If you’re into exploring Staunton’s best flavors, make sure you stop in at the newly opened Ciders From Mars on Lewis Street in the historic Wharf District. Located in the former Black Dog Bikes space across the street from both Redbeard Brewing Company and the Ox-Eye Vineyards tasting room, the new cidery offers visitors a third tasting option.

Inside, the space is cool and modern, decorated with slick surfaces and a neutral color scheme. There are a lot of choices for seating with plenty of room to spread out: at the bar, at tables, in a more relaxed lounge area, or on the large outdoor patio that overlooks the Wharf. Visitors inside the taproom can look through a glass wall and actually see the cider being fermented. Visitors who choose to sit outside can enjoy the sun, the fresh air, and the bustle of downtown.

Valley natives and JMU grads Nikki West and Jeremy Wimpey own and run Ciders From Mars. West, a geochemist, learned cider distillation techniques from the Cider Institute of North America. The couple have planted their own orchard in Mount Solon, but the trees are not mature yet. Meanwhile, they use local apple varieties like gold rush, winesap, and other vintage and modern varieties from area orchards. The Ciders From Mars ciders tend to have low sugar content. Some get more flavors by co-fermenting with other fruits like peaches, pears, and cherries.

The cidery serves cider by 9 oz. drafts, bottles, or flights of four flavors in 100 ml pours, which they present in beaker-shaped glassware. 

Did You Know:

• Hard cider is an old drink. People in England drank it in the 1600s (as well as beer and wine) because water wasn’t always clean enough to keep them from getting sick.
• Cider is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants from the apples.
• It’s a great gluten-free alcoholic option for those who are intolerant. 
• Hard cider is NOT the same thing as apple juice and it contains 4.5 to 10 percent alcohol by volume.
• The length of time a cider ferments usually determines how sweet it will be. Ciders tend to lose sweetness and get drier as they age. They also gain more alcohol by volume.

Ciders From Mars is on Untappd. Check there to see what’s on tap and what your friends are drinking.

Staunton’s food truck scene has exploded in recent years. Restaurants on wheels offer families relaxed and affordable dining opportunities; they also provide chefs a chance to be creative, and allow them to roll to their cuisine to events, breweries, and private functions. A far cry from fast food, Staunton’s food trucks bring exotic ingredients, gourmet creations, and convenience to the customers who crave them. Here are some local ways to connect with your moveable feast.

Food Truck Round-Up

When: June 23, 2018, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: Gypsy Hill Park

Ever have trouble aligning your day with the schedule of your favorite food truck? Here’s your chance to catch several standouts in one place. Enjoy great food as you relax and play in beautiful, family-friendly Gypsy Hill Park. This event offers live music and activities for the kids.

Subject to food truck availability, food and drink will be available for purchase from the following vendors:

• Buckshot’s BBQ – old-school barbecue and sides
• Flavor Savor BBQ – slow-cooked Southern-style barbecue
• Rocks Money Pit BBQ – pulled pork and chicken, “porked-up mac”
• Mama’s Caboose – home-cooked deliciousness
• Sweet Baby Cheeses – sandwiches and sides
• Eats On the Streets – artisan burgers, fries, cheese steaks, wraps
• Ms. B’s Recipes – funnel cake, fried Oreos, fried pickles, chicken tender baskets
• Blue Mountain Grill – nachos, wraps, cheeseburgers
• Smiley’s Ice Cream  – homemade ice cream

Food Truck Battle and Beer Competition

When: September 2, 2018 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: Augusta Expo

Every year the Food Truck Battle and Beer Competition gets bigger, and now, on its fourth anniversary, the event has moved into a new space at Augusta Expo. Eighteen food trucks and six breweries will compete in this award-winning festival, judged by both judges and visitors. And there’s more than just food: expect live bands to provide a rocking soundtrack while you shop for treasures at artisan, craft, and specialty vendor booths. Let the kids frolic in the large children’s area packed with entertainment and activities. The competition benefits the Madee Project, which provides support to pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Attendees can select their choice of ticket options:

• A $10 general admission ticket (food and drink purchased separately)
• A $25 beer-tasting general admission ticket (sample and vote for your favorite beers)
• A $40 VIP ticket (taste food and vote for your favorites in the first round)

The lineup (at the time of this writing) includes:

• Paella Perfecta – gluten-free and available as a vegetarian dish or with chicken & sausage
• Pachamama Peru – empanadas, pan con chicharron, anticuchos
• Mouth Wide Open – gourmet sliders and sides
• Rocks Money Pit BBQ – pulled pork and chicken, “porked-up mac”
• Matchsticks BBQ – wood-smoked barbecue
• Sourdough Pizza Company – gourmet, brick-oven pizza
• Chubbee Monkee – cheesesteak, grilled chicken and steak, fried Oreos

Before you go:

• This is a rain or shine event
• Family friendly: children under six are free (no tastings included)
• For tickets click here
• You must bring your ID to purchase alcohol
• Bring your blanket or lawn chair
• Love capturing the moment? Share your photos with hashtag #VAFoodTruckBattle

Staunton breweries that host food trucks

Redbeard Brewing Company hosts food trucks several nights each week. Check the events calendar  or Facebook for upcoming visits by The Saucy Bird , Eats On the Streets, Sweet Baby Cheeses, Big Red BBQ, Holy Smokes BBQ, Gloria’s Papusuria, Firkin Pie Company, and more.

Every Friday night, Queen City Brewing features a local food truck from a rotating list including The Saucy Bird and Big Red BBQ.