Access Monthly - August 2017 by Winchester Star

SANGRIA, GAZPACHO + COCKTAIL RECIPES \\ LOCAL EVENTS

A u g u s t 2 0 1 7 | T h e W i n c h e s t e r s ta r

WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT With recipes from local restaurants, plus indoor events and products that will keep you cool, we share 20 local ways to beat the heat this month.

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Events & lifestyle news for Winchester, Frederick & Clarke counties

ON THE COVER: We explore 20 local ways you can beat the heat this summer, from recipes to apparel, events and activities. Special thanks to Jereme Steele of Village Square Restaurant for assisting with the cocktail. Photo by Ginger Perry/The Winchester Star. Special thanks to Kimberlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Mountain Trails for promotional photos.

JENNY BAKER

Special Projects access@winchesterstar.com ACCESS MONTHLY is published by The Winchester Star

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upcoming U P CO M I N G

AUGUST

Heat up your calendar with these hot dates

1-6 FREDERICK COUNTY FAIR

Where else can you get your fix for funnel cake, cotton candy, Ferris wheels and merry-go-rounds, livestock, exhibits, monster trucks, BBQ, live music and more? Only at the county fair. Started July 31. Frederick County Fairgrounds, Daily: Free - $7; 6-day pass: $10 - $20

One of the best evenings to enjoy in Old Town — shops stay open later, galleries host new art openings — but this particular First Friday sees a percentage of merchant sales benefiting Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter. Old Town Winchester, oldtownwinchesterva.com

Drawing from the influence of European gypsy musicians like Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, prepare to be delighted by this group from Madison, Wisconsin. Old Town Winchester, $2 - $5.

FIRST FRIDAYS

BLUEMONT CONCERT SERIES:

HARMONIOUS WAIL

bluemont.org

frederickcountyfair.com

Get your fill of peaches and baked peach goods plus live music and fun stuff for the kiddos. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.. Marker-Miller Orchards, free. markermillerorchards.com

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE

Don your cowboy hat and boots — it's country night in Old Town. The August edition of Friday Night Live welcomes to the stage Thom Shepherd, who wrote the song "Redneck Yacht Club," among other country hits. Joining him is Coley McCabe, who has opened up for the likes of Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, and Brad Paisley. 5 p.m., Taylor Pavilion in Old Town Winchester, $5. oldtownwinchesterva.com

PEACH FESTIVAL

19 - 20

WINCHESTER GREEK FESTIVAL

You don't want to miss fresh-carved, roasted lamb and beef gyros, souvlaki, loukoumades, moussaka, baklava, live music and dancing. Saturday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday: Noon - 7 p.m.., Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, dormition.va.goarch.org

BELLE GROVE WINE FEST

Sunshine, a beautiful setting, and wine — what more could you want as summer winds down? Plus chef demonstrations, life music, house and garden tours, food and vendors. 11 a.m - 6 p.m., Belle Grove Plantation, $20 - $25. bellegrove.org

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SHENANDOAH VALLEY CAKE FESTIVAL

You don't need a celebration to have cake — instead celebrate the art of the cake at the second annual Shenandoah Valley Cake Festival. Join cake decorators young and old, professional and amateur as they create masterpieces around the theme of Fairy Tales. Former executive pastry chef for the White House, Roland Mesnier, will be a celebrity judge. Noon - 4:30 p.m., The George Washington Hotel, $15 nibblins.com

BLANC ON BLANC DINNER PARTY

One of the most elegant dinner parties you're sure to ever attend.: the decor, all white; the attire, all white. A gourmet evening under the stars in a scenic winery setting. Featuring a multi-course catered meal with wine and a cash bar, plus live music. 7 - 10 p.m., James Charles Winery, $95. jamescharleswinery.com

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cover story

(waysLOCAL ) to BEAT the

HEAT by JENNY BAKER

photography by SCOTT MASON, GINGER PERRY, JEFF TAYLOR

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Grab a cone and three scoops at Red Fox Creamery on the Loudoun Street Mall in Winchester. This cone features fresh raspberry ice cream made with locally-sourced raspberries, and chocolate and vanilla made with all natural ingredients. Owner Kathy Puffinburger takes pride in the fact that her ice cream is homemade, featuring natural flavors and ingredients, no flavoring syrups. Look out for flavors like Key lime pie, mocha toffee crunch, peach, coconut cream, lemon pie and more, all made with 16% butterfat.

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DUCK INTO A DARK THEATER

Movie theaters and summertime are a rather ubiquitous pairing; but think beyond the blockbusters and consider joining Film Club 3.0 at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. This club, which is free to join, seeks lovers of independent and foreign cinema. Approximatey 2,700 cinephiles belong to the club which hosts 10 to 12 films a month, most of which are singular screenings. "Film Club is a dedicated community committed to celebrating and sharing the passion for film," said Andy Gyurisin, founder. "Our goal is to surround the Shenandoah Valley with foreign, cult, classic and independent cinema."

TAKE SHADE

Upcoming films:

Besides providing a reprieve from the heat on your head, this hat by the San Diego Hat Company offers protection of SPF 50. Available at Simply Charming in Old Town Winchester; other styles available.

August August August August

2 - "I Am The Blues" 6 - "Some Freaks" 9 - "This Is Not What I Expected" 16 - "Unforgiven"

Tickets $9.50; visit www.drafthouse.com/winchester for schedules

COOL AS A CUCUMBER 5

Jereme Steele, bar manag e r of Villag e Sq u a re Restaurant in Old Town Winchester, shares a new cocktail recipe from their bar you can make at home: 1 part Absolut Lime Juice of 1/2 lime Muddled English cucumber Simple syrup

HAVE A COLD BREW

Sure, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had iced coffee, but have you had cold brew coffee? Besides it being a refreshing treat on a hot day, it packs more caffeine and a bolder, deeper flavor than its iced cousin. How? At Espresso Bar and Cafe in Old Town Winchester, they steep coffee grounds in water for 14 hours, giving it time to pull subtle flavors that you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get from a quick brew like a French press. They then add flavors to it like mocha or caramel, or half-and-half if you so desire.

Combine ingredients in a shaker filled with ice; strain into ice-filled highball glass and top with seltzer. "It's a drink that tastes like how you feel when you get out of the pool and find the perfect lounge chair, " said Steele.

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SOUP. . . SERVED CHILLED

The Chef's Market Chilled Gazpacho Soup

SIP SANGRIA

4 large fresh tomatoes, quartered 2 cucumbers, peeled and diced 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 bunch of farmers market green onion, chopped 1/2 tsp toasted ground cumin Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tbs thinly sliced fresh basil 16 oz Chesapeak Bay Bloody Mary Mix (available at The Chef's Market) Combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, green onion in a large blender bowl. Stir in cumin, salt, and black pepper. Puree the mixture. Pour puree into a chilled bowl and add the Clark + Hopkins Chesapeake Bay Bloody Mary Mix. Stir to combine.

There's gazpacho, and then there's gazpacho. Phil Andersen, chef and co-owner of The Chef's Market in Old Town Winchester, crafted his own version of the classic summer soup by adding in a special ingredient: Chesapeake Bay Bloody Mary Mix, a concoction con-

ceived by local Winchester hot sauce company, Clark + Hopkins. Chef Andersen knew right away upon tasting the mix that it would be perfect in gazpacho. “It kind of replaces the tomato sauce,” he explained. “Brandon Clark's bloody mary mix really hit the spot. It's the right

combination of spices and seasoning.” That isn't the only local product included in Andersen's gazpacho — he aims to use as much locally-grown produce as possible, as long as the flavor and taste meets his standards. "It has to taste really good," he said. Try his recipe above.

What's more refreshing than local wine mixed with fruit? Shawn Steffey of Valerie Hill Winery shares their easy recipe for the Valerita:

COOL TECH

A shirt that will actually cool you off, the WickEd Cool line of shirts by Royal Robbins uses a fabric called Tempra Tech. “It is a thermo regulating fabric that works basically by allowing the moisture from your body to spread evenly over the fabric at warmer at warmer temperatures and thereby evaporating much more quickly and efficiently,” explained Garry Green, who carries the shirts at Mountain Trails in Old Town Winchester. “You can actually feel the fabric letting loose of the moisture and that provides the cooling effect on the skin.”

“It's our play on the classic summer margarita,” he said. “The Valerita was inspired by our favorite vacation spot, Captiva Island, Florida. There's a beach bar right on the ocean that only serves beer and wine, and they make their margaritas with wine instead of tequila. They were so refreshing in the summer heat. “Our recipe is simple and can be made by the glass or pitcher or even a 5-gallon container for large parties. We mix equal parts of Valerie Hill's Seyval Blanc and a good margarita mix. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and garnish with fresh lime slices. While we don't salt the rims of our glasses at the winery, a salted rim is great!”

J u s t i n Ke r n s , exe c u tive director of the Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visito r ' s Bu reau , has some recommendations: For kayakers, he suggests checking out Cedar Creek from the Minebank Road bridge down to Route 11, with caves, mild Class II rapids, and beautiful scenery. “This should not be paddled alone until you’ve been through with a partner as there are some tricky spots,” he warned. The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is easily accessible at several points and offers a variety of paddling conditions, as well as tubing and canoeing opportunities. Lake Frederick is a local favorite for flat water kayaking and canoeing, as well as fishing; just be sure to have your Department of Game and Inland Fisheries access permit or fishing license as this is one of their lakes. A short trip to Harpers Ferry or west into West Virginia offers myriad opportunities for all skill levels on the Lost, Cacapon and Potomac rivers.

GRAB A PADDLE

GO WILD Escape the heat and take in some culture at the same time. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley's latest exhibition, Art and the Animal, features the world's best animal art by the Society of Animal Artists. You'll get to enjoy 60 paintings, sculptures, and drawings of exotic birds, zebras, tigers, gorillas, and more. Think of it as an air-conditioned trip to the zoo. Through September 3.

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Chef Bud ....... of The Chef's Market in Old Town Winchester shares his favorite recipe for the summertime soup. Mendae perferrum eaqui to volorer ectatur autae. Aquissi nullandam ressed min nos es quatur moluptae nis et ratemo entio di beati volora comnisquodit rem imus. Duntibus, quis volora dolupistibus est recae postusEfac tu cienit, vemus fuit. Um me catuius; nonsultore perfece sciissu pimissi mortimilium pribulem, quit, pulartu dessena rbenicures vestes etis imum om-

9 GET INSPIRED Thirsty? Consider crafting your own drink — and we aren't just talking about cocktails. “Quench: Handcrafted Beverages to Satisfy Every Taste and Occasion” by Ashley English covers the entire beverage range with hot, cold, fermented, infused, and cured offerings. Cool off with refreshing libations like fresh-squeezed ginger lemonade and rose and cardamon soda. Available at Kimberly's in Old Town Winchester.

COLD TREAT

What's summer without ice pops? Raise the bar by making them yourself. The Zoku Quick Pop Maker claims to freeze pops in 7 minutes without the use of electricity. How does it work? Put the base of the maker in your freezer for at least 24 hours (so some preplanning is involved), then when ready, take it out and place the pop sticks into the mold, and pour chilled juice or your creative concoction into the mold. Then wait for 7 to 9 minutes, and voila — you've got yourself a homemade ice pop. Recipes available. Available at Nibblins in Rutherford Crossing.

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SIP SANGRIA

What's more refreshing than local wine mixed with fruit? Shawn Steffey of Valerie Hill Winery shares their easy recipe for the Valerita:

COOL TECH

“It's our play on the classic summer margarita,” he said. “The Valerita was inspired by our favorite vacation spot, Captiva Island, Florida. There's a beach bar right on the ocean that only serves beer and wine, and they make their margaritas with wine instead of tequila. They were so refreshing in the summer heat. “Our recipe is simple and can be made by the glass or pitcher or even a 5-gallon container for large parties. We mix equal parts of Valerie Hill's Seyval Blanc and a good margarita mix. dd a squeeze of fresh lime juice and garnish with fresh lime slices. While we don't salt the rims of our glasses at the winery, a salted rim is great!”

GRAB A PADDLE

COLD TREAT

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SLEEP LIGHT

Keeping cool when sleeping is one of summer’s perpetual dilemmas. Jack up the AC and higher electric bills you'll face; kicking off the sheets doesn't always solve the problem on a muggy evening. Enter Softies cooling sleepwear. Featuring two patents, the soft fabric actually reduces body temperature, wicks moisture and blocks odor. "We love Softies, it’s Kimberly’s favorite pajama line and she wears them," said Kim Pennington, community liaison of Kimberly's in Old Town. "They are breathable. If it gets warm it keeps you cool at night, because of the cooling self-wicking effect. They are a wonderful price point and are made in America.” They'll last you for a long time too — the eco-friendly, chemical free technology is woven into the DNA of the fabric and will never wash out, nor is any special cleaning care required. Available at Kimberly's in Old Town Winchester. Various styles available.

15 ESCAPE IT ALL The clock is ticking. . . You have only a few seconds left to solve the puzzle and escape to your freedom from the room you were (willingly) locked in. There are two escape rooms in the area — World's Away Escape, which is relocating in August from their Middletown location to the Bright Center on the Loudoun Street pedestrian mall, and Solve It Escape Rooms & Mystery Games on Cameron Street in Winchester. www.worldsaway.net and www.escaperoomsandmysterygames.com

CHILL OUT

When it's this hot out, the last thing you need is to be in a stressed state of mind. Lucky for you, there are several day spas in the area offering many ways to help you chill out. Saumaj Spa at The George Washington Hotel offers various massage styles plus facials and body wraps. Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Kernstone offers a cold stone fa-

cial massage where hot towels are placed on the face to stimulate circulation and then cold stones are used to reduce inflammation. Check out add-ons like aromatherapy and foot treatments at Massage Envy in Winchester, and reflexology at Berryville Massage and Wellness Spa. Take a relaxing dip in the Japanese baths at Pembroke Springs in Star Tannery.

DO SOMETHING COOL If you can’t be at the beach, the next best thing in Winchester would be to head to the Sundowner Patio Oyster Roast at George’s Food & Spirits at The George Washington Hotel in Winchester. Executive Chef John Lawrence heads up the feast every Friday night on the patio from 6 to 8 p.m. through early fall. It’s an idea inspired by his 12-plus years experience working in East Coast ocean-side restaurants, and showcasing the restaurant’s affiliation with the Virginia Oyster Trail. For $20 a person, you get two dozen oak charcoal roasted Virginia oysters with herb butter, condiments like pickled watermelon, lemons, and baby Tabasco, a draft beer or glass of house wine, and you can of course purchase additional oysters for only $1 an oyster. Rainy night? No worries — they just move it inside.

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profiles

DANA HAND EVANS

45 • Hometown: Hmm. . . That is a bit complicated. I was in Richmond longer than anywhere else! Executive Director of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley Also: Grand Poobahress (a title given me by staff at the MSV — think "The Flintstones")

Song you last downloaded: "Gimmie All Your Love" by Alabama Shakes. Brittany Howard's voice is incredible! Best breakfast: Breakfast is my favorite meal — especially if I do not have to make it! So, when I travel, I always find the best breakfast spot in town. The last time I was in Charleston, S.C., I had fried green tomatoes with poached eggs and a crabcake. Here in Winchester, I love the veggie omelette at Papermill Place. What makes someone a success? Perseverance, tolerance, flexibility, and the ability to admit — and learn from — your mistakes. Artist who inspires you: It's a tie between two fabulous female artists: Artemisia Gentileschi and Louise Bourgeois. Artemisia was a famous painter in 17th century Italy; and Louise's work is some of the most powerful and humorous of any sculpture in the 20th century. Both refused to accept limitations and were a bit bossy to boot! Infomercial order? The Original Turbie Twist Hair Towel. When photo by GINGER PERRY our daughter was 4 years old, she saw it on TV and had to have it. She loved it. 12

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JUSTIN KERNS

40 • Hometown: Rustburg, VA Executive Director of the Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau Tip for visitors: My favorite piece of advice is to tell visitors to turn off the GPS, put down the map, and just drive through the countryside. So many great little discoveries to make and nice locals to interact with. I think these are the memories that visitors really take away with them. Something new you'd like to try this year: Yoga. And not that hot yoga stuff for working out — I need to chill out. On your travel list: Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand and Latvia. Stateside I'd love to make it up to Alaska as it's the only state I haven't visited yet. Best local hike: Eagle Rock on the Tuscarora Trail. So many folks don't know about this — it's a great and easy hike with beautiful Shenandoah Valley views. Collector? I used to be a big baseball card collector in my childhood; now it seems the only thing we collect are kid's toys (we've got 2 little children). Best motivational book? "A Pirate Looks at 50" by Jimmy Buffett. Stop laughing, it was motivational to photo by SCOTT MASON me. Great anecdotal solutions to life's challenges told through some fascinating and amusing stories. JULY 27, 2017

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TRY LASER TAG

BREW YOUR OWN Go back to school — to brew school, that is. On August 26, Valley Homebrew in Winchester will teach want-to-be brewers how to start brewing beer during a 90-minute class. No experience required, but you must buy tickets in advance. www.valleyhomebrew.com

FEEL THE WIND IN YOUR HAIR Take to the country roads and join Element Adventures in Winchester for a picturesque ride through the area, featuring a catered lunch and wine tastings at Valerie Hill Vineyard on August 6. The 30-mile tour will leave Element Sports on Valley Avenue at 10:30 a.m. and return at 2 p.m.; advance registration required. For details, visit www.bikereg.com/vineyard-tour

Have an air-conditioned, indoor adventure with laser tag, which is similar to paintball minus the physical projectiles. Safe and fun for kids of all ages, you play with “guns” which fire infrared beams to infrared-sensitive targets worn by players. Locally, get your fix at Skyline Paintball and Laser Tag on South Loudoun Street in Winchester. Visit www.skylinepaintball. com for more information.

HAVE A COLD ONE Garry Green, owner of Mountain Trails in Old Town Winchester, is impressed with how cold these double wall stainless steel vacuum products by Avex keep his drinks. "I have personally tested the bottles and have found ice in the container well over 24 hours after having sat in my vehicle for that long," he said. "Different products have different cooling and eating ranges but most of the double wall sealed bottles will keep cold for up to 50 hours and hot up to 12." Next time you go camping, boating, or are sitting out by the pool or on the beach, be sure to pack one with you. Whether you need one for wine, beer, tea, a soft drink, or just water, it'll keep your beverage cold, and you cool in the process.

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