I'm always interested in highlighting local businesses that are doing good things on the green front. And recently I had the opportunity to sit down with two staff members from Poplar Springs Inn & Spa.

Anita Carshult, Director of Special Events and Sarah Stanton, Inn & Spa Manager, were kind enough to take some time to tell me about some of the exciting initiatives under way at Poplar Springs.

First of all, I'm very excited by their efforts to incorporate more local food into their menus. Local farms are providing seasonal produce, beef, poultry, cheese and eggs. Lavendar froma local farm is being used in both the restaurant and spa. Local game is served in the restaurant during the fall and winter. Work is under way on an herb garden on the property. The herbs would be used in both the restaurant and spa. And plans are in the works for a vineyard on the property!

The restaurant currently features many local Virginia wines. And they have recently added biodynamic wines as well as some organic vodkas.

The spa is also incorporating local grape skins in some of their products. And their signature treatments are all handmade on site.

On the energy front, they've installed a geothermal system for heating and cooling. LED candles are beiong used in the spa and restaurant.

They are working on reducing water usage by reducing the amount of linens used in the spa.

And I'm also happy to report that they're working to encourage local people to spend more time with them. They've added a new light fare menu available in the lounge Thursday through Sunday from 3:30 to closing. No jackets are required, no 5 course meals, just a menu of light, delicious foods a great selection of adult beverages and the chance to unwind in beautiful surroundings.

They're also added dinner on Sundays from 5:30 to 8:30. Many of you may already have tried their wonderful Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

And, they've been doing Date Nights this summer. For a discounted price you get a three course dinner, bottle of wine and an outdoor movie projected on the barn. The cost is $55 on Friday nights and $65 on Saturdays.

I'm looking forward to hearing more about their plans for green initiatives and hope to see many of you in the lounge one evening, relaxing after work!

As you're making plans for your weekend, don't forget to stop by one of the local farmers markets. Here's a list of some that I've been frequenting:

Nokesville Farmer's Market - I just discovered this one but already love it. Hours are 8 to noon on Saturdays. They take "local" seriously at this one. All vendors are from Prince William or Fauquier Counties.

Warrenton Farmer's Market - Great excuse to get into old town Warrenton. This is their 33rd year. See them downtown Saturday's from 7 a.m. to noon or on Wednesdays out on Lee Hwy from 7 a.m. until 1.

Culpeper Farmer's Market - At the corner of Main and Commerce every Saturday from 7:30 to noon. I've been very impressed by the great selection of heirloom vegetables here!

Clevenger's Corner Farmers Market - This is the newest addition having just opened last Friday. This is at the intersection of 211 and 229 in Amissville. They're open Fridays and Sundays from 4-7 p.m. for all you non-morning people!

And...I hear there will be a new one in Sperryville any day now! More to come on that.

If you've got others you'd like to see mentioned here, jump into the comments and let everyone know!