Zest Audio Stories Country Zest and Style

On December 4th, the small village of Middleburg will host its biggest event of the year, the annual Middleburg Christmas Parade.

In this week’s episode of ZEST Audio Stories, I talk to volunteers about what they’ve done this year to prepare for the parade and why locals are looking forward to the event.

Special thanks to Tyler Cadenas and Forthright Films for providing sounds from the Christmas parade for this podcast.

Story by: James Jarvis

Starting Monday June 7th, top ranked equestrians and their horses from around the world will come together to compete in the oldest horse show in the United States. This iconic summertime event is scheduled run through Sunday June 13th and a record number of entries this year has filled the equestrian community with anticipation after last year’s cancellation.

First Vice President of the Upperville Horse Show, Shelby Bonnie and executive board member slash horse trainer, Kitty Barker, talk about the show's evolution and its importance in the local community.

Story by: James Jarvis

Writer and Photographer Vicky Moon’s newest book follows the story of a young African American girl, Sylvia Bishop, who grew up in Charles Town, West Virginia in the early 1900’s, during the height of the civil rights movement, and against all odds became the first African American woman licensed to train racehorses in the United States.

If you would like to listen to our other audio stories or catch up on the latest about what's happening in and around Middleburg, Virginia please visit our website at Countryzesntandstyle.com.

Story by: James Jarvis

The owners of Slater Run Vineyards, Kiernan Slater Patusky, and Chris Patusky, in Upperville, Virginia – talk about the inspiration for their vineyard and what led to its success.


If you would like to learn more about Slater Run Vineyards and other stories, please visit our website at Countryzesntandstyle.com.

Story by: James Jarvis

After schools abruptly closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, one school in northern, Virginia, The Hill School, founded in 1926, took a different approach to remote learning: designing a virtual learning program based on community, compassion and student engagement.

If you would like to learn more about The Hill School and other stories, please visit our website at Countryzesntandstyle.com.

Story by: James Jarvis

Have you ever wondered where to find edible mushrooms that have a bit more flavor? Well, in rural northern Virginia, Kyle Vanderhoof, the 31-year-old founder of Caveman Mushrooms, is growing several different species of edible mushrooms you can’t find in most stores. And he’s doing it 50 ft below ground.

Please, read our Summer 2020 Magazine Edition to contact or learn more about Kyle Vanderhoof and Caveman Mushrooms at countryzestandstyle.com.

Story By: James Jarvis