 Raising food has been a normal part of life for people everywhere for hundreds of years. In our society, with grocery stores full of food readily available, most people don’t experience a strict need to raise food. Yet there’s a growing movement of people who are choosing to raise food themselves. From growing herbs in pots on an apartment windowsill, to keeping chickens, goats, or even a cow, homesteaders come in all shapes and sizes.  Chickens on homestead But while raising food is simple enough that almost anyone can do it, it’s also an endeavor that becomes much easier and more successful when you connect with a like-minded community. In times past, people looked to their parents, grandparents, or neighbors to hand on these skills, which had been practiced for generations. Today, many of us are cut off from such traditional wisdom. But the good news is that if you’re in search of a community to support your homesteading efforts, Homesteaders of America is there for you. Head to Front Royal this October 8-9 for the Homesteaders of America Conference. You can have the chance to trade tips and advice, and connect with fellow homesteaders from all walks of life. Homesteaders of America Conference: What to Expect The Homesteaders of America Conference is primarily an educational event, and you’ll find a wealth of information to help you take your food raising efforts to the next level. Expect two days packed with talks from leading educators of the homesteading world, such as Joel Salatin and Justin Rhodes. You’ll also have a chance to discover lesser-known speakers who are guaranteed to become your new favorites. Saturday evening brings an opportunity to relax with a traditional music and story-telling performance from singer Rory Feek. When you need to take a break from the talks, wander the Warren County Fairgrounds, and enjoy delicious food from food trucks and the chance to connect with hundreds of other homesteaders just like you. Don’t forget to visit the vendors, who can help you stock up on all your homesteading needs.  Gardening on homestead Get Your Hands Dirty at Thursday’s Homesteading Workshops If you’re more of a hands on learner, come a day early to enjoy a homesteading workshop on Thursday, October 7. With topics ranging from building a homesteading business plan to hands-on animal butchering, you’ll be sure to find a chance to refine your skills and maybe try something new. And you can do it all under the direction of experts with many years’ experience. Attending the Homesteaders of America Conference: Reserve Tickets or Volunteer Conference tickets will not be sold at the gate, so make sure to purchase tickets online in advance. If you want to save money and help this great organization at the same time, consider volunteering for the conference instead. You’ll be put to work for one morning or afternoon shift, and get to enjoy the rest of the conference completely free! Spend the Whole Weekend: Lodging and Outdoor Attractions in the Front Royal Area  Photo Credit: Ian Fisher Homesteaders of America have chosen a fantastic location for their conference! The Front Royal area is full of attractions for lovers of the great outdoors, including the nationally renowned Shenandoah National Park. Fall is a favorite time of year to visit the park and see the stunning displays of fall leaves on the mountainsides. Check out other outdoor adventuring opportunities here. Why not spend a full weekend in Front Royal, and plan a gorgeous Sunday hike before heading home? If you’re looking for local accommodation, you’ll find loads of lodging and camping options to choose from. Make your reservations today, and look forward to an unforgettable and educational weekend in Front Royal, Virginia.  Hot Tub Heaven Whether you’re a veteran homesteader, or just starting to raise your own food, you’ll find plenty of great information and helpful networking at the Homesteaders of America Conference in Front Royal, Virginia. There are so many benefits to raising your own food. It’s healthier, cheaper, more sustainable, and uniquely satisfying. And there’s a lot about the process that’s just plain fun. Make your plans today to attend the Homesteaders of America Conference, and you’ll come home full of new ideas and enthusiasm for the essential task of raising food. A Wine Lovers Itinerary!  Front Royal is for Wine Lovers Here's a sample itinerary just for Wine Lovers looking for a mid-week or weekend getaway along the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail - perfect for your visit! Summary: Savor Virginia wines and soak up mountain vistas in the unmatched setting of Front Royal’s rustic vineyards. Location: Front Royal, VA. Day 2: Relax at the hotel in the morning or enjoy Saturday morning Zumba at Jig 'n' Jive or Explore Art and Clay Pick up a picnic at Blue Wing Frog Enjoy a relaxing afternoon picnic at Glen Manor Vineyards Dinner at Osteria 510 if you’re still hungry Day 3: Morning: Get a coffee and see Murals downtown. Walk down Chester Street and pop into the Virginia Beer Museum (opens at noon) Afternoon: Visit the beautiful Chester Gap Cellars winery Evening: Dinner at The Element, a local favorite Ideas to extend the stay ... Visit one of the area's great Meaderies Hike, camp or rent a cabin at Shenandoah National Park  Skyline Drive - Autumn Whatever your plans, there's so much to DISCOVER in Front Royal!  Bridge to Autumn - Jessica Sayers Photography means opening a window to let others in on your perspective. It means artfully capturing a small part through a tiny lens, and revealing something about the whole. It can mean planning meticulously and waiting patiently for the perfect shot. Or it can mean seizing the moment at a second’s notice so you don’t let the perfect image slip away. This year, Discover Front Royal is in search of photographers who can work their magic in the Front Royal and Warren County area. Front Royal is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. But we want to see the Shenandoah Valley through the eyes of those who love it. Whether you’re a visitor to the Front Royal area, or a long time resident, we’ve love to see what YOU think makes this area so special.  Passing Time - Kimmee Hancock Read on for more details about submitting entries to our photo contest. You can share what most captivates you about Front Royal, Warren County, and the Shenandoah Valley, and have a chance to win one of several great prizes! 1. Capture what you think are the best images in the Front Royal area. With a wide range of categories including seasonal photography, Front Royal’s Downtown, and even drone/aerial footage, you’ll find a chance to share your own unique angle on our area. In the Front Royal area, photography can be coupled with loads of other fun activities. Think hiking, camping, canoeing (with a waterproof camera!), wine-tasting, and loads more. Don’t forget to have fun while you’re in search of those winning entries!  Float Therapy - Adriana Allen 2. Submit your photo to the photo contest here. Be sure to fill out all the required information. Any questions, you can email us at photocontest@discoverfrontroyal.com.  Main Street Gazebo - Christopher Beverlin 3. Submit any more fantastic images you capture through the year. With the contest running for a full year (all the way to September 1, 2022), you have time to make sure that none of the “Best Views from the Valley” pass you by.  True Christmas Joy - Pam Franklin Contest winners will hear directly from us at the end of the contest, as well as seeing their work featured on Discover Front Royal’s website and social media. They’ll also be receiving some great prizes! Enter for Best Drone/Aerial Footage If you love photography and the Front Royal/Shenandoah Valley area, this one’s for you! Have fun capturing a spectacular image of the valley, share what you love with countless others, and have a chance to win one of several fantastic prizes. It’s an exciting and fun-filled opportunity you won’t want to miss. Let others DISCOVER Front Royal through your lens! |
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February 2023
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