Virginia Explorer - Demo - (Page 5)

country—and toast the owner’s unique beverage-making abilities. Also in Sperryville is the Copper Fox Distillery (www.copperfox.biz; 540-987-8554), which produces a ﬁne single malt whiskey. Owner and Master Distiller Rick Wasmund is unique in more ways than one. He imagined a wonderful whiskey made by using special fruitwood peat and barrels in the traditional process. After touring other distilleries in the US and Scotland, apprenticing to Scottish masters, Wasmund believed his idea would work. He malts his own barley, making his the only distillery in America to do so. Wasmund’s passion shows through in Copper Fox Distillery’s products. Not far to the south is the spot to sip some moonshine . . . legally. Belmont Farms in Culpeper began selling Virginia Lightning in 1987 (www. Virginiamoonshine.com). Owner Chuck Miller’s family had been making moonshine since the Roaring Twenties, so when he got into business he just “dusted off the old family recipe.” He found a still with the help of the Feds at Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, got a license, and turned his corn into something with a little more of a kick. Tours are available daily from April through Christmas Eve, Tuesday through Saturday. They include a history of moonshine, the process of making this spirited corn liquor, and a visit to the gift shop. Virginia Lightning and Copper Kettle can be purchased at ABC stores in the state. Said Miller, “It tastes like moonshine and gives you a little kick and makes you feel all rosy.” Nearby in Charlottesville, the ninth generation of the Laird family helps produce Applejack, a lovely liquor, made from the most tempting fruit. The company received the country’s ﬁrst liquor The NATURAL BRI DGE HISTORIC LANDMARK & NATURAL WONDER THOMAS JEFFERSON liked it so much he bought it from a king, KING GEORGE III, in 1774. Soon after, thousands arrived by stagecoach & train, to view the huge renowned rock bridge. Like Niagara, it was among our early nation’s most visited natural wonders, that today, still takes your breath away. SINCE 1927, the Bridge has also captivated visitors at night during the “Drama of Creation”, when colorful lights dance across the rock, accompanied by Biblical narration and music. Taking the stagecoach to Natural Bridge ca 1880 W.H. Bartlett 1839 We have it all…and for less! Conference, retreat, field trip, reunion or tour group, packages are tailored to all ages and groups’ needs. hotel, great rooms, meeting & banquet space, mountain views; an amazing historic natural wonder, nature park & native american living history village, caverns, wax museum & factory, toy museum; fun in the haunted monster museum, & dinosaur kingdom, on nearby golf courses, lakes, rivers, hiking & biking trails, empty backroads . . . . . (800) 533-1410, ext. 5 · www.naturalbridgeva.com At U.S. 11 & 130 . I-81, exits 175 & 180 . Near I-64 & Blue Ridge Pkwy HISTORIC LANDMARK & NATURAL WONDER The distillery is adjacent to Washington’s waterpowered gristmill, just three miles from the estate. Costumed interpreters are at work at both sites to answer questions and create a living, breathing spirit world. license and provided their recipe to George Washington. And, in Richmond, a company whimsically named the Parched Group bottles Cirrus Vodka, a small batch potato vodka distillery that’s won rave reviews. In Fredericksburg, Bowman Distillery still produces Virginia Gentleman, a whiskey that’s been known to walk the hallowed hallways of the US Capitol with Senators and Congressmen. These three spirited spots are not open for tours, but their products can be purchased at all Virginia ABC stores. It’s good to know that Southern hospitality includes lively libations. Ecclesiastes cites: “A man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, drink, and be merry.” The Old Dominion is the place for all three. www.grouptournews.com Winter/Spring 2007-2008 • 5 http://www.copperfox.biz http://www.Virginiamoonshine.com http://www.naturalbridgeva.com http://www.Virginiamoonshine.com http://www.naturalbridgeva.com http://www.vbgrouptours.com http://www.vbgrouptours.com http://www.grouptournews.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Virginia Explorer - Demo

Virginia Explorer - Demo ABA Marketplace to Land in Virginia Beach in February Tracing Our Ancestors' Footsteps along the Wilderness Road From the Publisher Virginia's Spirited Spots Lead to American Whiskey Trail Dine Around Tidewater: Virginia's Seafood Style On the Road With Dylan and Pop-Pop: A Mountain Experience Sightseeing Tours: Seashore, Settlers, Steeples, Spirits, Shopping Celebrate Virginia Garden Week's 75th Anniversary in April Meet the People Making Virginia such a Wonderful Place to Visit Virginia Advertisers Specializing in Group Business

Virginia Explorer - Demo

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