1. October / December 2015
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CarolinaBridecarolinabride.comOctober/December2015
CUT THE CAKE! WEDDING-DAY DESSERT ALTERNATIVES
LOVE + MONEY: REAL COUPLES TALK
MINI-MOONS! ROMANTIC RETREATS A DRIVE AWAY
Dream Day
Escapes
2. 108 | Carolina Bride
Travel
Three-week tour of Italy isn’t in the
cards?Whether you’re holding out
for a bigger honeymoon in a
few months or simply don’t
have the vacation days
to spare, you and your
groom should still get
out of town in the name
of rest and recuperation.
Introducing: the mini-
moon—and our guide
to four spots within
driving distance that
pack a serious punch
over a long weekend.
MiniMoons
4. 112 | Carolina Bride
Head to Loudoun County’s horse and wine country for a relaxing
retreat in the upscale countryside outside ofWashington, D.C.
By Katie Coleman
eatIf your tastes run the gamut, you’re in luck:
Loudon County’s dining options range from farm
delis to five-course meals paired with local wines.
It doesn’t get fresher than ingredients sourced
from a working farm behind the market storefront.
That’s the case for Stoneybrook Farm in Hillsboro,
where a group of farmers transformed a market
stand into a brick-and-mortar cottage shop and
deli. Opt for a seat outside overlooking the adjacent
farm—a clucking visitor may even stop by.
In nearby Leesburg’s charming and walkable
downtown, Lightfoot Restaurant occupies the
former People’s National Bank. The spot has kept
many of the original fixtures, such as a vault door in
the bar area, and features upscale fare, like roasted
duck breast with an orange reduction, potato
gnocchi, and Brussels sprouts with goat cheese and
bacon.
Nearby is The Wine Kitchen, a wine bar and
restaurant that pairs hard-to-find wines with local
flavor. Consider the cheddar biscuit nuggets and
tomato waffle bread, or larger plates like caramelized
gnocchi with a pea puree and domestic burrata
with roasted peaches. If available, get the flight of
bubbles—a selection of sparkling wines from around
the world.
For a luxurious night out, make reservations
at Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, located
in the Salamander Resort in Middleburg. The
round dining room gives guests impressive views
of the great lawn, horse stables, and mountains.
Meanwhile, the pared-down menu offers creative
interpretations like the crispy sesame cauliflower
(prepared in a sweet soy ginger glaze with preserved
orange peel), as well as culinary classics, such as filet
mignon dressed up with wild mushroom duxelle,
potatoes “fondant,” and wilted spinach. Splurge on
the seasonal tasting menu, a selection of five courses
with an optional wine pairing.
Known for its wineries, farm-to-table cuisine, and top-notch equestrian facilities,
Loudoun County, Va.—known as Washington D.C.’s wine country—is the perfect
blend of upscale venues and winding country roads. Take a detour, stay a while
and relax. Here’s your guide:
WindingWineCountry
VisitLoudoun;JeffreyGreenberg@aol.com;AD
5. CarolinaBride.com | 113
When it comes to fun, Loudoun County’s 10
craft breweries and 40 wineries—the most of any
county in Virginia—are a safe bet. Lost Rhino
Brewing Company is just a 15-minute drive from
Washington Dulles International Airport and
features a limited-release batch, four seasonal
beers and two collaboration brews each year. Try
the Native Son ale, made entirely with Virginia
products. Then stop by Adroit Theory Brewing
Company in Purcellville, which focuses on small
batches and beers aged in barrels from the nearby
Catoctin Creek Distillery.
The area’s wineries are grouped in driving
clusters, making it easier to hit multiple spots in
one trip. Don’t want to drive yourself? Choose
from one of the many scenic wine tours offered via
bicycle, limousine, bus, or sedan.
Stone Tower Winery, located in the Harmony
Cluster in Leesburg, is one of the largest wineries
in the area and plans to open a new facility this fall
with expanded bars and venues for intimate, private
tastings. This vineyard has extensive outdoor space
with unobstructed views of rolling hills.
The Waterford Cluster includes Sunset Hills
Vineyard, a winery located on a historic farm that’s
known for its award-winning wines. The tasting
room is inside a restored 140-year-old Amish barn,
and the whole facility is powered by 245 solar
panels.
Doukenie Winery, in the Loudoun Heights
Cluster, is in the middle of a 500-acre working
farm. At the tasting room, ask if the (unadvertised)
baklava is available. It’s the perfect complement to
Hope’s Legacy Raspberry dessert wine.
There’s no better place to take it slow and relax
than the Salamander Resort and Spa, situated
on a 340-acre estate with a rich equestrian
heritage. Check out yoga in the barn or—for more
adventurous types—yoga on horseback. Sign up for
a cooking course, or simply buy a s’mores kit for two
and head to the fire pits on the great lawn.
For the ultimate indulgence, schedule a day in
Salamander’s spa. Arrive at least 30 minutes before
your appointment to take advantage of the amenities,
such as aroma-infused steam rooms, heated
tepidarium loungers, and an outdoor pool with
cabanas and cocktails.
play
relax
stayFor a retreat all on its own, book a room at the Salamander Resort and Spa. All
guest rooms feature subtle equestrian details, and are designed to resemble CEO
Sheila Johnson’s home. Book the Grand Prix Suite—at 1,091 square-feet, this dwelling
features a private stone balcony with outdoor seating, a fireplace, a separate balcony in
the bedroom, and a large bathroom with a separate tub perfect for relaxing.
StoneTowerWinery;LostRhinoBrewingCompany;VisitLoudoun;SalamanderResortandSpa
6. 114 | Carolina Bride
Grab a cold one in the sand at one of Atlantic Beach’s newest establishments, Idle
Hour Biergarten. The wine, beer, and cocktail hot spot is by The Circle—one of
the main public beach accesses on the island—and offers a beach-style take on the
traditional German beer garden with indoor and outdoor spaces and a locally sourced
menu with items like the grain mustard crab cake sandwich, house-made fried
pickles, and porchetta fritters. On chilly nights, take a seat by the outdoor fireplace.
For great food on the go, or a casual dining spot for breakfast and lunch, stop by
The Village Market in Emerald Isle. The market features homemade specialties in the
form of artisan-style sandwiches and wraps made with fresh veggies, scratch-made
dressings, and Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. Perfect for a beach picnic.
Beaufort’s City Kitchen is an airy and elegant destination with delicious cuisine to
go with a picturesque view. Located at Town Creek Marina, the restaurant has a varied
menu, from handcrafted cocktails and dishes like duck bolognese and shrimp and
grits, to the decadent desserts made by co-owner and Pastry Chef Karen Carithers.
Favorite sweets include the signature sticky toffee pudding and Kahlua coconut cream
pie.
Located in downtown Morehead City is Promise’ Land Market, a craft beer
bottle shop and wine bar featuring cheeses and small bites. The market features a
centerpiece bar built like the hull of a boat, a perfect conversation piece. Participate
in one of the weekly wine tastings or beer events, grab some goodies to go, or order
a pint and stay a while. Janeen Russel, the market’s always-friendly owner, will offer
recommendations on libations and groceries. You may even spot a Charlotte brew or
two on draft.
Take a moment to relax from a hectic wedding weekend on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.
By Katie Coleman
Nearly 300 miles east of Charlotte is the Crystal Coast, home of the 26-mile island of Bogue Banks, the Cape Lookout
National Seashore, and the mainland anchors of Morehead City and Beaufort. Whatever your speed, this area has plenty to
do as well as the makings for a relaxing retreat.
Morehead City is about a five-hour drive from Charlotte, or you can opt to fly in with non-stop flights from Charlotte Douglas
International Airport to Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern. From there, the sand is only a 30-minute drive away.
eat
Low-KeyLuxury
7. CarolinaBride.com | 115
Whether you prefer kayaking, canoeing, or standup paddle-boarding, there
are plenty of options. Rent kayaks and take a class with the North Carolina
Maritime Museum in Beaufort and paddle through the marshes in Taylors
Creek and around Carrot Island, also home to wild ponies. Paddleboard rentals
are offered through Hot Wax Surf Shop in Emerald Isle, and expeditions take
you through Bogue Sound and the Croatan National Forest, perfect for bird
watching (and getting a workout).
Experience some of the local flavor by visiting Amos Mosquito’s in Atlantic
Beach on Thursday nights for karaoke. While the sound-side restaurant draws
a crowd in its own right—locals love the fresh seafood, specials (think filet
with bleu cheese) and an extensive sushi menu—the weekly karaoke sessions
are continually packed and standing-room-only. Take a turn at the mic and get
the crowd going.
Take a detour to the eastern edge of Bogue Banks and visit Fort Macon,
the most visited state park in North Carolina. The fort was originally designed
to guard Beaufort Inlet and Beaufort Harbor, though it changed hands several
times during the Civil War and was used by the federal government again
during World War II. After its initial fall into disrepair after the Civil War, the
fort was sold to the state of North Carolina for $1 in 1924. The site is now a
fully-functional park after a multi-million dollar renovation of the fort, with
pristine protected beaches, a seaside bathhouse, nature trails, and plenty of fish.
The protected barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore are
only accessible by boat, but worth the trip. The 56-mile strand of beaches is a
haven for endangered wildlife like sea turtles, and is perfect for beach camping.
The most distinguishing feature of the seashore is the 163-foot-tall Cape
Lookout Lighthouse, painted with the diamond pattern. Visitors can climb the
207 steps to the top from May through September. Adjacent to Cape Lookout is
Shackleford Banks, part of the protected seashore and home to wild ponies.
Take a drive over to the mainland to visit Beaufort, recently named
“America’s Coolest Small Town,” by Budget Travel and “America’s No. 1 Town,”
by Travel + Leisure. This fishing town is steeped in history but maintains a
funky and cool reputation through its dining and shopping options, plus special
events like the Beaufort Wine and Food Weekend held annually in April,
the Beaufort Pirate Invasion held each August, and Mardi Gras celebrations
in February ranging from a parade through Middle Lane downtown, to a
traditional Cajun blowout in the Down East community of Gloucester.
play
relax
While the Crystal Coast has many
hotel and Bed and Breakfast options,
our recommendation for the ultimate
mini-moon is to rent a beach house.
The large oceanfront homes, typically
called Sand Castles, usually include
bedrooms with their own bathrooms,
multiple balconies, and entertainment
rooms. The best part: the sand is just
steps away.
stay
