Winter in Halifax County
Winter has arrived in Halifax County, along with all the joys of the season: family time, shared meals, and cozy fireside chats. Whether you’re visiting family or stopping through for the weekend, these activities will make the most of your time in Halifax County. The best part? No need to wait for snow to enjoy the experiences on this list!
Sip Wine by the Fire at Hunting Creek Vineyards
Grab a scarf, bundle up, and make a trip to Hunting Creek Vineyards! Offering a variety of reds, whites, and blends, HCV is the perfect place to spend a winter afternoon sampling wine. Step onto the patio to relish the brisk winter air and views of the surrounding countryside while sipping your favorite wine next to one of the fire pits. Cold weather, not your thing? No need to go outside, enjoy your wine in the warm and cozy tasting room, known as The Barn, or opt for a library tasting or barrel preview in the equally beautiful wine cellar. Seriously though, who can resist the appeal of warming oneself with a glass of red next to the fire? …or maybe step outside for a quick picture before returning to the warmth of the comfy Barn.
View Wildlife at Staunton River State Park
Lace-up your boots, pack some binoculars and take a winter hike at Staunton River State Park. As the seasons change, the activity of native wildlife changes as well, bringing a delightful mix of creatures to observe. While many species fully or partially hibernate for the season, others remain active and may appear more frequently while scavenging for food. You will find deer in the morning and evenings nibbling the buds off branches and trees. Foxes hunt primarily at night, and as food can be scarcer, they generally spend more time hunting. Nocturnal species such as raccoons and opossums don’t truly hibernate and may also be seen at night. Though birding is at its peak in the spring and fall seasons while migratory birds pass through the region, some birds call Virginia home for the winter. Species that reside in Virginia for the winter include the White-Throated Sparrow, Dark-Eyed Junco, and Yellow-Rumped Warbler. With fewer leaves on the trees to obstruct views, winter provides an excellent opportunity to view native wildlife.
Enjoy Seasonal Dishes at Local Restaurants
Savor seasonal dishes and flavors at our local restaurants. Many of our restaurants use fresh ingredients, serving fare using in-season produce and game. Molasses Grill offers mouth-watering dishes featuring scallops or salads with seasonal produce such as apples, beets, or pears. Looking for lunch? Southern Plenty Café, Auburnlea on Main, and The Busy Bean have lunch and breakfast options utilizing in-season and local ingredients. Be sure to view menus before making plans, as offerings frequently change according to season and availability.
Escape Cabin Fever at the World of Sports
Are you ready to get out and be active but aren’t a fan of the cold weather? With various indoor activities for all ages, the World of Sports is your cure for cabin fever. The bowling alley and go-kart track are perfect for the older crowd or family fun. Kids (and the young at heart) will enjoy the arcade and laser tag arena. Stay for dinner at the on-site restaurant, JB’s, for traditional American meals and bar fare. Visiting on a weekend? JB’s regularly hosts live music featuring local and regional acts on Friday nights. Stick around for drinks and live music or make your way to the theater and finish the evening off with a movie. Feel free to tackle any of the complex’s offerings in any order (We advise against drinking and driving go-karts and on the highways). It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon (and evening) at The World of Sports with so many fun options.
Sample Winter Cocktails at Springfield Distillery
Warm yourself with a craft spirit from Springfield Distillery. Guests can sample the distillery’s spirits straight up or mixed into a cocktail. In addition to a few staples, many of the cocktails are catered to the season. The best part? Some are served hot, the perfect counter to the cold winter air. Winter favorites include house spirits mixed with mulled cider, hot cocoa, coffee. After a hot toddy, brave the cold and play cornhole on the lawn or play a round of shut the box with friends. Buy a bottle and learn to make the cocktails during one of the weekly Whisky Wednesday sessions for home consumption. If you’re looking for some excitement on a winter weekend afternoon, Springfield Distillery is sure to warm your spirits! Pro Tip: The distillery has fire pits for guests to sit by and warm up with a new favorite cocktail. Head outdoors!
