Person: Where do you live?
Me: Bluemont.
Person: Boo-mont? Is there a Halloween parade there?
Me: No, BLUEMONT. It's literally 10 minutes west of where we are standing right now.
Person: Never heard of it.
Okay, so admittedly, I do have a bit of a mumbling problem. But Bluemont is a sometimes forgotten treasure nestled on an eastern slope in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bluemont is not close to much, and yet, it is home to much. It is home to wineries, a popular U pick farm, and the "roller coaster" section of the Appalachian Trail. It is also home to a diverse group of people--at the top of the mountain you'll find a Montessori school, a yoga studio, and a yuppier atmosphere. Over the mountain, you'll gain popularity if you drive a pick-up, freely use the word "ya'll," and understand the question, "Sweet or Un?" One side of Bluemont waves farewell to the rush and busyness of Northern Virgina, and the other side ushers in the slower Southern pace of the Shenandoah Valley. Bluemont is a town for all kinds.
For the Granolas:
If you visit Bluemont, you won't be able to find a latte, a library, or even a stoplight. Bluemont boasts none of those conveniences, but it does boast of this.
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| (The Overlook near Bear's Den on the Appalachian Trail) |
And for our granola-loving, organic-eating families, Great Country Farms (Bluemont's biggest claim to local "fame"), has a variety of pick-your-own produce and an array of kids' activities and festivals.
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| "Stop reading this blog, get in your car, and drive there now!" |
For the Yuppies:
Two wineries call Bluemont their home, and three other wineries are within a five mile drive. So what if it's a ten minute drive to grab a gallon of milk? We're surrounded by gallons and gallons of wine. Let's get our priorities in order, people.
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| Bluemont Winery |
For the Countrified:
There's not many places around here where your tab comes to $28 after a beer, glass of wine, two sandwiches, and a side. All while listening to some surprisingly good live music. But if you venture down the mountain and veer right off the highway, that is exactly what you'll find. Horseshoe Curve is a quirky, tiny restaurant, owned and operated by the same family since 1946. A reviewer online summed up the place best: "One of the friendliest, coziest places you'll ever find. If you can find this locals only place, you might as well call yourself a local. Great, simple food, terrific ambiance and a proprietor who takes pride in her oasis in the Blue Ridge Mountains."
Bluemont is quite simply for lovers. Lovers of fresh, locally grown food. Lovers of relaxing Saturdays spent sipping wine amidst breathtaking views. And lovers of places reminiscent of simpler times and somehow unmarred from the busyness that surrounds us. So find something to love and take a drive. Bluemont awaits.
Wineries:
Bluemont Winery (No other winery in the area can come close to their views)
http://bluemontvineyard.com/
Twin Oaks Winery (a quaint and less crowded option to Bluemont Winery)
http://www.twinoakstavernwinery.com/
Outdoors:
Hiking the Apalachian Trail
http://alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/appalachian-trail-snickers-gap-to-blackburn-trail-center
http://www.bearsdencenter.org/
Cool Spring Battlefield
1400 Parker Ln, Bluemont
1400 Parker Ln, Bluemont, VA,
(A great alternative to the WOD trail--a hidden treasure)195 acres along the Shenandoah River with over five miles of paved trail for walking, running, and biking.
Eating:
Horseshoe Curve
1162 Pine Grove Rd, Bluemont, VA 20135
Bluemont General Store (for the ice cream lovers among us)
http://www.bluemontstore.com/
Family Fun:
Great Country Farms
http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/
Bluemont Fair (held annually the third weekend in September)
http://bluemontfair.org/
195
acres of land along the Shenandoah River with over five miles of paved
trails for walking, running and biking. - See more at:
http://www.su.edu/venue/cool-spring/#sthash.FJbgx2Hd.dpuf
195
acres of land along the Shenandoah River with over five miles of paved
trails for walking, running and biking. - See more at:
http://www.su.edu/venue/cool-spring/#sthash.FJbgx2Hd.dpuf
195
acres of land along the Shenandoah River with over five miles of paved
trails for walking, running and biking. - See more at:
http://www.su.edu/venue/cool-spring/#sthash.FJbgx2Hd.dpuf
