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Virginia City Camel Races

Imagine…Surrounded by two dozen enormous creatures, some over 8 feet tall; sniffling and snorting, wrestling and cavorting, spitting into the sky, and wondering why???
Well it only happens once a year, but it brings out the crustiest characters on the entire continent. Some have come from as far away as India, others from the Sahara, with a bunch of local, homegrown kids determined to set this little ghost town on fire. Yes, indeed, it is the Virginia City Camel Races, the annual event that shakes the desert dust out of everyone- and leaves them all smiling, ear to ear!

The wild little jockeys on board the ungainly creatures load into the starting gate, with the reticent mounts snorting up a storm. In a heartbeat the metal doors swing wide open, and the camels pound through a flurry of dust, doggedly trying to capture the lead. It’s neck and neck, for the first 50 yards, and strategy becomes a factor. Should we cut the steeds loose, and make a mad dash, or follow close behind the leader? ‘No time to panic’- the jockeys bulging eyes seem to say- ‘we gotta blast past the finish line to live and race another day!’ In a blizzard of dirt and dust, the finish lines seems ‘oh so close!’ The jockeys stretch the necks of their mounts toward the tape, and it ends up in a dead heat- as they fly across the finish!

Dust is caked across the faces of the tiny yet valiant jockeys, as they slap each other on the back, in an act of pure camaraderie. The Virginia City Camel Races have kept everyone entertained. The memories and stories will be shared and embellished daily until next September; when they’ll load back in the starting gate and make this little ghost town the most exciting spot on earth, again, if only for a fleeting moment!

I’ve viewed this amazing event at the tender age of seven, and have been back every decade for the last half century.

The Virginia City Camel Races take place the weekend after Labor Day each year. Contact Jim Webster for info.

Romantic Travel Destination: A Taste of Italy in Orange, Virginia

While traveling through Central Virginia, just outside of Charlottesville, my husband and I decided to stay in Orange, Virginia and check out the local restaurants and small shops. We had a recommendation to visit a well established Italian Pizzeria and Ristorante, known as Mario’s, the home of Authentic Pizza and Real Italian Cuisine conveniently located at 269 Madison Road, on the main thoroughfare in Orange, Virginia.

Driving up to the little restaurant, we noticed this small eatery was packing them in. The parking lot was filled to capacity on a Monday night at 7:30 pm. Established 11 years ago by Ignazio and Janet Abbene, a hospitable husband and wife team, they and their children added to the true Italian family atmosphere that made us feel we were in Nona’s kitchen for a traditional Italian supper.

Mario’s features a nice all you can eat salad bar, featuring time honored Italian recipes. There are gourmet chicken dishes from Italy, homemade spicy meatballs, and rich homemade marinara sauces over fresh pasta. The savory Virginia clams in a shell was out of this world, and the hearty homemade soups, (of which we tried more than a few) warmed us clear to our toes, not including the delicious specialty peppers and sausage dish we reveled in that was fantastic. And that was all before the Pizza! The Stromboli was large and handmade, as was the soft seasoned bread sticks and Calzone!

The extensive menu features an assortment of traditional Italian dishes the way they should be; from baked dishes, (Piatti Al Forno), to seafood dishes, (Piatti Di Mare), and of course traditional round New York style Pizza (Neapolitan). Their wines covered a variety of vintages and the dessert tray was to die for.

We were impressed with Tracy, our server. She was gracious and attentive at all times. The festive walls donned letters of glowing gratitude from nearby schools and organizations for Mario’s contribution to the youth of the city of Orange.
Enjoy a romantic dinner with your sweetie

Mr. & Mrs. Abbene open their restaurant’s kitchen to local school age children for demonstrations on the art of pizza making, helping them learn the creation of a great pizza. They also award a free pizza to each school-aged child that commits and succeeds at reading 15 books – making them unique in their dedication to the communities children’s literary needs. As you enter the restaurant, you will notice the many awards and glowing letters from leaders honoring the Restaurateurs from ceiling to floor.

Most locals agree Mario’s offers the best in town when it comes to Italian dishes and Pizza both in price and for their generous servings and quality products. Your dining experience is sure to make you feel at home bringing a smile to your face and satisfying any hearty appetite.

Mario’s is open 6 days a week and is closed on Sunday. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 12 midnight. Mario’s is the only restaurant open late in the evening. For take out or Pizza delivery call them at (540) 672-3344. Major credit cards accepted.