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, Early Mountain Vineyards (complimentary local meat and cheese plate with flight purchase), Keswick ($5 off your wine purchase), Castle Hill Cider ($5 off wine purchase), Prince Michel, Gray Ghost, Old House, Pearmund Cellars, Winery at La Grange, and Barrel Oak.

Ghost Tours at the Civil War Exchange Hotel

Visit one of the History Channel's “TOP 100 Most Haunted Places in the Country”. Tour the Civil War Exchange Museum after dark to find out if you are sensitive to your surroundings and if your skepticism can be maintained after a night visit. Take a candlelight tour of the museum, relive the history, hear some of the stories of its dark past, including its proposed paranormal activity.  Friday nights are for the general public - reserve early as spots fill up quickly! Your innkeepers can make your reservations or contact Angel at 540-656-8848.

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.

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.

May 4-5
Montpelier Wine Festival

The Montpelier Wine Festival is a premier spring event for the whole family. Held annually on the grounds of Montpelier, 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.  Ask your innkeeper to get advance tickets for you at $15, or purchase them the day of for $25.

May 3-19
Four County Players presents: "Shakespeare at the Players: Taming of the Shrew"

Paying homage to their many years of Shakespeare At The Barboursville Ruins, they are thrilled to present one of the Bard's most beloved comedies. Directed by Four County Players veteran Kristen Franklin Heiderstadt in her directorial debut— though she is certainly no stranger to the stage, this theater, or this show!

Consider making it a date with our Dinner and Theater package!

May 4-5
150th Commemoration of the Battle of Chancellorsville

Day filled with living history events to include demonstrations of Confederate Hospitals: Front Line Triage, Field, and Recovery Hospitals.  Held at Ellwood Manor.

May 12
Mother's Day at Ellwood Manor

Interpreters will be reading letters between Civil War soldiers and their families.

May 30 - Jun 1
Graves Mountain Bluegrass Festival

For 20 years Graves Mountain has hosted bluegrass groups famous, infamous and almost famous!  Come see why USA Today rated the Graves Mountain Music Festival the Top 10 Bluegrass Festivals in the USA!

Jun 2
Sunsets at Salubria

Music and history fans of all ages are invited to bring a picnic supper, folding chairs and enjoy the evening 'rocking the boxwoods' with music by recent recipients of Washington Area Music Awards (WAMIES). The concerts will be on the first Sunday of each month, from May through October, on the grounds of the historic Salubria manor, seven miles east of Culpeper, VA on Salubria Lane off of Route 3. The gates will open at 4:00 pm,and the music will start two hours before sunset. Admission is $15.00 for adults. All proceeds will support the Germanna Foundation's research and restoration projects at historic Salubria. June: The Robbie Limon Band.

Jun 8
Bull Riding Rodeo

Oakland Heights Farm is host to BLM Bull Riding events the second Saturday of the month May thru September. A family friendly atmosphere, including live music, mutton busting and ladies barrel racing. Make an evening of it with live music and food concessions benefiting the Gordonsville Fire Dept. Come early and pick a great seat to watch the excitement. Gates Open - 5:30pm, Live Music -6:00pm, Bull Riding - 7:30pm. Admission - Adults - $15.00, kids 13 and under $10.00, 3 and under free.

Jun 15
4th Annual Trashy Ribs and Blues Festival

Come listen to the deep blues while feasting on juicy, delicious ribs, festival foods, and cold beverages. Specialty ribs, soul food, sides, soda, and water will be available for purchase from local food vendors. Adult beverages will also be available for purchase (ID Required). Tables and chairs will be provided. Locations for recycling batteries (except car batteries) will be available at the registration desk. This year will feature the ever-popular Burnt Orange band, and the OMG Band. Two blocks from the inn and free admission!

Jul 4
Independence Day Celebration in Culpeper

A day-long series of events celebrating Independence Day, including a Car and Bike show, a 5K race, a parade and lots of other patriotic events.  The day culminates with a band and fireworks! For more information please visit their July 4th website.

Jul 4
Reds, Whites and Blues Festival

Relax from 11a - 5p at Keswick Winery with a glass of wine, while listening to fantastic blues music!  BBQ is available for purchase or bring your own picnic and chair! Just 16 minutes from the inn, visit their website for more information.

Jul 5
Annual Holladay House "Hops and Chops" Independence Day

Join us Friday, July 5th to drink local micro-brewed craft beers (the Hops), feast on locally-raised meat (the Chops: beef, pork,
and mutton, expertly prepared a variety of ways) and dive into Sharon’s "family secret" homemade apple pie (Virginia wine also
available)!  For more information, visit our Holidays and Seasonal Packages page.

Jul 6
Orange County Independence Day Celebration

Can't get enough fireworks? Orange County pulls out the stops with their family-friendly day of Independence Day celebrations! Only 5 minutes from the inn and free!

Jul 7
Sunsets at Salubria

Music and history fans of all ages are invited to bring a picnic supper, folding chairs and enjoy the evening 'rocking the boxwoods' with music by recent recipients of Washington Area Music Awards (WAMIES). The concerts will be on the first Sunday of each month, from May through October, on the grounds of the historic Salubria manor, seven miles east of Culpeper, VA on Salubria Lane off of Route 3. The gates will open at 4:00 pm, and the music will start two hours before sunset. Admission is $15.00 for adults. All proceeds will support the Germanna Foundation's research and restoration projects at historic Salubria. July: Melodime.

Jul 13
Bull Riding Rodeo

Oakland Heights Farm is host to BLM Bull Riding events the second Saturday of the month May thru September. A family friendly atmosphere, including live music, mutton busting and ladies barrel racing. Make an evening of it with live music and food concessions benefiting the Gordonsville Fire Dept. Come early and pick a great seat to watch the excitement. Gates Open - 5:30pm, Live Music -6:00pm, Bull Riding - 7:30pm. Admission - Adults - $15.00, kids 13 and under $10.00, 3 and under free.

Jul 13
Annual Pig Roast at Horton Vineyards

Live music, meal with all the fixin’s and wine tasting make this one of Horton Vineyard's favorite events of the year. $25 per person, including food and glass.  Prepayment and reservations required - ask your innkeeper to make the arrangements for you!

Jul 20
Medical Presentation at Historic Ellwood Manor

John Pelletier will return to Ellwood for his second of three visits this season from 11:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Ellwood’s restored second floor. In period attire, John Pelletier provides an informative presentation on medicine, treatments and surgical practices of the Civil War.

Jul 25 - 27
Orange County Fair

An annual event not to be missed!  Old fashioned County Fair without all the noise of carnival rides.  Activities, concerts and entertainment centered around a rural way of living.  More information on our Annual Events page.

Aug 4
Sunsets at Salubria

Music and history fans of all ages are invited to bring a picnic supper, folding chairs and enjoy the evening 'rocking the
boxwoods' with music by recent recipients of Washington Area Music Awards (WAMIES). The concerts will be on the first Sunday of each month, from May through October, on the grounds of the historic Salubria manor, seven miles east of Culpeper, VA on Salubria Lane off of Route 3. The gates will open at 4:00 pm, and the music will start two hours before sunset. Admission is $15.00 for adults. All proceeds will support the Germanna Foundation's research and restoration projects at historic Salubria. August: Texas Chainsaw Horns.

Aug 10
edible Food Festival in Orange

One block from the inn, enjoy an amazing celebration of regional handcrafted and artisanal foods!  Put on in conjunction with the edible Blue Ridge magazine, this festival highlights the farm to table movement. Food vendors, chef demonstrations, topical speakers and seriously good music and food abound. From 10a - 6p, $7 admission to everything! Visit their website for full information.

Aug 10
Bull Riding Rodeo

Oakland Heights Farm is host to BLM Bull Riding events the second Saturday of the month May thru September. A family friendly atmosphere, including live music, mutton busting and ladies barrel racing. Make an evening of it with live music and food concessions benefiting the Gordonsville Fire Dept. Come early and pick a great seat to watch the excitement. Gates Open - 5:30pm, Live Music -6:00pm, Bull Riding - 7:30pm. Admission - Adults - $15.00, kids 13 and under $10.00, 3 and under free.

Aug 17
Lafayette's Breakfast Remembrance

This event commemorates Lafayette’s return to the Wilderness on August 15, 1825. Light refreshments will be served. Held at the historic Ellwood manor.

   Don't forget to also check out the Annual Events page and the Holiday and Seasonal Packages page!