Treats in Hunt Country, VA

We worked up an appetite exploring Loudoun County, Virginia, and headed over to the much-acclaimed Red Truck Rural Bakery to remedy the situation. I coveted a slice of their Applejack Butter Pecan Bundt Cake. They have gotten a lot of national attention for their Applejack cake, and a key ingredient happens to be aged apple brandy from the local Catoctin Creek Distillery (so we knew we’d have to check that out as well). Brick and Mortar locations are in nearby Warrenton or Marshall, and you can also order online for pick-up or shipping.  Sadly, the Applejack Cake was not quite in season yet, so I settled for more-than-ample servings of their deliciously moist Meyer Lemon and Moonshine cakes, as well as few treats to share with family. These are Southern cakes at their best, y’all. Sandwiches are also available, but who needs protein when you can eat cake.

Note: When we visited the retail store, indoor dining was closed due to the pandemic, but as of this writing, the retail area is open and there is limited seating inside, as well as outdoor.  Apparently, there is no need for the walk-up window we visited to be open at this moment. Credit/debit cards only, no cash.

The Red Truck name is a tip-of-the-hat to the vintage pick-up truck the owners bought from fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger.  A big shout out to my friend Nancy for turning me on to the New York Times article that led us to the bakery; my tastebuds thank you!

Pick Your Poison in Northern Virginia: Beer, Wine or Whiskey

Pick Your Poison in Northern Virginia: Beer, Wine or Whiskey

Northern Virginia is dotted with wineries and craft breweries, but lesser-known are the distilleries in the area. Virginia has quite a robust distillery trail, and we chose the home of the state’s most awarded whiskey (Roundstone Rye) for our introductory visit. Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, located in Purcellville is open every day but Monday, featuring tastings of their single barrel and small-batch offerings. This is the first local family-owned distillery since before Prohibition and offers flights of whiskey, brandy, or seasonal cocktails.  We had the pleasant-tasting room all to ourselves as we sampled a brandy flight, coming away with a bottle of the pear brandy.

Lunch in Historic Leesburg

Continuing our exploration of Loudoun County, Virginia, we took a break on a busy day to visit historic Leesburg, and lunch at the charming Tuscarora Mill. The restaurant is located at the site of McKimmey’s Mill, rebuilt after a fire in 1898, and in use as a mill and feed business until 1969.  Moved 300 feet from its original location by the W&OD Railroad, the multistory building has been restored and is part of an entertainment complex known as Market Station. BTW – our lunch was delicious; we will return.