When the fields are fresh and green, ‘tis then old Black Rock should be seen. Its hills and meadows most serene, can readily inspire a poet’s dream. When storms threaten, as they often do, Black Rock takes on a different hue. No matter what the time of year, we always hold our Black Rock dear. It’s always there to excite emotion, and rekindle anew our great devotion. I’ve traveled far, by sea and air, and never have found a land so fair As Black Rock Farm with its tranquil air.
— Jack Dwyer
In Loving Memory of John J. Dwyer January 10, 1919-July 27,2003
CHURCHES
Amissville Baptist Pastor: Peter Witkowski. Sunday School 9 a.m., Morning Worship 10:30 a.m., Meet and Greet 10 a.m.
Amissville Full Gospel
Pastor: J. T. Pittman II. Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship 11 a.m., Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday: Evening Worship 7 p.m.
Amissville United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Maxine C. Crenshaw. Sunday School 9 a.m., Worship Service 10 a.m.
Bethel Baptist Church
Pastor: Rev. Henry Hall Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Worship 11 a.m.
Chester Gap Baptist
Pastor: Paul Strassner Sunday Worship 11 a.m., Wednesday: Bible Study 7 p.m., Youth 7 p.m.
F.T. Baptist Church
Pastor: Rev. Dan Yowell. Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship 11 a.m.
Fellowship Assembly of God Pastor: Joel Cress. Sunday Worship 11 a.m.; Children Church 11 a.m.; Evening Service 6 p.m.; Wednesday: Adult Bible Study and Children church 7 p.m.
First Baptist Church Rev. Brevetta Jordan: First and third Sundays’ Worship Service 11 a.m.
Flint Hill Baptist Church
Pastor: Rev. James L. Payne. Sunday Worship Service 11 a.m.
Flint Hill Pentecostal
Pastor: Rev. Bobby W. Jenkins. Sunday service 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday Prayer Service 7 p.m.; every fourth Saturday Community Hymn Sing 7 p.m.
Gid Brown Bible Pastor: Bruce Beeler. Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Evening Service 6 p.m. Wednesday: Prayer Service 7 p.m.
Hope Hill Baptist Church Pastor: John W. Lines. Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday: Prayer & Bible Study 7 p.m.
Hopewell Baptist Church Pastor: Rev. Ronald Johnson Second and fourth Sunday 11 a.m.
Love and Faithfulness Church Pastor: David Clanagan. Thursday & Saturday 7 p.m.
Macedonia Baptist Church Rev. Tess Powell Curtis Sunday Worship Service 11 a.m.
Maranatha Baptist Church Pastor: Albert B. Payne. Sunday School 10 a.m; Morning Worship 11 a.m., Evening Service 6:30 p.m., Wednesday: Prayer Service 7:30 p.m.
Massanova Pentecostal Pastor K. D. Villines. Sunday School 10 a.m., Morning Worship, 11 a.m., Evening Worship 6 p.m. Tuesday: Worship 7 p.m.
Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Pastor: Rev. Steve Harrelson. Sunday School 9 a.m.,Worship 10:30 a.m., Wednesday: Prayer & Bible, 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Awana youth programs 6:30 p.m.
Forest Grove Baptist Church Interim Pastor: Glenn Drone, David Garcia, Jon Heddleston and Ruthie Partlow. Sunday Worship Service 11 a.m. ➤ Continues on Page 6
Welcome to Rappahannock...
Welcome to the 2024-2025 Guide to Rappahannock County, an annual publication of the Rappahannock News.
While we are a small county of about 7,400 residents, not counting visiting bears from our neighboring Shenandoah National Park, the quality of life and what the county offers trumps our small population.
Where else can you find in a small rural area award-winning wineries, a three-star Michelin restaurant, world-renowned theater performances, the East Coast’s premiere source for Japanese maples, a shop that’s in the Top 50 of the South and organic farms leading the nation in sustainable agriculture.
We hope you enjoy all that our county has to offer in these pages. This year’s guide includes listings of businesses, churches, dining, lodging, services, as well as annual events.
Many of the businesses also are listed online at explorerappahannock.com — those listings being a service of the Businesses of Rappahannock.
If you have questions about this annual guide, email guide@ rappnews.com, call 540-675-3338 or stop by our office at 309 Jett St., Washington.
This year’s guide was compiled by the Rappahannock News staff: Luke Christopher, Jennifer Margerum, Jan Clatterbuck, Mary Ann Kuhn, Julia Shanahan and Dennis Brack. We thank our award winning photographer Luke Christopher (lukechristopher.com) for capturing most of the images on these pages.
Mount Moriah Baptist Pastor elect: Rev. Joseph King, Sr. First and Third Sundays: Sunday School 10:45 a.m., Worship 11 a.m.
New Harvest Christian Fellowship Pastors: Kent and Duane Willoughby. Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 10:30 a.m., Wednesday: Praise/Worship, Prayer, Bible Study 7 p.m. Saturday: Youth Alive Group 7 p.m.
Promise Land Baptist Pastor: Rev. Herbert Johnson. Second and Fourth Sunday Worship service 11 a.m.
Rappahannock United Methodist Charge Pastor Jeff Thompson. Sunday Worship Services: Flint Hill UMC 8:45 a.m.; Willis Chapel UMC 9:55 a.m.; Sperryville UMC 11:15 a.m.
Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church Pastor Randy Clark Jr. Sunday: Sunday School 9 a.m.: Worship 10:30 a.m.; Wednesdays: AWANA and Gravity Youth 5 p.m.
St. Peter Catholic Church Rev. Kevin J. Beres Masses: Saturday: 8:30 a.m., Vigil Mass 5 p.m.; Sunday 8:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Weekdays: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Thursday evening Mass 7 p.m. followed by Holy Hour and confessions. Friday Eucharistic Adoration 9- 11 a.m. Confessions available after all weekday morning Masses, Thursday 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. and Saturday 4 - 4:45 p.m. For updates on holy day schedules and other special Mass times, see go to: stpeterparishva.org.
Shiloh Baptist Church
Rev. Vinicent Holland . First and Third Sunday Services: Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.
Slate Mills Baptist Church Pastor Daniel Griffith . Sunday School 10 a.m. for Adults and Children; Worship 11 a.m.
Thornton’s Gap
Primitive Baptist Church
P astor: Jason D. Adams . Meets third Sundays 10:30 a.m.
Thornton's Gap
Regular Baptist Church
Pastor: Travis Jenkins . Sunday Worship Service 11 a.m.
Trinity Episcopal
Rector: Rev. Elizabeth F. Keeler . Sundays: 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I - Traditional Quiet Service; 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II - Choir and Organ - Families and children warmly welcomed. Coffee Hour follows each service. Children’s Sunday School, Adult Christian Education Forums and hot breakfast during the school year at 9 a.m.; Family first Sunday of every month with Children’s Choir and Homily 10:30 a.m. Call 540-675-3716 or visit trinwash.org.
Unitarian Universalists of the Blue Ridge (UUBridge) Sundays: 10:30 a.m. at Hearthstone School, 11576 Lee Hwy., Sperryville. Virtual/Online Service every Sunday (www. uubridge.info).
Washington Baptist Church Pastor: Walt Childress . Sunday Morning Worship 11 a.m.
Woodville Baptist
Pastor: Rev. Ronald L. Poe : Sunday School 10 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., Wednesday: Prayer Service 7 p.m.
PLACES TO EAT
Before & After
In the heart of Sperryville's historic Main Street, Before & After offers local residents and visitors a place to meet and enjoy hand-crafted food and beverages. Offerings at the cafe include dark roast espresso, seasonal coffee creations, gourmet teas, daily-baked items, paninis, sandwiches, and salads for breakfast and lunch. It also offers a large selection of Virginia wines, Sperryville branded clothing, and free wifi. Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day on the Thornton River at 31 Main St., Sperryville. Visit us at beforeandaftersperryvillestore. com
Black Twig
The Black Twig is a Southernstyle diner located in the historic schoolhouse in Sperryville. It is a family-owned and chefowned business that values Virginia-grown ingredients. The restaurant aims to serve quality food, drinks and a side of friendly hospitality in a warm community space. Serving lunch, dinner six days a week and brunch on weekends. Closed Wednesdays. Don't miss Happy Hour Savings from 4-6 p.m. every Monday-Thursday. Stop by for your next meal or take-out. View our menu on theblacktwigdiner.com.
Blue Door Kitchen & Inn
The Blue Door kitchen & inn is headed by chef/owner Andrea Pace who brings his love of local fresh ingredients and creative Northern Italian cuisine. Enjoy a weekend stay with dinner in the intimate dining rooms and seasonally on the patio overlooking the beautiful gardens at 675 Zachary Taylor Highway, Flint Hill. Call 540-675-1700 or visit thebluedoorkitchen.com
Blue Rock
Located on 80 rolling acres
in picturesque Rappahannock County, Blue Rock is a new take on the classic country inn. Breathtaking views overlooking a koi pond set against a backdrop of vineyards and the Blue Ridge Mountains, create the perfect environment to have a glass of wine, delicious dinner or throw a dream wedding. Located at 12567 Lee Highway, Washington. Call 540-987-3388 or visit bluerockva.com.
Country Cafe Pit Stop
Best burgers, sandwiches, dinner plates and shakes in the county at Rappahannock’s only fast-food — and familyowned — joint. Barbecue and homemade coleslaw, great steak-and-cheese subs, burgers and shakes. Located at the corner of U.S. routes 211 and 522 in Sperryville (12000 Lee Highway). Open every day but Sunday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. for carryout only. Call in your order for faster service at 540-987-8311.
Dark Horse Irish Pub
The Dark Horse Irish Pub is a relaxed dining spot that acts as a center for community interaction in Flint Hill. Three dining rooms, live music Fridays and Saturdays, seasonal outdoor seating and a pub-style area called “Cheers-Like” are all highlights of the restaurant. The menu features homestyle meals and pub favorites using fresh ingredients and local products — fish n’ chips, tavern wings, shepherd’s pie, great hamburgers, seafood,
➤ Continues on Page 8
steaks, appetizers, salads, children’s menu and a wide range of beverages. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with brunch on Sundays. Located at 659 Zachary Taylor Highway. Call 540-675-3227 or visit darkhorseflinthill.com or the pub’s Facebook page for current events.
FRANCIS
Located in the heart of Sperryville and flanking the Sperryville Corner Store is FRANCIS, a neighborhood bar and an alchemist cocktail bar serving locally inspired craft (and classic) cocktails, wine and craft beer along with the full Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen food menu. Francis is equal parts quirky and sophisticated, providing a relaxing oasis for locals, hikers and everyone in between, at 3710 Sperryville Pike. Open Friday, 4-9 p.m., Saturday,
noon -9 p.m., and Sunday, noon8 p.m. Call 540-987-9533.
Glen Gordon Manor
The Houndstooth Restaurant at Glen Gordon Manor in Huntly offers finely crafted cuisine and an exquisite dining experience at its nightly 7 o’clock seating. The prix fixe menu prepared by Chef Dayn Smith features five courses of the freshest ingredients from local organic farms. Reservations are required for those staying at the inn as well as outside guests. The bar and lounge is a perfect place to relax before or after a meal. For dinner guests not staying at the inn, call 540-636-6010 to make dinner reservations or reserve online at Tock. The inn is located at 1482 Zachary Taylor Highway. Visit glengordonmanor.com.
Inn at Little Washington
Offering a dining experience by which others around the world are measured, chef and proprietor Patrick O’Connell’s three Michelin Star Inn at Little Washington emphasizes local foods and increasingly grows its own. O’Connell and the Inn are the recipients of five James Beard Awards including Restaurant and Chef of the Year. The first restaurant in the Forbes Travel Guide's history to receive five stars for its restaurant and its accommodations, the Inn also holds the distinction of being AAA’s longest-tenured, double Five Diamond award holder for both food and accommodations in the United States. Call 540-675-3800 or visit theinnatlittlewashington. com
New Iberia Kitchen
New Iberia Kitchen, which opened in March 2024, brings a unique twist to American comfort food. Inspired by the flavors of Spain and Louisiana, its menu offers a culinary adventure for all tastes in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. A 40-seat restaurant, it serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch inside The Marketplace Sperryville at
3 River Lane, Sperryville. Visit newiberiakitchen. com for hours or email newiberiakitchen@gmail.com
New Iberia
Food Truck
New Iberia Food Truck is the farm-to-table catering and events arm of New Iberia Kitchen. It is the brainchild of three generations of family who share a common goal: to feed good people, real good food. We have a small farm in Rappahannock County where we raise the happiest pigs you have ever met. The local farmers we source from have a passion for their craft and care about the quality of the product they put out. Visit us at the Rappahannock Farmers Market. Email us at newiberiatruck@gmail.com or visit newiberiatruck.com for more information.
Off The Grid
Off the Grid is a restaurant, market and farm on U.S. 211 in Sperryville, a few miles east of the Thornton Gap entrance to Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park. The concept: global flavors, locally sourced and responsibly served. Featuring
A RAPPAHANNOCK SUNSET BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
delicious breakfast and lunch with seating outside by the Thornton River, produce and eggs from the on-site farm (see listing in Farms, Farm Stands, Orchards & Nurseries), meats always pasture-raised from local farms, and many vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree options. Environmental stewardship includes solar arrays that produce enough energy to run the restaurant, free use of level-2 electric vehicle charging stations, composting on-site, recycling and eco-friendly packaging. Located at 11692 Lee Highway, Sperryville. Visit offthegridva. com or call 540-987-5114.
Patty O’s Cafe and Bakery
A former gas station on the village square in Little Washington has been transformed into a charming sidewalk cafe, an inviting bar and a cozy dining room. A bakery and European-style pastry shop are located on the side of the building. Chef Patrick O'Connell is now finally able to fulfill a lifelong dream of offering the simple, classic American dishes of his childhood, reimagined. Located across the street from its sister restaurant, the Michelen three-starred Inn at Little Washington, the cafe offers an additional dining option for visitors and guests of the inn. Located at 389 Main St. Visit pattyoscafe.com or call 540-675-3801. 540-675-3801; pattyoscafe.com.
Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen (RPK)
Once tucked away in the back of the Sperryville Corner Store, Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen (RPK) made its debut on the Main Street storefront Memorial Day weekend of 2019. Dubbed “uniquely Sperryville,” RPK's menu changes with the seasonality of its locally sourced ingredients — but one thing you should always expect are quality offerings. Check out its menu of pizzas, handmade pasta, sandwiches and more at rappahannockpizzakitchen.com, or call 540-987-9494.
Sumac Kitchen Trailer
Sumac is a wildly local food
cooked over a wood fire. With a seasonal approach to cooking and preservation, the menu offers a taste unique to the Rappahannock Piedmont region. Open seasonally, the chefs of Sumac create a new menu each week from ingredients foraged and farmed within 150 miles. Currently serving a casual fine dining experience from our kitchen trailer at the scenic Pen Druid Brewing in Sperryville. Sumac is open to the public during the farming season with weekend hours spring to early-winter.
The season ends with a Feast of the Seven Fishes in December. For hours and more, visit sumac-va.com.
Three Blacksmiths
Three Blacksmiths serves a fixed weekly dinner menu of local, seasonal, handcrafted foods from Rappahannock County and nearby. The elegant space, with its open hearth, comfortable seating, and lavish wood finishes, makes for a cozy, intimate dining experience. With just seven tables and one seating time, the restaurant is yours for the evening. Our multicourse tasting menu starts at $148 per person. We serve dinner Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. by online reservation only. Book your table at threeblacksmiths.com. Three Blacksmiths is located at 20 Main St., in Sperryville.
THE KITCHEN THE INN & EVENTS
Enjoy Chef Andrea Pace’s locally sourced, Northern Italian cuisine in an upscale casual setting.
Choose from our four rooms that accommodate
ACTIVITIES & TOURS
Parks and nature
Rappahannock County Park , 7 Park Avenue across from Little Washington, an International Dark Sky designated park, offers tennis, frisbee golf, shuffleboard, cornhole, skateboarding, nature trails, fishing, basketball, children’s playground, and covered pavilion (free sports equipment can be checked out at Visitor’s Center/County Administrator’s office at 3 Library Road, Washington). Call 540-675-5330 or visit rappahannockcountypark. weebly.com for pavilion and Dark Sky reservations.
Shenandoah National Park, which borders Rappahannock County, offers a wealth of seasonal activities spring through fall at its resorts, campgrounds and visitor centers — and is open yearround (except for occasional winter-weather closings) for hiking, birding, nature photography and sightseeing along Skyline Drive. Many trails, including the main route to Old Rag Mountain, start in Rappahannock — and, unlike those same trails accessed via Skyline Drive, the hike back is generally downhill. Call 540999-3500 or visit nps.org/shen or goshenandoah.com for more information.
Art and nature
If combining art and nature appeals, consider outdoor painting lessons in the Rappahannock countryside with Washington plein air painter Nora Harrington , who supplies everything you’ll need to create an oil painting on-site, including a French field easel, oil paints and a 12-by-16inch canvas. Lessons ($160) are taught in three-hour sessions
and are timed to start near sunrise or end near sunset. More at noraharrington.com.
Horseback riding
Within hiking distance of Thornton Hill Hounds and a dozen great trails into and around Shenandoah National Park, Turkey Hill Stables offers private rides, lessons, full board and field board; indoor and outdoor arenas, horse training and local events. At 268 Fletchers Mill Rd. in Woodville, contact Turkey Hill at 540-9879778, turkeyhillstables.com
At Halfway Farm
Summer Riding Camp and Lessons, Sherry HammillHuff, a European trained racer, provides riding camps, lessons, full and field horse boarding at her 12-stall facility at 390 Fodderstack Rd., Flint Hill. Call 540-675-3848 for more information.
Golf
Schoolhouse Nine, the county’s first and only golf course, opened in the summer of 2015 next to the Sperryville
Schoolhouse complex, where U.S. routes 211 and 522 meet. The gently rolling ninehole course is deceptively challenging and, especially in wildflower season, quite beautiful. The course is open 8 a.m. till dark daily; rounds start and (especially) end at the adjacent The Black Twig (see Places to Eat). Weekday play is $15, weekends $25 (ages 16 and younger are $8 anytime); Monthly Unlimited Golf Membership is $49. Call 540-987-5008 or visit schoolhousenine.com.
Civil War history
While there were no largescale military actions in Rappahannock, several dozen skirmishes and many troop movements occurred here, a major thoroughfare and gateway to the Shenandoah Valley for both Union and Confederate forces. The Rappahannock Historical Society’s John Tole, who produced most of the county’s 30-plus Virginia Civil War Trails markers, also produced a map and guide to those
markers, and those troop movements and skirmishes, which is available at the Visitors Center (7 Library Rd., Washington; 540-6753153 Friday-Sunday, 540675-5330) and through the Rappahannock Historical Society (328 Gay St., Washington; 540-675-1163) or rappahannockhistsoc.org
Fox hunts
Old Dominion Hounds: Activities year-round, hunt season runs September through March on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Contact master Debbie Welch 540-631-8607 or visit www. theolddominionhounds.com for more information, dates, times, meets and special events.
Rappahannock Hunt:
Established in 1926, the hunt offers activities that are open to members and non-members. Events cover everything from trail riding to naming new puppies to dinners, dancing and chili cook-offs. Call 540-987-8957 or visit rappahannockhunt.com.
DINING AT SKYLAND IN SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
Country Living … A World Apart
MAGIC HAPPENS overlooking the Rush, a mountain river with an impressive cliff opposite. Eagles, ducks, herons and other birds patrol the rippling waters. Private, convenient, very special. SOLD
HISTORIC & UNIQUE with a fabulous patio-garden combination and early stable converted to guest quarters. 1800’s charm in a great western Fauquier County location. SOLD
SHENANDOAH RIVER STATE PARK is across the river from this sixty-eight acres with a wide bottom field long the river and a fantastic ridge for a spectacular home. SOLD
ROMANTIC COTTAGE on forty-eight acres in Rappahannock County. Open floor plan is charming with fireplace, separate studio and a barn. Mountain views, pond, small orchard. SOLD
PLACES TO STAY
BED & BREAKFASTS INNS • VENUES
Belle Meade
Bed & Breakfast
Defined by mountains, streams, rolling hills, pastures, woodlands, a pond, and an abundance of life, Belle Meade is a dynamic community on 138 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge facing Old Rag Mountain. Guests can slow their pace, relax, eat delicious farm-fresh cuisine, lounge by the pool, sit by the wood stove in the parlor, enjoy a massage and breathe. It is a community center that welcomes rehearsal dinners, classes, workshops and retreats.
Contact proprietors Mike Biniek and Susan Hoffman at 540-987-9748, info@bellemeade. net or bellemeade.net.
Blue Door Kitchen & Inn
The Blue Door kitchen & inn is ideal for a romantic weekend getaway or corporate retreat, offering privacy and luxury to match in a quiet and charming country setting. Choose from four suites that accommodate two to four guests. Enjoy dinner in the elegant and relaxing dining rooms or on the patio (weather permitting), cocktails at the bar
or in the gazebo and a peaceful walk around the grounds. (See the listing under Places to Eat). Close to wineries, hiking trails and the charming town of Flint Hill, at 675 Zachary Taylor Highway. Call 540-675-1700 or visit thebluedoorkitchen.com.
Blue Rock
Located on 80 rolling acres, Blue Rock is a new take on the classic country inn. Breathtaking views overlooking a koi pond set against a backdrop of vineyards and the Blue Ridge Mountains, create the perfect environment to have a glass of wine, delicious dinner (See listing under Places to Eat) or throw a dream destination wedding. The inn has five contemporary mountain-chic rooms as well as a 3,700 square foot five-bedroom luxury vacation rental. The inn is located at 12567 Lee Highway, Washington. Call 540-987-3388 or visit bluerockva.com
Fairlea Farm B&B
A five-minute stroll from the center of the Town of Washington, this country manor house overlooks a 40-acre sheep and cattle farm. At 636 Mount Salem Ave., Washington. Contact proprietors Susan and Walt Longyear at 540-675-3679 or fairleafarm@gmail.com or visit fairleafarm.com.
Foster Harris House
Foster Harris House, just steps from The Inn at Little Washington, provides comfortable, refined accommodations and gourmet breakfasts with farm-fresh, local ingredients. At 189 Main St., Washington. Call 540-9146646 or visit fosterharris.com.
Gay Street Inn
Gay Street Inn provides the perfect escape — nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and only steps away from world-class dining and entertainment in historic Little Washington. Our elegantly restored 1850s farmhouse offers four spacious guest rooms and one pet-friendly suite, each with its own private bath. Relax in the evening with a glass of wine or craft cocktail and indulge the next morning with a homecooked breakfast served at individual tables in our lightfilled sunroom overlooking the inn’s beautiful gardens. At 160 Gay St., Washington. Contact Drew Beard and Deb Harris, owners/innkeepers, at 540-3169220, innkeeper@gaystreetinn. com or visit gaystreetinn.com.
Glen Gordon Manor
Overlooking Shenandoah National Park on its 45 acres of Huntly pasture, lawns, gardens
NATURE AT WORK BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
and parkland, Glen Gordon Manor has hosted members of the British royal family and staged hunts and balls. Peerless views combine with host (and renowned chef) Dayn Smith’s willingness to whip up memorable private dinners for paying guests. (See listing under Places to Eat). A Wells Fargo stagecoach stop in the early 1800s, the main house offers a fire-lighted entrance hall, a baronial oak hunt room and stone wine cellar. As well as suites at Glencroft Cottage and Gordon Mews House, Glen Gordon Manor offers a pool and stables, with rates from $250 to $450 per night. At 1482 Zachary Taylor Highway, Huntly. 540-636-6010 or visit glengordonmanor.com.
Hopkins Ordinary
Built in the 1820s as an “ordinary” by John Hopkins, it also housed a tavern and was a stagecoach stop. The five guest rooms have private porches and fireplaces. Cottages are also available. At 47 Main St., Sperryville. Also onsite is the Hopkins Ordinary Ale Works. (See under Wineries). Call 540-987-3383 or visit hopkinsordinary.com.
Inn at Little Washington
Celebrating 45 years of excellence, The Inn at Little Washington’s 24 accommodations are sumptuous hideaways. This world-famous establishment, a member of Relais and Chateaux offers
a range of accommodations from well-appointed rooms to opulent, two-story suites, many with balconies and garden views. Accommodations include: The Mayor's House, with its two fireplaces and private courtyard garden; the Gamekeeper's Cottage, with an outdoor dining pavilion and a magnificent mountain view; the Claiborne House, a 3,200-square-foot residence named in memory of the food writer and cookbook author Craig Claiborne; The Parsonage, six luxury guest rooms of understated but unrivaled elegance; and its newest accommodation, a charming cottage called The Cardinal’s Nest. The inn is located at Middle
and Main streets in Washington. Call 540-675-3800 or visit theinnatlittlewashington.com.
White Moose Inn
A distinctive whitewashed icon on Washington’s Main Street, the White Moose Inn offers a contemporary aesthetic to the Virginia countryside and is just steps away from The Inn at Little Washington. Awake to a locally sourced breakfast and wind down with a daily happy hour while enjoying the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located at 291 Main St., Washington. Call 540-675-3207 or visit whitemooseinn.com.
VACATION RENTALS
Many of Rappahannock County’s growing number of vacation rentals and cabins can be found by searching airbnb.com or the Vacation Rentals by Owner website at vrbo.com
Caledonia Farm Guesthouse
The historic summer kitchen guesthouse is part of the Caledonia Farm 1812 estate in Flint Hill, outside Little Washington, near the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. The farm is on the National Register and its 115 acres of pastures are permanently protected by conservation easements. Minimum booking of two nights is required. The cottage has one bedroom, one bath. Two-guests maximum. At 47 Dearing Road, Flint Hill. For information, call 540-675-3693 or visit bnb1812.com.
Cardinal Springs Farm
Completely renovated 1860s farmhouse with an upscale Barn Loft on a secluded 130-acre farm a few miles from the village of Sperryville. Swim, fish and canoe in the ponds, or hike the lush gardens and mountain trails. Child and pet friendly. Farmhouse sleeps up to seven, and Barn Loft sleeps four. At 150 Poor Town Road, Sperryville. Call 540-987-8477 or 703-593-6201
or visit vrbo.com/457779 and vrbo.com/141702
LeFay Cottage at Little Washington
Experience charming LeFay Cottage at Little Washington, nestled on a five-acre property with well-appointed rooms and Blue Ridge views. Inside the three-bedroom, two-bath cottage, French and English antiques and ornate chandeliers adorn each room. Child friendly. Pets can be boarded next door and are allowed on the grounds; horses may be boarded at the stable across the field. At 41 Christmas Tree Lane, Washington. Call 703 980-1478 or visit lefaycottageatlittlewashington. com.
Loft at Little Washington
Enjoy a restful stay in the pleasant Loft located above Sweet Virginia’s Beauty Salon + Spa — walking distance from the famous restaurant, The Inn at Little Washington. Loft guests enjoy a two-room suite equipped for comfort with a private bedroom and spacious living room — with a sleeper sofa. At 261 Main St., Washington. Click airbnb.com/ washington-va/stays
Meadows at Castleton
The Meadows at Castleton is a one-of-a-kind Virginia
wedding and event venue, nestled among the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley. Available for business retreats, weddings and vacation rentals. 671 Castleton View Road, Castleton. Call 540-937-3454.
Mint Cottage at Little Washington
The Mint Cottage is a newly renovated 1400-square foot spacious one-bedroom house with luxurious appointments, stylish amenities and breathtaking views. Four guests maximum. It is a short walk to The Inn at Little Washington. 742 Main St., Washington. Email: info@mintcottageva. com; Reserve: airbnb.com/h/ mintcottagelittlewashington
Miss Kitty’s Place
Visiting Miss Kitty's is like going to Grandma's house. The three-bedroom, three-bath house accommodates up to 10 (with handicapped-accessible bath) and has views of the Rappahannock River, with swimming, rowing and fishing. Mom and Dad can spend a day touring all the many wineries in the area. Near Amissville. Call 540-937-5422 or email kittygpoe@aol.com.
Mountain Garden Cottage
A cozy, pet-friendly, fourbedroom house nestled between the Thornton and Piney rivers, only a five-minute walk from the Shenandoah National Park trailhead. Call 540-987-3306.
Quiévremont Vineyard Cottage
Converted from a grain silo, the rustic cottage, nestled next to the Covington River, makes a perfect getaway for couples or families. Near Little Washington. Call 540-987-3192 or email info@ quievremont.com.
Serendipity Guest House
Luxurious suite in our Victorian home located next to The Inn at Little Washington. You can walk to shops, art galleries, and restaurants! The suite has a private entrance, screenedin porch, private bath with shower, pillow-top mattress, and fireplace. (Light breakfast can be requested on weekends.) Email: onaveranda@comcast. net or visit: airbnb.com/h/ serendipityguesthouse
Sharp Rock Vineyards
On its 23 acres in a valley at the foot of Old Rag Mountain and Shenandoah National Park, Sharp Rock Vineyards is an awardwinning winery and working vineyard. It offers a two-bedroom cottage and a one-bedroom carriage house. Buildings on the farm date from 1792 to 1864. At 5 Sharp Rock Road, Sperryville. Contact Jim and Kathy East at 540-987-8020 or jeast@ sharprockvineyards.com, or visit sharprockvineyards.com.
Email us for a brochure thebarnatnewby@gmail.com
The Barn at Newby’s Crossroads
Nestled near the heart of Rappahannock County, The Barn At Newby's Crossroads is one of the county's newest destinations for a country wedding of your dreams. Able to host up to 150 people, The Barn is also ideal for other
celebratory events that require a bucolic country setting. It is located at 698 Laurel Mills Road in Castleton. Email thebarnatnewby@gmail.com to set up a property viewing appointment or to request a full color brochure. Follow us on Facebook - The Barn At Newby’s Crossroads.
ANNUAL EVENTS
JANUARY
Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Birthday observance: Scrabble School Preservation Foundation, Inc. presents this tribute and Julia E. Boddie Scholarship fundraiser. The event is on the third Sunday in January in person and virtual. Email: scrabbleschoolva@gmail.com.
MARCH
Benevolent Fund
Celebrity Waiter Dinner: Annual themed dinner with local celebrity waitstaff whose antics are sure to raise money and your mood. Join us in March for a good time and a good cause. All money raised benefits the Benevolent Fund, a Rappahannock based organization that responds to people in need by providing emergency financial assistance. For more information contact Berni Olson 540-671-0421. For details on dinner, visit Rappbenfund.org after January 1.
APRIL
Fodderstack 10k Classic
Race: The annual race course follows the rolling hills between the towns of Flint Hill and Washington and has been held for more than 35 years, drawing hundreds of runners of all levels from the region. Email: info@ fodderstack10k.com or visit fodderstack10k.com.
Old Dominion Hounds
Point-to-Point Races : Held at historic Ben Venue Farm, on Route 729 at U.S. 211. Contact the joint-masters at 540-3644573 or 540-636-1507 or visit theolddominionhounds.com.
SperryFest : An annual street fair with local and regional artisans, food vendors, musical acts as well as family and kids’ activities based on Sperryville's historic Main Street, featuring the
popular Great Rubber Duck Race Down the Mighty Thornton River. For more information, email kerry@ beforeandaftersperryville.com or visit sperryfest.org.
Waterpenny Plant Sale:
On the last Saturday of April, Sperryville’s Waterpenny Farm hosts an annual plant sale. Speak with plant experts, buy locally grown plants from Waterpenny and other local nurseries and farms, and see all your gardening friends in the process. You can buy vegetable plants, annual and perennial flowers, shrubs, trees, fruit trees and mushroom logs. There’s also food, outdoor art and ornaments and a free nature camp for kids. Visit waterpennyfarm.com for more information.
JUNE
Amissville carnival and parade: This annual event benefits the Amissville Volunteer Fire and Rescue squad. For information, call 540-937-4218 or visit amissvillevfr.org.
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THE AMISSVILLE CARNIVAL BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
Fourth of July celebration and fireworks: Held on the fields of Ben Venue Farm in Flint Hill at 98 Ben Venue Road, proceeds benefit the Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department. Lots of food, live music, games and displays. Fireworks start at dusk. Call 540-987-8124 or visit sperryvillefire.com.
SEPTEMBER
Rappahannock County Farm Tour & Festival: This two-day, free event is usually the last weekend in September, with self-guided tours showcasing Rappahannock’s farms and related businesses producing the very best in local food, award-winning wines and artisanal products, set against the backdrop of the county's extraordinary beauty. For more information, call 540-675-5330 or visit rappfarmtour.org.
Rappahannock Rough Ride: Multiple bicycle races and events for all levels of fitness and skill. This outdoor challenge benefits the Fauquier Free
Clinic, which also serves Rappahannock residents. Call 540-347-0394 or visit rappahannockroughride.org for more.
John Jackson Piedmont Blues Festival: A tribute to the legacy of Rappahannock native and renowned blues singer and guitarist John Jackson, the festival is usually held near the end of September at Eldon’s Clover Hill Farm. For more information contact Kenner Love, Virginia Cooperative Extension, at 540675-3619 or klove@vt.edu.
OCTOBER
Headwaters Harvest Festival: Annual event boasting food trucks, local artisans, vintners and activities for young people, and serving as a celebration of Rappahannock’s rural heritage and commitment to fostering educational excellence. All funds raised support Headwaters, the county’s Public Education Foundation. For more information, contact Headwaters at 540227-5170 or info@headwatersfdn.org, or visitheadwatersfdn.org.
End of Oktoberfest: The last Saturday in October heralds the End of Oktoberfest at Pen Druid Brewery in Sperryville. This Annual Beer Festival and Pig Roast features wild, wood-fired, spontaneous and barrel-fermented beers and natural wine. Located near the intersection of 231/522. Email pendruidbrewing@gmail.com.
Halloween in Rappahannock : Sperryville closes Main Street for trick or treaters young and old, while Little Washington (unofficially) closes its Main
THE LATE PHIL WIGGINS AT THE JOHN JACKSON PIEDMONT BLUES FESTIVAL BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
NOVEMBER
Fall Art Tour: Sponsored by the Rappahannock Association for Arts and the Community (RAAC), the art tour draws hundreds of art lovers to Rappahannock County and features dozens of artists’ studios and galleries. It is held the first weekend in November. For further information and updates, visit FallArtTour.org.
DECEMBER
Christmas in Little Washington: This annual event, being held on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, traditionally includes a Christmas parade, artisans’ markets, a visit from Santa and activities and open houses by local businesses and churches. For more information about the day, one of Rappahannock’s most popular family-friendly events, visit washingtonva.gov.
CHRISTMAS IN LITTLE WASHINGTON BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
SHOPS
Beech Spring Gift Shop
A Rappahannock County fifth generation-owned-andoperated business that offers local, American-made and fair trade one-of-a-kind artisan wares at reasonable prices. Here everyone gets to take home a memento from the mountains. Our selection includes seasonal fresh fruit, fruit butters, preserves, ciders and raw mountain honey. Specialty foods are always popular for your hike or to take home to the sitter. Whether it be a locally made hiking stick, an American-made quilt, throw or bag, a fair trade basket from West Africa or ceramics from Turkey or Poland, we have a souvenir or gift to accommodate
your desires. Open year round, two miles west of Sperryville's Main Street on U.S. Route 211. Visit us at 11600 Lee Highway, Sperryville, call 540-987-8704, email beechspringgiftshop@verizon. net or visit us at facebook.com/ BeechSpringGiftShop.
Book Barn
Next door to the Rappahannock County Library on Route 211 outside of Little Washington, the Book Barn sells a wide variety of used books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles and games at very reasonable prices. Run by dedicated volunteers, all proceeds go to the library. Open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Central Coffee Roasters
Smallest artisan coffee roaster in Virginia and arguably the best. Green beans roasted from plantations and cooperatives throughout the international coffee-growing belt. Retail outlet and sampling room which is filled with owner Maggie Rogers’ etchings and prints and often hosts bluegrass and other concerts by the musically inclined Rogers’ boys and others. 11836 Lee Highway, Sperryville. Call 540-987-1006 or visit centralcoffeeroasters.com
Corner Fruits & Crafts
This fifth-generation family-owned shop offers jams, jellies, local honey, Virginia hams and peanuts, homemade seasonal baked goods, ciders, local produce, quilts, primitive items, jewelry and many unique finds. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (with extended hours in the fall) at 11650 Lee Highway, Sperryville. Call 540-987-3344 or email proprietor Barbara Gore at bhegore@aol.com.
Dragonfly Gems
Step into Dragonfly Gems and discover a curated selection of truly unique jewelry pieces. Our collection spans the spectrum from one-of-a-kind handmade creations to vintage treasures, including exquisite Native American jewelry. Our current emphasis is about showcasing jewelry designer Gina Irwin’s original pieces, crafted in sterling silver and 14k gold, and using hand selected stones and beads in her own original style. There is a diverse selection of crystals and mineral specimens, spanning from cabinet-grade to delightful curiosities and more. The shop is located at 36 Main St., in the heart of Sperryville. Visit dragonflygemsllc.com
Early’s Carpet
This family-run Amissville fixture sells and installs all
types of flooring, including carpet, hardwood, ceramic and specialty surfaces, such as cork and bamboo. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 14574 Lee Highway, Amissville. Call 540-937-5500 or visit earlyscarpet.com.
Flourish Root Floral Studio
Jen Cable's Floral Studio, open by appointment, offers seasonal, natural and sustainable designs for special order, events, business spaces, weddings and more. Follow Flourish Root on IG @flourishroot, visit flourishroot.com to order, for info or to make an appointment. Jen can be reached at 540-7420097. Located at 12018 Lee Highway, Sperryville.
House Wine
House Wine is owned and operated by a certified sommelier with over 20 years in the wine industry. The shop carries unique and slightly obscure wines from around the world and from Virginia. It also sells hot sauce, cookies, crackers, honey and salsas made in Virginia. There is a rotating selection of craft beers and non-alcoholic gourmet soda as well as cured meats and cheeses. Located inside the Sperryville Schoolhouse, 12018 Lee Highway, Sperryville. Email kevin@housewineva.com for inquiries or information about the wine club.
Inn at Little Washington Tavern Shops
The Tavern Shops is a series of five charmingly decorated period rooms offering a wide variety of custom-designed tableware, furnishings, gifts, antiques, jewelry, kitchenware and delicacies from the kitchen at The Inn at Little Washington. Each room maintains its own identity, much as it might have looked in the 1800s when the building
was indeed a tavern. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday-Monday and Wednesday-Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at 439 Main St., Washington. Call 540-675-5215 or visit theinnatlittlewashington.com.
Loose Leaf Tea Company
Blending only high quality tea in the foothills of Virginia in beautiful Rappahannock County from a vintage airstream. At 132 Turkey Ridge Road, Boston. Call 540-5226192, email missyheneghan@ gmail.com or visit looseleafteacompany.net.
Peter Kramer Furniture
Designer/craftsman Peter Kramer makes unique, new furniture the old-fashioned way. Open by appointment. Call 540-675-3625 or visit peterkramer.com.
Rainbow Market
This nonprofit market at Hearthstone School offers organic and natural groceries, supplements, gifts, bath products, essential oils and handmade items. Store hours: Monday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday closed; Wednesday- Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 540-987-9456. Located at 11576 Lee Highway, two miles west of Sperryville.
Rappahannock CFC Farm & Home Center
Contractors, farmers and ranchers depend on the knowledgeable staff at the Rappahannock CFC Farm & Home Center — aka the Rappahannock Farmer’s Co-op. There’s plumbing, electrical supplies, fencing, livestock equipment and animal health supplies, seed, soil amendments, pet foods and supplies, and wild bird feed and feeders. The store hangs its hat on the quality livestock and horse feeds it sells — all produced in a certified Safe Feed/Safe Food facility in Culpeper. All corn, wheat and barley feeds are locally grown, and the only feed to carry Virginia's Finest logo. Shop with the people who support the local agricultural community — no need to drive to a big box store when you can
ANTIQUES
Copper Fox Antiques, 7 River Lane, Sperryville. A longtime anchor to the River District, this shop has a vast array of antiques and consignment goods. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Call 540-987-8800 or visit copperfoxantiques.com or Copper Fox’s Facebook page.
Hazel River Art & Antiques, 12625 Lee Highway, Washington, features more than 100 dealers, artisans, and consignors displaying antique and vintage furniture, home décor, art, rugs, jewelry, collectibles and much more. Located on Route 211 West just past the Co-op, behind the Mountainside Physical Therapy building. Hazel River is a must-see destination. Open ThursdaySaturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.) Call 540-987-8440 or visit hazelriverartandantiques.com.
find it all close to home. 12645 Lee Highway, Washington. Call 540-987-8555, email mcannon@ cfcfarmhome.com or visit cfcfarmhome.com.
Rappahannock Historical Society
Besides its small but engaging museum, the nonprofit Historical Society also has a gift shop that offers maps, books, memorabilia and local products. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 328 Gay St., Washington. Call 540-675-1163, email rapphistsoc@comcast.net or visit rappahannockhistsoc.org.
R.H. Ballard Shop & Gallery
Award-winning shop and gallery located in historic Little Washington. For 28 years, the Ballards have carried a wide
array of unique gifts, home decor, French table linens, eclectic vintage and fine art. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day but Tuesday at 307 Main St., Washington. Call 540-675-1411 or visit rhballard.com.
Sperryville Corner Store
Historic country store adjacent to Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen and FRANCIS bar in Sperryville. Fresh selected meats and seafood plus local produce, organic and natural foods, Central Coffee beans (with a self-service grinder) and a wide selection of beer and wine. Open Sunday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 8 a.m.8 p.m. Located at 3710 Sperryville Pike. Call 540-987-8185.
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Sperryville Pottery
Hand-thrown pottery and unique, locally made gifts. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 42 Main St., Sperryville. Call 540-987-1000 or visit sperryvillepottery.com.
The Marketplace Sperryville
A unique indoor dining and shopping venue located in the heart of Sperryville’s River District at 3 River Lane. Open Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Restaurant, bakery and coffee shop hours may vary. themarketplacesperryville.com. Here are the Marketplace shops:
• beaucoup: beaucoup ~ little shop, lots to love. small boutique offering new and secondhand women's apparel, home goods and gifts, and a kid's corner with toys and apparel, too. instagram. com/beaucoupva
• Miscellanea: Miscellanea is a sustainable fashion boutique specializing in one-of-a-kind botanical-dyed garments, high-end vintage clothing, and curated antiques. instagram.com/ antiquemiscellanea
• Firth River Coffee: Community coffee shop located in the heart of Sperryville's River District. Firth River offers coffee and espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, juices, charcuterie and local wines. firthriver.com
• Wholehearted Chocolate: We make small batches of chocolate bars and truffles using Colombian dark chocolate. wholeheartedchocolate.com
• Washington Fine Properties: A premier residential real estate firm representing fine homes in the nation’s capital and the Virginia countryside. wfp.com
Bagels • scones
Croissants • challah
Artisan breads • cookies
Babkas • Pastries • cakes
Contact us for special requests
540-987-9098 3 River Lane, Sperryville walkerbakeshop@gmail.com
At The Marketplace In the heart of Sperryville’s River District
HOURS
Thursday–Sunday, 7am–4pm Monday, 7am–2:30pm Tuesday and Wednesday, closed
• Seldom Realms Glassworks: Handblown glass art, sculpted glass flowers and unique gifts for any occasion. seldomrealms.com
• Walker Bakeshop: Walker Bakeshop is a family-owned and operated bakery that specializes in legacy recipes using premium ingredients for bread, scones, cookies, cakes, bagels and babkas. walkerbakeshop.com
• Sperryville ARTist Cooperative / SPAC Gallery: A working artist studio, gallery and gift shop featuring emerging and independent artists and craftsmen. spacgallery.org
• Artful Friends Gallery: A partnership of six artists and friends, the gallery features unique handmade items including fine art mosaics, creative and original textile pieces, watercolors, wearable art, jewelry and repurposed and unique functional objects. ArtfulFriendsGallery.com
• Distressed Screen Printing: Custom printed T-shirts, bags, towels and other textiles. rappnews.link/o4z
• Legacy Farmhouse Treasures and Antiques: We offer a variety of unique one-ofa-kind items such as antiques, handmade quilts, home decor and jams and jellies. Our shop has something for everyone. rappnews.link/m0i
• New Iberia Kitchen: In-season and creative menus that support local farmers and communities. newiberiakitchen.com
• Milda Vaivada HOME and Gifts: Gift shop "Honoring our Mother Earth." instagram.com/ mildavaivadahome
• Happy Creek Studio: Featuring crocheted hats, blankets, clothing, and stuffed
COUNTRY/ CONVENIENCE STORES
211 Quickie Mart –12663 Lee Highway, Washington, 540-9878310
Baldwin’s Grocery – 111 Main St., Washington, 540-675-3383
Blue Ridge Grocery – 1908 Zachary Taylor Highway, Huntly, 540-635-9165
Hillsdale Country Store – 13560 Lee Highway, Washington, 540-6751055
Mayhugh’s – 14630 Lee Highway, Amissville, 540-937-5586
Rainbow Market – 11576 Lee Highway, Sperryville, 540-987-9456
Roy’s Orchard & Fruit Market – 64 Old Hollow Road, Sperryville, 540987-8636. (Also see its listing under Farms)
Settle’s Grocery & Garage – 706 Zachary Taylor Highway, Flint Hill, 540675-3252
animals, as well as hand-carved bowls and spoons, paintings, and drawings.
• Honey Bee Apothecary: Maker of olive oil soaps and other natural body care products, as well as honey and beeswax candles.
• Fit for Life: Personal trainer and group fitness instructor for 6 years. facebook.com/ fflcaroline
Valley Green Naturals
From humble beginnings in Cindy and Arthur DeVore’s former Fauquier County kitchen, Valley Green Naturals products have spread across the country, from Hawaii to
Maine — and are produced in and shipped from Sperryville’s River District. You can find the products at several local outlets. Call 540-987-3170 or visit valleygreennaturals.com
Virginia Chutney Company
Virginia Chutney ships its 10plus varieties of chutney all over the world (and to Rappahannock retailers from R.H. Ballard to Settle’s Grocery). The Turner family’s small but state-of-theart factory and distribution center is not open regularly for tours, but Oliver Turner
says the company welcomes small groups who call ahead to arrange. Call 540-675-1984 or visit virginiachutney.com.
Wild Roots Apothecary
Tucked away in the Copper Fox complex in Sperryville’s River District, the shop and studio are an oasis of botanical exploration — featuring an inspired collection of bulk dried herbs, custom blended wellness teas, culinary herbs, apothecary goods and unique botanical elixirs, tonics and tinctures, as well as curated and
local goods from inspired and passionate makers (including cocktail makings and bitters, natural soaps, raw local honey, candles, excellent herbal, black and green teas, herbal books, body care, flower essences, pottery and nature inspired botanical prints). Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Monday, to 6 p.m. SaturdaySunday and by appointment otherwise. Located at 4 River Lane, Sperryville. Visit wildrootsapothecary.com or contact proprietor Colleen O'Bryant at 703-598-2837 or
hello@wildrootsapothecary.com
Wine Loves Chocolate
Named the best retail wine shop in Virginia, Wine Loves Chocolate is a swanky little wine bar with a twist, right in the heart of Little Washington. Taste higher-end wines and amazing artisan chocolates all in one little spot. Walk-ins welcome for delectable wine and chocolate pairings. Open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday-Monday at 353 Main St., Washington. Call 540-227-8010 or visit wineloveschocolate.com.
AN EVENING WALK ON TIGER VALLEY ROAD BY WINDSOR MANN
WINERIES, BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES
Apple-Atcha Cider
The old grist mill in Sperryville is serving five different types of hard cider along with musical acts and open mic nights. The cidery, 3 Josh Ben Lane, is open Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hours may vary depending on events.
Chester Gap Cellars
Up in Chester Gap on the northern edge of Rappahannock County, you will find a farm winery producing handcrafted wines from their mountainside vineyards. Open 11a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday (or by appointment) at 4615 Remount Road. Call 540-6368086, visit chestergapcellars.com.
Copper Fox Distillery
Award-winning craft
American single malt, rye, bourbon, and gin. Our riverside cocktail garden is the perfect place to relax and unwind for whisky flights and craft cocktails after a day of driving or hiking. Indoor seating is also available. Open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.6 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. We offer tours everyday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. All ages and well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome. 9 River Lane, Sperryville. Call 540-987-8554 or visit copperfoxdistillery.com.
Dida’s Distillery
Pressed, not mashed, ultrapremium spirits are made 100% from grapes at Dida’s: luxurious
brandy, groundbreaking vodka and refreshing gin. The family's winery-based distillery brings new, unique, and innovative spirits to Virginia’s booming craft distilling landscape. Enjoy samples and luxury cocktails in our distillery store/tasting room at Rappahannock Cellars, listed below. Rated Virginia Brandy Distillery of the Year at the 2018 and 2020 New York International Spirits Competition. The gold-medal winning spirits start with the highest quality grapes, pressed and fermented and carefully distilled in single small batches. Dida's (pronounced “diduh’s”) tasting room is located at Rappahannock Cellars, 14437 Hume Road, Huntly. Call 540-5518141 or visit didasdistillery.com
Gadino Cellars
Following their Italian heritage, the Gadinos offer quality varietals, pinot grigio, cab franc, chardonnay, cab sauvignon and nebbiolo from their estate vineyards — all wines made onsite. Visit their Tuscan-inspired tasting room and sit on the shaded deck overlooking the Blue Ridge. Centrally located between Little Washington and Sperryville, Gadino is committed to producing tantalizing wines and shares them in a fun-loving way with
two regulation bocce ball courts outside, and grapes, artisan cheese and Italian sausage inside to go with your wine. 92 Schoolhouse Road, Washington. Call 540-987-9292 or visit gadinocellars.com. Wine cellar tours on request.
Gray Ghost Vineyards
Gray Ghost is Rappahannock's oldest winery, producing internationally acclaimed wine from 100% estate-grown fruit. Gray Ghost is family owned and operated. A visit to the winery offers a knowledgeable staff, southern hospitality, beautiful picnic grounds and spacious indoor facilities. Ask about Gray Ghost's famous winery events, entertaining tours and the most popular volunteer harvest program in the state. Open 11a.m. to 5 p.m. FridaySunday and holiday Mondays March through December, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. SaturdaySunday in January and February at 14706 Lee Highway, Amissville. Additional seasonal hours at grayghostvineyards. com, or call 540-937-4869.
Hopkins Ordinary Ale Works
This craft brewery is in the cellar of Hopkins Ordinary B&B (see listing under Places to Stay), and specializes in traditional
with our fine wines in
with our
wines
with our fine wines in our Italian-inspired tasting room or on our sun-splashed deck. Challenge friends to a game of bocce on our regulation courts or enjoy a picnic in our gardens, overlooking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Now in our 21st Year!
-inspired tasting room or on our sun-splashed deck. Challenge friends to a game of bocce on our regulation courts or enjoy a picnic in our gardens, overlooking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Now in our 21st Year!
-inspired tasting room or on our sun-splashed deck. Challenge friends to a game of bocce on our regulation courts or enjoy a picnic in our gardens, overlooking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Now in our 21st Year!
Open Friday through Sunday, 11:30 am ~ 5:00 pm
Open Friday through Sunday, 11:30 am ~ 5:00 pm Saturdays until 6:00 pm 92 Schoolhouse Road, Washington, VA 22747 (540) 987-9292 www.gadinocellars.com
Open Friday through Sunday, 11:30 am ~ 5:00 pm Saturdays until 6:00 pm 92 Schoolhouse Road, Washington, VA 22747 (540) 987-9292 www.gadinocellars.com
Saturdays until 6:00 pm 92 Schoolhouse Road, Washington, VA 22747 (540) 987-9292 www.gadinocellars.com Bring in this ad for 10% off your bottle purchase!
Bring in this ad for 10% off your bottle purchase!
Bring in this ad for 10% off your bottle purchase!
beers that are true to style, with a little bit of whimsy. It uses local barley and hops when possible and changes selections with the seasons. Come enjoy the beer garden and tavern room with a fireplace. Wines are also served. At 47 Main St., Sperryville. Call 540-987-3383 or visit hopkinsordinary.com
Little Washington Winery
Tucked into the foothills of Skyline Drive between Washington and Sperryville, Little Washington Winery offers eight of its own wines plus a daily Dirt Road Wine Tour featuring incredible other small-batch wines. This spot was named the best picnic spot in Virginia for its panoramic Blue Ridge views. Frequent events and classes are updated at littlewashingtonwinery.com or call 540-987-8330.
Magnolia Vineyards
Magnolia Vineyards’ tasting room and surrounding grounds are the perfect place to relax and “Escape the Madness.” The family-run vineyard and boutique winery makes small
lots of mostly Bordeaux varietals. Regular tastings are paired with cheeses and chocolates. Plenty of interior and outdoor seating to enjoy a picnic or the fire pits in cooler weather. Live acoustic music most Saturdays. Located at 200 Viewtown Road, Amissville. The tasting room is open 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ThursdayMonday year-round. Check its website or Facebook page for additional hours during summer months, and for current specials and events Call 703-785-8190 or visit magnoliavineyards.com.
Narmada Winery
Narmada Winery offers excellence in wines and ambience. The small boutique winery offers grand views, a pavilion on the lake and picnic areas. The tasting room offers Indian small plates, frequent live music and a gift shop. Call or check for seasonal hours. Reservations are recommended at narmadawinery.orderport.net. Located at 43 Narmada Lane (off U.S. 211), Amissville. Call 540-9378215 or visit narmadawinery.com.
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Pen Druid Brewing
Pen Druid focuses on spontaneous and native yeast fermentation of beer and cider at its 27-acre farm in Sperryville. The owners, the Carney brothers - Lain, Van and Jennings - grew up in Woodville along the Thornton River. The beers are made using a wood-fired brewing system as well as a coolship, a traditional Belgian cooling copper pool which helps to collect wild yeast and bacteria to ferment the beer while in oak barrels for up to 36-months or longer. The brothers also make spontaneously fermented cider using apples grown in Rappahannock. No added yeast or sulfites. The brothers have established a five-acre permaculture, a no spray or chemical orchard, where they have planted heirloom apples, pears, plums and grapes. Email pendruidbrewing@gmail.com. Located near the intersection of 231/522 in Sperryville.
Quiévremont Winery
Quiévremont Winery and Vineyards — established in 2008, the winery in 2012 — focuses on estate-grown Bordeaux varietals and blends, with wines made in the French style. Located at the heart of Reality Farm (see listing under Farms, Orchards, Nurseries), the vineyard benefits from well-draining soils, plenty of sun and cool mountain breezes. The tasting room is open noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sunday and holiday Mondays, noon to 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday and by appointment otherwise at 162 Gid Brown Hollow Road, Washington. Call 540-827-4579, email info@ quievremont.com or visit quievremont.com.
Rappahannock Cellars
Recognizing the promise in Virginia
wines, the Delmare family moved its winery from California to the Blue Ridge in the heart of Virginia. With careful tending of the vineyard and exacting knowledge of the cellar, Rappahannock Cellars strives to create rich, supple and elegant wines, dedicated to the winegrower’s art. Open daily. Located at 14437 Hume Road, Huntly. Call 540635-9398 or visit rcellars.com.
Sharp Rock Vineyards
At Sharp Rock Vineyards, the owners take great pride in being a small, artisan winery that crafts 12 award-winning wines each year from fruit hand-selected and picked from their own vineyards. They use old-world winemaking techniques, stressing balance and a minimalist style, to create wine reflecting the vineyard’s unique mountainside location. Accommodations in cabins are also available (See under Places to Stay). Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday or by appointment at 5 Sharp Rock Road, Sperryville. Call 540-987-8020 or visit sharprockvineyards.com.
Veditz and Company Brewing
The deaf-owned brewery opened in the summer of 2023 in the River District in Sperryville. The brewery offers a variety of American-style beers and something more. In addition to producing craft beer, Veditz works to provide jobs for the deaf community. The name Veditz is in honor of George Veditz, known for his efforts to promote the value and preservation of sign language. Located at 7G River Lane, Sperryville. Call 202-2888623 or visit veditzandcompany. com.
FARMS, ORCHARDS & NURSERIES
Due to the seasonal nature of these businesses, customers are advised to call ahead to confirm hours and products available.
Adams Custom Slaughter
The Adams family raises and sells corn-fed beef by the whole, half or piece. It also sells bacon, scrapple and homemade sausage. At 27 Shurgen Lane (three miles north of U.S. 211) off South Poes Road (Route 637) in Amissville. Call 540-937-7497 or email gameats@peoplepc.com or visit facebook.com/adamsmeatz.
Bean Hollow Grassfed
Grass fed beef and lamb, pastured pork at Over Jordan Farm in Flint Hill. Call 540-675-1025, email info@ beanhollowgrassfed.com. Visit beanhollowgrassfed.com.
Boe’s Produce
Boe’s and April’s farmstand offers local produce, seasonal fruits and veggies, homemade jams, jellies, ciders, honey, homemade pies, breads and country cured ham. Seasonal decorations are on display including pumpkins, fresh-cut flowers, Christmas wreaths and trees. Special orders are accepted. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday at 11896 Lee Hwy., Sperryville (next to Baldwin’s Towing). Call 540-987-9054, 540-9873343 or visit facebook.com/ BoesProduceStand.
Crowfoot Farm
Farm fresh raw milk from grassfed Brown Swiss cows is available through Herd Shares. The Farm Store, located at 3085 Indian Run Road in Amissville, is open 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. MondaySaturday (first time customers must call before visiting) and offers eggs, seasonal grass fed beef, local honey, handmade farm
soaps, dairy cultures and cheesemaking supplies. Raw milk herdshare sign-ups by appointment only. Call 540-937-4490 or email thecrowfootfarm@gmail.com or visit crowfootfarm.com.
Eastwood Nurseries
The East Coast’s premiere source of Japanese maples. Open by appointment only (and some open-house weekends) at 634 Long Mountain Road, Washington. Call 540-675-1234, email maples@japanesemaples. com or visit japanesemaples.com.
Evergreen Etc.
This nursery, specializing in evergreen trees and Christmas trees, is open from Thanksgiving to Christmas at 285 Rock Mills Road (Route 622), Woodville. Call 540-937-5850 or email jandjtole@ evergreenshade.com.
Farm at Sunnyside
The Farm at Sunnyside grows certified organic fruits and vegetables for sale locally at the Rappahannock County Farmers Market. At 27 Sweetwater Lane, less than two miles northwest of the Town of Washington. Call 540-675-9946 or visit thefarmatsunnyside.com.
F.T. Valley Farm at Mont Medi
F. T. Valley Farm features grass-fed beef that are born there and graze weekly on different lush pastures there, an orchard of 10,000 apple and peach trees and a pick-your-own-fruit operation that is a must for locals, hikers and day-trippers. It is located 6 miles south from Sperryville, along Route 231 at 513 F. T. Valley Road. Open Thursday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Arrive by 4 p.m. if you wish to pick your own fruit. Call 540-351-9156, ftvalleyfarm.com or email info@ftvalleyfarm.com.
Happy Henz Farm/ Rock Mills Farm
Happy Henz and Rock Mills farms are both run by members of the Henze family. Happy Henz sells eggs and seasonal lamb meat; Rock Mills sells heritage sheep breeding stock as well as hand-spun artisan yarn and wool products. Their breeds include Purebred Registered Gulf Coast Native Sheep, Shetland Sheep and Karakul sheep. Open by appointment only. Email happyhenzfarm@ gmail.com or call 540-937-5087.
Hill House Farm & Nursery
Hill House Farm & Nursery is a family-owned nursery dedicated to growing high-quality native plants for gardens, landscape restoration projects and habitat creation. It also offers landscape consultation, design and installation services. The nursery is open by appointment at 631 Scrabble Road, Castleton. Call 540-937-1798 or visit hillhousenativeplants.com.
Jenkins Orchard
Pull up to the green and white packing shed for the Jenkins' family's fresh-picked apples (16 types, including Rambo and Black Twig), peaches (12 types, white and yellow), pears and nectarines from their 50-acre orchard at 355 Yancy Road (Route 621) between Sperryville and Woodville. Call 540-987-8192.
Lee’s Orchard
This orchard, in the Lee family since the 1880s, has pick-yourown and fresh-picked apples (28 varieties), including Albemarle Pippin, Jonagold and Mutsu, plus
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A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST AT WILLIAMS ORCHARD BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
hard-to-find quince, peaches and pears. In the fall, the Lees feature cider, honey and pumpkins. At 65 Orchard Lane (off U.S. 211) just east of Washington. Call 540675-3201 or visit facebook.com/ LeesOrchard.
Manor Farm
This family-owned andoperated cow/calf-beef cattle operation is located on U.S. 211, about two miles west of Washington. Visitors are welcome by appointment at no charge. Call Monira Rifaat at 540-987-8613 or email monira@manorfarm.us.
Off the Grid Farm
Cross the bridge over the Thornton River behind Off the Grid cafe and market (see Places to Eat) and you will find yourself on Off the Grid’s solar-powered farm, which grades upward to rest against the Shenandoah National Park and is home to pasture-raised hens for egg production and a couple of retired goats to greet you. Our little red hens (and a few daffy ducks) are rotated around the property, protected from predators by two layers of electrified net fencing. In the warmer months we grow vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers to use in the restaurant. We grow using organic approved methods, and hold an industrial hemp growers and processors registration. Call 540-987-5114 or visit offthegridva.com.
Reality Farm
A working beef and dairy cattle farm established circa 1753 and now run by Teri and John Guevremont, owners of Quièvremont Winery and Vineyards (see Wineries). Reality Farm specializes in grass-fed Angus and Jersey cattle, cow and goat’s milk, poultry and eggs. Open by appointment only at 115 Reality Farm Lane (off Gid Brown Hollow Road), Washington. To visit, or browse farm offerings, call (540) 987-3192 or visit realityfarminc.com
Roy’s Orchard & Fruit Market
Thornton River Orchard
On U.S. 211 three miles west of Sperryville the family-owned and -operated farm raises clean quality fruit — more than 20 varieties of apples, plus peaches, nectarines, cherries, various berries, seasonally available produce and fresh pressed apple cider. Open 9 to 6 seven days a week late July to early December at 11587 Lee Hwy. Call 540-987-8585 or visit thorntonriverorchard.com
Touchstone Farm
Alan Zuschlag and Keith Miller raise purebred Clun Forest sheep on 110 acres near Flint Hill. Whole or half lamb packages plus special orders are available each fall. Order at touchstone.farm.
Waterpenny Farm
Ecologically grown, pesticidefree vegetables, herbs and flowers, as well as spring plants are for sale in season on the farm. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm shares are also available for Thursday on-farm pickup June-October. The farm sells at the Arlington Courthouse (Saturday) and Takoma Park, Md. (Sunday) Farmer's Markets. At 53 Waterpenny Lane (a quarter-mile off U.S. 211) in Sperryville. Visit waterpennyfarm.com or call farmers Eric Plaksin and Rachel Bynum at 540-987-8567.
Williams Orchard
Roy and Janet Alther have strawberries, cherries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines, plums, blackberries, pears, apples and pumpkins in that seasonal order, plus fresh vegetables and a wide selection of dry goods and everyday groceries. Stop by at 64 Old Hollow Road (just off U.S. 211) in Sperryville. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Call 540987-8636 or visit facebook.com/ oldhollowroad.
AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
Farm-To-Table Program
The Farm-To-Table Program is a partnership between Headwaters (the local educational foundation), Rappahannock County Public Schools and other community organizations, including the Rappahannock County Farm Bureau, the Young Farmland Fund and Sunnyside Institute. For more information, email: farm2table@headwatersfdn.org
4-H Youth Development
4-H is an education program of the Virginia Cooperative Extension that assists youths aged 5 to 19 in acquiring the knowledge, life skills and attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, contributing and productive members of society. For more information, contact the local extension office (311-J Gay St., Washington): 540-675-3619 or email lindab75@ vt.edu.
Culpeper-Rappahannock Farm Service Agency
The agency assists local farmers through its agricultural commodity, conservation programs and specialized loans. Contact executive director Tammy Bonner at the agency’s office in Orange, at 540-672-1638 or tammy.bonner@va.usda.gov, or visit fsa.usda.gov.
Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District
The CSWCD serves Rappahannock and four other member counties by providing landowners with educational information, technical assistance and a wide range of programs to encourage community participation in conserving soil, water and related natural resources. Contact district manager Greg Wichelns at 540825-8591 or gregw@culpeperswcd.org, or visit culpeper swcd.org.
Virginia Cooperative Extension
The extension is an educational outreach program of the commonwealth's land grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. Extension agent Kenner Love is based in Washington at 311-J Gay St. Call 540-675-3619 or email klove@ vt.edu, or visit rappahannock.ext.vt.edu.
Virginia Farm Bureau
The bureau lobbies legislators on agricultural issues and provides insurance for its members. Contact Nicole Hanback at the bureau’s local office (11929 Lee Hwy., Sperryville) at 540-9878225 or nicole.hanback@vafb.com.
3765 or visit facebook.com/ WilliamsOrchard729.
W.R. Welch & Sons, Mountain View Farm
The Williams’ family has spent more than 75 years producing quality fruit and vegetables on their familyowned and -operated orchard and farm. At 3 Williams Farm Lane (off Route 729) near Flint Hill. Call 540-675-
With farms in Huntly and Flint Hill, the Welches sell custom-finished, grain-fed cattle. On U.S. 522 north of Flint Hill, just past Wakefield Country Day School and near U.S. 662. Call 540-636-9965.
Community
THE ARTS • EDUCATION • GOVERNMENT
DANCING WITH THE GOLD TOP COUNTY RAMBLERS AT THE 2024
LUKE CHRISTOPHER
ARTS GALLERIES
Cottage Curator
An independent art gallery in the historic Sperryville Schoolhouse Annex, owned and operated by artist/curator Jackie Bailey Labovitz, it features Labovitz’s own stunning, large format floral photography, as well as work by other
local, regional and nationally recognized art and craft artists, many of whom have pieces in major museum collections. Both budding and mature collectors are welcome. Open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m and by appointment. 12018A Lee Highway, Sperryville. Call 540-
773-2700 or 202-345-1733 and visit cottagecurator.com.
De’Danann Glassworks
Gay Street Gallery
Patricia Brennan has worked as a stained glass artist in Sperryville for over 36 years. She is the owner and artist of De’Danann Glassworks, where she produces her commissioned work, teaches classes and creates art glass. She uses many different techniques in her stained glass work: kiln fired hand painting on glass, silk screening, etching, fusing, mosaic and slumping. She is dedicated to preserving the integrity of an old world art form, while combining the use of the technology available today. Her work can be found at Thornton River Art on Main Street in Sperryville. Call 540-987-8615 or visit dedanann.net.
Gay Street Gallery (337 Gay St., Washington) hosts exhibits of works by select, awardwinning artists from Virginia and around the country, and for years has been home to the landscape paintings of Kevin H. Adams. Located in a building believed to be the oldest, continuously operated mercantile structure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Call 540-227-5100 or email office@ gaystreetgallery.com for hours and see gaystreetgallery.com for current work.
Gallery 3 Fine Art
Gallery 3 is a fine art gallery plus three working studios. Each studio is occupied by a single artist working in a particular medium: Mary Allen (realistic watercolor) Kate Anderson (printmaking) and
ARTIST LINDA HEIMSTRA (RIGHT) HAS MADE A MURAL AT THE COUNTY PARK BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
Marilyn Armor (abstract). At 12018B Lee Highway, Sperryville. 540-987-5078.
Geneva Welch Gallery
Geneva Welch is a nationally known artist who displays watercolor, oil painting and dry-point etchings of animals and country scenes. Limited-edition prints and hand-painted ornaments and platters. Open weekends at 341 Main St., Washington. Call 540-675-3332 or 540-675-3686 (for the studio), email geneva@ genevawelch.com
Haley Fine Art
Established in 2000, Haley Fine Art (HFA) presents its collection in Sperryville. Ensconced in the Blue Ridge
Mountains, HFA provides a quiet, natural space for collectors and artists to connect. The gallery offers three shows annually. Decadeslong relationships are the norm: Chris Stephens, Robin Purnell, Patton Wilson, Drew Ernst, Michael Fitts, BK Noh, Woody Blackwell and Tom Mullany are among the artists represented by HFA for more than 20 years. HFA features Works Sold for each artist on our website -- a testament to a lifelong commitment. HFA tirelessly advances the interests of its artists and collectors. Collection management, art consultation and installation services are core to HFA's service-centric approach. Located at
42 Main St., Sperryville, VA 22740 (540) 987-1000 or visit haleyfineart.com.
Hazel River Art & Antiques
Hazel River Art & Antiques, 12625 Lee Highway, Washington, features more than 100 dealers, artisans, and consignors displaying antique and vintage furniture, home décor, art, rugs, jewelry, collectibles and much more. Located on Route 211 West just past the Co-op, behind the Mountainside Physical Therapy building. Hazel River is a must-see destination.
Just across Main Street from the famed five-star restaurant, you can visit the gallery inside the Tavern Shops, where an ever-changing exhibit of artists is presented. At 439 Main St., Washington. Call 540-675-3801, ext. 215 or visit theinnatlittlewashington.com/ tavern-shops.
Middle Street Gallery
Middle Street Gallery is a 40+ year-old nonprofit cooperative of regional artists. The gallery supports quality and innovation in all media. It is located at
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311 Gay St., with entrance on the lower level, facing Main Street and across from Ballards in Washington, Va. Phone 540-227-5066 Web address: middlestreetgallery.org
Old Rag Photography
Old Rag Photography Gallery is a cooperative of three photographers from diverse backgrounds with individual specialties. Members include Joyce Harman, Ray Boc and Francie Schroeder. We offer fine quality prints and photographic services. You can find an exhibit in The Dark Horse Irish Pub, Flint Hill. Visit facebook. com/OldRagPhotography or oldragphoto.com.
R.H. Ballard Shop & Gallery
Celebrating 28 years in Little Washington, artist Robert H. Ballard, a gallery and museum curator for over 50 years,
exhibits a wide range of regional and international paintings, ceramics, sculpture and original French lithographs on the lower level of the Ballard building. He and his wife, Joanie Ballard, also have a main floor filled with an artful mix of fine gifts, French table linens and unique decorative items. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 307 Main St., Washington. Call 540-675-1411 or visit rhballard.com
River District Potters
Four potters — Sara Adams, Susan Hornbostel, Doris Jones and Nancy Nord — joyfully make
functional and artful ceramics. Our gallery and studio are at 7 River Lane, Sperryville, in the Copper Fox Antiques building, across from the Copper Fox Distillery. We are open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, 1- 6 p.m. Sunday; or by appointment, text (202) 256-7005. We welcome visitors to see our work at facebook.com/riverdistrictpotters or email riverdistrictpotters@ comcast.net for an appointment.
Sperryville Artist
Cooperative/SPAC Gallery
gifts and cultural items. Located at 3 River Lane, in the Sperryville River District. Call 540-987-9288 or email artiststudio@livingsky. org. Open weekends noon-5 p.m., or by appointment.
Thornton River Art
A working artist studio and gallery with new, emerging and independent artists and craftsmen featuring traditional and non-traditional expression that includes fine art, multidimensional mixed media, photography, art of social commentary, and hosts an enticing collection of unique
Thornton River Art, a collaboration of Rappahannock artists Martin Woodard, Patricia Brennan and Heidi Morf, features an eclectic collection of local art including fine art, stained glass, mosaics, pottery, weaving, jewelry, metal art and more. From thoughtful and creative gifts to heirloom quality art, the gallery at 37C Main St. in Sperryville showcases the innovative and inventive energy of Rappahannock County. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday-Sunday or by appointment. Call 540-547-7845 or visit thorntonriverart.com.
FOGGY BEN VENUE VIEW BY RUTHIE WINDSOR-MANN
ARTS THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Castleton Festival
The Castleton Festival nurtures young talents, fosters the arts and reclaims the human spirit through integrative mentoring, world-class performances and building of communities. Established by the late maestro, Lorin Maazel, and his wife, actress and teacher Dietlinde Turban Maazel, at their 550-acre estate on Castleton Farm Road, Castleton’s state-ofthe-art 140-seat Theatre House continues to offer a modest season of concerts, performances, recitals, chamber music programs, dance and theatrical events and opera as part of Castleton in Performance series. For details, visit castletonfestival.org or call 540-937-3454.
Little Washington Theatre
Little Washington Theatre plays host to movies and theatrical productions presented by the Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community. In addition, it features occasional professional classical and bluegrass
performances and theatrical performances by the Cambridge American Stage Tour. For information, contact info@ LittleWashington Theatre.com.
Rappahannock Association for Arts and
Community
RAAC is the nonprofit organization behind many local art programs and events, including the Artists of Rappahannock Studio & Gallery Tour held every November, film screenings, a lecture series at the library, a summer concert series, plays and more held at the RAAC Community Theatre,
Soup 'n' Soul talks held in private homes and Mitchell Arts Fund grants awarded to emerging and established local artists and projects. For more information, call 540-675-3193, email info@ RAAC.org or visit raac.org. RAAC also sponsors the RAAC Community Theatre (below).
RAAC Community Theatre
The RAAC Community Theatre presents plays, readings, poetry, coffee houses and workshops. Long housed in a former country church, productions have moved across Gay Street to the Little Washington Theatre. For more information, visit raac.org (and click on Community Theatre) or call 800-695-6075.
RAPPAHANNOCK ASSOCIATION FOR ARTS AND COMMUNITY
Photos by Ray Boc & Patricia Brennan.
EDUCATION
Rappahannock County Public Schools
School Board: The board meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Rappahannock County High School, usually in the band room.
Administration: Shannon Grimsley, superintendent. The school division’s administrative offices are at 6 Schoolhouse Road, Washington; 540-227-0023. For more information, email anewman@ rappahannockschools.us or visit rappahannockschools.us.
Rappahannock County High School
Principal: Dr. MJ Boynton 12576 Lee Hwy., Washington 540-227-0745
Rappahannock County Elementary School
Principal: Jennifer Wissinger 34 Schoolhouse Road, Washington 540-227-0200
Headwaters, the Rappahannock County Public Education Foundation, Inc.
The Headwaters Foundation is Rappahannock County's only public education foundation. It was established in 1997 to support students and teachers in Rappahannock County Public Schools with enriching programs and opportunities to succeed. Core programs include the After-School Enrichment Program; College & Career Access Program; Educational Enrichment Grants for teachers; READ Program; and the Starfish Mentoring Program. Headwaters administers several scholarships and awards to graduating seniors and RCPS alumni. It also supports Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in collaboration with the Rappahannock County Public
Library. For more information, contact executive director Claire Schadler at 540-227-5170 or director@headwatersfdn.org, or visit headwatersfdn.org.
Private Schools
Wakefield Country Day School (WCDS)
Wakefield Country Day School, a preschool through 12th-grade independent school, has been serving Rappahannock and surrounding counties for
more than 50 years. It provides a rigorous college-preparatory education with a 100% college acceptance rate, and an education that builds character and prepares students with a toolkit for life. The school's motto, “Virtue and Wisdom,” reinforces its commitment to the intellectual development of its students, and commitment to prepare each child to be a world citizen. At 1059 Zachary Taylor Hwy., Huntly. Contact:
admissions@wcdsva.org or 540635-8555, or visit wcdsva.org.
Hearthstone School
Through creating a positive learning environment, Hearthstone School promotes inner harmony and centeredness in a vastly changing world. Our Waldorf-inspired curriculum seeks to nurture and educate the whole child. Hearthstone’s teachers work respectfully and deliberately to support the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being of each child. At Hearthstone, a successful student is one who unfolds into a free-thinking, purpose-driven, conscientious, happy adult; one who, with a deeper understanding of the meaning of life, values wholeness and growth. Our school extends from Nursery/ Kindergarten through 12th Grade and includes enrichment classes for homeschoolers. Two miles west of Sperryville on U.S. 211. Call 540-987-9212, email info@ hearthstoneschool.org, or visit hearthstoneschool.org.
VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE AT RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
Homeschooling
If you wish to homeschool your child or wish to claim a religious exemption, you must send a letter of intent each school year (before Aug. 15) to the public school division. Contact Michelle Berta at 540-227-0023 for more information.
Daycare/Preschool Child Care and Learning Center
The only nationally-accredited child care and preschool in the surrounding 10-county area, CCLC’s programs range from infants to preschool as well as after school care. Full-time
summer camp for children ages 5-12. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at 12763 Lee Hwy., Washington. Call 540-675-3237 or visit rappcclc.org.
Workforce Training & Lifelong Learning Rappahannock Center for Education (RappCE)
This nonprofit organization provides educational experiences to enhance knowledge, employability and quality of life to county and nearby residents while building and sustaining a strong community. RappCE also offers workforce training and lifelong learning programs. For more info, visit RappCE.org or email operations@RappCE.org.
YOUTH SPORTS
Rappahannock Athletic Association/Rappahannock Culpeper Baseball (RAA/RCB) is based at the Stuart Field, a nine-acre complex in Amissville with five fields and five leagues. It is on Route 211, 5 miles west of Clevengers Corner (Route 229). For more information, visit rappculpbaseball.sportngin.com.
Piedmont Softball Association sponsors Amissville-based softball programs for girls ages 5 to 18. For more information, call 540522-3675 or email amissville.softball@gmail.com.
Rappahannock County Soccer Association sponsors youth league play, spring and fall, and can be reached at rcsasoccer@ gmail.com, or visit rappsoccer.com.
Rappahannock Youth Basketball League (RYBL) provides kids ages 5 to 14 team play from December to February. For more information, call 540-987-3347 or rappyouthbball.com.
Rappahannock County Youth School Athletic Activities: This is a portal for county youth athletic activities, calendars and results. For more information, visit rchs.rappahannockschools.us.
• Established 1996
• Waldorf Curriculum
• N/K - 12th Grade
• Licensed Day Care
•Parent-Child Group
• Clas ses for Homeschoolers
• P ay-What-You-Can Tuition
•Safe & Nur turing
• Promotes Kindness
•Building Self-esteem
•Individualized Attention
•Brings A cademics
• Experiential Learning
•Art & Na ture Based
• Transportation Options
The Whole Family
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS
Rappahannock County residents are keen on preserving the scenic beauty, environment and wildlife of their county. Nearly a quarter of the county’s land has been put into scenic easements. The following is a list of private, nonprofit environmental organizations that operate in Rappahannock County:
Krebser Fund for Rappahannock County Conservation: The fund was created in honor of Dr. Werner Krebser, who served on the Rappahannock County Planning Commission for 22 years and provided a strong voice for preserving Rappahannock’s scenic beauty and open spaces. The Krebser Fund is an advisory committee
to the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), providing funding recommendations to PEC in support of projects that promote local land conservation, environmental stewardship
and environmental education in Rappahannock County. For more information about the Krebser Fund, contact Claire Catlett, PEC Rappahannock Land Conservation Field Representative at 540-347-2334 or ccatlett@pecva.org or visit pecva.org.
Native Wildlife Rescue: This organization rescues sick, injured or orphaned wildlife and rehabilitates and releases
The Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Geographically it includes the counties of Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock. Founded in 1939 by citizens concerned about soil and water conservation, the CSWCD is one of the largest of 47 conservation districts within Virginia and serves an area covering 1,445 square miles with about 91,000 constituents.
• Administers the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost Share and Tax Credit Programs
• Administers four 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction grants
• Administers watershed specific septic cost share program
• Delivers professional education services to public and private schools as well as local community groups
• Provides technical conservation planning services to all residents and local governments
The mission of CSWCD is to promote the stewardship of soil and water and the conservation of our natural resources by educating and providing technical assistance to manage, protect and enhance the land and water for the benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties.
Mike Biniek Director
Mike Sands Director
FISHING AT THE RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY PARK BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
them. Contact Wildlife Center of Virginia or 540-942-9453, email: wildlife@wildlifecenter.org or visit wildlifecenter.org.
Piedmont Environmental Council: Since 1972, the Piedmont Environmental Council has proudly promoted and protected the natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty of the Virginia piedmont. PEC empowers residents to protect what makes the piedmont a wonderful place, and works with citizens to conserve land, protect air and water quality and restore wildlife habitat. PEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and accredited land trust. Learn more at pecva.org.
Ragged Mountain Resource Center: The center helps coordinate local and regional educational and recreational activities, such as hikes, natural history programs, watershed and ecosystem awareness, bonfires and deep ecology discussions and programs. Contact director Hunt Harris at 540-244-0827 or hunthharris@gmail.com.
Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection: RLEP is dedicated to preserving the natural
resources and rural character of Rappahannock County including its night skies and view of the Milky Way. RLEP holds its Stroll for the Soul to promote propagation of native plants, which feed native insects and caterpillars, and sustain our native songbird population. It supports clean streams, good farming practices, conservation easements and stands ready to protect against industrial intrusion by pipe and power lines. Contact Rick Kohler, president Rick@RLEP.org or visit rlep.org .
Rappahannock Nature Camp: A nonprofit natural history summer day camp on the Hazel River in Sperryville, it has been in operation since 1986. The camp creates a fun community that fosters a connection to the natural world through active exploration, observation, inquiry and the arts. The day camp, for campers ages 8-16, runs in four week-long sessions in June and July. Scholarships are available.
The Perennial Campers program, offering field trips for interested adults and teens, runs in the spring and fall. Check out rappnaturecamp.org, or call Director Rachel Bynum at 540-252-6308.
COURTS&POLICE
Sheriff 's Office
Connie S. Compton, sheriff. Headquarters at 383 Porter St., Washington; call 540-675-5300 or cscompton@ rappahannockcountyva. gov. The sheriff ’s office also handles animal control calls. For emergencies only, dial 911.
Virginia State Police
Culpeper office: 540-829-7766.
Emergency Services Coordinator
Darren Stevens, 290 Gay St, Washington; call 540-675-5322 or esc@rappahannockcountyva.gov.
E911 Coordinator
Sheriff Connie Compton and Lt. Janie M. Jenkins jointly serve as Rappahannock’s E911 Coordinator located at the Sheriff ’s Office at 383 Porter St., Washington. Call 540-675-5300, cscompton@ rappahannockcountyva. gov or jmjenkins@ rappahannockcountyva.gov.
RSW Regional Jail
The RappahannockShenandoah-Warren Regional Jail, which replaced local jails in all three counties when it opened in July 2014, is located at 6601 Winchester Road in Front Royal. 540-622-6097 or visit rswregionaljail.com.
Circuit Court
Kaitlin R. Struckmann, Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Clerk’s office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday at 238 Gay St., Washington; call 540-6755350 or kstruckmann@vacourts. gov. Mailing address: PO Box 517, Washington, VA 22747
Combined District Court
General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court: Clerk’s office is in the courthouse at 250 Gay St., Washington. It is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Contact clerk
FIRE AND RESCUE
Note: The phone numbers listed below are all nonemergency numbers. If you have an emergency, dial 911.
Emergency Manager/ Emergency Services Coordinator Darren Stevens has offices at the former county adminstrator’s office on Gay Street in Washington. 540-675-5322; Cell: 540522-8253.
Amissville (Co. 3) 14711 Lee Hwy., Amissville 540-937-5125
Chester Gap (Co. 9) 42 Waterfall Rd., Chester Gap. 540-635-5482
Flint Hill (Co. 4) 945 Fodderstack Rd., Flint Hill. 540-675-3286
Sperryville Fire (Co. 2) 11871 Lee Hwy., Sperryville 540-987-8124
Sperryville Rescue (Co. 7) 12 Main St., Sperryville 540-987-8085
Washington (Co. 1) 10 Firehouse Ln., Washington 540-675-3615
Donna Foster at 540-675-5356 or dfoster@vacourts.gov.
Commonwealth's Attorney
Commonwealth’s Attorney Arthur Goff, with offices directly opposite the Rappahannock County courthouse on Gay Street in Washington, can be reached at 540-675-5338 or algoff@ rappahannockcountyva.gov.
Juvenile Court Services
These services are based at the courthouse, 250 Gay St., Washington, 540-675-5358.
GOVERNMENT COUNTY
Administration
County Administrator: Garrey W. Curry, Jr., has offices at 3 Library Road, Washington, second floor of Visitors’ Center. Call 540675-5330, email gwcurry@ rappahannockcountyva.gov or visit rappahannockcountyva. gov.
Assistant County Administrator: Bonnie L. Jewell, bljewell@ rappahannockcountyva.gov. Executive Assistant and the Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors: Krystal A. Porras, kaporras@ rappahannockcountyva.gov.
Zoning
Michelle L. Somers, Zoning Administrator, has offices at 311-N Gay St. (rear entrance), Washington. Call 540-675-5343, email mlsomers@ rappahannockcountyva.gov or visit rappahannockcountyva. gov.
Attorney
County Attorney Arthur L. Goff has offices opposite the courthouse at 239 Gay St. and can be reached at 540-675-5338.
Board of Supervisors
The board meets the first Monday of the month at 2 p.m. for general business and at 7 p.m. for any public hearings. A second work-session meeting may be held on the third Monday. Meetings are held at the courthouse (250 Gay St., Washington). Chair, Debbie P. Donehey (Wakefield District, 540-252-9989 or ddonehey@ rappahannockcountyva. gov); Vice-Chair, Keir A. Whitson (Hampton District, 540-675-3358 or kawhitson@ rappahannockcountyva. gov). Other members are Van C. Carney (StonewallHawthorne District, 540-
429-2385 or vcarney@ rappahannockcountyva. gov), Donna D. Comer (Jackson District, 540661-9868 or ddcomer@ rappahannockcountyva. gov), and Christine Smith (Piedmont District, 540-987-5007 or csmith@ rappahannockcountyva.gov).
Animal Control
Dispatched through the Sheriff’s Office. Call 540-6755300.
Building Office
Richard S. “Rich” Cornell, County Building Official, has offices at 311-N Gay St. (rear entrance), Washington. Call 540-675-5340 or rscornell@ rappahannockcountyva.gov.
Broadband Authority
The Broadband Authority was created by the Board of Supervisors to seek grant funding to improve citizen
access to reliable broadband. See the authority’s website for more information: rappbroadband.org.
Commissioner of Accounts
Michael T. Brown, P.O. Box 458, Washington. Call 540-227-5078 or mbrown@ walkerjoneslaw.com.
Commissioner of the Revenue
Mary A. Graham has offices at 262 Gay St., Washington. Call 540-675-5370 or magraham@ rappahannockcountyva.gov.
E911 Coordinator
Sheriff Connie S. Compton and Lt. Janie M. Jenkins jointly serve as Rappahannock’s E911 Coordinator located at the Sheriff’s Office at 383 Porter St., Washington. Call 540-675-5300 or cscompton@ rappahannockcountyva. gov or jmjenkins@ rappahannockcountyva.gov.
Health Department
Offices at 338A Gay St., Washington, open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Call 540-675-3516. For assistance with Environmental Health Services, please contact the Health Department.
Library
Rappahannock County Library has books, e-books, audio-visual materials, and other circulating items, plus free Wi-Fi, public computers, and other services detailed online at rappahannocklibrary. org. Library is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays (till 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays) and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at 4 Library Road (off U.S. 211 just east of Washington). Closed Sundays and federal and state holidays. Amanda Weakley is the director. Call 540-675-3780 or rapplibrary@ gmail.com.
Park
The Rappahannock County Recreational Facilities Authority operates the county park (See listing in Activities & Tours) .
Planning Commission
The Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the courthouse, 250 Gay St., Washington. Chair Christine Smith (BOS Representative) Piedmont District, 540987-5007 or csmith@ rappahannockcountyva.gov.
Recycling and Trash
Disposal
Flatwood Refuse and Recycling Center: Household trash and recyclables are accepted from county residents. There is also a shed for clothing, books and other usable items to be donated (or browsed). Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 1- 5 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15 Flatwood Rd. (off Rock Mills Road near U.S. 211), Washington. Call 540-987-8985.
Amissville Refuse and Recycling Center: Household trash and recyclables are accepted from county residents. Tires and refrigerant-containing appliances are accepted for a fee. Open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday at 168 Weaver Road, Amissville. Call 540-9373337. See the county webpage for refuse and recycling information: rappahannockcountyva.gov/ refuse.
Social Services
The department offers benefit programs, foster care and adoption, adult and child protective services and classes to help parents deal with adolescents, Medicaid and
more. Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 354 Gay St., Washington. Contact Director Gail A. Crooks at 540-675-3313 or gail.a.crooks@dss.virginia.gov.
Sheriff
Sheriff Connie S. Compton has offices at 383 Porter St., Washington. For nonemergencies, call 540-675-5300. The Sheriff may be emailed directly at cscompton@ rappahannockcountyva.gov and receives mail at P.O. Box 487, Washington.
Treasurer
Debra L. Knick has offices at 274 Gay St., Washington. Call 540-675-5360 or email dlknick@ rappahannockcountyva.gov.
Zoning Appeals, Board of
The board meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month at the courthouse. Contact Chair Sharon Pierce at scpierce@gmail.com.
Water and Sewer
Authority
The authority meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at the courthouse. Offices at 3751 Sperryville Pike, Sperryville; call 540-987-3185 to reach the plant manager. Contact Chair Cheri Woodard at cheri@cheriwoodard.com or PO Box 550, Sperryville 22740.
Voting Information
To learn where to vote, register or apply for an absentee ballot, contact the Rappahannock County Voter Registration Office, visit rappahannockcountyva.gov/ registrar or visit elections. virginia.gov. Kimberly McKiernan is the county’s Registrar with offices at 262A Gay St., Washington; call 540-675-5380 or email vote@ rappahannockcountyva.gov.
GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF WASHINGTON
Administration
Barbara Batson, town manager, has offices at 567 Mt. Salem Ave., (PO Box 7, Washington, VA 22747). Call 540675-3128, townofwashington@ washingtonva.gov or visit washingtonva.gov.
Architectural Review Board
The ARB meets the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 485 Gay St. Contact Chair Deborah Harris 540-675-3128, deborah.harris@ washingtonva.gov.
Attorney
Martin Crim, 10432 Balls Ford Road, Suite 300, Manassas, VA. 20109. Call (703) 663-1720, mcrim@sandsanderson.com.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The BZA meets as necessary to hear and decide administrative appeals of the Zoning Ordinance at Town Hall, 485 Gay St. Contact Chair Nancy Buntin, 540-675-3534, nancy. buntin@washingtonva.gov
Economic Development Authority
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) takes applications for grant programs to encourage businesses that support the tourist trade. Contact Chair Joe Whited, 202-374-7215 or joe.whited@
washingtonva.gov.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 485 Gay St. Contact Chair Caroline Anstey, 540692-5155, caroline.anstey@ washingtonva.gov.
Zoning Administrator
Steve Gyurisin, offices at 567 Mt. Salem Ave., Washington, VA 22747. Call 540-336-7357, zoning@ washingtonva.gov.
Council and Mayor
The council meets the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 485 Gay St. Contact Mayor Joe Whited, who also serves on the town council, 202-374-7215 or joe. whited@washingtonva.gov. Other council members are Fred Catlin (vice mayor, 540-212-0357, fred.catlin@ washingtonva.gov), Gail Swift (treasurer, 540-671-0944, gail.swift@washingtonva. gov), Drew Beard (704293-2352, drew.beard@ washingtonva.gov), Jean Goodine (540-252-3305, jean. goodine@washingtonva. gov), Patrick O’Connell (540675-3800, patrick.oconnell@ washingtonva.gov) and Brad Schneider (540-551-2999, brad. schneider@washingtonva.gov).
AVON HALL IN THE TOWN OF WASHINGTON BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Businesses of Rappahannock: This is a membership-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local businesses through promotion, advocacy and education. Its goal is to provide the network necessary for maintaining an economically viable community for all those who wish to live and work in Rappahannock County. It is also the public-facing organization that welcomes thousands of visitors each year to the county’s bucolic villages. For more information, visit ExploreRappahannock.com or call 540-227-4845.
Encompass Community Supports (formerly Rappahannock-Rapidan
Community Services): Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Rappahannock, Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison and Orange counties by providing comprehensive behavioral health, developmental disability, substance use disorder and aging services. For more information, visit rrcsb.org or call 540) 825-3100.
Foothills Forum: Our journalists and photographers do deep-dive research and award-winning reporting projects as a service to the community. Supported by individual donations and grants, Foothills is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization working in partnership with,
but independent of, the Rappahannock News. We also share our reporting, free of charge, to all other news outlets across the region. Recent reporting projects have included a three-part series of articles about the worsening mental health struggles of young people in Rappahannock, Fauquier and Culpeper counties; articles about new farming methods designed to preserve biodiversity; and a multi-part series about the affordable housing crisis across the region, with potential solutions at the local, state and federal levels. For more information, visit foothillsforum. org or call 540-834-9562.
For the Cats’ Sake is a
nonprofit organization dedicated to spaying and neutering stray, feral and domestic cats, and thereby reducing the incidence of unwanted litters in Rappahannock and surrounding counties. The group seeks to stabilize feral cat colonies and reduce the homeless stray cat population, while also providing cats with healthier and happier lives. Visit forthecatssake.org for more information.
Living Sky Foundation:
An educational organization in support of the arts that educates, motivates and inspires individuals to achieve optimum well-being and a purposeful existence through a conscious reconnect with
nature. Services include curriculum development, community support, artist services, music and art enrichment programs and environmental stewardship. For program, member or volunteer information visit livingsky.org, email lsf@livingsky.org or call 540-987-9288.
Northern Piedmont Community Foundation: An established 501(c)(3) whose purpose is transforming the resources of local citizens into real growth and strength for the community. NPCF manages a variety of funds established by individuals, families, businesses and charitable institutions.
Through investment strategies, the returns from these funds are put back into the community through grant cycles and scholarships, along with the personal causes the fund holder holds dear. NPCF is committed to building deep bonds with the region’s nonprofits and dedicated to educating and supporting them in their health as businesses, and in their missions of supporting the community’s most vulnerable. Call 540-3490631 or visit npcf.org.
Rappahannock Aging
Together: Part of a regional partnership taking action to
FOOD PANTRY FUNDRAISER BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
improve quality of life for older adults and their families. Meetings are 1 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Rappahannock County Library. Call 540-829-6405 or visit agingtogether.org
Rappahannock Animal Welfare League: RAWL rescues homeless dogs and helps pets find and stay in loving homes. RAWL’s shelter at 160 Weaver Road, Amissville also offers spay and neuter programs and rabies clinics. Contact manager Patti Want (inforawldogs@gmail.com) at 540-937-3336 or 540-937-3283, or visit rawldogs.org.
Rappahannock Benevolent Fund: The Benevolent Fund was founded during the financial crisis of 2008 by an individual anonymous donation. This
donation helped to establish a committee of church and lay people ready to assist Rappahannock County families and individuals in need of emergency services during the financial crisis and afterwards. Call 540-671-0421 or visit rappbenfund.org.
Rapp at Home serves the health, safety and social needs of Rappahannock residents aged 50 and older. It helps seniors connect with the community and live as they choose by providing services such as rides to medical appointments and events, prescription and grocery pick-up, in-home services, stimulating activities, fitness classes and gettogethers. Call 540 937-4663 or visit rappathome.org.
Rappahannock County Democratic Committee: Contact RCDC chair Sean
Harringan at Chair@RappDems. org or visit RappDems.org.
Rappahannock County Republican Committee: Contact chair Ron Frazier at ronspsd7.3@gmail.com or visit rapprepublicans.com.
Rappahannock Food Pantry: The pantry opened in a new building in the summer of 2024 at 37 Leggett Lane in the Town of Washington at Rush River Commons. It is a volunteer nonprofit organization that assists all Rappahannock residents who need food. Its Plant a Row Program encourages Rappahannock gardeners to plant a little extra for the pantry. Call 540-987-5090 or visit rappahannockpantry.org for more information, to donate or volunteer.
Rappahannock Historical Society: Nonprofit committed to gathering, preserving and disseminating information about the history of Rappahannock County. Volunteer staff members assist with genealogical, property and other types of historical research for a fee. The society’s museum (328 Gay St., Washington) is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday or by appointment, and the society has a growing collection of books on Rappahannock’s history for sale. Contact the society at 540-675-1163 or rapphistsoc@comcast.net, or visit rappahannockhistsoc.org.
Rappahannock Lions Club: The organization provides volunteer services throughout the community including a program to help improve the sight and hearing of those in need. The club meets at the Sperryville fire hall
at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday. For more information, visit rappahannocklions.org.
RappCats is a nonprofit organization that helps stray, abused, abandoned and unwanted cats in the county, and operates the county’s only state-approved cat shelter, which is in Flint Hill. For more information or to adopt, contact RappCats at 540-987-6050 or rappcats@rappcats.org or visit rappcats.org.
Rappnet.org: A selfmoderated email list by and for residents of Rappahannock County. Discussion is freewheeling and encompasses all subjects. Contact Tom Woolman at twooolman@ontargettek.com or visit rappnet.org.
Rappahannock-Rapidan Medical Reserve Corps: The corps serves Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties by establishing local teams of public health volunteers to strengthen the public health infrastructure and improve emergency preparedness and response. Contact Kathy Hatter at the Culpeper County Health Department (540-829-7350), email: rrmrc@vdh.virginia.gov or visit vdh.virginia.gov/rrmrc/about.
Rappahannock Senior Citizen Center: Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday at the Scrabble School, serving a hot lunch at noon and open to all county seniors age 60 and up, with daily activities and
trips. Monthly email calendar upon request. Contact manager Darcy Canton at 540-987-3638 or isingpraises@hotmail.com.
Scouting: For Girl Scouts in Rappahannock, contact Shannon Ennis, service unit manager, at 540675-3716, or visit gsvsc.org.
Scrabble School
Preservation Foundation: Supports the preservation of Scrabble School (111 Scrabble Road, Castleton), one of four Rosenwald Schools in the county for African-American children during segregation. An exhibit, website and school outreach program focus on the school's history and the experiences of its students. Contact Nan Butler Roberts at 540-222-1457 or
FOOTHILLS FORUM
contact@scrabbleschool.org, or visit scrabbleschool.org.
Totality Martial Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing health and wellness programs through martial arts, yoga and fitness. Kung Fu and martial arts classes are available for children of all ages, starting at age 4. Visit totalitymartialarts.org.
Washington Ladies Auxiliary raises funds for Washington Volunteer Fire and Rescue, and is best known for its Firehouse Treasures Thrift Shop, next door to the fire station at 10 Firehouse Lane. Open Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Call 540683-6499.
Woodville Community Organization: Contact Jeff Light at 540-987-9523 or pastorjeffreylight@gmail.com.
Website: foothills-forum.org
Donate: foothills-forum.org/contribute
Email: info@foothills-forum.org
Services
PROFESSIONAL • BUILDING TRADES • HEALTH & WELLNESS
ACCOUNTING • FINANCIAL SERVICES
Customized Business Services (Ellen Berg), Washington, 540-547-8164
Meridian Financial Partners, financial planning and investment management, 211 Main St., Washington, 540-878-5416, info@ meridianfinancialpartners.com
Nina Carter McKee, CPA, Woodville, 540-987-8386
UTurn Management Services LLC, Flint Hill, 540931-5007
ATTORNEYS • LEGAL SERVICES
Michael T. Brown and Anna Ritter, Walker Jones, PC, 257 Gay St., P.O. Box 458, Washington, 540-227-5078
JDM Title LLC, 257 Gay St., Washington 540-675-3031
James William Fletcher III, Box 298, Sperryville, 540987-8511
David L. Konick, Washington, 540-937-5067, 540660-9912 (cell)
AUTO SALES/SERVICE
B&B Service Center/NAPA Auto Parts, 11914 Lee Highway, Sperryville, 540-987-8686
MadRapp Recorder, 714 Zachary Taylor Highway, Flint Hill, 540-522-7885, madrapp.com
PET SERVICES
At Home Pet Care (Ellen Berg), pet and house sitting, boarding, transportation and related services, Washington, 540-547-8164, iceberg900@ hotmail.com, nokennel4me. com
Golden Retreat For K9, dog boarding, walking and grooming, 496 Viewtown Road, Amissville, 540-937-446, goldenretreat4k9s.com
K9ology Center (Charlotte Wagner), private and group instruction, pet care, Sperryville, 540-987-6327, k9ocenter.com
Lisa Leftwich (pet sitting/concierge service), Washington, 540-675-3967
Mountain View Dog Training , 766 Viewtown Road, Amissville, 540-9372114 or 540-937-5805 or mountainviewdogtraining.com
The Pet Tailor (boarding, pet sitting), 20 Victory Lane, Castleton, 540-937-5542 or pettailor.net
Southpaw Pet Salon, 4 Little Pond Lane, Amissville, 540-937-6331 or southpawpetsalon.com
REAL ESTATE
Blake Dickson Real Estate Services, Amissville, 540-9374537, blakedickson.com
Cheri Woodard Realty, 37A Main St., Sperryville, 540-9878500, cheriwoodard.com
Country Places Realty, 360 Gay St., Washington, 540-5220188, countryplacesva.com
Rappahannock Real Estate, 311 Gay St., Washington, 540-6751190, rappahannockrealestate.com
Real Estate III, 291 Gay St., Washington, 540-675-1373, kohlerrealtors.com
Solstice Real Estate Team, Sperryville, 540-560-1901, solsticerealestateteam.com
Thornton River Real Estate, 7 River Lane, Sperryville, 540-987-8544, thorntonriver.us
Washington Fine Properties, 3 River Lane, Sperryville, 540-675-1488, wfp.com
VETERINARIANS
Animals First Veterinary Service (Lori Blankenship, Ph.D., DVM, CVA), 14041 Highland Hunter Trail, Rixeyville, 540-9376683, animalsfirstvet.com
Todd Burdick, DVM, 13296 Crest Hill Road, Flint Hill, 540675-1506
Full Circle Equine Services, 40 Judge Rothrock Lane, Amissville, 540-937-1754, fullcircleequine.com
Harmany Equine Clinic (Joyce Harman DVM, MRCVS), Flint Hill, 540-2291855 (appointments only) or
harmanyequine.com
Ken Pankow Equine Dental LLC, PO Box 235, Flint Hill, 540675-3815, horsedentistvirginia.com
Rose Hill Veterinary Practice, 21 Christmas Tree Lane, Washington, 540-987-1200 (Large Animal Clinic) or 540-987-9300 (Small Animal Clinic), rosehillvet. com
White Oak Veterinary Service (equine practice), 279 Ben Venue Road, Flint Hill, 540675-1138
A RAINBOW OVER BEN VENUE BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
HEALTH & WELLNESS
DENTAL
Stella M. Liong, DDS, 4 Robin Lane, Flint Hill, 540-6751188
GYM
Stonewall Abbey Yoga & Wellness (see listing below)
HERBAL THERAPY
Green Comfort Herbal Apothecary & School of Herbal Medicine (Theresa Boardwine, RH), 540-937-4283, green.comfort@gmail.com or greencomfortherbalapothecary. com
MEDICAL
Rappahannock Health (Andrew F. Kohler, MD, MBA, CPE, Krista L. Kohler, MD, MALS), 571-249-2493, rappahannockhealth.org
Fauquier Free Clinic, 35 Rock Pointe Lane, Warrenton, 540-3470394, fauquierfreeclinic.org
Miller Family Health and Wellness (D. Brooke Miller, MD; Ann H. Miller, NP), 12699 Lee Highway, Washington, 540987-5068
PSYCHOLOGY • COUNSELING
Kathleen J. Edwards (nutritional counseling), 11576 Lee Highway, Sperryville, 540987-9272
Pamela J. Richards, LCSW, 667 Zachary Taylor Highway, Flint Hill, 540-244-9496
Ann Tate, 11576 Lee Highway, Sperryville 540-987-9475
MASSAGE THERAPY
YOGA • DANCE • MOVEMENT
Cindy Griffin (Mountainside Pilates), classes and personal training at Mountainside Physical Therapy, 540-522-9062, cindy4core@ gmail.com
Hannah Rosenbaum, MA, yoga instructor, life coach and community herbalist, 703-5926426, rosenbaumjh@gmail.com
Monica Fernandi, 973-2229122, monicafernandi.com
Cara Cutro, CMT, 32 Main St., Sperryville, 540-878-7085 or caracadabra.com
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Mountainside Dance Center (Philip S. Rosemond and Anne Williams) offers classes in ballet, modern and therapeutic dance at 12625 Lee Highway, Washington, 540-987-9390, mountainsidedancecenter@ gmail.com
Capitol Metro Physical Therapy (Tom Papke, PT), 211 Main St., Suite 3, Washington, 540-675-3090
Mountainside Physical Therapy (Anne H. Williams, PT), 12625 Lee Highway, Washington, 540-987-9390
Rappahannock Physical Therapy (Christian Co), 44 Main St., Sperryville, 540-987-0769
Stonewall Abbey Yoga & Wellness, classes for adults and youth in yoga, qigong, martial arts and more at 44 Main St., Sperryville, 540-987-8369, stonewallabbeyyoga.com
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