Taste & Travel

TASTE& TRAVEL readers report from around the world.

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DR MELVILLE DEWEY, of library cataloguin­g fame, named this small Central Florida town after his home, Lake Placid in New York. The town's primary claim to fame, other than being home to a clown school and supplying 95 percent of the world's supply of caladium plants, is the collection of murals that decorate the historic downtown core.

HISTORY LESSONS

The Depot Museum, housed in the former railway station, is small but crammed with interestin­g stuff, including an antique linotype machine and telephone exchange, household items and furniture, an old-timey kitchen and more. A guidebook is available (for $4) that explains the story behind each of the town's 40+ handpainte­d murals. 12 Park Ave, Lake Placid

Sweet Treats

Stop in at Cow Pies II bakery, deli and custard shop for hot and cold sandwiches, frozen custard, milkshakes, smoothies and floats. An oversized muffin packed with choc chips, nuts and caramel is a best seller, with good reason. 210 N. Main Ave, Lake Placid

COFFEE AND CRAFT

Good News Juice & Smoothie Café is full of healthy drinks but it also serves the best espresso ever. Wander next door into The Blueberry Patch and you'll be surrounded by beautiful locally themed gifts, artisan foods and carefully selected décor items. 231 N Main Ave

On the Farm

Pay a visit to Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery for farm tours, wine tasting, u-pick berries and a country store stocked with jams, jellies and pickles. Bring your own folding chair and take a seat on the grass for an afternoon of live music from January to March. www.henscratch­farms.com

Raising Cane

Sugar Sand Distillery is the only distillery in North America that makes rum from freshly squeezed cane juice. They also make moonshine aged in charred oak barrels and a very crisp-tasting, smooth vodka. Visitors are welcome to tour the canefields and to see the distillery in operation. www.sugarsandd­istillery.com

Right On Cue

Smoke Shack BBQ have changed locations a few times but you'll be glad when you track this excellent `cue joint down. The ribs are lip-smacking delicious, pulled pork is tender, service is fast and super friendly and the value for money is amazing. www.facebook. com/smokeshack­bbq280

FARM OF MANY FACES

In 2006 Michael Pollen wrote his groundbrea­king ethical eating manifesto The Omnivore's Dilemma, after spending time with sustainabl­e farming advocate Joel Salatin at Polyface Farm, idyllicall­y located in a lush green valley just outside Staunton. Visitors are welcome to wander about the farm among the contented pigs and cows, and to follow the hens in their egg mobile. Pasture-raised meat, free-range eggs, homemade stocks and more are available in the farm store. www.polyfacefa­rms.com

Locavore Lunch

Chef Mike Lund is an alumnus of The Inn at Little Washington and the creative force behind a number of Staunton's top tables. His Lundch restaurant is a proving ground for his catering business — everything is made in house from ingredient­s locally sourced in Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. The menu changes weekly but whatever you choose, be sure to order the amazing fries! www.mikelundfo­od.com

Starting Over

If you miss the weekly farmers' market in Staunton, not to worry. Nu-Beginning Farm's downtown store has local produce, eggs, farm milk, cheese, meats, pickles, preserves, baked goodies and more for sale. You can also grab a smoothie, a coffee, or sit down for a healthy, farm-to-table breakfast, lunch or early dinner. www.thestorein­staunton.com

CLEAN EATING

Cranberry's Grocery and Eatery is a mindful eater's haven — stacked to the rafters with organic and natural foods, herbal remedies, personal care products, Virginia wines, beers and other local provisions. The coffee shop in back offers smoothies, vegetarian wraps and sandwiches, kombucha on tap, and — if you're feeling stressed out — cbd chocolates to help you chill. www.gocranberr­ys.com NESTLED IN THE heart of the picturesqu­e Shenandoah Valley in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Staunton is a charming historic town with a preserved Victorian main street lined with quirky shops, restaurant­s, galleries and boutiques. Recognized by the Smithsonia­n as one of the best small towns in America.

PeRiod PieCes

Set dressers for the film Lincoln found many of their period props in The Factory Antique Mall in Staunton. Housed in a former clothing factory, the mall is America's largest antique store and a wonder house of collectibl­es dating back to frontier times, vintage bric a brac and other fabulositi­es from around the world. www.factoryant­iquemall.com

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 ??  ?? Henscratch
Henscratch
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 ??  ?? Sugar Sand
Sugar Sand
 ??  ?? Staunton MainStreet
Staunton MainStreet
 ??  ?? Lundch Fries
Lundch Fries
 ??  ?? Antique Mall
Antique Mall
 ??  ?? Polyface Geese
Polyface Geese

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