Edible Blue Ridge Spring 2023

encouraging local female entrepreneurs to grow their own businesses by inviting them to host pop-ups, classes and events in the Bluebird space. These events have been so popular that they led Bluebird & Co. to acquire the former garage next store. The Annex is now the site for many of their classes. Every Thursday there is story time for the kids and every Monday is Art Club. For adults, you can find an array of class es such as floral arranging with Spring Creek Blooms, basics to beekeeping, public speaking workshops and, of course, author readings. Chiles Family Orchards Spring means the start of fruit season and, if you have your kids in tow, there’s no better place to appreciate it than Chiles Orchards. Straw berry-picking season runs late April-mid June, followed by cherry, peach, apple and pumpkin season in the fall. The orchards are stunning in the spring, with trees flinging themselves into full bloom and the mountains a towering pal ette of blues and purples in the background. In side the orchard store, there’s a selection of fresh produce, preserves and sundries, including an ice cream parlor for the whole family to enjoy.

and chinaware. A visit on a Friday morning found this place bustling with moms meet ing for coffee after dropping their children off at school, a small business owner meeting with a graphic designer, and several individu als working peacefully on their laptops. The decadent pastries are sourced from Albemarle Baking Co. Sip your oat milk cortado on their patio and rejoice in a quiet spring morning. What draws many to Crozet is the abun dance of outdoor activities. A short drive takes you to the edge of Shenandoah Park with its massive selection of trails, while closer to home you’ll find Claudius Crozet Park , famous for its biannual Arts & Crafts Festival (May 13th & 14th), as well as Mint Springs Valley Park and Sugar Hollow . Mint Springs’ 520 acres wel comes families with its array of easy hikes as well as its playground, volleyball court and three lakes where you can swim, fish, ca noe or just enjoy being close to water. A bit further out of town you’ll find Sugar Hol low, a reservoir that provides water to the city of Charlottesville. Each spring, the reser voir is stocked with brook and rainbow trout — boating isn’t allowed, but you can fish with your family and friends along its banks. Bluebird & Co. In less than a year, this women-owned busi ness has embedded itself in the Crozet com munity. The shop is a collaboration between Bluebird Bookstop and Fancy & Nell Cloth ing. Owners Flannery Buchanan and Chelsea Powers had a vision not only to open a retail space but to create a community that extends past its four walls. They are passionate about Out & About

Opposite page: Strawberry picking at Chiles Orchard, Peach blossoms, Mudhouse Coffee. This page, clockwise from top: Bluebird & Co., Greenwood Grocery cheese and meat selection.

Lunch

With the many wineries, breweries and parks in Crozet, we suggest packing a picnic and lunching outdoors. Greenwood Grocery has you covered for your al fresco dining needs. Pick up a sandwich or prepared salad or browse their cheese and charcuterie case to create your own board. While you’re there, you can find a variety of locally made items such as towels, cut ting boards, spoons and other household items. Crozet is in the heart of Virginia wine country and almost any direction you head in will lead you to a winery or vineyard. For a family-friendly day, we encourage you to head over to King Family Vineyards. Famous for their Sunday polo matches, their season starts in April and extends until October. This is an event everyone can enjoy and you’ll always find a food truck present in case the kids need a snack between meals. King Family coined Crosé, their rose wine, and there’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than sharing a bottle on their meadow. Off the beaten path you’ll find Knight’s Gambit , which may just have the best sunset views in town. Visit on a Saturday evening to listen to live music as you watch horses canter across the neighboring field while the sun goes down. The winery is kid- and dog-friendly and a favorite for those looking for a relaxed, nature filled atmosphere. Libations

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