Return to Virginia Business - January 2003

by Douglas Forshey

Winding lazily at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains is state Route 624, which takes you through the heart of scenic Clarke County. My family’s destination is the annual Shenandoah Balloon and Wine Festival. It’s held every year on the 400-acre Long Branch estate, some 60 miles due west of Washington, D.C., near the town of Millwood.

Giant hot-air balloons and Virginia wines might seem an unlikely combination, but there couldn’t be a more scenic locale to host the event. Held annually in the fall to take full advantage of the autumn foliage, the festival draws crowds from several states.
But you don’t have to wait until October to enjoy the homespun hospitality of Clarke County. Festivities run year round. The Long Branch estate, with its sprawling gardens, working horse farm, and 18th-century brick manor house, is open throughout the winter for group tours and special events. Beginning in December, the estate is transformed into a holiday wonderland with its weekend Christmas and New Year’s tours and nightly holiday illuminations — a drive through the historic property illuminated by thousands of miniature white lights.

The estate is also a full-time stable, home to retired thoroughbreds donated to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. For more information on the foundation, donating or adopting horses from the group, visit its Web site at www.trfinc.org.
Also in the winter, the Shenandoah Valley Astronomical Society takes advantage of the crystal-clear winter night sky once a month for an evening of viewing the constellations. Attendees should bring their own telescopes, binoculars and warm blankets. Society members are on hand to guide amateur astronomers.

In February, the estate presents a Monday evening lecture series focusing on topical subjects. The beautifully restored manor house is located in picturesque surroundings and has been a place of memorable weddings since 1913. To highlight the location, Long Branch will host a bridal showcase the last week in February. Details for both can be found on the Web site www.historiclongbranch.com, or by calling 888-558-5567. Other popular events coming up in the spring include the annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Spring Fling Dinner and Dance and Clarke County Day.

My own pleasant Long Branch experience, however, began on a Friday evening in October, with a so-called Balloon Glow at dusk. More than 35 brightly colored balloons were inflated, lit and remained tethered to the ground. Saturday morning brought a sunrise balloon launch, which is particularly spectacular on a clear day.

The rest of the event had us walking among rows of rural crafts intermingled with glitzy carnival rides and games. There, old world charm mixed with honky-tonk glitz. Specialty shops offered assortments of cheeses, gourmet breads, jams and sauces, along with locally handcrafted accessories. An antique car show was a center of attention during the day, as classic restored cars from the early 1900s through the ’60s were on display in a field adjacent to the festival. The massive festival grounds also offered enough open space for hayrides and a thrilling ride on “Gravedigger” the monster truck, which was a particularly big hit with the kids.

In fact, children of all ages found something to do. There were live musicians, an educational display on wind by the Shenandoah Discovery Museum, a demonstration of fire-fighting apparatus by the Old Dominion Fire Society, as well as various costumed characters who appeared throughout the day. A number of hands-on activities and a Children’s Amphitheater with live entertainment every hour kept young ones busy.

For adults, a particular highlight was the Wine Festival. For a mere $5 you could purchase an official souvenir wine goblet and wander around the wine tent, sampling some of Virginia’s finest reds, whites and sparkling champagnes.

We capped off the day with a second balloon launch into the sunset. Rather than taking off in unison, the balloons are inflated two or four at a time with their bright blue flames providing buoyant hot air. My kids especially enjoyed the rising of “Oggy” the 140-foot tall green dragon-shaped balloon. Not a bad ending to a very enjoyable weekend.

Virginia Business - January 2003