Rediscovering America_ Exploring the Small Towns of Virginia & Maryland - Bill Burnham [46]
Why “Little Washington?”
The town’s nickname distinguishes it from its big sister, the District of Columbia. But Virginia’s Washington actually came first. The town was surveyed in 1749 by then 17-year-old George Washington, who laid out the streets and gave it his name. However, even before Washington came, the crossroads was a thriving frontier trading post where whites set up trade with Indians. Several homes in town have clapboards over the log cabin structures, and are still occupied by descendants of the original owners.
Attractions
Sunnyside Farms, which supplies the Sunnyside Farm Market in town as well as many fine restaurants in the mid-Atlantic region, is one of Virginia’s oldest working farms, dating to 1720. Tours of the farm, an experiment in sustainable agriculture using natural compost and heirloom plants, are given Saturdays, May-November, by appointment. (tel. 540-675-2627, www.sunnysidefarms.com)
Eastwood Nurseries grows all kinds of Japanese Maples and gives tours by appointment. (634 Long Mountain Road, Washington, tel. 540-675-1234, www.japanesemaples.com)
Cornucopia Farm raises white doves for releases at special events. Don’t worry – they’re homing doves and have no trouble returning to the farm. If you’re considering a white dove release, they’ll give you a tour and a free demonstration (394 Hunter Road, Washington, tel. 540-675-2336, www.virginiadoves.com). At Tulip Hill Farm you can see miniature donkeys being raised. (6 Midnight Lane, Castleton, tel. 540-987-8566, www.tuliphillfarm.com)
Nearby wineries include: Farfelu Vineyard in Flint Hill open year-round, Thursday through Monday, 11 am-5 pm (tel. 540-364-2930, www.farfelu.com). In Amissville, Gray Ghost Vineyard is open Friday through Sunday and federal holidays, 11 am-5 pm; and weekends only in January and February (tel. 540-937-4869). Linden Vineyards in Linden is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am-5 pm; weekends only December-March. Weekends feature educational tours at 11:30 am (tel. 540-364-1997, http://lindenvineyards.com). Oasis Winery in Hume offers tastings daily from 10 am to 5 pm, year-round ($5 charge), with tours at 1 and 3 pm. You can have a gourmet lunch or purchase a Davidoff cigar and sit on the cigar patio. (tel. 540-635-7627, www.oasiswine.com)
The First Washington’s Museum has an 18th-century kitchen, a one-room school, and an historic room detailing the history of Rappahannock County and the town of Washington. Open April 15 to October 15. (198 Main Street, tel. 540-675-3352)
The Theatre at Washington stages professional dramatic and musical performances, including the Smithsonian at Little Washington chamber music series. Feature films are shown two Friday nights a month at 8 pm. (Corner of Gay and Jett streets, tel. 540-675-1253, www.theatre-washington-va.com)
Ki Community Arts presents programs, festivals and educational events in the Old Town Hall. Also housed here is Ki Theatre, a professional company that tours worldwide. (310 Gay Street, tel. 540-675-1615, www.kitheatre.com)
TRIVIA: George Washington named the town’s streets after the first families to own land: Jett, Wheeler, Porter and Calvert.
Dining
In the dining room at The Inn at Little Washington (see below), fresh flower arrangements adorn every table. Luxurious fabrics hang from the ceilings, fringed silk-shaded lamps over each table. The wine cellar boasts 14,000 bottles. You’ll need to make a reservation at least two weeks in advance, and plan on spending at least $100 per pserson for dinner. (Middle and Main streets, tel. 540-675-3800)
The Country Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in a casual setting. Chicken, seafood, pork, fresh salads, homemade soup, desserts and ice cream. Located in the same building as the post office, across from the fountain. (389-A Main Street, tel. 540-675-1066)
Sunnyside Farm Market, located in one of the oldest mercantiles