Inn and Area Event Calendar

Complimentary Wine Tasting Passes

The Holladay House has arranged for complimentary winery tasting passes for our guests. The following wineries are included:

Barboursville, Keswick, Prince Michel, Gray Ghost, Old House, Pearmund Cellars, Winery at la Grange, and Barrel Oak.

Historic Downtown Orange Tours

Enjoy a complimentary tour of the Historic Downtown Commercial District. Develop your sense of place - this area is steeped in history from all eras! To take a tour, just ask the innkeepers - they will set up the appointment for you with a certified tour guide.

James Madison Museum Discount Tickets

The James Madison Museum hosts a large collection of James and Dolley Madison memorabilia, along with other Presidents' memorabilia and Virginia Constitutional documents. Staying at the Holladay House entitles you to a special admission price of $4 for one/$8 for two and a complimentary copy of Patriots of the Upcountry Orange County, Virginia in the Revolution by William H.B. Thomas.  Ask the innkeepers for the special admission coupon!

Farmers Market!

The Orange County Farmers Market offers fresh produce, herbs, plants, grass fed meats, crafts, and baked goods from local vendors every Saturday from 8a until 1p, May through October. The Market is located 3 blocks from the Holladay House in the Faulconer's Hardware Store shopping center.

Main Street ART WALK

The Arts Center in Orange, in cooperation with 10 other galleries, restaurants and businesses all along Main Street will be open to a street-long art gallery showcase. From 5p-7p stroll up and down Main Street, in and out of businesses, to view fantastic regional art showcases. Nibbles and musical entertainment will be available at select locations.

Readings Along the Rapidan: Central Virginia Civil War Book Club

We are excited to team up with noted historian and author, Frank Walker, to present a monthly must-read book selection about the Civil War in this region. He has choosen books by various authors from various perspectives so we may all learn the thoughts of those involved in such a turbulent and fast-changing time in America's history. We have posted 11 selections on the Holladay House Facebook page in the Notes Section (Not into Facebook? Send me your email address and I'll email you the selections each month.) Check back every month for Frank's colorful descriptions of why you should read that month's selection.

Apr 13 - 15
      Culpeper Remembrance Days

A full weekend where the entire community and businesses are involved in celebrating Culpeper's history! The weekend will be filled with living history demonstrations, guided tours, interactive performances, encampments, and a guided lantern and ghost tour! Visit their Facebook page for up to date information.

Apr 15
Montpelier's Working Woods Walk

Venture beyond the mansion and the lawn into the woods of Montpelier. This two-hour tour of the Montpelier Demonstration Forest Trail will help visitors understand society's dependence on forests now and during the Madisons' time. The tour will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center. (540) 672-2728.

Apr 20 - 22
Montpelier's Spring Civil War Weekend

Visit Montpelier for a weekend of skirmishes, dress parades, and Civil War history, where General Samuel McGowan's South Carolinians encamped during the winter of 1863-1864. Watch re-enactors use Civil War-era tools and techniques to rebuild the huts once occupied by McGowan's troops. Also, tour the Gilmore Farm, home of George Gilmore, who was born a slave at Montpelier and emancipated after the Civil War.

Apr 22
Montpelier's Spring Big Woods Walk

See Spring come to life! Take in the sights and sweet smells of blossoming plants on your guided tour of the 200-acre old-growth James Madison Landmark Forest known as the "Big Woods." The forest is designated a National Natural Landmark. The Big Woods Walk will begin at the Montpelier Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m.

Apr 28
      79th Annual Historic Garden Week

Every April, visitors are welcomed to more than 250 of Virginia's most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during "America's Largest Open House." Historic Garden Week provides visitors a unique opportunity to see unforgettable gardens at the peak of Virginia's springtime color, as well as beautiful houses sparkling with fabulous flower arrangements. Visit the official website for maps, tickets and boxed lunch reservations.

Apr 28
      Ellwood Manor Opens for the Season with Medical Historian Presentation

Ellwood Manor, c.1790, Confederate hospital after the Battle of Chancellorsville and General GK Warren's headquarters during the Battle of the Wilderness, opens for the 2012 season. Medical historian John Pelletier will be in period attire providing an informative presentation on medicine, treatments and surgical practices of the Civil War. From 11a - 4:30pm at Ellwood Manor.

May 5 - 6
Annual Montpelier Wine Festival

The Montpelier Wine Festival is a premier spring event for the whole family. Held annually on the grounds of Montpelier, the lifelong home of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States and the "Father of the Constitution," the Festival showcases distinctive arts and crafts; specialty food vendors; live music; "cooking with wine" classes; children's entertainment and rides; and tastings all day. Advance tickets: $15; Gate tickets $25 (ask the innkeeper to get advance tickets for you!). For more information, visit their website.

 

May 6
Commemoration of 148th Anniversary of the Battle of the Wildnerness at Ellwood Manor

On the grounds of historic Ellwood Manor, attend an engaging living history event to include demonstrations of the confederate camp life, union artillery and the 23rd United States Colored Troops. Visit their website for more information.

 

May 13
Mount Sharon open for Mother's Day

A rare opportunity to Visit the Mount Sharon Gardens, ten acres of exquisite gardens overlooking 60-mile views of Piedmont Virginia. The garden, regarded as one of the most beautiful private landscapes on the East Coast, features ten integrated spaces, each with its own botanical theme and tastefully accented by pavilions, fountains, pergolas and statuary, creating a private work of art of national significance. A lovely Mother's Day tour for the benefit of Preservation Virginia and the Boys & Girls Club of Orange. Advance tickets: $20; Gate tickets $30. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Preservation Virginia website.

 

May 13
Mother's Day at Ellwood Manor

Tour historic Ellwood Manor and listen to a special program of readings of letters between Civil War soldiers and their families.

 

May 20
    Dolley Madison's Birthday

Celebrate the birthday of the woman who inspired the title "first lady!" Enjoy birthday cake and punch with Dolley in the morning. Then visit the mansion for Dolley's "birthday salon." Free admission for anyone who shares Dolley's name or birthday!

 

May 25-28
Memorial Day Special

Stay at the Holladay House for two nights and get your third consecutive night at 50% off!

 

Jun 3 - 14
Senior Special!

If you are over 62, stay with us anytime between June 3-14, 2012 and receive 15% off your stay, get a choice of 3 bedtime snacks delivered to your room, and receive a free tour of the Orange Commercial Historic District (weather permitting!) Subject to availability; you must mention this special when making your reservation; not combinable with other offers.

 

Jun 16
Trashy Ribs and Blues Festival

The morning starts of with team of Orange citizens poised to compete on who can pick up the most trash. The winning team wins some great prizes! That evening EVERYONE in the area is invited to a Ribs and Blues Festival celebrating the bright shiny trash-free Town. Four ribs vendors, adult beverage vendors and 3 blues bands will help everyone celebrate into the night! Located just one block from the Holladay House and it's free!

 

Jun 18
New Montpelier Exhibit: James Madison and the War of 1812

A special exhibit at James Madison’s Montpelier will tell the story of James Madison’s Presidency and wartime struggle. The War of 1812 was the first test to our nation’s survival and our constitution’s sustainability—the outcome would determine the legitimacy of the American experiment in the eyes of the world. The exhibit is included with a regular admission ticket and is located on the second floor of the Mansion.

 

Jul 6 - 8
Annual Holladay House "Hops and Chops" with special discount!

See our Holiday and Seasonal Packages page for more details on this popular locally-sourced event for Holladay House guests only!

 

Jul 8
Summer Big Woods Walk at Montpelier

Beat the heat at Montpelier! Hike shaded trails on your guided tour of the 200-acre old-growth James Madison Landmark Forest known as the "Big Woods." The forest is designated a National Natural Landmark. The Big Woods Walk will begin at the Montpelier Visitor Center at 2pm.

 

Jul 26 - 28
Orange County Fair

Join local farmers, craftsmen, cooks, and gardeners for an annual celebration of rural life in the Virginia Piedmont. For more information, please call (540) 661-5393 or visit orangecountyvafair.com.

 

Aug 11
edible Food Festival

Held one block from the Holladay House, attend the edible Food Festival! The inaugural food festival put on by edible Blue Ridge magazine and the Orange Downtown Alliance, is a family-oriented educational event, dedicated to strengthening relationships between small-scale producers and consumers. Featuring Joel Salatin as headline speaker, CheFarmer Matthew Raiford and Chef Joe Randall. And a special tribute to Edna Lewis with 300 of her closest family members in attendance. There will be children’s activities, workshops for adults, tastings, and music. At the heart of the edible Food Fest are educational programs on sustainable agriculture, organic gardening, soil and composting, seed saving, edible landscaping and other means of healthier living.  From 10a-5p, this event is not to be missed! Keep up to date on the latest information on the edible Food Fest website.

 

Aug 17 - 19
Summer Civil War Weekend

Visit Montpelier for a weekend of skirmishes, dress parades, and Civil War history, where General Samuel McGowan's South Carolinians encamped during the winter of 1863-1864. Watch re-enactors use Civil War-era tools and techniques to rebuild the huts once occupied by McGowan's troops. Also, tour the Gilmore Farm, home of George Gilmore, who was born a slave at Montpelier and emancipated after the Civil War.

 

John Paul Jones Arena Events: Apr - Jul

Visit the John Paul Jones Website for details and tickets.