The Wytheville Farmers Market

When it comes to the Farmers Market, I know I have a tendency to go a little overboard, but our market has a growing and well deserved reputation for excellence. Aside from the products offered, it is also becoming a weekly social event. I mean really….anyone who is anyone goes to the market to shop and just hang out. Come by for a cup of Dave Richert’s coffee and one of Roxanne Winesett’s cheese Danishes and get your morning started right.

Crystal Springs Recreation Area

This weekend is the perfect opportunity to take the kids or that special someone for some quality time in the great outdoors. Call ahead to Fran’s Deli (276-578-2005) for a picnic lunch, and spend the afternoon exploring Crystal Springs Recreation Area. The newest addition to area parks, located on Pump Hollow Road just south of town, has something for everyone.

West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery

David Manley invites you to join his family and friends Saturday evening to help celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the opening of West Wind’s tasting room. Dance to the soul sounds of Winston Salem’s Envision from 6-9 pm in one of the county’s most relaxing environments. Have a little wine and some mouth-watering North Carolina barbecue. It’s a southern beach party mountain style. Click the blogroll link for contact information.

Bernie is a musician’s musician, and he’s played with many of the great ones. He, along with fiddle player Martin Scudder and bassist Tom Klingelhoffer, perform a unique fusion that blends jazz, bluegrass, American roots, and country with a little rock ‘n roll and gypsy guitar thrown in for good measure. Much of the music features Bernie’s own lyrical compositions. For better than two hours we were taken on a musical journey by three accomplished musicians who appeared to be having just as much if not more fun than their appreciative audience.

All you foodies out there take note. There’s a new sheriff in town, and if Friday night’s meal of American tapas (small plates) is any indication of things to come, we have a new destination restaurant. Shana Criner, a regional executive with Subway Restaurants, is the new proprietor of the Over the Moon Gallery Cafe. She and her staff are developing a menu based on locally sourced and seasonal products. The small but focused wine list features several excellent selections from Floyd County wineries. They also offer a nice variety of micro brewed beer, and baked goods that are to die for.

Based on one visit to each restaurant, I consider the food at Over the Moon to be far superior to the more famous Harvest Table near Abingdon. Not only is the food better, it is also a much better value. Additionally, the Cafe Gallery showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen, some of which is museum quality. I’ll have more to say about this little jewel after I’ve had a chance to visit a few more times, but I urge you to give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.