I noticed recently that local grocery stores are starting to carry a lot more locally produced items, including wine, coffee and produce. Ultimately this does benefit the local economy and support local business and albeit convenient, it is much more expensive to shop this way. Of course if you have to rely on grocery stores, it is still a good thing to choose locally produced goods in general.
It occurred to me that it would be helpful to make a short list of resources to help folks celebrate the abundance of this beautiful state by enjoying some of what it has to offer.
Buy coffee from local roasters
In Virginia, I found these:
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Central Coffee (they carry this at Whole Foods)
Buy locally grown produce
Use LocalHarvest.org to find any of the following in Virginia (and any other state):
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Shop weekly at your local Farmers Market
During Farmers Market season, make it a point to buy everything you can from here. The produce is much less expensive than in stores AND it is fresh and delicious. -
Participate in Community supported agriculture (many times wonderful, fresh produce gets delivered to your door!)
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Pick it yourself (this is REALLY fun and supports local farmers) – visit pickyourown.org
Buy (and Drink) Virginia wine
Virginia wines are fabulous – the first vineyards in America’s history were in Virginia. Not only do these vineyards make for a wonderful weekend getaway (see my favorite Virginia Wine Blog), but the wine is excellent.
Life: Version 2.0 
Much to the dismay of my snootier wineaux friends, I love VA wine. I think that good reds are hard to come by, but Barboursville Vineyard makes a fantastic cab – http://www.barboursvillewine.net/. Breaux, – http://www.breauxvineyards.com, which is right in our backyard, makes wonderful whites and has a great patio in warmer weather. They also have a Cellar Club that delivers 2 choice wines right to your door each quarter. Mmmm…think I’ll have a glass right now!
Even better yet you can roast your own coffee at home and support the freshest coffee you will ever drink. Possibly the local roaster also sell green coffee beans that you can roast at home.
Awww, am I not your favorite Virginia wine blog? Sad.
Just kidding, Dezel is the man 🙂