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Sipping Away Summer at Goodstone
Virginia, Food and Wine Aley Virginia, Food and Wine Aley

Sipping Away Summer at Goodstone

There is something undeniably magical about the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant in Middleburg, Virginia. Nestled in the heart of hunt country, this charming estate captures the essence of Virginia’s countryside elegance. With its classic style, warm wooden interiors, and picturesque surroundings, Goodstone Inn is the perfect blend of refined luxury and rustic charm. It was the ideal setting for their "Last Sips of Summer" dinner event, a night dedicated to celebrating the vibrant flavors of rosé wine and the summer's bounty of tomatoes.

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24 Hours in Hunt Country Virginia | A Country Chic Escapade

24 Hours in Hunt Country Virginia | A Country Chic Escapade

As the days begin to get brighter and warmer, now is the perfect time to plan a weekend trip through the picturesque landscapes of hunt country to gather inspiration from the charm and beauty of this region. From the quaint streets of Middleburg to the rolling hills of Charlottesville, there's no shortage of delightful destinations waiting to be discovered. Join me in this post as I embark on a whirlwind dreamy day trip tour of some of the area's most beloved locales, each offering its own unique blend of seasonal delights and irresistible allure.

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7 Activities to Ring in Spring in Virginia

7 Activities to Ring in Spring in Virginia

The enchanting realm of springtime in Virginia, where nature awakens from its wintry slumber, painting the landscape with vibrant hues and breathing new life into the air… As the days grow longer and the sun's warmth graces us once more, there's an undeniable sense of renewal and possibility that permeates the air. In this blog post, I invite you to join me on a journey through seven of my favorite activities to celebrate the arrival of spring in the Old Dominion. From leisurely strolls amidst blooming fields to quaint picnics in picturesque vineyards, each experience promises to immerse you in the beauty and charm of this magical season. So, let us embark together on this adventure, as we embrace the joys of springtime in Virginia and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

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Shopping Local | Small Changes to Support Small Businesses

Shopping Local | Small Changes to Support Small Businesses

Some of the things I love most about Virginia are the vast expanses of rolling hills, cattle farms, the copious amounts of wineries, and the lovely towns that sprinkle the state map. To me, keeping these characteristics as a part of the state are critically important. One of the easiest ways to keep Virginia’s lovely rural ambience alive is by supporting the hundreds (if not thousands) of small businesses that keep this vibrant state alive. From supporting local orchards and restaurants to shopping from local butchers, meat markets, and farmer’s markets, there are so many ways that we can play our own part in keeping the expansive country land and small-town feel of Virginia alive.

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Must-Visit Botanical Gardens in the Old Dominion State
Virginia, Life, Local Guides Aley Virginia, Life, Local Guides Aley

Must-Visit Botanical Gardens in the Old Dominion State

In a fast-paced world dominated by technology and urban landscapes, the allure of nature's beauty beckons as a timeless escape. Virginia, with its diverse and picturesque botanical wonders, offers a sanctuary for those seeking solace in the embrace of the outdoors. As I navigate the hustle and bustle of daily life, the importance of connecting with the natural world becomes increasingly evident. The Old Dominion State allows you to explore captivating sceneries combining historic allure, timeless elegance, and botanical wonders. These four botanical gardens featured below create a vibrant tapestry of flora, beckoning its visitors to pause, breathe, and revel in the profound beauty of nature.

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Holiday Guide | Stocking Stuffers from Virginia’s Wine and Horse Country
Shop, Virginia, Holiday, Local Guides Aley Shop, Virginia, Holiday, Local Guides Aley

Holiday Guide | Stocking Stuffers from Virginia’s Wine and Horse Country

Is it just me, or are Christmas stockings perhaps the best gift we can receive during the holiday season? As a kid, I was (as I’m sure most of you were too) most excited about the large, wrapped boxes. However, as I’ve grown up, it’s all of the fun, small, and thoughtful stocking stuffers that brighten the gift-giving and opening experience on my Christmas morning. Keeping in line with my sentiments I discussed in my 2023 Holiday Gift Guide about shopping and supporting small, local businesses, I think it’s even easier to be mindful about supporting small businesses when we are preparing stockings for our loved ones. Here’s a round up of some of the first-rate items in and around hunt country to add to your stockings this holiday season.

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The Hunt Country Holiday Gift Guide 2023
Shop, Virginia, Holiday, Local Guides Aley Shop, Virginia, Holiday, Local Guides Aley

The Hunt Country Holiday Gift Guide 2023

With all of the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season, now is the perfect time to get a head-start on your holiday shopping. Personally, I like to start planning my holiday shopping in early October so that I can beat all of the last-minute shopping (and chaos!). Holiday shopping is also the perfect time to prioritize supporting small, local businesses. Fortunately, there are numerous beautiful shops in and around hunt country for all of your holiday gift purchases. Here’s a round-up of my favorite shops.

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