The well-consumed flight at Shenandoah Vineyards

Stretched out on the sloping lawn alongside a creek in the Shenandoah Valley on an early autumn afternoon with the dappled sun filtering thru the ancient black walnut and chestnut trees is the perfect respite from a hectic and crazy summer of strife and conflict.    The lullaby of Stony Creek rippling just below is joined with the serenade of crickets and blue jays competing for aural space.

We spent a long weekend mostly disconnected and wandering back roads, country thrift and flea markets and in search of the great pies of the Shenandoah valley.   We found a few including Edinburg Mill’s buttermilk and peanut butter pies, straight from the ice box, rich with buttery crusts and strong flavors.  Both melt in your mouth and linger in your mind for days.    When shared after healthy lunch portions of equally well-balanced entrees one is astonished at the reasonable bill that arrives.  The restaurant is housed in the lower level of the historic mill now interpreting and hosting all things traditional of the entire valley.   The three floors of museum and visitor center can easily occupy a few hours to build up an appetite for the deliciousness below.  It’s a not to be missed experience along iconic Rt 11.  https://www.edinburgmill.com/

Some of the collection of all things Valley at Edinburg Mill Museum

Everything from butter crocks to carriages is at the Edinburg Mill Museum

But there are other equally compelling possibilities.  We loved the vistas and the signature Bordeaux blend of Muse winery.    https://musevineyards.com/  And their tasting flight provides healthy pours of five selections for $12.   Shenandoah Vineyards won our heart with their friendly service and charming location when we settled in the $10 flight to ultimately select the rose blend on a sunny afternoon. https://www.shenandoahvineyardsva.com/   Incidentally, both had been recommended back at the Mill Wine Shop which was a nice nod to local support.

Shenandoah Vineyards summer light rose

Whether you’re travelling for fall colors or other times of the year, there’s plenty to see in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.   And for more about our pie discoveries, check out https://focusbyhenderson.com/shenandoah-valley-pies/

The view from Shenandoah Vineyards tasting barn shows the best of the valley