Beginning this year, the Wine & Oyster Festival at Stratford Hall (the birthplace of Robert E. Lee) will host a preview benefit dinner, and the seven-course meal will be served on the front lawn of the picturesque, circa-1738 house. Seating is limited and reservations are required, with ticket options ranging from $500 (including dinner for two, plus passes to the festival and a charitable contribution) to $1,000 (which also includes overnight accommodations). The festival itself will take place Sept. 21 and 22, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stratford Hall, 483 Great House Road, Stratford, (804) 493-1966, stratfordhall.org .
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