Blue Ridge Mountains Are Ablaze with Fall Color

A fall color palette reminiscent of Spring.

I was fortunate to have some free time on Saturday! That however can be a double edge sword when you're a small business owner.   But, no worries. 

The drive from the Northern Virginia rural town of Leesburg to Shenandoah National Park was more scenic then I could have imagined.  The entire country side is sprinkled with working farms, and fresh produce and dairy stands. 

Our trek along Skyline Drive was a pure thrill as our drive brought us to altitudes over 3,000 feet.  Banked hills flank both sides of the road at times, each vying for the attention of photographers as they showed off their golden autumn glory.  Shale stone walls played host to some smaller plants and tree saplings as well.  As our drive climbed ever closer to the apex of this section of the Blue Ridge Mountains there were times when nothing flanked either side of the car except the great expanse of the valley below.

Up, Up we went, every now and then we'd pass a cyclist or two either heading uphill with every mighty effort they had or coasting downhill at amazing speeds. 

There were plenty of scenic overlooks and opportunities to get out of the car and look down into Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.  The valley floor is sprinkled with building both large and obtrusive or small and inconspicuous.  As I took in the view I thought, someone somewhere has a personal photo of the unspoiled valley of days past.

Now, although it is the Fall Season and we had hoped to see the bright red, pinks and oranges of full Fall Foliage, they just had not arrived yet.  In fact there were some canopied areas that if one were mistaken would have thought it was Spring all over again.  It was a shocking contrast from the wooded areas just  a few yards away and across the street.  This stand of trees soared to at least 100 feet in height, if not taller, and had no lower branches.  My sister named it "The Stilted Grove".  Quite the fitting title.  What do you think?

Our descent was just at thrilling, it was obviously all downhill from there.  Looking out for sightseeing drivers on their own ascent to the beauty that awaited them was the most nerve wracking part.  On several occasions the yellow center line was crossed, horns were honked,  and angry glares and stares were shared.  But, we all made it home  no worse for the wear.  Thank the Lord for that!

Phew, so my recommendation for a trip such as this is to either hire a driver or go with someone who has no desire to admire the scenic views. 

Deborah

Old Dominion Concierge

"We Run Your Errands"

The Holidays-It's All Up To You Mom!

Whether we want to think about it already or not, it is right around the corner.   IT being Christmas and all the wonder and joy we look forward to.  The caroling and family gatherings!  School plays and church services.  

But we can also expect long hours at work and the hustling and bustling long shopping lines and traffic jams.  And the entire family counts on one singular person to make it all happen, all with an appearance of effortless glee.  MOM!

The average mother spends approximately 13 full days preparing for Christmas that's about 312 hours or more. And after all that the average Christmas dinner lasts little more than two hours.

So it is perhaps not surprising that 20% of woman says they hate the holiday season. This is according to a survey  conducted by Kaleidascope a few years ago of 3,000 women.

The survey determined that we spend 288 hours shopping, 4 hours wrapping gifts, 9 hours decorating the house, 4 hours preparing the main Christmas meal and 4.5hours cooking it.  and in the end the meal only ends up lasting 2 hours.

A third of the women  surveyed carve the turkey, and once dinner is finished they spend and additional 11 hours cleaning up and putting the home back in order.

Unsurprisingly, 65% of women say they find the festive period stressful.  But, 70% of mothers say all the trouble taken preparing for Christmas is worth their while.

Just under 30% of us start planning for Christmas in September to get all the work done.  And an efficient 46% begin to prepare for the following year in the January.

This is definitely one of those times when a Personal Concierge/Errand Service can help minimize the stress that inevitably comes with the holidays.  There is no point in doing it ALL yourself.  A personal assistant allows you to enjoy the spirit of the holidays, spend time with family and friends and create memories that consist of more than being stuck in traffic, or in line at the department or grocery store.

Personal Shoppers are no longer just for fashion shopping, we grocery shop, purchase and wrap gifts as well as take care of postal chores and a lot more.

For more information about Personal Concierge/Errand Service visit our website at Old Dominion Concierge.com








Deborah

Old Dominion Concierge

"We Run Your Errands"

Fall Fun in Virginia's Loudoun County

Apple picking at Crooked Run Orchard: the experience was free and the apples were only $1.00/lb, .50 if you picked them up off the ground. 

I was on the virge of plucking one from the ground just under the tree that was perfectly ripe and shaped like a dream, but to my dismay my sister stopped me.  She said "One should never eat apples that have fallen on the ground!" This caused me to immediately drop what appeared to me to be the most perfect apple, ever.

This got me to wondering!  Is it a fact that apples that have fallen on their own should be left on the ground to rot.  Or, is it merely an old wives tale?

We didn't ask the farmer/cashier when we checked out.  The old biddy was rather rude, which hastened our departure.  All she complained about was how all these people were in line and the line kept getting longer.  Umm! Call me silly, but should she be complainng about business when business is good?  Anyhoo!

But, thanks to Google I was able to uncover the mystery, if you can call it that. 

From a website called MissouriFamilies.org I found this statement:

Do not can "windfall apples" (fruit that has blown off the tree) because they are much more likely to contain mold spores, which can result in spoilage of the canned products.

There you have it folks, picking apples from the ground is in fact a no-no.  Besides it is so much more fun to get in and among the branches and reach up as far as you possibly can to grab the apple you spied from below. 

Now, we need to make some pies, fritter, cider and sauce.  Fall is such a yummy time of the year. 

Deborah

Old Dominion Concierge

"We Run Your Errands"

Virginia to Host One of Only Three U.S. Stops for Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris

-Special travel packages include tickets to Virginia Museum of Fine Arts exhibit and overnight lodging in Richmond-

Richmond, Va. (October 6, 2010)  The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will host Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris, February 19 – May 15, 2011 - making it one of only seven museums in the world, one of only three in the country and the only museum on the East Coast where art lovers can see rare works from one of the greatest artists of modern time.

In honor of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view these pieces, Richmond region hotels are offering nearly a dozen special travel packages that include tickets to Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris, as well as overnight lodging in Richmond.  Visit www.Virginia.org/picasso to access these packages and learn more about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and all of the dining, lodging and attractions in and around Richmond.

Travelers can also take advantage of Amtrak Virginia’s rail service with seamless routes from cities including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Boston directly into two train stations in Richmond.  Several Richmond area hotels offer complimentary shuttle service. Taxi service is also available.

Below are highlights of the special hotel packages, with complete listings and details on Virginia.org.   Tickets for Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris are available online now at www.vmfa.museum/picasso.

Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris Package at The Jefferson Hotel

Since 1895, The Jefferson Hotel has been recognized as Richmond's grandest hotel and one of the finest in America. This five-star five-diamond property’s package includes one night’s accommodations, a traditional Southern breakfast for two, breakfast gratuities, valet parking and two tickets to the exhibit. (Taxes are additional.)Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011 - Sunday, May 15, 2011 (based upon availability).Package Price: From $265/couple

Picasso in Richmond Package at the Linden Row Inn

The Linden Row Inn, a boutique hotel located in the heart of historic Richmond, is featured on the National Register of Historic Places. This package includes one night’s accommodations, continental breakfast, wireless internet, in-town shuttle, fitness center access, two exhibit tickets, a bottle of sparkling wine and free overnight valet parking.

Date: February 18 - May 15, 2011Package Price: $179 + tax, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.

Berkeley Hotel "Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris" Package & Segway Tour

This package at the Berkley Hotel, in historic Shockoe Slip, surrounded by history, dining and more, includes accommodations for one night, two exhibit tickets, Segway Arts Tour, breakfast for two and valet parking. Date:  February 19 - May 15, 2011Package Price: $269 + tax

Omni Richmond Hotel “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris” Package

Overlooking the scenic James River in the heart of downtown Richmond, the Omni Richmond Hotel offers superb amenities accented with touches of rich American history, with views of the city skyline. The package includes one night’s room accommodations, tickets for the special exhibit, buffet breakfast daily per adult in the room and complimentary shuttle to and from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Date: February 19, 2011 - Sunday, May 15, 2011Package Price: $169 + tax

Hilton Garden Inn Airport “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris” Package

The Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Airport, located only one mile from the Richmond International Airport, is offering a package including a one night stay in a deluxe king or double room, complimentary breakfast for two and two exhibit tickets. Date: February 19 - May 15, 2011Package Price: $109 + tax

Hampton Inn Richmond-South "“Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris” Package

Conveniently located near historical landmarks and bustling business centers of downtown Richmond, this package includes a one night stay in a deluxe king or double room, complimentary hot breakfast for two and two exhibit tickets. Date:  February 19 - May 15, 2011Package Price: $109+tax 

Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris” Package

Visit Richmond’s newest upscale hotel featuring 254 guestrooms including junior and executive suites, Shula’s America's Steak House and Aura Spa and Salon.  This package includes a one night stay in a deluxe king or double room, two exhibit tickets and a Shula’s America’s Steakhouse Dinner Credit of $50. Date: February 19, 2011 - May 15, 2011Package Price: $189 + tax

Holiday Inn Express Richmond-Downtown "Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris" Package

Located in the heart of historic Richmond's River District, the Holiday Inn Express offers a premiere location with convenient access to the financial, Capitol and Riverfront districts of Richmond.  The package includes a one night’s stay in a deluxe king or double room, complimentary hot breakfast for two, two exhibit tickets and shuttle service to and from VMFA from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.Date: February 19, 2011 - Sunday, May 15, 2011Package Price: $109 + tax

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation.  For more information about travel destinations in Virginia, visit www.Virginia.org or call 1-800-VISITVA for a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide. 

About the Virginia Museum of Fine ArtsWith a collection of art that spans the globe and more than 5,000 years, plus a wide array of special exhibitions, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is recognized as one of the top comprehensive art museums in the United States. The museum’s permanent collection encompasses more than 22,000 works of art.  In May 2010, VMFA reopened its doors to the public after a transformative expansion, making it the tenth largest comprehensive art museum in the country

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Source: Virginia.org

Deborah

Old Dominion Concierge

"We Run Your Errands"

Virginia is for Lovers iPhone App Puts Travel at Your Fingertips

-New mobile application connects visitors to more than 12,000 destinations statewide-

RICHMOND, Va. – (Richmond, Va.)  The Virginia Tourism Corporation today announced the Virginia is for Lovers iPhone App - the first, statewide mobile travel guide that puts more than 12,000 attractions, events, accommodations, restaurants and special offers at visitors’ fingertips.  The mobile guide is available for free at the iTunes app store for iPhones and iPads users.

The Virginia is for Lovers iPhone app is designed to help visitors immediately access lodging, entertainment and dining options to encourage them to extend their stay and visit more destinations in Virginia. 

Special features and highlights of the Virginia is for Lovers iPhone app include:

• More than 12,000 listings including restaurants, hotels, wineries, museums and historical sites across the state.
• A “Near Me” feature which allows users to find all attractions in a 15 mile radius
• Directions and mapping feature for every listing
• Direct access to call for reservations via phone or Web site
• Customer reviews for restaurants and lodging properties
• Pet-friendly attractions and destinations listed by locality

Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, encourages Virginians to take advantage of this new service to help assist residents on travels throughout the state.

“The Virginia is for Lovers iPhone app is a great resource for Virginians as well as visitors.  Take advantage of this free service and get access to the nearest restaurants, wineries, museums and events while you are traveling throughout Virginia, either on business or vacation with your family.”

Tourism generates $19.2 billion in revenue for Virginia, supports 210,000 jobs and provides $1.28 billion in state and local taxes for communities.

Go to Virginia.org for more information on the free, Virginia is for Lovers iPhone app or visit www.Virginia.org for more details and information.  Or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.

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Source: Virginia.org

 Deborah

Old Dominion Concierge

"We Run Your Errands"

E-tailer BurkeDecor.com Introduces a Private-Label Gift and Wedding Registry

BurkeDecor.com, which celebrated 3 years in business in September, has partnered with Wishpot to provide customers with a private-label wedding and gift registry.

Hubbard, OH (Vocus) October 6, 2010-BurkeDecor.com, a boutique website for fresh, accessible home décor and design, has partnered with Wishpot.com to provide customers with a private-label wedding and gift registry. The online home décor boutique carries over 10,000 products ranging from modern furniture to designer wallpaper, accent décor, candles, area rugs, lighting and a variety of gifts.

BurkeDecor.com's new registry service allows customers to create any kind of wishlist they desire. Perfect for newlyweds wanting to create registries focused on decorative home décor accessories for their first home, holiday gift list enthusiasts and baby shower registrants. BurkeDecor.com's private-label registry features Expert Lists, created by each of the company's employees, to show off their favorites and the most of the moment home accents. Customers can register and select from a ready-made list or create one or several of their own and conveniently share them with gift givers via email.

BurkeDecor.com has also launched a Facebook application where customers can browse a limited selection of the boutique's new and most popular products and get daily updates previewing products just coming to market. The Facebook application gives customers a daily peak at the new Fall 2010 Collection, featuring graphic canvas pillows and lacquered gift box designs by Thomas Paul, new block print bedding designs by John Robshaw and Virginia Johnson, designer wallpaper from Seabrook Wallcoverings, new organic soaps and bath products by Les Bains, Sympatico and Lucia and a large selection of new styles from Surya rugs. One of the company's most exciting lines for Fall 2010 is comprised of simple sustainable furniture pieces from Canvas. Now featured on Burkedecor.com, Canvas' Reclaimed Wood Series consists of reclaimed solid cedar from NYC water towers. Each plank is refurbished in the company's upstate NY wood shop and re-constructed as elegant tables, benches and seats. Also not to be missed this season, Canvas' upholstered furniture, American-made with sustainably harvest wood frames and feather wrapped foam cushions. These elegant sofas, loveseats and club chairs will enrich any space. Choose colors and textures from Canvas' signature hand dyed linens or 100% cotton velvets.

BurkeDecor.com's online offering has grown dramatically in the last year, and the gift registry and extensive assortment of new gifts and home accents from the Fall 2010 Collection are now available online, just in time for early holiday shopping. Recent press for BurkeDecor.com's chic, contemporary offering has received recent mentions in Lucky, Everyday with Rachel Ray, Country Living and InStyle magazines.
About Burke Décor:

Committed to sourcing and selling fabulous home decor products at competitive prices while focusing on an easy, enjoyable shopping experience, Burke Décor is a preeminent source for individuals and designer’s decorative needs. Shop online at www.BurkeDecor.com for hundreds of styles of rugs, bath accessories, furniture, pillows, home accents, wallpaper, lighting, linen and more. Orders over $50 ship free to the 48 contiguous states and all order over $150 include a free gift with purchase during the month of October.
Visit BurkeDecor.com to view and purchase products online. Customers and press may contact Erin E. Burke at 888.338.8111 or email sales@burkedecor.com with inquiries.
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Source: PRweb.com



Deborah

Old Dominion Concierge

"We Run Your Errands"

What's in a name?

I often get asked.  Why did you name your company Old Dominion Concierge, LLC?  What is Old Dominion? 

My response is quite simple really; I didn’t want a name that was too cutesy or tepid.  The company name had to be a name that announced the location in which we do business and had to be easy for all to remember and refer to.  And both genders had to be comfortable with using the name when telling their friends about us.  Plus, the name had to have a professional appearance and ring to it.

Old Dominion is the nickname for the Common Wealth of Virginia because Charles II. allowed it to call itself the fourth dominion of his empire, that is, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Virginia. The name is in honor of Queen Elizabeth, of England.

That’s it plain and simple!  I suppose we could have gone with Virginia Concierge, but where’s the fun in that?

What is your State's nickname?

Deborah

Old Dominion Concierge

"We Run Your Errands"