Hey, y’all. It’s fall.

Do you know what I love? Sharing my favorite season with y’all—fall! Supposedly, the air’s going to turn crisp at some point… and when it does, we’re going to be ready.

Here at Dogwood, we’ve meticulously crafted some of the quintessential things we think you’ll enjoy. From days on the farm to exciting trips along Virginia’s railways, here’s your festive fall guide: A readership gift from us, to you. I’m so glad you’re here.

Exterior shot of the Pink Cadillac Diner in Natural Bridge. (Kipp Teague/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

By Sam Cohen

Are you in the mood for a tasty treat? Virginia has a variety of fall flavors waiting to be discovered. 

Thankfully for those of you planning to make your way through or around Virginia, there’s no shortage of classic diners offering the perfect blend of comforting food and unique atmosphere. And hey, you don’t even really need to go on a road trip to enjoy these locations. 

Our first recommendation is The Pink Cadillac Diner, of course. The restaurant near Natural Bridge serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, and its menu features diner staples like pancakes, grits, milkshakes, hamburgers, and more.

If you’re looking for charm, look no further than the Damascus Diner. Reviewers frequently mention how sweet the staff is, and one visitor wrote, “Never had a bad meal from this place and all for a decent price.” I don’t know about you, but getting a good meal for a decent price in this economy sounds like a dream!

Is fame your forte? Arlington’s Metro 29 Diner had a moment in the spotlight in 2010 when famed Food Network star Guy Fieri paid the restaurant a visit. You can check out Fieri’s segment on Metro 29 here, but the most important takeaway is that he loved the food, especially the leg of lamb and the French toast.

Join Dogwood on Tuesday, Sept. 30, in Northern Virginia for an evening of panels exploring the issues shaping Virginia’s political future. Learn about the real-world impact of the upcoming elections and how they affect communities across the commonwealth.

What to expect:

• Panel discussions on key topics influencing Virginia elections and ways residents can take action
• Opportunities to learn how communities across Virginia are being affected
• A chance to connect, listen, and engage with fellow residents and Virginia leaders

Space is limited, so reserve your free spot today and join the conversation shaping Virginia’s future.

The corn maze theme at Liberty Mills Farm is “Starry Nights” this year. (Liberty Mills Farm)

By Aila Boyd

It’s officially flannel season—and Virginia’s farms are pulling out all the stops. From corn mazes to a pumpkin-eating dino, we’ve rustled up a few fall favorites you won’t want to miss.

Pumpkin picking and corn maze fun are in great supply at Great Country Farms in Bluemont. Activities at the farm include wagon rides to pick pumpkins, Oinkintucky Derby pig races, cider pressing demonstrations, P-Rex the Pumpkin Eating Dino Show, marshmallow roasting, live music, pumpkin cannons, and cow train rides. 

Owen Farm, in operation since 2003 near Danville, is a magical place in the fall with the leaves turning colors and the air nice and crisp. It’s certainly a relaxing place to visit, given its cozy barn, chill hayrides, and bountiful pumpkin patch. Be sure to meet some of the farm animals, including goats, chickens, and rabbits.

Liberty Mills Farm goes all in on corn maze fun in Somerset, with four different trails across 34 acres, including a story maze, trivia maze, hole punch maze, and mystery maze. There’s also a u-pick pumpkin patch and hay wagon for rides. 

Across the country, the future of local news is uncertain. But here at Dogwood, we’re staying focused—on you.

Our goal for our fall fundraising campaign is to raise $350 by Sept. 30 to keep this kind of coverage strong in Virginia.

Thank you for your support, neighbor.

Train tracks covered in colorful fallen leaves (Walkersville Southern Railroad and Museum)

By Britteny Dee

There are plenty of ways to view Virginia’s fall foliage—from hiking through the woods to taking a road trip—but a scenic train ride is arguably one of the best options. You don’t have to focus on the road like you do when you’re driving, or get your heart rate up as you would on a hike. 

After boarding the train, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and marvel at the vibrant colors and lush landscapes as you cruise past them.

The Virginia Scenic Railway offers several train ride experiences, including one specifically designed for leaf peeping. The company’s Shenandoah Valley Limited will operate several special fall foliage excursions over the course of five consecutive weekends (starting today). 

The Alleghany Special also travels through the scenic Shenandoah Valley. The three-hour, round-trip ride begins in Staunton and goes west to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, providing views of the Allegheny Mountains and rural landscapes.

The Blue Ridge Flyer is another excellent excursion for leaf peepers. During the three-hour round-trip journey, riders are treated to spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The train also passes through the Blue Ridge Tunnel, which was carved out of rock and spans nearly one mile.

🍇 From apple butter and oyster feasts to grape stomping and outdoor fun, Virginia’s fall event calendar is brimming with fun ways to celebrate the season. (Read more)

👻 When you live somewhere as old as Virginia, you can also guarantee a ghostly encounter of some kind from any part of the state. (Read more)

🍂 From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia offers tons of opportunities for leaf peeping each fall. (Read more)

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