A fiery fall sunset, and our beautiful Tom turkey...Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and though the leaves are just about gone (ok, everything is gray EXCEPT the row of Bradford pear trees in the back yard - they match this sunset!) there is still so much to do in the garden...all the perennials get trimmed back, the leaves are piled on the flower beds to keep them semi-warm, and them everything will be mulched for winter. December, January and into February all is quiet - then one day, the front yard will be covered in purple crocus blossoms, and we know it won't be long for the daffodils!



In the mean time, Christmas decorations go up - we are cutting a TALL tree this year for the Breezeway, and putting up a pretty one for the Festival of Lights (great to see in Scottsville - over 30 trees, each decorated so pretty - runs from Dec 12 thru 20) Also, if you are here in early December, the Charlottesville Gingerbread House competition is at the Paramount Theatre this year - you get to see the trains, houses, and get a tour of the renovated theatre also - it is really beautiful. www.theparamount.net Also some very good Christmas shows coming up there in December - let us know if you'd like us to get you tickets and dinner reservations for a holiday show! The Charlottesville City Market becomes the Holiday Market through December every Saturday morning - artisan crafts, food, great stuff for unique gifts.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving - think of us for a winter weekend! High Meadows gift certificates make a great present!

GORGEOUS fall leaves, perfect weather - anyone who hasn't taken a fall getaway, it's really not too late...the past weekend was ideal, but we still have lots of color! No crowds at the wineries either - and some really good wines being served.

We went to Blue Mountain Brewery for a tasting and lunch last week - for just $5 you get a sampling of all 6 or 7 of their beers...it was WONDERFUL! I had a beer-poached and then grilled bratwurst from local pork producers extrordinaire Double H farm, for $8...yum. The food was great, the views pretty, and the beer was all fantastic - it was about a 30 minute drive west of here, through rolling hills and farmland. A great afternoon trip you could combine with a visit to the Greenwood Gourmet Shop (the best pumpkin selection I have ever seen, wonderful wines and interesting gifts) and the Greenwood Country Store (one of my new favourite second-hand treasure stores!)

AND...in just a few short weeks WINTER will be here, bringing in delicious cold weather good for the cozy in-room fireplaces, hot chocolate & holiday decorations. We had only one REALLY good snow last year - thank goodness we took pictures that day! In Vermont, where we spent the last five years prior to coming to Charlottesville, there is no rush to get out and take snow pictures the first time it snows...you will have months and months to get the cameras out for that perfect winter shot. In March though, we are glad to be in the south, with daffodils and crocus erupting here with the Northeast still buried in feet of snow. That said, the winter here is gratefully enjoyed by the sleeping garden - and our holiday decorations go up the weekend after Thanksgiving! Glorious Christmas trees, spicy scents from the kitchen, and candy surprises everywhere - and our winter rates of course... Starting in early December, our rooms are just $125 per night, any room! We will probably be planning a little something for New Year's Eve this year - stay tuned, or check in with us by early December for details.

For an old-fashioned holiday experience, come stay from December 19th through the 21st and see Scottsville's 'Festival of Lights' - our Victory Hall Theatre has plans to host a multitude of trees, each one decorated by a local merchant, school or citizen...and our town tree is also a special one this year...check back on December 7th for pictures of the tree lighting and the story of the tree. All month from Thanksgiving to Christmas, we can provide you with a map of our favorite off-the-beaten-path shops and a picnic lunch for a day of shopping. Come back to the inn and choose from a variety of papers, boxes and bows to get the wrapping done before you leave!