Turkey Legs and Toms Brook Red: A North Mountain Vineyard Story

north mountain vineyard pod

During a recent episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Jill Edlich and Kary Haun for Tourism Tuesday — Shenandoah County Edition — to talk about an exciting new chapter unfolding at North Mountain Vineyard and Winery. Click here to listen.

What begins as a conversation about events and community quickly reveals something much bigger: a Renaissance fair founder has just stepped into life as a vineyard owner.

As part of the ongoing Tourism Tuesday series highlighting destinations and experiences in Shenandoah County, the conversation explores how Jill’s purchase of North Mountain is reshaping both the winery and the future home of the Ravenwood Faire. As listeners quickly learn, this isn’t just a business transaction. It’s a story about legacy, land, and local connection.

The Perfect Match

When Krista, the former owner of North Mountain Vineyard and Winery, decided to sell her beloved property, she wasn’t just looking for any buyer. She wanted someone who would cherish the land and preserve its legacy. After waiting patiently for the right person, she found exactly what she was looking for in Jill Edlich—though the match came with an unexpected twist.

Jill didn’t set out to become a winemaker. Instead, she was searching for a permanent home for the Ravenwood Faire, the Renaissance-style festival she founded in 2019. For years, she had been hosting the fundraising event at the Frederick County Fairgrounds in Clear Brook, but the logistics were exhausting. Setting up and breaking down the event took nearly a week each time, and Jill dreamed of finding land where the fair could put down roots.

From Fairgrounds to Vineyards

When Jill discovered the 47-acre North Mountain property—with 15 acres planted in grapevines—she realized she’d found more than just a home for her event. She’d stumbled into an entirely new venture. “It’s like those TV shows where someone says, ‘Honey, I bought a zoo,'” Janet jokes. “And those people are like, ‘I’ve never run a zoo before, but hey, we’re gonna give this a shot.'”

Jill laughs in agreement. Suddenly, she wasn’t just an event organizer—she was a farmer and a vintner. “A lot of people say, ‘So how does it feel to be a farmer now?'” Jill reflects. “And I’m like, wow. Yeah. I’m a farmer besides owning the winery.”

A Wine Lover’s Journey

Fortunately, Jill’s leap into the wine business wasn’t entirely blind. Years earlier, she founded the Wine Club for Women, organizing tastings and educational events throughout Frederick County, Winchester, and even Shenandoah County. She loved learning about wine pairings and vineyard operations, but eventually, the demands of the Ravenwood Faire consumed her time. Still, she never abandoned her dream of returning to the wine world someday.

“It’s kind of like a full circle,” Jill explains. “Everything happens for a reason. That’s always been one of my things for sure.”

Preserving Tradition

One of Jill’s biggest concerns when taking over the winery was maintaining the quality and character that loyal customers had come to expect. Thankfully, she inherited an invaluable asset: the winemaking team. Krista’s son, John Jackson, stayed on as head winemaker, along with assistant winemaker Andrew Bender. Together, they’re Jill’s “wine-making gurus,” patiently teaching her the craft while ensuring beloved wines like Toms Brook Red remain unchanged.

“Rest assured, we’ve got Toms Brook Red and that’s definitely not going anywhere,” Jill promises. Beyond preserving existing wines, she’s also excited to experiment with new blends and explore whether certain grapes can stand on their own rather than being blended.

A Diverse Portfolio

Currently, North Mountain offers an impressive selection. The white wines include Riesling, Oktoberfest, a standout Virginia Apple wine, Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer Rosé. Meanwhile, the red lineup features Zweigel Red, Cabernet Franc (Jill’s personal favorite), Petite Verdot, Chambourcin Foster’s Reserve, Mountain Midnight (a port-style wine), the famous Toms Brook Red, a spiced holiday wine that can be served cold or warmed, and Clairet—a Bordeaux-style blend that’s grandfathered in under a now-restricted name.

Renovations and Accessibility

Since closing on the property on October 31, 2025, Jill has wasted no time making improvements. She opened for business the very next day and immediately began renovations to make the winery more welcoming. The tasting room has been transformed into a clean, inviting space where large groups or dozens of small parties can gather comfortably.

Most importantly, Jill prioritizes accessibility. She’s adding a ramp to eliminate steps at the entrance, designating handicap parking spots, and extending the parking lot. Additionally, she’s constructing a road, making it easier for visitors to access events—especially the Ravenwood Faire—without overwhelming the neighborhood.

The Ravenwood Connection

While the winery and the Ravenwood Faire are separate entities, they now share the same home. The Ravenwood Foundation will rent space on the property to host the fundraising event, happening in October: the 16th through 18th and the 23rd through 25th.

The fair has grown significantly since its inception, particularly in its offerings for children. Last year, the kids’ area was constantly packed, which thrills Jill and her team. “Every time I looked over in that area, it was just a constant,” she recalls. “It made us feel really good.”

Beyond the fair, the foundation runs a week-long day camp for children ages 12 to 17, teaching outdoor skills like archery, bread making, and cooking over open fires. Last year’s inaugural camp served 16 kids—a number that initially seemed small but proved perfect for working out the kinks. Moving forward, Jill hopes to eventually bring the camp to the vineyard property and possibly expand to overnight sessions, though logistical challenges like insurance and sleeping arrangements remain.

Building Community

Jill’s vision extends beyond wine and fairs. She’s actively partnering with local farms and artisans to host events like homesteading workshops, sourdough-making classes, canning demonstrations, and floral arrangement sessions. Every Saturday features live music, and the winery has already hosted trivia nights, bridal showers, and even a 35-person wedding in the great room.

“It’s really important for us to be working with our local community,” Jill emphasizes. “Meeting other farmers now has been amazing.”

She’s also been warmly welcomed by the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, a tight-knit group of winemakers who meet every other month at different vineyards. “I walked in there and everybody had open arms,” Jill says. “It was an amazing feeling. I’m feeling the love for sure.”

Looking Ahead

As spring approaches, Jill plans to extend the winery’s hours beyond the current Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. She’s also reviving Oktoberfest—a tradition Krista maintained even in her final years—and giving it “a little more love.”

Perhaps most excitingly, Jill is exploring expanding wine production and potentially enlarging the cellar. With stunning sunset views, ample outdoor space, and a growing calendar of events, North Mountain Vineyard and Winery is poised to become a cornerstone of Shenandoah County’s tourism scene.

For Jill, the journey from Renaissance fair organizer to winery owner has been unexpected but deeply fulfilling. “I know how to drink wine,” she jokes. “But to make it, that was a whole different ball of wax.” Three months in, she’s learning something new every day—and loving every minute of it.

North Mountain Vineyard and Winery is located in Shenandoah County at 4374 Swartz Road, Maurertown. For more information, visit northmountainvineyard.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the Ravenwood Foundation at ravenwoodfoundation.org.

Three Concrete Steps: The Search for Wolf Gap CCC’s Lost History

wolf gap ccc pod

When host Janet Michael talks with Rosemary Wallinger and Laura Fogle for this episode of The Valley Today, she expected a straightforward conversation about local history. What unfolded instead was a remarkable story of discovery, perseverance, and the fight to preserve a crucial piece of American—and African American—heritage that has been hiding in plain sight for nearly 90 years. Click here to listen.

A Tale of Two Camps

Rosemary, president of the CCC Legacy organization, and Laura, the vice president, share how Shenandoah County is home to two historically significant Civilian Conservation Corps camps. While Camp Roosevelt is well-known as the nation’s first CCC camp, Wolf Gap – located just 22 miles away – has remained virtually unknown.

“Nobody here that we’ve talked to, other than maybe three people, had ever heard of it,” Rosemary reveals. “So we are giving concentrated effort to get it into public awareness.”

Both camps were among the first ten CCC camps established in the nation. But there’s a crucial difference: Wolf Gap became one of the very first African American CCC camps in the country, opening just one month after Camp Roosevelt in 1933.

Roosevelt’s New Deal in Action

As the women explain, the CCC was born from desperation. When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in 1933, 15 million Americans were unemployed. People were starving. The CCC became one of his fastest-activated New Deal programs, up and running within weeks of his inauguration.

The scale was staggering: over 3 million men employed across 4,500 camps nationwide, including 250,000 African Americans and 80,000 Native Americans. Young men—officially aged 17 to 25, though many lied about their age to enroll as young as 15—earned $30 a month. Twenty-five dollars went directly home to their families; they kept just $5 for themselves.

“It was another great stimulus program for the whole country,” Laura explains. “The guys that were working got to keep $5 a month and their families got the other 25 back home to spend on groceries and needs. The communities around the CCC camps profited because they supplied the food. The farmers had work, the mercantiles had work, the lumber yards had work.”

The average enrollee gained 35 pounds during their service—a stark testament to the poverty they’d escaped. They learned carpentry, metalworking, and conservation skills. Those who couldn’t read or write were taught in camp classes.

The Accomplishments History Forgot

During the conversation, Rosemary rattles off Wolf Gap’s impressive achievements: 16,000 acres of trees planted, 45 miles of road built, 60 miles of horse trails, 100 miles of telephone line, 50 miles of roadside naturalization, and three miles of stream improvement. The camp protected 100,000 acres of local forest, fought a three-day fire at Cedar Creek in 1935, and rescued more than 1,200 residents from floodwaters in March 1936.

“Their accomplishments were just astonishing,” Rosemary says. “It’s shocking that it’s unknown to have a list of accomplishments that long, and yet nobody even knows they were here,” says Janet.

The infrastructure these young men built—in national parks, state parks, and forests across America—still stands today, a testament to the quality of their work.

A Serendipitous Discovery

Rosemary’s discovery of Wolf Gap came while researching her family’s involvement in the 1880 race riot at Columbia Furnace. On the Edinburg Memories website, she found a post from Helen Larkin Burton describing how, as a young girl in her father’s store, she watched “the boys from the Wolf Gap CCC” come to shop. It was, Burton wrote, the first time she’d ever seen a Black person.

“I thought, what CCC are we talking about at Wolf Gap?” Rosemary recalls. She contacted a local historian who confirmed it: “Best kept secret in Shenandoah County.”

That discovery sparked a grassroots movement. Rosemary assembled a team of dedicated women to pursue state byway designation for Route 675, the road connecting both camps. They succeeded in getting the byway designation and are now working to have it officially named the Shenandoah County CCC Memorial Byway.

The Segregation Story

The conversation delves into the painful reality of segregation within the CCC. Though African American legislator Oscar De Priest had declared there would be “no discrimination according to race, creed, or color,” Robert Fechner, a southerner who helped administer the program, declared that “separate was not unequal.”

Wolf Gap started as a white camp in its first year but became an African American camp in 1934 when administrators realized they hadn’t factored in “how deeply segregated the south still was in the thirties,” as Laura explains. African American camps were intentionally placed in remote areas, presumably to avoid racist confrontation.

Rosemary notes the irony: when African American enrollees worked on battlefields so effectively that tourists began to visit, officials often transferred them to another remote location. Local populations frequently protested the placement of these camps.

Finding the Descendants

One of the team’s greatest accomplishments, shared emotionally during the conversation, was connecting with Roy Allen Cooper, whose father, Oswald Bentley Cooper, was an enrollee at Wolf Gap. While serving, Oswald met Evelyn McAfee from Woodstock. They married and raised nine children—eight boys and one girl named Georgia—on Water Street and Spring Street in Woodstock.

Roy’s brother Bobby became a well-known local restaurateur, first as the opening cook at the Spring House restaurant in 1973, then running his own establishment. Roy now serves on the CCC Legacy board, providing a vital personal connection to Wolf Gap’s history.

The Research Challenge

“The white CCC was well recorded, records up your wazoo,” Rosemary says candidly during the conversation. “But the history of the Black camps is just sparse and what’s there is difficult to find.”

The team has uncovered treasures, including a regional annual with the only known photographs of Wolf Gap enrollees—two large portraits showing the men’s names and hometowns. Many came from a community in Southwest Virginia called Agricola, offering potential leads for finding more descendants.

Rosemary’s research has also uncovered broader stories, including the Preston Lake Rebellion in upstate New York, where camp officials ordered African American enrollees trained as leaders to step down when white enrollees joined the camp. The men rebelled for three days before officials sent them back to Harlem—a story even New York State’s historical resources department didn’t know about.

The Interpretive Center and What’s Next

The women discuss the James R. Wilkins Sr. Interpretive Center at the US Forest Service Office in Edinburg—a partially completed museum dedicated to CCC history. Wilkins supervised projects at both camps. His son, Jimmy, has been a primary funder along with his sister Donna. The center is open to the public but unfinished. The organization is working to finalize a new agreement with the US Forest Service.

As Laura emphasizes in the conversation, 2033 will mark the hundredth anniversary of the CCC’s birth, and Camp Roosevelt was the first CCC camp in the nation. “Virginia was truly the epicenter of the CCC,” she says. “The state of Virginia needs to embrace that history.”

Why This Matters

When board member Colette Sylvestri presented to 300 students at George Mason University, the most frequent question was: “Why weren’t we taught this?”

“So much of the history of the CCC in general has just fallen by the wayside,” Laura laments. Many people in their forties have never even heard of the Civilian Conservation Corps, let alone understand its contribution to the nation.

The CCC didn’t just build infrastructure—it restored America. As Laura puts it: “These men who built this country, really the CCC restored the United States of America to what it became after World War II.”

How to Get Involved

The CCC Legacy welcomes new members at $35 annually. Members receive quarterly publications including bulletins and a journal with stories from CCC camps across the country. The organization also offers presentations to civic groups and is actively seeking volunteers, particularly web developers to help update their website at ccclegacy.org.

For those with family connections to the CCC, the National Archives has digitized enrollee names, making it possible to search for relatives online.

As the conversation wraps up, Rosemary makes a simple request: “Spread the word that this is a thing. We want people to know that this is our history.”

Both Camp Roosevelt and Wolf Gap are accessible to visitors today. Camp Roosevelt operates as a Forest Service campground with interpretive signage throughout. Wolf Gap, currently undergoing Forest Service renovations, will soon have its own signage installed.

Standing at these remote, quiet sites at dusk, Rosemary shares, “I can hear the voices” – a poignant reminder that history isn’t just about dates and statistics. It’s about the young men who slept in West Virginia, walked to Virginia for breakfast, and built the America we know today.

To learn more about the CCC Legacy organization, visit ccclegacy.org or find them on Facebook. Donations can be mailed to CCC Legacy, PO Box 341, Edinburg, VA 22824.

Suzanne’s Studio: Where Art Meets Community

suzanne's studio pod
A Homecoming Story

Suzanne Soliday has come full circle. After opening Suzanne’s Studio in Woodstock back in 2018, relocating to Florida in 2021, and continuing her artistic passion in Titusville, she’s now back where it all began. In this Tourism Tuesday episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and cohost from Shenandoah County Tourism, Kary Haun sit down with Suzanne at her freshly reopened studio on West Court Street to explore what makes this creative space so special. Click here to listen.

Recording on a Friday afternoon with no snow on the ground—yet bracing for a major winter storm by Tuesday—the trio dives into Woodstock’s thriving arts scene and the unique experiences awaiting both locals and visitors.

More Than Just a Studio

Suzanne’s Studio isn’t your typical paint-and-go craft shop. Instead, it’s a community hub where creativity meets connection. “It’s not just where you grab a trinket, and you sit and paint, and you leave,” Suzanne explains. “We really want them to have an experience.”

That philosophy permeates everything the studio offers. From the moment guests walk through the door, Suzanne focuses on creating memories, teaching techniques, and helping people discover abilities they didn’t know they had. In fact, she admits that her favorite customers are those who claim they’re “not artists”—because watching them surprise themselves brings her the greatest joy.

A Creative Menu

The studio offers an impressive array of artistic mediums. First and foremost, pottery painting remains the foundational offering, allowing children and adults alike to paint on bisque that’s then fired into ceramic keepsakes. However, Suzanne has expanded the menu considerably since her Florida days.

Glass fusion has emerged as a standout addition. Positioned somewhere between mosaics and stained glass, this technique allows participants to score and cut glass, create designs, and watch as everything fuses together in the kiln to create three-dimensional pieces. Moreover, Suzanne is pushing the boundaries by incorporating ceramic paints with glass, opening up entirely new creative possibilities.

Beyond these core offerings, the studio also features fiber arts, where colorful wool gets poked into fabric using simple needles to create soothing, therapeutic art pieces. Additionally, canvas painting remains a favorite, complete with 70 easels available for mobile events at vineyards and other venues. Furthermore, screen art offers a hybrid experience between clay and canvas, using heavy-body texture medium and templates to create surprisingly easy yet impressive results.

Classes, Camps, and Community Events

Despite being back in Woodstock for less than 30 days at the time of recording, Suzanne has already hit the ground running with a robust schedule. The upcoming Cozy Mug workshop promises to teach four different techniques for creating personalized drinkware. Meanwhile, “Kids Create Like the Great Artists” invites young creators to make their own paint from eggs and chalk, then paint in the style of masters like Gauguin.

Looking ahead, spring break camp runs every morning from 9:00 to 11:30 during public school break. Unlike typical craft projects with popsicle sticks and googly eyes, these camps focus on “high-end art” that kids can proudly take home in hand-painted canvas bags. Similarly, summer brings themed camps including Madagascar Camp in June, Campfire Fun in July, and Glam Ranch in August specifically designed for girls ages 12-15.

Throughout the year, workshops range from creating nightlights and framed cardinal mosaics to bookshelf sun-catchers and candle screens. Notably, some events—like the bookshelf sun-catcher workshop—have already sold out, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm for these creative opportunities.

Perfect Partnerships

Suzanne enthusiastically credits Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation, particularly Teresa Funkhouser, for helping launch the business. “Without them, I probably wouldn’t have been able to launch this business because they really sold my classes for me,” she acknowledges. This partnership continues, with the studio now hosting classes previously offered through Parks and Rec.

Additionally, the studio’s location just off Court Square positions it perfectly within Woodstock’s vibrant downtown ecosystem. Guests can easily grab coffee at Flour to Fork, pick up cupcakes from local bakeries, or browse books at Bonfire Bookstore before or after their creative sessions. In fact, Suzanne actively encourages cross-promotion, suggesting customers buy books at Bonfire then create matching bookshelf sun-catchers at the studio.

The studio accommodates up to 50 people in the main space or 20 in the private back room, making it ideal for birthday parties, team-building events, date nights, or girls’ weekends. Furthermore, while the studio is working on obtaining an ABC license, private events can currently bring their own wine and beer, creating the perfect atmosphere for adult creativity.

Woodstock’s Artistic Renaissance

Kary paints a picture of Woodstock’s flourishing arts community that extends well beyond Suzanne’s Studio. Colloquia Arts, a brand new gallery just north of Court Street, hosts monthly shows with receptions. Meanwhile, VECCA features an artist-in-residence working in the window and monthly art shows, typically with receptions on the first Saturday. Additionally, Bonfire Bookstore has launched the Fire Starter Review, an elevated talent show and performance series that Kary describes as “pretty amazing.”

This concentration of creative energy makes Woodstock a genuine destination for art lovers. As Kary notes, “It’s a beautiful place to be and an inspiring place to make art.”

Winter Wonderland Activities

While the podcast focuses heavily on arts and culture, Kary ensures listeners know about Shenandoah County’s winter recreation opportunities. With eight wineries scattered throughout the county—the highest concentration in this region of Virginia—visitors can enjoy cozy fireplaces, live music, and special weekend events while gazing out at snow-covered vineyards.

Cave Ridge Vineyard‘s heated igloos offer a particularly magical experience, providing warmth and comfort while creating the feeling of sitting in a winter wonderland. Similarly, Bryce Resort delivers skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing opportunities, with equipment rentals and ski school available for beginners. For those who prefer to stay warm, the Copper Kettle provides food, drinks, and a cozy atmosphere.

Celebrating Small Business Success

The conversation concludes with well-deserved recognition for The Buttercup, recently named Small Business of the Year by the local chamber. This award highlights the strength of Shenandoah County’s small business community and the dedication of entrepreneurs who make the region special.

Planning Your Visit

Suzanne’s Studio welcomes walk-ins Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during winter months, with expanded hours coming in summer. The studio also opens whenever school is out, recognizing that families seek creative activities during breaks. Interested visitors can explore the full calendar of workshops and classes at suzannes-studio.net, follow along on Facebook at Suzanne’s Studio LLC, or check Instagram @suzannestudiollc.

For broader Shenandoah County tourism information, including winery events, live music schedules, and seasonal activities, Kary directs everyone to visitshenandoahcounty.com.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, this Tourism Tuesday episode reveals something deeper than just promotional content. It showcases how small businesses like Suzanne’s Studio create ripple effects throughout their communities—fostering creativity, building connections, supporting other local businesses, and giving both residents and visitors meaningful experiences that transcend simple transactions.

As Suzanne eloquently puts it, when people leave her studio feeling accomplished and encouraged, “it makes them better people when they go out into the world.” That philosophy of pouring kindness and encouragement into others creates a better community for everyone—one handmade mug, fused glass piece, and painted canvas at a time.

Books, Yarn & Small-Town Magic

bonfire books

Nestled on Main Street in Woodstock, Bonfire Bookstore & Yarnery radiates the cozy, community-centric charm that so many small towns crave. During this Tourism Tuesday episode on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael, Shenandoah County Tourism’s Kary Haun, and owner Kara Balcerzak dive into how a lifelong love of books—and a desire to combat modern loneliness—became one of the county’s newest gathering places. Click here to listen.

A Dream Shelved—Then Finally Opened

Kara, a self-described lifelong reader and third-generation librarian, relocated to Woodstock in 2019. Although she always fantasized about owning a bookstore, she didn’t initially know how to launch a business. However, after participating in a local leadership program, she discovered a network of small-business support. Encouraged and equipped, she went for it.

Her leap of faith resulted in Bonfire Bookstore & Yarnery, which opened on June 6 and was immediately embraced by the local community. The location on Main Street, she says, has only added to its warm, inviting personality.

More Than Books: A Store Built on Connection

While Bonfire carries a beautifully curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, local history, and children’s titles, it offers much more than traditional bookstore staples.

Kara intentionally stocks puzzles, games, gifts, craft kits, and an impressive selection of yarn, all chosen with a shared mission: helping people rediscover offline joy and authentic connection. She explains that the lingering effects of COVID, paired with the omnipresence of social media, have made people lonelier than ever.

“So many people want to get off their phones and do something with their hands,” she notes. Yarn enthusiasts, knitters, crocheters, and crafters visit regularly—and Kara even teaches classes in-store thanks to the building’s generous space.

Why Yarn Belongs in a Bookstore

Yarn may seem like an unexpected addition to a bookstore, but Kara makes it feel natural. She has been knitting and crocheting for over 20 years, and she quickly discovered that readers and stitchers share similar “cozy hobby” energy.

Moreover, diversifying her inventory helps the shop remain sustainable in an era dominated by online megaretailers. The yarn department has since become one of the store’s most vibrant community-building features, complete with beginner classes launching again in January.

A Community Space, Not Just a Retail Shop

Walking into Bonfire feels less like visiting a shop and more like entering a living room. Plush chairs, a welcoming sofa, a whimsically decorated fireplace, and a children’s reading nook encourage visitors to linger.

Kara laughs as she recounts advice from a fellow bookstore owner who warned her against offering comfortable seating—“You don’t want readers; you want buyers.” But Kara had a different vision.

In her mind, Woodstock needs more places for people to gather, chat, read, knit, drink tea, or simply exist without pressure to spend money. She even offers a self-serve hot beverage bar where less than two dollars for a cup of tea can also buy hours of community bonding.

Holiday Happenings & Gift Ideas

Bonfire Bookstore & Yarnery shines especially bright during the holiday season. Kara shares several upcoming festive events:

  • Story Time with Santa – December 20, 11 AM–12 PM
  • Christmas Carol Sing-Along – December 21, 12:30–2 PM with local musician Angie Vann
  • Stocking Stuffers, Local Artisan Gifts & Specialty Items – including gardening tools, planters, puzzles, locally curated reads, and yarn-lover favorites
  • Gift Certificates Available

Janet and Kary rave about the store’s wide variety—everything from nonfiction to crossword books to local history, and even pizza-herb planters inspired by popular garden titles.

Shopping Local in the Age of Online Giants

While Bonfire doesn’t yet sell merchandise directly through its website, Kara partners with Bookshop.org and Libro.fm, ensuring customers can order books and audiobooks online while still supporting an independent store.

She can also special-order nearly any book in print and typically receives orders within a week to ten days.

A Magical Setting for Conversation and Community

As Janet and Kary continue their Tourism Tuesday tour, they settle deeper into Bonfire’s cozy atmosphere—so much so that Janet jokes Kara may eventually need to kick them out.

The store inspires nostalgia, curiosity, and warmth. With its children’s wardrobe-themed reading nook, eclectic shelves, and handmade touches, Bonfire feels not just magical, but meaningful.

It’s the kind of place where time slows down, conversations come easily, and community naturally forms—exactly the vision Kara hoped for when she opened the doors.

Where Stories—and Community—Come Alive

Bonfire Bookstore succeeds not just because it sells books, puzzles, and yarn, but because it taps into something essential: the deep human need for connection. Kara built a place where neighbors meet, creativity flourishes, and people rediscover joy in unplugging—even for just an hour.

In a world that often feels rushed and digital, Bonfire reminds us that the most magical spaces are the ones where people simply gather.

A Hub for Holiday Spirit Throughout Shenandoah County

After the bookstore conversation, the episode shifts to holiday happenings across the valley. Kary and Brittany Clem-Hott share a dazzling list of parades, tree lightings, markets, open houses, and theatrical productions—including Theatre Shenandoah’s first-ever performance of “A Christmas Story.”

Meanwhile, listeners learn about dazzling new events like Christmas at the Celebration at American Celebration on Parade, multiple town-wide festive weekends, studio open houses, cookie crawls, drive-through light shows, and more. Find a full list of upcoming events on the Shenandoah County Tourism website: https://visitshenandoahcounty.com/

A Hole Lot More Than Golf: The BoBirdie Story

bobirdie pod

On a quiet afternoon in the Shenandoah Valley, Valley Today host Janet Michael and co-host Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism find themselves tucked away at Flour and Water, a Woodstock favorite, for a special Tourism Tuesday episode. Click here to listen. Their guest, Jefferson Burgess, founder and creative force behind BoBirdie Magazine, joins them for a candid conversation about golf, storytelling, and the vibrant community that inspires his work.

From Reluctant Golfer to Magazine Founder

Jefferson’s journey into golf was anything but typical. He confesses that he didn’t grow up playing the sport; instead, he was nudged onto the green by colleagues at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, where he worked in marketing and sales for two decades. Initially, golf was simply a way to connect with residents and their families. However, this new hobby soon sparked a bigger idea: a golf magazine.

Although Jefferson and a friend produced a first issue, life intervened, and the project was shelved. Years later, after retiring, Jefferson revisited the concept, only to find the media landscape had changed dramatically. Print magazines had faded, digital platforms had risen, and the audience’s expectations had evolved.

Reinventing the Golf Magazine

Recognizing these shifts, Jefferson transformed BoBirdie from a traditional print publication into a dynamic, multi-platform lifestyle magazine. No longer just about improving one’s golf game, BoBirdie now celebrates the broader culture surrounding golf—food, travel, art, and the unique stories of the Shenandoah Valley.

Kary and Janet note that BoBirdie’s appeal extends far beyond golfers. The magazine’s stunning photography, engaging storytelling, and focus on local experiences make it a must-read for anyone interested in the Valley’s vibrant life. Jefferson emphasizes that the magazine’s success comes from collaboration and community input, not just his own vision.

Telling Stories Beyond the Green

BoBirdie’s content reflects the diversity of its audience. For example, one feature highlights a local photographer who rides along on the golf course, not to play, but to capture images of birds. Another article pairs the Valley’s best golf courses with its culinary gems, offering readers a taste of the region’s hospitality.

Jefferson explains that BoBirdie doesn’t review courses or critique their conditions. Instead, the magazine focuses on the experience—what it feels like to spend a day in the Valley, enjoying its landscapes, people, and flavors.

Community, Collaboration, and Giving Back

Throughout the conversation, Jefferson credits the magazine’s growth to the support of local organizations and individuals. From tourism boards to small business owners, many contribute ideas and resources, helping BoBirdie thrive. The magazine also gives back, featuring non-profits like First Tee, Habitat for Humanity, and the Veterans Golfers Association.

Recently, BoBirdie collaborated with local personality Noah Shenandoah on a creative video project, further blending storytelling, humor, and community spirit. The team’s willingness to experiment and embrace new media has only strengthened their connection to the Valley.

Where to Find Bo Birdie

BoBirdie Magazine is available both in print and online, with distribution at over 200 locations throughout the Valley, including every golf course, select restaurants, and hotels. Readers can also access stories, photography, and back issues on the magazine’s website and social media channels.

Jefferson encourages anyone with a story to tell or a photo to share to reach out and contribute. As he puts it, BoBirdie is a collective effort, shaped by the Valley’s people and their passions.

Looking Ahead

As the conversation wraps up, Janet and Kary praised the magazine’s quality and impact. Jefferson, ever humble, acknowledged the ongoing process of learning and improving with each issue. Ultimately, BoBirdie stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the enduring appeal of a good story—on or off the golf course.

To access the digital magazine (and learn about membership), visit their website: http://bobirdie.com/. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for a peek behind the scenes and stay in the know about where they’re going next.

A Journey Through Exceptional Coffee: Cordial Coffee in Strasburg

cordial coffee

Nestled in the heart of Shenandoah County, Cordial Coffee has quickly become a beloved destination for coffee enthusiasts. In this episode of “The Valley Today,” – listen here – host Janet Michael and co-host Kary Haun sat down with Brandon Belland, the passionate owner of Cordial Coffee, to discuss his journey and the essence of this exceptional café.

Brandon’s journey into the world of coffee began in 1999 in Virginia Beach. His experiences as a barista ignited a deep interest in coffee roasting and quality. Over the years, his relentless pursuit of excellence led him to establish Cordial Coffee, where he’s developed a unique and personal approach to coffee roasting without apprenticing under anyone else. “I wanted to find the skeleton key for each coffee,” Brandon explained, emphasizing his goal of unlocking the full potential of each bean.

The café’s first location in Berryville has been a community staple for nearly nine years. Recently, Cordial Coffee expanded to Strasburg, maintaining the same high standards and inviting atmosphere that customers have come to love. The new location is marked by its stunning copper espresso machine, a dream piece Brandon had long coveted, adding a touch of spectacle as soon as patrons walk through the door.

Cordial Coffee is renowned for its made-to-order waffles and gluten-free oatmeal bowls, each customizable to suit individual tastes. Brandon proudly notes, “We make all of our own syrups. Our batter’s made from scratch.” This dedication to quality extends to their coffee, which is roasted on-site in Berryville and sourced from trusted farmers. “Knowing how the coffee is grown and roasted is crucial to ensuring it tastes great,” Brandon remarked.

The decision to open in Strasburg came about through a collaborative opportunity with Tom Price of Box Office Brewery. The synergy of the two businesses supports a vibrant community space, blending the day’s coffee drinkers seamlessly with the brewery’s evening patrons. Cordial Coffee’s unique offerings include a house-developed Valencia syrup, featuring a delightful orange zest infusion, a favorite among patrons.

Beyond just serving coffee, Brandon and his team strive to create meaningful experiences. Whether it’s engaging in impromptu Q&A sessions about roasting or participating in local events, Cordial Coffee fosters a sense of community. As Brandon puts it, “We’re trying to provide value and keep people happy with coming in, spending time in our shops.” This commitment to customer satisfaction and artisanal quality ensures Cordial Coffee stands out in the competitive world of coffee.

Within Shenandoah County, the café is part of a lively community scene. Janet and Kary highlighted upcoming local events, like “Vintage in the Valley” and “Birds on the Bend,” which showcase the region’s vibrant culture. Cordial Coffee is set to be a key player in these and many more events, further embedding itself in the fabric of the community.

Cordial Coffee’s story is one of passion, quality, and community. Whether you’re indulging in a custom-built waffle or savoring a perfect mocha, the experience at Cordial Coffee is about more than just a great cup of coffee. It’s about being part of something special, a place where every detail is crafted with care and every customer is treated like family. If you find yourself in Shenandoah County, Cordial Coffee is a must-visit destination.

For more information, visit Cordial Coffee’s website or follow them on Instagram. Don’t miss out on the unique flavors and warm atmosphere that make Cordial Coffee a standout experience.

Winter Activities at Bryce Resort

It was Tourism Tuesday – Shenandoah County edition – with Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism and her guest, Andrew Devier-Scott from Bryce Resort.

Andrew filled us in on all the fun things to do at Bryce Resort during the winter season. We talked about skiing, tubing, ice skating and even golf! He explained how their lesson work and told us that all their winter sports offer the option of renting their equipment.

Kary gave us details for a few Valentine’s Day events happening across the county.

Tourism Tuesday Shenandoah County: SO Many Things To Do

We recorded our conversation for Tourism Tuesday – Shenandoah County edition – with Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism at Nancy’s Coffee Bar in Strasburg.

Kary filled us in on the new events brochure that will feature events across Shenandoah County throughout 2022. She gave us some insight into the Five Things Friday posts that will begin this week and highlight 250 things to do in Shenandoah County in celebration of their 250th year.

Plus, we talked about skiing at Bryce, Cupid’s Market in Strasburg and a Beginner Beekeeping Class hosted by Shenandoah County Parks & Recreation.

For more information about everything Shenandoah County, visit their website: https://visitshenandoahcounty.com/ and follow them on Facebook.

You can get more information about Shenandoah County’s 250th Celebration on their website: http://sc250.org/ and follow them on Facebook.

Star in the Valley Winery

Our conversation for Tourism Tuesday – Shenandoah County edition – with Kary Haun included Shane & Cara Waller, owners of Star in the Valley Winery.

They gave us some background about the winery and talked about the importance of sustainability and why growing their grapes and producing their wines all on-site was always a priority for them. We also got details for their Countdown to Christmas celebration happening on November 27, 2021.

For more information about their winery, visit their website: https://www.starinthevalley.com/ and follow them on Facebook.

For more details about the events Kary mentioned, visit: https://visitshenandoahcounty.com/events/