Artisan Open House

As part of the Northern Neck Artisan Trail's new "Second Saturday Open Door Tour", Rice's Hotel / Hughlett's Tavern will hold a special Open House. The Tavern's Spinners & Weavers Guild will host a program on spinning fiber, entitled "From Sticks & Stones to 3-D Printed," which will explore the world of ways to spin fiber into yarn. The Tavern Woodworking Guild will demonstrate spoon carving and decorative wood burning.

The Tavern Café will be open, serving soups, fresh-baked breads, quiché, and sweet treats, all homemade by the volunteer members of the Tavern Culinary Guild. The "Heritage Arts Center" Gift Shoppe sells the wares of over 75 local artisans, and also includes several artisans in-residence.

Behind the Tavern in the Forge, the Blacksmith Guild is holding a class in blacksmithing. The public is invited to watch.

Across the trail that day, sites will feature a diverse collection of special events, classes, tours and tastings, and exclusive open studio experiences. Other stops on the April 14th tour include two stained glass studios -- Bee's Stained Glass in Colonial Beach and Zekiah Glass in Farnham, plus Stratford Hall, and Ingleside Vineyards.

For more information, visit www.OpenDoorTour.org. Click on "Second Saturdays on the Northern Neck Artisan Trail."