Friday, December 20, 2013

Scottsville, Virginia’s Smokehouse Grille



Are you in search of an evening of fine dining? A casual barbecue? Vegan cuisine prepared with local ingredients? There is a new restaurant in Scottsville, Virginia that just so happens to offer all of the above and more—The Smokehouse Grille.

Scottsville’s newest restaurant, which just opened its doors this month, is run by Ryan C. Bruce, brother of High Meadows innkeeper Cynthia, and the Grille is already establishing itself as a “Locally Sourced Southern Inspired BBQ & Farm to Table Eatery.” Start your meal with an appetizer of smoked oysters or fried green tomatoes. Indulge in an entrĂ©e of Farmhouse Raviolis, smoked trout, or beef brisket barbecue (slow smoked with pecan and cherry hardwood). Still have room left for dessert? Enjoy a mouth-watering slice of cheesecake, a key lime tart, or bread pudding with whisky sauce. (Is your stomach growling yet?)  

Besides its numerous culinary delights, The Smokehouse Grille also presents a selection of local craft beers and Virginia wines. With so many award-winning vineyards and breweries nearby, you’ll always have an excellent assortment of libations to enjoy. 

Quick Facts:
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Phone:  (434) 286-4745
Email: reservations@thesmokehousegrille.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesmokehousegrille
Website (coming soon): http://www.thesmokehousegrille.com

Book your room at High Meadows Vineyard Inn, plan your meal at the Smokehouse Grille, and treat yourself to Cynthia’s baking at the restaurant. Also, stay tuned to our Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and website, as we’ll soon have a Smokehouse Grille Bed and Breakfast Package!



Thursday, December 12, 2013

Why Buy Local for the Holidays?


By now you’ve probably started your holidays shopping, and maybe you’re at a complete loss as to what you should gift to certain friends and family members. Sure, it’s easy to pick up a gift at a big-box retail store, but it doesn’t say “personal,” and it doesn’t have that added flair that will make it stand out from the usual run-of-the-mill present. We have the answer to your shopping woes, and it’s whittled down into two simple words—buy local.

So, why exactly should you buy local for the holidays?

1. You’ll be supporting the local economy, which is an indirect (and possibly a direct) benefit to yourself because of the re-circulation of money, the job opportunities, and the community support.

2. Small, local businesses provide a wide range of unique gift ideas. From arts and crafts to carefully preserved antiques to gourmet food items, these downtown shops offer any type of item that you can think of.

3. Downtown shopping lets you avoid the crowded madness at retail stores. Really, who wants to battle crushed toes and packed lines?

4. For the most part, you’ll probably receive much better customer service at local shops. These shops operate on a much smaller scale, meaning that both owners and employees are better able to direct their attention to individual shoppers.

Perhaps you’re need of some suggestions for buying local around the Scottsville, Virginia area. Well, there are always High Meadows Vineyard Inn gift certificates! Browse the “antiques, curious goods, and collectables” at Scottsville’s River Town Antiques. Drive a short distance to Charlottesville, and explore the vast amount of downtown shops. If you’re looking for more crafty gifts, then don’t miss the Cville Holiday Craftacular this Friday and Saturday (find more information in our last blog here).




Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Cville Holiday Craftacular: 8th Annual Craft Show





With a name like “Cville Craft Attack,” you know that artisans are at the heart of the group, and indeed this organization is comprised of a number of Charlottesville’s independent designers, artists, and crafters. These men and women are passionate about their creations, and it shows in both the beauty and the quality of their work. As Craft Attack’s Facebook states, “We believe in art, design, creation and craft. We believe in exploration and the celebration of making a life out of the things we dream.”

For the 8th year in a row, Cville Craft Attack will be presenting their Cville Holiday Craftacular, featuring a huge variety of arts and crafts for your perusal. Looking for a purse for your wife for Christmas? Browse Victoria Horner Creative Handbags at Craftacular. Trying to find a unique gift for that hard-to-buy-for individual? How about a chainmail bracelet by Chad VanPelt? Searching for unique home and kitchen accessories? Blanc Creatives may be your solution. Other featured artisans will include Silver Muse Studio, Two Owls Pottery, Te Adora Knits, Darkhollow Stained Glass, Joie de Vivre Calligraphy, ByCary,  and many more. Overall, you’ll find “More than 25 area artisans whose creative and giftable work includes gorgeous jewelry and glassware, paper goods, handbags, accessories, and toys will be featured.

By now, you’re probably planning your excursion to Craftacular (which is only a short drive away from High Meadows!), so now all you need are the details:

When: December 13, 2013, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
             December 14, 2013, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Where: CitySpace, Charlottesville, VA

Photo by Cville Craft Attack