Leave it to Levi

Levi Snapp takes a moment in the West Oaks Farm Market to speak with us before tackling a busy schedule of upcoming events ^

Written by: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

In retrospect, it is hard to believe that Levi Snapp had enough time in the day to sit down with the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber to talk about how business has been, not only in 2020 as we so often hear and talk about recently, but what it means to be the 10th generation in a family that has been planting roots in this community since 1755. One answer rolled into the other, and he was back to work quickly.

West Oaks Farm Market, located on Middle Road, is a slice of heaven just southwest of Winchester. The three-year-old venue has created waves in the market since opening the beautiful space in 2018. You may find yourself in their company as a shopper or diner, enjoying a wedding with views for days, celebrating your child’s birthday, or attending your corporate retreat working your way through a corn maze and bonding over a hayride amid the 200-acre property. Better yet, however you enjoy your time at West Oaks, you can still pick up the perfect gift to take home to momma in their market, and the best part is that you are sure to find a treat for yourself while you are in there.

Of course, Levi had an important phone call during our time together. “Yes, ma’am,” he answered the phone to his mother. Family first. We would not have expected any different as Levi took care of business, carefully coordinating a schedule of concerts and weddings in a well-attended spot nestled in the glory of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “We want to attract all ages,” said Levi as he resumed our conversation, and that dedication to

A giant tractor slide provides an educational setting to expel some energy for visiting children

Rows of Granny Smith Apples were in full bloom for our visit to West Oaks Farm Market that offers a wonderful selection and stunning views just moments from city limits.

providing a perfect experience for his guests shows throughout the facility. First of all, there is plenty of Vitamin-D just waiting to be enjoyed and plenty of reason to pick your own strawberries, in season now. West Oaks offers to cut your own flowers around June and pick your own pumpkins and apples as autumn rolls around. Converted farm equipment is perfect for children to enjoy the stay while getting a chance to learn how that equipment impacts our lives. Wedding planners and guests surely will not be disappointed with how removed the grounds can feel, even though they are just minutes from Winchester.

West Oaks also offers a petting zoo experience with plans to expand the program with more farm animals. While Levi and West Oaks Farm Market are dedicated to providing an experience to their current customers, they are already looking to the 11th generation of the family, even more generations of customers, and beyond. Every time a children’s activity is mentioned, plans to take the experience to the next level quickly follow.

It is almost hard to have a conversation with a business without bringing up the four-lettered word 2020. (We know it is a number, but you lived it with us.) Even the question did not slow Levi in the conversation. “We saw overwhelming community support for live music,” he gratefully admitted. The market and events took a tumble due to the state’s regulations, but that created a new spark for the 266-year-old business. A concert series now occurs every Friday, and lunch guests can find live music from Noon to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Plans for a new outdoor stage, wet bar, and fire pit are in the works to keep guests entertained during the summer. produce, a deli, honey, garden items, drinks, desserts, and many gifts for any season. Knowing where your food comes from is a vital philosophy around in the business. Guests can delight in produce and meats from the family farm processed by Gore’s Meats in Stephens City. Wedding attendees’ mouths will be watering over farm-to-table options. Other vendors are allowed, but why would you want to? You would be lucky to nourish your body with the care that the Snapps have put into their food for centuries.

Upcoming Live Music West Oaks Farm Market VIP Membership Available

May 14th

Joker Band - 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. Low Water Bridge Band - 7:00 p.m. to

10:00 p.m.

May 15th

Dylan Woelfel - Noon to 3:00 p.m.

May 16th Winchester Church of God Praise Band

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

May 21st

Shane Gamble - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Six Pack Rodeo Band - 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

May 22nd

Three reception areas offer plenty of options for celebration from 25 to 200 guests. Each indoor space quickly connects with an outdoor space to elevate the experience. As fresh air is in demand worldwide, West Oaks Farm Market has plenty to offer. It did not take long for these reception areas to book up as regulations recently opened. A few spots remained as we chatted under the sun.

The Top of Virginia Chamber was fortunate enough to visit as apple blossoms graced the lands just before city festivities kicked off in April.

Shane Click - Noon to 3:00 p.m.

May 23rd

Cody Sweeney - Noon to 1:00 p.m. Low Water Bridge Band - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

May 28th

Jonathan Mitchem - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Seven Bends Band - 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

May 29th West Oaks Strawberry Festival

Blackjack Band - Noon to 3:00 p.m. Trainwreck Band - 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.