7/29/2019 GAIL SAYS GO TO VIRGINIA

1/1

As the Regional Director of NY andNJ for the International Food ,

Wine and Travel Association, Idlike to recommend a drive or fly

The Kluge Winery and Estate, 220acres where they grow all their own

grapes, is a must see & the KlugeEstate Wines are recognized as top ofthe line. Also well known for exoticcheeses , the Albemarle Va 2007 is agreat alternative to Chardonnay.www.klugeestateonline.com

The 200-year-old Michie Tavern inCharlottesville, has a buffet with atrue taste of the 18th century oftypical Southern Fare. The SouthernChicken & smooth staff, with many

here 4 generations, in periodcostumes, is a great experience.www.michietavern.com

The Poe Museum tells the story of EdgarAllen Poe, inventor of the mystery novel.We lunched in the garden & were treatedto a lovely lunch, wine tasting of Sherrysfrom Spain, called the Unhappy Cask ofAmontillado Tasting. A reading of TheTell Tale Heart in the Enchanted Garden byRyan Taylor, who definitely resurrected thecelebrated poet. The museum is in the OldStone House is the oldest standing housein Richmond.Loved the Mortiado Sherry .www.vahistorical.org. In honor of the PoeBicentennial. Richmond was Poeshometown & where he first gained anational literary reputation,

Have lunch at Buz and Neds & you willsee why the BBQ picnic style with avariety of lip smacking ribs, hush

puppies, chocolate brownies & specialbeer brew is here 14 years . OwnerBuzz slayed Bobby Flay on BBQ TV,www.bud@ buzzandneds.com and Iknow why. Everythings dazzling.

Chef Nancys cook with the press dinnerwas a taste treat. A wine pairing by MitziBattetson of James River Cellars Winerywith the fab Gewurztramier Wine pairedwell with luscious Crab Cakes andNancys unique plated seasonal Southernfoods were outstanding. Our membersassisted in the preparations & had a fun

eve. www.jamesrivercellars.com &www.richmonddowntown.doubletree.com.

Wine tasting at fabulous New KentWinerythat opened in 2008, is not your

average winery. It serves as the anchorof a new residential development thatincludes amenities such as a ReesJones championship golf course,shops,boutiques, polo grounds,walking paths & luxury home sites inits Viniterra section. A spa is comingtoo. Built from materials reclaimedfrom Richmond Region buildings &structures over a century old, this visitis a plumb.. The White Norton wine isto die for. www.NewKentVineyards.com

Dinner at Juleps. New SouthernCuisine is this restaurants claim tofame. Located in Historic ShockoeBottom, Juleps occupies the oldestcommercial building in the city ofRichmond (1817). An open kitchen and

sexy staircase sets the delicious diningstage. www.juleps.net

Executive Chef Dean Maupin serves extraordinarydelicacies at the celebrated Cliftons.www.cliftoninn.net. Established in 1799, indoor &outdoor dining, is highlighted by a marvelous wineroom, where we were treated to a Chefs special dinner.The spectacular wine pairing, by owner Anthony Champof the White Hall Vineyards was great. In the 2007Chardonnay Franc I tasted Violet Blackberry, Raspberry& a bit of Vanilla. This is Charlottesvilles champion.www.whitehallvineyards.com

Boars Head Inn in Charlottsville isthe ultimate destination forromance, and family fun. I amplanning my return . Elegantlycasual with a darling perfectlyappointed hotel, restaurant, spagolf course & sports center, whereeven breakfast is spectacular is a

special destination.www.boarsheadinn.com

The exquisite Jefferson Hotel ofRichmond, here, here since 1865 hasso much history & is a Five-Diamondproperty, illustrating classic Southerncharm. Many say the grand staircasein the Jeffersons lobby was theinspiration for the Gone with the Windstaircase. A reception at Lemairerestaurant with Chef Walter Bundytaught us about his farm to tablephilosophy, using regional produce &herbs. www.jeffersonhotel.com

MICHIE

TAVERN

THE POE

MUSEUMBUZ &

NEDS

CHEFS TABLE

DINNER AT

DOUBLETREE

HOTELNEW

KENT

WINERY

KLUGE

WINERY

BOARS

HEAD

INN

Carrytowns charming Can Can Brasserieof Richmond, sells French wine similarto the Brasserie in France. The Frenchcasual menu owned by Chef Chris a CIAgrad First drive to strip mall on East

Coast Many Provincal-inspired disTheyare in a strip mall that was the first driveto strip mall on the East Coast.www.canbrasserie.com

CAN CAN

BRASSERIE

JULEPS

THE

JEFFERSON

HOTEL

WHITE HALL

VINEYARDS

BYGAIL GERSON-WITTE &CAROLYNDELAFRANGE

to Richmond, and Charlottesville, Virginia and you will findsomething for everyone. From exotic wineries to exotic gardens to

superb restaurants, to fascinating museums as you breatheAmerican history, this fascinating trip is just an hour away byplane and 5 by car. . The Richmond Metropolitan Conventionand Visitors Bureau introduced us to 4 centuries of history

WWW.VISITRICHMONDVA.COM I loved St. Johns Church,where Patrick Henry gave his famous give me liberty

or give me death speech and HollywoodCemetery, where President Monroe and

President Tyler are both buried.

CLIFTON

HOUSE

GAIL SAYS

GO TOVIRGINIA