Weekend Retreat!

This past weekend I traveled to Lowesville, Virginia to the Crossroads Camp and Conference Center. About thirty undergraduates from Christ Church left C'ville and headed down 29 North for some peace and rest, and a little break from the everyday hectic college lifestyle. I could not have asked for a more beautiful setting. The landscape helped me get into the right mindset for the weekend... these tiny rapids made the most soothing sound.

I decided to visit Crossroads early Saturday morning before all of my friends came. I wanted to have time to walk around and be outside on the amazing day. The place, for the most part, was empty and quiet. I had a great time wandering around the camp site. Later in the night we made a bonfire and s'mores... one of my favorite desserts!

Crossroads has been up and running since 1917. Today the facility is found in the center of the Blue Ridge Mountains on 606 acres of land. Crossroads is open year round as a conference center... perfect for weekend get-a-ways. The cabins are just like summer camp! Complete with rows of bunk beds and a communal meeting lodge. 

I felt like I was a little kid again... off at sleep away camp! We even shared ghost stories and talked into the night with lights out.

 

 I had such a refreshing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and I am sure my friends would say the same. If you are looking for a place to get away with a group of individuals check out the Crossroads facility in Lowesville, VA... a quick hours drive from Charlottesville! 

Have a Magnificent Monday night...and check back soon!

The Hill and Wood

Last night I traveled to Staunton, Virginia to hear The Hill and Wood perform at the Mockingbird. What a fun night!

The Hill and Wood band came together in C'ville and continues to play around the area. I have now been fortunate enough to see them play two times! Lead singer, Sam Bush, attended the University of Virginia and now works for Christ Church and runs The Garage downtown. I am lucky to hear him play every Sunday at 5:00 so It was really special to see him and his band performing all together in Staunton last night.  The Hill and Wood's genre is classified as Folk/Indie/Rock. 

The Mockingbird was a great venue for the show. Located in historic downtown Staunton, the Mockingbird offers a dinning room setting as well as a live music hall. The owners inspired to create a " unpretentious gathering place where one can experience and enjoy authentic local food and traditionally-inspired acoustic music". Along with the show we had some amazing dinner... including sweet potato fries with 3 different sauces. 

The music hall at the Mockingbird has a special feeling... complete with little tables located close to the stage, creating an intimate feeling with the band. The "listening room" environment that takes place in the music hall makes music the central feature, but works to bring the audience into the show! 

Hopefully The Hill and Wood will be performing again soon! I will be sure to keep my readers updated...

Have a great night... and check back soon!

Keswick Hunt Club

Keswick Hunt Club was founded in 1896, and two years later the group decided to construct their Clubhouse. Luck for us... this place is simply wonderful. Located right within the Keswick Hall grounds in Keswick, Virginia, the clubhouse is rustic yet completely magical. 

Last night Easton Events helped put on a dinner party for a group of guests staying at Keswick Hall. I arrived around 4:30 and was so happy to be away from town and in the remote and peaceful setting. I am really liking the running board fence and openness of the space... Don't you just love the simplicity?

The Clubhouse reminds me of an old summer camp building...with it's large wrap around porch people can gather outside around the outskirts of the hall before entering. I just love this pegged sign that is hung outside next to the main entrance. Rustic and beautiful! 

I am obsessed with the use of red throughout the site. From the sign to the doors this color complements the dark aging wood. Look closely and notice the amazing door knocker... perfectly adding to the Hunt Club theme! 

Last nights event was spectacular. Tables were set in tones of red and yellow and the whole room radiated a feeling of sophistication yet comfort. The room was heated by an old wood fire heater and about an hour before dinner Arnold built a roaring fire... really adding to the rustic atmosphere. I just love the stone fireplace!

The mantel looked lovely, filled with candles and florals. The event was topped off with a duo of guitar players. Their acoustics filled the room and added a hometown feeling to the air. I sure wish I could play like these guys... I am working on it, so MAYBE one day!

We were event ready and the room just glowed. What a wonderful night for those in attendance as well as those behind the scenes. 

If you ever have the chance make sure to check out the Keswick Hunt Club in Keswick, VA. The building is filled with history and evidence of love for the space, for its upkeep is simply put: fantastic!

Have a Terrific Thursday...and check back soon! 

Spotlight: Patricia Lyons

Patricia Lyons is a w.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l photographer from Virginia! I have been very fortunate to get to know her through my internship at Easton Events... so I found it fitting to write a little post about her after I just showed you guys a recent Easton Event. 


Patricia Lyons is an " international lifestyle photographer" who mainly shoots photograph editorials for select magazines and WEDDINGS! 


Check out her shot from this weekend... She sure did captured the night! 

If you saw my post on the Wedding Planner Magazine of Charlottesville and Central VA, then you might have noticed how great the cover photo was.... once again a Patricia shot! The cover shot was an image from Devon and Dan's wedding. Here are just a few more amazing pictures from the special day.

and a personal fav...

I have been a part of many Easton Weddings where Patricia was the photographer and I just love watching her take action and set herself up for those perfect shots. I became so fascinated by the way she works I began following her blog and have truly enjoyed her bits of wisdom and a behind the scene glimpse into her other works! 

I really enjoyed her photos from a summer issue of Garden&Gun Magazine...I just love this description from her blog: 

"And then I feel the pressure, how do I capture it so everyone else can experience it too? So I walk the space, repeatedly, up and down different walkways, trying to figure out what it is that makes it 'what it is', and determine the angles or vantage points that tell more in a single image than others"

Another Garden&Gun article on foraging food from ones backyard... just look at that detail

Take a look at Patricia Lyons work on her blog... I promise you will have the best time looking at her wonderful photographs and getting a bit of insight into her profession as a photographer. 

Have a restful Tuesday night... and check back soon! 

Weekend Wedding

This weekend we had an Easton Event in Washington D.C... at the Newseum! Located downtown, the museum is right near the D.C. Mall. The venue is situated right on Pennsylvania Avenue, offering wonderful views. I wanted to share some photos from the wedding... although they really don't do the event justice. 


The party took place on the 7th and 8th floor. Guests entered into the cocktail room, which included a beautiful bar, escort table, highboy tables, and candles flooding the room! 

Don't you just love these chairs? They made the space feel welcoming and very sophisticated.  

Around 7 PM guests were invited into dinner.... the room could have been referred to as an 'orchid' greenhouse. It was simply beautiful. Three long tables filled the room and mirrors ran the length of the tables. 

Pictures just can't display who gorgeous this room was... 

Butternut Squash Risotto was served as well as a Filet and Lobster combo for the main dish. The Wedding Cake was a whole different story.... pink, orange, and white the cake radiated in the ballroom! I just love how orchids were used both upstairs and downstairs. The cake was made in New York City and was a perfect addition to the party... not to mention it tasted incredible, chocolate with coffee flavored icing and a hazelnut like filling. 

I loved the night life club atmosphere around the dance floor. Brown velvet chairs and sofas were brought into the space and red and orange tea light candles were scattered all around. The fabric backdrop really works to transform the space from a museum into a ballroom setting. The D.J kicked off the night with Black Eyed Peas " I've Got A Feeling" and within seconds the party was hoppin'. 

The city views were just wonderful. The balcony was open to guests, and blankets were offered when the party made their way outside for the Wedding Ceremony. 

I had the best time!

Have a Magnificent Monday... and check back soon! 

It's Thursday!

YAY! It's almost the weekend....

image!

What are your plans for this wonderful C'ville weekend?

Spending the day hiking Old Rag Mountain

Wine tasting at King Family Vineyards

A night out at the Paramount Theater to hear Booker T

A simple afternoon reading and catching up on work at Shenandoah Joes

Whatever you choose this weekend, I hope it's a great one! 

Have a Terrific Thursday... and check back soon! 

Today I will be swimming....

In work!! 

image!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday... and be sure to check back soon!

Sweet Frog

Coming off a high from all that Valentines Day chocolate and dessert? Sweet Frog is one of the best new places in town to fight that sweet tooth. This tiny little space offers self-serve frozen yogurt and is located on the downtown mall, right next to Mudhouse Coffee. 

Sweet Frog opened this past summer by owners Giovanni Sestito and Robert Lupica. After recently buying the original Sweet Frog in Richmond, near Short Pump, Sestito loved the place so much he decided to bring it to C'ville.... and lucky for us! This frozen yogurt shop offers a wide range of frozen yogurt flavors as well as a huge candy and fruit bar where guests can load up their cups with all sorts of delicious toppings!

Sweet Frog frozen yogurt is non-fat, rich in calcium, high in vitamin B12, and gluten free as well as the perfect afternoon snack or post dinner desert! When Bessie and I went, she chose a fruit combination of pomegranate mixed with blueberries and granola, while I went for the cake batter frozen yogurt with reeces cups and butterfinger. Both were great choices!

Sweet Frog is open seven days a week and stays open until 9PM on the weekdays and 10PM on weekends... how great is that! At $.39 a ounce you can fill your cup up knowing about how much you will be paying. It's easy to go overboard with the toppings but if you keep a eye out you can get by with a pretty reasonable dessert after dinner downtown!

Have a Terrific Tuesday... and check back soon!

Rendezvous BBQ!

I just got back from Memphis and had the best two days with my friends Kate and Bessie! Kate took us all around town and showed us her favorite Memphis spots, including Rendezvous... known for their awesome BBQ ribs and lively atmosphere. It was a.w.e.s.o.m.e! 

I was so excited about the idea of a BBQ lunch.... since it is my favorite food! Rendezvous was located downtown off a little side alleyway. The restaurant is behind 52 South Second and is hidden underground! While the entrance may seem tiny, once you walk through the doors the place opens up and is just huge! 

The story goes that Charles Vergo cleaned out the basement under his diner, found a coal chute and ta-dah! Rendezvous was opened in 1958. The coal chute served as a vent for his cooking behind the grill and he suddenly had the opportunity to expand his diner from a simple sandwich shop to a big rib joint! Today Charles Vergo's children run Rendezvous and have kept the business thriving. 

The staff at Rendezvous have been there for decades! Each waiters name is up on their website with a little description about each one. They dress in white suits with a black bow tie and apron..they really complete the atmosphere. 

Kate, Bessie, and I started off with the cheese and sausage plate. I have to admit, I was a little hesitant at first. I was completely surprised. With a selection of pickles, cheese, sausage, and hot sauce the combination was just right! 

Now.... combine all those delicious pieces onto a cracker. Can you say YUM??

For lunch Bessie and I ordered the pork shoulder sandwich, and Kate had the small order of the " World Famous Rendezvous Charcoal- Broiled Pork Ribs". Each meal was served with a side of mustard based cole slaw and baked beans. 

I loved the feel of Rendezvous... the walls were covered top to bottom with old pictures, paintings, news articles, and other Memphis memorabilia. With the loud crowds, heavy decor, and laughing waiters this place was full of energy and fun! 

People travel far and wide to visit and get some Memphis BBQ!

Rendezvous has been featured on the Travel Channel, Food Network, The Today Show, Good Morning America and many more cable programs. They also have gathered many awards over the years such as " One of 50 All American Icons" by the Nation's Restaurant News Magazine in 2009.  If you ever have the chance stop by Rendezvous for lunch or dinner... you will just love it and it's not even a long flight from C'ville! 

Have a Super Saturday... and check back soon!

Leaving on Jet Plane

TO MEMPHIS! 

Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

The Jefferson Theatre

Last night Bessie and I went to The Jefferson Theatre downtown to see Tapes 'n Tapes, a rock band from Minneapolis. We had the best time! The Jefferson is housed in a wonderful old building right on the mall: 10 E. Main Street 

I was lucky enough to win a pair of tickets through the C'ville Niche, a very great Charlottesville resource for things to do around town!  The C'ville Niche Buzz is a weekly newsletter that informs students and C'ville residents one special thing happening on each day of the week. 

Tickets can be purchased online before the concert for a lower rate, or at the door. I suggest trying to get tickets ahead of time because some shows sell out quickly! Bessie and I were a tad bit early... doors opened at 8, we were there at 8. Opening acts didn't start until 9 so now we know to come a little after doors open, unless you are a huge, huge fan! We had a good time regardless, looking at the band shirts, CDs, stickers, and posters that were offered for sale.  I really enjoyed the display of goodies last night...

Once inside you are stamped with a Jefferson Theatre seal. This allows guests to leave the theatre throughout the night and re-enter. If you are 21 or older you receive a wrist band which allows you access to the bar. I love the red draping, perfect for the theatre setting 

Shows at the Jefferson are general admission and for the most part standing only. This makes for a fun atmosphere and lively crowd! There are also two balconies at the theatre that offer great views of the stage. I love the historic aspects of the buildings that have been renovated so wonderfully. 

can't you tell we were early?!

The Jefferson has a great spring calender with multiple shows a week. I am really excited for Yonder Mountain String Band as well as others that are coming up soon! Concerts are on the calender until the end of April so you can really plan ahead. 

Check out The Jefferson Theatre downtown for a fun night out with friends. You can grab dinner nearby and make a night of it!

Have a Tremendous Tuesday... and check back soon!