Local Arts, Culture and Tourism Stay-cations

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

June 16, 2014

Jim Charapich

The Lead Culpeper Class of 2014 met on Wednesday for a “Fam Tour” of Culpeper. Lori Sorrentino, Director of Tourism, organized this busy day for our Lead participants. Tourism is an important economic engine in our community. The day's activities gave the group a glimpse of our tourism assets and how these work to enhance our quality of life. What is a Fam tour? ”Fam” is tourism-speak for familiarization.

We often hear of stay-cations in thinking about summer plans. The Lead Culpeper group took time to get ahead of the summer crowds in touring some of Culpeper’s highlights. The session began with a presentation by Kelsey Carlson, Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. Board President. This was followed by the first tour of the day, given by Lee Langston-Harrison.

The tour of the Museum of Culpeper History is simply amazing. Ms. Langston-Harrison offers a depth of knowledge about the history of Culpeper that is unmatched. Her announcement that Culpeper is the largest repository of dinosaur tracks in the USA (with a real track in the museum), to the Early Native Americans’ use of displayed whalebone found along the Rapidan River basin, were just the beginning. Her ability to drop names that have been a part of Culpeper are a who's who of historic figures, a great place to begin the day for our new leaders.

The group departed from the Depot on the trolley for more adventure. The next stop was Belmont Farm Distillery, where they observed the process for making legal moonshine. Thanks to Mr. Chuck Miller for his Virginia hospitality. The group then headed up to the Mt. Pony Signal Station. Thanks to Zann Nelson for the wonderful history of Mt. Pony's role in the Civil War. This was followed by a tour of the Library of Congress. The story of Packard Foundation donation of this facility to the nation is significant. Media preservation is a skilled and unique talent that is largely centered right here in Culpeper. What a great opportunity to see the technicians in action. We all have the benefit of seeing the results of their work on any given weekend with shows in the state of the art theater on Mt. Pony and occasionally at the State Theatre in Downtown Culpeper.

After a mobile lunch on the trolley to the next stop - the group was treated to a visit to Saddle Ridge Farm. The farm is an example of the exciting growth of 'farm to table' agriculture. Culpeper has long been known for our agricultural strength. Saddle Ridge Farm is an example of the new Agri-tourism movement for the general public to purchase products directly from the farm. Products from Saddle Ridge Farm may also be found in stores and restaurants throughout Culpeper and the region.

The final tour of the day is one of the best. The tour of the State Theatre of Culpeper is a story of vision and investment in a community, by Greg & Liz Yates. Their donation of the Theatre to the State Theatre Foundation is much like that of the Packard Foundation’s donation of the Library of Congress - a catalyst for the arts in our community. The State Theatre Foundation has worked with great vision to provide world class shows to Culpeper and the region. The benefit to the community to have such a hub of the arts is dramatic. Creativity is at the heart of entrepreneurship. What a great way to inspire new leaders and support creative thinking to move our community forward. Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Yates, and the State Theatre Foundation, for your contribution to our community.

The Arts, Culture, and Tourism day for our Lead Culpeper is just one of the many interesting sessions in the Lead Culpeper program. Take time this summer for your own stay-cation. Visit the Depot in downtown Culpeper to find the latest information about Culpeper's Arts, Culture, and Tourism.