Trips and tours
On the Road Again with the Women of St. Stephen’s:
Fall in the Blue Ridge
Monday, October 23, 2023, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
After a long pandemic pause in our trips and tours, the Women of St. Stephen’s are pleased to be able to offer a day trip filled with fun, fellowship, flowers, fruit, and stunning fall leaves right here in Virginia. We’ll visit three locations whose stewards are generations of devoted families.
Pharsalia
Tucked away in Nelson County on the shoulder of the dePriest Mountain is a breathtaking farm called Pharsalia, featuring lush gardens, rolling hills, beautiful views and numerous restored buildings. Pharsalia is the home of Foxie and Dick Morgan; it has been in Foxie’s family for six generations, and it’s where she grew up.
In 2006, she began flower farming and hosting private events. Today, Pharsalia blends the elegance of a large farm that produces everything from flowers to grapes with the warmth and comfort of a family home. Our visit will include tours of the home and outbuildings, a stroll through the gardens (comfortable walking shoes are recommended), a presentation by Foxie, and a box lunch under the event tent. Root stock for peonies and dahlias will be available for purchase.
Saunders Brothers Farm
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Saunders Brothers Farm dates to 1915 and the third generation of four brothers operates the 250-acre wholesale nursery and 160 acres of orchards. The nursery provides plants for garden centers, landscapers, wholesalers and Saunders Market. The fresh fruit from the orchards is sold at their market and to other retailers and wholesalers. A former vendor at the Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s, now retired, sourced the peaches they sold here from Saunders Brothers.
During our stop we will find fresh fruits of the season from their orchards, stock from their vast nursery, and homemade canned goods. You’ll want to be sure to take home a jar of their famous apple butter along with other fresh-from-the-farm products.
King Family Vineyards
Our days’ adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains will end in the tasting room of the King Family Vineyards in Crozet. This vineyard and winery, a winner of the Governor’s Cup among other awards, is one of the best in Virginia, specializing in the production of premier wines that showcase the remarkable quality and terrior of the Monticello AVA. We will taste several wines in a private space with a staff member who will explain the process of wine making. Your new favorite wine and those you already love will be available for purchase.
Proceeds from trips and tours offered by the Women of St. Stephen’s fund their outreach grants program.
Please read carefully: Space is limited to 36 participants, and is filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Your check for $150, payable to Women of St. Stephen’s holds your place. Reservations are due by October 15 to Fern Newsom. If you must cancel a reservation, please note that we are unable to refund your fee unless your space is filled, either with a substitute you find, or from our wait list. All are welcome; this is not limited to St. Stephen’s parishioners.
Pick up a flyer at Information Central or in the May Fair House; the registration form and address are on the flyer.