Staunton is for Lovers

It’s that time of year again and LOVE is in the air in Staunton!  Below are some great suggestions for you and your sweetheart…

Dinner Anyone?

Mockingbird is pulling out all the stops to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.  First they have converted their music hall into an elegant dining room with intimate tables, white table clothes and candlelight. Kathy Walton Lafon will bring special love songs to the stage for a Valentine dinner delight.  Then they asked their chef to make a four course menu that anyone would love. Make your reservation now.  Space is very limited.  Four course dinners are just $35 per person.

Zynodoa’s Valentine’s Day dinner begins with baked Rappahannock River oysters on the half shell, setting the tone for an amorous evening. The menu then explores the seasonal bounty of forests and fields before concluding with the evening’s most tempting extravagance – a raspberry and chocolate bavarian cake with crème anglaise. To bring you this decadent dessert, Chef Harris is teaming up with one of the region’s most renowned European-style pastry chefs – Giancarlo Gnali.  Price is $75 per person, add wine pairing for an additional $35 pp.

Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center – dinner and jazz on Tuesday, February 14th from 5:00 – 9:00 in the Colonnade Ballroom.  A special 3 course dinner will be offerred for $39.00 pp (tax & gratuity extra)  Music will be performed by none other than the Jennifer Kirkland and Bert Carlson Jazz Duo.   This is a can’t miss event! Click here to view the menu. Call us at 540-885-4848 to reserve your table!

Byers Street Bistro’s special Valentine’s Day menu includes Chesapeake Oysters, Angus Grilled Ribeye, Red Velvet Cheesecake and more…yum!

Mill Street Grill celebrates Mardi Gras Jan. 30-Feb. 21 featuring Cajun specialties such as Oysters Rockefeller, Steak & Crawfish Creole, Crawfish Etouffee and more.  Live music on Feb. 15^th by “Dixieland Jazz” with “Mill Street Ramblers” 7-9:30 p.m. AND on Feb. 21^st – FAT TUESDAY by “Rhythm Road” 7-9:30 p.m.

Or Maybe a Show?

Champagne, Chocolate and Love Songs – a benefit for the Staunton Performing Arts Center

Valentine’s Day, February 14, 7:30

Starring Brian Holsopple and Diane Heavner singing your favorite love songs accompanied by Don Roe at the American Hotel Banquet Room, Staunton. Gourmet pastries, champagne, wine, and coffee will be served. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door. Call 540-885-3211 for reservations.

Philaster, Or Love Lies a-Bleeding

Friday, February 17, 7:30 p.m. OR Sunday, February 19, 2 p.m.

Blackfriars Playhouse

10 South Market Street

Staunton, VA  24401

(540) 851-1733 or Toll Free at (877) MUCH-ADO (877-682-4236)

Two love triangles dominate this beautiful, sexy, troubling, and surprising romance.  Two princes and a princess act recklessly, a king rules foolishly, and a curious youth loves hopelessly.  Loves lies bleeding in Beaumont and Fletcher’s dazzling fairy-tale for adults, but it does ultimately heal.

What About a Little Something for Your Sweetheart?

Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery has “Love Cakes” — small, thick homemade chocolates cakes in shape of a heart that serve two. When the cake is heated, the center gets all warm & gooey. As with everything at Cranberry ‘s,  Love Cakes have no trans fats nor high fructose corn syrup. And they can be accompanied by chocolate or vanilla locally-made gelato if you would like. Eat in or take out in a wrapped box as a gift.  It’s always good to call and reserve yours in advance. Available while supplies last.

Giancarlo’s Fine European Pastries will be creating edible chocolate boxes containing their fine handcrafted premium chocolates.  In addition, there will also be the small chocolate raspberry Bavarian bombe (cake) and luscious strawberries dipped in a premium dark chocolate.

Artists House B&B is offering a complimentary bottle of wine with a night’s stay for Valentine’s Day.

Crown Jewelers is having a Trollbead Valentine Trunk Show – Friday February 10th – Tuesday February 14^th

Arthur’s Home Gallery is offering a fantastic selection of Valentine’s Day gift ideas from $5.00-$55.00.

Coming up soon…

2nd Winter Wine Festival – February 18th

Hosted by the Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center, enjoy samples from the state’s most accomplished vineyards and wineries.  With live music, door prizes and the finest wine the state of Virginia can offer, this is sure to be can’t miss event.

Advance tickets will be available through Historic Staunton Foundation for $12.00.  Overnight package including two tickets, breakfast for two and parking priced for $170.00. Space is very limited.

So Long 2011…10 Great Ideas for Ringing in the New Year!

When it comes to a special New Year’s Eve dinner date, you will be hard-pressed to make a choice in Staunton, an acclaimed foodie destination that is just as hip as it is historic.

1.) Zynodoa is rolling out the red carpet with their six-course Epicurean Adventure this New Year’s Eve. Known for their farm-to-table offerings, Zynodoa’s exclusive New Year’s Eve menu stays true to form with Virginia-raised trout, beef, oysters, and more. Expect to see award-winning Virginia wine available for pairing as well (additional $45). Make your reservation for either the 5 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. seating. $85 prix fixe.

Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center

2.) Should you care to stay the night, the Stonewall Jackson Hotel is just steps away. Ask for the hotel’s New Year’s Eve Epicurean Adventure package – which includes Zynodoa’s special event, a New Year’s Day breakfast for two in the hotel restaurant, late check-out, and complimentary parking. Book the night for a rate of $317 per couple (wine pairing not included).

3.) Always a crowd-pleaser, The Steel Wheels will be performing at Mockingbird Roots Music Hall on New Year’s Eve with their Independent Music Award-winning blues/bluegrass/old-time/fiddlin’ Americana sound. Enjoy a three-course dinner in the Music Hall, the concert, and a midnight champagne toast for $60 per person. Buy tickets online and call 540-213-8777 to make your Music Hall dining reservation.

4.) Mill Street Grill is offering good southern comfort food with your choice of pork loin, lamb, salmon, ribs, and more from 3 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

Couples who enjoy a little entertainment after dinner will find these venues and artists quite appealing. Maybe this is the night that you do a little of this and a little that. You know, sample the town.  Everything’s walkable!

5.) Like to laugh and love the stage?  The American Shakespeare Center has a 7:30 p.m. showing of the hysterical, and often snarky, one-man show, The Santaland Diaries, based on National Public Radio’s David Sedaris and his real-life tale of being an unemployed actor/writer working as an elf in Macy’s department store in New York City. Mature content. Purchase tickets from $18 to $24.

Bryan Eijah Smith & The Wild Hearts

6.) The Pompei Lounge presents its 2nd Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball with the Alternative-Americana set of Bryan Elijah Smith & The Wild Hearts from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. $5 cover charge includes a champagne toast at midnight and face painting is free.

7.) Just down the street, Downtown 27 features the modern rock sounds of Maybe Tomorrow. For $75 per person, enjoy an appetizer, dinner and dessert, a non-alcoholic beverage, and entrance to the Back Bar. If you’d like to upgrade to the $90/person ticket, a table in Back Bar will be reserved for your party of four (no individual sales).

8.) The Darjeeling Cafe welcomes guests to their New Year’s Eve Extravaganza with “a four-course dinner, champagne, pretty clothes, great atmosphere …” all for $60 per person or $100 per couple and $15 per person with wine pairing.

9.) Baja Bean continues their annual Findells Rockin’ New Year’s Eve from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.  This is a rollicking fun time, attracting a fun and lively crowd, year after year.

Byers Street Bistro

10.) In the Wharf District, Byers Street Bistro welcomes The Snowbirds for their NYE Bash from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. If you love acoustic classic rock, this is your concert.

So what will you choose this New Year’s Eve? Cheers to a bountiful, engaging, and energetic 2012!

For more information about Staunton, please visit our web site at VisitStaunton.com.

Casey Higgins is a Shenandoah Valley girl residing in the Richmond area with her husband and two children. She writes for Virginia Tourism Corporation presenting travel ideas for families and couples, shining a light on hidden gems, and uncovering hometown delights. Follow her on Twitter at @jccjhiggins.

Shakespeare for the Holidays

Dress up and hit the playhouse this holiday season!

American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse

American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA has scheduled some of William Shakespeare’s best works. Which is your favorite? Choose your show and then secure your accommodation. There are two Shakespeare-inspired properties you might enjoy.

 The Schedule:

Henry V – November 9, 10, 13, 19, 25 – The story of England’s hero-king and of the greatest upset in European military history, Henry V is Shakespeare’s conclusion to his great history plays.

Hamlet – November 10, 12, 17, 18, 22, 23, 26 – Hamlet is a philosopher’s gold mine; but it’s also a ghost story, a comedy, a thriller, and a seven-murder tale of revenge.

The Tempest – November 17, 27 – Shakespeare’s final solo play is at once a moving fairy tale, a wondrous magic show, and a farewell to the stage that still defines our humanity.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream – November 30 – Shakespeare’s mischievous comedy of lovers, heroes, fairies, and rude mechanicals is his tribute to humankind’s power of imagination.

The Winter’s Tale – December 3, 31 – Shakespeare’s magnificent late play is a roller-coaster ride from romance to tragedy to comedy and finally to a place of transcendent beauty that few other works of art have ever gone.

 Where to Stay:

The Bard’s Nest

The Bard’s Nest is the newest option for travelers to Staunton. In the heart of downtown, it’s a fresh, uniquely decorated space on the second floor of one of Staunton’s 1890′s buildings. Reminiscent of Shakespeare in name only, The Bard’s Nest has all of the comforts of home, and you don’t even have to cross the street once to get to the play! Rates from $125.

 Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is an authentic thatched cottage that appears to have come straight out of England. Old world accoutrements surround you, from English antiques to the 5,000-bulb garden, but don’t be misled to think there are no “new world” amenities. WiFi, a/c, and flat screen TV are included. Half the fun of this property is choosing your room. Will it be William’s, Romeo’s or Juliet’s room that suits you? Rates from $129 (or $119, if you’re last minute!).

Themed Eats:

Try the Blackfriars sandwich at The Pampered Palate or the Shakespearean pizza at Shenandoah Pizza.

 Special Package:

The Stonewall Jackson Hotel welcomes you to their historic halls with two tickets to a Shakespeare performance and breakfast. $185-$262, based upon availability.

Find additional events, dining, and more to enhance your trip at VisitStaunton.com.

- Courtesy of Casey Higgins at the Virginia Tourism Corporation

  Click here for the original blog post

 

BRAVO! Staunton Music Festival Attracts World-Class Musicians

The Staunton Music Festival, central Virginia’s most innovative classical music festival, presents “Summer Sounds,” a nine-day celebration of vocal, choral, and instrumental music performed by world-class American and European musicians.

From Friday, August 19, through Saturday, August 27, historic Staunton comes alive with eight main-stage concerts and many FREE events, including pre-concert talks and daily lunchtime concerts.  The Festival is known for its friendly atmosphere and adventurous, eclectic mix of classical music, from baroque masterpieces performed on period instruments to world premieres.

More than 40 musicians will perform in the festival, including world-class singers and instrumentalists from around the globe. They hail from Germany, Russia, Netherlands, Canada, Finland, Austria, France, and the United States.  They have played to audiences at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Tanglewood, and Carnegie Hall.

THE PROGRAM
The weeklong festival includes works by Strauss, Schubert, Kurtág, Liszt, Brahms, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Bach, Reger, Coria, Sibelius, Telemann, Schubert, Crumb, Yannelli, Dufay, Ravel, Vivaldi, Saint-Saëns, Yannelli, Schubert, Strauss, Debussy, Biscardi, Rachmaninoff, Monteverdi, Beethoven, Schoenberg, Dvoják, Handel, and many more.

TICKETS
Main Stage concerts: $20 regular, $18 senior, $8 student, and  “pay-what you-will” for those 16 and under. All seats are unreserved. Doors open  one hour before the concert. Ticket information is online at http://www.stauntonmusicfestival.com.  All noon concerts are free, and music  lovers 16 and under attend evening concerts on a pay-what-you-will  basis, with the exception of the Gala (August 19) and Czech Letters, for which they pay student price if they wish a guaranteed seat.

Click here for Staunton Music Festival Dining & Lodging Specials!!

Summertime Blues

Do you have the Summertime Blues??  Then there’s no better time for the Summer Blues & Brews Festival at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton!  This day-long festival includes ten blues acts, vendors, food and beverages.  Tickets are $22/person; children 7-12 yrs are $10/person; and 6 and under are FREE.

WHEN:  Saturday, August 27th noon-10:00 p.m.

The Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center is also offering a Summer Blues & Brews Package.

For more Staunton information, please visit our web site www.VisitStaunton.com

Let’s Hear It For Moms!!

As you probably know, this Sunday, May 8th is Mother’s Day and if you haven’t made plans for your mom yet, not to worry…there’s still time!!  Get a reservation at one of your fave restaurants, see a show, OR even go on a FREE tour!!

Mother’s Day Brunch

Zynodoa  - At Zynodoa, treat your mother to the best of the season. Chef James Harris is complementing the occasion with unforgettable food.  Spring has arrived, and Zynodoa’s kitchen is bursting with fresh new ingredients – menu highlights for Mother’s Day weekend include local asparagus soup, soft-shelled crabs, crab cakes, and spearmint ice cream. Also featuring specialty cocktails, infused with local herbs, and an extensive Virginia wine list.  Zynodoa serves inspired southern cuisine that is sourced from local and regional farms and artisan producers. Zynodoa is open Sunday, May 8, from 12 pm to 8 pm.

Taste of India – Taste of India is having a Mother’s Day Brunch with more than 25 items including lamb, chicken and seafood with a variety of vegetables for $10.95.  11am to 2:30pm.

Staunton Grocery – Chef Boden will be offering a special Mother’s Day 3 course prix fixe menu with multiple course offerings from 11am to 7pm on Sunday, May 8th.  Limited seating so please reserve now.  30 per person with optional paired wine / cocktails for 15.

Stonewall Jackson Hotel – Chef Hamilton and his culinary staff are preparing a grand buffet brunch for Mother’s Day, the genuine hospitality of the Stonewall Jackson Hotel staff is sure to make it memorable for you and your guests.  Let them cook and do the clean up so you can enjoy your time with family and friends.

Kathy’s – Kathy’s is offering a special Mother’s Day buffet including roast beef, Virginia baked ham, roast turkey & dressing, assorted salads & vegetables, and more for $14.95. Reservations are requested for parties of 6 or more and seatings are at 11am, 12:30pm, and 2pm.

Byers Street Bistro – The Bistro, a long-time local favorite spot is also offering brunch.  Selections include Belgian Waffles, Filet Mignon Benedict, Tuscan Frittata, and more. 11am-2:30pm

See a Show

Measure for Measure at American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse in Downtown Staunton at 2pm.

Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall. — II.i

Shakespeare’s electrifying exploration of the arrogance of power hovers tantalizingly between comedy and tragedy. Measure stares unblinkingly into the way we confuse lust and love, goodness and self-righteousness.

FREE Tours!

Staunton Guided Tours - Mothers are free on Saturday, May 7 for the Narrated Trolley Tour at 11am when accompanied by a paying adult.

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum -In recognition of President Woodrow Wilson proclaiming the first Mothers’ Day in 1914, all mothers will be admitted free-of-charge on Sunday, May 8th 12-5pm. Enjoy engaging guided tours of Wilson’s birthplace, a beautiful pre-Civil War manse.  Explore the Woodrow Wilson Museum where his Pierce-Arrow limousine is a highlight, journey through the new World War I trench exhibit complete with lights and battle sounds, and explore the interactive Kids’ Corner. Stroll through the beautiful Victorian garden, and discover unique gifts at the President’s Shop.

For more Staunton information, please visit our web site www.VisitStaunton.com

Dining Out Is In! Staunton Posts Big Gains with Restaurant Week

Staunton’s inaugural Restaurant Week featured 10 Staunton establishments and thousands of hungry diners looking for a good deal.

Modeled on similar events in Charlottesville and other larger cities, Restaurant Week offered seven days of good food and good fun.  During the week, diners ordered off special three-course, prix-fixe menus.

It’s too early to know the full economic impact of Restaurant Week, but all signs point to a big success. 2,066 prix-fixe dinners were sold over seven days.

“Restaurant Week 2011 went very well,” Wagner says. “It got people thinking about choosing Staunton as a dining destination. It raised the city’s visibility, especially among people in other communities who might not normally have us on their radar screen for eating out.”

Economic impact numbers are still being crunched, but preliminary sales reports show a spike in restaurant revenue during the week of March 21-27.  Jeff Ramsey of the Bistro reports that his restaurant was up 36.24% in sales during the week compared to the same time last year.

Local residents and those of surrounding towns took advantage of the prix-fixe deals, reportedly driving to Staunton from well outside the immediate area, including Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Northern Virginia. “Culinary tourism is a huge, huge deal,” says Sheryl Wagner, Director of Tourism. “Higher traffic in restaurants means higher traffic in other downtown establishments – including hotels, retail stores and theaters. It’s a boost for the local economy.”

A poll of the restaurateurs who attended the wrap-up meeting indicated that overall, they were both surprised by the turnout and pleased by the opportunity to attract new customers to Staunton.

Zynodoa opened up all seven days of the week, and was booked solid every night. “We saw a high percentage of new customers, including many people who came from Charlottesville and Richmond, and we regarded it as an excellent opportunity to showcase what we do best,” says Jeff Goode of Zynodoa. “Sales were very strong all week long.”

“We were a little skeptical at first that Restaurant Week would succeed, but business was great – we were up the whole week and we’ll definitely participate again,” says Ian Boden of Staunton Grocery.

Chris Signore of the Stonewall Jackson Hotel said, “Restaurant Week gave us a lot of exposure – especially to people who didn’t even know we had a restaurant.”

It’s all part of a long term strategy to put Staunton on the map for foodies. Visitors tend to associate Staunton with history, architecture, and the arts.  But in recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in the city’s culinary offerings.

“Restaurant Week gives Staunton the opportunity to showcase its recent successes, such as being singled out as ‘one of the country’s best-kept foodie secrets’ in the March issue of Baltimore Magazine and as “a foodie dream town” in this month’s Southern Living, says Wagner.

Asked about what the organizers learned from their first Restaurant Week, Wagner says, “the promotion was a big success, but it was put together fairly quickly.  Next year, we’ll promote it well in advance and target Richmond and Northern Virginia audiences.”

Participating Restaurants included:
·      Baja Bean Company
·      Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery
·      Byers Street Bistro
·      Emilio’s Italian Restaurant
·      Mockingbird Artisan Fare & Roots Music
·      Mill Street Grill
·      Sorrel’s Dining at the Stonewall Jackson
·      Staunton Grocery
·      Taste of India
·      Zynodoa

The Staunton Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Staunton Downtown Development Association sponsored Staunton Restaurant Week.