It finally is here: the big 2-1. It feels like you have been waiting for this day since… oh yeah, forever. While Virginia law permits you to purchase alcohol from the ABC store the day before your actual birthday, there are numerous other fun and memorable ways to celebrate the big day. Hey, it only happens once, and what other birthdays do you have to look forward to after this one? Maybe 25 when you can rent a car finally? Anyways, look no further for fun and original ways to celebrate your big day.
Wine Tasting at Jefferson Vineyards
Jefferson Vineyards, located about 15 minutes from central grounds off of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, is a classy way to celebrate finally achieving legal status. With wine tasting as cheap as $10 per person, including a fancy Riedel glass you get to keep, you can’t go wrong. Also worth mentioning is the pristine setting that includes a delightful back patio overlooking the beautiful rolling hills for enjoying your wine and cheese post-tasting. Want to get an even closer look at this vineyard? Tours are complimentary and offered daily. The wine is delicious and the setting provides a perfect photo opportunity for you and your friends to frolic outside, soaking up every bit of the gorgeous scenery.
http://jeffersonvineyards.com/
Beer Tasting at Blue Mountain Brewery
For those of us who appreciate a good brewsky, beer tasting has emerged as a fun new alternative to wine tasting. Open Monday through Saturday from 11:30am-10pm and Sundays 11am-9pm, Blue Mountain Brewery is a cozy brewery located in Nelson County, only 30 minutes away. All ales and lagers are produced on site and the brewery is famous for its 20 seasonal draft offerings it promotes throughout the year (definitely try the Blue Mountain Lager or the Full Nelson Pale Ale!). In addition to the delicious selection of beer, Blue Mountain doubles as a restaurant, serving the works from yummy appetizers, salads, and pizza, to sandwiches, burgers, and desserts. Good beer and good food. What more can you ask for?
http://www.bluemountainbrewery.com/
Thursday Night Bar Crawl
Bars are finally an option and there are so many to explore on the corner! A great way to kick off a Bar Crawl with friends is by hitting up great deals offered on Thursday nights. Begin your night at the Biltmore for Survivor Hour from 8-9pm. Then proceed down the street to No.3 for Beat the Clock where you can get great deals on rails beginning at 10pm. Finally, finish your night off at the Virginian, a classic institution where youcan cuddle up in a booth with your closest friends and dance to some good ol’ country music and maybe meet Nate, the cute bartender.
The List of 21
This is a fantastic way to do unique and crazy activities that keep you going all night long. Let your friends compile a list of 21 activities on a sign that you wear all night long that you must complete before the big night is over. For example, a sample list could be the following:
#1-Streak the Lawn
#2-Do the “Bernie” in a public place
…
#5-Get 5 friends to take a shot with you
…
#7- Kiss a lucky stranger
…
#17- At midnight get a stranger to serenade you with, “Happy Birthday”
…
#21 Score a free late night Gus Burger or Christian’s pizza
etc. etc.
Not only do you accomplish a mini bucket list, but what better way to look back on your big night and reminisce with your friends, “Hey remember when I did that crazy task on my list?!”
No matter how you ring in your 21st, this is the ultimate birthday. Enjoy your new legal status, and just remember to drink plenty of water and live it up with your friends!
Photo Sources:
Jefferson Vineyards
Blue Mountain Brewery