Some folks may think that things slow down around Lake Anna in the fall but owners and visitors alike have plenty to do in this, my favorite season. One of the best times to be had locally is to experience the Montpelier Hunt Races, an annual event for over 75 years held on the first Saturday in November. If fall foliage, local wines and beautiful horses set in a historic venue complete with a presidential mansion appeal to you, then this is your event. In case you didn’t know, Montpelier was home to President James Madison and his wife, Dolly. Owned until fairly recently by the DuPont family, it has been painstakingly restored to the state it was in when the former president lived there with his amazing wife. There is also a thoroughbred retirement facility also located on the grounds. More information can be found at http://www.montpelierraces.org/ . Montpelier is located in the Somerset area of Orange County just minutes from the town of Orange and nearby Lake Anna and is a great day trip even when the races are not on.
Grab a group of friends and pick up your tickets locally or online and get your tailgate on! This Saturday was a cool, crisp day which started with rolling into our infield parking spot and setting up our table complete with cornucopia centerpiece and candelabra. While we would never win the tailgate display contest, we did enjoy the benefits! Local wines from nearby vineyards played nicely into our day. The attire is varied from Carhart to Vineyard Vines with hats optional and cigars prominent. There is a hat contest, as well. If you are not walking around with a cup or better yet, wine glass you are not fully appreciating the experience.
There are vendors with everything from art to hats to pet attire to Irish woolens and more. There are seven races during the day on the flat and over jumps with purses up to $40,000 and wagers on the side. Early on there are a Jack Russell Terrier race and tours of the mansion available. And then there are the horse races- color, action, suspense and excitement. The jockeys and horses flying around and over the grass track is a sight that cannot truly be described but must be experienced.
Needless to say, a great time was had by all and I look forward to seeing you all there next year. If you need help to establish your “home base” at Lake Anna, let me know!
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