Search

Bear Creek Outdoor Living Newsletter

Bringing the Outdoors to You

September 2021 Newsletter

On October 9-10th, the Fall Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival will feature over 120 artists, craft demonstrations, live music, children’s activities, food, and Virginia wine and beer. It has become a destination for Exhibitors and shoppers alike. The quality and diversity of fine art and handmade craftwork is truly impressive and speaks to the reputation the festival has cultivated among the Artisan community and the support of dedicated patrons and customers.

Check out more details and to purchase tickets at www.crozetfestival.com

Decorating your porch doesn’t have to be scary!  Here are some great tips and ideas to transform your porch to everything fall!

  • Pumpkins of all colors are always a great addition. You can use real or faux. Natural pumpkins look great, but if you are feeling crafty you can paint pumpkins with a simple monogram look, a buffalo plaid style or fun “hello fall” message. Make a night of it and invite some friends over for backyard pumpkin painting!
  • Mums are a wonderful inexpensive fall flower. You can style them up with a galvanized metal bucket planter.
  • Lanterns and crates help add depth and a rustic fall style to your porch. Stage your pumpkins or plants on and around them.
  • If you are crafty, you can make a colorful wreath for your door or a garland to surround your window. Burlap or colorful leaves are a great fall touch.
  • If you have an outdoor seating area or bench, add a throw blanket for a welcome look and warmth on those chilly fall days!

It doesn’t have to be over the top to be inviting and in season.  Small additions make a big difference.  Looking for more great furnishing ideas by following Leslie on our Bear Creek Outdoor Living Facebook Page for tips and videos.

If you are looking for amazing Blue Ridge views in a lesser-known spot, check out Cedar Cliffs.

It’s a family friendly hike; you can bring children or grandparents. The easy terrain and distance allow all ages and abilities to enjoy these stunning views. Check it out during peak fall leaf colors for an amazing display of the change in season. Bring a blanket or hammock to enjoy an afternoon of digital detox in the great outdoors.

Directions: Park at the Dripping Rock parking area, around mile marker 10 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cross the street and travel south bound on the Appalachian Trail. There is a short rocky section down from the road, but then the trail meanders mostly flat and level. Follow the white blazes (paint markings on the trees) for a little over a half mile. The trail opens to a round rock overlook with stunning 180 views from the mountains in Sherando to the valley in Lyndhurst. Enjoy your time at the overlook area and hike back out the way you came (while looking at the view, turn to your right). The full hike is about 1 mile total.

Try out this easy recipe with your apples! ‘

Caramel Apple Dip

1 block (8oz) Cream Cheese
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar (to taste)
Caramel Sauce
Heath Chips

Apples (Sliced)

Sprite/7-UP (optional)

  1. Mix the Cream cheese and brown sugar together until creamy.
  2. Pour into a pie plate and cover with Caramel, then top with Heath Bits.
  3. Slice Apples, dip and enjoy.

Tip:  If you slice apples beforehand, put them in a bowl of Sprite/7-UP to keep them from turning brown.  This is a crowd pleaser for sure!

Bonus: Check out one of the many pick your own apple orchards in our area and enjoy them with this delicious dip!

This was a fun and exciting project to work on. Our clients wanted to build a unique space for their children to play outdoors during summer vacations. They worked with our team to design an A-frame treehouse and expansive platforms. It includes a loft, a working drawbridge, and various sections to traverse. The treehouse is essentially free standing but has been intertwined with the tree to bring in the element of connection to nature. We just love it!

Table of Contents