Staunton 11/28-29/15 Thanksgiving Weekend #LOVEstaunton

We wanted to see all of the productions in the Summer-Fall Season playing at the American Shakespeare Center, so off we went to Staunton for another fun weekend.

Thanksgiving we had a delightful pot-luck dinner at Renee's.  On Friday hubby and I saw Trumbo which made today's "silly" politics not as scary as the McCarthy era.

Saturday morning we drove to Staunton in record time only because I am a Texan and I still consider posted speed signs as the minimum suggested.  Our first stop was to do some shopping for Renee and do a little wine tasting.

We enjoyed Ox Eye's tasting downstairs and discovered that they had loaned out the upstairs to Jump Mountain Winery, so we did two tastings.  Both were good and Renee wasn't the only one getting some wine.

There are just some traditions that must not be missed, so lunch was at the Bistro for my usual - the most awesome fried green tomato sandwich I have ever had.

After lunch it was time to check into the Jackson Hotel that was all decked out for the holidays.

The hotel is also a great supporter of the American Shakespeare Center.

This was the display in the hotel lobby.

We had tickets for the matinee at the theater.  We had already seen 3 of the productions, so it was time to see Joan of Arc (Henry VI, Pt.1).

I'm always impressed with the actors and what they bring to each performance.  As usual, the actors did the most with what they had to work with but, sorry, this was not my favorite play.  

When it finally ended I was ready to hit Beverly Street and take advantage of "Shop Small Saturday".  Normally I would be supporting our small shops in Old Town Alexandria, but there are many wonderful shopping options in Staunton.

Our first stop was Botanica because the Santa display caught my eye.

Definitely reflects my thoughts.  Just ask the Mild Bunch (my 4 cats).

Next we passed my new favorite yarn shop.

I loved this gray yarn and I'm well along on this cowl project.

Last trip to Staunton I had really wanted to visit the new Olive Oil Company shop but we ran out of time.  I was determined not to let that happen this trip and I'm so glad my determination paid off.

When you walk in you are overwhelmed with all of the options of olive oils and vinegars.  It could easily take a couple of hours to try everything.  I selected those I thought sounded like something I would like.  I purchased two vinegars and have already cooked with both.  

I used this on a shrimp-pasta dish last night and it was great.

Oh my!  I made the best chicken mole with this I have ever made.

Hubby took a different approach to "Shop Small" - he dropped of two large boxes of books at the used book store.  I know how hard it is for him to part with any of his beloved books, but this is part of our ongoing downsizing project and I'm very proud of him.  This is a huge deal for him.

Dinner was at our favorite pizza joint.

I was thrilled to find Cocoa Mill open.  Usually we get there too late.  It's the perfect dessert.

Because I really didn't enjoy Joan of Arc, I was able to redirect hubby into the ASC theater to see A Winter's Tale for a second time (give him enough wine with his pizza and he'll follow me anywhere).  Seeing Sarah Fallon in the 2nd act again was still amazing.  I know it's trite to say it but she is a force of nature.  Just makes me want to break out in a chorus of "I am Woman, Hear me Roar."  Besides, where else will you see the cast break out into a song and dance number to "Thank God I'm a Country Boy"?  It did work in the context of the play and it was delightful.

Well, thus endith another season at ASC.  I'm looking forward to what 2016 will bring.