
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 15, 1993                   TAG: 9309110091
SECTION: VIRGINIA'S FINEST                    PAGE: VF-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

LET US BE YOUR GUIDE, FREE OF CHARGE, TO THE BEST OF VIRGINIA

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers a variety of guidebooks available without charge to the general public. Here's a brief description of each book:

HOW TO FIND THE FINEST AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS VIRGINIA HAS TO OFFER:

Would you like to know which Virginia agricultural products have met the rigorous quality standards of the Virginia's Finest program? This brochure has all the answers.

You will find information on the very best agricultural products the state has to offer. Included are handy shopping lists and some great Virginia recipes. VIRGINIA GROWN: A GUIDE TO PICK-YOUR-OWN AND FRESH PICKED PRODUCE, HONEY AND RETAIL FARMERS' MARKETS:

One sure way to guarantee you are eating Virginia' freshest produce and berries is to reference the Virginia Grown Guide, a comprehensive listing of Virginia producers who market their products directly to the consumer.

The guide, which is available through 1994, includes information on retail farmers' markets, berries, vegetables, herbs, garlic, peaches, grapes, honey, apples and pumpkins. The guide lists operations alphabetically by county and by product. In addition, an availability chart indicates approximate times when these products are harvested in Virginia. VIRGINIA SPECIALITIES - GIFTS BY MAIL CATALOGUE:

Virginia Specialities, a consumer and corporate gifts-by-mail catalogue, features Virginia gourmet foods, such as free-range veal and farm-raised venison, applewood smoked trout and Atlantic salmon, Smithfield and country-cured ham, shiitake mushrooms, Virginia wines and non-alcoholic beverages, regional soup blends and mixes, jams and jellies, peanuts and peanut candy, gift baskets, and unique sweets such as cheese cake truffles, horseshoe cookies, chocolate sauces, cakes, pies and more. VIRGINIA WINERIES: A WINE FESTIVAL & TOUR GUIDE:

The fall season in Virginia is filled with wine festivals and other celebrations in observance of Virginia Wine Month in October. With this brochure, you won't have to miss a minute of the grape stomping, grape picking, arts and crafts shows, wine tastings, life music, jazz concerts, clogging, hot air balloon rides and hayrides. These activities are part of the fun the whole family can enjoy at Virginia's wineries. VIRGINIA WINES: A GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS, SPECIALITY SHOPS & OTHER RETAIL OUTLETS:

This handy booklet includes a list of statewide restaurants serving Virginia Wines and retail stores selling Virginia wines. In addition, specific wine/food combinations are explored and Virginia wine varieties are explained. this guide will benefit both the novice and experienced wine connoisseur! THE VIRGINIA FOOD FESTIVAL DIRECTORY 1993:

This directory lists more than 70 food and/or agricultural festivals to be held in Virginia this year. Festival dates, locations and telephone numbers are presented in chronological order by month. Fall festivals include the 41st Apple Festival, Virginia Peanut Festival, Virginia Garlic Festival, Whitetop Mountain Sorghum and Molasses Festival, 36th Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival, Virginia Thanksgiving Festival and Food and Feasts in 17th Century Virginia. VIRGINIA HORSE RIDING TRAIL GUIDE:

The second edition of the horse trail guide, produced by the Virginia Horse Council, offers a detailed list of all public horse trails in the state. It categorizes the trails by regional trails, state parks, national parks, Jefferson National Forest and George Washington National Forest.

To help horse enthusiasts plan a successful trail riding trip, information is provided for both you and your horse. For example, availability of water for horse consumption, camping with your horse and any required riding permits are noted. VIRGINIA FAIRS 1993 DIRECTORY:

The 1993 directory provides information on statewide county, regional and state fairs. Virginia's fair season begins in late June and runs through October. The directory includes a complete listing of fair dates and contacts.

For quick reference, the fairs are indexed alphabetically by fair name and chronologically by date. In addition, the map pinpoints the actual geographic location of each scheduled fair. These fairs are great family fun events.

by CNB