Of Villains and Violence: Four County Players deserves accolades for Othello

I kiss'd thee ere I kill'd thee; no way but this / Killing myself to die upon a kiss" (Othello, Act V, Scene ii). A hush falls over the audience as the Moor of William Shakespeare’s Othello inflicts a mortal wound upon himself, falling dead upon the body of his murdered wife, Desdemona. Reveling in the cathartic spirit of the moment, the audience lets the profound sadness and wretched display of humanity penetrate the atmosphere at Orange, Virginia’s Four County Players, a theater company that puts on an entertaining and emotional rendition of one of Shakespeare’s most poignant tragedies. Every member of the cast demonstrates a marked affinity for Shakespearean English, adding linguistic beauty to a passionately acted plot. Not bad for a small town community theater; not bad at all.

While the quality of the actors is enough to please the most ardent drama lovers, the quirky ambience of the Four County playhouse and the intimate stage setting provide ample appeal to the casual theater-goer as well. A renovated school house now serves as the local community theater, and there is something inherently exciting about walking into an old schoolroom after dark. Contemporary floodlights illuminate the yellow wooden frame of the single story building and light the unpaved pathway that leads from the grassy lawn and improvised parking lot to the bright red double doors. The hall is packed for the Friday evening show, a bargain theater experience for the paltry sum of $5 per ticket. At an old-fashioned ticket window, complete with a wrought iron decorative arc that spans the sales booth, I quickly purchase a ticket and slip into the auditorium at the end of the hallway.

The simple, movie theater-esque cushioned seats of the playhouse fan out in an arc across the width of the room. About 20 rows of chairs stretch from within a foot of the stage to the far end of the playhouse, providing seating for a small audience of up to 200 people. The beauty of such a small venue is that every spectator is guaranteed a good seat. Even from the last row, the facial expressions of the actors are clearly discernible. And the gentle, downward slope of the room prevents any audience members from inadvertently obstructing the view of the theater-goers seated behind them. The vaulted ceiling of the former classroom provides great acoustic sound, and from my seat in the last row of the theater, I can clearly hear each line of the play - especially important when listening to Shakespearean dialogue.

With community theater, the quality of the actors is often less than stellar, but the performers at the Four County Players on this particular night are mostly solid practitioners of their craft. Many of the locally born and bred thespians are veterans of the Orange theatre scene who spend their days in the office and their nights and weekends on the stage. Experience is not always the best indicator of acting ability, though, as evidenced by the rather lackluster performance of Ray Smith, appearing in the title role of Othello. Though a graduate of Toronto’s Second City Theatre Conservatory and a nine-year veteran of the acting world, Smith’s portrayal of Othello lacks true emotional conviction, leaving the audience only too well aware that the man onstage is a modern actor, not a convincing embodiment of the 16th century Venetian general of Shakespearean fame. The true star of the show is a novice to the theater scene: David Vaughn Straughn, who shines as the villainous Iago. You hate to root for the scoundrel who, motivated by sheer jealousy and scorned pride, corrodes the love between the noble Othello and the virtuous Desdemona (portrayed by Claire McGurk), leaving a trail of death and destruction in his wake. Nonetheless, you somehow find yourself drawn into the compelling machinations of the articulate and emotive character. Even as you mourn for the murdered Desdemona and grieve for Othello as he realizes the error of his ways, you can’t help but feel slightly less than sad when the sometimes grating intonation of the title character comes to an end, albeit in a tragic way.

Though the acting abilities of some of the cast members of Othello are less than stellar, all of the thespians pull off the look of the 16th century Venetian soldiers and ladies that they portray; a testament to the costume and set designers of the production. The stark rouge uniforms of the men include blazers embellished with burnished gold buttons, tapering into coattails that extend the length of the frame; fitted trousers of a matching hue; and heavy, shining black boots. In the more heated scenes of the play, the characters reach for their rapiers, gripping the gilded handles of the weapons and maneuvering the slick swords in dramatic arcs and swoops so that the stage lighting glints off of the steel. In contrast to the fitted vestments of the male warriors, the leading ladies of the stage appear in voluminous dresses, tightly corseted about the waist and extending into ample skirts that could contain two wearers rather than one. Elegant detailing such as delicate lace neck and cuff lines and beaded silver edging on the bodice of the scarlet gowns (red is a fitting motif for this violent play) provide plenty of amusement for the eye.

Behind the vibrant characters, the stage is set with a scene of subtle elegance and natural splendor: a columned esplanade serves as the backdrop for the entirety of the play, with the edifice’s arches revealing a roaring seascape behind. As the play progresses from the streets of Venice to the island of Cyprus, the neutral backdrop proves surprisingly versatile. A stairway is built into the scenery, adding depth to the stage as the characters move up and down the split levels along the columned length of the playhouse. At the far left and right extremities of the platform, velvet curtains serve as the access points to the stage. Desdemona makes frequent use of these illusory exterior rooms, emerging periodically to praise, chastise, or implore her husband, Othello. The simplicity of the stage design is compensated for by the artistry of the sparse scene, which is painted in vibrant colors and set in lovely contrast to the darkened wings of the auditorium.

Despite the imperfections of the cast and a few intervals of lagging action in the play, Four County Players delivers a stirring rendition of Othello, including a finale rife with powerful emotion and cathartic effect. At bargain prices, in a unique venue, and thanks to passionate actors, community theater gets a makeover at Four County Players in Orange, VA.

Pick Your Wine, Pick Your Treats, and Don’t Forget to Pick Up Your Friends for the First Annual Pick of the Piedmont Festival

Slowly, smoothly, serenely: eight skydivers make a graceful descent from the heavens, soaring, twirling, gliding their way towards the grassy landing space of Skydive Orange. Buttercup yellow, rich plum, and patriotic red, white, and blue parachutes draw the eye of every land-bound spectator upward, to where the acrobats of the sky unwittingly perform for the audience below. On a perfect fall afternoon, in the waning weeks of October, at the peak of fall foliage for Virginia’s Piedmont region, the vibrant chutes compete with the glory of the tree limbs in the background. From the ridge of Boosters Park – a youth baseball field turned special events venue – a tree line of deciduous beauties stretches into the horizon, as far as the eye can see. The scarlet, burnt orange, and golden foliage along country route 20 is set ablaze by the late afternoon sun as the revelers at the first annual Pick of the Piedmont Wine Festival revel in the vino and joie de vivre that flow freely at this fall celebration.

Within the state of Virginia, Orange County might pass under the radar of most residents living more than 30 miles away, but on the national wine circuit, Orange is leaving its mark as home to some of the finest vineyards in one of the country’s premier wine-making regions. Virginia is host to the fifth-largest contingent of wine producing enterprises in the nation, with 85 wineries and 262 vineyards in operation as of 2004. And Orange County is home to two of the most lauded wineries in the state: Barboursville Vineyards and Horton Cellars. Based upon the astronomical success of its seminal red wine varietal, Octagon, Barboursville Vineyards has become a respected presence in some of the most prominent national and international wine competitions. In addition to the gold medal that the varietal earned at the Critics Challenge International Wine Competition in California in 2008, the Octagon Eighth Edition 2005 was named Best Overall Red Wine at the World Wine Championships in Chicago in 2009. A less traditional but no less exciting accolade came in the form of the selection of the Octagon Eighth Edition as the red wine of choice for the Inauguration Conservation Gala thrown for Barack Obama by the International Conservation Caucus Foundation.

Having established itself as a major force in the competitive field of winemaking, Orange is hosting a celebration of sorts with the Pick of the Piedmont festival, inviting neighboring wineries to come to the County's home turf and display their wares for hundreds of thirsty revelers. With a dozen vineyards each showcasing selections of up to ten wines, ranging from the standard red and white varietals to seasonally-inspired specialty makes, there is guaranteed to be a taste (or two or three) to please every palate. Wines are poured under a wooden pavilion that normally serves as a concession stand arena on Saturdays during the fall and spring, when little league football and baseball teams compete in the grassy fields adjacent to today’s festival grounds. Buyers who plan ahead can get a bargain price for the event, spending a mere $12 to sample wines from a dozen vineyards, which have set up booths under the wooden pavilion; most of these wineries charge a higher price just to sample their individual, in-house varieties. From the rosy glow and animated chatter of the attendees on Sunday afternoon, the finale of the 2-day festival running from October 24th to 25th, it seems that people are taking advantage of the sampling bonanza.

Though the “pick of the piedmont” happens to be wine at this particular event, there’s plenty of other tasty treats, not to mention music and entertainment, to please all ages and tastes. If the next vineyard stand on your tasting notes guide – a handy, bright yellow brochure distributed at the entrance booth – happens to be mobbed, take a moment away from the wine and line your stomach with some tasty food. Though there’s a certain refinement associated with the world of wines, the food at Orange’s oenophile festival is decidedly understated; more fair food than gourmet cuisine. This is not necessarily a bad thing, if you happen to be one of the dozen or so kids scampering about Booster Park or if your taste buds tend to gravitate towards the simpler things in life. Orange County may not be known as a multicultural food mecca, but the vendors at today’s event are selling an interesting array of culinary treats. What would a Virginia festival be without that Southern staple: pork BBQ? Luckily, you won’t have to worry about that frightening scenario at this event, for a tell-tale charcoal roaster can be seen from ten feet away, indicating that slow-roasted pork goodness awaits. At the family-run BBQ stand, two teenage girls stand ready to take your order or, if you’re struck by indecision at the choice of either the sweet Memphis or tangy North Carolina-style meat, to offer you samples of both, fresh from the grill. While the prices are slightly steep, with a simple BBQ pork sandwich – coleslaw included – running at $6.50, you’ll forget about your wallet qualms when you take a big bite of the tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned meat.

Aside from home-style Americana, there are also Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes available from the Pick of the Piedmont food stands. At Luigi’s bright yellow vending van, classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs and specialty subs, including chicken parmagiana, can be bought for $6 or $7 apiece. About five feet away, a unique amalgamation of foods, ranging from chicken wings served atop French fries to lamb kabobs and gyro sandwiches, are on sale in a Near Eastern-style fast food tent. Free market principles are apparently on display in this tasty treat corridor, for each of the entrees at this latter stand are advertised for $6 as well. Let your stomach guide your step; based on the smiles of the diners seated at the yellow plastic picnic tables or lounging upon blankets on the expansive grassy spread of the park grounds, there’s not a bad meal to be had.

Just as with wines, the dessert options are the stars of the show at the Pick of the Piedmont (okay, maybe there’s a little bit of bias behind that statement, but the lines at the sweet treat vendors can’t be ignored). Simply Susan’s, a catering company specializing in baked goods, has a series of tantalizing sweets displayed on a tabletop bursting with autumnal colors and harvest décor. The deep orange pumpkins imprinted on the tablecloth beneath the goodies and the plastic decorative gourds in the cornucopias on display hint at the fall harvest theme that is baked into the dishes. Apple turnovers and tarts, pumpkin rolls, and a gorgeous pumpkin pie cupcake are the highlighted foods of the fall menu at Susan’s, but traditionalists will find plenty of standard bakery fare, such as chocolate muffins and oatmeal-raisin cookies, when perusing the baskets of goodies. The longest lines extend from the Virginia Kettle Corn Company booth, a ubiquitous presence at the fairs and festivals of the Piedmont region and a favorite of kids and grown-ups alike. And as the temperature flirts with 70 degrees, CJ’s Soft Serve begins to steal patrons from the wine booths, as men and women suddenly become more intrigued in a vanilla cone than a glass of pinot.

Rising above the buzz of the crowd, whose animated chatter emanates from the wine booths at the center of Boosters Park and spreads as far as the gravel parking lot at the outer edge of the ballfield, comes the musical accompaniment of the afternoon: Radio Nowhere. Walking toward the event, the refrains of “Free Bird” bring a smile to my face, setting the tone for an afternoon of laid-back fun, yet another reminder that wine can be enjoyed in the open air, in jeans and tee-shirts, and in the company of old friends and gregarious strangers-of which there are many on this particular afternoon. The instrumentals of the group are solid, though the lyrics, when you get close enough to actually discern the words, are being sung slightly off-key. Whether it’s an effect of the free-flowing wine or the absolutely invigorating fall country air, the audience doesn’t seem to mind the tone of the lead vocalist in the least, and there’s a collective sigh of disappointment when the group prepares to exit the stage mid-afternoon.

Music lovers might be disappointed, but true foodies are ready to rush the stage as the next act, Chef Randy Cooper from the local restaurant Elmwood at Sparks, sets up for a cooking demonstration. Onlookers pack the small seating area arranged in front of the demo table and line the white picket fence that encloses the exhibition space. Though the acoustics for the event are unfortunate – only front-row viewers have any shot of hearing the chef’s play-by-play of how to cook a white wine, cranberry-glazed chicken – the sight and smell of the dish holds the attention of the salivating audience members. Within fifteen minutes, the breaded chicken cutlets have been doused in the fruit and wine reduction, and the chef’s assistant has cut the meat into bite-size portions, distributed as samples to the eager demo spectators. The dish has a definite kick to it, with the supremely tender meat and vibrant fruit elements taking a back seat to the white wine flavor. Sadly, the taste of the entrée is less impressive than the appearance, but after the unique experience of witnessing a highly trained chef executing his craft, you'll still walk away satisfied. The closing event of the wine-tasting weekend is an apt metaphor for the two-day festival itself: elegant fare served in an approachable fashion; audience-pleasing, live entertainment; and an inescapable joviality that seems to fall from the sky, in tandem with those skydivers.

Robinson's Tavern and Grill: Never Judge a Book by Its Cover

Masters of deception: the term is hardly ever applied to restaurateurs, but you can’t help but think of this cliché when you walk into Robinson’s Tavern and Grill in Orange, VA. To the right of the restaurant's entryway, a vacuum bag salesroom; to the left, an Exxon fueling station. But once you wrestle the solid oak front doors open and step into the strip mall eatery, you’re immediately transported beyond the humble exterior of this new addition to the local restaurant scene. Your expectations for the evening will rise three-fold when the pleasant attendant waiting behind the dark wood paneled hostess stand leads you around a corner and into a dining area comprised of about 15 simple tabletops covered with crisp, white linen cloths. The crackle and glow from a blazing fireplace built into the wall opposite the diners makes me almost grateful for the early chill and icy rain that have descended upon central Virginia, so cozy is the mood created within this intimate dining room. After settling into a comfortable four-top table abutting a decorative bookcase that spans the width of the room, I force myself to stop peeping at the rustic and Civil War era décor of the room long enough focus upon the critical task at hand: choosing food and wine for the night.

It turns out I’ve gotten serious about my dining duty just in the nick of time, for no sooner have I finished perusing the extended wine list than my dinner guest and I are greeted by our server for the evening. Providing high-quality service is obviously a point of pride at Robinson’s, for the greeting that we receive at the table is just as warm as the welcome that came from the hostess when we first entered the building. To the standard opener – what can I get y’all to drink? (uttered in a smooth Southern drawl), we have a ready answer; a glass of Turning Leaf White Zinfandel ($7; $18 per bottle) and a Diet Coke, no ice. With the drink order out of the way and the server on a beverage run, we hunker down with the menu in hand and peruse our dinner options for the evening. The restaurant specializes in fine quality American fare, so the selections include prime cuts of beef, a variety of seafood options, and several intriguing chicken dishes. Amongst the comprehensive menu items are a Grilled Rib-Eye or New York Strip Steak, available in 8, 10, or 12 oz portions; a surf and turf inspired, crabmeat-stuffed Beef Filet; grilled salmon; a seafood platter of broiled or fried flounder, jumbo shrimp, and fresh scallops; and crabmeat stuffed flounder or shrimp. In addition to the meat and potatoes spectrum, Robinson’s menu includes a handful of pasta dishes, ranging from the traditional chicken parmesan with spaghetti to the gourmet seafood linguine.

Though we’ve been mulling over the menu for a good ten minutes, it’s extremely difficult to settle upon a dish for the evening; it’s a good problem to have, and I don’t lament any indecision sparked by an overly appetizing array of menu options. Through careful analysis and a semi-haphazard process of elimination, I decide to bypass the evening specials – a tough decision considering my personal love of prime rib, which is one of the Friday night highlights, along with a carnivorous trifecta of filet of beef, lamb, and pork medallions. I even eschew the pasta dishes, including chicken fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti with a meaty Bolognese sauce, and shrimp and scallops linguine in a traditional al oglio (i.e. garlic and oil sauce), all of which tempt the carbaholic in me, per usual. When our server returns bearing beverages and a round baguette of fresh baked bread, I have my menu closed, confident in my request for a classic favorite with a twist – Chicken Chesapeake, a whole chicken breast stuffed with crabmeat, Smithfield ham, and spinach and topped with a tomato cream sauce. Each entrée is accompanied by a choice of soup or salad, a starch, and the vegetable of the day, providing a very hearty meal for a very reasonable price, with entrees ranging from $15 to $22 dollars.

With the tough job of ordering out of the way, it’s finally time to revel in the gustatory and aesthetic treat that is Robinson’s Tavern. With the first bite of warm, pleasantly doughy, fresh-baked bread, I’m sold on this spot. The mini loaf of guilty pleasure bread is gone before the appetizer arrives, allowing us to focus our attention on the crabmeat stuffed mushrooms ($8) that are served atop a bed of plain lettuce and displayed in a miniature white tureen. While the dish includes large chunks of succulent crab, the meat and mushrooms are sadly lacking in taste. The earthy mushroom undertone is the most noticeable flavor in the appetizer, and the normally decadent treat is devoid of its traditionally robust flavor – typically found in a slightly salty and sweet, garlic-based glaze that is absent from this version. The arrival of our soups helps improve the mood at the table, as this next round of dinner is much more satisfying than the appetizer. I eagerly dive – spoon-first of course – into a cup of French Onion Soup, nudging through a layer of warm, melted mozzarella cheese and a thick slice of moist crouton into the perfectly seasoned broth beneath. The New England Clam Chowder, the other soup option of the day, fails to impress in the same manner as the French Onion. The creamy dish does have a nice flavor, with a fresh clam taste that is complemented with just the right amount of salty undertone, but the chowder is a bit thin and leaves you lamenting the insufficient amount of signature clams in the dish.

There is a pleasant pace to the dinner service, which allows the diner sufficient time to savor each of the dishes but provides a steady flow of food, and just as we are ready to push the soup platters to the side, our pleasant waitress arrives with the main course. The plate in front of me contains a very generously-sized chicken breast, accompanied by a side of red skin, scalloped potatoes and a medley of broccoli, cauliflower, and round carrot slices. On the second plate, two massive crab cakes dominate half of the available platter space and are complemented nicely by a mound of vibrant orange, mashed sweet potatoes, along with the standard vegetable of the day. We dig into the food, eager to see how this next dish compares to its predecessors; fortunately, the meal continues to take a turn for the better with the arrival of the entrées.

The Chicken Chesapeake includes a delightful medley of flavors, with a fresh seafood taste, compliments of the perfectly seasoned crab meat, which pairs nicely with the pleasantly salted, thinly sliced ham and the moist, rich spinach. The rich tomato cream sauce that was drizzled liberally upon the chicken, which was admittedly slightly drier than ideal, was the perfect complement to the savory amalgamation of tastes in the dish. I was equally impressed with the generously portioned crab cakes, which were 90% smooth, succulent crab meat and 10% well-seasoned breading. Unfortunately, the side dishes paled in comparison to the scrumptious entrees, though the bar was set rather high. The thinly sliced scalloped potatoes were dusted with a creamy topping, however the signature cheese sauce lacked enough of the key ingredient. And the mashed sweet potatoes had a pleasantly sugary undertone, but the consistency was a less-than-ideal level of mushy, with lumps of starch spread throughout. As for the vegetables, the bland taste was far from sufficient to elevate the food from its traditional underdog status at the dinner table.

Due to the abundance of food presented in accompaniment to the entrees, the dessert selection at Robinson’s Tavern could easily be overlooked by thoroughly sated diners at the end of their meals. However, to ignore the sweet factor would be to miss out on a signature Robinson’s dining experience. The desserts are baked fresh on the premises, and though the selection is therefore somewhat limited, the quality more than compensates for the quantity. Too full to do more than share a slice of decadence, my dinner guest and I decided to split a piece of chocolate cake with white icing ($5) – the other dessert selections that night included a Boston Crème Pie and a slice of cake à la ice cream sundae. Our piece of moist, three-layer chocolate cake had a light color and a lovely milk chocolate flavor; it was slightly sweetened in a way that was perfectly suited to the sugary essence of the perfectly smooth, white icing. The side of whipped cream and sliced strawberries provided a creamy balance to the deliciously sweet dish.

Savoring the last of the edible showpieces at Robinson’s gives you the opportunity to appreciate the classic charm of the dining room, which is decorated in antique country couture. Beige valances embroidered with black velvet fleur de lis emblems are draped across two sets of expansive windowpanes. Gauze curtains in a paler hue of taupe flow down to the floor. In the evening dusk, the soft light emitted by the old-fashioned, gilded table lanterns exudes a warmth that is much more potent than the actual heat of the flame. Light and shadow play upon the white-washed walls of the room, alternately illuminating and concealing the black and white photos of Civil War generals and their wives. Timeless taste is the motif at Robinson’s Tavern and Grill, so feast your eyes and your appetite at this welcome addition to the Orange County restaurant repertoire.

Get Your Motor Runnin': Waugh Harley Davidson's Annual Chili Blowout

Sweetly spiced, succulent, beefy chili; the irresistible aroma wafts across the dozens of people gawking at the beautiful chrome motorcycles on display at the Waugh Enterprises Harley Davidson showroom. Feed the people, and they will come. Especially when those people have driven tens to hundreds of miles aboard their majestic hogs, reveling in the invigorating breeze, the crisp, country air, and the warm solar embrace that are the joys of every motorcyclist. For 33 years now, the family-owned Harley franchise in Orange, Virginia has held a Chili Cook-Off Celebration on the second Saturday in October; part celebration for the company’s loyal customers, part promotional extravaganza. Whether you have a bike, want a bike, or have ever had your curiosity piqued by that biker whizzing past you on the highway, you’re guaranteed to have a great time at Orange County’s landmark Harley Davidson shop.

Ten hand-carved wooden rocking chairs are spread across the inviting front porch of the local Harley emporium; the first sign that you’re about to enter a place that prides itself on Southern hospitality and old-fashioned family values. Three generations of Waughs have run Orange County’s most famous shop; it was started by the family patriarch in 1939 and is managed today by the son and grandson of P.D. Waugh. When you enter the dealership’s showroom, you’re often greeted by the elder Mr. Waugh himself, who reigns over his biker kingdom from a solid oak desk positioned just inside of the sparkling glass entryway.

Sporting a beige fleece vest over a blue plaid flannel shirt and smelling sweetly of cigars, the astute businessman has a decidedly grandfatherly air that makes you feel immediately welcome. Amazingly, all of the Waugh family members share this personable air, a fact that you’ll realize as soon as you meet Mrs. Waugh and the two Waugh children, all of whom work in the family business and are stationed throughout the expansive, two-level store. Whether you’re here to buy or browse, the Waughs are more than obliging when answering your questions and directing you through the treasure trove of antique bikes, new model hogs, and biker gear and bling that can be found within the shop.

70 years ago, Waugh Enterprises was begun as a simple car and tractor shop, servicing the local farm economy; today, the full-service motorcycle dealership has become a defining element of life in Orange, VA. When the shop became an authorized Harley Davidson dealer in 1976, history was in the making for Orange itself, which became host to the first official Harley dealership in the state. P.D. Waugh likely wouldn’t recognize his family business today; the Mom and Pop shop now boasts a 10,000 square foot showroom and has expanded to include departments for both motorcycle Service and Parts. A nearly hidden stairwell in the back of the showroom leads down to a fully loaded MotorClothes store, which stocks everything from high quality leather jackets - and the more adventurous accompanying chaps - to a collection of diamond Harley baubles sure to please any elegant biker chick.

Ever have the desire to take a stroll down memory lane? Well, at Waugh Enterprises, you can literally walk through such an aptly named wing of the building, which has become a sort of shrine to the founder’s son, Big Daddy Don “Hoss” Waugh’s, collection of car and motorbike memorabilia. A veritable historical cache of every ride with an engine, the collection includes locomotive parts that date from as early as 1831. Even with no working knowledge of motorcycles and classic cars, the sight of these old-fashioned models provides a sense of child-like excitement that strikes across all genders and ages (take it from a 20-something female with no prior interest in anything on wheels). The car models in the shop date back to the 1950s and are much closer in style to the toy versions that 5-year-olds ride in their driveways than to anything found on the interstate today. And the motorcycles, which come in pastel yellow and baby blue hues, include models that have been out of production for several decades.

On Big Daddy’s Chili Blowout day, Waugh Harley Davidson and Orange County are bombarded by visitors making their way – on two or four wheels – to the Route 20 hotspot on the edge of town. Bikers can enjoy discounts of up to 33% throughout the store, a big incentive for bike enthusiasts who put mega bucks into detailing their bikes and their outfits before they’re ready to ride. And to encourage bikers from across the state and country – the dealership had buyers come from as far as Wisconsin on Chili Blowout day – to make the trip to Orange, VA, the Waughs are holding a free raffle for 33 gas cards.

Not in the market for a Harley? No worries; even non-bikers will find the trip worthwhile just for a sample of the delicious chili varieties that have been prepared by the informal chefs – i.e. Harley Davidson employees – at the Waugh shop. Though just 90 miles south of Washington, D.C., Orange is decidedly a proud southern county, and the people here know how to cook. Each of the ten pots of chili being served to eager customers at the Harley Davidson shop is delicious – but each is also subtly distinctive, tantalizing both sweet and spicy taste buds of the happy samplers. Several mouthfuls of the hearty stew are more than enough to make one satisfying meal. And while the samples are offered free of charge, tasters are encouraged to make a small donation in support of their favorite chili; the chef whose chili gets the most dollar votes earns bragging rights at the dealership, and the Waugh family charity – Treasure Chest for Kids – gets all of the proceeds from the event.

“The average Waugh Harley Davidson customer drives past two other dealerships to reach us,” the grandson of the Orange County chapter founder proudly explains. And after just one visit to the store, it’s easy to see why. At Waugh Enterprises, the customer comes first, second, and third; you just can’t fake the kind of solicitude that the owners and staff at Waugh shower upon every person who steps through the front door. While service is essential to the sale of bikes, whose costs sometimes rival that of standard cars, adding a little fun to the mix often earns repeat business and a great reputation in the motorcycle world. The Chili Blowout is the seminal event for October, but the calendar guarantees plenty more entertainment in the months to come. Take a ride along the wending path of Route 20, admire the picket fence pastures that roll right by the Waugh Enterprises Harley Davidson shop, and be sure to stop and say hi to the Waughs or join the party at an annual Beach Bash, Harley Gras, or Big Daddy BBQ. Waugh Harley Davidson: where family values and hog-wild times rule.

A Celebration 275 Years in the Making

Bring on the birthday cake. Orange County is celebrating its 275th anniversary this year, and the people are ready to party. How do you throw a birthday bash for an historic county? Well, a jazz quartet, a beverage trailer, and a giant sheet cake are all a good start.

As you cross the railroad tracks that run perpendicular to Main Street, the first strains of choral music reach your ears. The melodious sound emanates from a female a cappella group, standing atop a makeshift stage that has been set up adjacent to the town’s historic train station. The buttercup yellow, clapboard building is host to this evening’s festivities – including food, music, and fireworks – all of which have been planned in honor of Orange’s 2 ¾ centuries of being. As the young singers complete their opening act, which is a global music tribute ending with a Korean ode, four middle-aged men prepare to take to the platform erected in front of the old train tracks. Together, these casually-clad musicians comprise the Blues Farm Band, a local favorite and the star of tonight’s celebration.

A drummer, a bassist, a guitarist, and a vocalist: the musical talents of the Blues Farm Band musicians are simple, but when their sounds combine, the soulful effect is rapturous. Sporting plain, but crisp, clothing, the musicians exude a highly attractive aura of “cool.” Two of the men wear neutral-colored, collared shirts with the top three buttons left conspicuously undone; one sports a plaid flannel top; and the last is clad in a simple gray tee-shirt. All don their worn-in blue jeans with pride. Their down-home demeanor is soothing and somehow highly credible, as if the men seek to embody the soulful principles of blues music that they proclaim so proudly in their song.

As the lead singer of Blues Farm Band runs his lips over his stainless steel harmonica, a calm falls upon the early bird crowd assembled in a quaint side street abutting the still-active railway tracks in town. Patrons flock to the food and beverage stands set up throughout the train station parking lot, and a crowd forms as the hungry celebrants try to decide what their cravings dictate for the evening. Caribbean, Southern-style, and organic food – the latter from a newly minted restaurant in town called “Real Food” – are all available for purchase; a unique mishmash of tastes but apparently a crowd-pleasing selection. To wash down the fried plantains, pork BBQ, or black bean turnover on their plates, many celebrants stop by the beer trailer – a converted RV turned mini bar – where four types of frothy beverages are available straight from the tap.

Sated with food and enlivened by the music, many celebrants at the festival wander throughout the grounds of the event, soaking up the last gentle rays of an early October sun. In the center of a lush little park, young couples recline upon blankets spread across the still verdant lawn. The modern fountain in the center of the play area proves irresistible to the younger children at the event, several of whom delight in traipsing through the water jets that spurt from several small ducts onto a flat, marble surface. Inside the old train station itself, more treats for the mind and mouth await. Walk the width of the one-room building and admire photos that encapsulate the history of the century-old station - built in 1909, serving as an active train depot until the early 1970s, and currently home to the Orange County Department of Tourism and Visitors Bureau.

In the center of the room, a minutely detailed model of the train station rests atop a small wooden platform; the display includes miniature dolls seated astride a bench, which is actually set up beside the jet black railway tracks outside, and an old-fashioned coal caboose, apparently just pulled into the station. Though the impressive display is normally the most popular exhibit in the room, on this particular evening, a crowd has assembled at a different point in the building. At the far end of the station, two beaming volunteers serve generous slices of yellow cake, topped with festive orange and blue icing in honor of the town’s chosen colors, to a line of event-goers that stretches nearly across the room.

A treat of a different sort lies ready to draw spectators back to the deliciously cool outdoors: the brilliant orange and fuchsia sunset that lights up the evening sky as the County’s celebration swings into full gear. As darkness envelops the spectators, all in a state of merriment from engaging in joyful chatter with one another or subdued toe-tapping in accompaniment to the Blues Farm Band, the first fireworks of the night explode in the heavens, bathing the small town in a wave of brilliant light. Here’s to Orange’s first 275 years, clearly just the start of something great.

Gordonsville Street Festival: Celebrate Fall, Food, and Old-fashioned Fun

Beneath the cool shade of the railroad track overpass that crisscrosses Main Street, parents and children rest against concrete buttresses and enjoy a variety of treats: kettle corn, pulled pork barbeque, and every kind of bake sale goodie under the sun. At the intersection of North and South Main Streets, a division that occurs at exactly that point in the roadway where the railroad extends above the street, bystanders can enjoy a scenic view of the mile-long street fair that is underway in Gordonsville. An annual tradition in this Orange County hamlet, the festival provides an opportunity for home-town vendors to display their wares, which include everything from semi-precious stone jewelry to pumpkin cake candles. Whether you’re in the market for a piece of local flair or are an avid window shopper for curiosity items, the Gordonsville street festival is a playground for children and adults alike.

Sandwiched between two BBQ vendors set up at either end of Gordonsville’s quaint Main Street are colorful tents manned by perky salespeople, whose shouts of “cotton candy, get your cotton candy,” and “cookies, a quarter a bag,” tempt the pedestrian, hungry from a stroll up and down the street, to pull out their wallets and spring for a treat. To pass the time between food stalls, visitors can peruse the handcrafted items on display upon the wooden tables beneath the tents. Rival jewelry stands, set up across the street from one another, showcase aquamarine beaded bracelets, amethyst earrings, and chunky turquoise necklaces resting atop velvet doilies. More traditional artistry is on display at the B. Edwin Talley Jr. stand, where original photography that captures the historical homes and landmarks of Orange County and the surrounding environs are sold. For budget-minded shoppers, sketches of the high-end photographs can be purchased for a paltry $20, an amazing cost savings for a high-quality piece of artistry. Just to the right of the Talley stand, an al fresco display of vibrant pictures shimmer in the lovely September sunshine. The proud elderly woman seated in front of the exhibition reveals that she and her daughter are the artists behind the portraits, which range from a 4” x 8” miniature frame of a sunflower to a 12” x 24” decorative scene of a harbor in St. Croix.

No authentic street festival would be complete without the homemade foodstuffs that are a hallmark of the fresh ingredients and traditional recipes of the Southern kitchen, and the Gordonsville street festival does not disappoint. At “Uncle Kevin’s Sauce” stand, a variety of sweet and spicy dips are on display, ranging from such traditional concoctions as honey mustard to more creative versions such as spicy parmesan peppercorn. Fittingly, the sauce stand is abutted by “Jennings’s Jellies,” where sweet fruit preserves are sold for a few dollars a jar. If you’ve worked up an appetite from all the sampling you’ve done at these two yummy food stalls, stop for a “giant BBQ turkey leg” from the next vendor in the row. The rarity of this type of gastronomic treat is surpassed only by the deliciousness of the juicy, sweet meat that’s been roasted within aluminum foil in a massive free-standing oven. Meat-lovers in particular have found a paradise at the Gordonsville street festival, where Southern cooking is on display throughout the Main Street strip and the temptation for slow-cooked BBQ is heightened by the delicious smells of pulled pork emanating from stands spaced strategically throughout the festival. If you resist the Tarheel Pig Pickers stand, home of the Original Carolina BBQ, you’re likely to cave for Bill’s Grill Catering Service, whose motto is “Life, It’s What You Do Between Meals.” The BBQ at this second stand is sold-out by midday, so the early bird most definitely gets the worm.

Strolling by the stands of the Gordonsville street festival is a feast for the nose, undoubtedly, but also the eye. Behind the red, gray, and ubiquitous white tents situated along Main Street, the classical brick façade of the small shops and restaurants lining the roadway peek through at enticing intervals. A black wooden sign announcing the location of “Laurie Holladay Interiors: Fine Furniture, Accessories, and Antiques” is suspended on a wrought iron pole that extends from a picturesque row house. Above the “Graves Fine Art Gallery” are four charming window floral beds, from which lovely red and white peonies are sprouting. And below the storefront sign, a painted arch of yellow flowers is suspended upon a sky blue background, demarcating the entryway of the shop. In marked contrast to the makeshift trailer housing the fragrant VA Kettle Corn Company, the refined French eatery, Restaurant Pomme, advertises its grand reopening. As you bid farewell to the festival grounds, the smooth tunes of a jazz trio serenade you from the makeshift stage at the entrance to the street. Toting your hand-carved wooden jewelry box, crystal wind chimes, or powdered sugar funnel cake, you can leave the festival with your wallet intact and your mood boosted after the perfect Saturday afternoon stroll.

September 17th – The lost holiday

September 17th does not have the same cachet as July 4th. In fact, most Americans probably recognize nothing special about this mid-September date. However, any Orange County resident driving through Main Street on this particular day could tell you that the 17th of September is a pivotal date in American history. The 17th is Constitution Day; the day that the founding document of the United States of America was signed by delegates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. What makes Orange County residents so historically astute? Well, it’s difficult to plead ignorance about Constitution Day when you happen to live in the home town of the Father of the Constitution himself, James Madison. And it’s even more difficult to overlook the brilliant white banners suspended over the main thoroughfare in town, which announce that September 17th is Constitution Day and, even more exciting, that Madison’s home, Montpelier, is open to the public, free of charge, in honor of the occasion.

James Madison is Orange County’s most famous son, and Montpelier, the former president’s beloved home, is considered a local gem; it draws tourists from across the state and country. The appeal of the 18th century historic residence is evident from the moment that the red brick house, seated atop a lush green hill, becomes visible from the mile-long gravel drive leading to the front entrance. Forest green shutters framing each of the two-story home’s fourteen windowpanes and white washed, Ionic columns supporting the triangular roof of the veranda add elegance to the sturdy Madison home. The house presides over an expansive front lawn, which slopes away from the building and down to a white picket fence.

Though the most picturesque view of Montpelier can be had from the lengthy driveway leading to the home, the true tourist experience begins once you round the next bend in the road and reach the Visitor Center. The elegance of the historic home is mirrored in the red brick of the Center, which is given a modern air thanks to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows along the perimeter. Beauty and function are united in this building, where visitors can read about the history of Montpelier, and of the most famous Madison, on pillars imprinted with text or browse the shelves of local jams, copper jewelry, and patterned china in the gift shop. A small movie theater is tucked into the Visitor Center, and guests are encouraged to watch a 12 minute reel about Madison’s Montpelier before embarking upon a tour of the house itself. Breaking all stereotypes about educational films, the movie provides a succinct and engaging overview of the evolution of Montpelier, from a Madison family homestead to a modern archaeological treasure.

Armed with historical knowledge and a new curiosity about the Madison abode, visitors are ushered out of the Center’s theatre and sent along a gravel pathway leading to Montpelier itself. Regal oak and maple trees extend their long limbs over the pebbled pathway, which runs alongside a small wooden bench where visitors can pause to enjoy the scenic beauty of the estate. Situated in the heart of Virginia horse country, Montpelier boasts the type of picturesquely forested terrain that is ideal for the annual hunt races that are synonymous with the location today. The facade of Montpelier faces west, offering a gorgeous panorama of the hills blending to forest, and the woodland leading to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Despite the temptation to spend a lovely mid-September day roaming the grounds of the Madison estate, the grand house itself offers a singularly fascinating glimpse into the life and times of one of the nation’s most famous Founding Fathers. A tour of the east and west wings of the house, which Madison commissioned to be built during his first presidential term, from 1809-1812, includes access to the drawing room, considered the center of the family’s social life, the library, where Madison drafted his political recommendations in preparation for the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and the study, which is the room where Madison drew his last breath.

Montpelier has achieved national attention for a recent 5-year renovation of the building’s facade; by the completion of the project in 2008, the house had been restored to the architectural style of Madison’s era. Currently, historians are seeking to recover and replace the interior décor that graced the house in the 19th century. The educational value of the authentically restored Montpelier is largely unprecedented within the realm of historic homes; however, the experience of wandering the grounds is a delight beyond compare. Every corner of the estate exudes beauty and charm, and no visitor can leave Montpelier without taking a last, long glance at the presidential homestead, which appears in all its glory as you retrace your drive through the fields and forest of the grounds. History buffs will revel in the stories of the Madison era, but all visitors will find themselves enchanted by the glory, unchanged from past to present, of Montpelier.