Mother's Day Weekend -- or Any Weekend -- in Bluemont

If you love discovering unique places, plan to spend some time during Mother's Day weekend -- or any weekend of the year -- 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
Mother's Day Weekend, 2010
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 7 - 9. 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.The Bluemont 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, with its selection of decorative items. The vineyard is open Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.


"Nautilis," Queen of the Deep,"
by Pam Forbes

Visitors to the art show are invited to attend the Artists' Reception to be held on Saturday, May 8 from 2 - 5 pm. Sit on the veranda and admire the view while enjoying live music provided by The Sawmill Gang.

Friends of Bluemont, a nonprofit preservation organization, is sponsoring the art show and is pleased about the exquisite venue provided by Bluemont Vineyard.

Admission is free. Hours are: Friday, May 7, 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday, May 8 and 9, 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 carries fine eggs, milk, and staple groceries with candies, jellies, jams, baked goods, note cards, books, historical maps and other items relating to the area. Enjoy pizza, sandwiches, and hand-scooped ice-cream on the front porch.

The store also features antiques and relics from the past, for purchase, provided by Black Shutter Antiques. Broad Run Veterinary Services, whole mobile vetenary lab specializes in housecalls for horses and other large animals, is also located in the building.

Stroll a few doors down to the wonderful stone Old Dance Hall. Iron Gate Antiques, specializing in pre-1900s furniture as well as furniture repair and restoration, is located in the lower level.

Next to the Old Dance Hall is Epling Landscaping and Lawn Service.

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.

Appalachian Trail
Hiking enthusiasts have easy access to the Appalachian Trail, a short distance from Bluemont. Drive directly to the Bears Den Hostel at 18393 Blueridge Mountain Rd (Highway 601), Bluemont, VA 20135-1817. Turn left off Route 7 at the top of the ridge onto Blueridge Mountain Road. The rocks sit a short walk beyond the hostel on the western side of the mountain, with spectacular vistas westward toward the Shenandoah River and Valley with the rugged mountains beyond. For a short, uphill hike, approach the Bears Den rocks from the commuter parking lot at the corner of Blueridge Mountain Road.

So bring mom and the whole family out to the country--Mother's Day weekend or any weekend of the year --- and enjoy all that Bluemont has to offer. Don't forget to bring the family back again September 18 and 19, 2010 for the Bluemont Fair (www.bluemontfair.com) sponsored by the Bluemont Citizens Association.

--Susan Freis Falknor, 2010