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“Let’s take a trip to Highland County”
By K. Ross
Well, we survived the winter months! Hello March…who’s ready for Spring?! I’m hoping the winter weather is behind us and we can focus on getting out of the house and find something fun to do. I don’t know about you, but as soon as the weather gets warmer, I start searching and planning outside events to do with my family. This week I will save you the time and plan your weekend outing for you!
This weekend let’s head over to beautiful Highland County. This weekend kicks off their 65th Annual Maple Festival. That’s right, you don’t to go to Vermont to get fresh, local maple syrup…instead it’s just a couple hours away from Richmond. It may be little longer of a drive than you may want to do, but I assure you…IT’S WORTH THE DRIVE. I am very fortunate that I have family that lives in this Maple Festival hosting town, but even if you don’t have family or friends in this town, you will leave feeling like you do! The town of Monterey is absolutely stunning. I encourage you that if you make the drive to the festival, drive around a little more, the mountain views are breathtaking!
After traveling a couple of hours through the mountains, you’ll find your way into downtown Monterey. You can’t miss it! You’ll find many local businesses to visit around town that partake in the festival. I suggest your first stop be the main attraction held at Highland County school grounds. Here you’ll find everything “maple” to enjoy from pancakes to donuts to sugar camps. Enjoy the walk around the grounds searching for favorite “maple” items while listening to live entertainment. After filling up on pancakes and donuts, take another walk around the grounds, but this time focus on the arts and crafts. They have over 100 arts and crafts vendors to choose from. You’ll certainly find a little bit of Highland County to take home with you!
Now that you enjoyed the festival’s “on grounds” location, let’s take a ten-minute walk further into downtown Monterey. Here you will find many local businesses from restaurants to markets to antiques that welcome all Maple Festival attendees. Take your time and visit all the stops, and if you need help figuring out where to go and what to see, they hand out festival maps so you won’t miss out on anything!
Now, this might be a little last minute to plan your trip this weekend, but don’t worry this festival is soooo amazing that it lasts for not one weekend, but TWO! Believe me, if you go the first weekend, you might find yourself heading back for the second weekend! Please keep in mind that the weather is a little cooler once you head through the mountains, so bring your coat! Spring comes a little later on that side of the mountain!
If you want to learn more about this festival, just search Highland County Maple Festival, you find all everything you’ll need. Safe travels through the mountains to “Virginia’s Sweet Spot.”
Happy Spring everyone!
