Virginia Travel Blog

Just 20 minutes east of L’Auberge Provencale, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, is the little hamlet of Middleburg.  Known for fox hunting, it has now become a small thriving and growing arts community.  The second annual “Shakespeare in the Burg” will feature performances by the American Shakespeare Center actors.  In addition, the festival will feature workshops and a play writing competition.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet and his raucous play, Much Ado About Nothing (my personal favorite) will be the featured plays on March 27-29th at the Middleburg Community Center.  These are two of the bards most popular playsIn addition there will be a performance of the winning play from the play writing competition.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet is playing Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm and Much Ado About Nothing will be performed on Sunday, March 29, at 2:00 pm.  You can got online to www.shakespeareintheburg.com for more information and to purchase tickets.  We will serve dinner that evening for those attending starting at 4;30-pre-dinner and after the show on Sunday, join us for dinner starting at 5:00 pm.

Well, the news is out and we couldn’t agree more. We all know that “Virginia Is For Lovers,” but according to CNN.com we have a neighbor that stands apart from the rest. Located only 20 minutes away is the town of Middleburg and it was just rated as one of the “10 most romantic destinations you should know about.”

You may be thinking, what makes Middleburg so romantic? In short, Middleburg blends an idyllic sense of America’s yesteryear with modern country opulence. The town breathes an equestrian heritage set against a brilliant countryside that captures your attention and immediately makes you feel at home. Fit in as a local while you travel down its friendly shop-lined streets and get lost with one another in the rolling hills of what we consider a wine lovers haven.  Classic beauty, scenic vistas, and humble adventures make this romantic destination a timeless memory for any couple looking to escape the hustle and bustle of our nation’s capitol.

In essence, if you haven’t caught on yet we’re telling you it’s worth a visit. Fortunately, L’Auberge Provencale is located close enough to Middleburg where an afternoon drive out to the town is enough for you to catch the”love” bug.

Check out what CNN has to say about Middleburg and other romantic destinations by Clicking Here to view the entire article.

Chase away winter blues here at L’Auberge Provencale! We are much like you and are waiting anxiously for the first sign of spring in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.  But in the meantime we have long understood winter can be celebrated for it’s solitude and simple pleasures. So in that spirit here are 5 things we can recommend to make the best of the season.

1. Slip under the covers into clean and warm sheets.  Snuggle up with your loved one and take the time to have a quiet conversation and just enjoy the moment.  Revel in the warmth of  the fireplace and it’s touch of romance as you drift off into a winter slumber.

2. Indulge in a couples massage in your guest room.  Our massage therapist will ease away the stress of the season with quiet and soothing full body massage.

3. Indulge in a couples massage in your guest room.  Our massage therapist will ease away the stress of the season with quiet and soothing full body massage.

4. There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.  So pull on your winter woollies and take a hike in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.  Hiking will reduce stress, and promotes physical and emotional well being and as a bonus works up an appetite for one of our world class dinners prepared by Executive Chef Ryan Ratino and his team.

5. Let us get the fire pit stoked up and enjoy s’mores and a hot beverage out in the backyard of L’Auberge Provencale and watch the sunset over the beautiful the Blue Ridge Mountains.

6. Visit one of our local wineries.  Winter is a great time to see the terroir of the vineyards and enjoy a quiet, more personable experience with the vineyard staff.

Just in case, if the snow is falling, you can always join Bernadette for a romp in the snow!

Valentine’s Day is a special time of year for lover’s to make special treats for their loved one.  At L’Auberge Provencale, here in the Shenandoah Valley, we have made many a Valentine’s Day especially with Chocolate!  Looking over the archives of recipes, we thought we would share this easy but delicious recipe that you can easily make at home.

RASPBERRY BROWNIE ICE CREAM CAKE

Ingredients for the Fudge Brownie Ice Cream Cake

1. 2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped                                                                                                                                                                                       
2. 4 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. flour
3. 1/4 tsp baking powder
4. 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter-softened
5. pinch of salt
6. 1/2 tsp Vanilla
7. 1/2 Cup Sugar
8. 1 Egg Room Temperature
9. 1/3 cup Walnuts, chopped
10. 1 Pint of Raspberry Sorbet- softened
11. 2 1/2 cup Vanilla Ice Cream-softened

Topping:

1. 1 Cup Whipped Cream
2. 2 Tsp. Sugar
3. 1 Tsp. Vanilla
4. Fresh Raspberries

Directions for the Fudge Brownies

Line 8″ Square pan with buttered parchment paper or foil.   Melt chocolate and butter in double boiler, (hot, but not boiling water)stirring until smooth.  Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.  Blend eg and sugar using mixer at medium speed.  Add Vanilla.  Gradually add chocolate mixture.  Stop mixer when combined and mix in dry ingredients using a wooden spoon.  Spread Batter in pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 19 minutes until it is springy to the touch, but not dry.  Cool completely, invert onto rack and remove paper.

Directions for the Topping:

Mix ice cream and sorbet together by folding in together.  Spread over cooled brownies.  Top with Whipped cream and raspberries.  Chill for 10 minutes before serving.  You can add the whipped cream and raspberries if you want to freeze ahead and remove the brownies 15 minutes before serving.  Then top.

This recipe is easy and fun and we hope it helps with your romance this Valentine’s Day!

With holidays fast approaching, why not give a gift that creates happy memories, L’Auberge Provencale gift cards.

We offer gift cards to suit anyone’s budget, no black out dates and can be used any time of the year.

Be it a special occasion,  a weekend away to rekindle ones love for one another. Not forgetting all those family and friends.

Click on the gift certificate above or below, to give the gift of happiness. A gift that you will never gather dust, only special and unique experiences.

When I was growing up my mother told me to think of things I was grateful for during Thanksgiving. So this year I am thankful for many things here at L’Auberge Provencale.

1. Thankful for the wonderful housekeeping staff that has been with us for many years, who love to see things sparkle.

2. This beautiful fall weather we have been experiencing thus far; crisp days and brilliant nights.

3. A well stocked, and eclectic selection of wines in the cellar dating back to a bottle of 1905 Madeira and a cozy salon and restaurant in which to enjoy them in.

4. A talented and hard working restaurant staff that always strives for perfection.

5. Thankful for such loving and caring parents; Celeste and Alain Borel, the backbone of L’Auberge Provencale.

6. For our little corner of Provence in the heart of Virginia, with the Blueridge Mountains as its backdrop.

7. Being surrounded by such a concentration of passionate vintners, in the heart of the Northern Virginia Wine Region.

8. For having the Virginia State Arboretum and all its beautiful grounds just two minutes away.

9. For the health and happiness of our children and families.

10. And for Noel, the office cat.

Chardonnay, Ripe for Picking.

We all love lists.  It helps us get things done and gives us direction.  Now that summer is winding down, the kids are back in school, and fall is in the air, it is a great time to visit L’Auberge Provencale in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.  Here’s a list of things to do while you visit our bed and breakfast to help you plan the perfect  fall getaway.

1. The best time to visit Virginia Wine Country is in the fall, for the wine crush.  Visit Linden, Delaplane, Glen Manor, RDV, Fox Meadow, Chateau O’Brien Vineyards, just minutes away.

2. Great hiking at Sky Meadows State Park and the Shenandoah National Park.

3. The 76th running of the Virginia Gold Cup Race at Great Meadows in the Plains, Saturday, October 18th.  Tailgate and enjoy a day at the races.

4. The serenity of the Shenandoah River can be enjoyed on a kayak or canoe from the Front Royal Canoe Company.

5. Hannity, Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious and over 100  other varieties of apples are in season in Apple Country at several “pick your own” orchards.

6. See the leaves with a catch of a breath on a tree top zip tour in Harpers Ferry, 20 minutes north of the inn.

7. The Barns of Rose Hill in Berryville, features music of all types, from jazz, bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, to country every weekend.  Bring your dancing shoes!

8. Throw your bags in the back of the car, pick up a gourmet picnic prepared by our chefs, and enjoy a picnic at the Virginia State Arboretum at Blandy Farm.

9.  The Art at the Mill Show in Millwood, with well judged artists works, from oils, to watercolors; wood crafts to potter all on sale and display.  And while you are there pick up some freshly ground corn and wheat flours from one of the oldest working mills in the country.

10. Take advantage of our one and two night “Wine Crush Specials” here at L’Auberge Provencale from Sunday-Thursday.  Wine, dine and tour!  BOOK NOW!

76th Annual Virginia Gold Cup Race

Beer, Bourbon & Barbecue

Come Celebrate our Nations Birthday and Meet the Staff of L’Auberge Provencale!

An Alfresco Event Featuring Chef Joseph Watters and Sommelier Christian Borel with the  L’Auberge Staff.

The chefs will be on hand at this casual experience featuring a bountiful clam bake and slow spitfire roasted pig.  There will be a tasting of domestic and Local Brewery beers and Bourbons.  The wine lovers will not be forgotten  as we pour the wines for local vineyard Glen Manor.  Enjoy the best of Northern Virginia in the lazy days of summer.

THE MAIN EVENT-

Slow Spit Fire Roasted Pig

Clam Bake on Seaweed with Sauvignon Blanc, Garlic, Parsley & Butter

Lobster, Corn, Potato, Littleneck Clams, Mussels, Fresh Crab, Sausages & Shrimp

Sauces Include: Creole Sauce, Lemon Butter, Garlic Butter and Lemons

Served with Coleslaw, Vegetable Skewers, Tomato Provencale, & Vegetable Anti-Pasta Fresh From our Garden

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Blueberry Pie

Dress-Summer Casual

                                      For Reservations to join the fun.. 1-540-837-1375                                                89.00 per person excluding taxes and gratuities.

Something different to do with the kids this Father’s Day.  Have a super brunch here at La Table Provencale and then take the whole family to Long Branch for the “Baby Shower.”  The event here in White Post, benefits the Blue  Ridge Wildlife Center.  The Wildlife Center rescues and raises thousands of wildlife orphans.  So bring them:

• Puppy Chow, Ground and Canned
• Kitten Chow, Dry and Canned
• Baby Cereal, Rice and Oatmeal
• Rolled Oats or Cheerios
• Bird Seed, Finch, Mixed, Sunflower, Suet
• Baby Food:  Sweet Potato, Fruit, Applesauce
• Chick starter

Or just some cash to buy Special Formulas and Foods, Insects and Fish

You and the family will learn how to raise wildlife orphans and there will be demonstrations of native wildlife.  There will also be games and raffle prizes!

No reservations necessary at Long Branch,but you may want to call us for a brunch reservation and sample Chef Joseph’s amazing Eggs Benedict and, without a doubt, the best burger in the area.

1-540-837-1375

Al Fresco Dining Provence Style

This year is the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day and we think that calls for a special celebration. Executive Chef Joseph Watters has created a fabulous Mother’s Day Dinner Menu which we will serve all afternoon starting from 12:00pm until 7:00 pm. We also have a gift for each mom, a piece of Provence, a French lavender plant, for them to take home and enjoy all summer long.

The Virginia State Arboretum, just minutes from L’Auberge Provencale, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, hosts their annual plant sale that day. Local nurseries, farms and conservation groups will have their wares on display and for sale. Local craftsman are also on hand with great creations for the garden and home. This is a great way to shop for the coming season, enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Arboretum and stop by La Table Provencale for a fabulous dinner featuring the best of the season and our garden here at the inn, L’Auberge Provencale.

Our flower gardens and vegetable gardens are in full bloom. If the weather is beautiful we will serve al fresco on the terrace as well. We are booking up fast, so give us a call now to secure your table for this fabulous feast.
FOR RESERVATIONS: 1-540-837-1375.

Baby sheep grazing in the lush grass of our neighbors farm by the Villa La Campagnette