Way Down Yonder

Pawpaws are Virginia's forgotten native fruit — and this fall, Blandy Experimental Farm is throwing them a party. Janet welcomes back Melanie Mullinax, Communications & Events Manager at Blandy, to talk about the return of Pawpaw & Pints on September 13th, complete with a locally brewed pawpaw beer, fruit tastings, and a talk from renowned pawpaw expert Neal Peterson.

From the surprising 1916 pawpaw-growing contest that brought the fruit to Blandy's grounds a century ago to the rediscovered pawpaw trail that's finally getting its due, Melanie shares the history, the flavor comparisons (mango meets banana, anyone?), and how ticket sales support ongoing trail restoration. She also looks ahead to Blandy's fall lineup — Ginkgo Gold Weekends, tree sponsorships, and more — so there's plenty here to make you want to plan a visit.

Event Details

Event: Pawpaw & Pints

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2026

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Location: Blandy Experimental Farm / State Arboretum of Virginia — courtyard behind the Quarters building, Boyce, VA (new location this year; moved from the Ginkgo Grove)

Cost: $20/person (age 21+, includes a pawpaw beer tasting) or $10/person (under 21, or 21+ guests skipping the beer tasting)

Tickets: blandy.virginia.edu — homepage graphic links to Eventbrite

Highlights: Six to seven interactive stations including fruit tasting and pawpaw crafts; two talks from pawpaw expert Neal Peterson (Peterson Pawpaws) at 1:30 and 2:30 PM; guided walk out to the pawpaw trail offered after the event for guests who want to see the pawpaws themselves

Links & Resources

Blandy Experimental Farm / State Arboretum of Virginia: blandy.virginia.edu Pawpaw & Pints tickets: via Eventbrite (linked from Blandy's homepage) Winchester Brew Works: winchesterbrewworks.com THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.