Quickly becoming the premiere gathering of local artisans and vintners, Caledon's Art and Wine Festival has earned its reputation as King George County's not-to-miss-event of the fall and it's happening this weekend, Saturday and Sunday November 3 and 4, 2018.

Making your way around the park grounds, you'll find dozens of local artisans and merchants selling crafts goods in the open air. (Image source: Ed Episcopo)

This year's festival includes nearly a dozen local wineries and you can feel good--doubly so--about enjoying your libations. All proceeds go directly to the Friends of Caledon to help fund crucial park projects.

The 2-day event just requires the $5 parking fee per vehicle, so carpooling is encouraged. Admittance is free, and all guests are welcome to wander the grounds and support the local artisans, but if you'd like a tasting you'll need your valid ID and $15. Your ticket is good for one day only and includes all the wineries in attendance plus a commemorative wine glass to mark the event.

Festival hours are Saturday November 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Art and Wine Festival is also is a great opportunity to get some holiday shopping done and get to know your local park. (Image source: Ed Episcopo)

Original arts and crafts make it one of the area's more unique events

Caledon State Park is amazing for a bunch of reasons--it has a fascinating history as a Natural Area, and still in many ways functions as one as it supports a large population of bald eagles. It's also a National Natural Landmark with huge stands of old growth hardwood, now in prime fall colors, and it's adjacent to the Chiotank Creek Natural Area Preserve, further enhancing the park's wild features along the banks of the tidal Potomac. It's a real wonder of a park tucked away on the Virginia/Maryland boarder in King George.

Enjoy the peak of fall foliage on the trails at Caledon State Park while you're here

If you want to see more of this amazing park during the Art and Wine Festival, park staff are operating wagon rides throughout the weekend that will take you beneath the canopies of massive hardwood stands. Live raptor shows and demonstrations will also give you an up-close look at the birds of prey that make this park, and its canopy, their home. 

Local favorite, Oak Crest Winery always draws a showing at Caledon's annual Art and Wine Festival

Tickets are available in advance here and at the gate for $15. Coolers and outside food are not permitted. For additional information, you can contact the park office at 540-663-3861.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, 1 hour 45 minutes; Richmond, 1 hour, 30 minutes; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 3 hours, 30 minutes; Roanoke, 3 hours, 30 minutes. For directions to Caledon State Park, click here.