Recreation News....

TOUR d'EPICURE IN RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY
Two Wheel Travel with Wine & Food

Based in our nation’s capital, the writers and editors at National Geographic’s various magazines and books know the world--and their backyards. That was certainly in evidence when they ranked Washington, Virginia’s “Tour d’Epicure” bike, wine, and dining tours as the #1 tour among the “Top 10 Bicycle Tours for Foodies” in their tasty book, FOOD JOURNEYS OF A LIFETIME: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe.

Tour d’Epicure is the brainchild of Foster Harris House bed and breakfast owners Diane and John MacPherson (they also happen to be passionate foodies and cyclists). Although there are several variations and packages, the basic two-night “Getaway” Tour d’Epicure offering includes accommodations, gourmet breakfasts, a day or more of cycling (all experience levels welcome), a winery visit and lunch (reached by bike or support van), evening appetizers and wine back at Foster Harris, and--reason enough to book a trip right now--dinner at The Inn at Little Washington!

“There’s no better way to experience the Blue Ridge than on a bicycle,” says John MacPherson. “The lush farms and vineyards are breathtaking against the backdrop of majestic mountains. And, the best part is, after an exhilarating day of cycling, the award-winning food and wine are a well-deserved indulgence.” The MacPhersons have also put together a four-night “Epicurean” Tour d’Epicure that features everything in the two-night tour, plus dinner at two other local restaurants, two more winery visits and lunches, lunch up on Skyline drive, and as much additional riding as guests want.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD

The Foster Harris House features varied accommodations, with five possibilities. The Suite has a free-standing stove, spa shower, and separate sitting room overlooking the gardens and mountains. The Meadow View Room features a canopy bed, stove, walk-in rainfall shower, and meadow view (the separate anteroom entrance is nice). The spacious Garden Room has lovely (you guessed it) garden views, a soaking tub and rainfall shower. The opulent Compton Room features a rainfall shower, stove, and a love seat that converts to a twin bed. The cozy Mary Ellen Jenkins room offers a full-sized bed (all other rooms have queens), and a walk-in rainfall shower.

A tasty sampling of John’s four-course gourmet breakfasts includes: Judge's Blend fresh roast coffee or tea; fresh orange juice; candied ginger scones; ripe mango and berries topped with vanilla custard; yogurt and granola; roasted red pepper and Gruyere soufflé; hickory-smoked bacon glazed in a raspberry chipotle sauce; and blueberry cheesecake crepes drizzled with Crème Anglaise. That should certainly sure stoke the cycling furnace for the day.

The Foster Harris House Cookbook includes John’s delicious recipes for breakfast, but also other non-breakfast options as well. They’re accompanied by beautiful food and inn photography, as well as vintage photographs of the 100-year-old structure.

Award-winning Rappahannock Cellars is the winery of choice for a great lunch and wine tasting. The longer tours also head to Sharp Rock Vineyards for an equally tasty lunch and tasting.

Dinner at The Inn at Little Washington will certainly be a highlight for any Tour d’Epicure participant (and it’s a great value through the package when compared to just dinner at The Inn). The multiple course dinner includes the famed cheese trolley, dessert, and a tour of famed Chef Patrick O’Connell’s spacious kitchen.

Located just 65 miles or so southwest of Washington, DC, and minutes from Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, the town of Washington and Foster Harris House are nestled in the heart of Rappahannock County’s Blue Ridge foothills. Along with world-class dining and accommodations, award-winning wineries, and small town charm, the area’s shopping, cultural events and festivals, and agri-tourism activities are all drawing more and more visitors on and off bikes.

BEFORE YOU GO

*Tour d’Epicure/Foster Harris House: 540-675-9924, www.tourdepicure.com and www.fosterharris.com

*Rappahannock County Tourism: 540-675-5330, www.visitrappannockva.com