A Day Away in The Plains
Story by Rosie Powers | Photos by Randy Litzinger
Leave the department stores, shopping malls, and large housing developments behind and enter the green, luscious paradise that is The Plains, Virginia. Visitors encounter a pleasant surprise as they stumble upon this quaint country town nestled in the rolling countryside, especially driving on Va-245, in Fauquier County.
The town may look casual, consisting of one major intersection without a traffic light in sight, but its past was steeped with civil war history and its present is an enjoyable get away for tourists.
So, what kind of getaway are you planning? Is your day about to be athletically pleasing or are you here to explore the shops and dining that The Plains have to offer? How about both?
Happy Creek Coffee and Tea/Haymarket Bicycle Shop
Start your morning or afternoon with a cup of coffee, tea, or a smoothie at Happy Creek Coffee and Tea. Enjoy a warm and welcoming environment while catching up with friends or planning the day with family. During the summer months cool off with a bowl of ice cream, one of the faster going items at the moment. Don’t let the fact that the sign also advertises bicycles keep you away. Take the opportunity by the handlebars, let the delicious coffee and muffins digest, and then clear your schedule for a group ride through the countryside. Bike rentals are available.
6485 Main St., The Plains, VA 20198 www.happycreekcoffee.com
Front Porch Market and Grill
Enjoy a lovely brunch, lunch, or dinner upstairs or outside on either the front or back porch and watch the world go by. Treat yourself to a mimosa with the Front Porch Breakfast or a glass of wine and a ribeye.
6483 Main St., The Plains, VA www.frontporchtheplains.com
Peytons Place
Peyton and Kenny have over 25 years of experience, and you can find their store right next to the main intersection in town. They will gladly help you find furniture that suits your wants and needs. Drop in and find something to carry home from The Plains as a useful souvenir. If you’re not in the market for furniture, at least stop in and see the birds.
6483 Main St., The Plains, VA www.peytonsplacefurniture.com
Hunt Country Yarns
A few doors down from Peytons Place is a store filled with specialty yarn and needles waiting to aid creative minds. Local yarns from the neighboring town of Marshall are very popular in the knitting community. Not a knitter? Enjoy the creativity of others. Inventory includes sweaters and scarves ready to for the fall.
6482 Main St., The Plains, VA 20198 www.skeins.com
Art in the Plains
There are several art studios in The Plains which may be a local secret but we are happy to share this secret. Drop in Zig Zag Crafts Gallery and Shop right on Main Street for unique gifts.
Find the small building situated behind Peytons Place and step inside and meet William Webster, a watercolorist whose workspace is filled with easels and a desk that are perfect for him. Webster’s art is displayed on the walls and floor making it easy for visitors to view. You may walk away with a new favorite piece for your art collection.
Main St., The Plains, VA 20198 www.zigzagtheplains.com www.youngbloodartstudio.com
Great Meadows
Visit The Plains on Friday or Saturday and immerse yourself in Virginia’s horse country activities with an evening of Twilight Jumpers or Twilight Polo. Bring a picnic and enjoy watching some of the best local equestrians compete or watch an energizing game of polo. Once the competition wraps up, there is an afterparty with music and dancing.
5089 Old Tavern Rd, The Plains, VA 20198 www.greatmeadow.org
This article first appeared in the June 2019 issue of Middleburg Life.