Waterford 2012

Every year, barring a major disaster, I go to Waterford, Virginia

for the Waterford Faire.

Quite simply, next to home, Waterford is the best place in the world.

This year was the 69th Waterford Homes Tour and Crafts Exhibit.

And yes, I'm a bit late reviewing my day.

The mission of the Waterford Foundation is"... to preserve the historic buildings and open spaces of the National Historic Landmark District of Waterford, Virginia; and through education, to increase the public's knowledge of life and work in an early American rural community."

That's the key.  Rural.  Waterford retains it's rustic charm.  It's pastures, fences, sheep, barns, etc.,

all have that "lived in" look....because they are.

Waterford is a "teaching faire" for eighteenth and nineteenth century crafts.  Demonstrators and vendors are juried and sell only authentic handcrafted goods.

There are Civil War reinactments, food booths, home tours, and music in addition to art and crafts.

And they are "green" too.  The traditional crafts that are the core of the Crafts Exhibit are based on making use of old and discarded materials.  Making use of available materials was a matter of necessity in the l8th and l9th centuries, and traditional artisans are far ahead of the current curve.

And it's just beautiful.

Plus, no trip to Waterford is complete without a giant pumpkin.