By Adrienne West
A beginner-friendly environment, the 16th annual Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival offers classes, exhibits and speakers from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 9 and 10. Enjoy free tastings from regional wineries and microbreweries while listening to live music and visiting the numerous vendors. Big believers in getting children outdoors and away from the screen, the festival holds several youth classes on flying fishing and fly tying, as well as Boy Scout merit badge classes. Women’s only fly casting classes for beginners are also available. Children under 16 get in free at the festival with a paying adult. // Meadow Event Park: 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell
While you’re there, make sure to:
Tour the birthplace of legendary racehorse Secretariat, born at The Meadow in 1970 and winner of the Triple Crown three years later. On the same property as the festival, this is a great addition to your visit.
Eat at Lou’s Soul Food, a small but friendly place specializing in Southern-style comfort food like fried chicken and collard greens with a side of corn bread. Down-home cooking at its finest, they also have many seafood options. // 31286 Richmond Turnpike
Shop at Squashapenny Junction for an antiquing experience like no other. The owner doesn’t allow tech devices to be used indoors, and the shop is brimming with treasures to sift through. // 10570 Doswell Road
Visit historic Civil War sites and walk with the ghosts of soldiers past. Hanover Junction, an intersection of two large railroads just steps away from Squashapenny, was used by both sides to transport men and supplies. Then drive five minutes to the North Anna Battlefield, a pristine park that includes over 6 miles of walking trails and Civil War facts posted along the way. // 11576 Verdon Road
Ride some of the fastest and tallest roller coasters on the East Coast at Kings Dominion. The kids will love the rides and game at the Planet Snoopy section, and be sure to check out the Dinosaurs Alive feature. // 16000 Theme Park Way
Stay at one of the many options for lodging close to the festival grounds. Updated hotels such as Courtyard Marriott Richmond North and Wyndham Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center are just 20 minutes away, while a few campsites like the Kings Dominion Campground are mere minutes away.
