Out and About: Whispering Oaks

We went to a Blueberry Festival last weekend.

Not the big one in Brooksville, this one was in Oxford, FL. And where is Oxford?  On the way to THE VILLAGES!  At least that’s what we were told the first time we met some reps from Whispering Oaks in Floral City. 

And then they sent me an email about a blueberry festival.  It was a beautiful day.  Perfect temperature.  Sun was shining.  We hadn’t planned on going but the shiny red car wanted to get out. 

camaro

So we hit the road.

For Oxford.  Not the Villages.

fence
Cool barrels for a fence. We must be getting close!

Out and About: Whispering Oaks

Happy Goats
Happy Goats?

Out and About: Whispering Oaks

And there were blueberries.  Grown right there on their farm. And they offer U-Pick.  From March through May.

blueberries

Blueberry stomping was scheduled. 

And there was entertainment.

duo
I asked them where they were from. The Villages. Of course! And they perform a LOT!

But the big draw was the wine tasting.  Yes–Blueberry wine.  And it was YUMMY!

Out and About: Whispering Oaks

Just think, alcohol and healthy with all those antioxidants! Win-Win!

The deal was $7 to get in.  But you could use your entry ticket towards a wine tasting, fresh blueberries, or a glass of wine.

Yeah, we went for the glass of wine.

Out and About: Whispering Oaks

 

Out and About: Whispering Oaks
Wine Tasting Room
Wine tasting Bar
Wine Tasting Bar

There were a few places outside to buy wine, too.

Out and About: Whispering Oaks
Here’s the wine gazebo. Plus there was a tent with wine for sale.

As Terry and I sat and sipped our wine, I pondered where was the wine making “stuff”? And a little adorable worker bee just showed up and said “wine tour in 10 minutes” 

So we took the tour.

Out and About: Whispering Oaks

Out and About: Whispering Oaks

This is our very knowledgeable wine tour guide, Debbie.

Out and About: Whispering Oaks

Debbie explained to us why the goats are so happy.  They get the blueberry skins after skimming.  6% alcohol! Sometimes they go for a little stroll.  

So I had to check out the goats when we were leaving.

Mama Goat
Mama Goat
Out and About: Whispering Oaks
Baby Goat
Out and About: Whispering Oaks
and Billy Goat Gruff who immediately headed to check me out as soon as I stopped to say hi!
Out and About: Whispering Oaks
Okay, okay, I’m leaving! They must not have had any blueberry skins that day!

I think the venue would be a great place to have a wedding.

Besides the building that holds the wine tasting, there are a lot of outdoor spaces.

Out and About: Whispering Oaks

Out and About: Whispering Oaks

Open to the public 7 days a week, there is also entertainment on Saturday.  Check out the www.winesofflorida.com for more info.  If you just want to try the wine, it’s available at Fresh Markets in the area–even Tampa and Orlando.

It was a fun day! 

Friday Meanderings

I’ve been in North Dakota for a week.  

North dakota

Watching three grandkids while their parents take a fun-filled 10-day vacation in California.  

And that’s what Grandmas are for!

My late night flight to Bismarck turned into an early morning arrival. Thank you United Airlines. Little Miss Piper was very sad because she was planning to be there to pick me up.  But not at 2 AM.

Everything else has been great.

Got to go to Riley’s track meet and see him win second in the hurdles and in some kind of run.  I should know what that distance was but ….. Hey!  I was there!

riley
That’s Riley (in b&w) leading the pack!

 

Last time I went to one of Riley’s sports events he got knocked out and missed the rest of football season.

Football

He’s got another meet on Monday and I’ll be there.  (Unless it snows again–Come on, these track meets are outdoors–and I’m from Florida, jeeze)

If you follow my “Project 365” page, you’ve seen the pics.  We had SNOW!  OMG.  Did not sign up for that!  

But it melted.  Right away.  Didn’t have to drive in it.  So I can’t whine a whole lot about it. Just a little.

I’ve seen deer, pheasants, and turkeys in the back yard.  Different from my typical blue herons, manatees, and otters, but so COOL!  

deer

Okay, back to Citrus County.

The Old Homosassa Heritage Council’s t-shirts have been a huge success.  There are a few available at Watsons Art Gallery if you don’t already have one.  More are coming and a long sleeve version will also be available soon.  I’ll be posting the new order form late next week on the OHHC website.  (After I get back)

tshirt tshirtfront

So, if I was in the sunshine state this weekend, this is what I might be doing….

There’s a RibJam at the Crystal River Mall from Friday through Saturday.  Ribs and music. What more could you need?

The 6th Annual Crystal River Boat Bash will take place at the Crystal River Preserve State Park on Saturday.  Live music, boats on display and demos of boat-building and boat-handling skills  

Terry will be at the All Corvettes, Camaros and Cadillac XLRs Car Show on Sunday at Crystal Chevrolet.

Have a great weekend!

Kathy