Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 … Two Lane Adventures Continue!

We are camping at the Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping, part of the George Washington National Forest. It is a beautiful park with tons of walking trails and two lakes. I enjoyed my first morning walk here and captured this beautiful photo.

We passed through the edge of Waynesboro VA and found the old building belonging to the Waynesboro Stove Company. On October 6th, 1890, the WJ Loth Stove Company was started in Waynesboro, Virginia. The company manufactured "Cast Iron" stoves and wood & coal heaters. In the late 1890's frying pans, waffle irons, tea kettles and other cookware were added to the company's product line. Mr. Loth died in 1904. Percy, his son, ran the company till the end of World War I. His cousin, retired Army Captain Richard Clemmer, then took control of the business. Clemmer realized that the future was not in wood and coal heating. So, in 1922, Clemmer hired a Canadian electrical engineer, Mr. Fred Cuffe. Together they designed an electric stove and by the mid 1920's, they marketed Clemmer's "Hotpoint Range". In 1938, the company installed equipment for melting brass and other non-ferrous metals and began to market products under the name Virginia Metalcrafters.

Although World War II halted the casting of brass products - they began again and hired Artist Calvin Roy Kinstler who was primarily a wood sculptor of animals. The wood carving would be used to make reproductions in primarily bronze or in the case of doorstops - Cast iron. Clemmer signed a license with Colonial Williamsburg in 1951 to produce brass and iron reproductions. Other Gift Shops followed: the Smithsonian Institution, Mount Vernon, Monticello and others. In 1953 Charles Eckman purchased the company and expanded the company's operations and, in addition to making such diverse products as lawn mowers and tractors. The company went out of business in 2005. Colonial Williamsburg bought some of the Virginia Metalcrafters' molds, and still uses them to produce items today. The building was undergoing some renovations, not sure what the building is going to be used for next.

The Shenandoah Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in the Shenandoah Valley. An AVA is a designated wine grape-growing region in the US, providing an official appellation for the mutual benefit of wineries and consumers. Winemakers frequently want their consumers to know about the geographic pedigree of their wines. The Shenandoah Valley AVA is emerging as one of the country’s most exciting wine producing regions, and it is no wonder with the limestone soil, higher elevation, cooler nights, and less rainfall. All of this combines to provide some of the state’s best growing conditions. In addition to producing award-winning wines, the scenery is breathtaking with the Blue Ridge, Massanutten, and Allegheny Mountains as the backdrop. The sprawling countryside invites a time of relaxation as you are sipping on the wines. Most of the vineyards are family-run, with the owners frequently found behind the tasting bar.

     

On our way to Skyline Drive and The Blue Ridge Parkway, we passed under and overpass and found vividly painted bridge supports on Route 250.

Shenandoah National Park, established in 1935 before skyscrapers and air travel were common. The park was designed to give millions the opportunity to travel to the top. Its 197,000 acres of beauty with 500 miles of trails, scenic overlooks, concessions and picnic areas. From the beginning, national park planners, capitalizing on the new popularity of motor cars, called for Shenandoah’s “greatest single feature” to be a sky-line drive on which motorists could enjoy a leisurely drive through the Blue Ridge and experience the awe and inspiration of magnificent views. Construction of Skyline Drive had begun even before Congress established the National Park. Formed from over 1,000 privately owned tracts of land, Shenandoah started as patchwork of forests, fields, orchards and home sites. In 1976 Congress designed over 40 percent of the park as wilderness, providing the highest level of protection to this precious resource.

We entered the park and drove on Skyline Drive first. Virginia's Skyline Drive is a National Scenic Byway that runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Waynesboro to Front Royal. Skyline Drive is Shenandoah National Park’s linear conduit, with 75 overlooks connecting travelers to all the major visitor centers, campgrounds, lodges, picnic areas and most trailheads. Concrete posts numbered every mile keep you apprised of your whereabouts. We aren’t driving 105 miles today!

We stopped at McCormick Gap Overlook. View the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley from McCormick Gap Overlook is spectacular. The Shenandoah Valley is bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Valley and Ridge Appalachians to the west. Origins of the name Shenandoah are unknown, though it is generally believed to be of American Indian origin. The most common, romantic theory is that the name means "Beautiful Daughter of the Stars," however there is no more evidence for this theory than any other. From this overlook, you can also see Turk Mountain.

We drove further to stop at Beagle Gap Overlook. Facing east from an elevation of 2,495 ft, the view from Beagle Gap Overlook stretches outside of Shenandoah National Park to the Piedmont region of Virginia. Calf Mountain is the long ridge from the left descending down to the center of the view. If you travelled in a south-eastern direction, the first urban center you would hit is the town of Charlottesville, Virginia.

What separates Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway? The answer to that question is Rockfish Gap, aka crest of the Blue Ridge. Rockfish Gap is a wind gap located in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Charlottesville and Waynesboro. Rockfish Gap has always had that name, acquiring it from the river which rises in part from its base.

The Blue Ridge Parkway was decades in the making by many people. Its route, stopping points and vistas were all carefully planned. Stanley Abbott, the chief parkway designer and first superintendent, often talked to area residents and ensured their stories became part of the parkway. As you travel on this historic road enjoy the careful designs revealing the region’s people, landscapes and exceptional views! Be sure to stop often at historic sites, view exhibits and walk the trails.

We stopped at the Afton Overlook. The community of Afton can be seen from this overlook. Notable because it was the route Thomas Jefferson took in 1818 on his way to confirm plans for the University of Virginia. Afton was once a prized destination for tourists seeking to escape the crowded cities and enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Afton is now the site of the western trailhead of the Blue Ridge Tunnel, a former railroad tunnel converted into a pedestrian trail. Hiking through the tunnel is a truly unique hiking experience!

We stopped at Humpback Rocks Visitor Center for the facilities. I snapped this picture of the beautiful azaleas in bloom.

We enjoyed lunch at Benny Stivale’s in downtown Waynesboro. Google told me it was similar to ABC Pizza. Well, it was nothing like ABC, except the fact that they both serve pizza! This place served slices of pizza, HUGE slices of pizza!

Charlie wanted to wash the car, so we stopped at Pinky’s Car Wash for a quick wash! Then it was off to Kroeger’s for a few groceries and Truist for the ATM. We headed back to our temporary home in the George Washington Nat’l Forest

I finished the day with a walk to the upper Sherando Lake, it is much smaller than Sherando Lake, but just as beautiful!

Stay tuned for more fun on our Two Lane Adventures!

Monday, May 16th, 2022 … Two Lane Adventures Continue!

We departed Roaring Rivers Winery in Trapnell NC on our way to Lyndhurst VA. I made Charlie stop as we headed out the stone gate of the winery, because I thought it made such a beautiful picture! On the first part of our journey today, we took US-21 to I-77 to US-221.

We came into the town of Hillsville VA and I saw this beautiful Veteran’s Memorial. But I could not find out any more information about it, which is sad because I would like to brag on it a little, because it really stuck out to me.

The Crooked Road winds through almost 300 miles of scenic terrain in southwest Virginia, including 19 counties, four cities, and 54 towns. Here, the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Traditional Country music is as beautiful and rugged as the landscape itself. You can experience authentic mountain music where it was born at nine major venues and over 60 affiliated venues and festivals. Some of them include: Ralph Stanley Museum, Country Cabin II, Carter Family Fold, Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, Rex Theater & Old Fiddler’s Convention, Blue Ridge Music Center, Floyd Country Store & County Sales, and Blue Ridge Institute & Museum of Ferrum College.

Located atop the magnificent Blue Ridge Plateau in southwestern Virginia, Floyd is a haven of natural beauty. Floyd is a key stop on The Crooked Road, Virginia’s heritage music trail – with our famous Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store.

The building still looks fresh and new, but the Farmer’s Supply closed its doors after almost 90 years of service to the residents of Floyd. The store has been operating since the 1930s. The store became another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Blue Ridge Cafe is located in the former Floyd County Bank Building and dates back to the end of the 19th century. Originally built around 1897 and then extended in the early 1900’s, this was the home of the first bank in Floyd County. The building became a restaurant in the late 1920’s but retained the bank vault which is still in the cafe. There have been many different owners over the years, but the love of southern comfort food has stayed the same.

I am not turning this blog into anything political. Nor am I trying to start a debate on his reputation or his politics. I am just showing you how someone plastered his house with Red, White and Blue and Trump.

 

We toured through Roanoke VA. We were on US 11 aka Williamson Road is Roanoke’s Main Street. Williamson Road is the Valley's Main Street. Once a major thoroughfare for travelers through Roanoke, this busy retail street is still a major entrance to the Star City. Today, Williamson Road links rapidly expanding commercial centers along Hershberger Road with the new excitement of downtown Roanoke. A tradition of convenient location, good value, and efficient and friendly service provides the building blocks for a new Williamson Road and the Williamson Road community.

How does a town get the name of Troutsville? A good source of trout? The Town of Troutville was established in 1956. In 1881, this area had no name. The railroad came through and a station was built. There were three houses then which were occupied by John, Jim and George Trout - so the area was called Troutsville.

Just before the Buchanan, VA sign, we saw this small sign. It intrigued me. New Freedom Farm is a nonprofit community farm. The farm exists to aid veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use, traumatic brain injury and other conditions by using the therapeutic activity of interacting with equines, farming, and peer-to-peer support. The end goal is to empower individuals and help them heal by realizing their efforts and contributions. New Freedom Farm heals heroes through horses by offering veterans and first responders space and confidence to develop deep friendships through equine activity and gentling, fostering physical, emotional, and spiritual health, assisting individuals with reintegration into civilian life.

Entering the town of Buchanan you find a colorful mural popping out at them from the side of The Witt Stop Restaurant on Main Street. The restaurant owner wanted people to stop and take note of the mural even if they have never stop in the restaurant. The primary goal was for it to be an eye-catcher. The mural contains all of the good things about the town into one work of art. It has hunting, Twin River Outfitters, kayakers, and hikers. The mural was a group effort, with members of the community suggesting additions throughout the planning process. The Buchanan-based eatery is owned and operated by Witt, who also owns The Anchorage House, a renovated historical venue, and C&S Witt Creations, both of which are also located in Buchanan.

The Buchanan Theatre was built in 1914 as the Main Street Show, a silent movie house for this small Virginia town. After decades of successful operation, the theater eventually closed in 1985. The theater was later sold for $75,000 to the widow of the last man to operate the cinema. The new owners spent $130,000 to restore the theater and reopened it for second run films, film festivals, revival screenings, concerts, and more. The outside ticket booth, projection room, concession stand, and more were restored and now welcome Buchanan residents, who no longer have to travel 30 minutes away to see a movie.

Our son and daughter-in-law were just here a few days before us! Natural Bridge State Park was the 37th state park. It was dedicated on September 24, 2016, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1988. The 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park is more than just the bridge; beautiful forests and rolling meadows showcase the area's karst terrain, and vistas of surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature's splendor. Access these areas via the 7 miles of hiking trails, including Cedar Creek Trail, which leads from the park's Visitor Center under the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade.

 

In Lexington VA, a monument of Texas pink granite stands to honor the birthplace in Rockbridge County of Sam Houston, former governor of Tennessee and Texas. Sam Houston was born on March 2, 1793, in a cabin in Rockbridge County, Virginia. The monument at the Sam Houston Wayside is a 38,000 pound piece of Texas pink granite commemorating the birthplace of the Texas hero.

We arrived at Sherando Lake Recreation Area, part of the George Washington National Forest, our home for the next 3 nights.

We meet up with our wagonmasters, Gary & Sheryl, for our 2022 Yankee Caravans here, in just a few days.

Stay tuned to follow more of our #TwoLaneAdventures

Sunday, May 15th, 2022 … Two Lane Adventures Continue!

Before we departed Palmetto Cove RV Park, we had a visit with my first cousin once removed, from my Dad’s side, Cory Ann. She lives near Greenville and we were so close she had to drive over and meet! It’s pretty cool to meet relatives that you have never met in person before. We have been friends on Facebook for a while.

The campground we have been staying at is called Palmetto Cove RV Resort. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2021. Palmetto Cove is a member-owned, non-profit campground originally founded as an Airstream campground and designed for large rallies. They are nestled at the very edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, with river access, and near the intersection of two famously scenic roads (US 276 and SC-11).  

US Highway 276 winds a familiar path through the Blue Ridge Mountains, bisecting towns and forests and making memories along the way. Highway 276 covers very diverse landscapes. It goes from the rocky steps down to Connestee Falls; to the boutiques of Brevard and the shattering spill of Looking Glass Falls.

SC 11, aka Geer Hwy, also known as the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy. It is a 120-mile state highway that travels through the far northern part of South Carolina, following the southernmost peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The route is surrounded by peach orchards, quaint villages, and parks. Once known as "Keowee Path" or "Cherokee Path," this road was the route used by the Cherokees and the English and French fur traders. It now provides a scenic alternative to driving I-85 through South Carolina.

There was a small Farm Market Stand where we got gas, but the big daddy of farm stands is Cooley Brothers Farm. Cooley's Old-Tyme Peach Shed, has been growing "Top of the Hill" brand fruit for over 60 years. Cooley’s Farm includes red ripe strawberries, tree-ripened peaches, vine-ripened tomatoes, sweet cantaloupes, white nectarines, blackberries, vegetables, watermelon, jams, jellies and ciders.

In 1946, Perry Cooley offered the land to his son, Frank Eugene "Gene" Cooley, to farm peaches on. Since Gene had just returned from World War II, Perry agreed to furnish the land and purchase the trees if Gene would dig the 2,000 holes in the fertile South Carolina soil. By the mid-1950s, Gene’s brother, Ansel, joined him in the peach business and built a packing shed that they named "Cooley Brothers Peach Shed". The nearly 400 American flags that fly in the summer wind are a tribute to Gene and Ansel Cooley to commemorate their service in World War II.

By 1978, another generation had graduated from high school and was ready to join the family business full time! Through years of losing peach crops due to cold weather, James knew he had to diversify the farm in order to put dinner on the table for his family. By the early 2000's, the name Strawberry Hill starting resonating with their new generation of customers. In 2001, they built a restaurant on the farm that he named Strawberry Hill U.S.A. Café and Ice-cream Parlor. In 2007, James and his Uncle Freddie Buckner added 36 acres of blackberries to the farm. As of 2021, Strawberry Hill U.S.A. is now the largest strawberry farm in SC with 115 acres. Peaches are still our primary crop with close to 1,000 acres in production. They have also ventured into growing summer squash, cucumbers, cantaloupes, and beans.

General Twitty Hwy - Lieutenant General  Stephen M. “Steph'” Twitty is a native of Chesnee, South Carolina and his hometown has honored him by naming State Highway 11 in his honor. The local American Legion Post 48 proudly displays signage proclaiming him as a native son. While growing up as a self-proclaimed “country boy,'' Steph fell in love with the military. His grandfather, Spc. Carson Mackerson, served 11 years in the segregated US Army Air Corps during World War II. As a child, his grandfather ran him through infantry maneuvers in the yard and inspired him to join the National Guard as a junior in high school.

We kept seeing signs for the Cowpen Battlefields. The Cowpens National Battlefield commemorates Daniel Morgan's victory over Banastre Tarleton on January 17, 1781. At this 845-acre site, which served as a pasturing grounds at the time of the Revolutionary War, Daniel Morgan's forces succeeded in executing a Double Envelopment maneuver, one of but a few in history. What is a Double Envelopment maneuver? It is a military maneuver in which forces simultaneously attack both flanks (sides) of an enemy formation.

Crossing from SC to NC was nothing spectacular, we don’t cross a river or find a big fancy sign, we just pass quietly from one state to another.

Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills, the town of Spindale was born out of the textile industry in 1923. It is woven from the fabric of small-town charm, passionate resilience and appreciation for community.

In the town of Ruth, we turned onto US 64E. Ruth is one of the small towns that is home to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. Thermal Belt Rail Trail is an almost 14-mile 12' wide trail. The trail offers multiple parking areas and a variety of experiences on and near the trail. The northern section is more rural and shaded. At mile 7 you are in downtown Spindale. At mile 11 you are in downtown Forest City. RHI Legacy Foundation helped make the trail a reality with more than $5 million in funding! The trail runs from Gilkey to Forrest Hunt Elementary. It travels through five communities including Ruth, Spindale, Rutherfordton, and Forest City.

Once a ways into NC, we started up winding roads to reach Roaring Rivers Vineyards in Traphill NC. It’s our harvest host home for one night.

The Roaring River Vineyards sits on an incredibly historic site that dates back to 1870. The Brewer mills once used the river for their grinding wheels, and some of the sawmill's columns and cabin are still intact to this day. Their tasting room was erected in place of the old gristmill and offers great views of the historic site just across the river.

Chez Joséphine is the restaurant located on the Roaring River Vineyards tasting room that serves small plates, soups, salads, paninis, and desserts. We opted for the cooler indoor seating. But, the covered deck is a favorite place for guests to enjoy the beautiful views from the three-story cantilevered deck over the Roaring River. Here, you are serenaded by the lovely sounds of the river as it flows down from Stone Mountain!

 

 

Our drinks and meals were spectacular!

Tonight was the lunar eclipse and NC had a heavy cloud cover, no eclipse for us! Check back tomorrow for more of our Two Lane Adventures!