How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Hunt Country
Written by Kaitlin Hill
Between a whiskey cake at Salamander Resort & Spa and Irish dancing at Oatlands, there is a little bit of something for everyone this St. Patrick’s Day in Hunt Country. Check out a few local events we’re excited about over the holiday weekend!
Live Music and Green Mimosas at Lost Barrel Brewing
Natalie Femia at Lost Barrel Brewing says, “We will be open Thursday through Sunday that weekend with fun all weekend long! There is really something for everyone. We would love to see you!” Throughout the weekend, Lost Barrel will host multiple bands for St. Pat’s Live Music. Visitors to the brewery will enjoy the musical stylings of Robert Mabe & Friends on Friday, the Derek Kretzer Band on Saturday, and the weekend will conclude with Mo & Mary on Sunday afternoon. Ashley Castellano will also be on-site Sunday, March 19, offering family photo mini-sessions that should be booked in advance. Finally, if you forget to wear green, just order a green mimosa, which will be offered in addition to the regular menu, or stick around for the release of LBB’s Irish red ale. For more information visit: lostbarrel.com/calendar
Lost Barrel Brewing
36138 John Mosby Highway
Middleburg, Virginia 20117
Irish Dancing and Traditional Tea at Oatlands
Stop by Oatlands Historic House & Gardens for a weekend of St. Patrick’s Day festivities for everyone in the family. From 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, Oatlands will hold its St. Patrick’s Day Festival with traditional Irish dance performances from Misneach Irish Dance Academy and Irish-themed vendors, food, and beverages. Admission is $10 per person and free for children under 12. Come back on Sunday for a St. Patrick’s Day Tea held in the historic Carriage House. The menu will feature all the classics like scones, Devon cream, tea sandwiches, bite-sized sweets, and Oatlands’ own tea blend. There will be three time slots (10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.), and reservations are required to facilitate social distancing. For more information on St Patrick’s Day weekend at Oatlands please visit: oatlands.org/events
Oatlands Historic House & Gardens
20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane
Leesburg, Virginia 20175
Rock Out at Shamrock Music Shoppe
Shamrock Music Shoppe in Purcellville is any music lover’s dream with the added benefit of owner Scott Kinney’s focus on Irish music. Kinney, who was born on St. Patrick’s Day, offers everything from music lessons, rentals, repairs, and an awe-inspiring selection of instruments from renowned brands like PRS, Fender, Squire, Roland, Boss, and Yamaha. For St. Patrick’s Day, the shop will bring back its “Lucky You” discounts, and those looking for lessons can learn everything from cèilidh and folk to The Pogues and Dropkick Murphys from one of Shamrock’s many instructors. Kinny shares, “Whether a pure beginner or wanting to sharpen your musical chops, Shamrock can help! New students enrolling in lesson slots between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will receive a 10% discount!”
Shamrock Music Shoppe
160 W Main Street
Purcellville, Virginia 20132
Shamrock 5k and 10k in Bluemont
Get your green fix as you run through the gorgeous rolling hills of Bluemont, Virginia, by celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the 9th annual Bluemont Shamrock 5k and 10k on March 18. The 10k will begin at 9 a.m. and the 5k at 9:05 a.m. Great Country Farms is the starting point for both races and will also serve as the location for the awards presentation. There will be awards for the top three male and female finishers in each race. Visit bluemontshamrockrace.com for race day information and to register.
Great Country Farms
34345 Snickersville Turnpike
Bluemont, Virginia 20135
Whiskey Cake and More at Salamander Resort & Spa
For the month of March, Salamander Resort & Spa has a variety of Irish-themed activities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with family and friends. Visitors to the resort are invited to kick off St. Patrick’s Day with beer yoga on Saturday, March 11, and a special menu at Gold Cup Wine Bar on March 17. The menu will include corned beef and cabbage, Scotch eggs, shepherd’s pie, and, of course, plenty of whiskey and Guinness. End the holiday with a sweet treat from executive pastry chef Jason Reaves, who will offer a cooking class on his Irish whiskey cake. Reaves says, “While I’m not a whiskey drinker, I absolutely love it with chocolate! The class will start out with a tasting of different types of chocolate, each paired with Irish whiskey. Then, I’ll lead a demonstration on how to create the most decadent chocolate cake (with whiskey) that you’ve ever had!” More event and ticket information can be found by visiting: salamanderresort.com
Salamander Resort & Spa
500 N Pendleton Street
Middleburg, Virginia 20117
Published in the March 2023 issue of Middleburg Life.