight and before the skies opened up to a night-long rain. This was the first time in five years we switched up the menu and grilled tuna steaks, green beans, potatoes and carrots. We kept the tradition of the box wine and s'mores going though :)

Government shut downs, wind or rain won't keep us away!

Monday Musebles

 

You can imagine my disbelief when Mike and I went to the UVA vs. William & Mary game and I saw Ball State (my alma mater) on UVA's schedule. However, I had to wait two years for this game to actually happen. We were luckily enough to be given tickets by a good friend for Mike's birthday and made the trip up to Charlottesville on Friday.

The last (and first) time I tailgated for a BSU game, there was a slip-and-slide, beer pong, flip cup and not one second of actually watching the game. While we did tailgate this time, it was much more low-key with mimosas, breakfast and a some good conversation (my, how times have changed!).

Best part about the day? Ball State won! In a big defeat of 48-24, we pretty much dominated for the afternoon. I know the sea of UVA people around us probably didn't appreciate my cheering for Cards, but hey, it's probably my last chance of seeing them for another 6 years (ew, I've really been out of college for that long?).

#18: Reconnect with Friends

It's been a year since I saw my friend (and at one time mentor) Krissi, and what better way to catch up than with a wedding in Charlottesville? Our former Link editor got married at the UVA chapel with a lovely reception at the Cliffton Inn. It was the first Sunday Brunch wedding I've ever been to, but it was charming, relaxed and just Brianne's style.

 

We met on Saturday for nachos, got gelato, did a little shopping and did dinner at The Whiskey Jar in downtown. Every time I visit Charlottesville I love it a little more. There are so many great places to eat, cute places to chill, unique shops to peruse and the mountains in every background are just perfect. Honestly, I would move there in a heartbeat.

Sadly, this is the only picture I took of Krissi and I together...our place cards at the wedding. How does that happen? We're planning a NYC get-together some time later this Summer and I promise to get photos then, ha.

And finally, one of the (many) highlights of the wedding... A lavender martini! It's a Cliffton Inn original, but I will figure out how to make them and have them at least once this Summer. So, #18, you have been crossed off the list!

I'm tackling the second annual 92 Days of Summer list.
See the full post and list here.