Fluvanna’s Homecoming is coming up on the horizon with its Oct. 19 theme of “Hey Hollywood.” This theme involves a red carpet entrance, camera flashes, and a photo booth for friends. Tickets will go on sale for $10 starting Oct. 14.
Planning the perfect Homecoming can be stressful for many, and students often schedule their festivities well in advance. For many students, Homecoming is the biggest event of the fall, regardless of one’s status, gender, or grade. Being near both Charlottesville and Richmond, FCHS has countless possibilities for pictures, dining, and dresses for each student’s special night. With the date approaching, it’s important to stay informed about the hottest spots for everything Homecoming.
Saying “Yes” to the Dress
Dresses are typically the first thing Lady Flucos think about for Homecoming. Many find shopping early a must when purchasing dresses for many reasons. Ordering dresses online has become more common in recent years, with popular websites including Amazon, Hello Molly, Lulus, and Lucy in the Sky. Dresses from these websites are seen throughout the night, but are usually ordered in August or September due to potential shipping delays.
Given Fluvanna’s location, Richmond is often the go-to for in-person shopping. Short Pump Town Center, under an hour from the high school, has three stores that are especially popular with students: Windsor, Dillard’s, and Macy’s. However, with Macy’s and Dillard’s being department stores, their main priority isn’t Homecoming dresses, and they don’t restock as frequently as other stores like Windsor.
“I feel like Dillard’s has amazing dresses, but you have to get there early to find a good one,” said senior Eleanor Sam.
Windsor, on the other hand, is completely focused on dresses for women and formal events. While it’s always well-stocked, it can be busy due to high demand.
While black, red, green, and blue are classic colors seen throughout the night, this year, pastel colors and floral prints are all the rage. Bodycon seems to be a go-to dress style, with A-line, corset, and sequin dresses falling right behind. Considering the 2024 Homecoming theme “Hey Hollywood,” all dresses and colors fit into this theme, so no matter the dress, the red carpet will be ready for it.
Pick the Perfect Photo Spot
Pictures are a major part of Homecoming, and locations are often well thought out in advance. Some popular scenic spots in Fluvanna include Fruit Hill, Pleasant Grove, Spring Creek Golf Club, Cunningham Creek Winery, and Carter’s Mountain. For local options, Pleasant Grove, Fruit Hill, and Cunningham Creek Winery can provide scenic backdrops while being easy on the gas tank.
Pleasant Grove offers 22-miles of trails and historic buildings for a rustic farm look. However, being just steps from the high school, it can get crowded, so you may need to come early or wait your turn if you want to take photos in front of their more iconic spots, like the front steps of the house.
If you’re looking to take advantage of fall color, Fruit Hill Orchard can be a good spot for a backdrop of red and orange leaves, a pumpkin patch, and a large “LOVE” sign many use in photos. Cunningham Creek Winery boasts a large vineyard, and a main building with stunning architecture. If you’re looking to venture a little farther, Carter’s Mountain is adored as a prime photo location by many students for its changing leaves and view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, while Spring Creek Golf Club features graceful arches and stonework backdrops.
Doing Dinner in Style
Dining options vary greatly in Fluvanna County, but with Charlottesville and Richmond nearby, the possibilities expand significantly. For those who prefer to dine locally on Homecoming night, you’ll likely see students at Asian Cafe and Danny’s Bar and Grill, or for those who don’t mind traveling up Route 15 to Zions Crossroads, Spring Creek Golf Club and Rhett’s.
