Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Virginia Farmers Markets

farmers market tomatoes

Virginia farmers markets offer fresh produce and other items from early Spring until late Fall. Summer is the busiest season, with fresh fruits and vegetables of every description being available.

A trip to a local farmers market is a great way to stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, produce, herbs, flowers, garden plants, seafood, meats, cheeses, poultry, breads, jellies, jams, arts and crafts and more.

vintage peanut plant

Virginia farmers are known for producing high quality fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, other foods.

Virginia farmers have been growing peanuts since the early 1840's. Virginia's peanuts are grown in Southeastern Virginia's sandy soil where the climate is ideal for producing large peanuts. Because of their size, Virginia peanuts have acquired the reputation of being the "Cadillac" of peanuts.

Strawberries are another food produced in Virginia. Each spring, small to mid-sized farms produce abundant crops of fresh, juicy strawberries in April and May.

Tomatoes are a local favorite in Virginia. Most of the crop is grown in summer thru early fall. Small producers and specialty crop farmers produce greenhouse tomatoes nearly all year round.

Virginia is known for its variety of greens. Grown mainly by small specialty farmers, varieties include turnip greens, kale, spinach, collards, and others.

Virginia orchards produce a variety of fresh fruit. Local favorites include peaches, apples, blueberries, and raspberries.

Find Local Food Sources

Tidewater Virginia Farmers Markets

This directory of Tidewater Virginia Farmers Markets lists sources of fruits, vegetables, produce, herbs, flowers, garden plants, seafood, meats, cheeses, poultry, breads, jellies, jams, arts and crafts, and other products.

Local Harvest (localharvest.org)

Visit www.localharvest.org to find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies.

Organic Consumers Association (www.organicconsumers.org)

The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability.

USDA - Find a Farmers Market

Use this USDA tool to find farmers markets in any U.S. state.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (vdacs.virginia.gov)

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Things To Do in Hampton Roads Virginia - Christmas 2016

This post includes things to do in Hampton Roads Virginia during the Christmas and winter holiday season.

This list includes events around Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Newport News, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and other communities in the 757 area.


Chesapeake

Jingle Ball
Chesapeake Conference Center
700 Conference Center Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320
www.chesapeakeconference.com
December 2, 2016 (6:00 pm)

Christmas Palooza Craft Show
Chesapeake Conference Center
700 Conference Center Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320
www.chesapeakeconference.com
December 4-5, 2016

Holiday Brass Concert - Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Chesapeake Conference Center
700 Conference Center Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320
www.chesapeakeconference.com
December 14, 2016 (7 pm - 9 pm, doors open at 6:00 pm)


Hampton

Holiday and Kwanzaa Marketplace
Friday, December 2, 2016 (Friday 10 am -7 pm, Saturday 1-4 pm)
Hampton University Museum
11 Frissell Ave
Hampton, VA 23669


Norfolk

Outdoor Ice Skating
MacArthur Center Outdoor Ice Rink
Monticello Avenue and Freemason Street
Downtown Norfolk VA
November 2016 - January 16, 2017

Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Hurrah Players
TCC Roper Performing Arts Center
Granby Street
Norfolk VA
December 10, 2016 (7 pm)

Dickens Christmas Towne
Norfolk VA
November - December 31, 2016

Garden of Lights
Norfolk Botanical Garden
November 24 - December 31, 2016 (5:30 pm - 10:00 pm nightly)

2016 Town Point Park Holiday Market and Holiday Yule Log Bon Fire
Town Point Park
Norfolk VA
December 3, 2016 (12:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.)

Charles Dickens - A Christmas Carol
Wells Theatre
110 East Tazewell Street
Norfolk VA
December 7 - December 24, 2016

Virginia Symphony Orchestra - Chorus Holiday Pops
Chrysler Hall
215 Saint Pauls Boulevard
Norfolk VA
December 10, 2016 (8:00 p.m.)

ELF The Musical
Chrysler Hall
215 Saint Pauls Boulevard
Norfolk VA
December 16-18, 2016 (8:00 p.m.)

Handel's Messiah
Harrison Opera House
160 West Virginia Beach Boulevard
Norfolk VA
December 17, 2016 (8:00 p.m.)


Newport News

Newport News Celebration in Lights
Newport News Park
Ft. Eustis Blvd. and Jefferson Ave.
Newport News, VA
November 24, 2016 through January 1, 2017 (5:30 - 10:00 p.m)

Hollydazzle - 2016
City Center at Oyster Point
Newport News VA
Saturday, December 3, (4-8 pm)

Holiday Frost Celebration
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
2410 Wickham Ave
Friday, December 9, 2016 (4-7 pm)

Twas the Night Before Christmas - Virginia Repertory Theater
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
2410 Wickham Ave
Newport News, VA
Saturday, December 10, 2016 (1 pm)

Oh Where, Oh Where is My Christmas Tree? - K'bana Blaq and Friends
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
2410 Wickham Ave
Newport News, VA
Saturday, December 17, 2016 (7 pm)


Portsmouth

Portsmouth Winter Wonderland
Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center
Portsmouth VA
December 2016


Suffolk

5th Annual Artisan Gift Fair at the Pavilion
Suffolk Visitor Center Pavilion
524 North Main Street
December 3, 2016 (10 am-5 pm)

Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society Candlelight Tour
Sights and Sounds of Christmas
757.539.2781
www.SuffolkHistory.org
December 3-4, 2016 (3 pm-7 pm)

Suffolk Holiday Parade
Downtown Suffolk
757.514.7267
www.suffolkva.us/parks
December 10, 2016 (7 pm)


Virginia Beach

A Christmas Carol - ​Virginia Musical Theatre
​Sandler Center
201 Market St.
Virginia Beach, VA
December 2-4, 2016

Virginia Beach Holiday Parade
Atlantic Avenue between 15th and 25th streets
Virginia Beach, VA
Dec. 3, 2016 (5:30 pm)

Sleigh Bells Ring Out - The Mavericks
​Sandler Center
201 Market St.
Virginia Beach, VA
December 7, 2016

Virginia Beach Farmers Market Craft Show
and Breakfast with Santa
Virginia Beach Farmers Market
3640 Dam Neck Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA
December 7, 2016 (10 am – 4 pm)
 
Holidays around the World
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library
4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
December 10, 2016 (11 am – 3 pm)
 
The Nutcracker - Ballet Virginia International
​Sandler Center
201 Market St.
Virginia Beach, VA
December 16-18, 2016

34th Annual Messiah Sing Along​
Sandler Center
201 Market St.
December 23, 2016

Monday, August 29, 2016

2016 Chelsea West Fest - Norfok VA

The Fourth Annual Chelsea West Fest will be held on October 1st, 2016 from noon to 6 p.m.

The festival in the Chelsea Business District, at the intersection of Orapax Street and Boissevain Avenue in West Ghent, Norfolk.

Organized by Hope House Foundation, the free festival celebrates the energy of local offerings with a wide variety of hand-made items from local crafters, talented local musicians, local beers, local food vendors, and local products.

The entertainment schedule offers a little something for everyone including some of the region's most popular performers.

Noon - 12:30 PM: Dan Pelligrino
12:30 - 1:00 PM: The Drendas
1:30 - 2:30 PM: 3 Legged Back Porch Collective
3:00 - 4:00 PM: 11 Ton
4:30 - 6:00 PM: Anthony Rosano and The Conqueroos

Proceeds from Chelsea West Fest support the programs of Hope House Foundation. Since 1964, Hope House Foundation has worked on the frontlines of the battle for independence, community inclusion and true citizenship for people with developmental disabilities.

For more information, visit www.hope-house.org.

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Harvest Faire 2016 - Newport News VA

Now in its 22nd season, Harvest Faire, will be held in Newport News October 7-9, 2016.

Harvest Faire is held at Endview Plantation, 362 Yorktown Rd. Times are Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 9am-9pm, and Sunday 9am-3pm.

Harvest Faire is the Virginia Peninsula’s oldest Renaissance Festival. The event features medieval combat and encampments, knights on horseback, live music and dance, merchants, food, period games, and other activities.

Tickets are $20 for an adult weekend pass, $5 Friday, $15 Saturday and $10 Sunday; $10 for a youth (ages 6-12) weekend pass or $5 daily for youth.  Children 5 and under attend for free.  Discount advance weekend tickets are available at harvestfaire.org.

Harvest Faire is a non-profit 501c3 charity that raises funds for other local charities.

For more information, visit www.harvestfaire.org.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

2016 East Coast She Crab Soup Classic

Restaurants and chefs from around Hampton Roads will gather to compete for the title of “Best She Crab Soup” at the East Coast She Crab Soup Classic April 9 at the 24th Street Park along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Guests are invited to sample an entry from each of 22 competing restaurants.  Based on tastings, there are two categories for best recipe winners; People’s Choice Awards and Critic’s Choice Awards.

For more information, visit beachstreetusa.com

source: City of Virginia Beach

Friday, October 30, 2015

Lynnhaven River NOW Seafood Festival 2015

Lynnhaven River NOW Fall Fest Seafood Festival
November 7, 2015
Lynnhaven Shellfish Company & Back Deck
3323 Shore Drive
Virginia Beach, VA

The 2015 Lynnhaven River NOW Seafood Festival will feature food and drinks in a beautiful location on the Lynnhaven River.

Tickets are $40 and available at Bubba's, Lynnhaven Shellfish and the Back Deck. 
3323 Shore Drive or call 757-481-7512.

Fall Fest benefits Lynnhaven River NOW.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Things To Do in Virginia - October 2015



October is one of the best times to enjoy festivals, shows, and other activities in Virginia. The following list includes events that are scheduled for October 2015.

Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife

The 42nd Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife will be held on Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4, 2015 each day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Newport News Park in Newport News, Virginia.

The 2015 Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife will feature over 200 exhibitors showcasing traditional crafts, heritage trade demonstrations, entertainment, children’s activities, and food. The Fall Festival of Folklife attracts 70,000 visitors each year to Newport News Virginia.

Harvest Faire at Endview Plantation

Harvest Faire, the Peninsula’s Renaissance Festival will be held October 9 -11, 2015. The event includes demonstrations of period life, combat, and horsemanship as well as music, dance, merchants, and games.

Hours are Friday 5pm - 9 pm, Saturday 9am - 9pm, and Sunday 9am - 3pm. For more information visit www.harvestfaire.org.


Suffolk Peanut Fest

The 38th anniversary Suffolk Peanut Fest will be held October 8-11, 2015.  This family-friendly event honors the city’s agriculture heritage and devotion to peanuts. The Suffolk Peanut Fest has been featured in numerous magazines, including Southern Living, The Southern Farmers Almanac, Best Festivals - Mid Atlantic, Sauveurs, and Virginia Business.

Suffolk Peanut Fest includes concerts, amusement rides, contests and competitions, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, motorcycle rally, fireworks, and more.

For more information, visit: http://www.suffolkpeanutfest.com/


Friday Night Frights

Hermitage Outdoor Film Series gets a terrifying new twist in October with the airing of five popular horror flicks. This year's lineup includes: A Nightmare on Elm Street (Oct. 16), Night of the Living Dead (Oct. 23), Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (Oct. 29), and two PG film nights: Frankeenweenie (Oct. 9) and The Goonies (Oct. 30).

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. each evening and the film will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free for members, $7 for non-members, and includes entrance to the museum's fall exhibit and a raffle ticket for a prize drawing from 96x.
Location:
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
7637 North Shore Rd,
Norfolk, VA 23505


Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Fee Free Weekend

Entrance to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is free on October 10-11, 2015 in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge includes more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest.


Visual Arts Week in Norfolk (October 10-18, 2015)

The 2nd annual Visual Arts Week in Norfolk will be held October 10-18, 2015. Visual Arts Week begins with the Chesapeake Bay Art Association’s 53nd Annual Ocean View Art Show, October 10 and 11. This popular show is open 10am-5pm both days at Ocean View Beach Park, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.

The Norfolk Arts District along Granby Street will host the NEON Festival, a celebration of energy, art and light October 15, 5-10pm and October 16, 3-10pm. Long time cultural institutions like the Chrysler Museum of Art and Harrison Opera House anchor the District while new art venues like Glass Wheel Studio and Work|Release provide artists a place to make, create and show.

Local and national artists, performers and musicians will showcase their talents at pop-up venues, the Plot and at various anchors of the NEON District. On display will be tiny art, large gateway murals, and neon light throughout the festival.

Many events are free and open to the public, including CRAFTED: Indie Arts and Craft Market at O’Connor Brewing Co. (October 10), the Colonial Place & Riverview annual Front Porch Art Walk (October 12). The public can also take a public art walking tour. Participants will meet at MetalMatisse at MacArthur Square and take a tour of Public Art in Downtown, Norfolk. (October 14 at 6pm).

Exhibitions will be held at the Offsite Gallery, Transit Gallery, Neil Britton Gallery, OKAY Spark Gallery, Kellam Galleries, Corner Gallery, Paul Street Gallery, Art Works Gallery and Frame Shop, Granby Street Gallery, James Wise Gallery, Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Gallery, and other locations.

Visual Arts Week concludes with the 2015 Stockley Gardens Fall Arts Festival, October 17, 10am-5pm, and October 18, 12pm-5pm. More than 25,000 people come to see and buy fine art and enjoy live entertainment and kids’ activities throughout the festival.


Town Point Virginia Wine Festival

The 28th Annual Town Point Virginia Wine Festival will be held October 17 & 18, 2015, from 11am - 6pm at Town Point Park on Norfolk's Downtown Waterfront.

Town Point Virginia Wine Festival will feature a wide selection of Virginia wines, live musical performances, gourmet foods, and specialty wares.

Newport News Oyster Roast

The Newport News Oyster Roast will be held at the City Center on October 23, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  The event will feature music by Ammons’ All Stars and The Tiki Bar Band, local seafood, a variety of beverages, games, give-a-ways, and free children’s activities.

FilFest 2015

FilFest, a two-day celebration of Filipino arts and culture, will be held at Virginia Beach Town Center on Friday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 24, from noon to 10 p.m.

This family-friendly event will feature traditional cuisine, cultural performances, dance and music with guest appearances by comedian Rex Navarrete; singer and actress Stephanie Reese; singer, songwriter and actor Martin Nievera, and retired NBA player Raymond Townsend.

For additional information, visit Beachstreet USA​.

Attucks Jazz Series: Katie Thiroux

Jazz Bassist Katie Thiroux will perform on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the Attucks Theatre in Norfolk, Virginia.

For more information, visit:

http://vafest.org/2015/2015-performances/attucks-jazz-series?camefrom=EMCL_725185_30893679.



NOTE:

Readers are encouraged to check back periodically as new events will be added to this post when available.
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Hope House Foundation Shamrockin In Ghent

On Friday, March 15, 2013, from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., Hope House Foundation in conjunction with 93.7 BOB FM, 96X, and US 106.1 will present 2013’s "Shamrockin’ In Ghent", a free block party.

The event which is open to the public will take place on Colley Avenue in Norfolk’s historic Ghent district between Shirley and Gates Avenues.

"Shamrockin’ In Ghent" will benefit Hope House Foundation and will include musical performances by The Newport News Police Pipes and Drums, Glasgow Kiss, and The Deloreans.

This is the 19th annual Shamrockin’ in Ghent (previously called the Greening of Ghent). Beverages will be available for sale and Belmont House of Smoke (http://www.belmonthouseofsmoke.com) will be on hand selling food.

source: Hope House Foundation

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Norfolk Walkabouts Food Tours

Norfolk Walkabouts Food Tours dine in locally owned, community rooted restaurants while exploring the tree lined streets filled with diverse architecture and historic homes.  The food tour visits multiple restaurants sampling house specialties and has a “behind the scenes” experience where staff discusses the establishment and cuisine.

A Norfolk Walkabout is a journey for the palate in which it is transformed by various spices and provisions offered by Norfolk's "hidden gems" and culinary visionaries.  In between locations, it also offers an insight to the history of Norfolk and Hampton Roads as well as a present perspective.

There are two food tours to choose from:  Downtown Norfolk and the historic uptown neighborhood of Ghent.  Points of interest and food samplings on the tours include Hampton Roads Seafood Classics, MacArthur Memorial, Coffee and Tea from a West Coast Style Coffeehouse, St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Mediterranean cuisine, historic homes in the Freemason neighborhood, Artisan Pizza, the tree-lined streets of Ghent, the Fred Heutte Center, Savory Soup, the Naro Theatre, Colley Avenue, Gourmet Cupcakes,  Peruvian fare, and more.

Norfolk Walkabouts leads weekly food tours on Saturday and Sunday.  Private group tours are available outside of published dates.

For more information, visit www.norfolkwalkabouts.com

Monday, April 12, 2010

Chincoteague Island YMCA Cooking Class

The Chincoteague Family YMCA is offering a cooking class on April 26, and May 10 instructed by Peter Upricherd. Learn to bake bread on April 26 6pm with this hands on course. Students should bring a large bowl.

On May 10 6pm learn to bake cinnamon rolls hands on. Students should bring a 9x13 baking dish. For more information visit the YMCA or call 757-336-6364.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Chincoteague Island Farmer's Market

The Chincoteague Island Farmer's Market 2010 season is about to begin. Their opening day will be Easter Saturday, April 3, from 8:00 a.m. - noon at their same location behind Don's Seafood Restaurant and next to the Robert Reed Downtown Park.

This will be the sixth year for the market at this same location. Visit on opening day and pick up not only plants and produce but also fresh clams, live lobsters and so much more!

The market will continue on Saturdays through September and will also open on Wednesdays as soon as products are available.

Any interested participants may contact Cathy at 757-336-2610 for additional information.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Visiting Bloxom Winery

One of the gems of Virginia's Eastern Shore is Bloxom Winery, a small winery just off the highway near Bloxom, Virginia. The winery is owned and operated by Robert and Francesca Giardina. The couple grow 6 acres of Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines, producing several fine estate bottled wines.

Robert Giardina is of Italian and Spanish descent. He was born in Casablanca where the French Colonial culture influenced his passion for wine making. Mrs. Giardina, also from Casablanca, oversees the kitchen as well as helping with the wine making operation. Among her specialties are chocolate candy, unique crackers, ciabatta bread and Italian cuisine.

In addition to offering wines, cheeses and snacks, the couple serves dinners on weekends. Their authentic Italian cuisine includes family style pasta as well as wood fired Artisan pizza. The winery also hosts a summer festival that includes music, artists, wine stomping and other family activities.

Much of the wine is sold on premises during the summer season, wine tastings, Bloxom Festival and at weekend dinners. Wines are also available at selected shops on the Eastern Shore from Chincoteague Island south to Cape Charles Virginia.

Contact Information:

Bloxom Winery
www.bloxomwinery.com
26130 Mason Rd
Bloxom, VA 23308
(757) 665-5670