To the Blue Ridge

a day of fun at the show. One of the perfect ways to experience the show is by extending your stay. Whether a staycation or weekend getaway, Annapolis offers a variety of accommodations to fit every budget. Provided by Annapolis’ own DMO, Visit Annapolis, overnight attendees can awake from their quaint downtown stay and hop on a free shuttle to the main gates of the show each day.

Tickets are available on the Annapolis Boat Shows website. Admission starts at just $22 for general admission when you purchase in advance. Tickets to the VIP Experience, presented by LaVictoire Finance, are also available for the entirety of the shows. This premier ticket provides an enhanced experience at the show featuring reserved parking close to the gate, delicious buffets, and all-day drink tastings in a relaxed and comfortable area.

OCTOBER 6-9, 2022 City Dock, Annapolis, MD

The City Docks of Annapolis are buzzing with excitement as an enthusiastic crowd of boat lovers returns to celebrate the 50th show anniversary of the United States Powerboat Show. Spend the day exploring a variety of new and used boat types including Bowriders, Center Consoles, Cruisers, Cuddy Cabins, Deck Boats, Power Catamarans, and many more. This is the best place to purchase boating supplies, navigation equipment, fishing gear, clothing, and marine accessories. Come for the show and leave with a lifestyle.

OCTOBER 13-17, 2022 City Dock, Annapolis, MD

From a seasoned sailor to a first time boat buyer, the United States Sailboat Show offers everything a boater needs. Every October, sailors from around the globe gather on miles of docks in beautiful downtown historic Annapolis to experience hundreds of new and premiering boats, boating gear and accessory exhibitors, financing options, all while enjoying tasting tents and the time to connect with fellow boaters. If you are looking to experience the ultimate sailing experience, this show is a must-visit show.

Sooo….if you have any affinity for the water and a vessel to traverse it, one or both of these shows are the place to be to satisfy your every need. I hope to see you there while I am on the lookout for those 2022 *saily gadgets and some new sailor girl apparel. *Anything with non-skid on the bottom or on a gimbal.

Fall Fun For All

October’s bright blue skies, moderate temperatures and brilliant colors make it the ideal month to plan a day trip to the Blue Ridge for leaf peeping and more. Many annual festivals and events that have not been held for the past two years because of the pandemic restrictions are now back and open for you to enjoy.

ORLEAN DAY is Saturday, October 8th this year at the Orlean Market and Pub, 6855 Leeds Manor Rd., Marshall (it is actually 10 miles south of the actual town of Marshall). This historic country store/ restaurant/gas station is the heart of the pretty little village in the foothills overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and is host to Orlean Day, a free, family friendly event with activities for children and adults alike. There will be face painting and a bouncy castle for the little ones and a fitness obstacle course for both children and adults. Live music will play all day and good food will be available onsite.

For those who enjoy steeplechasing, there are three good ones to attend this fall locally. THE VIRGINIA FALL RACES will be held this year on Saturday, October 8 at Glenwood Park in Middleburg. Gates open early for the fox hunter championship finals and post time for the first race is at 1 pm. More information is at vafallraces.com On October 22, The International Gold Cup races will be held at Great Meadow in The Plains; advance ticket sales and information can be found at VaGoldCup.com . The racing season closes on November 5th with the Montpelier Races held at the lovely and historic Montpelier estate near Gordonsville. MontpelierRaces.org has details. Advance purchase of tickets is strongly recommended, visit the websites for more information.

Another popular event is the FAUQUIER FARM TOUR, scheduled this year for the busy weekend of October 8. Several farms will be open to the public that day featuring beef cattle, miniature horses, alpacas, hay rides, farm equipment, orchards, vineyards and more. If you can’t make it to the tour, there are farmers markets - including some with corn mazes for the youngsters - that are open all month long into November. FauquierAg.com has information on the farm tour. The local farmers markets are open into November, but call ahead or check the websites for hours/days of operation. Corn mazes can be found at the BUCKLAND FARM MARKET (BucklandFarmMarket. com) located on the southbound side of Rt. 29 just over the Prince William County line; at MAPLETREE FARM (MapletreeVa.com) and at the MESSICK’S FARM MARKET (MessicksFarmMarket.com) please note there are charges for these; check out the websites or call for information/hours of operation.

Get out there and enjoy some big fun in Hunt Country.