Top 5 Weekend Events: May 11th – 13th

Asparagus Dinner | Inn at Vaucluse Spring
5.12 (and 5.19) | 7 p.m. | $66.50 per person
Spring has sprung, and so has asparagus. You know it’s good for you, so why not make a whole dinner out of it? We can’t wait to see what Chef Adam does to this yummy veggie with this six-course dinner. Reservations required. www.vauclusespring.com

JUST IN: Chef Adam sent us the menu. Here’s a sneak peek– and it sounds good.

• Poached scallop.shaved asparagus salad.peaches.cashew puree.chive blossom.
• White asparagus soup.slow cooked egg.house made bacon.coffee bbq reduction.hazelnut.
• Agnolotti stuffed with asparagus shiitake and goats cheese.pea puree.pickled apple.black truffle leek oil.
• Sous vide salmon.asparagus ragout.cauliflower puree.brown butter.
• Strip steak.pickled asparagus.smoked barley.dijon demi glace.
• Asparagus ice cream.parsnip custard.rhubarb.almond crumble.lavander.

Of Ale and History Microbrew & Imported Beer Festival | Belle Grove Plantation
5.12 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | $20-advance, $25-gate
Who loves beer? Who loves a good festival? Celebrate the best of both worlds combining at the 17th annual of Ale and History Beer Festival. This event is a must for every regular and visitor looking to enjoy good music, views, and beer. Come and celebrate Belle Grove’s German and English heritage by sampling a great array of beers from the New and Old World. Delicious food by local restaurants, unique shopping experiences are available on the grounds! The historic Manor House and landscape are open for touring throughout the festival. Come early and enjoy! Don’t miss it!

Spring Fling 2012 Outdoor Living: What Are You Waiting For? | Frederick Block, Brick and Stone
5.12 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
So…you’ve been meaning to finally do something with that blank slate of a backyard. The time is now. The good folks over at Frederick Block, Brick and Stone are making it super-easy for you too: with brick oven demonstrations (and plenty of fresh, brick oven pizza), outdoor fireplaces, and even a moonbounce to keep the kids entertained while you start mapping out your future backyard. Just don’t forget to invite us to the first pizza party.

Canine Carnival | Sherando Park
5.12 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Because Sparky deserves some fun, too! Have a doggone good time with your pup at the Canine Carnival at Sherando Park with agility demos, bomb detection dog demo with Mount Weather Police Department, puppy/adult obedience classes introductions, a silent auction, and more! Proceeds to benefit Esther Boyd Animal Shelter
More Information

Garden Fair | State Arboretum Blandy Farm
5.13 | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
‘Tis the season to get your garden ready, and the much-anticipated annual garden fair at the State Arboretum is one of the very best places to find inspiration. It’s a gardener’s paradise: Blandy Farm has dozens of vendors of high-quality plants including annuals, perennials, small trees, shrubs, boxwood, bonsai, and more. The Foundation also usually offers for sale a selection of plants divided or propagated from the Arboretum collection. In addition to the plant sale, free events include Arboretum tours, bird walks, mini-workshops, and children’s nature walks and other activities for kids.  blandy.virginia.edu

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about Mother’s Day —stay tuned for a Mother’s Day weekend events roundup, plus some great gift ideas!