A Weekend Immersed in Art: Notes from the 20th Annual Rappahannock Fall Art Tour

The first weekend of November marked a special milestone for the Rappahannock arts community — the 20th annual Fall Art Tour of the Artists of Rappahannock (RAAC). Spanning two days, November 1–2, the event stretched across the charming countryside of Washington, Amissville, Castleton, Flint Hill, adnd Sperryville, Virginia, drawing art lovers from the D.C. metro area and beyond to explore studios, galleries, and creative spaces throughout the region.

I attended on Saturday with my friend Melinda, a fellow art enthusiast and ideal companion for a day of discovering local talent. We began our tour in Flint Hill, a tiny but art-filled town I’d recently visited to commission a piece from woodworker Jason Goldman. Jason, a well-known local artist, was there showcasing his beautiful hand-sculpted woodwork — each piece a blend of craftsmanship and organic form. His work was joined by painters, potters, jewelers, and other makers who displayed their work in galleries and shops lining the small main street, each venue offering something fresh and inspiring.

From there, we made our way to Little Washington, where The Washington School served as the tour’s main gallery and hub — the perfect place to get an overview of the participating artists. We strolled down Gay Street, stopping first at the Gay Street Gallery, then the Middle Street Gallery, and finally the R.H. Ballard Art, Rug & Home Gallery.

 

At Ballard’s, surrounded by color, texture, and light, I told myself I was “only shopping for paintings.” That resolve lasted right up until I spotted a delicate gold necklace among their gemstone jewelry — and since I’d forgotten to wear one that morning, I decided it was absolutely necessary.

Of course, the other thing we needed that afternoon was wine and chocolate — and as luck would have it, Wine Loves Chocolate on Main Street was ready to deliver. We enjoyed a tasting of four wines paired with exquisite handmade chocolates. Both of us agreed the limoncello sweets were our favorite (though the wines made a strong case too).

 

Our final destination for the day was Sperryville, home to the Thornton River Art and Haley Fine Art galleries — both stunning spaces filled with distinctive local work. I was especially taken by the abstract paintings of Barbara Heile, whose expressive color and movement drew me in immediately.

Sperryville’s Main Street itself is as charming as its art. We popped into The Corner Store, a cozy country grocery with fresh-baked goods and old-fashioned appeal, before wandering along a nearby river trail marked by a small sign. The trail led us to an enchanting creekside park, complete with Adirondack chairs perfect for sitting, chatting, gazing at nature and listening to the babbling water.

Just down the road, the town’s renovated old schoolhouse now houses the Black Twig Diner and Bar, plus several boutique shops known collectively as The Emporium. My favorite stop there was The Happy Camper Equipment Company, an outdoor store stocked with hiking gear, backpacks, and super cute squirrel-logo hats and accessories.

We ended the day just as the tour was closing at 5 p.m., at Gallery 3, a cheerful cottage behind the old schoolhouse. Inside, resident artist Mary B. Allen displayed her joyful watercolors — florals and landscapes inspired by Rappahannock’s local flora and fauna. Her art radiated warmth and happiness, the perfect note on which to end a full day of creativity and community.

 

The Rappahannock Fall Art Tour, produced by the Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community (RAAC), features more than 40 galleries and studios and nearly 100 local artists each year. It’s an inspiring showcase of the region’s creative spirit — and a wonderful excuse to spend a crisp autumn day exploring one of Virginia’s most beautiful corners.