History
How Virginia’s First Post-Prohibition Distillery Got Its Spirit
Ambrosial, musky, and sweet fragrances of alcohol waft through: The A. Smith Bowman Distillery barrel warehouse welcomes with a distinct aroma. The wood varies from Hungarian to Austrian, American, Brazilian, and more—all destined for Bowman products. But the story behind the Bowman name goes deeper than whiskey. The company’s stills, George and Mary, aren’t named […]
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Mom Hiked the Appalachian Trail with 13 Kids in Tow
Nikki Bettis stood on the jagged summit outcrop of Shenandoah National Park’s 4,011-foot Stony Man, awed by westward panoramic views. Her heart swelled with emotion as she turned to watch her 13 kids shoulder their loaded backpacks and fall into a clamorous single-file line heading back to the Appalachian Trail (AT). “We were in an […]
Experience Burnside Farms’ Stunning Festival of Spring
A rainbow of blooms takes over Burnside Farms in Nokesville each spring, creating a breathtaking backdrop of yellow, pink, red, and orange blossoms. During their annual Festival of Spring, running mid-March to mid-April (check their Instagram, @BurnsideFarms, for exact dates), visitors can picnic, play, and pick their own bundles from over 150 tulip varieties and […]
10 Speakeasies Across Virginia & How to Find Them
Tucked in hidden alleyways and behind disguised doors lie some of the state’s best-kept secrets … and cocktails. Speakeasies promising vintage vibes and low-light charm dot the map far and wide, but where to find them? Here are 10 to get you started on a journey to delicious drinks and illicit adventures of 1920s allure. […]
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