July 4 weekend Rachel and I spent Saturday exploring a roadside civil war encampment / battlefield on the summit of Rich Mountain. While the roadside marker indicating the Civil War engagement was next to the highway on RT 33 the battle ground site itself was far cry from any major traffic corridor.
Situated in the mountain pass of Rich Mountain on the Staunton-Parkersburg Pike and between the communities of Beverly and Colton, West Virginia the battle was remote even by today’s standards.
July 11, 1861 was certainly early in the civil war and protection of B & O railway interests in western Virginia was tantamount to the Union. Taking direction from Washington, Union troops moved decisively to protect their interest, thus they continued to follow Confederate movement in the region.
Confederate troops moving eastward after a loss at Philippi, WV moved to further secure the interior regions of western Virginia and maintain access of the S & P Pike for the Confederacy.
Upon receiving word that Union troops were advancing towards them Confederate General Robert Garnett quickly dispatched 310 soldiers from the Roaring Springs encampment to the high ground of Rich Mt. and the farm of Joseph Hart. Accompanied by 1 cannon, confederate troops dug in among the boulders and buildings scattered atop the craggy mountain pass readying themselves for any movement by Union forces.
At the very same time 5,000 Union troops and 8 cannon now under the direction of Gen George B. McClellan were digging in for what was expected to be a long engagement at the base of Rich Mountain on the western slope. Yet, as history would prove McClellan was timid in troop movement and attack, thus McClellan sent Brigadier Gen. William Rosecrans and 2,000 troops to encounter the Confederate forces.
David Hart, son of Rich Mountain inn keeper Joseph Hart, had arrived in the Union camp soon after confederate troops had taken up residency on the mountain and quickly volunteered his services as a guide for the union troops as the Union prepared to outflank the Confederacy.
Slowed by rain, heavy underbrush and misdirection, Union Brigadier Gen. William Rosecrans arrived midday in a surprising attack on this small Confederate force. Later that afternoon on July 11, leaving their cannon and one dead behind Confederate troops evacuated their strong hold, with Union troops fast on their heels.
These seemingly optimistic beginnings at Philippi and Rich Mt. would soon falter as numerous battles in the east including Manassas would fall to the Confederacy, forcing President Lincoln to look for new leadership in the field and the eventual appointment of McClellan to head the Union Army.
It should be noted, that McClellan’s actions at Rich Mt. foreshowed his weakness in battles fought later in the war. Although a brilliant man by all accounts and with a keen ability to organize troops McClellan still lacked the ability to move troops into battle at pivotal times, often blaming the failures of his actions on those he served with; and so he will be remembered.
If you are in the Beverly region or traveling east on RT 33, look for the signs indicating Rich Mt. The trip from Beverly across the pass to Colton is a mere 45 minutes. The stop at both McClellan encampment and the Confederate encampment are deserving of a few minutes of your time. Additionally, the park service and the Rich Mt Foundation have the battle field well marked and have done a remarkable job of maintaining the area.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
June 20, 2009.
Early in my political experience I was appointed to LOCEA, the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability by then Speaker of the House, Bob Kiss of which my responsibility was to review and recommend any changes associated with education.
One project of note that came before the Commission was the new State History Museum, although not entirely new the museum had been around for more than 100 years when it was determined that a redesign was long overdue.
The design idea was different; create a show path as opposed to the present “find a state artifact and find a place for it.” What you previously had was a disoriented, disassociated mess, whereas, most artifacts lacked signage and relevance to the artifact next to it…of course there were exceptions. The log cabin, general store and 35 Star National flag where and remain some of our states’ prized possessions.
The design plan was simple; create a show path which displays objects in chronological order, beginning with the year 500 BC and the evolution of coal. Pretty simple, so it would seem, but the project required in excess of $24 million dollars and gutting the present museum in order to make room for the new design.
While many eyebrows were raised with the estimated cost to the project, the design team of four soon went to work reevaluating the project and value engineering every inch of the 25,000 square foot space, which fortunately for all of us brought the project in under $17 million. 2002 marked the beginning of a very lengthy project that would not come to fruition until June 20, 2009 with the grand opening of the new State Museum.
Even if you are not a museum going person this show path of our state’s history is worth the walk, consisting of an 1/8 of a mile walk beginning with 500 B.C. West Virginia and culminating in visual display of digital information and sights of West Virginia.
The museum walks you through our history creating an overall picture of our roots, our heritage and storied past and yes at times, a violent past. While the corner store, moonshine still, coal wars and military experience are vital to our past, State hood plays central to my museum experience. Perhaps, it’s because I am member of the legislature or maybe something simpler, perhaps it’s the pride I take in being a West Virginian. Either way, I delight in the experience the museum gives me and would strongly encourage anyone to visit the West Virginia State Museum.
What can you look forward to seeing during your visit to the museum? One can’t miss item is the 35 Star National Flag that was flown at Gettysburg during Lincolns Gettysburg Address in November of 1863. Just imagine, we were but a state for 5 months when Lincoln delivered, ”Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal…” What more can I say?
Other artifacts of interest include; Daniel Boones Long rifle, the first journal of the House of Delegates, Philippi Covered Bridge, a coal mine, log cabin, log fort and over 3,000 additional artifacts and stories.
So I ask you, why stay home this weekend?
The WV State Museum is located in the Charleston Capitol Complex and is open Tuesday through Sunday. 9:00am -5:00pm Admission is free.
WEST VIRGINIA RESORT SPRINGS
Summer is here and as always I try and find something adventurous to do, and with the escalation of fuel cost I've determined that maybe Rachel and I should stay close to home.
That being said, several months ago Rachel and I came across a book which described the location and the history behind some of the resort style springs here in West Virginia and Virginia. So I thought, maybe this summer Rachel and I would pack up the truck, camping gear and all, and try to find a few of the lesser known Springs here in West Virginia, many of which have fallen into ruins and are for the most part non-existent.
To those of you unfamiliar with spring style resorts; "springs" came into in fashion during the 1800's when the social elite escaped the cities for cooler mountain locations and to socialize with those of social distinction. Many of the resorts warm waters supposedly held medicinal purposes and attracted visitors to the region in an attempt heal whatever ailed them at the time. One such visitor was George Washington who was rumored to visit spring locations on a regular basis. Perhaps you have heard of his favorite spring? In the 1700's it was known as Bath, Virginia... you may know it today as Berkeley Springs WV.
Visiting springs throughout the south was not uncommon as a matter of fact "making the circuit" was common practice as the social elite would travel from one spring resort to another. Although, the practice began as means to escape the stifling heat of the city and to receive treatment for ailments, it to quickly became an indicator of social status to be seen at several resorts each season, thus "making the circuit" evolved.
This past weekend while visiting Rachel's friends in Keyser WV we made a little side trip to one of those many springs here in WV; Green Springs located an hour southeast of Cumberland MD and 2 hours west of Washington DC offers a ghost tale of the past.
The community of Green Springs still host a population of 75 or so people, the community itself is unique in that it sits at a cross roads for rail service, with lines approaching the town from the south with intersecting lines heading east to west just north of the community.
The spring and buildings associated with the resort have long since disappeared leaving nothing more than a green space of heavy trees and underbrush to hide its former location, as a matter fact the community itself does little to advertise the former resort location. If I for the small community kiosk information I would have missed the map that was on display which detailed the community building by building.
Although not drawn to scale, the child like map did help in determining the original location of Green Springs resort. If for some strange reason you find yourself in the area of Green Springs please make note of the Wild Horse Saloon on the edge of town, directly behind the saloon is the original location of the resort. While in the town make a right at the first major intersection you come to and drive approximately half a mile until you come to the low level bridge across the Potomac, just across the river lies the C&O Canal and tow path.
Rachel and I were unable to cross the river during our visit due to the recent flooding, but for the adventurous the bridge appears to be in sound condition and is used daily by local residents working in Cumberland area and for those who catch commuter trains from the Cumberland depot heading east to DC.
Would I recommend Green Springs to tourist? Probably not as a destination, but if you are in the area certainly stop by. Make sure and top off the tank before you leave the main road; maybe pick up a few supplies for a make shift picnic lunch as well, Green Springs offers a very nice community park which is located just 200 ft east of the original resort site.
Next stop Capon and Lost Springs, later this summer we head south in search of more former resort style springs located here in the state, many located in the hills around the Greenbrier Resort.
Explore West Virginia you'll be glad you did and remember the destination is not always as important as the trip getting there.
That being said, several months ago Rachel and I came across a book which described the location and the history behind some of the resort style springs here in West Virginia and Virginia. So I thought, maybe this summer Rachel and I would pack up the truck, camping gear and all, and try to find a few of the lesser known Springs here in West Virginia, many of which have fallen into ruins and are for the most part non-existent.
To those of you unfamiliar with spring style resorts; "springs" came into in fashion during the 1800's when the social elite escaped the cities for cooler mountain locations and to socialize with those of social distinction. Many of the resorts warm waters supposedly held medicinal purposes and attracted visitors to the region in an attempt heal whatever ailed them at the time. One such visitor was George Washington who was rumored to visit spring locations on a regular basis. Perhaps you have heard of his favorite spring? In the 1700's it was known as Bath, Virginia... you may know it today as Berkeley Springs WV.
Visiting springs throughout the south was not uncommon as a matter of fact "making the circuit" was common practice as the social elite would travel from one spring resort to another. Although, the practice began as means to escape the stifling heat of the city and to receive treatment for ailments, it to quickly became an indicator of social status to be seen at several resorts each season, thus "making the circuit" evolved.
This past weekend while visiting Rachel's friends in Keyser WV we made a little side trip to one of those many springs here in WV; Green Springs located an hour southeast of Cumberland MD and 2 hours west of Washington DC offers a ghost tale of the past.
The community of Green Springs still host a population of 75 or so people, the community itself is unique in that it sits at a cross roads for rail service, with lines approaching the town from the south with intersecting lines heading east to west just north of the community.
The spring and buildings associated with the resort have long since disappeared leaving nothing more than a green space of heavy trees and underbrush to hide its former location, as a matter fact the community itself does little to advertise the former resort location. If I for the small community kiosk information I would have missed the map that was on display which detailed the community building by building.
Although not drawn to scale, the child like map did help in determining the original location of Green Springs resort. If for some strange reason you find yourself in the area of Green Springs please make note of the Wild Horse Saloon on the edge of town, directly behind the saloon is the original location of the resort. While in the town make a right at the first major intersection you come to and drive approximately half a mile until you come to the low level bridge across the Potomac, just across the river lies the C&O Canal and tow path.
Rachel and I were unable to cross the river during our visit due to the recent flooding, but for the adventurous the bridge appears to be in sound condition and is used daily by local residents working in Cumberland area and for those who catch commuter trains from the Cumberland depot heading east to DC.
Would I recommend Green Springs to tourist? Probably not as a destination, but if you are in the area certainly stop by. Make sure and top off the tank before you leave the main road; maybe pick up a few supplies for a make shift picnic lunch as well, Green Springs offers a very nice community park which is located just 200 ft east of the original resort site.
Next stop Capon and Lost Springs, later this summer we head south in search of more former resort style springs located here in the state, many located in the hills around the Greenbrier Resort.
Explore West Virginia you'll be glad you did and remember the destination is not always as important as the trip getting there.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Williamsburg VA.
When choosing a travel destination that includes history your choices are numerous to say the least, one could choose various locals such as Washington D.C., but Washington tends to document history and primarily acts as the principle library and museum for the United States. Philadelphia would be another excellent choice allowing one to experience history at the dawn of our extraordinary country, although you are limited to roughly a 25 year period in history; while much can be said for either location my money rests on historic Williamsburg VA.
Williamsburg VA located mere hours from many east coast cities; this history packed region of the US spans three hundred years of founding history from the first settlement in Jamestown to the surrender of British forces in Yorktown VA, while offering up generous dose of civil war history throughout the region…which occurred some 300 hundred years after Jamestown.
Arriving in VA via the West Virginia Turnpike is pretty quick and painless; the trip from Charleston to the VA /WV border is approximately 2 hours with an additional four hours to Williamsburg. Along the way you travel through Covington and Clifton Mills VA a somewhat smelly region so keep the windows closed until you are over the mountain and several miles from the source of irritation. The next community you happen upon will be the city of Lexington which features only the second horse park in the US, the first horse park lies in Lexington KY… go figure.
If time allows make an effort to visit the home of Thomas Jeffersons, Monticello and before getting back on the interstate swing into Charlottesville VA, check out the campus of the University of VA Thomas Jefferson designed this campus as he did his own home in the Palladio architectural style. While walking the campus stroll on over to the south side dormitory row which offers the campus home of Edgar Allen Poe, aside from the Poe factor the small dorm room also affords the visitor a unique look into 18th century campus life.
Safely back on the interstate it would be very easy to stop off in Richmond and explore the vast array of historic civil war battle locations and the White House of the Confederacy, but this would certainly eat into the allotted time in Williamsburg. My suggestion would be to plan a separate or extended stay to the region and allow Williamsburg to be the base camp while exploring the area.
I would also suggest at this to point to get off the interstate and rather then fighting the bumper to bumper traffic of people on their way to Virginia Beach seek out a little unknown route…Rt.5. Popular with travelers in the 17th and 18th century this route with its canopy of shades tree is often seen after you arrive in Williamsburg as you begin venturing outside the city to explore plantations in the area such as the Shirley Plantation. This tunnel like drive and 55 mile per hour speed limit allowed Rachel and I to slow down and immerse ourselves in history as we traveled along the main route from Richmond to Williamsburg, the very same corridor used by our forefathers and scene to countless skirmishes by civil war troops. In fact, this two lane corridor came to an abrupt end right into the heart of historic Williamsburg while permitting us to navigate around the interstate traffic and arrive prior to our scheduled 3:00pm hotel check-in time.
Upon arrival in Williamsburg via Rt.5 you soon discover two things, first you did not need to search out the correct exit off the interstate and secondly whatever creature comforts you desire Williamsburg has it from four star retreats to simple tent camp sites located along the James River each in its own way offering just what the doctor ordered …relaxation.
Travel to the region is pretty simple one can choose either car or plane, however another alternative to consider is by train with its many stops in small communities allowing an easy connection for any want to be traveler from practically any region in the US. As for me I stick with the old stand by, my truck, affording me the flexibility to camp and have all the necessary gear with me or leave the camping gear at home and select from one of hundreds of hotels within the area, which allows me to use the truck for souvenir collecting. Whatever you chose Williamsburg is very easy to get around considering the mass of visitors to the region; parking is abundant, buses travel regularly between Yorktown located northeast of Williamsburg to Jamestown located south west of Williamsburg. This scenic route running north east and parallel to the York River for the most part offers a wonderful natural setting and simple view of the water sheds small tributaries, while allowing local residents the elbow room to fish and swim leaving the congested Yorktown beach areas for family vacationers.
Our afternoon arrival into Williamsburg afforded Rachel and me a walk around the historic section of town before finding a place to settle down for dinner. On the opposite end of town from the Capitol of colonial VA we chose a small yet elegant restaurant. The Trellis, situated just off the historic section next door to Barns & Noble Books. A unique restaurant in many ways, from the outside it appeared to be another historic structure, but once inside you are treated to contemporary décor which oddly enough worked for this environment, while creating a very comfortable feeling; complete with a very pleasing dinner, live music, wonderful entrees, desserts and wine selection… definitely a restaurant to be enjoyed. I would strongly recommend anything on the menu, but perhaps my favorite was the pork dish; the triple chocolate dessert and a nice glass of Riesling complimented the evening as well. One lone disappointment and added note, avoid the after dinner coffee you could most likely get a better cup of coffee at the local Speedy Mart.
Once outside we ventured into a few shops scattered along the courtyard, although you had your selection of t-shirts as possible souvenir for the kids you also had a vast choice of odd collectibles as well ranging from $3 Christmas ornaments to a thousand dollar chess set finished in colonial pewter figurines. Situated just off the historic district and next door to the Trellis you can also find Barns & Noble Books. As an avid reader I find it almost impossible to pass up a book store even more so considering I was carrying my Fathers Day gift card with me. Typically I tend to make books my souvenir of choice, so what better way to make use of my gift card, beside books take up less space in the suitcase.
The walk back to the truck was exceptional the light was dimming and the crowds began thinning which permitted great photo opportunities, before all the light disappears view the gardens in and around the historic area, each back yard or in a few cases front yards offer floral and vegetable gardens, so take time to break out the camera and soak it all in.
Flowers and architecture not your cup of tea, perhaps a ghost tour within Williamsburg is more to your liking, historic Williamsburg offers numerous tours to suit any pocket and judging by the size of the crowds outside some of the establishments I would venture to guess ghost tours are a pretty popular ingredient to the Williamsburg experience for more then just a few families.
If you like to people watch as I do find a bench and enjoy the crowds while sipping on your favorite beverage of choice it also gives you another vantage point while enjoying the architecture.In many communities throughout the United States in which preservation socities are absent gazing up towards the roof line of each building is essential if one is to capture the original essence of a particular structure, but street level preservation in Williamsburg has kept the original architectural element in tact thus allowing your eye to remain at ground level thanks in part to the John D. Rockefeller Foundation.
The following day and after spending some personal time with Rachel by the pool we decided to make Yorktown our next stop for the weekend. Yorktown, location of Cornwallis's surrender to George Washington and the end of the Revolutionary War offers an insiders look into the final days of the revolution. Beginning in the museum and ending with a walking tour of the encampments, trenches, and historic Yorktown all of which can be explored within an afternoon allowing sufficent time to return to Williamsburg and explore some of the buildings that perhaps you missed the day before. If time permits perhaps you can take in a live performance or dine within the historic community itself, historic Williamsburg offers several old tavern dinning experiences which delight the children and adults with their costumed and never out of character waiters and waitresses.
After many hours on our feet exploring Yorktown Rachel and I decide on something outside the historic genre of dinning experiences and chose the Black Angus, located in the present day consumer retail world, a very nice restaurant with a menu item for everyone’s taste and budget; specializing in steak and seafood among others. Reservations are recommended and blue jeans are acceptable attire.
The next morning after attending church we decided on a small restaurant one block from the hotel…Second Street. By far one of my favorite breakfast restaurants, this restarant offers a warm contemporary feel with a menu that explored traditional foods in an off the wall yet tantalizing to the taste buds sort of way. My breakfast began with a great cup of coffee and eggs benedict and not just any benedict. My eggs benedict included four skillet browned rice and grit squares, topped with a seasoned omelet, on top of this a generous helping of crab cake and then drizzled with a fresh made hollandaise sauce. This meal alone will get me back to Williamsburg before the end of the year. While it would appear that Rachel and I are all about the meals, but in fact we both share a strong interest in architecture and enjoy the walking tours in and around most communities we visit, which also allows us to walk off the meals we enjoy.
Please bear in mind that on this particular trip Rachel and I had only two days to enjoy Williamsburg and in order to truly enjoy everything Williamsburg has to offer one must plan nothing less then a week in the region…we never did get the chance to visit Jamestown! Presently, Williamsburg leads the list of historic destinations; that is until we travel to Charleston SC and Savannah GA later this year and then at that time the list may get shuffled a bit.
I forgot to mention our soul purpose for visiting Williamsburg, although we did take time and walk the historic area of Williamsburg and Yorktown our primary mission was to inform Rachel’s vacationing family of our elopement to Boone NC.(see prior blog)
Mission accomplished!
Williamsburg VA located mere hours from many east coast cities; this history packed region of the US spans three hundred years of founding history from the first settlement in Jamestown to the surrender of British forces in Yorktown VA, while offering up generous dose of civil war history throughout the region…which occurred some 300 hundred years after Jamestown.
Arriving in VA via the West Virginia Turnpike is pretty quick and painless; the trip from Charleston to the VA /WV border is approximately 2 hours with an additional four hours to Williamsburg. Along the way you travel through Covington and Clifton Mills VA a somewhat smelly region so keep the windows closed until you are over the mountain and several miles from the source of irritation. The next community you happen upon will be the city of Lexington which features only the second horse park in the US, the first horse park lies in Lexington KY… go figure.
If time allows make an effort to visit the home of Thomas Jeffersons, Monticello and before getting back on the interstate swing into Charlottesville VA, check out the campus of the University of VA Thomas Jefferson designed this campus as he did his own home in the Palladio architectural style. While walking the campus stroll on over to the south side dormitory row which offers the campus home of Edgar Allen Poe, aside from the Poe factor the small dorm room also affords the visitor a unique look into 18th century campus life.
Safely back on the interstate it would be very easy to stop off in Richmond and explore the vast array of historic civil war battle locations and the White House of the Confederacy, but this would certainly eat into the allotted time in Williamsburg. My suggestion would be to plan a separate or extended stay to the region and allow Williamsburg to be the base camp while exploring the area.
I would also suggest at this to point to get off the interstate and rather then fighting the bumper to bumper traffic of people on their way to Virginia Beach seek out a little unknown route…Rt.5. Popular with travelers in the 17th and 18th century this route with its canopy of shades tree is often seen after you arrive in Williamsburg as you begin venturing outside the city to explore plantations in the area such as the Shirley Plantation. This tunnel like drive and 55 mile per hour speed limit allowed Rachel and I to slow down and immerse ourselves in history as we traveled along the main route from Richmond to Williamsburg, the very same corridor used by our forefathers and scene to countless skirmishes by civil war troops. In fact, this two lane corridor came to an abrupt end right into the heart of historic Williamsburg while permitting us to navigate around the interstate traffic and arrive prior to our scheduled 3:00pm hotel check-in time.
Upon arrival in Williamsburg via Rt.5 you soon discover two things, first you did not need to search out the correct exit off the interstate and secondly whatever creature comforts you desire Williamsburg has it from four star retreats to simple tent camp sites located along the James River each in its own way offering just what the doctor ordered …relaxation.
Travel to the region is pretty simple one can choose either car or plane, however another alternative to consider is by train with its many stops in small communities allowing an easy connection for any want to be traveler from practically any region in the US. As for me I stick with the old stand by, my truck, affording me the flexibility to camp and have all the necessary gear with me or leave the camping gear at home and select from one of hundreds of hotels within the area, which allows me to use the truck for souvenir collecting. Whatever you chose Williamsburg is very easy to get around considering the mass of visitors to the region; parking is abundant, buses travel regularly between Yorktown located northeast of Williamsburg to Jamestown located south west of Williamsburg. This scenic route running north east and parallel to the York River for the most part offers a wonderful natural setting and simple view of the water sheds small tributaries, while allowing local residents the elbow room to fish and swim leaving the congested Yorktown beach areas for family vacationers.
Our afternoon arrival into Williamsburg afforded Rachel and me a walk around the historic section of town before finding a place to settle down for dinner. On the opposite end of town from the Capitol of colonial VA we chose a small yet elegant restaurant. The Trellis, situated just off the historic section next door to Barns & Noble Books. A unique restaurant in many ways, from the outside it appeared to be another historic structure, but once inside you are treated to contemporary décor which oddly enough worked for this environment, while creating a very comfortable feeling; complete with a very pleasing dinner, live music, wonderful entrees, desserts and wine selection… definitely a restaurant to be enjoyed. I would strongly recommend anything on the menu, but perhaps my favorite was the pork dish; the triple chocolate dessert and a nice glass of Riesling complimented the evening as well. One lone disappointment and added note, avoid the after dinner coffee you could most likely get a better cup of coffee at the local Speedy Mart.
Once outside we ventured into a few shops scattered along the courtyard, although you had your selection of t-shirts as possible souvenir for the kids you also had a vast choice of odd collectibles as well ranging from $3 Christmas ornaments to a thousand dollar chess set finished in colonial pewter figurines. Situated just off the historic district and next door to the Trellis you can also find Barns & Noble Books. As an avid reader I find it almost impossible to pass up a book store even more so considering I was carrying my Fathers Day gift card with me. Typically I tend to make books my souvenir of choice, so what better way to make use of my gift card, beside books take up less space in the suitcase.
The walk back to the truck was exceptional the light was dimming and the crowds began thinning which permitted great photo opportunities, before all the light disappears view the gardens in and around the historic area, each back yard or in a few cases front yards offer floral and vegetable gardens, so take time to break out the camera and soak it all in.
Flowers and architecture not your cup of tea, perhaps a ghost tour within Williamsburg is more to your liking, historic Williamsburg offers numerous tours to suit any pocket and judging by the size of the crowds outside some of the establishments I would venture to guess ghost tours are a pretty popular ingredient to the Williamsburg experience for more then just a few families.
If you like to people watch as I do find a bench and enjoy the crowds while sipping on your favorite beverage of choice it also gives you another vantage point while enjoying the architecture.In many communities throughout the United States in which preservation socities are absent gazing up towards the roof line of each building is essential if one is to capture the original essence of a particular structure, but street level preservation in Williamsburg has kept the original architectural element in tact thus allowing your eye to remain at ground level thanks in part to the John D. Rockefeller Foundation.
The following day and after spending some personal time with Rachel by the pool we decided to make Yorktown our next stop for the weekend. Yorktown, location of Cornwallis's surrender to George Washington and the end of the Revolutionary War offers an insiders look into the final days of the revolution. Beginning in the museum and ending with a walking tour of the encampments, trenches, and historic Yorktown all of which can be explored within an afternoon allowing sufficent time to return to Williamsburg and explore some of the buildings that perhaps you missed the day before. If time permits perhaps you can take in a live performance or dine within the historic community itself, historic Williamsburg offers several old tavern dinning experiences which delight the children and adults with their costumed and never out of character waiters and waitresses.
After many hours on our feet exploring Yorktown Rachel and I decide on something outside the historic genre of dinning experiences and chose the Black Angus, located in the present day consumer retail world, a very nice restaurant with a menu item for everyone’s taste and budget; specializing in steak and seafood among others. Reservations are recommended and blue jeans are acceptable attire.
The next morning after attending church we decided on a small restaurant one block from the hotel…Second Street. By far one of my favorite breakfast restaurants, this restarant offers a warm contemporary feel with a menu that explored traditional foods in an off the wall yet tantalizing to the taste buds sort of way. My breakfast began with a great cup of coffee and eggs benedict and not just any benedict. My eggs benedict included four skillet browned rice and grit squares, topped with a seasoned omelet, on top of this a generous helping of crab cake and then drizzled with a fresh made hollandaise sauce. This meal alone will get me back to Williamsburg before the end of the year. While it would appear that Rachel and I are all about the meals, but in fact we both share a strong interest in architecture and enjoy the walking tours in and around most communities we visit, which also allows us to walk off the meals we enjoy.
Please bear in mind that on this particular trip Rachel and I had only two days to enjoy Williamsburg and in order to truly enjoy everything Williamsburg has to offer one must plan nothing less then a week in the region…we never did get the chance to visit Jamestown! Presently, Williamsburg leads the list of historic destinations; that is until we travel to Charleston SC and Savannah GA later this year and then at that time the list may get shuffled a bit.
I forgot to mention our soul purpose for visiting Williamsburg, although we did take time and walk the historic area of Williamsburg and Yorktown our primary mission was to inform Rachel’s vacationing family of our elopement to Boone NC.(see prior blog)
Mission accomplished!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Blue Ridge Mountains ...Part II
As promised this is the second installment of our recent visit to Boone NC and before you read any further Darris you should know Rachel and I were also married the same weekend…sorry buddy it’s true, but look on the bright side you are not the last to know.As for the rest of you if you are keeping up with our adventures then you know Rachel and I do love to travel together, Rachel as my co-pilot and navigator and as for me I sometimes think Rachel just brings me along because she knows that I like to drive, but none the less we travel and boy do we travel. In the past four months together we have traveled 14 out of the last 17 weekends, which equates to 56 days and approximately 6,000 miles…wow.
I do know from this recent trip to Boone I must invest in a map that is less then twenty years old, the one Rachel was using failed to list major towns and more then a few state roads which really didn’t present a problem until the return trip home when Rachel informed me that Damascus VA was no longer on the map. Damascus VA for the uninformed is a major layover for those individuals hiking the Appalachian Trail a great spot to re-supply and relax for a day or two before heading out to the their final destination in Georgia or New Hampshire depending on the north south heading.
I digress, as mentioned before Rachel and I had eloped to Boone, although we had planned an October wedding we decided just days before our departure to include marriage in our plans, while including my sister Lena and her husband Mike as witnesses. Pretty simple process really the state of North Carolina only requires identification, $20 fee and we provide witnesses for our weekend ceremony. An ordained minister can perform the ceremony as well as any local Magistrate…we chose the later. Sorry again Darris! Where else do you get a lesson in elopement 101?
I guess if you were to ask Rachel her favorite part of the weekend besides the wedding it most certainly would include the cabin I rented for the weekend. Close to everything, yet snuggled in the mountains away from town; a very special location just over the mountain from where my father was born and distant family still live. The cabin which can be seen in the provided pictures offered more then enough room for two considering its ability to accommodate eight people comfortably with full size beds in every room and two very large bathrooms. The only thing this cabin did not provide was food, aside from this we had everything we needed which enabled Rachel and me to prepare very nice dinner for the four of us later that evening.
http://fallcreekvacationrentals.com/
The Friday evening before the wedding Rachel and I arrived early in order for me to show Rachel around the area and to stop by the courthouse to get our marriage license information in order. Soon after departing the courthouse we found ourselves exploring RT 321 south of Blowing Rock passing along the way such must see places like Tweetsie Railroad which offers live interactive comedic train robbery while your train clambers its way over hill and dell; back at the bottom of the mountain musical theatrical productions are featured on the hour in the now famous Tweetsie Saloon.
As we also clambered our way up the mountain we happened across a unique restaurant perched at the edge of the canyon…appropriately named Canyons. The evening included live local entertainment, fresh seafood and customer friendly service second to none, I say this because the waiter and kitchen staff went over and beyond in order to make sure Rachel could eat something that did not include onions…nasty reaction when she eats onions. The view of the canyon like the customer service is second to none and was visible from most any seat in the house with outside dinning for even the most timid of height seekers.
Backtracking off the mountain make sure and swing through the small community of Blowing Rock, take in the local fare and atmosphere. Walk the streets explore the shops and galleries and then move over to the park just across the street, purchase an ice cream cone, acquire a park bench then sit back and people watch, you will be glad you did.
The day of the wedding began rather much in a lull things were quiet we had scoped out the floral shop the night before. Good thing we did it had taken us twenty minutes and much back tracking in order to find this little tiny whole in the wall. Before leaving Morgantown I taken time to order Rachel a bouquet of roses on-line, using the sight most advertised and with the highest rated comments I called and placed an order. Obviously the company expends a lot of money on their on line presence and not so much on the store itself, as a matter of fact had Rachel not seen the tattered fabric awning attached to a beat up old warehouse we would still be looking for the florist. However, with that being said the flowers were beautiful and fresh, the thought of walking in there the next morning and seeing a bunch of weeds presented to me on our wedding day was weighting heavy on my mind the entire evening…I guess looks can be deceiving.
Did I fail to mention I was late for my own wedding, yep forgot the ring back at the cabin. We were just driving around killing time and low and behold my co-pilot started going through her trusty checklist and yes the ring was missing. I franticly called my sister and informed her we would be little tardy in picking them up. What I thought would be 10 minute drive back to the cabin quickly turned to 15 and then 20 and then 30 minutes passed, which placed us 5 minutes late in arriving to the courthouse.
After the very simple ceremony before the Magistrate the four of us retired to the Crying Onion a restaurant famous for its humus and ice cold tea…great place just around the corner from the courthouse.
Later that evening as previously mention Rachel and I prepared dinner for the four of us, but not before stopping and picking up a few things from Earth Fare a mostly organic food store, offering great organic coffees, fruits, pasta and bison. I only wish Morgantown or even Charleston West Virginia had such a store, great place to shop if you are really into watching what you put in your body. My daughter Courtney turned me onto the whole health food store concept…very glad she did.
Back in Morgantown Sunday evening we began to plan our next trip… destination Williamsburg VA. Meeting up with the new in-laws I guess we need to tell them we’re married sometime. Wish us luck!
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