Food Events
Ember & Earth
From First Soil to Shared Table
July 19, 2026
Fieldstone at Hillbrook Inn
Charles Town, West Virginia
About this Event
A summer gathering shaped by history, harvest, and open flame.
Set within the historic landscape of Hillbrook Inn and Spa, once known as Bullskin Plantation, the first property ever purchased by George Washington, Ember and Earth invites guests to dine within a living timeline. Long before a nation was formed, this land was chosen for its fertile soil, natural springs, and promise, valued not for grandeur but for what it could grow.
Nearly 250 years later, that same spirit continues.
Ember and Earth marks the debut of the newest chapter under the Hillbrook umbrella, Cool Springs Farm, home to Fieldstone, a culinary driven event space directly connected to the Hillbrook property. What was once farmland tied to early American history is now a place of gathering, creativity, and renewal, where stewardship, community, and craft once again define the land.
As the summer sun lowers, chefs cook openly over flame, drawing from Jefferson County’s July harvest, just picked produce, garden herbs, orchard fruit, and fire kissed proteins prepared with intention and meant to be shared. Local wines, ciders, and beers reflect the same soil beneath your feet, connecting land to glass and past to present.
Ember and Earth is more than a dinner.
It is a celebration of farmers, chefs, and local makers.
A tribute to the land’s first caretakers and its modern stewards.
A long table set between embers and earth.
Join us for an evening grounded in legacy, glowing with summer, and alive with connection.
Event Overview:
Ember and Earth is designed to honor the land and those who cultivate it.
- Open fire cooking demonstrations
- A seasonal menu inspired by Jefferson County’s peak July harvest
- Locally crafted wine, cider, and beer
- A communal long table dining experience
- Storytelling rooted in place and history
This event features:
- Chef Kashif Browne
- Chef Regina Monaco
Additional chefs, farmers, partners, and beverage collaborators will be announced.
The Culinary Experience
The menu reflects midsummer abundance, shaped by flame and guided by seasonality. Guests can expect:
Open Fire Cookery
Ingredients prepared over live flame, honoring traditional methods and natural flavor.
Peak Harvest Produce
Vegetables, herbs, and fruits sourced at their height from Jefferson County farms.
Fire Kissed Proteins
Thoughtfully selected and prepared with care and simplicity.
Local Beverage Pairings
Wine, cider, and beer crafted within the region, shaped by the same landscape that surrounds you.
Every detail is designed to connect first soil to shared table.
