Record Store Day at Back to the Media

Join us Saturday June 12 at 10am for the biggest Record Event of the year! RECORD STORE DAY!

Doors open at 10am.

We will be running in store sales including over 2000 records discounted to just $1!! Door prizes, many grail vinyl records will be gracing the walls, and of course all the best RSD record exclusives will be stocked!

 

Posted on May 27, 2021

Hungry for History Food Event

Saturday, August 24 – Monday, September 2, 2024

Winchester – Frederick County – Clarke County

DETAILS FOR 2024 EVENT COMING SOON! See last year’s event details below.

Join us for this brand new event that explores our area’s history, but also ties in something that EVERYONE loves – food!

Museums and historic sites in our community will offer a variety of programs and special events such as presentations, cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities, children’s activities, food tastings, special handouts and giveaways, displays of historic recipes, agriculture related programs and more.

Topics will span our area’s history from many eras!

Schedule of Events: (K=Kid-friendly, $=Admission fee applies)

ABRAM’S DELIGHT MUSEUM – Friday, Sept. 1, 11am-4pm
History from the Hearth
Hearth cooking demonstrations at the 1780’s log cabin. Visitors will learn about colonial food preparation. The recipes will reveal patterns of seasonal activity and daily life. 1340 S. Pleasant Valley Rd, Winchester.

BELLE GROVE PLANTATION – Saturday, Aug. 26, 11am-6pm
Belle Grove Wine Festival will feature area vineyards and cideries plus a featured brewery, meadery, and distillery! There will be chef demonstrations throughout the day that will highlight historic recipes and foodways. 336 Belle Grove Rd, Middletown. $

CEDAR CREEK AND BELLE GROVE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK – Sunday, Sept. 3, 2:30pm
Kneading in Silence: A Glimpse into the Life of the Enslaved Cook Judah
This 30 minute presentation discussing the life of Judah, the enslaved cook of Belle Grove. Purchased by the Hite’s with her two young boys, Judah remained their cook until her death in 1836. This program will take place in the winter kitchen of the Belle Grove Plantation Manor House. 336 Belle Grove Rd, Middletown.

CEDAR CREEK BATTLEFIELD FOUNDATION
Civil War Kids Camp (registration required) Saturday, Aug. 26
Attendees will explore multiple elements of life during the Civil War as a soldier or civilian, including cooking demonstrations and lessons by costumed interpreters! K

Free museum admission and special program – Saturday, Aug. 26-Sept. 3
Visit the FREE Cedar Creek Museum (closed Tues and Wed) to learn about rations and resources available to soldiers during the Civil War era, food preservation and preparation during the mid-19th century, and for hands-on activities, like learning how to make your own butter! 8437 Valley Pike, Middletown. K

CLARKE COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION – Saturday, Aug. 26, 11am-2pm
The Burwell-Morgan Mill partners with Locke Store and the Loudoun Farm Heritage Museum to celebrate Hungry for History Food Week. Visitors will be able to observe apple butter being made in the hearth upstairs at the Mill. Tastings of this butter will be on bread baked at Locke Store using locally grown wheat ground at the Mill. 15 Tannery Ln, Millwood. K

HANDLEY LIBRARY – Thursday, Aug. 31, 5:30-7pm
An agent from the Virginia Cooperative Extension will host an introductory course on basic food preservation and canning in the auditorium of the Handley Library. 100 W. Piccadilly St, Winchester.

JOSEPHINE SCHOOL COMMUNITY MUSEUM – Saturday, Aug. 26, 11am-2pm
The Josephine Museum will celebrate culinary legend from Josephine Street, Mrs. Geneva Jackson. She will share her story, perhaps a favorite recipe and cooking tips, and samples to taste. The related exhibit will be on display for the week during normal hours or by appointment. 303 Josephine St, Berryville.

KERNSTOWN BATTLEFIELD – Saturday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 2, 11am and 1pm
Learn about the importance of cornbread at this free lecture on two Saturdays at 11am and 1pm. Participants will receive recipe cards for both Yankee cornbread and Southern style cornbread.

MUSEUM OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY – Aug. 26 – Sept. 4
Drop by and grab one of our self-guided garden tour handouts highlighting native food cultivars with historical uses that are grown right here in the MSV gardens! 901 Amherst St, Winchester. $

NEWTOWN HISTORY CENTER – By reservation, Aug. 26-Sept. 4
The Newtown History Center will offer a program for homeschoolers to look for and discuss changes in food technology, as seen with artifacts in the Steele Bros. Store exhibit. 5408 Main St, Stephens City. Admission: $1 per student. $, K

OLD TOWN WINCHESTER WALKING TOUR – Friday, Sept. 1, 6pm
Take a historic walking tour of Old Town Winchester that showcases some important food-related business establishments, and includes food habits of Winchester residents from the past, including during the Civil War. $10 per person, call (540) 542-1326 or sign up online to make a reservation. 2 N. Cameron St, Winchester. $

PATSY CLINE HISTORIC HOUSE – Saturday, Sept. 2, 10am-4pm
Celebrate “Patsy’s Homegrown Roots” during the annual Patsy Cline Block Party! Learn how Patsy Cline’s family practiced small-scale subsistence farming while tasting two cakes from the family’s recipe book! “Patsy’s Homegrown Roots” is sponsored by Carter + Burton Architecture and Purcé – Market & Cafe. 608 S. Kent St, Winchester. K

SHENANDOAH VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM – Aug. 26 -Sept. 4, Open Wed-Sat, 9:30am to 3:30pm, Sun 12:30-3:30pm
Museum admission will include an apple for all visitors, information about the history of apples in Winchester, plus apple activities and crafts. Guests can also spend time in the Longhouse to learn more about Native Americans! 19 W. Cork St, Winchester. $, K

STONEWALL JACKSON’S HEADQUARTERS – Sun, Aug. 27 at 1pm, Thurs, Aug. 31 at 11am and Mon, Sept. 4 at 11am
Special presentation from Brian Daly – “Jackson, the Man and the Foods he Ate” From his book of maxims: Be temperate. Eat too little rather than too much. 415 N. Braddock Street, Winchester. $

SANCTUARY ON THE TRAIL at the WINCHESTER-FREDERICK COUNTY VISITORS CENTER – Sunday, Aug. 27, 1-4pm
Celebrate the enduring legacies of American Indian Indigenous traditional and contemporary food and art forms with presentations from Indigenous historical interpreters, craftspeople with demonstrations, dancing by Rick Ferry (Cree, Aaniiih),and a special food documentary short-film. 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd, Winchester. K
1:30pm: Wild Food Nutrition and Pottery – Kayce Heister (Pamunkey)
2pm: Wild Food Foraging – Clay Morris (Arapaho)
2:30pm: Plants, Seeds, Bees and More – Carrie Fox (Lenape)
3pm: Indigenous Food Literature and Storytelling – René Locklear White (Lumbee)

Restaurants & breweries offering limited time menu items
August 26 – September 4

Participating restaurants and brewery:

Broken Window Brewing Company
Broken Window has brewed a special Pre-prohibition American Porter, a beer popular in the United States in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The barley used in this recipe is an older six-row barley ground at the historic Burwell-Morgan Mill. This type of porter is an American adaptation of an English Porter and includes chocolate rye and molasses in the recipe. 14 W. Boscawen St, Winchester.

High Point Restaurant
The restaurant will offer on their menu three dishes from Stephens City Food & Fables, a cookbook published for the Newtown Heritage Festival, including: Grandma’s Biscuits by Jaquetta Owen, Pork Chops with Butter Beans by Noel Anne Nuri Sciegaj, and Jesse’s Apple Cake by Jesse L. Curry.
5106 Main St, Stephens City.

Vault & Cellar
Specials will include Bourbon molasses glazed pork belly topped with pickled watermelon rind served with soup beans and cornbread, Rabbit dumplings, and Apple stack cake, in addition to flitch – a traditional potato candy from Appalachia.
Numerous drink specials will also be offered, including a bourbon flight with historic Virginia ties and Grandpa’s Gatorade cocktail – a recipe featuring switchel, historically created to replenish electrolytes after a hot day laboring outside, with apple cider vinegar, ginger, honey, salt balanced strawberry rhubarb shrub and Bowman Brothers Virginia made whiskey.
7843 Main St, Middletown.

Interactive experiences at Vault & Cellar:

August 30th at 6pm
“Create your own pickle” class – Chose your own spice mix and use local produce to create your own pickle!

September 1st at 6pm
Whiskey tasting class (Also available all week for independent tasting)

Locke Store
The Locke Store will be partnering with the Burwell-Morgan Mill to bake bread from wheat ground at the historic mill, where you can taste it paired with apple butter made fresh on the mill’s upstairs hearth. 2049 Millwood Rd, Millwood.

Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery
Bonnie uses an abundance of local meats and fresh produce from the Shenandoah Valley. Specials include Bonnie’s Hoecakes, one of George Washingtons favorite meals. They will also be offering homemade Apple Turnover Hand Pie, Bonnie Bar Dessert made fresh by Gabby, Bonnie’s baker.
334 W. Boscawen St, Winchester.

Posted on April 21, 2023

“Hungry For History” Food History Event

Winchester – Frederick County – Clarke County

Join us for this brand new event that explores our area’s history, but also ties in something that EVERYONE loves – food!

Museums and historic sites in our community will offer a variety of programs and special events such as presentations, cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities, children’s activities, food tastings, special handouts and giveaways, displays of historic recipes, agriculture related programs and more.

Topics will span our area’s history from many eras!

Schedule of Events: (K=Kid-friendly, $=Admission fee applies)

ABRAM’S DELIGHT MUSEUM – Friday, Sept. 1, 11am-4pm

History from the Hearth
Hearth cooking demonstrations at the 1780’s log cabin. Visitors will learn about colonial food preparation. The recipes will reveal patterns of seasonal activity and daily life. 1340 S. Pleasant Valley Rd, Winchester.

BELLE GROVE PLANTATION – Saturday, Aug. 26, 11am-6pm
Belle Grove Wine Festival will feature area vineyards and cideries plus a featured brewery, meadery, and distillery! There will be chef demonstrations throughout the day that will highlight historic recipes and foodways. 336 Belle Grove Rd, Middletown. $

CEDAR CREEK AND BELLE GROVE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK – Sunday, Sept. 3, 2:30pm

Kneading in Silence: A Glimpse into the Life of the Enslaved Cook Judah
This 30 minute presentation discussing the life of Judah, the enslaved cook of Belle Grove. Purchased by the Hite’s with her two young boys, Judah remained their cook until her death in 1836. This program will take place in the winter kitchen of the Belle Grove Plantation Manor House. 336 Belle Grove Rd, Middletown.

CEDAR CREEK BATTLEFIELD FOUNDATION
Civil War Kids Camp (registration required) Saturday, Aug. 26
Attendees will explore multiple elements of life during the Civil War as a soldier or civilian, including cooking demonstrations and lessons by costumed interpreters! K

Free museum admission and special program – Saturday, Aug. 26-Sept. 3
Visit the FREE Cedar Creek Museum (closed Tues and Wed) to learn about rations and resources available to soldiers during the Civil War era, food preservation and preparation during the mid-19th century, and for hands-on activities, like learning how to make your own butter! 8437 Valley Pike, Middletown. K

CLARKE COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION – Saturday, Aug. 26, 11am-2pm
The Burwell-Morgan Mill partners with Locke Store and the Loudoun Farm Heritage Museum to celebrate Hungry for History Food Week. Visitors will be able to observe apple butter being made in the hearth upstairs at the Mill. Tastings of this butter will be on bread baked at Locke Store using locally grown wheat ground at the Mill. 15 Tannery Ln, Millwood. K

HANDLEY LIBRARY – Thursday, Aug. 31, 5:30-7pm
An agent from the Virginia Cooperative Extension will host an introductory course on basic food preservation and canning in the auditorium of the Handley Library. 100 W. Piccadilly St, Winchester.

JOSEPHINE SCHOOL COMMUNITY MUSEUM – Saturday, Aug. 26, 11am-2pm
The Josephine Museum will celebrate culinary legend from Josephine Street, Mrs. Geneva Jackson. She will share her story, perhaps a favorite recipe and cooking tips, and samples to taste. The related exhibit will be on display for the week during normal hours or by appointment. 303 Josephine St, Berryville.

KERNSTOWN BATTLEFIELD – Saturday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 2, 11am and 1pm
Learn about the importance of cornbread at this free lecture on two Saturdays at 11am and 1pm. Participants will receive recipe cards for both Yankee cornbread and Southern style cornbread.

MUSEUM OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY – Aug. 26 – Sept. 4
Drop by and grab one of our self-guided garden tour handouts highlighting native food cultivars with historical uses that are grown right here in the MSV gardens! 901 Amherst St, Winchester. $

NEWTOWN HISTORY CENTER – By reservation, Aug. 26-Sept. 4
The Newtown History Center will offer a program for homeschoolers to look for and discuss changes in food technology, as seen with artifacts in the Steele Bros. Store exhibit. 5408 Main St, Stephens City. Admission: $1 per student. $, K

OLD TOWN WINCHESTER WALKING TOUR – Friday, Sept. 1, 6pm
Take a historic walking tour of Old Town Winchester that showcases some important food-related business establishments, and includes food habits of Winchester residents from the past, including during the Civil War. $10 per person, call (540) 542-1326 or sign up online to make a reservation. 2 N. Cameron St, Winchester. $

PATSY CLINE HISTORIC HOUSE – Saturday, Sept. 2, 10am-4pm
Celebrate “Patsy’s Homegrown Roots” during the annual Patsy Cline Block Party! Learn how Patsy Cline’s family practiced small-scale subsistence farming while tasting two cakes from the family’s recipe book! “Patsy’s Homegrown Roots” is sponsored by Carter + Burton Architecture and Purcé – Market & Cafe. 608 S. Kent St, Winchester. K

SHENANDOAH VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM – Aug. 26 -Sept. 4, Open Wed-Sat, 9:30am to 3:30pm, Sun 12:30-3:30pm
Museum admission will include an apple for all visitors, information about the history of apples in Winchester, plus apple activities and crafts. Guests can also spend time in the Longhouse to learn more about Native Americans! 19 W. Cork St, Winchester. $, K

STONEWALL JACKSON’S HEADQUARTERS – Sun, Aug. 27 at 1pm, Thurs, Aug. 31 at 11am and Mon, Sept. 4 at 11am
Special presentation from Brian Daly – “Jackson, the Man and the Foods he Ate” From his book of maxims: Be temperate. Eat too little rather than too much. 415 N. Braddock Street, Winchester. $

SANCTUARY ON THE TRAIL at the WINCHESTER-FREDERICK COUNTY VISITORS CENTER – Sunday, Aug.27, 1-4pm
Celebrate the enduring legacies of American Indian Indigenous traditional and contemporary food and art forms with presentations from Indigenous historical
interpreters, craftspeople with demonstrations, dancing by Rick Perry (Cree, Aaniiih),and a special food documentary short-film. 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd, Winchester. K
1:30pm: Wild Food Nutrition and Pottery – Kayce Heister (Pamunkey)
2pm: Wild Food Foraging – Clay Morris (Arapaho)
2:30pm: Plants, Seeds, Bees and More – Carrie Fox (Lenape)
3pm: Indigenous Food Literature and Storytelling – René Locklear White (Lumbee)

Restaurants & breweries offering limited time menu items
August 26 – September 4

Participating restaurants and brewery:

Broken Window Brewing Company
Broken Window has brewed a special Pre-prohibition American Porter, a beer popular in the United States in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The barley used in this recipe is an older six-row barley ground at the historic Burwell-Morgan Mill. This type of porter is an American adaptation of an English Porter and includes chocolate rye and molasses in the recipe. 14 W. Boscawen St, Winchester.

High Point Restaurant
The restaurant will offer on their menu three dishes from Stephens City Food & Fables, a cookbook published for the Newtown Heritage Festival, including: Grandma’s Biscuits by Jaquetta Owen, Pork Chops with Butter Beans by Noel Anne Nuri Sciegaj, and Jesse’s Apple Cake by Jesse L. Curry.
5106 Main St, Stephens City.

Vault & Cellar
Specials will include Bourbon molasses glazed pork belly topped with pickled watermelon rind served with soup beans and cornbread, Rabbit dumplings, and Apple stack cake, in addition to flitch – a traditional potato candy from Appalachia.
Numerous drink specials will also be offered, including a bourbon flight with historic Virginia ties and Grandpa’s Gatorade cocktail – a recipe featuring switchel, historically created to replenish electrolytes after a hot day laboring outside, with apple cider vinegar, ginger, honey, salt balanced strawberry rhubarb shrub and Bowman Brothers Virginia made whiskey.
7843 Main St, Middletown.

Interactive experiences at Vault & Cellar:
August 30th at 6pm (Reservation: 540-508-0640)
“Create your own pickle” class – Chose your own spice mix and use local produce to create your own pickle!

September 1st at 6pm (Reservation: 540-508-0640)
Whiskey tasting class (Also available all week for independent tasting)

Locke Store
The Locke Store will be partnering with the Burwell-Morgan Mill to bake bread from wheat ground at the historic mill, where you can taste it paired with apple butter made fresh on the mill’s upstairs hearth. 2049 Millwood Rd, Millwood.

Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery
Bonnie uses an abundance of local meats and fresh produce from the Shenandoah Valley. Specials include Bonnie’s Hoecakes, one of George Washingtons favorite meals. They will also be offering homemade Apple Turnover Hand Pie, Bonnie Bar Dessert made fresh by Gabby, Bonnie’s baker.
334 W. Boscawen St, Winchester.

Posted on April 4, 2023

Windependent Weekend

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better place to do your most important shopping than right in your own neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, unforgettable experiences, or top quality service, shopping local is guaranteed to give you just as much as you give back by spending your dollars close to home. Skip the big box stores this year and join us in Old Town Winchester from November 25-27 for extended hours and special offers, and for the personal touch you won’t find anywhere else.

Offerings include:

Polka Dot Pot: Fri. 10am-5pm – Plaid Friday- 20% off all items painted with your 10 am reservation. Must be in the shop by 10:15 and items must be finished that day. Sat. 11am-7pm/Sun. 12pm-5pm – Free ornament to each painter

Lox Salon: Usual store hours – With all services enter to win a gift basket of Leaf & Flower Hair Products worth over $200.00

Posh Pets Boutique: Fri. 9:30am-7:30pm – All pet toys, beds and Holiday themed pet treats on sale. Sat. 9:30am-7:30pm – Sales on all pet toys, clothing (including coats and sweaters for pets) and holiday themed treats

Flashback 2.0: Fri. /Sat. 11am-6pm – 10 % off all T-shirts and $5 off of tapestries Sun. 11am-4pm – $5 off of tapestries

Winchester Book Gallery: Fri. 9am-9pm– Take an additional 10% off everything all day long. Snacks, tasty treats, free Christmas wrapping, and plenty of giveaways. Sat. 9am-9pm – WBG will host authors as honorary booksellers where they will be selling their favorite titles, signing books, giving readings, and more

Dividing Creek Beer Co.: Fri. 12pm-10pm – Offering a cask-conditioned Mild English Ale beginning at 2pm & showing the USA vs. Great Britain Soccer Match

Espresso Bar & Café: Usual store hours – 10% discount on Small Business Saturday with presentation of coupon

Thinker Toys: Usual store hours – Sale table with 20% off an assortment of store favorites and best sellers

Winchester Brew Works: Usual store hours – Free WBW glass with purchase of $50+. New merchandise and gift cards available for purchase

Wilkins Shoe Center: Fri. 9:30am-8pm – Pop up sales, chocolates, and giveaways. Sat. 9:30am-5pm – 10% off [some exclusions apply]

Abija Blue: Fri. 10am-5pm – Holiday Traditions Trivia Quiz! Answer why/how holiday traditions came to be and win a prize. Sat. 10am-5pm -Abija Blue with Apotheca will be serving Gluhwein and treats. Pet photo op: take pictures for the holidays with your pet/pets and use our Holiday Background and props $1-5. Fri./Sat./Sun. 10am-5pm – Doorbuster sales with up to 30% off select items

Life Tree Gallery: Fri./Sat./Sun 1pm-7pm – 10% off everything [all prints including original artwork, notecards, crafts, gifts, books, and all café purchases], limited time selection of holiday baked goods including eggnog cranberry muffins, white chocolate chip pumpkin cookies, and gluten free pumpkin spice oatmeal cookies. Free samples of holiday drink special for every visitor

Sage & Co: Fri. 8am-7pm – 20% off storewide from 8-9am, scratch-offs for 15-30% off all day. Free gift with purchase of $75+!

The Monument: Fri. 6-9pm – The Monument Marketplace Open House: shop local artisans with a cash bar and chance to win concert tickets! Sat 7pm – South x East Supper Club: A Worldly Flavors Pairing Dinner! Enjoy a 6 course culinary ride to South American and East Asian destinations. Supper $60 [includes 6 courses, tax, & gratuity] or Pairing $85 [includes 6 courses & 4 pairings, tax, & gratuity]. Doors open at 6:30pm. Sun. 12pm – Thank Yule For Being a Friend: A Golden Girls Holiday Musical Adventure from The Golden Gays Musical Drag Troupe. Show 18+. Doors 11am

Posted on November 21, 2022

7 Unique Boutiques in Winchester

All images by Megan Valentine on behalf of the Winchester-Frederick Co. Tourism Office

Living in the Winchester area my entire life, I’ve been able to scope out all the hot spots for shopping. So as my week-long internship with the Winchester-Frederick County Tourism Office was coming to an end, I was sent on a mission to check out the local boutiques. My first initial thought was sign me up, but then it occurred to me, this could lead to trouble and some money spent. Nonetheless, I hit the ground running and got to visit a majority of the boutiques in Winchester. A few hours later, I came back with a compiled list of the boutiques I visited (along with an idea for a new wardrobe). I’ve listed below a brief overview of those shops I visited*. I definitely encourage you to take the time to visit a few of these great local boutiques. ~Megan

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The Black Rose

“Dine, shop & relax”. This flourishing business is currently in their 6th year of business, and constantly expanding. With their newest addition, The Black Rose is your one stop shop. You can enjoy some freshly brewed coffee or tea and an all-natural sandwich with California flair, all while browsing the latest fashion collections such as Natural Life, Global Mamas and Soul Flower. But why stop there? The Black Rose Boutique now offers an exclusive Skincare Studio. Plus, this quaint boutique supports local and global artisans. 11 S Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA 22601

Scarpa Alta

Scarpa Alta has been in business for 12 years with 6 years at their current location. This cozy boutique offers a casual feel and is for “every woman.” Scarpa Alta has it all, from current fashion clothing to shoes and accessories to match. They will help keep your style and wardrobe fresh and up to date. Scarpa Alta carries lines such as Free People, Citizens of Humanity, Toms, Sam Edelman, and so much more. 10 S Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA 22601

Posh Pets Boutique

Here’s a boutique you don’t see every day, Posh Pets. Our furry friends need some TLC, too. “We’re more than a pet store” is a pretty spot-on quote. They offer all natural and holistic products to our 4-legged friends. Along with food, Posh Pets offers trainings, grooming, and pet sitting services. Posh Pets also works closely with the SPCA, Dakota’s Dream, and Shirley’s Angel Boxer Rescue. This family owned operation has been in business for 4 years and is open 7 days a week. 16 S Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA 22601

Simply Charming

This locally owned and operated business has been a success since their opening in 2004. The vision of Simply Charming is to empower women in the community. Simply Charming has a homey feel that’s comfortable and inviting. The staff is quick to help when they’re needed and strive to help you feel your best. This charming boutique stays up-to-date with current and trending brands such as Hobo, Corkcicle, Scout Bags, Ronaldo Jewelry and much more. Simply Charming provides much more than clothing, they offer shoes, accessories, and even household items. 28 W Piccadilly Street, Winchester, VA 22601

Kimberly’s

This up-scale boutique has continued to grow throughout its 27 years of business. Kimberly’s carries a multitude of merchandise, “from baby to sympathy notes.” The success of Kimberly’s created the need for a second building, Kids at Kimberly’s, which is located directly next to Kimberly’s. Unlike many boutiques, Kimberly’s goes the extra mile to incorporate the men in the community with McKee’s. McKee’s has its own separate entrance in the bottom of Kimberly’s, and this is the ultimate upscale man cave. The entire store offers brands such as Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, Lily Pulitzer, Spartina and so much more. I like to consider Kimberly’s the “Nordstrom of Boutiques.” 135 N Braddock Street, Winchester, VA 22601

Abija Blue

Abija Blue hasn’t been around as long as the others – they’ve only been open for about 3 years – but don’t let this fool you. Abija Blue carries the finest handmade goodies, both locally and globally crafted. With the needs of customers constantly changing, Abija Blue is hoping to become our area’s next gourmet shop. The hope for the future is to continue selling the same great artisan crafts, but also delve into the side of fine wines and hand-crafted sauces. Be on the lookout for this upcoming change. 126 N Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA 22601

Lantz’s Pharmacy and Gifts

This flourishing business has been a part of the Stephens City community for 27 years. When you hear the name “Lantz’s Pharmacy and Gifts” you admittedly don’t automatically think of a boutique, and that’s how Lantz’s differs from anyone else on this list. The pharmacy is a huge aspect of Lantz’s, but they’ve expanded their store to be much more than that. Lantz’s is a “gift boutique.” They offer a diverse place to shop with prices ranging from $10 to $200. When people think of Lantz’s, they want to be known as the “happy place”. Lantz’s offers a variety of products from some big brand names such as Spartina, Vera Bradley, Chamilia and Simply Southern that includes shoes, handbags, and accessories to candles, cards, and collectibles. 5015 Main Street, Stephens city, VA 22655

*Nobody gave us any advertising money, discounts or other consideration to be on this list – in fact, they already made some money from us visiting (and shopping) to write this blog 🙂

Coming soon:  Some cool finds that you probably wouldn’t expect here in the Winchester area, a look at where to get some awesome local ice cream, and a guide to catching some great local bands and performances…

 

Posted on March 28, 2016

LunaFest Film Festival for Women’s History Month

Girls on the Run Shenandoah Valley is proud to bring LUNAFEST 2021 to the Shenandoah Valley to celebrate Women’s History Month and raise funds for scholarships for the girls in our community. From one small California premiere in 2001 to over 200 screenings nationwide in 2020. We’re proud to partner with #LUNAFEST to create momentum and champion women. So grab a few friends, some popcorn, and get your ticket. 100% of proceeds benefit Girls on the Run Shenandoah Valley. We have two different ways for you to enjoy LUNAFEST this year: in person at the Alamo Drafthouse Winchester or from home.

The Alamo Drafthouse has partnered with Girls on the Run Shenandoah Valley to bring LUNAFEST to Winchester. Enjoy the full movie theater experience at the Alamo Drafthouse on March 3, 2021. There will be two different viewing options at the Alamo Drafthouse for the evening: a Girls on the Run family friendly 10 and up and a the Full LUNAFEST for 16 and up.

The 5:30 pm showing will be the Girls on the Run Family version of LUNAFEST featuring a special interview with filmmaker Meg Shutzer and pro softball player and Gold Glove winner AJ Andrews from the film Knocking Down the Fences. This program is recommended for 10 and up. Tickets can be purchase through the Alamo Drafthouse Online.
The 7:30 pm showing will full version of LUNAFEST is showing at 7:30 pm and is recommended for 16 and up. You can purchase your tickets online at the Alamo Drafthouse. Tickets can be purchase through the Alamo Drafthouse Online.

If you are not able to attend on March 3, we are offering a virtual screening the weekend of March 5-7. You can watch either the Girls on the Run Family Friendly Version with the interview of the AJ Andrews ($20) or the see the full LUNAFEST ($25). You can purchase your tickets online for you virutal at home viewing. You will have 48-hours to access the films starting at 5 PM EST on March 5th. Once the films have been unlocked, you will have a 24-hour viewing window on the virtual streaming platform Eventive. You may watch at your leisure, any time of the day; grab your popcorn and drink and settle in to enjoy these films in the comfort of your favorite chair.

More Information and Tickets

Posted on February 22, 2021

Candy Hill Campground

103 landscaped camp sites for tents or large RVs. Wireless internet, game room, laundry, camp store, playgrounds, swimming pool, rental bikes and golf carts. A trolley bus takes campers to local points of interest, for only $1-2 per person. Easy access to I-81.

Posted on September 27, 2017

Meet Santa

Meet Santa! Parents are encouraged to bring their kids to meet Santa and also bring their own cameras to take pictures. The events are free and open to the public. (No purchase necessary.)

– Sunday

The store will be providing milk and cookies to share with Santa and giving away candy canes.

The Grand Home Furnishings store is located at 1829 South Loudoun Street. For more information

Posted on July 5, 2017

9 Ways to Pass a Rainy Day in Winchester

Image courtesy Aaron Riddle Photography

We don’t get all of these beautiful natural surroundings for free here in the northern Shenandoah Valley – we must pay for them with the occasional rainy day. But don’t let that dampen your adventurous spirit or dash your hopes for a fulfilling visit. Here’s an inclement weather guide to help out the next time you’re in the Winchester area and the sun takes a day off…

 

1) Warm Up With a Cup of Coffee

Photo of Espresso Bar and Cafe by Winchester-Frederick Tourism

This can mark the beginning, middle or end of any day here in the area. Fortunately, we’ve got a pretty impressive array of local ‘joe’ hotspots that we’ve already listed out for you in our previous Coffee Hotspots blog. We even marked which ones have free wifi for you…

 

2) Discover a New Restaurant

Get your indoor al fresco dining fix at Umberto’s

We’ve got over 200 restaurants here in the Winchester & Frederick County area, so no excuses. Treat yourself to a fine dining experience somewhere like Joe’s Steakhouse, George’s Food & Spirits, Village Square, Violino Ristorante or Region’s 117 Lakefront Dining. Or maybe try one of our newer restaurants like Oak Stone Craft Pizza, Sclafani’s, Sweet NOLA’s, Paladin Bar & Grill or Smokey T’s Southern Kitchen.

 

3) Catch a Live Show

Image of the Bright Box from Facebook

Check out the calendars of Blue Fox, Brewbakers, the Bright Box, Stephen’s Jazz Café, SU Conservatory, Sweet NOLA’s, and the Winchester Little Theatre.

 

4) Catch a Canned Show (aka a Movie)

Image of the Alamo Drafthouse from their website

The Alamo Drafthouse is more than a top-notch, affordable movie theatre – they run a dizzying amount of special screenings, events and special programs. If you’ve got RainX on your windshield, the Family Drive-In is great on a rainy evening as you’ll avoid the crowds. And of course, we’ve got the AMC Theatre at the Apple Blossom Mall if you want to make an afternoon of it and wander around the mall.

 

5) Go Hiking

Image of small falls near Pinnacle Rock on the Tuscarora Trail by Winchester Tourism

Hiking on a drizzly day can be a transformative experience, as the earth comes alive in the rain and you’ll be at one with your surroundings. A couple of important caveats: a) thunder and lightning are a no-no, b) heavy rain can cause dangerous situations in the mountains, so be cautious and c) make sure you hit Mountain Trails outfitters in Old Town Winchester first to make sure you’ve got the gear, maps and local expertise to maximize your trip.

 

6) If You’ve Got Kids, Try These

Image of a brook trout at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum by Winchester Tourism

The Alamo Drafthouse, the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, the Apple Blossom Mall (has a kid’s play area), and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (check their site for current exhibits).

 

7) If Not, Have a Drink at One of These…

Image from Alesatian Brewing Co. Facebook page

…and be thankful for the rain as it’s growing more local grapes/hops/apples/grains that are used to make what you’re drinking. These are all on the brand new Shenandoah Spirits Trail, but we’ll break them down for you anyway. Breweries: Alesatian Brewing Co, Broken Window Brewing, Escutcheon Brewing Co., Winchester Brew Works. Wineries: Briede Family Organic Vineyard, James Charles Winery, Valerie Hill Winery. Cidery: Winchester Cider Works.

 

8) Finally Get to That Museum

Image of Abram’s Delight historic house by Winchester Tourism

Been looking for an excuse to get out to one of our great museums?  Now’s a perfect time.  Open year-round:  Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, Old Court House Civil War Museum.  Open seasonally (check site for dates):  Abram’s Delight, Belle Grove Plantation, George Washington’s Office, Newtown History Museum (Stephens City), Patsy Cline House, Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters Museum.

 

9) Or, the Default Rainy Day Activity: Go Shopping!

Image of shopping in Old Town Winchester by David Polivka

First, check out our Boutique Shopping Guide we created recently to get you around to all the cool, local boutique shops. But don’t stop there; our main shopping hotspots include:

• Old Town Winchester (Winchester Book Gallery, Old Town Silversmiths, Bell’s Clothing, Incredible Flying Objects, Tin Top Art, Flavor Pourfection, Wilkin’s Shoe Center, Old Town General Store, White House Country Store and many more)
• Creekside Station (LOFT, Chico’s, Talbots, Coldwater Creek, Jos. A. Bank and more)
• Apple Blossom Mall (Belk, JC Penney, Sears, Rue 21, Charlotte Russe, Hollister and more)

And yes, if you insist, we even have a Costco 🙂

 

As always, no business paid to be on this list – we just wanted to help get you out of that nice hotel room and exploring, even if it is a bit rainy!

Posted on October 7, 2016 Next