Sotterley during Fall

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all."

- Stanley Horowitz

A mosaic, indeed! Sotterley is a magnificent place year-round, but this Fall has been something extra special - successful events, multitudes of new and old faces, and awe-inspiring colors.

Riverside WineFest at Sotterley was held October 3 & 4th on the prettiest of weekends, drawing a record number of people and making it our most successful year yet! This is a yearly event, always held the first weekend in October, rain or shine. The Sotterley Board of Trustees, the Sotterley Staff, Sponsors, Advertisers, Volunteers, Wineries, Exhibitors, Artisans, Musical Performers, Antique Dealers, Food Vendors, and all of the guests deserve a special THANKS for their support.

Two weeks later, chill-you-to-the-bone rains fell, but the show went on! The Ghosts of Sotterley Tours ran October 15, 16 & 17th, a dramatic production set during the war of 1812. Thanks to the dedication of the "Friends of Sotterley" acting troupe (braving hour after hour out in the elements - and for some, the mud) who all gave a most stellar performance. "This was definitely our best year yet! The script came alive and the special effects were incredible. As guests were leaving, they all spoke of the tour in the most positive way," said Carolyn Hoey, Education Director. Under the direction of Dawna Diaz and the technical wizardry of Ming Diaz, this year's script, written by James LePore and Morriah Cell had twists of intrigue and shock factor as never before. A huge thanks to everyone associated with the performance, the Volunteers, and all of the guests who bundled up for this not-to-be-missed walking tour.

And to top it off, the gardens have been incredible this year - like bathing in colors galore, thanks to the tireless devotion of the Sotterley Garden Guild.

The turkeys? Well, they showed up at the office door and were rewarded with pretzels.