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 mili...

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Adventures with Barb ... chasing autumn leaves on the back roads of Bath County, Va

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nFlkpUmpMW4uz9ADUbDtPWTYdKQhZZNLjb8Uk77p8M-22i-nLkrzb_mZP6QIoLSxLIItlHOpvHEhIjsXSzFKkJWK8rGhj68wxPwBUXq4bsQ92EPsihAGfyIsp3o2IqJdZCXd1M-WemMK/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nFlkpUmpMW4uz9ADUbDtPWTYdKQhZZNLjb8Uk77p8M-22i-nLkrzb_mZP6QIoLSxLIItlHOpvHEhIjsXSzFKkJWK8rGhj68wxPwBUXq4bsQ92EPsihAGfyIsp3o2IqJdZCXd1M-WemMK/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Warm Springs, Virginia, on October 24, 2013. Some trees were still green, others were showcasing their color, and some were already bare. Friend Barb and I chased autumn leaves along the back roads of Bath County on a cold, blustery day.</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/AVvXsEjZBDKaIu0oTbvA2ZvNPN5Fs-_NtMALef8JCNYYG_wMuRUDZziXvrGyR7jFHfRr-SOb4ofdTh6czfiHYcvExcKMAVqd_UDBEPL8G4t3Qsb88v4ZolfrKhY2W9sMT2i0Ts6kaMu0QccadBqG/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBDKaIu0oTbvA2ZvNPN5Fs-_NtMALef8JCNYYG_wMuRUDZziXvrGyR7jFHfRr-SOb4ofdTh6czfiHYcvExcKMAVqd_UDBEPL8G4t3Qsb88v4ZolfrKhY2W9sMT2i0Ts6kaMu0QccadBqG/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Add a brisk wind to this temperatures and you end up with brrrrrr.</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/AVvXsEg3BOVrevt7PEeTJXLeRspmaLJfySjxVDOD8v-IfOqYNbpRn1G16_kPFxbUmVDyqWNgJGVO1_ih8spf0f-tj9NU3vjJOjD1BYaD4p7pjRlJ-Smh0kmVopn3qDQfu4fiO8WhL8HiWxl7Dvyb/s1600/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BOVrevt7PEeTJXLeRspmaLJfySjxVDOD8v-IfOqYNbpRn1G16_kPFxbUmVDyqWNgJGVO1_ih8spf0f-tj9NU3vjJOjD1BYaD4p7pjRlJ-Smh0kmVopn3qDQfu4fiO8WhL8HiWxl7Dvyb/s400/26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Dan Ingalls Overlook at the crest of Warm Springs Mountain offered a view looking east ...</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/AVvXsEgTmHpGGa3K_h4vYRdNRKedZQUfdm8k-PPMU7PHJqwIHciXZ1m-KNlObNoOgiH1h9igBvu3HAzdU8IRjVg2yqheMacMBAKsS9BW633r9FYj3BqG3BdwpjjksGrxmvpzH5nzUWq5Y7YaUS17/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmHpGGa3K_h4vYRdNRKedZQUfdm8k-PPMU7PHJqwIHciXZ1m-KNlObNoOgiH1h9igBvu3HAzdU8IRjVg2yqheMacMBAKsS9BW633r9FYj3BqG3BdwpjjksGrxmvpzH5nzUWq5Y7YaUS17/s400/28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... and the view looking east was of the mountains we had just driven through. I liked the rays of sun coming out of the dark clouds that were spitting snow as I took the photo. The road in the right side of the picture is Rt. 39.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrpiaWjoIA-FFUDJCuGtB9Vw_waDoaSsdJlAY9rVFNNIYPBOMzJNqp4uPA2O807LYGCM2Xh11KYX0-U85SwAkXClNtovoXyP8FqgvT2qXPnZePYrPERZz8PDWdLEeqzwr9KOdAvT39pNj/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrpiaWjoIA-FFUDJCuGtB9Vw_waDoaSsdJlAY9rVFNNIYPBOMzJNqp4uPA2O807LYGCM2Xh11KYX0-U85SwAkXClNtovoXyP8FqgvT2qXPnZePYrPERZz8PDWdLEeqzwr9KOdAvT39pNj/s320/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A back road in Warm Springs, Virginia.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9r3YGbP4XX8eu8U7xPQVXzEbLH5QYvHwnc7-E5JPYAXS9UmHN_GqKWNqDeJbvuVBR-twshWw-QE4P_4sf6ObysddcD4l_TPlKwVxWV5lkqNMfwhc1aOrecV9etw72TsF5ueo64DXXPxW/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9r3YGbP4XX8eu8U7xPQVXzEbLH5QYvHwnc7-E5JPYAXS9UmHN_GqKWNqDeJbvuVBR-twshWw-QE4P_4sf6ObysddcD4l_TPlKwVxWV5lkqNMfwhc1aOrecV9etw72TsF5ueo64DXXPxW/s320/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Warm Springs on a cloudy day. Lack of sun made autumn colors more subdued.</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/AVvXsEgfGeDVJHhRpAAzXH_M-BrVUgGJU0wTY4n_9-IO9JARGIGsvcQJg8QF8jWpaf8XJPCppFSXyibNFonzgvk0jrHgkli8ALgAqSCl0-T0ZGN6ZAPN7M3j1R7srP2sMH3KfNQYNUP_odZWJOc4/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGeDVJHhRpAAzXH_M-BrVUgGJU0wTY4n_9-IO9JARGIGsvcQJg8QF8jWpaf8XJPCppFSXyibNFonzgvk0jrHgkli8ALgAqSCl0-T0ZGN6ZAPN7M3j1R7srP2sMH3KfNQYNUP_odZWJOc4/s320/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpYp9owIPFuRnyZk-02j58UHTIs9HPF_Qw6Fehkl6hWSvIdf61UhfO9vhgnI4jfQXfLzxeZ0ncadNxCE-vnNm_OtJdOhqlkqemajFJ33HBeHa0TX7_nHxWl5Sg4nde2y1CPX0eEYKysbB/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpYp9owIPFuRnyZk-02j58UHTIs9HPF_Qw6Fehkl6hWSvIdf61UhfO9vhgnI4jfQXfLzxeZ0ncadNxCE-vnNm_OtJdOhqlkqemajFJ33HBeHa0TX7_nHxWl5Sg4nde2y1CPX0eEYKysbB/s320/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhMp9KwhxxjVzXmWkQHvYu5SLKXwvP9i82l1tf8WgU-tDU49tHKFfBv1RuNyCVPN655kPoFEOFNrla9qUQ9hs3d01GPKjrS5mJGImdvAKrS1-OAUivVLpwvyqTYzm_GAemOg7lmBBF6Kt/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/AVvXsEijhMp9KwhxxjVzXmWkQHvYu5SLKXwvP9i82l1tf8WgU-tDU49tHKFfBv1RuNyCVPN655kPoFEOFNrla9qUQ9hs3d01GPKjrS5mJGImdvAKrS1-OAUivVLpwvyqTYzm_GAemOg7lmBBF6Kt/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIkXe_UFDiNBfPdhClKhN_8UHW5Htri1zaOFxMfqsOV-bf5udnRPCKpc-UQPeGWbiCc3jb_Cp0_IW6ery_hmkqMJrh324Jsh61XcM8r54s_FJLUYy_JT5jGhFEFOLVXBK-dHHtLS84pJ-/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIkXe_UFDiNBfPdhClKhN_8UHW5Htri1zaOFxMfqsOV-bf5udnRPCKpc-UQPeGWbiCc3jb_Cp0_IW6ery_hmkqMJrh324Jsh61XcM8r54s_FJLUYy_JT5jGhFEFOLVXBK-dHHtLS84pJ-/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Snow and sleet! Blustery winds and cold temps in the mid-30s brought precipitation from the dark clouds hanging over the Allegheny Mountains.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 24, 2013<br />#fallinva

Adventures with Barb autumn in Virginia back roads Bath County Hot Springs Lynn R. Mitchell tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Warm Springs Adventures with Barb ... chasing autumn leaves on the back roads of Bath County, Va

 Warm Springs, Virginia, on October 24, 2013. Some trees were still green, others were showcasing their color, and some were already bare. F...

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National Parks are OPEN

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUR9yeUig7mgL1-Bq7qxxM9WOF3UnJ8HJksaXGNvSMeXKDQQ27Iv3l7mOU-O5oxEocsB_dzUFAvtt-aL4TTSwK5chmgKuAhdEB3ZRC8a_4r0yOWNQ-0N2q__YVKVMn97C7KUhJicqETEy/s1600/National+Parks+are+open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUR9yeUig7mgL1-Bq7qxxM9WOF3UnJ8HJksaXGNvSMeXKDQQ27Iv3l7mOU-O5oxEocsB_dzUFAvtt-aL4TTSwK5chmgKuAhdEB3ZRC8a_4r0yOWNQ-0N2q__YVKVMn97C7KUhJicqETEy/s400/National+Parks+are+open.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>After sixteen days of locked gates, the national parks throughout the country reopened Thursday. The month of October is prime leaf season for much of the country including Shenandoah National Park. For all the latest for the remaining days of fall foliage, check this <a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/141c81797f3ae9d1">Virginia Is For Lovers website</a>. <br /><br /><br /><br />

autumn leaf season National Parks tourism Virginia Is For Lovers National Parks are OPEN

After sixteen days of locked gates, the national parks throughout the country reopened Thursday. The month of October is prime leaf season f...

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Virginia back roads ... Foggy Ridge Cider

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrbWPXq5lRwGjLLfuwX-gZMCUdrlr6diIN-_HUw3pjiT26fS8CHvYjKWoYjU8_b04Lpiglf7W_SBlVfMs9NRplcpN6Z_OCIB1mdn4nEWawo6RmQLfookqRizXPY-rn5JmBdy-biGJOBPU/s1600/46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrbWPXq5lRwGjLLfuwX-gZMCUdrlr6diIN-_HUw3pjiT26fS8CHvYjKWoYjU8_b04Lpiglf7W_SBlVfMs9NRplcpN6Z_OCIB1mdn4nEWawo6RmQLfookqRizXPY-rn5JmBdy-biGJOBPU/s400/46.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"It is indeed bad to eat apples. It is better to make them all into cider ."<br />--<i>Benjamin Franklin </i></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.foggyridgecider.com/">Foggy Ridge Cider</a> ... what a delightful discovery on the back roads of Virginia as we explored communities near the Blue Ridge Parkway! You've heard of Dugspur, right? <i>No?</i> It's a tiny little community tucked away off Rt. 58 in Carroll County, and that was where we were headed to check out this <a href="http://www.foggyridgecider.com/our-cider/our-cider.php">award-winning cider</a>. After all, September is apple season in the Commonwealth.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fPlXYKEyjZHByw0GPKBN_o1Per6hR5hj8fuqpda54z-KhBqwWekO-eS1K0rUaJFtwvDXcWpLaaqDbKCaO44UwJBItEatz2rMk-KuwQFIqmgYMjb9lCxagoyq9nDhrAFjPkSAcg_czMaF/s1600/47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fPlXYKEyjZHByw0GPKBN_o1Per6hR5hj8fuqpda54z-KhBqwWekO-eS1K0rUaJFtwvDXcWpLaaqDbKCaO44UwJBItEatz2rMk-KuwQFIqmgYMjb9lCxagoyq9nDhrAFjPkSAcg_czMaF/s400/47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.foggyridgecider.com/">website</a> had an inviting greeting that intrigued me: "At Foggy Ridge Cider we value a rural life. Dirt roads, starry skies and plenty of wildlife are more important to us than WalMart, Hardees or a shopping mall. The surrounding three counties average 1.3 traffic lights and less than 20,000 people per county. This is a good thing.While we're not on the beaten path, we are easy to find and will greet all visitors with a warm and gracious welcome."</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/AVvXsEiwosUG5V159cCPmGJKw1xq0vbcGEwX9ckPPCc8vxrACF14v96y0plEwoN-ps2U1J6uccUagb3y8E63w7RbqdzzyXr09Nu-PWiaLFL5Ksgcz6rvPHPOmjVTycfyDUwGphnWzDn_k-Iy3AOf/s1600/48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwosUG5V159cCPmGJKw1xq0vbcGEwX9ckPPCc8vxrACF14v96y0plEwoN-ps2U1J6uccUagb3y8E63w7RbqdzzyXr09Nu-PWiaLFL5Ksgcz6rvPHPOmjVTycfyDUwGphnWzDn_k-Iy3AOf/s640/48.jpg" width="529" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like places that are off the beaten path so we set out in search of Foggy Ridge Cider, following Buffalo Mountain in the distance and the wildflowers along the roadways and the occasional brightly-colored tree signaling fall had arrived. It was late September and the weather was sunny and cool.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We arrived just in time for a tasting with two other couples. Lynn was our warm and friendly server and entertainer, providing an excellent presentation of artisan cider and story-telling that kept everyone laughing as they tossed out verbal observations after each offering. The comfortable feeling was of seven friends enjoying an afternoon drinking hand-crafted cider while overlooking the orchard with Buffalo Mountain in the background.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQjlE5meeO-hRzuj9EGrcHgINJt8JP1vLu4Ck6M7E_VN76dGWt-RCQM0D23RC049dc-5NRSzB8aLTVywhBV9nSItNE30NF-7eAV1hhRbOB85WkJ3qLJaT1SQyPfxidkCSxNfkyBm6D6nh/s1600/45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQjlE5meeO-hRzuj9EGrcHgINJt8JP1vLu4Ck6M7E_VN76dGWt-RCQM0D23RC049dc-5NRSzB8aLTVywhBV9nSItNE30NF-7eAV1hhRbOB85WkJ3qLJaT1SQyPfxidkCSxNfkyBm6D6nh/s400/45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <a href="http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/natural_area_preserves/buffalo.shtml">Buffalo Mountain</a>. It was said that in pioneer days, children were given permission to roam as long as they had Buffalo Mountain in their sights. It can be seen from a thirty-mile radius. It looms over the orchard at Foggy Ridge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFIduslGmeNWmUcwC42R3hpHIORwmM0QXprIPLKEEG8yaWuh3xM8S4kbWnc3HiSJ-qMC6MmuxaNqYPQ2asZIwxFVFN2sr-9rMnsz5epYM4hvPAEmZlU_ts5wRkkkjQaNT7B1fujbniQX8/s1600/49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFIduslGmeNWmUcwC42R3hpHIORwmM0QXprIPLKEEG8yaWuh3xM8S4kbWnc3HiSJ-qMC6MmuxaNqYPQ2asZIwxFVFN2sr-9rMnsz5epYM4hvPAEmZlU_ts5wRkkkjQaNT7B1fujbniQX8/s400/49.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foggyridgecider.com/our-cider/our-cider.php">Reviews</a> over the years have been numerous and glowing, as seen in the framed copies on the walls of the tasting room.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0-jROdD5xhW1YgNw7c5gAaUwS8gPhIllzACle420AGosnjRUf2I7wwZGRc-O0Ch1RiouiHgfKznaKFEJLySS3DD8Y5CB_9-Fl0uCz3AnjJ4MHV3Bj0KwXBeRV83rh7evKyg-VKjNiYtT/s1600/56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0-jROdD5xhW1YgNw7c5gAaUwS8gPhIllzACle420AGosnjRUf2I7wwZGRc-O0Ch1RiouiHgfKznaKFEJLySS3DD8Y5CB_9-Fl0uCz3AnjJ4MHV3Bj0KwXBeRV83rh7evKyg-VKjNiYtT/s400/56.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUHrWo2W7oAnN6RYLIse4osfCUbq4btiKEqBchBJf-WlE2GsWmuCXe1IAivfmam1mvepr87Dk0GX5C1WcTszpDuKe6KBno7m_wJiwrA09MJsvuM6iVfGAnCMmgPahjT3RP262WbXjNgF8/s1600/57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUHrWo2W7oAnN6RYLIse4osfCUbq4btiKEqBchBJf-WlE2GsWmuCXe1IAivfmam1mvepr87Dk0GX5C1WcTszpDuKe6KBno7m_wJiwrA09MJsvuM6iVfGAnCMmgPahjT3RP262WbXjNgF8/s400/57.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Diane Flynt, owner and cider artist, wrote: "Simple is often best–think of a just caught whole fish brushed with fruity olive oil and grilled on a bed of fresh herbs. Or pasta topped with fresh tomatoes, basil and a syrupy balsamic vinegar. Simple is also best with cider. Foggy Ridge Cider begins in the orchard with apples carefully selected for their unique flavors and grown for taste, not appearance. In our cidermaking, we aim to put this fruit in the bottle with minimal manipulation."</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/AVvXsEjqGYf-X9lM_p_66axOGYdlwp47KEnBjOO-B61XtEjhS8xt6cmWCCRtbGWPgb0_X76AxYcQLFNAOOC9J8SeuGB76vJrJkFxROMaT0DrQLhTsNF1ubX0XHl4CmFFBZM1AXvyPNu48qsRaMOR/s1600/60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGYf-X9lM_p_66axOGYdlwp47KEnBjOO-B61XtEjhS8xt6cmWCCRtbGWPgb0_X76AxYcQLFNAOOC9J8SeuGB76vJrJkFxROMaT0DrQLhTsNF1ubX0XHl4CmFFBZM1AXvyPNu48qsRaMOR/s400/60.jpg" width="400" /></a></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/AVvXsEgJ5im9z6ma8-AQM7hbNpRYO_jrIWymvBYseCQHaxrVrSWgDPigecCVjKmbYU70arkkmuw2O1HtwnTmFiF1-_ut6neCEgng-6jkQOvLvGy1dNNnRprotIz0hHUjgHTASlziP6SMzNeHDoMi/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5im9z6ma8-AQM7hbNpRYO_jrIWymvBYseCQHaxrVrSWgDPigecCVjKmbYU70arkkmuw2O1HtwnTmFiF1-_ut6neCEgng-6jkQOvLvGy1dNNnRprotIz0hHUjgHTASlziP6SMzNeHDoMi/s640/1.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">We adopted three bottles to take home for enjoying and sharing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>First Fruit</b> cider blends early season American heirloom apples to create a rich fruity cider with lively acidity to drink, like Thomas Jefferson, on its own or with a meal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Foggy Ridge Handmade</b>, bottled in baby champagne bottles, is for sale only at restaurants, retailers, and at Foggy Ridge Cider Mill. This crisp cider made from Newtown Pippin apples has beautiful soft tannins and a delicate apple flavor with light pear notes.  </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/AVvXsEjXiTgJODnsteY5oOwSutBYdtCRNbXgS4UI5bO5n4x6C7PG5Ybh_3zIwChGprAeqxs3sBWveb49IN8f00ZNwVc_pLaJ6LTBPJX37SPsqUqcqypzJqgquFrIW4qMO1TFn0qV9phCH6ytRIYL/s1600/61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiTgJODnsteY5oOwSutBYdtCRNbXgS4UI5bO5n4x6C7PG5Ybh_3zIwChGprAeqxs3sBWveb49IN8f00ZNwVc_pLaJ6LTBPJX37SPsqUqcqypzJqgquFrIW4qMO1TFn0qV9phCH6ytRIYL/s400/61.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Award-winning medals.</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/AVvXsEhntd0lK-ED47zN7fAgYHUwuHM17iJn_FtS4cugbjOTs8rXLSf58EQ_bBNfg9oYXm9K979qK2dELwI-4OcrQblJJjEGnXVXBS66f_Zkq4n7IB-xD8r3AYWZm1OCw8WEi8wmCxgZAg_tX5GW/s1600/62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntd0lK-ED47zN7fAgYHUwuHM17iJn_FtS4cugbjOTs8rXLSf58EQ_bBNfg9oYXm9K979qK2dELwI-4OcrQblJJjEGnXVXBS66f_Zkq4n7IB-xD8r3AYWZm1OCw8WEi8wmCxgZAg_tX5GW/s400/62.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36JW94rf2BOKMWDrPOrCS-g7XVCcKP6Sxbyu6c0Ls4hFqENJlrczVOFGiw7XdiJqFobHS_20oiQ_z2vrlCTQpSMp6TQAJpVbTsNg5mT0yLw25y3HbElE9D8Xbtg5cBx2DV7dp8ABnU3OF/s1600/63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36JW94rf2BOKMWDrPOrCS-g7XVCcKP6Sxbyu6c0Ls4hFqENJlrczVOFGiw7XdiJqFobHS_20oiQ_z2vrlCTQpSMp6TQAJpVbTsNg5mT0yLw25y3HbElE9D8Xbtg5cBx2DV7dp8ABnU3OF/s400/63.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJJIDaW_JVs_1_FoqNgukxv4QtAwXZktwmxXrKnM_YVwvn2apWxdTLri10XoVzO5ksI2nNo_0zBVU2Sh5VIGMtkxpKaCMYa3kdghdCXdEYrt87hDuFJz7PJONqimv0_06TuwpeEALXj8H/s1600/64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJJIDaW_JVs_1_FoqNgukxv4QtAwXZktwmxXrKnM_YVwvn2apWxdTLri10XoVzO5ksI2nNo_0zBVU2Sh5VIGMtkxpKaCMYa3kdghdCXdEYrt87hDuFJz7PJONqimv0_06TuwpeEALXj8H/s400/64.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77UHi9dUkvFMGPyl_h0kkqhGIaiDeIexXTyw4oV8gNk7xmE2cFaeWAYdaJaiqUsEXnqmTFgjLlWm5C7sjy5eIF3Ih0VCIft8y5FR-mr-vptvJj4daeH9fbJ79QIGMamWERzT4YeyXzx2D/s1600/65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77UHi9dUkvFMGPyl_h0kkqhGIaiDeIexXTyw4oV8gNk7xmE2cFaeWAYdaJaiqUsEXnqmTFgjLlWm5C7sjy5eIF3Ih0VCIft8y5FR-mr-vptvJj4daeH9fbJ79QIGMamWERzT4YeyXzx2D/s400/65.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5Mv2hRtR3enQcMVhbXSEiTLo3WVImnGbC6dIXKWfrVWH9gblcw7A38hCi4qFzT61qr5GoYDtGd47Z5redTy9HJtIuWJakQggpkddJbI1r96v1z8F_7ndrMWkjdHYsD97A_IZIxbTca2c/s1600/66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5Mv2hRtR3enQcMVhbXSEiTLo3WVImnGbC6dIXKWfrVWH9gblcw7A38hCi4qFzT61qr5GoYDtGd47Z5redTy9HJtIuWJakQggpkddJbI1r96v1z8F_7ndrMWkjdHYsD97A_IZIxbTca2c/s400/66.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFieYlJynERiX8E1Lfc4mvdNQpTNk5U1Q0r8TJx5bIZsJuWrdyXgLFaNUj3mNIHK0KQuEcAxph3zpA_8m9rjYexBIwsuRlXXXYlv7JnmLNTP1_OCOw5u2OOj5YmHnmlnAqZod9TAJa8ie4/s1600/67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFieYlJynERiX8E1Lfc4mvdNQpTNk5U1Q0r8TJx5bIZsJuWrdyXgLFaNUj3mNIHK0KQuEcAxph3zpA_8m9rjYexBIwsuRlXXXYlv7JnmLNTP1_OCOw5u2OOj5YmHnmlnAqZod9TAJa8ie4/s640/67.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Overlooking the apple orchards ... Buffalo Mountain is in the distance.</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/AVvXsEieEteSJ-26iwcz5IQKFx72p3bsK4HJAgBQTbJGKZnrAhjUNkt3HZNvOW8lHrdoiJoEjETa_vXQuGGGrDFBKmd_fT_nMBsphxQODCf09b8tRnrgBktHKqEPJ1JcHOfEAMrNZpzlrO0VPQPD/s1600/68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEteSJ-26iwcz5IQKFx72p3bsK4HJAgBQTbJGKZnrAhjUNkt3HZNvOW8lHrdoiJoEjETa_vXQuGGGrDFBKmd_fT_nMBsphxQODCf09b8tRnrgBktHKqEPJ1JcHOfEAMrNZpzlrO0VPQPD/s400/68.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><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/AVvXsEgmYNSo4NlAhTZw4Y3hufkB52HFBtzMnuL4tyRakVLL2jkouFBn2a0X11_rVZYfxckc7xopKRB_bbUyL6xbAvw1Z20w9-sfDC9vfJVIdn1zLQcAElPpnrVx0axac6lvLi3AiYe0qcisFKK-/s1600/70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYNSo4NlAhTZw4Y3hufkB52HFBtzMnuL4tyRakVLL2jkouFBn2a0X11_rVZYfxckc7xopKRB_bbUyL6xbAvw1Z20w9-sfDC9vfJVIdn1zLQcAElPpnrVx0axac6lvLi3AiYe0qcisFKK-/s400/70.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y5ssweoYHIVXRXLUPeH7A54_h4JftrX9ov6CPUzNaO8XDHnsWCL141q3-n-oTxWA-UMtdqhOheZmEllvqQV4svEmvvgj3P7_QXK3TYujtIdeyHoaUUCF7UTxpfZcVfhU9TKwCc4P9P2C/s1600/50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y5ssweoYHIVXRXLUPeH7A54_h4JftrX9ov6CPUzNaO8XDHnsWCL141q3-n-oTxWA-UMtdqhOheZmEllvqQV4svEmvvgj3P7_QXK3TYujtIdeyHoaUUCF7UTxpfZcVfhU9TKwCc4P9P2C/s640/50.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmF3-7BayPSdcSscF8lRPpSrquuGNhJeKTAEAlaq6GlP1qGwQjGGWsxQxGvjGhvAzTuqtVRnNX7hDsPpr1zBzhclWnqs8lnYkkry0hGxkKnVWnHXfQuWYgLvYUgUObL7CB8iHp3qKztm19/s1600/51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmF3-7BayPSdcSscF8lRPpSrquuGNhJeKTAEAlaq6GlP1qGwQjGGWsxQxGvjGhvAzTuqtVRnNX7hDsPpr1zBzhclWnqs8lnYkkry0hGxkKnVWnHXfQuWYgLvYUgUObL7CB8iHp3qKztm19/s400/51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjG-kZQywh-PM6G15YQMYz2eaSxRBN1g-KMF490j1T7SywSoOWH8zcbzu4HcCqbX4lbc_hM7yIG94aNXpj6NsbPsUgLfX03z_0VqfEB61E-m8EBiYbQdFNtzeOVsUToQi09Gpe1gIRSviK/s1600/52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjG-kZQywh-PM6G15YQMYz2eaSxRBN1g-KMF490j1T7SywSoOWH8zcbzu4HcCqbX4lbc_hM7yIG94aNXpj6NsbPsUgLfX03z_0VqfEB61E-m8EBiYbQdFNtzeOVsUToQi09Gpe1gIRSviK/s400/52.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILkK98Csepc34KyMt5gPUocWa2igRGqfkjxigS9KPtt_16EYvCCVWfFTheq46306ghzbVGRdtO1o6UOWm0zOqzTzOe51z9rmgF3YzymMyZWrx_VG31P24OyYoH1pESBhEPGjnloi-kiqL/s1600/53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILkK98Csepc34KyMt5gPUocWa2igRGqfkjxigS9KPtt_16EYvCCVWfFTheq46306ghzbVGRdtO1o6UOWm0zOqzTzOe51z9rmgF3YzymMyZWrx_VG31P24OyYoH1pESBhEPGjnloi-kiqL/s400/53.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgxWLnkOxn4Wa-PWQDUAFMq0_zcK8jjvRDhiHq_pCeHUiO-nt8WA5rwcjxFRvGu8Hj5_fCBr5DveieL-0b1nyYtr3F4y2YPzGflCKEmLSpnTYTmJNqI9Cp_rLYt3xEwbdOcuCdo5LTh0g/s1600/54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgxWLnkOxn4Wa-PWQDUAFMq0_zcK8jjvRDhiHq_pCeHUiO-nt8WA5rwcjxFRvGu8Hj5_fCBr5DveieL-0b1nyYtr3F4y2YPzGflCKEmLSpnTYTmJNqI9Cp_rLYt3xEwbdOcuCdo5LTh0g/s640/54.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iRmr4nF30rplbdr_jKBorZtTnSKPhJNHpF-RoHrhkrYTOMy1mvX8JBQIkvaFr9FKOcZLOLa2R31t82oWXyPmq21kpIIS93eUKDyvediLfFxLCbGZBT6Falv5D-Tmu5j30qnTZQioH3JH/s1600/55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iRmr4nF30rplbdr_jKBorZtTnSKPhJNHpF-RoHrhkrYTOMy1mvX8JBQIkvaFr9FKOcZLOLa2R31t82oWXyPmq21kpIIS93eUKDyvediLfFxLCbGZBT6Falv5D-Tmu5j30qnTZQioH3JH/s640/55.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg56mkkhvH2o7iPA9PzrmzxWSZXlGNIHLwlTp7Ai8YTFRGSTvj2016vu2hKqOOBbtm94omjCupq_tOjmsOqpTprZunbRQguTLq4SBfggMBpsb9cG1npjT1KAOP4PNDbvthxI1P1TzeJb-/s1600/59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg56mkkhvH2o7iPA9PzrmzxWSZXlGNIHLwlTp7Ai8YTFRGSTvj2016vu2hKqOOBbtm94omjCupq_tOjmsOqpTprZunbRQguTLq4SBfggMBpsb9cG1npjT1KAOP4PNDbvthxI1P1TzeJb-/s640/59.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes the best treasures are found in the tucked-away corners of Virginia and beyond. Foggy Ridge is one of those treasures. Years ago I said there had never been a gravel road that I didn't want to explore and find out where it went. Thankfully, SWAC Husband indulges my free spirit and good-naturedly goes along with my curiosity which has resulted in a lifetime of special memories sharing the places we've traveled and the sights we've seen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was just one more stop on our September journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway as we continued south to North Carolina....</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />September 27, 2013

apple cider back roads of Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Carroll County Foggy Ridge Cider tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Virginia wine Virginia back roads ... Foggy Ridge Cider

"It is indeed bad to eat apples. It is better to make them all into cider ." -- Benjamin Franklin   Foggy Ridge Cider ... what a ...

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Mabry Mill Restaurant reopened amid government shutdown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkJzD8KjOSz-l7i3dN3qyBkwrD5YLebf3aEZWwvQkZjr9mZOhyphenhyphenQW7y6AIPC13Yy4S6k01f1NJugH1caxre8NVU2kYfY5gZq868Hu_i2-FinMsC0TzDgMtc0iBrEQ2-43INPjmchYQwI2V/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkJzD8KjOSz-l7i3dN3qyBkwrD5YLebf3aEZWwvQkZjr9mZOhyphenhyphenQW7y6AIPC13Yy4S6k01f1NJugH1caxre8NVU2kYfY5gZq868Hu_i2-FinMsC0TzDgMtc0iBrEQ2-43INPjmchYQwI2V/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Mabry Mill</i></div><br />Breakfast on the Blue Ridge Parkway is available again (along with lunch and dinner) at Mabry Mill Restaurant at the historic mill. <br /><br /><i><a href="http://www.blueridgemuse.com/node/20182">Blue Ridge Muse</a></i> Douglas Thompson reported that the coffee is perking and pancakes are again on the grill.<br /><br />There was this puzzling comment from the National Park Service:<br /><blockquote>A spokesman for the National Park Service said Thursday they are not encouraging businesses operated by private vendors to reopen, they won’t stop those who do.</blockquote>Thankfully, for travelers and locals, Mabry Mill is back on the grid although the government shutdown didn't help things: <br /><blockquote>Radcliff said Mabry Mill is “definitely open through Oct. 31″ but lost at least $65,000 for the 10 days that it was closed because of the continuing government shutdown.<br /><br />The attraction was closed last weekend at what was considered the “peak” time for autumn colors on this part of the Parkway.</blockquote><a href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/peaks-of-otter-lodge-now-open.html">Peaks of Otter Lodge has also reopened</a> amid the shutdown.

Blue Ridge Muse Douglas Thompson government shutdown Mabry Mill Mabry Mill Restaurant National Park Service Peaks of Otter tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Mabry Mill Restaurant reopened amid government shutdown

  Mabry Mill Breakfast on the Blue Ridge Parkway is available again (along with lunch and dinner) at Mabry Mill Restaurant at the historic m...

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Peaks of Otter Lodge now OPEN

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETuN4mBg3I5xbroAvZEAHMD25TMlpURJCWgVEK8ZQLy4b67TDb5FkawTCx7DCXEG2R8b73amv9GY_Ea-YZuQIomamxdv3L8C3c3UC2diY-dAb1knuWyYDZJFtAOlZtjgDjc4cBsslbDWF/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETuN4mBg3I5xbroAvZEAHMD25TMlpURJCWgVEK8ZQLy4b67TDb5FkawTCx7DCXEG2R8b73amv9GY_Ea-YZuQIomamxdv3L8C3c3UC2diY-dAb1knuWyYDZJFtAOlZtjgDjc4cBsslbDWF/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Peaks of Otter Lodge with Sharp Top Mountain in the background.</i></div><br />Good news! Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant have reopened amid the continued government shutdown, good news for travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak autumn leaf season.<br /><br />The company that runs the concession released a statement, according to <a href="http://www.wset.com/story/23675586/peaks-of-otter-lodge-re-opens">WSET TV-13</a>:<br /><blockquote><i>"Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts is thrilled to announce the re-opening of Peaks of Otter Lodge effective noon Saturday, October 12. The restaurant will open with a limited menu for dinner service. The shuttle to Sharp Top Mountain will not be operating as all National Park Service services remain closed. We would like to thank our employees and our guests for their support and loyalty. <br /><br />Our employees are excited to get back to work serving guests and creating memorable experiences. Fall is a beautiful time to visit Peaks of Otter Lodge and we look forward to continuing a successful first season as operators. <br /><br />Peaks of Otter Lodge is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway - an open and gate-free commuter road. Because of its unique position, we were able to re-open the iconic and popular property just in time for the best views of fall foliage. The Lodge is open through December 1.<br /><br /> Shenandoah National Park, among other national parks where Delaware North operates, remains closed due to the government shutdown. We remain hopeful for a resolution in the near future."</i></blockquote>

Blue Ridge Parkway Delaware North Companies & Resorts government shutdown National Park Service Peaks of Otter reopening tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Peaks of Otter Lodge now OPEN

  Peaks of Otter Lodge with Sharp Top Mountain in the background. Good news! Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant have reopened amid the cont...

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Nancy's Candy Company in Meadows of Dan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08iJl7Ep9Xg5YTFyjiymD3uH0xTXDRXwtD1dFMkEao2obi2VdudYmn1TdOr-519bYAhWc2FdYk4MXnkWCUYVWqtwAo14sEMvgf_OPQ3H-Qtwasur2KwfV8Lfx_uQdfnlHOHK8eyP92mJ5/s1600/32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08iJl7Ep9Xg5YTFyjiymD3uH0xTXDRXwtD1dFMkEao2obi2VdudYmn1TdOr-519bYAhWc2FdYk4MXnkWCUYVWqtwAo14sEMvgf_OPQ3H-Qtwasur2KwfV8Lfx_uQdfnlHOHK8eyP92mJ5/s400/32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We stumbled on Nancy's Candy Company while traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway in September. SWAC Husband picked up a small package of cinnamon candy at Explore Park outside Roanoke and discovered it had been made in Virginia at Meadows of Dan. We were heading south on the Parkway so decided to look it up.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5_M-kxgSdWAd7xmZCRvwQhOTqeviaWLiiDP5jSUwIQcSZIHBKrK29u16-fMm5aBYq9-JIwoYuprBET2GfdM1DNgPKh-ZR1aohyjR7uK_SLHMpxv6YA9SzbyL5Jscy27eoiK_YNhI_kEV/s1600/33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5_M-kxgSdWAd7xmZCRvwQhOTqeviaWLiiDP5jSUwIQcSZIHBKrK29u16-fMm5aBYq9-JIwoYuprBET2GfdM1DNgPKh-ZR1aohyjR7uK_SLHMpxv6YA9SzbyL5Jscy27eoiK_YNhI_kEV/s640/33.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Within a mile of the Parkway at Meadows of Dan, there it was -- Nancy's Candy Company -- all decorated for Halloween.</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/AVvXsEg1Tkhk-8dpojFvUjXbAeIbWxYtiZqMKKfVTS4QGCI2yTTt5UM9W9gVkye6eSDf-FL6HufhcdNR02lqM9PNu48B_N4-NRXhftOibTjFB9CP8ueeI7HYUuxiJovwE2vQ9-wKHW2f_EoFBFJA/s1600/41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Tkhk-8dpojFvUjXbAeIbWxYtiZqMKKfVTS4QGCI2yTTt5UM9W9gVkye6eSDf-FL6HufhcdNR02lqM9PNu48B_N4-NRXhftOibTjFB9CP8ueeI7HYUuxiJovwE2vQ9-wKHW2f_EoFBFJA/s400/41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It all started with this little package of cinnamon candies.</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/AVvXsEhQFNPoE9RJgNR7aR-oQznGt6HE6_hBI8viHFDCMe_ug6fB6y0cp-8L71Ds_INulqBShvYY0jti54cXDIkX88rU-bUmS0m9tJW7H01A4JFy5dE_p0DS3SWEIZ510-yuYiTs5K9jVAjCzrz0/s1600/34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFNPoE9RJgNR7aR-oQznGt6HE6_hBI8viHFDCMe_ug6fB6y0cp-8L71Ds_INulqBShvYY0jti54cXDIkX88rU-bUmS0m9tJW7H01A4JFy5dE_p0DS3SWEIZ510-yuYiTs5K9jVAjCzrz0/s400/34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nancy's makes some candies and packages some bulk products. Their selection of fall and Halloween candies was impressive.</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/AVvXsEg8cPcssOv_AwIPN9huOxLmajodb4rbSBMKB227nzjti1Q9LgmYWXDrNxWWqnZq9kZcYfjnhDAIyLVtznyKhfbzNtNmJx8StYSEsQPvW7b0zeY9EfhFwgYAs9HOM86GtL6M8Dh_t3_zfrSW/s1600/35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cPcssOv_AwIPN9huOxLmajodb4rbSBMKB227nzjti1Q9LgmYWXDrNxWWqnZq9kZcYfjnhDAIyLVtznyKhfbzNtNmJx8StYSEsQPvW7b0zeY9EfhFwgYAs9HOM86GtL6M8Dh_t3_zfrSW/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/AVvXsEiyIDV7HIoK-bpOozgdVnLVbgYNrVRe5ImlnX9jWIlCHhgClphqBdAYT9a2WHz_Zun57nbsYDIgU904UwfxRl2-HM564OY4i-hi-EsgaJaUV4oIY-y-B8sshplw57OuKlMN95oDNjW8Ozq5/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIDV7HIoK-bpOozgdVnLVbgYNrVRe5ImlnX9jWIlCHhgClphqBdAYT9a2WHz_Zun57nbsYDIgU904UwfxRl2-HM564OY4i-hi-EsgaJaUV4oIY-y-B8sshplw57OuKlMN95oDNjW8Ozq5/s400/36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_K6rXtF0YymzPBSd-yn8J37vhEx7Ac3lbxXjNzbcm3q3SCrBKMnpQSK_K4_ZHBWMQovHBwDbYfrzmbV8hD96lZRyqCcxYyg76HfqXadTpZjbOQPBhMTxCFGMo2nQJV-b22GkSNrBGMD-/s1600/37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_K6rXtF0YymzPBSd-yn8J37vhEx7Ac3lbxXjNzbcm3q3SCrBKMnpQSK_K4_ZHBWMQovHBwDbYfrzmbV8hD96lZRyqCcxYyg76HfqXadTpZjbOQPBhMTxCFGMo2nQJV-b22GkSNrBGMD-/s400/37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFR8dMXQ6ve6Ty6BOdswJbf6wV-s3IUrA6049OOwJ8GTR8CYXyqlhJJdBVtQZErW0X4My0zoRGE3Iu7lORvCxg99ubmIdlEqj_CWXZcwR1JEZywc8SWY9UmuaUxTbIyDCrcWiYidR81jd5/s1600/38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFR8dMXQ6ve6Ty6BOdswJbf6wV-s3IUrA6049OOwJ8GTR8CYXyqlhJJdBVtQZErW0X4My0zoRGE3Iu7lORvCxg99ubmIdlEqj_CWXZcwR1JEZywc8SWY9UmuaUxTbIyDCrcWiYidR81jd5/s400/38.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z0fnU-OZTkFjR01OnoZxaXKrbIFCctvTMWjRBsUMU6Zod5aea3QMSL9mJC2vpE9oavtvwiQk-eBxS5qqRVnniGDOs0pLR0NZkTDBE5dZT_nWSa0vRtYDynIe5itkJp_i8NY8NBp3kEak/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z0fnU-OZTkFjR01OnoZxaXKrbIFCctvTMWjRBsUMU6Zod5aea3QMSL9mJC2vpE9oavtvwiQk-eBxS5qqRVnniGDOs0pLR0NZkTDBE5dZT_nWSa0vRtYDynIe5itkJp_i8NY8NBp3kEak/s400/39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There was an even wider selection of homemade candies that are crafted on-site in the candy kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HiSOZyDT7Hma6OrPSFP0H9IF0tSB21pVvFt2E_uB8elpundvLb1wplGxOC2CPI8FSDfXa0GCqLCGnRirT9JSuKpkBqHE1Sb3LHE-2DhSQp6GeU5Y0WtulWZ6bxIkugYeSwmOlajgWVKT/s1600/40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HiSOZyDT7Hma6OrPSFP0H9IF0tSB21pVvFt2E_uB8elpundvLb1wplGxOC2CPI8FSDfXa0GCqLCGnRirT9JSuKpkBqHE1Sb3LHE-2DhSQp6GeU5Y0WtulWZ6bxIkugYeSwmOlajgWVKT/s400/40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />From Nancy's website:<br /><blockquote>In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a small mountain community where pride in accomplishment is still important. This is the home of my Candy Factory. With the help of caring neighbors, we make the greatest tasting fudge, chocolates and truffles.<br /><br />Using the finest chocolate, fresh cream and butter and a little extra patience, I developed my original recipe for creamy fudge, decadent truffles, homestyle chocolates and lots more. Folks say our candy is the best they’ve ever had. <br /><br />Come visit us and shop our three candy stores – you’ve never seen so many luscious chocolates, mouth- watering fudges, artisan truffles and handmade candies. And at factory prices!</blockquote>If you're near Meadows of Dan or Mabry Mill or that part of Virginia, stop by and visit with the folks at Nancy's.<br /><br /><i>Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell</i><br /><i>September 27, 2013</i>

Blue Ridge Parkway candy makers Mabry Mill Meadows of Dan Nancy's Candy Store tourism Virginia Virginia Is For Lovers Nancy's Candy Company in Meadows of Dan

We stumbled on Nancy's Candy Company while traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway in September. SWAC Husband picked up a small package of cinn...

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