By Valerie Cury

Some visitors come to Loudoun County for the scenery. Others come for the wineries, breweries and mountain views. But this weekend, more than 1,000 rather unusual visitors will arrive from North Carolina, and every one of them has an appetite.

They’re carnivorous plants, and they’re headed to Bear Chase Brewing Company in Bluemont for a delightfully peculiar Halloween weekend.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., plant enthusiast and educator Kenny Coogan will introduce visitors to a fascinating collection of greenery that doesn’t always wait patiently for its dinner.

Forget ordinary houseplants. These botanical oddities have developed remarkable ways of attracting, trapping and digesting insects, making them some of nature’s most ingenious little predators.

And despite their rather sinister reputation, they’re surprisingly charming.

Coogan is traveling from North Carolina with more than 1,000 plants, focusing on varieties suitable for growing indoors during the cooler months. His collection will include tropical pitcher plants, sundews, butterworts and the ever-popular Venusflytraps.

Each has its own peculiar personality.

Venus flytraps are the drama queens of the plant world, snapping their traps shut when unsuspecting insects trigger their sensitive hairs. Sundews take a sneakier approach, sparkling with sticky droplets that resemble morning dew but serve as an irresistible trap.

Butterworts look innocent enough, with their delicate leaves and sometimes lovely flowers. But those leaves conceal a sticky surprise for tiny insects.

And tropical pitcher plants? They dangle elegant, colorful pitchers that double as sophisticated insect traps. Some will even be available in hanging baskets, perfect for adding a little botanical intrigue to a sunny window.

But Coogan isn’t simply bringing plants to sell. He’s bringing an opportunity to learn.

On Friday, Oct. 23, he will visit Woodgrove High School, where he is scheduled to speak before approximately 150 students about these extraordinary plants and their unusual adaptations.

The following day at Bear Chase, Coogan will be on hand to share his knowledge, answer questions and introduce visitors to the fascinating world of carnivorous plants.

For anyone worried about taking home a plant with unusual dining habits, there’s reassurance. Every purchase comes with a care sheet explaining how to keep the new arrival happy and healthy.

The event welcomes everyone, from devoted plant collectors to families looking for something a little different during Halloween weekend.

Visitors can explore the collection, ask questions and perhaps discover that the most interesting houseplant is one that catches its own dinner.

The event takes place at Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane in Bluemont, on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cash is preferred, although credit cards will be accepted with applicable transaction fees.