Lake of the Woods: local rooms, events and more

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Town and around · Virginia · 38k people

Lake of the Woods

Locals say Piedmont · “The Lake”, “Orange County”

Where the Blue Ridge meets the Piedmont, and the pace is easy.

RustForest GreenLake Blue

Welcome to the heart of Virginia's Piedmont, where rolling hills meet the water. Whether you're here for the wineries, the history, or just the quiet countryside, you'll find a friendly community ready to share its favorites.

Clubs for Lake of the Woods

No clubs for Lake of the Woods yet.

The room

Lake of the Woods Quiet now Where the Blue Ridge meets the Piedmont, and the pace is easy.

One room for everyone around Lake of the Woods. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.

Ask the neighbours

All

A good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.

Coming up

No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.

Marketplace

Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Lake of the Woods. Sign in to sell something.

Things to do

Montpelier Home of James Madison, with museum and walking trails.
Lake Anna State Park Public access to Lake Anna for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Barboursville Ruins Ruins of a Jefferson-designed mansion at a winery.
James Madison Museum Museum dedicated to the fourth president in downtown Orange.
Orange County Courthouse Historic courthouse in the center of Orange.

Outdoors Hiking at Lake Anna State Park
Outdoors Boating and fishing on Lake Anna
With kids Visit Montpelier and explore the grounds
With kids Swim and picnic at Lake Anna State Park
Evenings Wine tastings at local vineyards
Evenings Live music at brewery taprooms
Locals love Wineries and vineyards
Locals love Historic small towns

Through the year

Montpelier Hunt Races April Steeplechase races at James Madison's estate.
Orange County Fair July County fair with rides, livestock, and local food.
Lake Anna Triathlon Summer Annual swim, bike, run event around the lake.
Gordonsville Firemen's Carnival Summer Community carnival with games and fireworks.
Harvest Festival at local wineries Fall Grape stomping, tastings, and fall festivities.

Humid subtropical with four distinct seasons. Best time to be out is spring and fall. Summers are hot and humid, winters are mild with occasional snow. Best: Spring and fall

Getaways

Charlottesville College town with dining, arts, and Monticello.
Washington DC National monuments, museums, and urban energy.
Richmond State capital with history, food, and riverfront.
Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley town with outdoor access.

Local flavour

Rooting for Washington Commanders (NFL), Washington Nationals (MLB), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), Virginia Cavaliers (NCAA DI), Virginia Tech Hokies (NCAA DI)

Eat and drink

Virginia country ham A salty, cured ham often served with biscuits or in sandwiches.
Virginia barbecue Pulled pork with a vinegar-based sauce, common in central Virginia.
Peanut pie A Southern dessert featuring peanuts, popular in Virginia.
Apple cider From nearby orchards in the Blue Ridge foothills.

Where people go

Wineries and vineyards Part of the Monticello American Viticultural Area, with many tasting rooms.
Historic small towns Gordonsville and Orange feature antebellum architecture and main streets.
Lakes and reservoirs Lake of the Woods and nearby bodies of water for recreation.
Farms and orchards Working farms, pick-your-own orchards, and equestrian estates.

Heritage and traditions

This region is proud of its deep American history as the home of James Madison and the Constitution, its equestrian and wine country traditions, and its charming small towns that preserve the Piedmont's rural character.

This time of year in Lake of the Woods

Wine harvest Fall Grape harvest and crush at local wineries.
Foliage drives Autumn Scenic drives through the Piedmont's colorful leaves.
Gordonsville Railroad Festival October Celebrates the town's railroad history with exhibits and a parade.

Say it like a local: “supper” — evening meal

Festivals

Louisa County Fair August A traditional county fair with livestock, rides, and local food.
Gordonsville Railroad Festival October Celebrates the town's railroad history with exhibits and a parade.
Montpelier Constitution Day September Annual event at Montpelier honoring the signing of the Constitution with activities and talks.
Orange County Christmas Parade December A small-town holiday parade that brings the community together.

Landmarks with a story

Green Springs Historic District A National Historic Landmark district with many 18th and 19th century plantations.
The Exchange Hotel A Civil War hospital and railroad hotel in Gordonsville, now a museum.
The Wilderness Battlefield Part of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, site of the 1864 battle.
Louisa County Courthouse Built in the 19th century, the seat of Louisa County.

Food traditions

Brunswick stew A thick stew traditionally made with squirrel or rabbit, now chicken, common at gatherings.
Peanut soup A colonial-era soup made with peanuts, often served at historic sites.
Apple butter Slow-cooked apple spread made in large kettles during fall harvests.
Sorghum molasses Sweet syrup made from sorghum cane, a Piedmont tradition.
Blackberry cobbler A summer dessert made from wild blackberries.

Music and arts

Old-time and bluegrass music Traditional Appalachian and Piedmont string band music still played at local gatherings.
Equestrian sports Hunt racing and fox hunting are part of the region's heritage.
Winemaking The craft of viticulture and winemaking has become a local art.

A little history

1734 Orange County founded
1784 Zachary Taylor born
1864 Battle of the Wilderness
1860s Gordonsville railroad hub
1970s Lake Anna created

Rivalries

Virginia Cavaliers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies College football rivalry that splits households.
Orange County vs. Louisa County high school football Local Friday night rivalry.

Game day Montpelier Hunt Races
Game day Fox hunting
Outdoors Horseback riding
Outdoors Birdwatching
With kids Exploring the ruins at Barboursville
With kids Visiting the Exchange Hotel museum

The local accent is a Southern Piedmont dialect, with features like 'y'all' and 'fixin' to'. Words like 'creek' may be pronounced 'crick'.

Only here

The home of James Madison, the Father of the Constitution.
The ruins of Barboursville, a mansion designed by Thomas Jefferson that burned in 1884.
The Green Springs Historic District, a unique collection of over 70 historic buildings.
The birthplace of President Zachary Taylor.

New here? A few tips

Expect hot, humid summers and mild winters; dress in layers for spring and fall.
Watch for deer on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
Try a country ham biscuit at a local diner or country store.
Visit the Orange County Courthouse to see local history.
Learn about the Civil War history; many sites are free to explore.

Make this page better

Know a place, a festival, a word locals use, or something here that's wrong? Suggest it; someone at Popchat checks every one.

Part of Washington–Baltimore

Nearby

Every area

LouisaVirginiaWhere Lake Anna's waters meet rolling hills.Caroline CountyVirginiaWhere Virginia's history meets rural peace Northern NeckVirginiaA tidewater way of life LurayVirginiaMountain quiet, cavern deep, valley warm.CharlottesvilleVirginiaA small city with a big spirit, nestled in the Blue Ridge.Washington DCDistrict of ColumbiaCherry blossoms and corner stores RichmondVirginiaA river city with deep roots and a lively spirit.HarrisonburgVirginiaThe heart of the Shenandoah Valley

Lake of the Woods, VA. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.