10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Sensory Explorers’ Trail. Join Virginia Master Naturalists on an exploration of the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in this series of seasonal walks planned for children. We will be using our five senses to find clues to how various organisms – plants, animals, and more – work together to survive in this forest community. Recommended for ages 7 – 11 with parents. This guided 0.3-mile walk will be approximately one hour. The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is a nature trail accessible for the blind and visually impaired. Programs on the trail are designed to engage a variety of senses in the exploration of the natural world. For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalist Shenandoah Chapter please visit their website at https://www.vmnshenandoah.org/ . The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self guided walks daily. To learn more about this accessible feature please visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#recreation . $10/car parking fee. More info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows, 540-592-3556, [email protected]

The International Gold Cup, one of the largest steeplechase events in the U.S., returns to Great Meadow on Saturday, Oct. 28. Gates open at 10 a.m. with the first race at noon. Tickets are now for sale online with special packages and sponsorships also available, www.vagoldcup.com or by calling 540-347-2612.

New this fall is the 1922 Club, a special VIP ticket that provides a special venue with great viewing of the race and food and drink. Space is limited so tickets must be purchased early. Parking is in addition at $100. Tickets may be purchased here.

Historic Area.

Embrace the changing colors of the season during Sky Meadows’ Fall Farm Days. Step back in time and see history come to life. Take in the many sights and sounds of a Piedmont farm as you explore the park’s Historic Area. Also, get in touch with nature and explore a managed landscape rich in biodiversity. Discover native flora and fauna, learn the craft of beekeeping, the importance of various pollinators, and much more!

In addition to the history and nature themed programs, we also offer hearth cooking and blacksmith demonstrations, food vendors, and live music.

$10/car parking fee.

More info:  540-592-3556, [email protected]

Historic Area.

The forge is fired up and the blacksmiths are hard at work showing off their skills. Members of The Blacksmiths’ Guild of the Potomac have set up shop in the forge, located behind the Dairy Barn in the Historic Area. See them fashion iron into helpful tools and kitchen items used around the farm. Purchase handmade goods made right on site. To learn more about the guild, visit their website at http://www.bgop.org/.

$10/car parking fee.

More info:  540-592-3556, [email protected]

Sunset in the Vineyard will be held the last Saturday of each month May through October with extended hours until 9 p.m. Join us on Blue Mountain to watch the sunset and sip your favorite Fox Meadow wine while you watch the sunset. We will have live music each evening from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Back again is our popular Scones & Bones Halloween themed tea! Our 2023 Scones & Bones is sure to frighten your taste buds with the overwhelming flavors, and get your pulse pounding over the fear of not being able to finish your meal!

This year’s menu features a Spookey Caprese Salad, cuke-o-lantern and grilled mummy flesh sandwiches, spider cider scone, wicked tea, and so much more!!

This spooktacular event will feature five Molon Lave Vineyards wines paired with a five course meal from Chef Matt Finarelli!

Dinner will be accompanied with live music.

We will host a costume contest with prizes for the top three winners!

We encourage you to come dressed in your best costume ready to enjoy a fun filled evening!

Menu:

Champagne Welcome- Melon Skewer paired with Light Abounding

Leek and Porcini Risotto with Black Truffle paired with Three Muses

Strawberry Salad with Warm Goat Cheese Croutons paired with 2021 Vidal Blanc

Roast Beef with Roasted Potatoes and Garlic Greens paired with 2021 Merlot

Greek Orange Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream paired with Auburn Beauty

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Sensory Explorers’ Trail. Explore the rich natural history of trees guided by a Virginia Master Naturalist. Discover the tips and tricks of basic tree identification and the tree-mendous roles that trees play in our environment. Unearth the traditional uses and folklore of trees, and discover their namesakes. This guided 0.3-mile walk will be approximately one hour. The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is a nature trail accessible for the blind and visually impaired. Programs on the trail are designed to engage a variety of senses in the exploration of the natural world. For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalist Shenandoah Chapter please visit their website at https://www.vmnshenandoah.org/ . The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self guided walks daily. To learn more about this accessible feature please visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#recreation . $10/car parking fee. Additional date: Dec. 2, 2023. 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. More info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows, 540-592-3556, [email protected]

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Log Cabin in the Historic Area. Follow your nose to the Log Cabin to see what is cooking on the hearth. Immerse yourself within the 19th century enslaved culture and its foods. Explore the taste of historic recipes, and learn how the recipes differed among the various communities of the Mount Bleak Farm. Recipes will be available to take home. $10/car parking fee. More info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows, 540-592-3556, [email protected]

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Historic Area. The forge is fired up and the blacksmiths are hard at work showing off their skills. Members of The Blacksmiths’ Guild of the Potomac have set up shop in the forge, located behind the Dairy Barn in the Historic Area. See them fashion iron into helpful tools and kitchen items used around the farm. Purchase handmade goods made right on site. To learn more about the guild, visit their website at http://www.bgop.org/. $10/car parking fee. More info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows, 540-592-3556, [email protected]

Join us for our 1st ever mini pie making class! We will offer a guided class in pie making, all the supplies included, tea and assorted pastries. This will be the perfect evening out at Crest Hill to learn a new skill, make some new friends, and enjoy delicious food and beverage.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Sensory Explorers’ Trail. Explore the rich natural history of trees guided by a Virginia Master Naturalist. Discover the tips and tricks of basic tree identification and the tree-mendous roles that trees play in our environment. Unearth the traditional uses and folklore of trees, and discover their namesakes. This guided 0.3-mile walk will be approximately one hour. The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is a nature trail accessible for the blind and visually impaired. Programs on the trail are designed to engage a variety of senses in the exploration of the natural world. For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalist Shenandoah Chapter please visit their website at https://www.vmnshenandoah.org/ . The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self guided walks daily. To learn more about this accessible feature please visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#recreation . $10/car parking fee. More info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows, 540-592-3556, [email protected]