By Julie Reardon

In no particular order, these are some rural favorites so if you’ve considering or recently moved to the country, it’s helpful to appreciate or at least understand their importance. How can you not feel energized when you wake up to brilliant new green leaves and grass, colorful bulbs, pink and white dogwoods, azaleas and all the breathtaking beauty of spring in Virginia? Although the Blue Ridge Mountains are perhaps more famous for flaming fall colors, spring is equally spectacular and with lengthening days, there’s no better time for a day trip than now.

With so many events to choose from, if you pick just one may we recommend the Hunt Country Stable tour, back for its 66^th year on May 24^th and 25^th. It’s a self-guided driving tour featuring a dozen of the most beautiful farms and estates rarely open to the public. This beloved event took a hiatus during the pandemic and was reorganizing last year but is back and ready for your enjoyment. Mostly horse oriented, it appeals to both city slickers and horse lovers that enjoy watching or interacting with horses and farm animals: Thoroughbred colts and fillies destined for the race track, all kinds of riding, training and lesson facilities for every horse sport from jumping, to polo, to carriage driving. You can also learn about green innovations and new organic farming techniques as well as visit baby animals including baby alpacas, called crias. Tickets are available in advance for one or both days; visit www.trinityupperville.org/hunt-country-stable-tour/.

Horsing Around at the Races

Few events signal springtime like thoroughbreds jumping over fences at speed in steeplechase or point to point races. This year the jewel of Virginia’s steeplechase season, taking place the first Saturday in May (3^rd) is the Virginia Gold Cup, the granddaddy of steeplechasing and tailgating fun, or the many other, smaller events throughout the month that make ideal day trips just down the road where you can enjoy the drive as much as the destination. Most events are less than an hour’s drive from Alexandria.

There’s another big race on that same day, also always the first Saturday in May—the Kentucky Derby—but for Virginians, the Gold Cup is “the” springtime event. It’s not too late to get tickets, but by the time you read this it may be too late to get any early bird discounts. The helpful staff at the Gold Cup office are the ones to call if you want to book a last-minute tent or party rental—call them at 540/347-2612 or visit www.vagoldcup.com.

Going to the Dogs

Purebred dogs of all breeds will compete at the Mattaponi Kennel Club AKC spring breed and obedience show at the Prince William County Fairgrounds on Rt. 234 between Manassas and Gainesville on May 16-17, and at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Kennel Club show May 30-31 at the Foxfield Race Course. Both are AKC dog shows, which are ideal to visit if you want to research different purebred dog breeds to really learn about them for your next dog. Most exhibitors are also breeders and are happy to let you meet their dogs and explain to you the characteristics of their breed of choice, and if they don’t have puppies themselves, they can direct you to a good breeder that produces sound dogs with good temperaments. At the shows, dogs compete for points toward the AKC Champion title and for best of their particular breed and then go on to show in groups—sporting, toy, herding, etc. Group winners compete at the end of the day for the coveted “Best In Show” award. Obedience trials are also held in which purebred dogs of different breeds compete together for performance titles.  www.infodog.com/calendar

Every Weekend in May

Flying Circus Air Show in Bealeton opens for the season Sunday, May 3^rd. Every Sunday, the show starts at 2 pm and features daring pilots performing stunts in vintage biplanes, parachuters, wing walkers, and more. Hot air balloon rides available, too. Bring a picnic and Grandpa, he’ll love it! Gates open at 11 a.m., call 540/439-8661 or visit www.flyingcircusairshow.com.

Farmers’ market season, which shuts down in winter, started up in April including the Fauquier and Rappahannock Master Gardeners’ season started their “Grow Your Own” food event making this year renton’s first Artists and Farmers event. Beginning in mid-April. 26^th, the indoor space at 18 Court St. in Old Town started hosting Warrenton’s first Artists and Makers Market. There will also be a rotation of guest vendors to introduce you to new, local favorites!

In Warrenton, Wednesday and Saturday mornings starting at 7 a.m. in Old Town Warrenton. From 66, take 29 south into Warrenton & follow signs to downtown & the farmers’ market. Middleburg has one too, for late risers theirs starts at 9 a.m. Saturdays, behind the post office. Rt. 50 west into Middleburg, turn left at the light, go one block and turn right, the market is one block on your right. One of the hunt country’s largest, is the Farmer’s Market at Archwood Greens; this one is right off I-66. It’s open Sunday afternoons from 1 – 4. Take 66 west to The Plains, the green barns are immediately on your right after the exit ramp. All feature scrumptious baked goods, local fresh produce, jams, jellies, crafts, plants, herbs, and more.