Let the Good Times Roll!...A Weekend well spent with food, friends and family!!…read more
Nestled around the waterways of the Chesapeake, Potomac and Rappahannock River...is a small tidewater town populated by more boats than people.....named Urbanna, VA. Although I was not born and raised in this small town, I have family here and during November the river home becomes host to many family members and friends from afar.
Each November, the town of Urbanna throws the country's largest and longest-running Oyster themed--food and wine festivals called the "Urbanna Oyster Festival!" The town's streets are closed to vehicle traffic and become filled with oyster booths, seafood dishes, music and crafts. The festival highlight is the oyster itself and a shucking contest which draws spectators from around the world. The festival is held the first weekend of November each year, from Friday morning to ending Saturday night. For a town a little over 500 people, the annual festival's attendance over the two days is in between 50,000-75,000. During the festival, the town is closed to traffic in the afternoon on Friday and for most of the day Saturday. Admission to the event is free of charge, although there is a fee for parking within the vicinity of the festival.
Home to the Oyster Festival for almost sixty years, Urbanna is synonymous with Chesapeake Bay oysters.
Food, Wine and Arts n' Crafts...is the name of the game here! The food is provided in many different forms by over fifty vendors. The beloved oyster is always available in ample supply and in a variety of presentations: raw, roasted, fried, smoked, steamed, in fritters or in a stew. There is a plethora of eats to be had!
In addition to the oysters, one can enjoy clams, crabs, shrimp, Philly Steak, oriental food, hamburgers, hot dogs, roast beef and other goodies too numerous to mention. Local Virginia Wineries offer up some of the best libation and even though its not my thing the hand made Art n' Crafts sold here invoke lots of great memories of the things my Nanna often crafted and loved. There is definitely a variety of crafts and artwork available for sale throughout the town and within Festival's village. Among the many offerings are handmade furniture, stained glass, antiques, wood carvings, sculpture, pottery, leather goods and jewelry.
There is some of everything here at this festival for all ages. Hay Rides, Pony rides, amusement park rides and many outdoor games for the kids. For the adults, young and old....FOOD! Oh and did I say FOOD!?....No let me clarify GREAT INSANE FOOD!
I have never been so stuff! This weekend was truly a great one. The perfect mini-vacation with family and friends! I mean....What better way to spend a holiday weekend and getaway from the "hustle n' bustle" of the city!? Come here with a big appetite because the folks native to this town are the most generous, hospitable people and welcome you with open arms! Each home and restaurant visited, we were shoved food in giant proportions.
Small town charm and simple living is what you will find here in Urbanna, VA.....and based on the local eats and this festival...they clearly don't care about snobby paleo diets, low-carb desires, obsessive compulsions to the gym or your waist line...as in the city! LOL.