Just one beautiful spot at Blandy Farm, the Virginia State Arboretum

     Winey and Cheesey have been enjoying the heavenly weather this year.  Blue skies and puffy clouds in July? Incredible they say.  What a perfect time to visit  the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.  Within 5 hours from anywhere in the USA, just an hour and a half from DC what a great destination, L”Auberge Provencale.  The chefs have been cooking up some great food featuring the bounty of our gardens and local farms.  Pick a tomato at 5:00 and enjoy it that night!  Wow…can anything be better than that?

Mama bear

     Answer:  a picnic in one of our favorite spots.  Egg Hollow or Dickey Ridge picnic grounds on the skyline drive, and Blandy farm are two of my favorite spots.  Enjoy the pictures below of these beautiful areas. Celeste went to skyline last week and saw not just the usual deer, but a huge owl, and a mother black bear with her twin cubs.  No one seemed disturbed by the “tourist” taking pictures.  We’ll be happy to pack you a picnic with or without wine.  Just give us notice the day before and we can have it ready for you after breakfast!  You then can go off hiking, canoeing, wine touring, exploring, or just sitting by the pool at the Villa. A perfect way to spend the day.  The picnics are 75.00  for two and you keep the basket!  Wine is additional and winey will help with your selections.