A roundup of don’t-miss happenings around the state.
Mount Vernon.
Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon
Indian food, whiskey tasting, street art and good ol' mountain dancing? Sounds like the weekend to us. And of course, we take a moment to remember those lost and injured 15 years ago on Sept. 11. Washington’s Whiskey Mount Vernon, Sept. 9 George Washington was more than just the nation’s first president—he also happened to be adept at distilling whiskey. This Friday, Mount Vernon will host Gentleman Distiller: Whiskey Tasting & Dinner, an up-close look at how whiskey was produced in the 18th century. The event will include a reception at George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, a short presentation by Mount Vernon’s distiller, a whiskey tasting and a seated dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Tickets $125 per person, transportation not provided. MountVernon.org Savor the Flavor Martinsville, Sept. 9 Support the arts and sample authentic tastes of India? Yes, please. Martinsville arts education center Piedmont Arts will host Savory September this weekend, featuring Indian-themed dishes like mango lassi, beef kebob, chana masala and chicken curry created by local chefs, plus beer, wine and mango mojitos. Proceeds from the event will go straight to Piedmont Arts’ mission to engage the community in visual and performing arts. Tickets $25 per person. PiedmontArts.org Chalk it Up Reston, Sept. 9-10 Calling all artists! Try your hand at street art this weekend at ChalkFest at Reston Town Center. Presented by the Initiative for Public Art - Reston, the event invites artists of all ages and abilities to park themselves on Market Street and let their imaginations run wild. Check out the work created by professional artists Friday evening, and don’t miss the free chalk workshop with artist Patrick Owens at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Tickets $15 for amateurs, $20 for professionals, cost includes a box of chalk pastels, a goodie bag and access to a designated square of pavement. PublicArtReston.org Mountain Mania Buena Vista, Sept. 9-10 Looking for something a little more low-key and down-home than the headliner music festivals that bring people out in droves? The Rockbridge Mountain Music & Dance Festival at Glen Maury Park features old-timey music in a mellow atmosphere against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Performers will include The Full Nelsons and Debby and The New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters, and dancing is highly encouraged. Tickets $14 for the day, $25 for the weekend, camping $13 per day. RockbridgeFestival.org We Remember Statewide, Sept. 11 It's hard to believe it's been 15 years since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. To remember and honor the thousands of people killed and injured that day, the following events will take place this weekend: Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5k Sept. 10, 6:00 p.m., Arlington Arlington911Race.com Moment of silence and wreath laying Sept. 11, 8:30 a.m., National D-Day Memorial, Bedford Virginia.org/Events Old Glory retirement and bell chiming Sept. 11, 1:00 p.m., Virginia War Memorial, Richmond VAWarMemorial.org
