“A Night in Staunton, VA” 

By K. Ross

Every year my aunt and I get together to celebrate our birthdays!  Sometimes we meet up in my area (Richmond) and sometimes we meet up in her area (Highland County).  This year was a little bit of a struggle with our busy schedules so we decided to meet in the middle…Staunton, VA. So, I thought I would share our “night out” with all of you!

Unfortunately, I will not be sharing all the history that Staunton has to offer, but more of where to stay and where to eat and drink!! Let’s start at the beginning with our check in at the Frederick House in downtown Staunton.  Actually, I will hold off on sharing on the details about the Frederick House until the end.  So, let’s move to our first stop…Byer’s Street Bistro.  It was such a beautiful warm day when we arrived and we wanted to enjoy a cocktail and a snack outside.  I love their outdoor area; you get the entire view of Staunton’s downtown square!  (For future reference, the square hosts an outdoor market every weekend in the warmer months!) After enjoying a much-needed cocktail, we decided to snack on their Baked Crap Dip. YUM…YUM…YUM!!  This dip was absolutely amazing, but their house-made crackers really made the dish!

With a quick trip back to the hotel (yes, everything you need is in walking distance!) to change for dinner, we headed to our next destination…Blu Point Seafood Co.  We started off with the house made margaritas. (By far, my favorite margarita to date!).  Next, we ordered some oysters and clams on a half shelf.  Yes, raw oysters and clams! LOL Listed on their special board, you’ll find an assortment of fresh oysters and clams and where they came from! This is my third trip to this restaurant and each trip is a new oyster and new location.  After filling a round of oysters and clams, we decided to share our dinner.  We went with a bowl of the She-Crab Soup and their Grilled Tuna Steak. WOW! I don’t know which one I liked more…but that Tuna!! Super fresh and super delicious!  The table next to us ordered the Crab Cakes…definitely a must on my next trip to this restaurant!

Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for…the Frederick House!  This several unit house hotel is boosting with that old Staunton City charm. Each room is unique with style and size.  Decorated in a delightful Victorian style, we were just in AWWWW! Even though our room was amazing, this wasn’t my favorite thing about this hotel…the breakfast. OMG, the cute little restaurant that sits in the main house, it was just adorable. But the food, hands down best hotel breakfast!  (I forgot to mention one very important thing…breakfast is INCLUDED with your stay!)

So back your overnight bag and head over to Staunton.  This city has so much to offer…something for everyone to enjoy!

“Spring is in the Air” 

By K. Ross

Happy Spring everyone…warmer weather is here!  Now I know you have this weekend planned already, but in case you forgot from last week’s blog…this weekend is in Norfolk Street Food Festival.  Enjoy some delicious food and tell me your favorites!  Since we have this weekend covered, let’s talk about some other amazing events happening in April.  

When we think Spring, we think flowers. And what flower represents Spring more than any other flower…that’s right the TULIP!  Tulips just scream Spring to me!  From the first sprout you spot in your yard/garden, you know warmer weather is just around the corner and it’s time to play outside!  Well, if Spring is your thing and tulips are your flower then let’s head over to Endless View Farms in Crimora, VA!  They are hosting the 2025 Tulip festival, this festival does begin this weekend, so if you’re not heading to Norfolk head over to Crimora or if you’re weekend is planned this festival is going on next weekend too.  (Please keep in mind these dates are tentative based on bloom time.)

Here are some things to admire while you visit Endless View Farms…they are expecting over 60,000 tulips to bloom during this week and the next. WOW…60,000 tulips, what a site it is to see! Besides seeing tulips for days, there are a lot of other activities to do and see at this festival.  So, if you’re flying solo or if you’re packing up the minivan, there is something for everyone.

From visiting the baby bunnies to tricycle racing to sliding down the hay slide, you are certainly guaranteed a fun filled day!  This is just a few things you’ll find, but tulips aside, I’m looking forward to the duck pond racing and giant corn pit. They really do have exciting activities for the whole family no matter the age!  And if you’re looking for those Easter Bunny photos, they have that too!  So, pack you day bag and head over to Endless View Farms!  And please remember to support this local farm and purchase some tulips home and reflect on a wonderful and beautiful spring day!

I wanted to add one more festival to this week’s blog since it went with this week’s theme, but this festival isn’t until June, so I will hold off for now.  But just give a sneak peak about this festival…it involves Lavender. You won’t want to miss out on May’s blog where I’ll be sharing Amelia’s Lavender Festival at Windsor Lavender Farm.  I might have said too much already…so I’ll pause here and wish a Happy Spring!

“Let’s take a trip to Highland County” Part 2

By K. Ross

Due to the overwhelming response to last week’s blog, I’ve decided to add a part 2!  I was afraid that that many might have missed out Highland County Maple Festival last weekend, but like this blog…it’s going on again this weekend too!  For those of you that made it last weekend, what did you think?  The weather could not have been more perfect for the festival.  Unfortunately, this weekend they are calling for rain.☹ But don’t let this stop you!  There are so many things to do inside that will keep you dry!  Most of the vendors are set up inside the school, so you’ll need your umbrella or rain jacket for a little bit, but only to walk to school grounds or to the other local shops that participate in the festival.

I do want to mention one location you will need your umbrella for…it’s a visit to Puffenbarger’s Sugar Orchard.  This is one of those sugar camps I told you about in last week’s blog.  This family has been in the “sugar” business for over a hundred years and once you taste their yummy syrup, you’ll understand why!  When you visit their sugar camp, you’ll the see the processing of sugar water by using a vacuum gathering system, reverse osmosis machine and an oil-fired evaporator. Very cool! While watching this process, they will share with how it starts to how it’s put in those cute maple syrup jugs. A little “sugar” history lesson!  After this demonstration, it’s time to dry off and visit the store.  Here is where you can purchase some of the delicious maple syrup you witnessed being made.

Now it’s time to head over to school to visit all those Maple Festival vendors!  And maybe give your socks a little time to dry!  There are so many wonderful vendors at this festival, but I’m giving a shout out to a Crozetian Local, Made by MoMo.  (In case you are asking, what is a Crozetian?  This is a Crozet, Virginia native.  You’ll see the signs for Crozet as your heading west to Highland County.  I love this town, maybe stop for a visit coming or going to the festival!). Back to Made by MoMo.  This vendor is not only known for her incredible Bloody Mary Mix, she also bakes and sews.  There are no words to describe this Bloody Mary Mix, just grab a bottle and enjoy!  I want to talk about her sewing. Her eco-friendly goodies will have you buying some for yourself and for your friends and family.  From cloth napkin sets and un-paper towel rolls to bowl koozies and aromatherapy sleep eye masks, she’s got something for everyone!  And if you can’t find it at the Maple Festival, shop online at momosmix.com.

I could go on and on with Highland County Maple Festivals favorites, but I try to keep these blogs limited to a page or two.  I don’t want to bore you, I just want you to grab your rain boots and umbrella and head over to Highland County this weekend.  Who knows, maybe the weather person could be wrong and the rain will hold off.  They definitely been wrong one or twice before!

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.”

“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 65^th 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!

“Food Truck February” – not so food truck issue!

By K. Ross

Happy “it’s snowing again” February!  As I begin this week’s blog, there’s something very familiar happening.  Since I started this “Food Truck February” piece, it has been snowing every time I sit down to type.  No, I just do type to fill in time on a snowy day, I have routine I follow every week.  When I work, when I go to gym, and when it’s blog time.  But I will admit, I love sitting at my desk watching the snow fall.  There is something so peaceful about it!

With that said, I’m feeling my “Food Truck February” is pretty useless at this point.  These past couple of blogs were meant to encourage you to get out and support local food trucks during their slow time.  But with all this winter weather lately, who’s going out??? Not me!!  So, let’s discuss something fun that you can do at home while watching the snow fall.  

Good ole Hot Chocolate!  No, I’m not talking about those pre-made packs you buy at the grocery store.  I’m talking about the milk, the chocolate, and the spices you buy at the grocery store!   Let’s start with the milk, you know that’s the first thing you buy before the snow starts. So, I know you’ll always have that on hand!  But if you’re like me and have a bit of a lactose issue, I grab oat milk.  Next…the chocolate.  This is best part!  You can’t go wrong with chocolate syrup, but that’s not any fun.  Go the candy aisle and pick up some super yummy chocolate bars. Either grab the dark chocolate, the milk chocolate, or even the chocolate chili bar, it doesn’t matter…they’ll all work!  As your leaving the candy aisle, let’s venture over to the spice aisle.  Here is where I’ll pick up some cinnamon, a little nutmeg, and even a little cayenne pepper (this is for my “spicy” fans).  OH WAIT… you have to go back to the candy aisle; we forgot the marshmallows!

Now, it’s time to get creative!  Let’s start with bringing our milk to boil, then the rest is up to you.  Once that milk is boiling, add in a combination of those the delicious treats and spices you grabbed at the grocery store. But hold off on the marshmallows, those go on top of your hot cocoa creation.  And if you’re a coffee lover like me, before I add the marshmallows, I add a shot of espresso.  This helps get me through the snow clean up, aka shoveling.

So, grab your favorite mug and start creating.  Happy sipping!

“Food Truck February”

By K. Ross

How’s February treating you? Are you over winter yet?  With the snow this week, I am definitely counting down the days to spring.  I saw a post the other day that said “only 5 more Monday’s till Spring!” I can’t wait!  While we were waiting for spring, I have couple more that food trucks that will for sure warm you up.

This week I’ll start with River City Wood Fire Pizza. (Warmth is in its name!)  This truck has been around Richmond for quite some time.  I’m sure you have seen them around town, especially at all the local breweries.  What I love about this truck besides its pizza, is that they are soooo good and soooo popular that they opened their first store front about a year ago.  This is every food trucker’s dream! Now back to the food.  The “Little Italy,” this pizza is a classic margherita.  This pizza puts the “class” is classic.  From the sauce, to the tomatoes, to the cheese…simply perfection.  And take it from a full-blooded Italian, this pizza is super yummy…just close your eyes and you’ll think you’re in Italy!  My next “must try” is the “Angry Zinski.”  This is your not so traditional pepperoni pizza.  This pizza has all our favorites from the “Little Italy,” but with an enormous amount of char pepperoni, topped with their “El Machete.”  “El Machete” is their house-made hot honey.  If this pizza “joint” makes their own honey, you can’t deny how amazing they are!  (Who makes their own honey, right?!). But please keep in mind, it’s a bit spicy…just like them!

Next on the list is Waffles on Wheels RVA.  Can you guess what they serve?!  You guessed right…Waffles!  It’s time to satisfy those sweet cravings.  This truck shows that waffles are not just for breakfast.  My favorite is their “Roubaix Waffle.”  This waffle comes with marshmallow spread, graham cracker crumbles, and topped with a drizzle of chocolate syrup.  Are you grabbing your snow boots and running out the door? I am!  If this waffle doesn’t tickle your fancy…don’t worry, they have a “build your own” waffle. That’s right, you can add all of your favorite toppings to your waffle, or if you want to keep simple, you can get a waffle with some whipped cream. Either way, it’s yummy!  And if want a little extra warming up, they have hot cocoa and COFFEE…that’s right, COFFEE!  This truck brings the spirit of Belgium to Richmond, VA!

Like last week, I want to share again on how you can find these delicious trucks or if want to support other food trucks, check out streetfoodfinder.com.  This website shares all your local food truck locations and schedules.  Or if you’re looking to book a food truck for your next party or event, check out the Richmond Food Truck Association.  They offer everything you need to make your party a culinary sensation!  Eat warm…stay warm and support your local food truck!  Happy food trucking! And remember to drive safe!

“Food Truck February”

By K. Ross

Happy February everyone!  This month I will be sharing some of my favorite food trucks around the Richmond area.  I’m sure you’re thinking why are we talking about food trucks in February, it’s winter.  But now is the perfect the time to share some food truck love, they need our help more than ever during the winter months!  As a previous food truck owner, I can tell you how much we value our customers that come out in these colder months. 

The first truck I will like to share with you is CHEESAGGEDON.  I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for an awesome grilled cheese!  This truck takes a simple food staple to the next level.  The Caprese, the Cuban, the Rueben. WOW, my mouth is watering as I’m typing this!  These are just the most amazing grilled cheeses I have ever had.  Their ingredients are as fresh as they come. And one more thing to add, the price.  We all have been experiencing the rising food costs, but this truck is keeping their prices reasonable. Delicious and affordable, what more can you ask for?!

Now that I’ve shared a little savory with you, let’s move on to the sweet!  JiJi Frozen Custard, you’ll thank me as soon as you have your first taste.  This husband, wife duo has nailed the perfect recipe for frozen custard.  Their menu changes often so I won’t share exactly what special I had, but in all fairness it doesn’t matter.  Just the frozen custard alone without all the fancy toppings is nothing but AMAZING.  I know it’s winter and the last thing you’re thinking about is ice cream/custard, but a grab a warm jacket, put the heat on in your and enjoy the” best frozen custard” experience of your life! Oh, and don’t forget to bring you pup, they also serve pup cups!

Now that your stomach is growling and you’re on the hunt for one of these trucks here is how you can find them or if you’re looking to support other food trucks, check out streetfoodfinder.com.  This website shares all your local food truck locations and schedules.  Or if you’re looking to book a food truck for your next party or event, check out the Richmond Food Truck Association.  They offer everything you need to make your party a culinary sensation!

“New Year, New You” Part 4

By K. Ross

Let me just start by saying “CONGRATULATIONS,” we made it through January!  I hope everyone had an amazing start to 2025 and stuck to your resolutions and goals. How did you do? I had a few cheat days, but overall, it was a success!  I also hope that some you found my “New Year, New You” blogs helpful and maybe a little inspirational! As Part 4 concludes this health and wellness series, I would like to take this time to focus on “YOU.”  Even though January maybe be over, it doesn’t mean we need stop our focus on health and wellness.  Here are things to keep in mind as we navigate through February and the remainder of 2025!

I recently read an article that I think goes well with our “New Year, New You” series.  It was all about “self-care” and how the simplest of things can help with our everyday life.  I will share with you some of my favorites, not only because they are easy, but it shows how little things can help in BIG way!

Step 1:  Make Small Goals – setting a small, achievable goal can do wonders.  I don’t know about you, but when I made a “to-do” list and I scratch off each item…WOW.  This feeling is quite satisfying!  Start with a small list, then move up from there, but always keep in mind…make them achievable.

Step 2:  Get Outside! (Hint: you can add this to your “to-do” list!) I know this sounds crazy right now, given its winter and that we’ve been experiencing frigid temperatures lately.  The cold won’t last forever, so take 5 minutes or take 20 minutes…get outside.  Take a walk around the neighborhood, take your pet out, or just find a create way to be outside for a little bit.  Fresh air will give you a new perspective on the rest of the day!

Step 3: Start a Hobby. One of my resolutions this year was to start reading more, so why not make reading my “new” hobby.  To help me get more interested in reading, I joined a local book club.  Not only is this motivation to help me finish a book, but it gets me out of the house and it gets me to interact with people with similar interests. If you need help finding a club, just search book clubs in your area on Facebook. There is such a variety to choose from.  As I am crime/mystery lover, I found a club that focuses on that time of genre.  I’m so excited to see what our book choice is for February! 

Step 4:  Reduce Stress. We all wish for this! I know this one sounds “unachievable,” but I going to tell why I this is one of my favorites.  No matter what stage of life we are in, we all have one thing in common…STRESS. So, here is a little trick I found that I have added to my daily list. Drum roll please…BREATHING.  Just Google or YouTube “breathing Practices” and find one you like. Now, take 5 minutes a day and just “breath!”  Exhale that stress away!!

All of my favorites have one thing in common, they can be added to my “set small goals/to-do” list.  It’s goes without saying, but we all know that that when we set goals, we not only perform better, but we also feel better.  When setting our goals remember your ABCs, Achievable, Believable, and Committed. So, let’s make our “goal setting” an everyday habit and crush 2025!!

“New Year, New You” Part 3

By K. Ross

Welcome to part 3 of our “New Year, New You” journey.  Part 3 means that we are in our 3^rd week.  How’s is everyone holding up, are you still staying strong and committed to our resolutions?  With that said, this will be more a motivational blog this week. Let’s stay on track and finish the month strong!

In the past couple of weeks, we have discussed health and wellness, but let’s shift gears to “self-care.”  One of the most popular “self-care” resolutions out there today, and one that I, myself, have committed to… is DRY JANUARY.  This has definitely become one of the most popular resolutions to date.  The fad of “sober curious” has been introduced to us a lot lately. Whether it started with a family member or friend or if you’ve seen it on your favorite reality show. It has become a THING! 

To go along with this trend, we were introduced to MOCKTAILS. These are everyone…social media, restaurants, and even samples in your local grocery stores. I personally love this trend.  Even if you’re not doing DRY JANUARY, mocktails can be very enjoyable anytime! But for now, I will introduce some mocktails for motivation to help you get through the next week and complete DRY JANUARY.

I call this one the “Lemon-Basil Nojito.”  I started making this one a long time, but now I see it on most bar menus and usually mixed with vodka.  But not this one, it’s called “Nojito” for a reason!  Simply muddle some fresh basil in your lemonade of choice, then add a splash of club soda for a little fizz.  Super easy and super refreshing!

Have you heard of Mother Shrub in RVA? NO…you need to google it NOW!!  They are a local company that specialize in non-alcoholic mixers and elixirs.  If you visit their website and take a look at their recipes, you’ll get you through DRY JANUARY and beyond!! Once you visit their recipe page, you’re going to think why did this person recommend this site for DRY JANUARY, all of these recipes include alcohol. No, I’m not crazy…just omit the alcohol when mixing. Trust me, these drinks are just as good without the alcohol!

My favorite is the “Cherry Bomb.”  Some Mother Shrub black cherry and some orange seltzer…YUM!  I like to be a little fancy with this one and add a cute drink umbrella. And if you close your eyes and play some “beachy” tunes, not only will you forget about DRY JANUARY, you’ll forget winter all together!!

There are so many rewarding benefits for participating in DRY JANUARY.  So many that I will not bore you with them.  I just hope this blog keeps you going and pushes you to make it through one more week.  You got this!!

And if you’re one of many who didn’t make it through the month, no worries…we’ll start a new trend called DRY FEBRUARY! (Only 28 days in February!)