Clarke County, Virginia: Telling a Story Through the Lens
A destination shoot by LeClair Media
In late August, the LeClair Media team embarked on a four-day film shoot through the heart of Clarke County, Virginia—a place where rolling farmland meets small-town charm, and where every location has a story to tell.
The goal? To craft a destination film that didn’t just showcase the scenic views, but also brought to life the people, places, and experiences that define Clarke County. With over 25 locations and dozens of participants, this project became one of our most immersive and community-focused productions to date.
DAY 1: Where Farmland Meets the Flowing River
Our first day began before dawn at Audley Farm, one of the most iconic landscapes in the region. Framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the golden hour unfolded over expansive pastures, grazing horses, and the rhythmic work of local farmers. The serenity and scale of the location allowed us to open the project with a cinematic breath—quiet, grounded, and powerful.
From there, we traded boots for hiking shoes and made our way to Bear’s Den, a rugged outcropping that offers one of the most stunning views in Clarke County. We followed hikers along the Appalachian Trail, capturing genuine moments of exploration and awe.
Lunch at Pinegrove Restaurant gave us a glimpse into the local dining scene—comforting, welcoming, and unpretentious. Then we headed to Veramar Vineyard, where couples strolled through grapevines and clinked glasses under the midday sun. We shot lifestyle sequences among the barrels, patios, and tucked-away vineyard paths.
By late afternoon, we shifted gears to the Shenandoah River. At Watermelon Park, teens tubed and paddled past our cameras, and the evening wrapped around a glowing campfire—complete with roasted marshmallows, laughter, and warm storytelling energy. Finally, we captured a dramatic sunset at Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, where wine, conversation, and horizon lines converged to create a perfect closing scene.
DAY 2: History, Whimsy & Heart
Wednesday opened with sunrise shots at Rosemont Manor, a historic estate full of elegance and storytelling potential. We filmed across its manicured grounds and stately interiors, setting the tone for the day’s exploration of Clarke County’s deep historical roots.
Next was Burwell-Morgan Mill, a working mill that’s been grinding flour for over 200 years. The atmosphere here was textured and timeless—wooden beams, turning gears, and the soft hum of tradition. Just across the road, Locke Store offered a charming contrast with modern, farm-to-table delights. A romantic picnic scene by the nearby creek brought a layer of personal storytelling into the frame.
The afternoon took us somewhere entirely unexpected—Dinosaur Land, a beloved roadside attraction filled with larger-than-life dinosaur sculptures. Parents and preschoolers explored in wonder, and we captured the joy and curiosity on their faces.
We wrapped the day with the warm community buzz of Twisted Oak Farm Brewery, followed by Southern dishes and intimate dining moments at Suecat’s Bistro, where we filmed under soft light and deep shadows to bring out the warmth of the space.
DAY 3: From Coffee Shops to Countryside Elegance
Thursday started with a cozy early morning shoot at Cordial Coffee, where roasting beans, waffles, and friendly baristas created a welcoming opening scene. We followed it with a visit to Sweet Elephant Bake Shop, a colorful stop filled with handmade treats and happy regulars.
From there, we returned to Rosemont Manor for a more detailed exploration of its lodging spaces and tea service. Next, Waypoint House provided charming front-porch scenes—complete with coffee cups, casual conversation, and that perfect mix of historic charm and modern comfort.
Midday, we shifted to Mackintosh Fruit Farm, where families picked peaches, apples, and wildflowers. The cider room buzzed with activity—cold pours, busy hands, and the vibrant energy of local harvest.
We ended the day at L’Auberge Provencale, a French country inn where we staged a fine-dining mock dinner, filmed room vignettes, and launched a drone to capture the estate at dusk. Every angle here was luxurious, yet grounded—perfect for the refined tone we wanted to strike.
DAY 4: Main Street Moments & Community Spirit
Friday focused on Clarke County’s downtown life and neighborhood spirit. We began at Serenity Farm, where children fed donkeys and goats as their parents looked on, filling the frame with unfiltered delight and connection.
Then we headed into downtown Berryville to film street-level lifestyle content. We captured people strolling with dogs and shopping bags, popping into local spots like Hip & Humble, Modern Mercantile, and Homespun for antiques, handmade goods, and ice cream.
At Zen Ramen, we filmed chefs preparing sushi and pouring steaming bowls of ramen, adding a layer of culinary intimacy to the shoot. Later that afternoon, we visited Wild Hare Cider, capturing casual scenes of music bingo, cider flights, and rustic interiors that spoke directly to the local vibe.
The week ended with a celebration, Music in the Park at Rose Hill Park, where families, couples, and friends gathered under the setting sun to enjoy live music, dancing kids, and the kind of laughter that only happens when a community truly feels like home.
Our time in Clarke County wasn’t just about visuals—it was about connection. Every location, every local business, every scene we shot was part of a larger story: one of authenticity, resilience, and pride in place.
This film is a love letter to Clarke County. And for us at LeClair Media, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do—because stories like this deserve to be told with care, craft, and heart.
