By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages

by the side of the roadBuilt in the late 18th century, By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages is one of the top-rated inns in the Historic Shenandoah Valley, and it’s located literally by the side of the road.

Located just minutes from Downtown Harrisonburg, the bed and breakfast and has been meticulously preserved. Guests return time and again to experience the comfort and intimacy of four suites located in the Manor House and five luxurious cottages.

The location is ideal to experience all of the best Harrisonburg restaurants and other fantastic things to do in Harrisonburg and nearby.

 

Top attractions: By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages

More online at www.bythesideoftheroad.com.


Indulge in this recipe for Apple Crepes with Hot Cranberry Sauce

If you thought our last pancake recipe from By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages was good, wait until you try these apple crepes with hot cranberry sauce! You’ll never want to go back to cold cereal and milk again.

Ingredients – Crepes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 cup milk
2 eggs
3 Tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt
Ingredients – Apple Filling
6 fresh tart apples — peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 to 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar (depending on variety of apple used)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
2 Tablespoons lemon juice with freshly grated zest
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
Ingredients – Hot Cranberry Syrup
1 cup white sugar
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups cold water
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 or 2 drops red food coloring (optional)

Crepes: Sift together flour and sugar in a small bowl. Combine remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add dry mixture and beat until smooth. Lightly grease a 6-inch non-stick skillet over medium/high heat. Coat the bottom with about 3 Tablespoons of batter, spreading to cover the bottom of the skillet. Cook until crepe is lightly brown; flip and quickly brown the other side. Stack between layers of parchment or waxed paper until all crepes are cooked. Makes a dozen.

Apple Filling: Prepare the apples and place in a large bowl. Combine the sugar and spice with the cornstarch and sprinkle over the apples. Coat the fruit well. Melt the butter over a medium flame/heat and add the apple mixture. Saute several minutes until juices emerge, lower flame/heat, and continue to simmer until apples are “tender crisp” — maybe 5 minutes more (again, depending on the variety used). Turn off flame/heat, cover apples, and hold warm.

Hot Cranberry Syrup: Combine sugar with cornstarch and mix well. Add cold water and stir over medium flame/heat until sugar begins to dissolve. Add cranberries and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to a low boil and continue cooking as cranberries begins to burst and mixture thickens nicely, approximately 5 to 7 minutes more. Add 1 or 2 drops of red food coloring if the cranberries haven’t provided enough color.

To serve: Fill each crepe with 2 to 3 spoonfuls of warm apple filling, fold to center, adorn with beautiful red cranberry syrup, and garnish with a sprig of edible greenery. Eat and enjoy!

crepe

Originally published here.


Visit Valley ArtsFest, Harrisonburg, Virginia

830395_10151742460693266_565712955_o“As the first designated Arts & Cultural District in Virginia, Harrisonburg is home to a thriving arts community. Our galleries glorify the dedicated work of local artists and artisans, our theaters proudly boast exciting lineups of performing arts entertainment, and our museums capture enriching history and culture. During the month of June, Valley ArtsFest celebrates the best of the arts in Harrisonburg.”

Whether you’re a fan of dancing, modern art exhibits, musical performances, children’s art activities, or all of the above, you’ll want to attend as many of the upcoming Valley ArtsFest events as possible! From railroads to Civil War history, this celebration of the arts covers it all. Here are some examples of what you can experience at the 2015 ArtsFest:

June 12, 26: Fridays On The Square Summer Music Fest, featuring The Woodshedders (Americana) and The Nighthawks (Blues) (Location: Location: Court Square Lawn, Court Square, Downtown Harrisonburg)

June 19: Open House and Celebration of National Milling Day (Location: Breneman-Turner Mill, 5001 Turners Mill Lane, Harrisonburg)

June 19-21: Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival (Location: Lehman Auditorium, Eastern Mennonite University – 1200 Park Road)

All of June: Rockingham Railroads: A 100 Year Review (Location: The Heritage Museum, 382 High Street, Dayton, VA, 22821)

Click here for more info. (Need lodging? Check out By the Side of the Road Bed & Breakfast and Stonewall Jackson Inn.)

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