In The Spirit Archive

The Feast of St. Patrick or as it is commonly known now “St. Patrick’s Day” falls on March 17th every year and has more than a small reputation for being a day filled with drinking, debauchery, and more drinking. How exactly does a day dedicated to the memory of a canonized person, the “Apostle of […]

Go to any corner of the country and ask what the State Slogan for Virginia is and most everyone will respond correctly with “Virginia is for Lovers”.  Only a few stand out in my mind and during my youth, I lived all over the country.  The truth is, our neighbors to the east have a […]

Over the past few decades, the restaurant industry has received increased attention; an industry once thought of as a part-time gig for college students or people that are between jobs has blossomed into a (for the most part) well-respected career.  Chefs’ got the first bit of attention with The Food Network’s glorification of celebrity chefs […]

Here we are again, in the middle of the Holiday Season… The shopping has begun and with it the search for the perfect gift for our loved ones and for those who made Santa’s nice list. He is also getting busy planning his route during Christmas Eve. Now, tradition has it, that we will leave […]

The holidays are certainly upon us and this usually means that a lot of family time is coming as well.  When my own and my wife’s families get together for the holidays you can bet there is a fair amount of food and maybe just a little libation.  Without guilt (because all the calories are […]

It never fails, the Halloween decorations seem to make their appearance in stores earlier and earlier every year. This is an eminent sign that Fall is right around the corner. I love Autumn, and everything that goes along with it, especially the cooler weather inspired cocktails. Using seasonal ingredients, whether it be in cooking or […]

During the heat of August many reach for a well-chilled glass of white wine or rosé, however always reaching for the same wines can be tiresome.  In your cellar or on the shelves at your local wine shop you can find wonderful reds to be enjoyed during the warm summer as well to give your […]

When you find yourself spending more time outside and floating around a pool, you know summer is here in Greenbrier Valley.  When you go to relax poolside the easiest thing to do grab is some basic domestic beer.  These inexpensive beers can be satisfying on a hot summer day, yet leave much to be desired […]

With the approach of Mother’s Day in May, I often think about wines my Mom would like and because my mother is pretty much like the typical American mom when it comes to drinking wine, I like to think about wines our moms would collectively like to drink. You see, my mother typically doesn’t like […]

In Greenbrier Valley, April is the time when we all begin to start thinking with our sweet tooth and head into downtown Lewisburg for the annual Chocolate Festival (see page 10!).  Just when you thought you’ve had your fill on all things chocolate and start to head for home, make sure you take a little […]