The James River Brewing Company Music Festival, Scottsville, VA

Scottsville, Virginia boasts its very own brewery, James River Brewing Company, where you can sample a bevvy or two crafted by brewmaster Kelby Barnhill. Sip the subtle notes of the Vanilla Porter, the depth of the 1865 Smoked Ale, the English mild River Walker, and the English bitter River Runner. If you’re looking for the perfect opportunity to visit this small microbrewery with its unique libations, then mark your calendars for an upcoming James River Brewing Company Music Festial! 

On May 17, 2014, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., a number of local musicians will be bringing their talents to James River Brewing Company’s Beer Garden for a springtime music festival:

The Larry Keel Experience:  This band is a “Virginia-based alternative bluegrass ensemble headed by flatpicking guitar champion.”

Those Manic Seas: These musicians play a combination of post-rock and shoegaze, and while two of their band members are a standard drummer and a bass player, their “lead singer” is one-of-a-kind—a mannequin with a TV for a head. 

Tara Mills: This singer/songwriter hails from Charlottesville and plays folk and roots music that is inspired by a rich bluegrass tradition.

Jimmy Stelling: This singer is not only a talented musician, but also a gifted craftsman as well. He makes some of the world’s finest banjos and knows how to play a lively tune on them! 

Book your room at High Meadows Vineyard Inn, and get ready for an evening of beer tasting, live music, great food, and fun company.

James River Reeling and Rafting

As the weather continues to warm and the Virginia greenery steadily emerges, many people are venturing outdoors as though waking from hibernation. Outdoor activities are re-surfacing as well, and that includes those that surround the James River.

For the past 24 years, the Denby family has owned and operated James River Reeling and Rafting, providing Scottsville and the surrounding areas with a number of river adventures. From self-guided float trips to canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and tubing, you’ll find an activity that suits both your interests and your experience level:

Beginner: Take a 4-mile journey from Hatton Ferry to Scottsville, floating your way down the river for anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. “Experience the tranquility of the James River on this relaxing day trip.”

If you’re ready for 2-4 hours of some fantastic Class I rapids, then a Warren to Scottsville tour is at your service. The 7-mile trip is a “great experience for the novice paddlers…or for the fishermen that want to concentrate on that citation smallmouth bass instead of a lot of paddling.”

Intermediate: Stretch out those arms and prepare for a 12.5-mile Howardsville to Scottsville tour, lasting 4-6 hours and including Class I and II rapids.  

Advanced: Think you can handle 12 miles of Class I, II, and III rapids? Then you’ll love the Scottsville to Bremo Bluff tour with its challenging 4-6 hours of paddle time. 

Every tour along the James River includes stunning Virginia scenery and flashes of wildlife, including osprey, bald eagles, deer, herons, and more. Book your room at High Meadows Vineyard Inn, and don’t miss out on this river reeling!

The Scottsville Farmer's Market

Spring not only brings wonderfully warmer weather and an emergence of greenery in Virginia, but it also welcomes back Scottville, Virginia’s Annual Farmer’s Market. From the live music and craft displays to the fresh food for purchase, each day of the Market is an adventure along the James River. Browse custom jewelry from Chickie Dickie Beads, herbs and perennials from Highlawn Farm, bread and corn muffins from Ben’s Baked Goods, and local wines from Thistle Gate Vineyard. (Click here for a full list of participating vendors.) 

So, what’s the big deal with farmer’s markets? We’re so glad you asked!

1. It’s all fresh. The produce and baked goods sold at farmers markets haven’t been sitting on store shelves for days on end. Vendors bring their fresh goods right to the marketplace, so you can be sure you’re getting good quality wares.
   
2. It’s nutritious. Because this fresh food hasn’t traveled very far or sat for very long, it’s at the height of its nutrition. (The produce is also grown without the overuse of harmful chemicals, and the baked goods are made without unhealthy preservatives.)
   
3. It tastes better. It’s fresh, it’s nutritious…of course the taste will be more flavorful!
   
4. It’s a way to support local businesses. There are a whole host of reasons why shopping locally is beneficial to both you and the community. Check this past blog for some of the reasons we’ve highlighted.

Are you convinced yet? If so, then book your room at High Meadows Vineyard Inn…we’re only a few minutes away from the Scottsville’s Farmer’s Market.

 Photo by the Scottsville Farmer's Market