THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 26, 1996 TAG: 9605240062
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STEPHEN HARRIMAN
LENGTH: 80 lines
JUST IN CASE you've forgotten, June is a very big month for staying right here in South Hampton Roads and NOT traveling. Early in the month, at least. It's time to look ahead and mark your calendar.
June 7 is kickoff day for three major happenings right here at home:
Norfolk's 20th annual Harborfest at Town Point Park is June 7-9 - from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Info: (804) 627-5329.
Portsmouth's 20th annual Seawall Festival runs concurrently along the Elizabeth River's south bank - noon until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 6 on Sunday. Info: (800) 296-9933.
Virginia Beach's Boardwalk International Festival and Art Show kicks off June 7 and runs through June 16 from 15th to 32nd streets. Info: (804) 425-0000.
Also on the local scene June 21-23: Re-enactors and living history performers will portray the history, lifestyle and culture during the War of 1812 and the Battle of Craney Island. At Fort Norfolk, foot of Front Street on the Elizabeth River. Info: (804) 625-1720.
Elsewhere in the state, June events are busting out all over:
June 1 - The Buckingham Train makes three nostalgic railroad roundtrips out of Dillwyn in central Virginia. Info: (804) 231-4324.
June 1-2 - Vintage Virginia. The 15th annual Virginia Wineries Festival, which claims to be the largest east of California, will be held at Great Meadow near The Plains in Northern Virginia from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Info: (540) 253-5001. It's the first of two wine-tasting events this month. The second, June 22-23, is the Eastern Wine Festival on the beautiful grounds of Morven Park just outside Leesburg, also in Northern Virginia. Info: (410) 730-8841.
June 4-9 - The 143rd annual Upperville Colt and Horse Show, an ``A-rated'' event with riders and horses in the hunter, jumper and grand prix divisions, is the oldest in the United States. Near Middleburg in Northern Virginia. Info: (703) 592-3858.
June 8 - Chincoteague Homestyle Music and Shrimp Festival will include the aforementioned plus beef as well. Entertainment begins at 10, the all-you-can-eat eating goes from noon to 4. On the Eastern Shore. Info: (804) 336-6161.
June 8-9 - The second annual River City Real Beer Fest will be held at the Farmers' Market in Shockoe Bottom, Richmond, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Festival goers will be able to sample more than 40 specialty lagers, ales, stouts and porters. Each six-ounce sample is $1. Think of the challenge. If you swill down all six ounces of each of 40 brews, you will have consumed 240 ounces, or 1.875 gallons, of intoxicants. Take along a designated driver, and don't wear your good shoes.
June 12 - Pig meat is what the Virginia Pork Festival in Emporia is all about. It's one of the largest food festivals, offering an chance to pig out on more than 30 pork dishes. Also, live music on five stages. In Southside Virginia. Info: (804) 634-6611.
June 13 - Good time to visit Mount Vernon if your name is Martha or your birthday is this day. You'll get in free. It's Martha Washington's 265th birthday. Just south of Alexandria. Info: (703) 780-2000.
June 15 - Virginia State Parks will hold a 60th anniversary celebration. The six original parks - First Landing/Seashore in Virginia Beach, Douthat, Fairy Stone, Hungry Mother, Staunton River and Westmoreland - have been joined by 22 other state parks, six historic sites and 18 natural areas since the system's inception in 1936. To learn how the parks will be celebrating, call (800) 933-7275.
June 15 - The James River Batteau Festival begins an eight-day commemoration in Lynchburg that features authentic replicas of late 18th century merchant boats. Crews pole them down the James River, stopping each night for celebrations of cultural heritage. In central Virginia. Info: (804) 847-1811.
June 16 - Open house at Virginia Historical Society, which has recently opened a major exhibition on Reconstruction. The exhibition that focuses on people and politics contains more than 250 photographs, artifacts and other memorabilia from that turbulent and misunderstood period following the Civil War. The overall effect of the exhibition is to highlight the eerie parallels between Reconstruction and the modern-day civil rights movements.
Admission is free, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 16 only; otherwise $4. The exhibition runs through Oct. 1. Info: (804) 358-4901. MEMO: Travel-wise is compiled from wire-service reports, news releases,
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writer's mind. Send comments and questions to Travel-wise, The
Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va. 23501-0449; phone (804) 446-2904. by CNB