Mother's Day Weekend in Bluemont:
Art Show and More

If you love discovering unique places, plan to spend some time during Mother's Day weekend in the charming village of Bluemont, Virginia, located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western Loudoun County.

Bluemont was the last stop on the now dismantled Washington & Old Dominion Railroad (1900-1939). The Victorian village and surrounding area offer many memorable family activities with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Loudoun Valley.

Art in the Foothills

This juried art show and sale featuring area artists working in a variety of media, will be held in The Stable at Bluemont Vineyard May 9 - 11. The Stable, a beautifully renovated building perched on the slopes above Great Country Farms, boasts a spectacular view of Loudoun Valley and is a wonderful place for both artists and visitors.

Bluemont Vineyard's Tasting Room sits nearby, just above The Stable, allowing visitors to sample the local vintage while viewing the work of area artists.


"Blue Vase with Pears" by Rosemary Hennessy, watercolor.

The vineyard will feature its spring release of fruit wines - peach and strawberry in addition to their other wine selections. Don't forget to browse in the vineyard gift shop, Lore, which has a nice selection of decorative items. Bluemont Vineyard is open Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Visitors to the art show are invited to attend the Artists' Reception to be held on Saturday, May 10 from 2 - 5 pm. Sit on the veranda and admire the view while enjoying live music provided by Butch and Michelle Nielson, Drew Holland and Jerry Bresee.

Friends of Bluemont, a nonprofit preservation organization, is sponsoring the art show and is excited about the new venue provided by Bluemont Vineyard. Admission is free. Hours are: Friday, May 9, 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11, 10 am to 5 pm. Proceeds from the show will be used for village conservation and preservation.

Directions: ½ mile south of Snickersville Turnpike on Foggy Bottom Road in Bluemont, VA across from Great Country Farms. For more information call 540-554-8715 or 540-554-2809 or go to www.friends-of-bluemont.org.

Across the road from Bluemont Vineyard is Great Country Farms offering a wide variety of activities for the entire family during Mother's Day weekend. Children and adults can visit the Farm Animal Barnyard and Turtle Pond, fish, take a hay ride, wander through mazes, pick fresh organic strawberries, and shop in the country store. There always seems to be something new and exciting around every corner.

Bluemont Village

The village of Bluemont is home to the Bluemont General Store featuring jellies, jams, baked goods, books, historical maps and other items relating to the area. Enjoy pizza, sandwiches and ice-cream on the porch. The store also features antiques and relics from the past, for purchase, provided by Black Shutter Antiques. Broad Run Veterinary Services, specializing in horses and other large animals, is also located in the building. Stroll a few doors down to Nielson's Bluemont Village Center which houses several businesses including Monumental Landscaping, Skillman Windows, and Buxton Financial Services. Iron Gate Antiques, specializing in pre-1900s furniture as well as furniture repair and restoration, is located in the lower level. The upper level, The Old Dance Hall, was beautifully restored in 2003 by owners Butch and Michelle Nielson. Pony Mania is next door offering a range of riding apparel and equipment and offers riding lessons at Serene Acres, a farm on the outskirts of Bluemont. Turn onto Railroad Street, pass the E.E. Lake Store (circa 1901, soon to be restored for greater use by the public), and stop in at Rosemary's Hair Design and tour Rosemary Stanger's newly restored 1900s Bluemont Mill and Train Station.

Hiking enthusiasts have easy access to the Appalachian Trail, a short distance from Bluemont. Once on the trail, it's a short hike to Bears Den which sits on the western side of the mountain with spectacular vistas westward toward the Shenandoah River and Valley with the rugged mountains beyond.

So bring mom and the family out to the country and enjoy all that Bluemont has to offer and don't forget to bring the family back again September 20 and 21, 2008 for the Bluemont Fair (www.bluemontfair.com) sponsored by the Bluemont Citizens Association.

--April 2008