The Green Valley Book Fair
“What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who...
View ArticleHistoric Garden Week of Virginia, 2013
The weather may still be reminiscent of winter, but spring has arrived, and Virginia’s Historic Garden Week is fast approaching: “Every April, visitors are welcomed to more than 250 of Virginia’s...
View ArticleCheck Out the Cheese!
We here at the Iris Inn purchase cheese from Simply Cheddar, owned and run by Linda Tucker Weaver, a former high school teacher turned cheese wiz (get it? Cheese wiz? Cheese Whiz?). Linda began...
View ArticleThe 27th Annual Wildflower Weekend at Shenandoah National Park
“Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity.” — John Ruskin The reawakening of the natural world is one of the most welcomed parts of spring, particularly in regards to the vivid splash...
View ArticleIndulge in Wine and Roses at the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants
Saturday, May 18, 2013, boasts a springtime festival at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello—Wine & Roses. Wine & Roses is part of the Center for Historic Plants’ open house and will feature wine...
View ArticleGrand Caverns Heritage Day Celebrates Shenandoah Valley History
Grand Caverns is a National Natural Landmark located in Grottoes, Virginia. As America’s oldest show cave, Grand Caverns went through a series of different names and owners until finally, in 2009, the...
View ArticleDave Matthews Will Speak at Monticello on the Fourth of July
July 4th will be here is a few weeks, and you may already have plans floating in the back of your mind—an outdoor barbeque with the family, fireworks with the kids, and a plethora of red, white, and...
View ArticleVisit the Artisans Market in Charlottesville, Virginia
We are located in an area that both admires and promotes artistic endeavors, and some of the most unique and special gifts are just waiting to be found in these local, downtown shops. Charlottesville,...
View ArticleCelebrate Summer at Waynesboro’s Extravaganza
One of Waynesboro, Virginia’s most anticipated annual events is soon to occur on July 13, 2013—the Summer Extravaganza at Ridgeview Park. It is a day full of “good music, great food, an arts &...
View ArticleStay Cool at Sherando Lake
It is only the beginning of the seasonal heat and humidity here in the Shenandoah Valley, and between cold drinks, air conditioning, and shady porches, everyone is trying to beat the heat. There is a...
View ArticleMonticello’s 7th Annual Heritage Harvest Festival
It’s difficult to believe that July has departed and August has arrived. Though it’s technically still summer, the recent cooler temperatures hint of fall and all the beautiful celebration that the...
View ArticleChiles Peach Orchard in Crozet, Virginia
“The nectarine, and curious peach, / Into my hands themselves do reach; / Stumbling on melons, as I pass, / Ensnared with flowers, I fall on grass.” –Andrew Marvell Imagine a summer day so sweltering...
View ArticleSoar the Skies with Monticello Country Ballooning
It’s one thing to observe the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley from the ground—running, hiking, biking, scenic driving. But it a whole different experience to explore it from the air,...
View ArticleDave’s and Margie’s Excellent Staunton Adventure on a Rainy Day
What is one to do on a rainy day in the Shenandoah Valley? Two of our Iris Inn guests, Dave and Margie, took the opportunity to explore Staunton, and they were kind enough to offer us a picture of...
View ArticleMt. Torrey Furnace
Virginia is history. No, not in the sense that it’s “done for” or “over,” but rather that it is a portrait of the past. The Shenandoah Valley is certainly no exception, and one particular piece of...
View ArticleVisit Staunton, Virginia’s Appalachian Piecework
In a time of technology, fast food, and instant gratification, sometimes traditional craftsmanship is overlooked and underappreciated. If you’re one of those people who value the meticulous labor that...
View ArticleEnjoy a Movie at Zeus Theater in Waynesboro, VA
There is something special about seeing a movie in a theater. While it’s not quite as convenient as viewing Netflix from the comfort of your bed or popping in a DVD in your own living room, theaters...
View ArticlePick Strawberries Day at Virginia Farms and Orchards
“The fragrantly sweet juiciness and deep red color of strawberries can brighten up both the taste and aesthetics of any meal. Not only do they taste great they are among the fruits and vegetables...
View Article4 Reasons to Visit the Shenandoah Valley in the Fall
The Scenery. Of course the number 1 reason for visiting the Valley in the fall has to be the foliage. The rich green of summer slowly shifts into a brilliant display of red, orange, and yellow, and...
View ArticleGhosts of Staunton Walking Tour: A Frighteningly Good Time
Many people are fascinated by the supernatural. Just look at the popularity of otherworldly horror and thriller films. It comes as no surprise that October, the month of that scare-fest known as...
View Article