To the Blue Ridge

“Fall” in Love with Fauquier & Loudoun

Crisp clear days, brisk nights and fall colors are reasons why fall is a perfect time to visit Fauquier County. In addition to the fabulous colors of leaves changing in the Blue Ridge and surrounds, usually at its prime at the end of October, the golden light of fall makes everything look prettier for selfies and social media sharing.

Whether you want to take in the abundance of harvest at the fall farmers’ markets, pick some apples and enjoy some cider, watch horses race or wine and dine, there’s something for everyone this month.

On Saturday, October 2nd, take in some fine bluegrass in Marshall. The Flatbeds and Tailfins Concert Series is proud to be bringing back for a return visit The Country Gentlemen Tribute Band. The band members were initially chosen by one of the original members of the Country Gentlemen band, Bill Yates, to best pay tribute to one of the most recognized Bluegrass Bands of all time. If you were a fan of the Country Gentlemen, come hear for yourself how good they sound.

These Gentlemen will be taking the stage Saturday October 2, 2021 at 6pm. Doors open at 5pm, at the Marshall Community Center Theatre located at 4133 Rectortown Rd, Marshall, Virginia. General Admission Tickets are $20.00 in advance, or $25.00 at the door. Kids 3 and under are free. Telephone Ticket Orders are Accepted 10a-2p MondayFriday at (540) 422-2507 (No Service Charges for Telephone Orders). Sorry, No Refunds or Rainchecks Available. Group Rates are Available (10 Tickets or more), call for more information (540) 422-2507.

Come on out to Orlean on Saturday, Oct. 9th for Orlean Day/Octoberfest at the Orlean Market and enjoy some of the best Blue Ridge views in the county. You might even get a glimpse of the local fox hunting club, the Old Dominion Hounds, in the nearby fields. Orlean Day/Octoberfest is held at the Market’s lawn 11 am to 7 pm and features vendor tents with the best of area farms plus Virginia’s seafood, barbecue, beer, wine and crafts. Admission is free but parking is a $20 donation to Orlean Volunteer Fire Dept. Please leave pets at home; for information visit the Orlean Market Facebook page. For GPS, enter the Orlean Market’s address, 6455 Leeds Manor Dr., Marshall. Even though the Orlean Market is actually in Orlean and not Marshall, 10 miles to the north, there is no physical Orlean address; only post office boxes have the distinction of an Orlean zip code.

Between the pandemic and the ongoing concerns about the latest uptick in COVID cases, many have contemplated a move to the country from cities and suburbs, for the open spaces and potential to grow at least some of your own food. Learn more of what’s involved in farming by visiting some of the local farms in and around the Blue Ridge by taking advantage of the counties’ farm tours.

Loudoun County Fall Farm Tour is being held the weekend of October 16-17 this year, 10 to 4 Saturday and Sunday. The Loudoun Fall Farm Tour began in 1993 when it was called the “Loudoun Colors Tour,” intended to showcase the leaf change in Loudoun. Since then, it has grown into a businesscentric event, annually drawing thousands of residents and visitors from all over the D.C. region. Farms offer in-person experiences, such as corn mazes, pumpkin patches, apple presses and other seasonal activities. Most participant farms are also part of the Loudoun Made Loudoun Grown Marketplace, an e-commerce platform launched during the pandemic to help connect consumers with products sourced directly from local farms.

“We are thrilled to offer a return to in-person visits this year after taking precautions against the spread of COVID-19 in 2020. Last year’s virtual Fall Farm Tour gave new farms a chance to participate and showcased Loudoun Made, Loudoun Grown products to a global audience. We intend to keep that opportunity for farms this year while encouraging consumers to shop from your online stores and support local farming,” Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer said. “We have some exciting new features planned for this year’s tour.” For details, visit https:// loudounfarms.org/loudoun-fallfarm-tour-2021/

The 21st annual Fauquier Farm Tour and Field Day is October 9 this year, coinciding with Orlean Day. Visit some or all of the farms on this selfguided tour with wineries, orchards, corn mazes and farm markets. This year’s stops include Arterra Wines, Green Maple Market, Hollin Farms, Sky Meadows State Park and Stribling Orchard. Rain or shine. Free at most locations. Details are at http:// www.fauquiercounty.gov/ government/departments-a-g/ agricultural-development

The biggest of the fall steeplechase races, the International Gold Cup race meet, will be held near The Plains on Saturday, October 23. A full card of Thoroughbreds racing over fences and on the flat has always been a fall favorite of both locals and city folk. It regularly attracts large crowds of 25,000 or more and at press time no COVID restrictions were slated to affect attendance this year, but it’s always wise to check with the host before any large event if changing conditions warrant. Both general admission and reserved tailgating spaces are selling fast so if you’re planning on attending visit them at www. vagoldcup.com