Read more about the article Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Colonial Williamsburg, VA

What I remember most about Colonial Williamsburg was that it was crowded and a bit chaotic. Although we purchased our tickets ahead of time, we had to stand in a 20 minute line. We found parking at the visitor center, but it was getting full. After finally getting our tickets, we walked the trail to the historic area. Not everything is open all the time. For example, on that Saturday, only certain houses were open for tours. We stopped first at John Chowning’s Tavern where we had a delicious meal. While we were waiting, we went to the Magazine to see the old weapons.

Then, we went to the Peyton Randolf House. During the tour of the two-story dark red wooden home, we learned not only about the Randolf family, but about their slaves as well. Originally owned by Sir John Randolf, the property consisted of two separate houses that were later joined together. (more…)

Read more about the article West Virginia (and parts of Virginia) Itinerary

West Virginia (and parts of Virginia) Itinerary

West Virginia is one of the prettiest states. It’s very similar to Arkansas in the fact that the beauty is being outside. There’s no one place to visit in West Virginia as the population is very spread out. The largest city is Charleston with a population of only 51,000 people. We made Beckley, population 15,000, our home base for this Columbus Day weekend trip. To really see the state, prepare to drive around — a lot! But the real beauty is found on the scenic winding roads through coal towns. If you’ve never been, put West Virginia on your bucket list! Please click on the individual links for more pictures and details of the sites we visited.

Itinerary for a Weekend in West Virgina 

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Read more about the article Quaint Town – Abingdon, VA

Quaint Town – Abingdon, VA

Normally most people driving to Beckley, West Virginia from Atlanta would take I-85 Northeast to Charlotte, NC and then I-77 north to Beckley, WV, passing through Southwestern Virginia. Because of that, I’d researched a few towns in the Blueridge section of VA with towns such as Wytheville and state parks called Hungry Mother and Grayson Highlands. I figured if time permitted in either direction, we’d explore or have lunch in one of these spots.

Plans changed when Hurricane Matthew made landfall in North Carolina on the day we left Atlanta. While halfway to Charlotte on a cloudy day, wind gusts picked up considerable. Weather radar indicated that Matthew’s outer bands were pounding Charlotte with lots of rainfall.img_2791

We detoured by heading north from Greenville, SC to I-26 in Asheville, NC. I’ll say the drive was pleasant. But once we went on I-26 north from Asheville to Johnson City, TN. The car climbed up the mountain and at the top of the peak we were totally fogged in. Making the descent towards Tennessee, the fog lifted and we saw the most beautiful scenery.

We then hooked onto I-81 northeast to Virginia through Bristol and Abingdon. My guidebook mentioned Abingdon as the “first English speaking settlement west of the Blue Ridge.” We needed lunch too so we stopped off at the Pepper Mill.

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Read more about the article The Omni Homestead Resort – Hot Springs, VA

The Omni Homestead Resort – Hot Springs, VA

Founded in 1766, the Omni Homestead rivals the Greenbriar. Remember these were both in Viriginia when founded as West Virginia didn’t become a state until 1861. A little less pretentious and right in the middle of town, we drove through a residential area (reminiscient of the Grove Park Inn) onto the grounds into a parking lot. the massive red-brick, Federal style hotel looked very Thomas Jefferson. The sun glistened on visitors sitting in rocking chairs on the front porch.

Come sit for a spell on the veranda

Inside, a large 2-story, classical lobby, also with palladium windows but not a zillion varieties of chintz, greeted us. At the far end, a more casual restaurant bar with more updated furnishings awaited. (more…)