The Drink List

Get ready for love-filled events and festivals this month. Of course, Valentine’s is a celebration that’s all about indulgence: wine, chocolate, and anything suggestive of sweet, romantic gestures. But love is everywhere, all month long, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

You can be forgiven for being unfamiliar with, even skeptical of, the term “Virginia barbecue.” When most people think barbecue epicenters, they probably think North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Kansas City—but not necessarily the Old Dominion. And while you’ve long been able to enjoy fantastic American barbecue in the state of multiple styles, homegrown Virginian preparations are enjoying a smokin’-hot, finger-lickin’-good revival well worth celebrating.

Eating local has never been so easy, especially when Virginia is full of great farmers’ markets. We’re giving you the lowdown on peak season at Virginia farmers’ markets, with a handy cheat sheet to download and use!

Celebrated as the Oyster Capital of the East Coast, Virginia actually out-oysters the entire country in terms of its annual production of both wild-harvested and farm-raised bivalves. Take it from us: There’s nothing like tossing down a Virginia oyster with a nice glass of Virginia wine or a frosty craft brew to go along with its salty, sweet, buttery fabulousness—ideally gazing out on some Chesapeake Bay tidelands or the Atlantic while you do it.