Commemorate President’s Day In Orange County, Virginia
President’s Day
President’s Day is fast approaching. While most of the country is happy commemorating this day with a new kitchen appliance or a good sale on living room furniture President’s Day is serious business in Virginia! Often called the Mother of American Presidents, Virginia was home to eight of our nation’s top leaders. Don’t be fooled by Orange County’s picturesque scenery the Orange County Presidential story is one for the History books! Orange County claims ties to two of the eight Virginia Presidents as the birthplace of Zachary Taylor at Montebello and having the ancestral home of our 4th President, James Madison at Montpelier. Thomas Jefferson lived in neighboring Albemarle County so he, too spent time working and exploring in Orange, Virginia. History abounds here. Whether touring the Mere Distinction of Colour Exhibit at Montpelier or enjoying a flight of Virginia wines overlooking the Thomas Jefferson designed Barbousville Ruins or driving past President Taylor’s birth site on the way to amazing BBQ at the BBQ Exchange in Historic Gordonsville, Orange County is the perfect Presidential destination for your holiday weekend!
If your family likes to sprinkle in a bit of History with it’s outdoor recreation Orange County can definitely accommodate that preference. James Madison’s Montpelier is surrounded by 8 miles of trails winding through its Old-Growth Landmark Forest. Trail heads are just below the parking lot at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and a trail map can be found at this link. Eight different trail options or loops await! OR, If you want to experience those Blue Ridge views just like Madison and Jefferson, but you’d rather not do the walking yourself consider a horseback trail ride with Oakland Heights Farm. No experience is necessary to saddle up and explore with their equestrian experts. Tours are offered seven days a week and anyone ages 6 and up can participate.
Lastly if President’s Day really just means a day off to relax and rejuvenate Orange County also has a host of options to make the most of your day away from the office and leave you feeling refreshed. Grab your friends and book a treatment at the Mill House Spa at the Inn at Willow Grove, make a reservation for fine dining or Farm-to-Table fare at Forked on Main, Palladio Restaurant, Provisions Market Table, Well Hung Vineyard, or Vintage Restaurant. Then hit the Wine Trail with Central Virginia Wine Tours and leave the driving to someone else. Certainly some time exploring the Virginia countryside and tasting the local vintage is the type of Presidential celebration our Founding Father’s would encourage.
Need something to do this President’s Day? Check out Orange County, Virginia! Nestled in the Blue Ridge Foothills and only a short drive from Richmond, Charlottesville, and Washington DC – Orange County is a community where the past is abundantly present.
