Virginia is for Gastronomy Lovers
Although many people long to experience the landscapes and activities an area offers, food is also a great way to familiarise yourself with a region's culture. This is certainly the case with Virginia, a state that has gained much attention and applause in recent years for being a stand-out foodie destination, with award-winning chefs, atmospheric restaurants and the freshest ingredients to match. The ocean waters and lush landscapes mean fresh food is easy in Virginia, giving rise to some truly tasty dishes. Discover some for yourself as we take you on a journey through Virginia’s food and drink scene…
A spotlight on... Virginia's oysters and seafood
Virginia serves as the East Coast's Oyster Capital, a worthy moniker that the state wears proudly. Oyster farming goes back as far as the earliest inhabitants, when Native Americans would seek out the sweet delicacies on the coastline. Back then, oysters grew abundantly, freely and mostly undisturbed. However in 1609 when the English settlers, including James Smith, arrived in the New World, they too wanted to get their hands on the rich bounty of oysters.
Unfortunately, advances in society caused pollution and over-farming, and by the 1980s, oysters were scarce. If they were found, they were mostly inedible. Luckily, by the early 2000s, a resurgence began after environmental agencies, scientists, federal officials, and Virginia watermen forged ahead with a plan for cleaning up the waterways. This was largely achieved by Aquafarming, a sustainable farming technique which uses natural water and the cultured product grows alongside the wild product, eating the same food and lives in the same environment. This allows for cleaner water for the oysters, allows the wild populations to thrive and ensures a cleaner and healthier bay for everyone.
Oysters are quite the delicacy in Virginia, and they vary in taste depending on where they are harvested. These subtle differences have created a full scope of oyster flavours ranging from briny to sweet. In fact, there are eight distinct tastes to try in Virginia with the oyster's flavour changing from a salty sweet creaminess, to a balance between salt and sweet with a savoury finish, to a mild saltiness with a sweet finish.
In addition to the Virginia Oyster Trail, visitors can enjoy various oyster festivals throughout the region from April through to November. To delve a bit deeper into the world of oyster farming, head to Pleasure House Oysters for a farm tour or harvest and feast on oysters at the Tides Inn Oyster Academy.
Due to its lengthly coastline, oysters are not the only seafood on offer in Virginia. The state is also known for Tangier Island, known as the soft-shell crab capital of the world where you can eat a soft-shell crab on a sandwich or as an entree.
The must eats
1. Barbeque
It's no secret that the southern US loves its barbecue. The saucy delight makes its way onto plates and between bread in many states. However, the origins of American-style barbecue hail from Virginia.
Barbecue in Virginia consists of seasoned meat—typically pork, beef, or chicken—simmered over a grill or pit. The results are a juicy treat that falls off of the bone. And if that wasn't enough, the tender meat is saturated with sauce, which varies from region to region. From tangy vinegar-infused to sweet tomato-based sauce, Virginia definitely delivers when it comes to properly cooked meat.
Where to try BBQ: Shaffer's Barbecue in Middleton is a great spot to stop for a traditional Virginia barbecue. Allman's Bar-B-Q serves up BBQ flavours using the recipe from the 1824 cookbook, The Virginia Housewife.
2. Ham
Virginia’s ham has been earning an international reputation ever since the 17th century when settlers learned the Native people’s art of smoking the meat to perfection.
Want to eat ham like the locals do? Then order a ham biscuit, a delicious dish where thin slithers of ham are placed inside fluffy buttermilk biscuits along with butter, making for a great breakfast or a tasty snack.
Where to try ham: The most famous of Virginia’s ham is Smithfield ham which must be cured within the town of Smithfield by law. So be sure to pick a restaurant in Smithfield such as the restaurant Taste of Smithfield.
3. Brunswick stew
Traditionally cooked in massive pots over an open fire, Brunswick stew is a staple fundraiser of churches and nonprofits across the Commonwealth. Named after Brunswick, Virginia (although those in Brunswick, Georgia might argue), the stew originated as a tasty way to repurpose leftovers.
A combination of meat, beans and vegetables in a barbecue-style broth, Brunswick stew is hearty and filling. It also qualifies as a comfort food staple in many Virginia homes all winter long.
Where to try Brunswick stew: In Charlottesville, Croby's serves up its traditional, award-winning stew. Stop at Chowning's Tavern in Williamsburg to experience classic Brunswick stew in a colonial setting.
4. Peanuts
We would be greatly amiss if we didn't mention this nut—actually a legume—that loves the sandy, loamy soil in Virginia. Peanuts have been growing in the state since the 1860s, and Virginia was the first state to grow and produce commercial peanuts. But what makes the Virginia variety so special? Often referred to as ‘the peanut of the gourmet’ the Virginia peanut is know for its large size, incredible crunch and superior taste.
Peanuts are often boiled or eaten raw, but many recipes use peanuts as their central ingredient. Peanut butter pie and peanut soup are a few state favourites.
Many companies, such as Planters and several smaller businesses, call Virginia their home base due to the abundance of peanuts. The town of Emporia even chose to create a peanut-themed LOVE sign to pay homage to the nut.
Where to try peanuts: Virginia Diner in Wakefield not only has a restaurant but their store and online shop focuses on peanuts. Hub's Peanuts in Sedley also has a sister location in Franklin, with a market and cafe on site.
5. Apples
Eating a fresh-picked, crisp Virginia apple will delight your taste buds more than you can imagine. Again, part of this is due to Virginia's loamy soil. Yet, rolling hills and cold winters make the Old Dominion's landscape perfect for apples.
When it comes to recipes, Virginians make desserts like pies and puddings with the fruit. Canning pie filling, applesauce, and apple butter are also popular autumn activities with delicious results. If you happen to be in Virginia in September, it's the ideal time to head to the orchard to pick your own apples right off of the tree.
Where to try apples: For fresh off the tree apples, head to Gross' Orchard or Johnson's Orchard in Bedford County. Woodruff's Pies in Monroe is a family-owned business that does apple pies right.
A spotlight on... Virginia's wine and beer scene
Many of Virginia's wineries and breweries—and cideries and distilleries—offer canned and bottled drinks to go. Lest you think that is the only option, be sure to think again. Just like how we in the UK enjoy eating, drinking, and socialising at pubs, most of Virginia's on-site alcohol establishments are reminiscent of British watering holes where socialising takes centre stage.
Not only do many of the wineries and breweries offer indoor spaces, but common areas spill outdoors, onto patios, and into green spaces. Some wineries and breweries offer on-site restaurants while others collaborate with food trucks and guest chefs to provide a rotating cuisine. On the weekends and evenings, you can often find people playing outdoor games, listening to live music, and enjoying the views.
Virginia also serves as the birthplace of American wine and houses over 300 wineries throughout the state. Wine lovers should plan to stay during October, which serves as Virginia wine month or visit the Gold Medal Trail to savour the best varieties of wine, cider, and mead.
As craft beer climbs in popularity, so does the presence of Virginia breweries. If you would like to visit a few brew houses, then you're in luck as there are almost 300 in the state. Be sure to take one of the Virginia craft beer trails.
Hit a foodie trail
1. The Virginia Oyster Trail
With a coastline like Virginia's, seafood is abundant and one of the state's favourites is oysters. High in protein and packed with essential minerals, oysters are caught fresh and cooked quickly to ensure maximum flavour. Located in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, this delicacy can be found all along the shores of Virginia.
The Virginia Oyster Trail is not only big on taste but there are also several tours where you can learn about habitats and how oysters are caught. Aquafarms, a more sustainable farming option, also produce fresh oysters, which you can purchase and cook for yourself.
There are also some incredible places to have oysters served up to you throughout the state. King St. Oyster Bar in Leesburg offers more than ten varieties. The Lucky Oyster in Virginia Beach serves Eastern Shore oysters in addition to other local VA fare.
But the trail is not just about eating the oysters, but soaking up the culture and customs around oyster farming. One great place for an insight into the culture of islanders and watermen is the Barrier Islands Center which serves as a museum and a gallery as well as a working farm.
2. The Virginia Maple Syrup Trail
What originated as the annual Highland County Maple Festival, which is still in existence, gave way to the Virginia Maple Syrup Trail, also located in Highland County. Although it's very rural (expect little to no phone signal), seeing the process of maple syrup making will give you a new appreciation for the sweet treat.
So how does it work? Local farms tap maple trees. The sap slowly drips into tubes, where it eventually ends up being boiled and reduced to a thick syrup. Approximately 40 gallons of sap are required to make one gallon of syrup, although you may want to take a smaller-sized bottle home in your checked luggage. Visiting the trail will give you a deeper understanding of the process and may encourage you to trade artificially flavoured corn syrup for the real thing.
While on the trail, be sure to visit USDA Certified Organic Mill Gap Farms, where you can also see sheep and alpacas. If you love history, stop by Pufferbarger's Sugar Orchard, where the family still taps the same trees as their grandfathers did. And make sure you go on a tour at Laurel Fork Sapsuckers to learn about the syrup making process.
3. The Salty Southern Route
If you love savoury, salty foods, The Salty Southern Route which shines a light on Virginia's salt-cured ham and pork products is for you. You may recognise names such as Smithfield Foods, known for their hams produced in Smithfield, and Mr. Peanut, the Planters mascot whose monocled likeness presides over a street corner in downtown Suffolk.
Along the route, visitors can tour Darden's Country Store, which has an authentic smokehouse, and soak in the artistry of the Porcine Parade, which are eight life-size statues of market hogs. Each replica is decorated by a different artist, adding colour and interest to "The Ham Capital of the World," otherwise known as Smithfield. There are also many museums and a notable cemetery along the route.
4. Brunswick Stew Tour
If the thought of a savoury, nourishing stew has you salivating, you're in luck! The Brunswick Stew Tour offers a glimpse into Brunswick County through both food and activities. Dine on comfort food by Lake Gaston at Kennon House Restaurant, while the Kitchen Table has a specially prepared award-winning Brunswick stew each October.
To truly immerse yourself in the flavour, head to the Taste of Brunswick Festival. In addition to hosting approximately 30 Stew Masters, this autumn event has many other activities, such as Civil War reenactments, live music, and a car show.
After tasting Brunswick Stew, soak in the scenery from above on a flight with Sand Dollar Seaplanes. And why not take the taste of the tour home with you by picking up some frozen stew at Alberta General Store to cook at your convenience?
5. City food tours
If variety is what you're after then schedule a city-specific food tour. Arrive at your scheduled time hungry as you will visit various restaurants during the tour with a chance to sample the best they have to offer. But it's not just about the food – you'll also learn about local history and lore during the tour.
The state's capital, Richmond has an abundance of unique restaurants, many of which take centre stage during an afternoon spent with Richmond Food Tours. Tours in the city cover four neighbourhoods—Carytown, Church Hill, Arts District, and Scott's Addition—enabling visitors to savour flavours from all over Richmond.
Similarly, DC Metro Food Tours focuses on several areas, including Old Town Alexandria, Georgetown, and historic Leesburg. Over in Alexandria, you can embark on a Fork & Fizz tour with Blue Fern Travel to hear stories of Alexandria’s historic Old Town while enjoying the variety of local cuisine in the restaurants.
6. Virginia wine trails
There's nothing quite like enjoying a glass of wine while soaking in the Virginia landscape. Many wineries reside on the vineyards that provide the fruit for their varietals, which makes sipping an exceptionally immersive experience. Plus, Virginia doesn't lack for wine trails, as they are woven throughout the Commonwealth.
If you prefer being along the coast, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail currently features eight wineries, some of which offer overnight stays. The wine trail itself is sprawled out across quaint towns and historic sites, such as George Washington's Birthplace and Stratford Hall.
Those that enjoy the mountains will find that the Monticello Wine Trail is the perfect fit. Named after Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello (which also makes a worthy visit), the trail includes over 30 wineries throughout the area surrounding Charlottesville. The route is split into five sections, making breaking up your holiday a bit more manageable if you wish.
7. The Virginia Spirits Trail
Although wine is a favourite of many, Virginia's distilled spirits are also worthy of recognition. The Virginia Spirits Trail currently features 31 locations dispersed throughout areas of Virginia. Of course, they're all worth a visit, but if you want to concentrate your efforts, there are a few stand-out areas.
Richmond's state capital houses several distilleries, including Cirrus Vodka, which offers tours and tastings on site. While you are in the city, be sure to stop at Reservoir Distillery, which features several whiskey varieties.
Colonial Williamsburg's Eight Shires Coloniale Distillery utilises ingredients and recipes from the 17th and 18th centuries to make their whiskey, rum, and gin. Another worthy stop in Williamsburg is Copper Fox Distillery, which offers tours and tastes of their pot-stilled whiskey.
A spotlight on... Virginia's spirits
Look no further than the state of Virginia for fine spirits. In fact, in 1620, the USA's first batch of whiskey was distilled in Virginia, which gave the state the nickname of the Birthplace of American Spirits. Beer was a longstanding staple among the early settlers. However, they quickly found that distilled spirits kept for longer and were easier to store than their more fragile hop-laden counterparts.
Interestingly enough, the first US president, George Washington, was quite the distiller. He was the highest producer during his time, making over 11,000 gallons annually at his Mount Vernon home. His original distillery has been reconstructed and is famed as the only 18th century working distillery in the US.
Although corn and rye whiskeys were forerunners, Virginia's spirits now include just about any distilled alcohol imaginable. Rum, gin, bourbon, and vodka are among the most popular. However, Virginia's Franklin County is the Moonshine Capital of the World due to the high level of its illegal involvement in producing moonshine during the prohibition. Nowadays, Belle Isle Moonshine does a fabulous job of legally making the alcohol and you can visit numerous distilleries in Franklin County making legal moonshine such as Twin Creeks Distillery.
What are you waiting for?
Whether you embark on a foodie trail or sit back, relax and sample the wine, there's a tasty trip to Virginia that's bound to be perfect for you. Head over to the official Virginia website to start planning your perfect foodie trip.
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