Spend Thanksgiving weekend 2013 in historic Staunton, Virginia

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF2CsT5ZntjeVfI2GyaJpw0EZvaTAmh2Y9sMWnAUNcov_ku8vrjc0LSev3sQ2d38NL3C6UQeNCg8Ilij19J_mJBeSHZkR90Twi-sgm3wNKvQcXk_Eef-z_Hr_vZV97wbQlP_Xz6uCEas/s1600/Thanksgiving+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF2CsT5ZntjeVfI2GyaJpw0EZvaTAmh2Y9sMWnAUNcov_ku8vrjc0LSev3sQ2d38NL3C6UQeNCg8Ilij19J_mJBeSHZkR90Twi-sgm3wNKvQcXk_Eef-z_Hr_vZV97wbQlP_Xz6uCEas/s400/Thanksgiving+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />There are few places as quaint and picturesque as the city of Staunton in the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, this community-oriented small town celebrates holidays in style, and Thanksgiving is no exception. For a fun and exciting adventure, spend the long weekend enjoying all the area has to offer. The calendar of events is packed with activities to celebrate Thanksgiving and welcome the holiday season.<br /><br /><b>Wednesday, November 27:</b><br />- Playhouse Tour, 2:00 pm, Blackfriars Playhouse<br />- Trivia, 7:00 pm, Zabbs Beach Day Cafe<br />- "She Stoops to Conquer," 7:30 pm, Blackfriars Playhouse<br />- Live jazz, 7:30 pm, Mill Street Grill<br />- The Level, 8:00 pm, Clocktower Restaurant<br />- Brent Hull & Joe Tyree, 9:00 pm, Byers Street Bistro <br /><br /><b>Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 28:</b><br />Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal at one of the local restaurants that will be open:<br />- <a href="http://www.kathys-restaurant.com/thanksgiving-buffet/">Kathy's Restaurant</a>, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm, reservations available<br />- <a href="http://www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com/media/docs/ChristmasCalendar2013.pdf">Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center</a>, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm<br />- Rowe's Restaurant<br />- <a href="http://www.crackerbarrel.com/restaurant/thanksgiving#OpenForThanksgiving">Cracker Barrel</a>, 6:00 am - 10:00 pm<br /><br /><b>Friday, November 29:</b><br /><b>Black Friday"</b> offers the opportunity to check out the local stores and shops of downtown Staunton and the surrounding vicinity. From unique gift items, jewelry, clothing, handmade chocolates, and domestic goods in Staunton to the shopping availabilities of Waynesboro's Target, Books-a-Million, and Kohl's, there's plenty to keep everyone happy. Check out local restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as unique coffee shops throughout town.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.gvbookfair.com/">Green Valley Book Fair</a></b> will open Friday, November 29, for its last two-week run of 2013. Open daily, this Mt. Crawford book retailer is known far and wide for its deeply discounted deals on books, audio tapes, and more. It's a great spot to pick up gifts for everyone from children to grandparents. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.frontiermuseum.org/"><b>The Frontier Culture Museum's gift shop</b></a> offers imported items from Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain as well as America -- nutcrackers, Christmas ornaments, glassware, historical and cook books, and other just-right gift items for that special person. Don't forget the Museum's famous fudge that comes in a variety of flavors and is always a favorite with visitors.<br /><br />Staunton's world-known <b><a href="http://www.americanshakespearecenter.com/">American Shakespeare Theater</a></b> kicks off the holiday season on  Friday, November 29, with a variety of offerings<i></i> in the authentically recreated Blackfriars Playhouse as well as tours of the theater. The playhouse can be found on Market Street beside the Stonewall Jackson Hotel.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oxeyevineyards.com/our-tasting-room/"><b>Ox-Eye Vineyard's tasting room</b></a> is located in a renovated 1910 building in the historic Wharf District of downtown Staunton which offers an inviting location to taste this local wines crafted by Susan and John Kiers.<br /><br />The <b><a href="http://www.stauntondowntown.org/">Staunton Christmas Parade</a> </b>will add a magical touch on Monday, December 2 (always the first Monday after Thanksgiving). The route will begin at Frederick and Augusta Streets, turn down Market Street, and then turn right onto Beverley Street. Thousands of tiny white twinkly lights, Christmas decorations, and inviting window displays will entice visitors to step into shops and dine in restaurants before and after the parade. Bundle up for a fun evening in the brisk December air, followed up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Meeting friends downtown is a must for this annual tradition.<br /><br />Be sure to check the <a href="http://www.visitstaunton.com/stauntonontap.htm">Visit Staunton</a> website for more activities as well as lodging and dining opportunities. Come to the Shenandoah Valley for Thanksgiving and stick around to kick off your holiday season.

Appalachian Mountains Blue Ridge Mountains Central Shenandoah Valley Christmas Historic Downtown Staunton Lynn R. Mitchell Thanksgiving western Virginia Spend Thanksgiving weekend 2013 in historic Staunton, Virginia

There are few places as quaint and picturesque as the city of Staunton in the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, this community-oriented small town celebrates holidays in style, and Thanksgi…

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Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Whiskey Hard Sauce

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWfoEcqwtUVRwxNn8IycleYd8ewbe3FrV5ANKYtYH4pO_4KzlCgBxd6JOaKteeA7nFBeDgxX7yfnNGRyDIbhx78kP7qNZRudQtYY_9FjEgyjiSs2Ab0cz-3Eda6XtnSS2zRj4U4SbUdiQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWfoEcqwtUVRwxNn8IycleYd8ewbe3FrV5ANKYtYH4pO_4KzlCgBxd6JOaKteeA7nFBeDgxX7yfnNGRyDIbhx78kP7qNZRudQtYY_9FjEgyjiSs2Ab0cz-3Eda6XtnSS2zRj4U4SbUdiQ/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Part of the fun of being in the blogosphere is the people we meet and the information we share. Case in point is this cold weather recipe a blogging friend sent over that is something my husband will absolutely adore. He's the big sweet potato lover in our family, and bread pudding is one of his favorite desserts. The recipe is posted at her blog, <a href="http://lbdrecipeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Little Black Dress and A String of Pearls</a>, where she declares:<br /><blockquote>It has been said that a Southern woman only needs three things to survive any social situation: a little black dress, a string of pearls, and a Smithfield ham. If you ever find yourself facing that “social situation”, this little blog is my contribution to weathering the storm, making a splash, or merely creating some 'comfort on a plate'. So .... find a recipe, grab a glass of wine, maybe a mint julep, or perhaps a cold sweet tea and head for the kitchen .... time's a wasting!</blockquote>Amen, Sister!<br /><br />Hop on over and check out Merlot's recipe for <a href="http://lbdrecipeblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/sweet-potato-bread-pudding-with-whiskey.html">Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Whiskey Hard Sauce</a>, just in time for Thanksgiving menu planning. Eat, drink, and be merry!<br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />Thanksgiving 2012

cold weather recipes Lynn R. Mitchell Merlot Thanksgiving The Little Black Dress and A String of Pearls blog Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Whiskey Hard Sauce

Part of the fun of being in the blogosphere is the people we meet and the information we share. Case in point is this cold weather recipe a blogging friend sent over that is something my husband will absolutely adore. He's the big sweet potato lover …

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Déjà vu in Virginia attorney general drama

Eight years ago my phone rang bright and early the day after the 2005 election. I was still sleeping after a hard-fought campaign that saw Bill Bolling elected as lieutenant governor, Jerry Kilgore lose as governor, and Bob McDonnell in a tight down-to-the-wire race for attorney general. I was needed at the Augusta County Government Center to witness the vote canvas, the beginning of a process that eventually led to my participation in a mid-December recount that saw McDonnell prevail with a mere 360 votes over his Democratic challenger, Creigh Deeds.<br /><br />Fast forward to last week's election that saw Democrats Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam winning the governor and lieutenant governor spots. The end of the day, however, showed a tighter-than-a-tick contest between Republican Mark Obenshain and Democrat Mark Herring that fluctuated back and forth as a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/12/us/politics/back-and-forth-in-undecided-virginia-attorney-general-race.html?_r=0" target="_blank">variety of events took place over the next seven days</a>. When all votes were finally tallied, Herring was ahead by 163 votes in a contest that was probably headed to recount.<br /><br />However, as happened in the 2005 race, recounts rarely change the final numbers by much. If Herring prevails, Virginia Democrats will have swept the top three offices that were won in landslide victories four years earlier by Republicans McDonnell, Bolling, and Cuccinelli.<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.nbc12.com/decisionvirginia/2013/11/herring-leads-race-for-attorney-general-after-final-count.html" target="_blank">NBC 12</a> has a report on the final count.

Bill Bolling Bob McDonnell Ken Cuccinelli Lynn R. Mitchell Mark Herring Mark Obenshain Ralph Northam recount Terry McAuliffe Virginia Democrats Virginia Republicans Déjà vu in Virginia attorney general drama

Eight years ago my phone rang bright and early the day after the 2005 election. I was still sleeping after a hard-fought campaign that saw Bill Bolling elected as lieutenant governor, Jerry Kilgore lose as governor, and Bob McDonnell in a tight down-…

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Holiday season brings new cookie recipes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36-pvwgxLWxy8tH4hezECoLXHZSSdcSgO0JRKBP-8LjZcSSx7wRr17T9dHdtXkWMlOm-SNmCVnFq1cNWilpKhUBHZeNmfXDZUWeYj2F_CHOkmAV-kOXxp2uqzSbLwvB2zadgI5oQvTNIL/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36-pvwgxLWxy8tH4hezECoLXHZSSdcSgO0JRKBP-8LjZcSSx7wRr17T9dHdtXkWMlOm-SNmCVnFq1cNWilpKhUBHZeNmfXDZUWeYj2F_CHOkmAV-kOXxp2uqzSbLwvB2zadgI5oQvTNIL/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Cookies are synonymous with the holiday season, and the <i>Richmond Times-Dispatch's</i> resident chef Clare Schapiro has some recipes sure to make you smile in her Wednesday column, <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/entertainment-life/food-dining/clare-s-kitchen-the-joy-of-cookies/article_39591f8e-c004-5f76-a907-42d60c15af62.html">The Joy of Cookies</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeT0yOjZck4ltmwU3OoMUiA3l5-V9ITLgm750FTeE9nv0AYtIfHBor1CNGimFspBrBsxRJkxtmdceWfKRPm4dbzt6Tdrqp50r33gyn261EYnHJg7JtB3_D6wojDToZYJpboFH0Bxl9Nqc/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeT0yOjZck4ltmwU3OoMUiA3l5-V9ITLgm750FTeE9nv0AYtIfHBor1CNGimFspBrBsxRJkxtmdceWfKRPm4dbzt6Tdrqp50r33gyn261EYnHJg7JtB3_D6wojDToZYJpboFH0Bxl9Nqc/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />My family has a cookie baking tradition that has involved aunts, moms, grandmoms, and the children, and has continued through the generations. We have the tried-and-true, well-loved recipes, and each year we try to incorporate at least one newbie. (<a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2011/12/family-tradition-christmas-cookies-and.html">Photos from 2011 cookie baking weekend.</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOL3fEs_fZwqbkpHRKtx6jmhLH2vcLaVYGqw593SwOcSnX3sI260AyDXvEamZp3q0lMlFeZty0RsbgQqX_3oVTLALuBGRqUPP8lAnZcNb10ozKmFlmGS8Ok6B2knn9IRBHXyjMbWQKC-Ss/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOL3fEs_fZwqbkpHRKtx6jmhLH2vcLaVYGqw593SwOcSnX3sI260AyDXvEamZp3q0lMlFeZty0RsbgQqX_3oVTLALuBGRqUPP8lAnZcNb10ozKmFlmGS8Ok6B2knn9IRBHXyjMbWQKC-Ss/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Clare provided some yummy-sounding recipes, especially the Toffee Bars and Mocha Cookies, that have been set aside for this year's baking weekend. (<a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/entertainment-life/food-dining/clare-s-kitchen-the-joy-of-cookies/article_39591f8e-c004-5f76-a907-42d60c15af62.html">Recipes are here.</a>) Laugh, be creative, and celebrate family along with the season. Let cookie baking season begin. Fa-la-la-la-la!<br /><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

Clare Schapiro cookie baking family Lynn R. Mitchell Richmond Times-Dispatch Holiday season brings new cookie recipes

Cookies are synonymous with the holiday season, and the Richmond Times-Dispatch's resident chef Clare Schapiro has some recipes sure to make you smile in her Wednesday column, The Joy of Cookies.My family has a cookie baking tradition that has involv…

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Sparkles & Sweets to kick off holiday season in downtown Staunton Friday

<div id="fbProfileCover"><br /><div class="cover" id="u_jsonp_6_0"><a class="coverWrap coverImage" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151964913007490&set=oa.210893825757822&type=1" id="fbCoverImageContainer" rel="theater" title="Cover Photo"><img alt="Cover Photo" class="coverPhotoImg photo img" data-fbid="10151964913007490" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1379398_10151964913007490_1874722313_n.jpg" style="top: 0px; width: 100%;" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.stauntondowntown.org/sparkles-and-sweets-2013/">Kick off the holiday season</a> this Friday in historic downtown Staunton with the annual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/655077637865729/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular&source=1">Sparkles & Sweets</a> event featuring businesses, restaurants, holiday lights, special events, and much more. Meet friends for dinner and enjoy some sparkles and sweets from 6-9:00 p.m.<br /><br />Downtown Staunton ... there's something for everyone.

Historic Downtown Staunton Lynn R. Mitchell Shenandoah Valley western Virginia Sparkles & Sweets to kick off holiday season in downtown Staunton Friday

Kick off the holiday season this Friday in historic downtown Staunton with the annual Sparkles & Sweets event featuring businesses, restaurants, holiday lights, special events, and much more. Meet friends for dinner and enjoy some sparkles and sweets…

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Adventures with Barb ... enjoying the waning days of fall leaf season 2013

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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oXsLBCWuFeulp3RhS2eB2UGRCdwSLljsdq2-Z9_d7JyBLLDLtyhRiupHq1X55bQcU5CcrLsH7CEBygHUGhlR-64PH9DQ-udiRy-VY6AtTSXmC7zmpAZDmCbt8DGaufgvVEciRG9NV5-G/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oXsLBCWuFeulp3RhS2eB2UGRCdwSLljsdq2-Z9_d7JyBLLDLtyhRiupHq1X55bQcU5CcrLsH7CEBygHUGhlR-64PH9DQ-udiRy-VY6AtTSXmC7zmpAZDmCbt8DGaufgvVEciRG9NV5-G/s400/18.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeayDJsFFBHlSmFhaUfsiK6VhnR8idf6_PSSe-PbkWowOAhASd9IIi-uxVqhyDU6tXTupjUL7_tzKXGb7Ml_pzyxv63aPrlV1fQUrsxKXll0OvKGko2r1fCgadFSFj3ojlsQ5l_QztVWY/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeayDJsFFBHlSmFhaUfsiK6VhnR8idf6_PSSe-PbkWowOAhASd9IIi-uxVqhyDU6tXTupjUL7_tzKXGb7Ml_pzyxv63aPrlV1fQUrsxKXll0OvKGko2r1fCgadFSFj3ojlsQ5l_QztVWY/s400/29.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><br />These photos were all taken in Augusta County, most of them along the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. What a glorious day just going where the wind blew. The Shenandoah Valley was at peak leaf color on the first weekend in November, unusually late for this area, but it's been an unusual leaf season. With sunny skies and cool temperatures, the final colors of red and gold popped out which sent Barb and me on another adventure along the back roads and up to Afton.<br /><br />We found a covered bridge, visited a friend whose property touches the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park, found trees with leaves of shimmering golds and brilliant reds, observed vehicles parked at Skyline Drive overlooks along the Blue Ridge Mountains, toured the Dooleys' marble mansion on Afton known as Swannanoa, stopped for caramel corn from Afton's popcorn man, and lunched at McAlister's where our plans to eat at an outdoor table were sidelined by a prevailing wind with an exceptionally cool edge to it. <br /><br />It was a fun day. More photos to come<br /><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />#FallinVA <br />November 2, 2013

Adventures with Barb Afton Mountain back roads of Augusta County Blue Ridge Mountains Lynn R. Mitchell Swannanoa tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Adventures with Barb ... enjoying the waning days of fall leaf season 2013

These photos were all taken in Augusta County, most of them along the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. What a glorious day just going where the wind blew. The Shenandoah Valley was at peak leaf color on the first weekend in November, un…

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And then there were 5: News-Virginian endorses no one for governor

Conservative Shenandoah Valley newspaper <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/opinion/editorials/no-endorsement-from-news-virginian/article_d796171c-429b-11e3-8074-0019bb30f31a.html"><i>The News-Virginian </i></a>has declined to endorse any of the three candidates for governor in the 2013 Virginia campaign.<br /><br />That now makes <a href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/no-gubernatorial-endorsements-from.html">five newspapers</a> who have passed on this endorsement: <i>Richmond Times-Dispatch, Roanoke Times,</i> <i>News & Advance,</i> and <i>News Progress</i> and, today, the<i> News-Virginian</i> to that growing list.<br /><br />Addressing the campaign, the <i>News Virginian</i> wrote: <br /><blockquote>It’s ... been one of the nastier ones in recent memory, with both Democratic and Republican nominees focusing too much time on attacking their opponent and too little on talking up their own plans for the Commonwealth. If that’s an indication of how their administration would be, we can’t endorse any of the candidates in this year’s race. We’ve seen too much bickering and attacking in Washington. It just takes up time and accomplishes little.</blockquote>This is notable because the <i>News-Virginian</i> is a relatively conservative newspaper in the conservative Shenandoah Valley, one of the reddest parts of the Commonwealth, with conservative representatives who often go unchallenged. Indeed, in 2013 the three local delegates for the House of Representatives who represent the SWAC area, have no opponents as noted by <i>News-Virginian</i> political reporter Bob Stuart earlier this week in his article, <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/virginia_politics/local-house-members-face-clear-path-to-re-election/article_54b2b352-41d1-11e3-a880-0019bb30f31a.html">"Local House members face clear path to re-election."</a><br /><br />Reflecting the sour mood of the electorate in this election cycle, two newspapers -- the <i>Daily Progress</i> and <i>Roanoke Times</i> suggested writing in Republican Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling.<br /><br />Election 2013 has, indeed, been an odd one.

2013 gubernatorial election Bob Stuart endorsements Ken Cuccinelli Lynchburg News and Advance Lynn R. Mitchell Robert Sarvis Terry McAuliffe Waynesboro News-Virginian And then there were 5: News-Virginian endorses no one for governor

Conservative Shenandoah Valley newspaper The News-Virginian has declined to endorse any of the three candidates for governor in the 2013 Virginia campaign.That now makes five newspapers who have passed on this endorsement: Richmond Times-Dispatch, Ro…

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Former president swings through Harrisonburg

It's not every day a former president of the United States drops by the Shenandoah Valley so Bill Clinton's appearance in Harrisonburg Tuesday for a campaign rally caused a stir. Political reporter Bob Stuart covered the event at James Madison University for the <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/local/clinton-rallies-with-mcauliffe-to-packed-house/article_f3457f04-410e-11e3-a4a7-0019bb30f31a.html"><i>News-Virginian</i></a>.

Bill Clinton Bob Stuart Harrisonburg James Madison University Lynn R. Mitchell Shenandoah Valley Waynesboro News-Virginian Former president swings through Harrisonburg

It's not every day a former president of the United States drops by the Shenandoah Valley so Bill Clinton's appearance in Harrisonburg Tuesday for a campaign rally caused a stir. Political reporter Bob Stuart covered the event at James Madison Univer…

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JMU Marching Band headed to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Virginia's James Madison University Marching Dukes will be one of only two college bands performing in the 2013 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade held annually in New York City. JMU first participated in the parade in 2001 and again in 2008, and will be sending 485 band members this year.<br /><br />Band Director Scott Rikkers told <a href="http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/JMU-Marching-Band-Practices-for-Macys-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade-229803681.html">WHSV TV-3</a>: <br /><blockquote>"This will be our third time in the parade. We went for the first time in 2001, second time in 2008, and this will be our third appearance on the 20th of November. There are two college bands in the parade, and we are marching 485. We're probably one of the largest college bands in the country, which we're very proud of, but we're going because we really want to represent James Madison University. What we're just trying to do is create the best, most entertaining performance for the audience, and also again to represent the quality of our program and the school so that's what we focus on, and bottom line, the kids are going to have a great time."</blockquote>At our house we always watch the parade from the kitchen while preparing Thanksgiving dinner. As a JMU family with our own Duke alumnus son, we will be watching the Marching Dukes. Congratulations, JMU!

James Madison University Lynn R. Mitchell Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Marching Dukes WHSV TV-3 JMU Marching Band headed to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Virginia's James Madison University Marching Dukes will be one of only two college bands performing in the 2013 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade held annually in New York City. JMU first participated in the parade in 2001 and again in 2008, and will be…

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Ag Secretary Matt Lohr heading to Farm Credit of the Virginias

Virginia's Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services <a href="http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/about/commissioner.shtml">Matt Lohr</a> of Rockingham County, who was appointed by Governor Bob McDonnell in 2010, announced today that he <a href="http://augustafreepress.com/matt-lohr-leaving-state-post-farm-credit-virginias/">would be leaving the administration</a> in December to take a job with Farm Credit of the Virginias.<br /><br />Lohr, 42, who served in the House of Delegates for the 26th House District from 2005 until his appointment as Ag Secretary, operates a 250-acre farm in the Shenandoah Valley. On Tuesday, he announced the career change on Facebook:<br /><blockquote>Serving as Virginia’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services these past four years has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life. After much prayerful consideration, I announced today that I will be stepping down in December as Governor Bob McDonnell’s administration draws to a close. I am very excited to be joining the good folks at Farm Credit of the Virginias as director of the Farm Credit Knowledge Center. Here I will have the opportunity to build relationships and serve as a resource for all types of farmers. I will also be able to work from Harrisonburg, which will allow me the chance to be at home much more for my two children.<br /><br />It has been a wonderful opportunity working in state government over the last eight years. I will always be grateful for the experiences I have been given and I look forward to working hard for Virginia agriculture in the private sector!</blockquote>Best wishes to Secretary Lohr.

26th House District Augusta Free Press Bob McDonnell Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Farm Credit of the Virginias House of Delegates Lynn R. Mitchell Matt Lohr Republican Virginia Ag Secretary Matt Lohr heading to Farm Credit of the Virginias

Virginia's Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Matt Lohr of Rockingham County, who was appointed by Governor Bob McDonnell in 2010, announced today that he would be leaving the administration in December to take a job with Farm Credit o…

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Sgt. Schultz, er, President Obama: "I see nothing. I know nothing."

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UmzsWxPLIOo" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br />President Barack Obama's latest round of denials concerning knowledge about the Affordable Care Act <i>aka</i> Obamacare, on top of his past claims denying knowing anything about controversy after controversy during his administration, brought to mind the infamous Sergeant Schultz from the 1970s TV show, "Hogan's Heroes."  His line was famous at the time, spoken in a clipped accented voice: "I know <i>nothing!"</i> It was good for a laugh ... but <a href="http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials/102813-676946-obama-is-a-know-nothing-president.htm">the President's denials are not funny</a>.<br /><br />Back story: NBC News Investigations - <a href="http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/29/21222195-obama-administration-knew-millions-could-not-keep-their-health-insurance?lite">"Obama administration knew millions could not keep their health insurance?"</a><br /><br />

Barack Obama Lynn R. Mitchell the buck stops here Sgt. Schultz, er, President Obama: "I see nothing. I know nothing."

President Barack Obama's latest round of denials concerning knowledge about the Affordable Care Act aka Obamacare, on top of his past claims denying knowing anything about controversy after controversy during his administration, brought to mind the i…

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October afternoon on the back roads of Page County

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkhx3x07emcLl3YF1GQZQUkKYi5vuj0PzFJwwGGAE9na1zVWEHrayAMdQLfz1jMhkntTyTbhycvpKBEC7idSlPOv0CIj5uVIlxa17GY0TvrTXUBfH4sLhsHYxuod-8yVSFVDvKYdiL9_3/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkhx3x07emcLl3YF1GQZQUkKYi5vuj0PzFJwwGGAE9na1zVWEHrayAMdQLfz1jMhkntTyTbhycvpKBEC7idSlPOv0CIj5uVIlxa17GY0TvrTXUBfH4sLhsHYxuod-8yVSFVDvKYdiL9_3/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday was a perfect autumn afternoon in the Shenandoah Valley with cool temps and sunshine during the 2013 leaf season. SWAC Son and I set out with our cameras to roam the back roads along the western slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, stopping and snapping leaves, creeks, ponds, and mountains.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QgMwWnOvBQvIi8sqt-uDdMIdH5NbklYKU7aQWceSEUT9kZ1mlAxWc15kelEqopHFSMDMAdMS8Lpm-UAepUG-C-FSvPO1OQ1EL9B0C9kUCY3rvsPdyyyOD7PH0P5fQ-YAJAiYqBy9MEee/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QgMwWnOvBQvIi8sqt-uDdMIdH5NbklYKU7aQWceSEUT9kZ1mlAxWc15kelEqopHFSMDMAdMS8Lpm-UAepUG-C-FSvPO1OQ1EL9B0C9kUCY3rvsPdyyyOD7PH0P5fQ-YAJAiYqBy9MEee/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmUD3nUcL4tV5hc2Xq18Es-3fbEHLjoHCod7IK9_j51dDnOnC3BkEqNYJJq3nWkTiOI0eZCa6_lwEMAlwNYvT4ZSsnTx6R7vQHAEbe2P-0UyzjgfEhG4nc_h1ai9lP_45rvMJSKf_XsqN/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmUD3nUcL4tV5hc2Xq18Es-3fbEHLjoHCod7IK9_j51dDnOnC3BkEqNYJJq3nWkTiOI0eZCa6_lwEMAlwNYvT4ZSsnTx6R7vQHAEbe2P-0UyzjgfEhG4nc_h1ai9lP_45rvMJSKf_XsqN/s640/4.jpg" width="358" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Leaves are at three stages -- some are still green, others are brilliant reds and oranges, while some trees are already bare, their leaves fallen to the ground. Many oaks had dull brown leaves waiting to fall but we were in search of the brilliant reds and yellows that stand out on the mountain slopes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Kd16Jv9MbEGinR4iMVCw_uTkquskXWq0HTYB6DaWPgPd7x7SUmSF0MXKttnSHe0Evgvp3V54kciA241yH7V1r7JIZWcs4X9aolZVPvm0sHNXNUp-ndM_VotDP-DNbU0oE9CYxrb_fpz/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Kd16Jv9MbEGinR4iMVCw_uTkquskXWq0HTYB6DaWPgPd7x7SUmSF0MXKttnSHe0Evgvp3V54kciA241yH7V1r7JIZWcs4X9aolZVPvm0sHNXNUp-ndM_VotDP-DNbU0oE9CYxrb_fpz/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Horseback riders under the tree prepared for an afternoon ride deeper into the mountains.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMf12dOY4IFiTpBxuLr6E0TwVwkrPGm_4gYRFL__kycogRX_8GttJI_wPfmG4E1RO8kWHqXtGRS4jMfd3HYlI2UdoAKIi_4Zsrja_kvB_GnhkAuRmmXdVd2BW9BLkxLyfYZ6tx4yj6xTU/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMf12dOY4IFiTpBxuLr6E0TwVwkrPGm_4gYRFL__kycogRX_8GttJI_wPfmG4E1RO8kWHqXtGRS4jMfd3HYlI2UdoAKIi_4Zsrja_kvB_GnhkAuRmmXdVd2BW9BLkxLyfYZ6tx4yj6xTU/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Leaf color seems a bit more muted this year but the colors still made a beautiful display.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeS-q4RfqNkB1rMqMYq3-I1D8zuzGpzbQ88B5bq4Si61JLyOh6h8AayeSuMxaaG16ChaQlYHaP0AhUvKORO-iWMEHyWpbHzDcmuFqPgeDYDLN2SHv5WKitHd0QSyCvA__EXrBRcs2ewCOi/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeS-q4RfqNkB1rMqMYq3-I1D8zuzGpzbQ88B5bq4Si61JLyOh6h8AayeSuMxaaG16ChaQlYHaP0AhUvKORO-iWMEHyWpbHzDcmuFqPgeDYDLN2SHv5WKitHd0QSyCvA__EXrBRcs2ewCOi/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm_qYIYPUCQO-EBkQ63n-waqJgjLfYF9E0bDlEu7Fg_BAXilZs_iuW0tbre2jgv22ltK3xoXCzP-8_wyFIJxVJbYAKiLZWhX5ndOBlDm7676HCbMIl0t8xjDxB1HoUcsG08Ej33kJM2M-/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm_qYIYPUCQO-EBkQ63n-waqJgjLfYF9E0bDlEu7Fg_BAXilZs_iuW0tbre2jgv22ltK3xoXCzP-8_wyFIJxVJbYAKiLZWhX5ndOBlDm7676HCbMIl0t8xjDxB1HoUcsG08Ej33kJM2M-/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgN-jGyHVSDmapAufHKi3gnv86JB-Lk49_-rBcblnzHRezX9Mynt5eAyam6_CkrhHeurQzBcM-pp_44ZeMYn6WOI_dk4RWTzEzJ-0VHqyNo5c4WVCsKX3yBl-_SUUGufTrnaCghN6n1fkn/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgN-jGyHVSDmapAufHKi3gnv86JB-Lk49_-rBcblnzHRezX9Mynt5eAyam6_CkrhHeurQzBcM-pp_44ZeMYn6WOI_dk4RWTzEzJ-0VHqyNo5c4WVCsKX3yBl-_SUUGufTrnaCghN6n1fkn/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />Adventures with SWAC Son <br />October 27, 2013

back roads of Virginia fall in Shenandoah Valley Lynn R. Mitchell Page County SWAC Son tourism Virginia Is For Lovers October afternoon on the back roads of Page County

Sunday was a perfect autumn afternoon in the Shenandoah Valley with cool temps and sunshine during the 2013 leaf season. SWAC Son and I set out with our cameras to roam the back roads along the western slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, stopping …

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Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal endorses NJ Gov. Chris Christie

"I don't endorse many politicians. But Chris Christie is different." In a television ad endorsing New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal came out for the governor's reelection, as reported by Aaron Blake in the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/10/27/chris-christie-launches-ad-featuring-shaquille-oneal/"><i>Washington Post</i></a>.<br /><br />Chrisie is expected to easily win reelection. His margin Monday on <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2013/governor/nj/new_jersey_governor_christie_vs_buono-3411.html"><i>Real Clear Politics</i></a> was +26 points over his opponent.

2013 gubernatorial election Aaron Blake Chris Christie Lynn R. Mitchell Real Clear Politics Shaquille O'Neal Washington Post Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal endorses NJ Gov. Chris Christie

"I don't endorse many politicians. But Chris Christie is different." In a television ad endorsing New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal came out for the governor's reelection, as reported by Aaron Blake in the Washingto…

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Autumn at western Virginia's Douthat State Park

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGjH1LR_7NpkMbi_af_O_43l3I2UWgi_DKwDjEjhi_PuqFnbwdgi-RyTSEypRxO04OL7GZfrCShEYCDyzzAocQKVYCuWLaRgzUsVJVX04-_Fr7TA4KcO5QRAUN7VomY1wFRrA8SCJz1sn/s1600/32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGjH1LR_7NpkMbi_af_O_43l3I2UWgi_DKwDjEjhi_PuqFnbwdgi-RyTSEypRxO04OL7GZfrCShEYCDyzzAocQKVYCuWLaRgzUsVJVX04-_Fr7TA4KcO5QRAUN7VomY1wFRrA8SCJz1sn/s640/32.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/dou.shtml">Douthat State Park</a> is located in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia. The park has 4,546 acres in Bath and Alleghany counties and includes a 50-acre lake. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="fl q kno-desca-lnk" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douthat_State_Park"><span class="kno-desca"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50thbdDPgK4JRuoC8O5OaPaJQzBwYowfBgU4Gy5Sx5gMKC-IOSZWDf1mT8DUJaerYZAd4qPWa0QFuVAnemw6AkkLqTqOwvnxQFMeQMkrdvk9uTSdrtgI8nRLHFX0aysfXbuWW9RVcp615/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50thbdDPgK4JRuoC8O5OaPaJQzBwYowfBgU4Gy5Sx5gMKC-IOSZWDf1mT8DUJaerYZAd4qPWa0QFuVAnemw6AkkLqTqOwvnxQFMeQMkrdvk9uTSdrtgI8nRLHFX0aysfXbuWW9RVcp615/s400/29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A traditional family park for 75 years, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in the development of parks nationwide. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Rgy1w6PR-VIHSJcHJ2B7DMmECyoQ8RIn320DPOuntGHlt768k8AuWCwLTjPCVRjWkxnjXBxJJ_0BVi5qZYdv84XNpkj0WWpXquG6BGqinZ6P-DyafTJJzV38GLbjGuuZYxrX_Gmu20cl/s1600/30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Rgy1w6PR-VIHSJcHJ2B7DMmECyoQ8RIn320DPOuntGHlt768k8AuWCwLTjPCVRjWkxnjXBxJJ_0BVi5qZYdv84XNpkj0WWpXquG6BGqinZ6P-DyafTJJzV38GLbjGuuZYxrX_Gmu20cl/s400/30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Amid some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors enjoy interpretive programs, two miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop and camp store, cabins, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnepvcReX3DpJOSSIMyazaCwj2yuBCxN0qptA2vbOP4XQv6zXhk3caCz8z5j1h2YQJN_bHm5rJIBRRtEfNn1hQN_yfg41Ddg-Mtis8R0PkgJEcQD-6LntuKDs1SW0KncBcSyrqqfPFew4/s1600/31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnepvcReX3DpJOSSIMyazaCwj2yuBCxN0qptA2vbOP4XQv6zXhk3caCz8z5j1h2YQJN_bHm5rJIBRRtEfNn1hQN_yfg41Ddg-Mtis8R0PkgJEcQD-6LntuKDs1SW0KncBcSyrqqfPFew4/s400/31.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, tent and trailer camping, and a restaurant overlooking the lake. The park also has 32 cabins and three lodges that accommodate 15, 16 and 18 guests each.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBYeCwzg6P2fKgyCb_Knvo4x4NsBZY5zOm9gui5-m9qSpX9mz9RgvzdqrogZJBEwVYFC5I5epdcUK4_O7HXLZCinRtQLoEZxJ5IjoeKNyXGUn0foOlJTQIqdvFu78FE1v10ISY0t1xNs_/s1600/33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBYeCwzg6P2fKgyCb_Knvo4x4NsBZY5zOm9gui5-m9qSpX9mz9RgvzdqrogZJBEwVYFC5I5epdcUK4_O7HXLZCinRtQLoEZxJ5IjoeKNyXGUn0foOlJTQIqdvFu78FE1v10ISY0t1xNs_/s400/33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMLdLdWXKPWjcM6COvZmmFQezkjhUC2gNussa9jMwoe102-y5SJ-VRzXSNtTigpnHW5iaWX3esPj7ixH12kHkseAJKpwaGm5jnxhOz_VcAc_S_VPl7eZ26w0YgJMELD65-0khxNS2zqd_/s1600/34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMLdLdWXKPWjcM6COvZmmFQezkjhUC2gNussa9jMwoe102-y5SJ-VRzXSNtTigpnHW5iaWX3esPj7ixH12kHkseAJKpwaGm5jnxhOz_VcAc_S_VPl7eZ26w0YgJMELD65-0khxNS2zqd_/s400/34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFDZP4AaF3KUKt5uPyYtAF3EggAMJuAL8aVaOYLivMAWvSCbdENAPEwlctIipxZMVvUdm-HJA06i4lDxqQWcXcqWqdacRFUMfBmk76vRCh7KsUxfIiWrtwvXBq6NvsF7Rcy72n4NxShBP/s1600/54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFDZP4AaF3KUKt5uPyYtAF3EggAMJuAL8aVaOYLivMAWvSCbdENAPEwlctIipxZMVvUdm-HJA06i4lDxqQWcXcqWqdacRFUMfBmk76vRCh7KsUxfIiWrtwvXBq6NvsF7Rcy72n4NxShBP/s400/54.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq9tVgxLkPCudHyb0lIa80vMHSMreZjoRqQYMETHsEdn_VkZVeBQPmj3JGbQ_mJoFxJG7WU5duUYtQGlxKAK02t7awAC-APSKRYIs1Xc6Zt4-DOnOGeUAg7Hphj08WO3oq-rJOLHaUK7H/s1600/35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq9tVgxLkPCudHyb0lIa80vMHSMreZjoRqQYMETHsEdn_VkZVeBQPmj3JGbQ_mJoFxJG7WU5duUYtQGlxKAK02t7awAC-APSKRYIs1Xc6Zt4-DOnOGeUAg7Hphj08WO3oq-rJOLHaUK7H/s400/35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpekkluSZxvhzVL8QRKvFDQ89KpyrxRUk1K0duqXGjPVm68cKUYxKN7Hfq8Gh3g7rMeS1CJDSMNSZX_atF0X9cIeskTnBpJXO9rL0bk9fM69CYLLQ_i1vjnH6qQgfJzbLfoJBOvBgW8dv7/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpekkluSZxvhzVL8QRKvFDQ89KpyrxRUk1K0duqXGjPVm68cKUYxKN7Hfq8Gh3g7rMeS1CJDSMNSZX_atF0X9cIeskTnBpJXO9rL0bk9fM69CYLLQ_i1vjnH6qQgfJzbLfoJBOvBgW8dv7/s400/36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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Mitchell<br />October 24, 2013

Alleghany County Bath County Douthat State Park Lynn R. Mitchell tourism Virginia Is For Lovers western Virginia Autumn at western Virginia's Douthat State Park

Douthat State Park is located in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia. The park has 4,546 acres in Bath and Alleghany counties and includes a 50-acre lake. A traditional family park for 75 years, Douthat is listed on the National Register of…

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Hot Springs, Va: The Homestead welcomes guests

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU6hEVjzX6cWkkVPyUdQTA4Vb4vajgXoc13u_zZ8zTK1pYMqTACFFx1LS0h7MCqppFCKQd4l4HL2p03ByQh5GPu7Gz3YBSbSvO1v-uUW0zTjoiqlR1rqiQIKag0oWPJ6gDe13yDcE1SwC/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU6hEVjzX6cWkkVPyUdQTA4Vb4vajgXoc13u_zZ8zTK1pYMqTACFFx1LS0h7MCqppFCKQd4l4HL2p03ByQh5GPu7Gz3YBSbSvO1v-uUW0zTjoiqlR1rqiQIKag0oWPJ6gDe13yDcE1SwC/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Homestead Resort has been housing guests in western Virginia since 1766. Thomas Bullett, Charles and Andrew Lewis were part of the militia and surveyors during the French and Indian War. They were told of the many healing qualities of the waters in the area around present day Hot Springs, Virginia. In 1764, at the end of the war, Captain Bullett received Gold and Silver for his services and received a colonial land grant of 300 acres which contained seven natural mineral springs from Colonel George Washington.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_Ihh2bFYvDmDIaiS11iC8DZHS5RycVoFU4KFRd1FBveRFPbnsAeTxwKYVFs3PTe9JdHxMhyphenhyphenVUa_lrEdRl0wG6zd9fM0RUByyRmz_4s2RPUsTupAlw6udthdiTcqwvKdyJyMreZCOfolS/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_Ihh2bFYvDmDIaiS11iC8DZHS5RycVoFU4KFRd1FBveRFPbnsAeTxwKYVFs3PTe9JdHxMhyphenhyphenVUa_lrEdRl0wG6zd9fM0RUByyRmz_4s2RPUsTupAlw6udthdiTcqwvKdyJyMreZCOfolS/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After receiving the land grant, Captain Bullett moved his militia company and their families to the area. Within two years, the land was cleared and an 18-room wooden hotel was completed. In 1766, The Homestead was opened and named in honor of the homesteaders who built the resort and bathhouses. From 1764 till 1778, Colonel Bullett along with his family operated the resort. During the American Revolutionary War, Colonel Bullett died during battle and his family retained ownership of the resort until 1832.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTIdQngOYNJ5VoSwh13GQryE6J4bu2UfGxrN8pZ-y4SolbPrDiA8_c5_hbPd5UxWnhRiiDw6N2SmCE9zJDazSFHhsFUAXWrSbbhdZNA736VKyxjcDkVICscwLJsY1fF84IzqBzrUBrEO9/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTIdQngOYNJ5VoSwh13GQryE6J4bu2UfGxrN8pZ-y4SolbPrDiA8_c5_hbPd5UxWnhRiiDw6N2SmCE9zJDazSFHhsFUAXWrSbbhdZNA736VKyxjcDkVICscwLJsY1fF84IzqBzrUBrEO9/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In 1832, Dr. Thomas Goode and his family purchased the resort from the Bullett Family along with the Resort in Warm Springs and Healing Springs. He was a prominent physician and is responsible for the European style of many different spa therapies. One of the most famous treatments still in use is the Cure, which is a salt scrub followed by a Swiss shower. Dr. Goode passed away in 1858 and upon his death, the family took over the ownership until the early 1880s.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPH_vGKeYRhPZu6v_yvmw7OO4ywJRBVE-4pLdVv2DJhXx5q-XaysElqd5TY4oYlgmOPMvMBvHZTbibUDTj3RcP2-4FucdtYaduM3nH_x0Lzc5lQnff5aNJezJ18iHlFsXpufeJO9bpato/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPH_vGKeYRhPZu6v_yvmw7OO4ywJRBVE-4pLdVv2DJhXx5q-XaysElqd5TY4oYlgmOPMvMBvHZTbibUDTj3RcP2-4FucdtYaduM3nH_x0Lzc5lQnff5aNJezJ18iHlFsXpufeJO9bpato/s400/15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">M.E. Ingalls, a prominent lawyer from Cincinnati, Ohio came to the area in 1881, while doing research for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company. The railroad was looking to expand the lines into the area when Mr. Ingalls came upon the resort. For almost seven years, Mr. Ingalls, J. P. Morgan, and many other investors came to an agreement to purchase The Homestead and build a spur into the Hot Springs area. Within the first year of ownership, the investors raised over $1 million to build a whole new hotel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0oERLSrIPPMFVR9lFGVXZNj-cTMD926f9jImkzBKKsb15TvxWtjJakBKy05WZ8hBFxtUhLiJHR9_VWpSV1UcH7R24cerkUUfXu0MsBZWqOvmBg-R5RYZEdMxwk11wFQ4tTkLv0AmM39Z/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0oERLSrIPPMFVR9lFGVXZNj-cTMD926f9jImkzBKKsb15TvxWtjJakBKy05WZ8hBFxtUhLiJHR9_VWpSV1UcH7R24cerkUUfXu0MsBZWqOvmBg-R5RYZEdMxwk11wFQ4tTkLv0AmM39Z/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On July 2, 1901, a fire, which started in the pastry shop, burned the entire resort. With the resort not being at full capacity, everyone was able to escape without any serious injury or loss of life. The staff was able to save the Spa, Casino, the cottages in Cottage Row, and the Virginia Hotel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXegGdFH7ZqPjvIky4CDTxV69mW2Wj_xyvw6O7Gq-QkyiOvgFxPiV3sJm2mK3Y3dCaXKzc2cKoAI3kLXQwF0WKls3GzCnXarSlaSGpmy23vmjk3BGkGZUwXUd25A_EWA8xDUEx6YKSscUp/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXegGdFH7ZqPjvIky4CDTxV69mW2Wj_xyvw6O7Gq-QkyiOvgFxPiV3sJm2mK3Y3dCaXKzc2cKoAI3kLXQwF0WKls3GzCnXarSlaSGpmy23vmjk3BGkGZUwXUd25A_EWA8xDUEx6YKSscUp/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The day after the fire, Mr. Ingalls, Mr. Decatur Axtell, who was President of the resort, and the many investors met to discuss the resort's future. With the smoke and embers still in the distance and insurance not available, they came to the conclusion to rebuild the resort. Within a year, March 10, 1902, the Great Hall was completed and the Homestead was back in business. Former guests of the resort were returning to the grand hotel they loved. Within two years, the West Wing was added.<br /><br />In 1911, the Ingalls family acquired the resort. The East Wing was added in 1914, and M.E. Ingalls, Sr. passed away. In 1921, the Empire, Crystal, Garden rooms and Theatre were completed and in 1929, our tower was finished. The last major addition during the Ingalls family ownership was the Garden Wing in 1973.<br /><br />In 1993 Club Resorts, a part of ClubCorp, acquired The Homestead and began a total restoration. In 2001 The Homestead unveiled a new Grand Ballroom and outdoor pool, along with state-of-the-art snowmaking for the ski area and a new Shooting Club House and Pavilion.<br /><br />In 2012, "The Next Chapter" was launched with the addition of Allegheny Springs - a new children's play zone, family pool, 400 ft. lazy river and water slides.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaCGw86VLBxbOu2vGeQDfmMJPGq0hBuongrAiUEQRhB82SnKylgts4-M-82jewteEqnxkX-BRXSwUIjVCnhGwWyN-7ayGg1ITgyYgZdr7CYEgIq-JfRucS7JFbKc5g77ElsE1B5ZjMNMY/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaCGw86VLBxbOu2vGeQDfmMJPGq0hBuongrAiUEQRhB82SnKylgts4-M-82jewteEqnxkX-BRXSwUIjVCnhGwWyN-7ayGg1ITgyYgZdr7CYEgIq-JfRucS7JFbKc5g77ElsE1B5ZjMNMY/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thehomestead.com/sam-sneads-tavern">Sam Snead's Tavern</a>.</div><br /><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />History from <a href="http://thehomestead.org/">TheHomestead.com</a> <br />October 24, 2013

Hot Springs Lynn R. Mitchell The Homestead tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Hot Springs, Va: The Homestead welcomes guests

The Homestead Resort has been housing guests in western Virginia since 1766. Thomas Bullett, Charles and Andrew Lewis were part of the militia and surveyors during the French and Indian War. They were told of the many healing qualities of the water…

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