It's a bonus Friends of Old Town episode, recorded right in the thick of Apple Blossom! Janet sits down with Brady Cloven from Friends of Old Town and Holly Redding from Winchester Brew Works to cover everything happening in Old Town this weekend — from parade logistics and parking tips to brand-new businesses and a major announcement about a summer event you won't want to miss.

Topics Covered

🍺 Winchester Brew Works — Apple Blossom Weekend

The brand-new Cameron Street patio is open — completed a full week ahead of schedule
Same square footage as the old patio, longer and narrower, ADA accessible
Apple Blossom hours: Friday 2–10 PM | Saturday 11 AM–10 PM | Sunday open to 6 PM
Special drink offerings for the weekend: wines from Walsh Family Vineyards, strawberry hard cider and Valley Roots from Old Town Cidery, hard seltzers, slushies, and cocktails
Cameron Street serves as the staging area for the Firefighters Parade — prime people-watching from the patio
Private rentals available for events; indoor pergola seats 25–50 people

🎂 Winchester Brew Works — 10th Anniversary

10-year anniversary celebration: Saturday, May 16th
Bringing back fan-favorite beers from their grand opening, including Mango Wheat and Coconut Canoe Love
Currently pouring 20–25 beers on tap (up from 6 at opening)
Food truck space limited during construction but expected to return once the drive is completed

🚗 Apple Blossom Parking & Logistics

Parking garages open: Court Square, George Washington, Loudoun, and others around Old Town
Flat event fee: $25 per day (Friday & Saturday starting 9 AM), credit card only
Watch for road closures and towing — check the City of Winchester website for full details
Sign up for road closure alerts at the city's website

🛍️ New in Old Town

Winchester Tavern — Chef Dan's newest restaurant, located under The Exchange at Loudoun (formerly The Monument) at the top of the walking mall
Newberry Building (former Dollar General) — Ben Ritenour of Roma and Alesation hosting popup events all weekend, including live music with a $10 cover.
Moon & Moss — new bookstore and shop on the walking mall
Please Boutique — new retail shop, just opened

🚧 Boscawen Street Closure Update

The city has decided to permanently close Boscawen Street to vehicle traffic
Boundaries set at Indian Alley intersection to just in front of City Hall parking lot exit
Public design feedback meeting already held; ideas include expanded patios, lawn furniture, fountains, charging stations, and public WiFi
Neighborhood Design District meeting: Thursday, May 7th, 5:30–7:00 PM at Taylor Pavilion — public welcome to give feedback

🎸 Taylor Pavilion

New stage debuted successfully at Wine Fest
Phase two grant application submitted
Will host bands during the Dog Days of Summer event (see below)

🌭 Big Announcement — Dog Days of Summer Hotdog Crawl

Date: Saturday, August 22nd, starting at noon in Old Town
Participating Old Town restaurants will each create their own artisanal hot dog
Guests purchase a passport and visit each stop — hot dogs will be voted on
Live music at Taylor Pavilion, possible beer garden
All proceeds benefit Friends of Old Town
More restaurant announcements coming soon

Connect & Follow

Winchester Brew Works

Website: winchesterbrewworks.com
Facebook & Instagram: Winchester Brew Works

Friends of Old Town

Website: friendsofoldtown.org
Facebook: Friends of Old Town
Instagram: @FriendsofOldTownWINC

From the Patio to the Parade: Celebrating the Bloom and Beyond