A good time to dine in Culpeper

Sunday is the seventh annual Taste of Culpeper, a food, wine and arts festival that has everything from a moon bounce for kids to an outdoor “football lounge” for those who can’t pull themselves away from College Game Day.

The festival takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at the Depot building in downtown Culpeper. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, and kids 12 and under are free.

Here’s the rundown:

Experience the very best in Virginia wines, microbreweries and local cuisine from noon until 5 p.m. Discover treasures for your home and your table from local artisans and crafters.

Fun and festivities for the entire family will promise an enjoyable fall afternoon. FREE activities for children include face painting, moonbounce, art projects, games and much more. Live music for the afternoon will feature The Gold Top County Ramblers with an opening act from Pocket Aces. For the sports fans, an outdoor football lounge will be available with two large screen TVs.

With your tasting admission to Culpeper Renaissance’s Taste of Culpeper, you will receive general admission, a souvenir wine glass to commemorate your day, and free tastings at each of the wineries. If you find one that you like, relax and stay a while, as wine will also be available for purchase by the glass or the bottle. New this year, Taste of Culpeper wine totes will be available for you to stock up on your favorite wines.

The festival is a good kickoff for downtown Culpeper’s 3rd annual restaurant week, which runs Oct. 10 -16. Here are details:

Started by local restaurateurs in 2009, the event encourages diners to break out of typical work-week patterns and share a meal with family and friends. With specially priced menu options — $25 per person includes a 3-course dinner of appetizer, entrée, and dessert — it’s a great excuse to revisit old favorites or try something new.

Call any of the participating restaurants to make a reservation. And start planning now, this is one culinary trip you won’t want to miss.

Chiusano’s Italian Table                 540.727.7998

The Copper Fish                               540.825.1011

It’s About Thyme                             540.825.4264

Foti’s Restaurant                              540.829.8400

Hazel River Inn Restaurant           540.825.7148

Lucio Restaurant                              540.829.9788

The Smokehouse                             540.317.5026

 

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