By the Side of the Road: Why You Need to Visit Old Hill Hard Cider
Just 20 miles away from By The Side of the Road Inn & Cottages is Showalter’s Orchard and Greenhouse, the home of Old Hill Cider and a little slice of heaven. Whether you’re a hard cider fan or not, it’s worth the trip out to see this unique orchard, cidery, and greenhouse!
A Bit of Backstory – Old Hill Cider
The orchard has been harvesting apples since the early 1900s, and the first owner just sold apples for processing. According to Old Hill’s website, the orchard was bought in 1965 by the current owner’s father, and he began to expand the orchard’s potential, first by selling apples directly to the consumer, and later by buying a hydraulic press to make apple juice. Over time, greenhouses were built and other produce was sold. When Shannon and Sarah Showalter bought the farm from his father in 2002, they knew they wanted to grow the business into something sustainable for future generations. So, they initially considered opening a winery, but then were introduced to something they’d never thought of: a hard cidery. Sales of hard cider began in May 2012, and Old Hill Hard Cider was born!
Old Hill Hard Cider – How It’s Different
If your only hard cider experience has been the sweet, syrupy ciders that taste like soda, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised when you try Old Hill Cider. These ciders are distinct, delicious, and food-friendly, very much like a good wine. The hard cider brewing process at Showalter’s Orchard uses modern innovation as well as some of the finest apple varieties available. Their website has a full list of the ciders they have available, like the Old Hill Betwixt Cider, Yesteryear, and Heritage. However, we think you should stop by their tasting room and try them all for yourself!
It’s Not All About the Cider
If you aren’t interested in the alcoholic beverages available (or you have underage guests with you), Showalter’s Orchard and Greenhouse is still be a great stop for your family! Not only do they also have delicious apple juice and apple cider, you can also take a tour of the orchard and let the kids stretch their legs, or have a picnic in a beautiful, scenic location. The greenhouse is fascinating as well, with a wide variety of annuals, perennials, and vegetables. And the gift shop offers an array of unique gifts, like traditional apple cider, apple butter, and candles. If the season is right, you can even pick your own apples!
Stay at By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages
When you’ve indulged in delicious cider, enjoyed a picnic, and perused the greenhouse, head back to Harrisonburg’s top-rated, luxurious bed and breakfast, By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages. Our accommodations are second to none, and we have the perfect cottage or suite for you! Our delicious, gourmet breakfasts are delivered right to your door each morning, and our central location is perfect for exploring all that the Shenandoah Valley has to offer. Be sure to download our free Shenandoah Valley vacation guide for some great tips and destinations. Contact us today,online or by calling (540) 801-0430.
The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience comes to the Wayne Theatre
Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience is an unrivaled celebration of pop music’s one true King. Join us as we pay tribute to the music legend on Friday, October 28, at 8 p.m. at the Wayne Theatre/Ross Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are $30/$35 and go on sale for the public on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 10 a.m.
Who’s Bad’s live power-packed performance of Michael Jackson’s expansive catalog has ignited crowds on every continent and can only be described as a jaw-dropping, musical must-see.
As the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, and the only one to predate his untimely passing, Who’s Bad has packed The House of Blues franchise all across the United States; rocked DC’s 930 Club and returned to their native Chapel Hill, NC boasting larger, more eagerly-awaited performances with every romp around the globe. Sold-out shows from Colorado’s Bluebird Theatre and LA’s Gibson Amphitheatre and Romania’s Sala Palatalui to Teatro do Bourbon Country (Porto Alegre, Brazil) tell the story: no corner of the earth is safe from this infectious party production.
Who’s Bad has earned its name by paying studious attention to Michael Jackson’s every original groove and gravity-defying dance move, boasting over 100 years of professional experience. They’ve shared stages with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, The Backstreet Boys, The Four Tops, Boys II Men, and hip hop superstar, Pitbull.
Whether you idolized the Jackson 5, fell in love to Human Nature, or learned to moonwalk to Billie Jean, Who’s Bad is THE ULTIMATE music-and-dance driven Michael Jackson homage. This band of professionals relentlessly elevate the legacy of pop music’s King, always pushing themselves to be more precise, to raise the level of excitement and awe, while embodying Michael Jackson’s mission to bring people together of all races, genders, and cultures through music.
As the curtain opens on a Who’s Bad performance, every MJ fan feels the adrenaline, screams at the sight of that unmistakable silhouette, and succumbs to a surefire Michael Jackson sing-along. The energy is purely magnetic, the musicianship is first-rate, the dance moves deftly inspired. Who’s Bad is a tribute befitting a King and their high- octane execution of MJ’s music and dance has catapulted them to the exclusive rank of Ultimate!
A scenic drive from A B&B at Llewellyn Lodge
Scenic drives are always special using A B&B at Llewellyn Lodge as your home base. We have several detailed on our Activities book.
Two of our guests recently toured Monticello about an hour away and then sampled a section of the Shenandoah National Park which is 45 minutes away from its most southern point. They were entertained by a Black bear and her two cubs along the way in the Park. Va. game biologists estimate we have 17,000 black bears in the state.
Hardesty-Higgins House announces Pokémon Go Instagram contest
The Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center (a Pokémon stop) is launching an Instagram contest for participants of the new popular Pokémon Go game.
Here’s how you can participate and win a Harrisonburg swag bag from Rocktown Gift Shoppe. Prior to capturing the Pokémon, turn on the camera feature, putting the wild Pokémon into the live scene where your camera is facing. Then capture the moment with the in-game camera. Line up your shot and hit the shutter button to take the photo, but be creative with your photos.
Whoever has the most creative picture with the Pokémon character and uses our hashtags (#hburgrocks and #pokemongo) by Monday, August 15th will be entered to win! Please make sure you remember to be safe & respectful while playing the game. Happy hunting!
Join us by discovering Pokémon in our own city. Pokémon GO allows you to find and catch more than a hundred species of Pokémon as you explore your surroundings. Get on your feet and step outside to find and catch wild Pokémon. Explore Harrisonburg to capture as many Pokémon as you can.
As you move around, your smartphone will vibrate to let you know you’re near a Pokémon. Once you’ve encountered a Pokémon, take aim on your smartphone’s touch screen and throw a Poké Ball to catch it. Be careful when you try to catch it, or it might run away!
Mountain Dulcimer Players to appear at Blue Ridge Parkway Picnic
The Blue Ridge Mountain Dulcimer Players will offer demonstrations, styles of playing and hands on participation with the mountain dulcimer on Aug. 20 at the Humpback Rocks Farm, Milepost 5.8 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Also on Aug. 20, at noon at the Humpback Rocks Picnic Area, milepost 8.5, “Dulcimer Dinah” Ansley will preview dulcimer playing styles. This Picnic with Friends celebration is sponsored by the Humpback Rocks Chapter of the Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway as a part of the celebrations for the 100th year of the National Park Service. Events are free and open to the public.
The Blue Ridge Mountain Dulcimer Players Club, which evolved out of a 2011 Music in the Mountains Festival held in Waynesboro and spear-headed by Dulcimer Dinah and about a dozen of her students, now offers two monthly jams, occasional workshops, demonstrations and performances by nationally noted folk musicians. The Appalachian dulcimer or mountain dulcimer is the only instrument indigenous to our Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains. For more than 100 years, this simple instrument was known mainly to early settlers in isolated hollers and ridges of Appalachia.
In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, Jean Ritchie of Viper, Kentucky ( known later as the “Mother of Folk”) brought the dulcimer out to the mountains into New York City, where she taught music to children at the Henry Street Settlement. Befriended by Alan Lomax, folklorist with the Library of Congress, Jean Ritchie quickly entered the folk scene in Greenwich Village. There she caught the attention of musicians such as Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez. Today the revival of this once little known instrument has players and clubs in every state of the Union and some players in both the British Isles and areas of Europe.
Besides the dulcimer players the Picnic with Friends event, which runs from 11:00 to 4:00, will feature other old time music, Irish dancing, hikes and old-fashioned games and races. Visitors should bring their own food and a chair to listen to music.
Ash Lawn Opera live at The Paramount
Ash Lawn Opera returns to The Paramount Theater for another summer series of live musical performances with acclaimed artists from the Metropolitan Opera.
The summer season kicks off with Così Fan Tutte, one of Mozart’s most memorable operas. The witty and heartfelt story begins with a game of love and seduction when two young men decide to test their fiancées’ fidelity, only for both couples to discover the fickleness of attraction. This comedic classic, full of mistaken identities, deceptive servants, jealous lovers, and sublime music, is a production you won’t want to miss.
The summer Ash Lawn Opera season then concludes with South Pacific, an ever-topical story of love in the time of war, and one of the most heralded musicals of all time. Since its premiere in 1949, it has won countless awards, including the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Awards both for its original run and its 2008 revival. Featuring some of the greatest songs in musical theater history, including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy,” and “A Cockeyed Optimist,” this remarkable production will stay with you for years to come.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at The Paramount Theater’s Box Office, by phone (434) 979-1333, or online at www.theparamount.net. Tickets for all events start at just $25.00. All ticket holders are invited to an educational and enlightening lecture 45 minutes before every performance.
Space is limited and patrons will be accommodated on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Schedule
- Così Fan Tutte, July 10, 2PM
- Così Fan Tutte, July 13, 7:30PM*
- Così Fan Tutte, July 15, 7:30PM
- South Pacific, July 23, 7:30PM
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South Pacific, July 24, 2PM
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South Pacific, July 27, 7:30PM*
- South Pacific, July 29, 7:30PM
- South Pacific, July 30, 2PM
New BBHSV member: MiddleRidge Bed and Breakfast
Welcome to the newest member of Bed and Breakfasts of the Historic Shenandoah Valley, MiddleRidge Bed and Breakfast in Staunton.
MiddleRidge is a 1920’s home, nestled amidst a wooded surround, yet with magnificent views from the balcony. The rooms are tastefully appointed, offer private baths, wifi, T.V.,refridgerators and robes. There is an indoor heated pool available upon request. A 1/2 mile walking nature trail meanders around the property- walk slowly so you won’t miss anything!
From the balconies, we often watch Virginia wildlife grazing or searching for something, and this seems to happen when the sun is setting, casting off beautiful hues. Our yard can seem magical at this time of day.
MiddleRidge offers a relaxing, quiet, country getaway within 10 minutes of historic Staunton with its great restaurants and close to so many area activities. The best of both worlds!
WEDDINGS are individual and very special at MiddleRidge. We strive to make your day truly unforgettable and the event of a lifetime with our wedding coordinator, ASHLEY HARRIS, always available to answer questions and offer very helpful suggestions.
Call her at 425-444-4807 for information. We also encourage you to make an appointment for a tour. Whether your wedding is small and intimate or larger and more opulent we hope you will give us an
opportunity to help you make your day a success, whether your theme is rustic, plantation or other.
Shenandoah National Park reflects on history of gliders at Big Meadows
Shenandoah National Park is hosting a special presentation on the history of gliders on July 15 and July 16 at 1 p.m. in the Byrd Visitor Center auditorium (mile 51 Skyline Drive).
Presenter Lt. Col. Hulstrunk, a WWII glider pilot, will speak about his experience of attending and assisting with the glider competition held at Big Meadows in the 1930s. He will discuss the search for better aircraft and flying sites during the 1930s, the methods of getting a glider into the air, and the unique experimental gliders of the time period. He will also touch on how the pilots who competed for aviation records quickly found themselves on opposite sides during World War II.
In addition, visitors are encouraged to stop by and view a modern day glider on the lawn at Byrd Visitor Center from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. both days, weather permitting. The German built 2003 Schleicher ASW 27 B, a 15 meter high performance glider, can reach a maximum speed of 177mph. Pilot Shane Neitzey will be available to answer questions on the glider plane.
In 1934, the Soaring Society of America held a glider meet where the nation’s foremost pilots and glider planes assembled in the heart of Shenandoah National Park. The glider center at Big Meadows was said to rival the world-renowned German Camp in Wasserkuppe. The pilots competed for world records while gliding from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Mr. Hulstrunk’s passion for aviation was inspired at an early age by his parents. His parents directed a model airplane club for 40 years and were avid glider fliers with Aero Club Albatross. During WWII Mr. Hulstrunk served as a combat glider pilot. After leaving the military he received an undergraduate degree in Science Education and a graduate degree in Biology. To mention just a few of his accomplishments, he worked for the American Geographical Society in Antarctica as a Glaciologist; the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC) as an Atmospheric Physicist for over 30 years; and currently, he does research in Paleobotany.
Mr. Neitzey is a member of the Skyline Soaring Club operating at Front Royal/Warren County Airport located in Front Royal, Virginia. Mr. Neitzey has 38 years of flying experience. He is a cross-country competition pilot, FAA flight instructor, and tow pilot.
Wilbur Wright stated, “It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill.”
Please take this opportunity to join us for this special event, to gain knowledge about one of our Park’s lesser-known stories of our place in aviation history.
Lime Kiln Theater presents an Evening with Turnpike Troubadours
The Lime Kiln Theater Summer 2016 concert series continues onSaturday, July 16, as Turnpike Troubadours take the stage. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8.
Advance tickets are sold out. Please visit www.limekilntheater.orgon the day of the show for ticket details and show location updates.
Lime Kiln Theater’s summer concert series is sponsored by Devils Backbone Brewing Company and Charles W. Barger & Son Construction. Devils Backbone beer, Kind Roots Café food, and Rockbridge Vineyard wine are available for purchase at all shows. An Evening with Turnpike Troubadours is presented by Spencer Home Center and State Farm.
If Turnpike Troubadours are playing in your town, you’ll know it. A block or two from the venue, you’ll see the crowds lining up. Get closer and you’ll start to hear the music – rockin’ hard, lashed by burnin’ fiddle and guitar, maybe a little rough on the edges but with a deep-rooted soul that’s impossible to resist. And if you make it through the door, you’ll witness one of the best shows you’ll ever see.
Audiences in their home state of Oklahoma and down in Texas have known this for years. It’s no longer news when they draw 5,000-plus at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, sell out three nights in a row at Gruene Hall or turn several hundred away at the legendary Stubb’s Bar-B-Q in Austin. Word has spread, though: Their shows in Chicago, St. Louis and elsewhere have pulled in more than 1,000 fans. And they’ve drawn full houses at Joe’s Pub in New York and The Troubadour in L.A., among many other nightspots from coast to coast.
Lime Kiln Arts, Inc. is a non-profit (501c3), operating at Lime Kiln Theater in Lexington. It opened in 1984 and is rooted in and inspired by the magic of a natural, outdoor theater. After a brief hiatus that started in 2012, Lime Kiln Theater is thrilled to present its third straight summer season of live music featuring local, regional and national acts.
For more information, visit Lime Kiln on the web at www.limekilntheater.org, or check out our Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/LimeKilnTheater.
Art is the human work: Nature is everything else
When you think about the National Parks, do you think of quilts? You would if you have seen any of the 177 art quilts made by people across the country in honor of the National Park Service Centennial.
Each small quilt represents flora, fauna, or landscape of one of the 59 National Parks and they are coming to the Virginia Quilt Museum July 26! But there is no need to wait, because the museum is celebrating the NPS 100th Birthday with Arts and the Parks all month long!
The kickoff – The “Art” of Storytelling, First Friday, July 1 – a free event for all ages, featured retired game warden, outdoor humorist, and author Frank Mundy.
On two Wednesdays, July 13 and 27 at 10:30, youth services librarian Bly Brown will host “Craft Your Own Adventure” children’s story time and craft mornings, for ages 3-7. National Park-themed stories will be paired with a craft option, linking outdoor adventure (the natural world) to art (the human-made).
Court Square Theater is the venue on Monday evening, July 25 at 7 pm, when Stace Carter will present “Sharing Your Outdoor Adventures: Digital Storytelling 101”. Stace is an Apple Distinguished Educator, a guest lecturer at UVA, and was the 2015 Artist-in-Residence for Shenandoah National Park. His presentation will focus on tips and techniques for capturing and sharing park experiences in photos and videos. Beginners are welcome; just bring your phone or camera and your $5 fee.
The soft opening of the quilt exhibit “Inspired by the National Parks” takes place at the museum on Tuesday, July 26 from10:00 to 4:00. The day is in partnership with Walkabout Outfitter and reciprocal outdoor-lover giveaways will get you a prize at the outfitters, free admission at the museum, plus a chance in a drawing for cool gear. (The quilts will remain on exhibit through September 10.)
The July “Arts and the Parks” grand finale will be Saturday, July 30, 10:00-4:00 at the museum and St. Stephens United Church of Christ. On this day, free with museum admission, the “Gallery Opening” will focus on our own Shenandoah National Park. Local artists will join us with a SNP-inspired Community Art Show featuring a variety of art forms. SNP’s traveling display will be on hand, along with the 177-quilt exhibit. At St. Stephens, 1:30, Shenandoah National Park Ranger Mike Punches will present “A Brief History of the National Park Service”. (The lecture is free; donations are appreciated.) From 3:00-4:00 at the museum, an Artists’ Reception will be held, featuring exhibit curator, Donna DeSoto and musician, Mike McCray. Ms. DeSoto will sign books available for purchase or pre-order.
Arts and the Parks is hosted by the Virginia Quilt Museum in partnership with Arts Council of the Valley. It is an official Shenandoah National Park NPS Centennial Event.
More info: www.vaquiltmuseum.org, www.valleyarts.org
The Virginia Quilt Museum was founded in 1995 and exists to celebrate quilting in Virginia. The Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit funded solely through private donations, memberships, and revenue from admissions and museum shop sales. The Virginia Quilt Museum receives no federal or state funding.