Happy Fourth, yo!
One of my favorite pastimes is to dress up in costume for a themed event. I was all RW&B today!
We went to the brand new Stinson Vineyards in Crozet, just a hop, skip, jump down the highway into the Virginia countryside, today.
The details in the new tasting room were just gorg!!! Everything was vintage + modern blend – my favorite style! I loved the milk bottle chandelier, chalkboards, galvanized metals and reclaimed wood everywhere.
Also in love with the logo – their graphic designer was a good one!
Our family friend, Gayle, just started working at Stinson and let us know of the grand opening festivities
We started the afternoon with a taste of each of the wines. They were ALL good – I liked the Rose a lot!
We ended up buying a bottle to share with our group: Karen, Tracy + Clayton, Becky + Becky and Matt and me
We had a couple of pop up tents set up with this view. It was HOT HOT HOT outside, so the shade was much appreciated.
The event was a BBQ – traditional style with a pig on the grill and a few gourmet sides catered by Gryffon’s Aerie, “purveyors of the finest, natural gourmet meats through sustainable, pasture-based farming.” Normally I wouldn’t be too excited about a public barbecue, since I try to support only pasture + humanely raised animals. But when I read Gryffon’s Aerie was supplying the food, I was so excited to find such a great holiday event with thoughtful food behind it. Love everything the company stands for!
There was of course the pork, plus slaw and roasted potatoes
And we brought cheddar garlic
And garden greens. I didn’t have any slaw due to onion content, but all the rest tasted amazing!!!
I had a couple of glasses of wine throughout the day too
We munched on these peanuts I was sent via KERF to try by Lord Nut Levington. I did not love the flavors, so I brought them to share and sent them home with Tracy. The Thai Lemongrass was my favorite.
We also tasted a Cookies & Corks for dessert (I just had a nibble) – but one of the three cookie styles was MISSING from the box!! (And I swear it wasn’t open!)
The music was great!
So was the watermelon!
We chilled until the sky fell out
And headed home around 4pm.
Not sure what to do next, we took a look at the yard and knew that once the sun was out we had better mow the grass.
I stripped off my shirt, put on my Camelbak + iPod and got to mowin’!
Then took an icy shower!
I had a request for some garden photos. Kanz weeded while I mowed. Our garden is a bit out of control, and we’ve mostly focused on greens, herbs and tomatoes. Although our greens have bolted (flowered) we’re still eating them!! We also have no secrets to a green thumb – we just put seeds in the ground (well, raised beds that our landscaping landlords established) and they grow! Maybe they put some kind of magic soil in the beds!?
Kale, mystery leaf, basil
Dill
Maters
Bolted mustard greens
I really had no appetite for dinner at all.
But around 9PM I got a little hungry. A salad did not sound that appealing, but a smoothie did! So I turned my salad into a soup.
Greens, cantaloupe, yogurt, milk, flax with Cinnamon Raisin cubes. I only finished 3/4 of it and fed the rest to Matt.
Happy Birthday to Larbs’ Matt and Ashley!!
Tomorrow we have a road trip and picnic #2!!!
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
love the festive spirit & green edibles =]
Val @ Balancing Val says
Very jealous of the greens you grew, bolted or not! 😀
Did you use any special tricks to help like eggshells and compost or natural fertilizers?
KathEats says
Nope. Like I said, no tricks!!
Hillary says
Your nails and festive outfit are adorable. Loved it.
I’ve never put cantaloupe (or any other melon!) in a smoothie before. Better than berries? I would think it would come out super watery, but now I’m intrigued!
KathEats says
Stick with berries – unless you have lots of leftover ‘loupe!
Cait's Plate says
This looks like the absolute perfect day! Stinson looks awesome – I could definitely get into a place like that 🙂
So bizarre a cookie was missing from the box – maybe more than just you stole a cookie from the cookie jar last night 😉
KathEats says
HAHAH!
Paige - Everyday Belle says
WOW – your garden makes mine pale in comparison. tomato and cheese flavored peanuts? innnnnnteresting. 🙂
Julie H. says
What an awesome day, Kath! 🙂 Your outfit is priceless! I <3 it!!!!! I am now completely inspired to go find something cute for tomorrow!
kaila @ healthy helper! says
Looks like a wonderfully fun and eventful day! I looove picnics!
Maria @ Beautiful Busy Bee says
Happy Fourth!!! That’s kind of creepy about the cookies. Purple potatoes??? Wow!!! 🙂
Meaghan O'Connor (My Spoonful of Inspiration) says
Such a beautiful afternoon in pictures! 🙂
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Beauuuutiful. Gotta love festive holidays! Esp. those nails. Danngggg girl that wine looks so good! Going straight to the winery is the absolute best. Lahve.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I love that milk bottle chandelier! There is a store here that have a wine bottle chandelier for sale – I’ve almost bought it 20x.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
The vineyard and decor look awesome. Right up my alley. And so is rose. Love.It.
The peanuts..disappointing that you didnt love em b/c the flavors look great…and also a missing cookie from an unopened box? Weird!
That big piece of watermelon, time with your friends, and the fact that I saw your iced coffee pic on Foodgawker when I was checking a submission of my own…should make you smile 🙂
Happy 4th Kath!
KathEats says
🙂 Love FG! I’ve stopped submitting to Tastespotting so I can focus on Gawker. Just got my wine pour shot up too!!
Mrs. Fish says
I love the clean look of the logo as well! What a great day!
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
Love your festive fingernails!!
Cool. . . I’ve never seen mesh food covers like that before. What a great invention!
rumfunandsun says
That looks like such an amazing day!!!!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I love your 4th of July festive clothes!
J3nn(Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Your nails are cute!!
Looks like a fun-filled all-American day! Happy 4th, Kath!! Here’s to our wonderful country. 🙂 cheers!
Bee Goes Bananas says
It looks like you had so much fun! I love all the decorations and the “shabby chic” feel of the place. Neat!
Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife says
Looks like an awesome day, that rose is callin my name. I can’t wait to have a yard where I can grow my own greens! It must be awesome to just grab free greens from your backyard.
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Mmmm what a delicious lunch! And I LOVE rose wines! You’re so lucky to be near all of those vineyards 🙂
Jackie Smith says
Have you ever considered featuring any of these wines on Open Sky?
KathEats says
I haven’t ever considered doing any local wines. Would you buy them?
Jackie Smith says
I would, but then again I’m cheap and don’t spend over $30 for a bottle. I buy wine to give as gifts, too.
Ashley says
Thanks for the bday wishes!! 🙂 LOVE the style of that winery…gorgeous!
Maria says
Love the photo of the Blue Ridge Mountains! I head home to VA in a couple of weeks and cannot contain my excitement. Hoping to stop by the bakery if I make it down to C-ville!
Hope you have a happy 4th!
KathEats says
Come visit!
Margo @ peanut butter trees says
I love dressing up for holidays and themes too! I think the spirit is always appreciated and why not get into it?! Happy 4th! Love all the celebrations!
Angel7 says
I want a garden sometime in the future! I love kale and want to grow my own, so I can pick it in our own backyard.
It looks like you all had a nice day!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
staceyhealthylife says
Yet another fun event in Cville. So many great activities always happening there.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
What a fun day! We had a miserably rainy day unfortunately and were stuck inside all day. Hoping tomorrow is better!
Khushboo says
Love the patriotism in the post!
Stephanie @ Love Life Project says
I love that you painted each hand a different colour! Happy Fourth to you!
Hannah says
What a brilliant, brilliant day! And I love the image of you “feeding” the smoothie to Matt 😛
Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats says
That looks like such a great day! 🙂 Lovin’ the festive nail polish!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I would love to have a picnic there! What a beautiful place.
Gayle says
And Stinson Vineyards would love to have you come picnic there! Hope to see you soon!
KathEats says
Thanks for stopping by KERF Gayle!! Thanks for inviting us – such a great time!
Nanette @ Making Me New says
You can come mow my lawn, it’s very much in need also! 😉
kris (everyday oats) says
I love that rustic feel that stinson vineyards has going on. And that milk bottle chandelier is too cute!
Your garden is lookin great btw!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
i painted my nails today but i like your shade of blue a lot more!
Katherina @ Zephyr Runs says
Fourth of July is such a great holiday for good food, friends, and relaxation! And MUSTARD greens, how fun! I love mustard so much and think it’s so underrated.
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
Looks like you had a great day! Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend 🙂
Sarah@The Flying ONION says
What a fabulous day! And I love your nail colors. Very festive, very stylish! 😀
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
Woah! what a day 🙂 sounds like fun though. Loved the pics of your garden!
Ally at A Girl in her Kitchen says
Everything looks wonderful! Have a great 4th!
Molly @ RDexposed says
We were playing the mystery leaf game in the garden, too.
Lisa | Life in Green says
Love your shots of the greens. I’m sure if the previous neighbors created raised beds they filled in with a nice growing medium. Greens do a good job of growing anywhere the soil is workable. Next year throw a little compost on and you’ll have a great growing season again!
Hayley @ Oat Couture says
This looks like my perfect day! 🙂 Such a gorgeous looking place! Enjoy the rest of your long weekend!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
How beautiful!! Love the garden pics 🙂
Simply Life says
looks like a great time – I love the festive attire!
Rachel Stinson says
Thanks Kath for a lovely post – we’re so glad you could make it out!
KathEats says
Thanks for such a fun event!
Jessica says
I LOVE your blue nail polish! Would you please share what brand/color it is? Thanks!
Brian / Gayle's brother in Idaho says
Thanks for posting a picture that included my sister, Gayle. Haven’t seen her in awhile – you’re looin’ good, Gayle! Love you!
robin says
were you always such a conscientious eater or did this evolve and if so when?
KathEats says
Evolved over the past 5 years