Root to Table’s Top Ten Holiday Gifts for Blue Ridge Foodies
With the passing of Thanksgiving, now is the time to kick off your holiday gift buying. Here are some great options to take the stress out of gift-buying for that “Blue Ridge” foodie in your life. Plus, nothing beats the shopping frenzy than a relaxing dinner out over the holidays. Below are our top picks! We have also done some research and will share a new holiday cocktail that will have your holiday party guests raving.
Great Gift Ideas for that foodie in your life!
The best way to tackle gift-giving is to pour yourself a glass of wine and take a big breath in and out, closing your eyes and thinking all things positive. We’ve found four gift ideas for that foodie in your life.
#1 A Gift Certificate to a Root to Table Culinary Event in 2024. There will be multiple events coming up next year – such as March’s Salute to Women in Charlottesville and November’s The Great Chefs Table. Available at various price ranges, a great gift for a person loving food experiences.
#2 Wine or Booze always brings a smile to the receiver. However, here are a few tips. First, visit a local winery or brewery supporting all things local. Ask their wine experts what are their most popular wines. You will never go wrong with one of their recommendations. Visit one of our local distilleries including Devil’s Due in Charles Town, West Virginia. Some of the best bourbon is being distilled right here in our region. A visit to Bootleg Distillery and buy the small bottles of Sweet Cinnamon, a great stocking surprise.
#3 Culinary Food Artisans will add a special treat to the great cook in your family. Blue Ridge Pickling offers both an array of pickles as well as the best Bloody Mary Mix you have ever tasted. There are great bakeries including Bolivar Bread in Bolivar, West Virginia, and the newly opened Sacred Heart Goods in Berryville, Virginia. A unique farm experience where a gift card purchased would be perfect is to visit Fox Urban Farms in Winchester, Virginia, a unique vertical hydroponic farm using no pesticides or herbicides. For many of these retail stores, shipping is available.
#4 Do you have a Beef lover in your circle of family or friends? Step out of the box and give them their favorite steaks. Our beef farmers have many choices, from popular cuts like Filets, NY Strips, Delmonico, and Roasts to combination beef boxes between $150 and $250, or customize your cuts with whole or quartered beef bundles. Check out in Berryville, Virginia, Audley Farm for Prime Angus Beef or Chapel Hill Farm supporting an endangered heritage breed grass-fed. Both farms have great dry-aged stocking stuffers.
Great locally Sourced Dinner options
One way to enjoy the holidays is to visit local restaurants beautifully decorated for the holidays. In addition, you can enjoy a beautiful drive in the country and relax by the fireplace in one of our top picks.
# 5 Come feast at one of America’s Applachian-themed restaurants, Alma Bea’s in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Editor’s Note: Support the Root to Table Grant Program by buying a gift certificate from Taste of Blue Ridge.
#6 A new experience is small-town shopping in Shepherdstown with lunch at MJs on German DeliCafe. Chef Jordan. Opened just for Breakfast and Lunch, a house favorite at MJs is Classic Grilled Cheese and a bowl of soup! Plus Chef Jordan also offers catering options.
#7 For a beautiful atmosphere, Hillbrook Inn is the best-kept secret here in West Virginia. Offering a Prix-fixe or A La Carte menu, a lovely getaway from the hustle and bustle with a fabulous spa. Wonderful location to visit the Virginia Wineries.
#8 Getaway for the weekend, enjoy a beautifully decorated resort on the Potomac River. The Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Take a walk or bike ride on the C&O Canal, and enjoy unique small-town shopping on German Street. Enjoy a beer from the Bavarian Brothers Brewing Company or a fantastic holiday cocktail in front of the fireplace before sitting down to dinner.
Grab ‘n’ Go for Christmas Dinner or have your Holiday Party Catered
#9 With a farm-driven catering menu, Chef Erik Foxx Nettnin of The Polished Foxx offers Grab n Go including Christmas dinners for 2, 4, or 6. Starting with crabcakes and shrimp for appetizers, then prime rib and turkey, sides, and a holiday toffee pudding. The meal comes with easy-to-follow cooking instructions. Pick up at Chrysalis Vineyard in Middleburg, VA.
#10 A must-visit is Cowbell Kitchen and the new King Street Collective. Chef Cheryl Strasser, a 2023 Root to Table Taste of Excellence award winner supports her community by allowing small women-owner businesses to have a storefront. Fantastic holiday cookie online ordering. Check out their calendar of Events for Christmas.
The bottom line, explore what local businesses are offering you. Then, support them, so they do not go away! You will be surprised how much fun your shopping experience will be making new friends in our community.
