Mountain Song Inn Bed and Breakfast
Willis, VA
November 8-10th, 2013
What a grand time Red had at the Mountain Song Inn Bed and Breakfast in Floyd County, Va! The Red Chair lazed around Mountain Song Inn, sitting on the many decks admiring the beautiful view and landscaping in much the same way that the other guests were doing. Red had attempted to try to check out Chateau Morrisette, but it was raining so hard Red didn't end up getting out of the car. Red had accidentally left its ID at the inn so Red couldn't do a tasting anyway; Red just add one more to the list of things to do for next time!
The Red Chair did enjoy trekking on some of the beautiful Floyd County backroads as you can see in one of the pictures below. The local newspaper even did a lovely article on Red's visit in the area too. The last day the Innkeepers of the Mountain Song Inn took Red on a scenic drive to meet up with the owner of Iron Mountain Inn, who was anxious to get back for a Veteran's Day Party. The Red Chair has left the Mountain Song Inn with a longer list of things to do that when it first came to visit!
The Red Chair did enjoy trekking on some of the beautiful Floyd County backroads as you can see in one of the pictures below. The local newspaper even did a lovely article on Red's visit in the area too. The last day the Innkeepers of the Mountain Song Inn took Red on a scenic drive to meet up with the owner of Iron Mountain Inn, who was anxious to get back for a Veteran's Day Party. The Red Chair has left the Mountain Song Inn with a longer list of things to do that when it first came to visit!
Bella La Vita Inn
Floyd, VA
November 5-7th, 2013
The Red Chair arrived excitedly at Bella La Vita Inn after hosts, Matt and Lisal Roberts, picked Red up from his last sojourn by the New River. After a rainy day’s rest and a relaxing visit with Bella’s guests – Red was ready to go exploring once again!
Just down the road, Red “oohed” and “aahed” as it ventured down the Blue Ridge Parkway – the 2nd most visited National Park in the USA! Red wanted to get out and stretch its four legs legs often, so they would not get stiff, plus the pristine fall beauty beckoned Red to snap pictures. Red really loved Mabry Mill, a local historic icon and also the most photographed spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Later, Red stopped to relax and have a glass of delicious Corvina wine at the Villa Appalaccia – known for its superb farm-grown Italian style wines. Once ready to move on, Innkeepers Matt and Lisal took the Red Chair to view The Buffalo, a mountain full of legend and folklore that looks over all of Floyd county.
The heritage of The Crooked Road beckoned, so they all set out down the mountain from Tuggle’s Gap to follow the distant sounds of Bluegrass Music in and around the town of Floyd. Parking close the Floyd County’s only stoplight, Innkeepers Matt and Lisal showed Red around town a bit. Red really felt a certain kinship with Red Rooster Coffee Roaster – he knew that Bella La Vita Inn had its very own blend of their delicious coffee!
The Red Chair had such a great time visiting Floyd, Virginia with the eclectic Floyd-style, shopping and lots of laughs shared here with local residents and visitors alike. The Red Chair loved Floyd so much, it was very happy to know it would have a day or two more here with the next stop on the journey being the Mountain Song Inn!
Just down the road, Red “oohed” and “aahed” as it ventured down the Blue Ridge Parkway – the 2nd most visited National Park in the USA! Red wanted to get out and stretch its four legs legs often, so they would not get stiff, plus the pristine fall beauty beckoned Red to snap pictures. Red really loved Mabry Mill, a local historic icon and also the most photographed spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Later, Red stopped to relax and have a glass of delicious Corvina wine at the Villa Appalaccia – known for its superb farm-grown Italian style wines. Once ready to move on, Innkeepers Matt and Lisal took the Red Chair to view The Buffalo, a mountain full of legend and folklore that looks over all of Floyd county.
The heritage of The Crooked Road beckoned, so they all set out down the mountain from Tuggle’s Gap to follow the distant sounds of Bluegrass Music in and around the town of Floyd. Parking close the Floyd County’s only stoplight, Innkeepers Matt and Lisal showed Red around town a bit. Red really felt a certain kinship with Red Rooster Coffee Roaster – he knew that Bella La Vita Inn had its very own blend of their delicious coffee!
The Red Chair had such a great time visiting Floyd, Virginia with the eclectic Floyd-style, shopping and lots of laughs shared here with local residents and visitors alike. The Red Chair loved Floyd so much, it was very happy to know it would have a day or two more here with the next stop on the journey being the Mountain Song Inn!
Inn at Riverbend
Pearisburg, VA
November 2-4th, 2013
Innkeepers Jimm and Janet, of the Inn at Riverbend in Pearisburg, VA, shared their beautiful Bed and Breakfast along with the spectacular views that come with the territory. The Red Chair made many fast friends including, the sofas, wingback chairs, rattan dining chairs, Adirondack chairs, rocking chairs, and more! Luckily they were there to share with the Red Chair the beauty that lies within the sunrise and sunset from the back deck overlooking the New River, it was absolutely stunning. Do not let the name New River fool you, this river is about 300 million years old and is the second oldest river in the world, the Nile being the oldest of course.
With private tours from the Inn's adorable Shi Tzus, Gaby and Zoey on the Appalachian Trail, enjoying the last hurrah of the warmer weather with a blizzard from Dairy Queen, visiting the Giles County Courthouse built in 1836, to visiting the "smallest library in the world" at Pembroke, just a few minutes away from the Inn, the Red Chair was able to experience such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The last stop before moving onto the next location was a trip to Newport, VA where Red saw the Sinking Creek Covered Bridge. It was so romantic! Built in 1916, this 70ft long red wooden bridge was a great place to stop and take one more picture.
With private tours from the Inn's adorable Shi Tzus, Gaby and Zoey on the Appalachian Trail, enjoying the last hurrah of the warmer weather with a blizzard from Dairy Queen, visiting the Giles County Courthouse built in 1836, to visiting the "smallest library in the world" at Pembroke, just a few minutes away from the Inn, the Red Chair was able to experience such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The last stop before moving onto the next location was a trip to Newport, VA where Red saw the Sinking Creek Covered Bridge. It was so romantic! Built in 1916, this 70ft long red wooden bridge was a great place to stop and take one more picture.
Historic Rockwood Manor Bed and Breakfast
Dublin, VA
October 30th - November 1st
Innkeepers Frank and Rochelle, of the Historic Rockwood Manor Bed and Breakfast, welcomed the Red Chair with wide open arms at Ikenberry Orchards. Here Red and the innkeepers discovered so many new kinds of yummy apples and just enjoyed the beautiful colors of the leaves all around. The group then decided to head to Roanoke to see the famous Hotel Roanoke as well as the O. Winston Link Museum which hosts hundreds of pictures of trains! Then it was off to check out the New River Community College, where Red saw the wind generators and solar panels that are a staple to the college's exploration of alternate energy education programs provided here.
It had just come to Reds attention that the town of Pulaski had just acquired a huge model train set, and this was just something the Red Chair had to check out while it was in the area! It was super cool to see the scale model of Pulaski Town. The next day it was off to check out Blacksburg, the home of Virginia Tech and home of the Hokies! With football being so big here Red decided to check out the football stadium, which holds 65,000 fans on a typical Saturday home game, wow! On the way back to the Historic Rockwood Manor Red got to sit by the water of the New River quick. Here Red learned from the innkeepers that the New River, unlike most rivers in the northern hemisphere, flows south to north, pretty interesting.
It had just come to Reds attention that the town of Pulaski had just acquired a huge model train set, and this was just something the Red Chair had to check out while it was in the area! It was super cool to see the scale model of Pulaski Town. The next day it was off to check out Blacksburg, the home of Virginia Tech and home of the Hokies! With football being so big here Red decided to check out the football stadium, which holds 65,000 fans on a typical Saturday home game, wow! On the way back to the Historic Rockwood Manor Red got to sit by the water of the New River quick. Here Red learned from the innkeepers that the New River, unlike most rivers in the northern hemisphere, flows south to north, pretty interesting.
The Vine Cottage Inn
Hot Springs, VA
October 27-29th, 2013
The Red Chair had a fabulous time visiting the innkeepers of the Vine Cottage Inn in Hot Springs, VA a few weeks ago. Starting out the beautiful Fall day, joined some of the other guests for a very special breakfast consisting of Jo's famous French Toast with New Orleans style Praline Sauce and so much more. (It was absolutely delicious!) Everyone was so interested in Red's stories they could have easily stayed there all day but of course the traveling chair must travel so it was off for the day to see the best of Bath County!
First stop was to meet Sheriff Robert Plecker. Sheriff Plecker was quick to make Red feel at ease and promised no one would paint the Red Chair green while it was under his watch in Bath County. With that comforting news the group continued on to visit the Garth Newel Music Center for a Chamber Music Concert. The next stops brought Red to the Seven Oaks Gallery and the Warm Springs Gallery to view some of the great pieces on display. Hearing that the Red Chair was to be coming to the Vine Cottage, Laura's Boutique of downtown Hot Springs hung a big welcome sign just for Red! The rest of the day was spent walking around downtown and taking all kinds of great pictures with some local Red Chair fans.
The second day the Red Chair had a busy itinerary with the innkeepers of the Vine Cottage Inn. They checked out Sam Snead's Tavern, played a round of golf on the Old Course at The Omni Homestead Resort, which is home to the oldest tee in continued use in the US! Next it was only to the 99 year old court house where Red met the Director of Tourism, Maggie Anderson. The last stop was to the famous Jefferson Pools where Red really enjoyed putting its legs into the 98 degree waters!
First stop was to meet Sheriff Robert Plecker. Sheriff Plecker was quick to make Red feel at ease and promised no one would paint the Red Chair green while it was under his watch in Bath County. With that comforting news the group continued on to visit the Garth Newel Music Center for a Chamber Music Concert. The next stops brought Red to the Seven Oaks Gallery and the Warm Springs Gallery to view some of the great pieces on display. Hearing that the Red Chair was to be coming to the Vine Cottage, Laura's Boutique of downtown Hot Springs hung a big welcome sign just for Red! The rest of the day was spent walking around downtown and taking all kinds of great pictures with some local Red Chair fans.
The second day the Red Chair had a busy itinerary with the innkeepers of the Vine Cottage Inn. They checked out Sam Snead's Tavern, played a round of golf on the Old Course at The Omni Homestead Resort, which is home to the oldest tee in continued use in the US! Next it was only to the 99 year old court house where Red met the Director of Tourism, Maggie Anderson. The last stop was to the famous Jefferson Pools where Red really enjoyed putting its legs into the 98 degree waters!
The Red Lantern Inn
Clifton Forge, VA
October 24-26th, 2013
After a warm welcome from Bella the English Bulldog, the Red Lantern Innkeepers decided to show the Red Chair some of the interesting places close by in Clifton Forge. First stop was to the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Heritage Center where Red settled onto the "nose" of the 614 Steam Engine! Next it was into the restored C&O's George Washington Dining Car which was full of a whole bunch of chair cousins. Red must say though its favorite part about the C&O Center was the small steam driven train that surround the property!
Next stop was the Humpback Bridge, which is the only covered bridge of it's kind still standing in the US today. Off to one side sits the fitting LOVE sign (Virginia is for lovers of course!) Falling Springs was next on the list, which is one of the largest falls in Virginia. A perfect end to the day was a visit to the award winning Masonic Amphitheater designed and constructed in 2012 by Virginia Tech Architecture students. The Ghouls from the Masonic Theater's Something Wicked happened to be outside and it was a bit scary!
The following day Red put its legs into the water of the Cowpasture River and enjoyed the beautifully colored fall leaves. Then the last stop of the stay was a trip to the Douthat State Park where Red visited the Ranger's Office to say hello. Red said the Red Lantern Inn was a great stay and a beautiful place to unwind.
Next stop was the Humpback Bridge, which is the only covered bridge of it's kind still standing in the US today. Off to one side sits the fitting LOVE sign (Virginia is for lovers of course!) Falling Springs was next on the list, which is one of the largest falls in Virginia. A perfect end to the day was a visit to the award winning Masonic Amphitheater designed and constructed in 2012 by Virginia Tech Architecture students. The Ghouls from the Masonic Theater's Something Wicked happened to be outside and it was a bit scary!
The following day Red put its legs into the water of the Cowpasture River and enjoyed the beautifully colored fall leaves. Then the last stop of the stay was a trip to the Douthat State Park where Red visited the Ranger's Office to say hello. Red said the Red Lantern Inn was a great stay and a beautiful place to unwind.
The Hummingbird Inn
Goshen, VA
October 21-23, 2013
It was the road less travelled that brought the Red Chair to the Hummingbird Inn in Goshen VA. Red was immediately welcomed by Raoul, the Inn’s lifelike mascot, who outlined the variety of events for the coming stay. But Red was weary from its travels, and a little down time on the deck along Mill Creek seemed in order.
The next morning it was out to greet the trains, a truly special feature of a stay at the Hummingbird. Nothing stirs more memories than the sound of that distant whistle.
It was off to Goshen Pass, and Red believes that so far it is one of the most picturesque drives it has seen in VA yet. An adventure stop at the swinging bridge and a more peaceful respite right at the edge of the Maury River, what a beautiful day!
We learned something new about Red on this trip…the Red Chair can knit! With the help of staff at Orchardside Yarn Shop in Raphine, Red took some time to show off this unique talent.
Red has always shown an interest in local historical buildings, so the innkeepers felt a stop at Wades Mill was a must. Then it was on to a little tasting of the grapes at Rockbridge Vineyards!
Lexington is full of Civil War history, which quite excited the Red Chair. One of the coolest ways to see the town is by carriage, Red was told and so he went for it! Along the way Red was introduced to the many sights of Lexington… the only home owned by Stonewall Jackson, the Virginia Military Institute along with the graves of Civil War heroes Robert E. Lee, and the aforementioned Stonewall Jackson. It was a great stay with Patty and Dan Harrison, Innkeepers of the Hummingbird Inn, Red would love to come back again!
The next morning it was out to greet the trains, a truly special feature of a stay at the Hummingbird. Nothing stirs more memories than the sound of that distant whistle.
It was off to Goshen Pass, and Red believes that so far it is one of the most picturesque drives it has seen in VA yet. An adventure stop at the swinging bridge and a more peaceful respite right at the edge of the Maury River, what a beautiful day!
We learned something new about Red on this trip…the Red Chair can knit! With the help of staff at Orchardside Yarn Shop in Raphine, Red took some time to show off this unique talent.
Red has always shown an interest in local historical buildings, so the innkeepers felt a stop at Wades Mill was a must. Then it was on to a little tasting of the grapes at Rockbridge Vineyards!
Lexington is full of Civil War history, which quite excited the Red Chair. One of the coolest ways to see the town is by carriage, Red was told and so he went for it! Along the way Red was introduced to the many sights of Lexington… the only home owned by Stonewall Jackson, the Virginia Military Institute along with the graves of Civil War heroes Robert E. Lee, and the aforementioned Stonewall Jackson. It was a great stay with Patty and Dan Harrison, Innkeepers of the Hummingbird Inn, Red would love to come back again!
The Iris Inn
Waynesboro, VA
October 18-20th, 2013
To celebrate the wonderful fall seasonal, Innkeepers Dave and Heidi of the Iris Inn took Red to Valley attractions such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, Ravens Roost Overlook, Crabtree Falls, and the Appalachian Trial suspension bridge over the Tye River. Red was quite proud of the way its painted hue complemented the fall leaves, and of course Red looked good. Autumn is definitely Red's season, and Red is, as usual, quite the photogenic subject!
Red’s legs were a bit tired after all of the outdoor exploration, so they decided to grab a bite to eat at the Green Leaf Grill in downtown Waynesboro. The Red Chair had visited numerous breweries and wineries on his journey, but not so many cideries, so Red was delighted to try a glass of local Bold Rock Hard Cider over lunch. Next, Red visited the P. Buckley Moss Museum and enjoyed viewing some local artwork. (Red also thought it would look pretty stunning as a P. Buckley painting.)
A further highlight of Red’s trip to the Iris Inn was the interview with a local newspaper. We’re sure the Red Chair feels like a celebrity after all of the press coverage Red’s received during its travels, but Red retained a sense of humility during the interview as always.
Pictures courtesy of James Beeler.
Red’s legs were a bit tired after all of the outdoor exploration, so they decided to grab a bite to eat at the Green Leaf Grill in downtown Waynesboro. The Red Chair had visited numerous breweries and wineries on his journey, but not so many cideries, so Red was delighted to try a glass of local Bold Rock Hard Cider over lunch. Next, Red visited the P. Buckley Moss Museum and enjoyed viewing some local artwork. (Red also thought it would look pretty stunning as a P. Buckley painting.)
A further highlight of Red’s trip to the Iris Inn was the interview with a local newspaper. We’re sure the Red Chair feels like a celebrity after all of the press coverage Red’s received during its travels, but Red retained a sense of humility during the interview as always.
Pictures courtesy of James Beeler.
Holladay House Bed & Breakfast
Orange, VA
October 15-17th, 2013
As you can see from the many pictures below, the Red Chair was quite a busy bee while visiting the Innkeepers of the Holladay House Bed and Breakfast in Orange, VA. Red had such a blast learning to skydive, "wingwalking" (while on the ground of course), hot air ballooning, walking down Main Street, and getting its portrait painted by local artist Ed King. The Red Chair loved being able to visit the many historical places, exploring the farms including the Liberty Mills Farm and Miller Farms, sampling wine at the Barboursville Winery (also checking out the cool Ruins on site too), and checking out local shops like the Waugh Harley Davidson. Although while sitting on one of the bikes the Red Chair's legs could not reach the ground, Red looked the part with a well fitting leather jacket and a tough attitude. Last stop was to the Montpelier's DuPont Gardens. The few days spent at the Holladay House Bed and Breakfast was surely not enough time to experience it all, so I guess that just means that the Red Chair will have to head back some day soon!
Pictures by Rick Martin Photography.
High Meadows Vineyard Inn
Scottsville, VA
October 12-14th, 2013
The Red Chair arrived at High Meadows Vineyard Inn amid a flurry of excitement as Susan Sarandon had just left. A little bummed Red did not get a chance to meet her, Innkeepers Cynthia, Nancy, Francis & Sophia decided to cheer Red up with a sunset tour of the James River. The river was a bit too high to ride the Hatton Ferry, the oldest poled ferry in the US, but the view was completely amazing! They took the Red Chair for a walk on the levee, where Red learned a bit about the Town of Scottsville and it's history of floods before the levee was installed. Also Red learned the levees place in the history of the settlement of the United States, as goods were floated up the James River inland from Jamestown on batteau, until the railway took over after the Civil War.
Next the group stopped by to visit the B&B Team...Peter Scherman where he was found busy in his office. The Red Chair persuaded him to sit with us on the porch for a spell in true Southern style. By the way, for any geocaching adventurers - Scottsville has several fairly easyily accessible geocaches...and Red found one near the levee!
It wouldn't be a true Red Chair visit to Central Virginia, without a stop at some wineries - the wine barrels are taller than Red! Rounding out the second day, a serene sunset over the Great Horseshoe Bend of the James River... After which Red set off on its journey to the next stop.
Next the group stopped by to visit the B&B Team...Peter Scherman where he was found busy in his office. The Red Chair persuaded him to sit with us on the porch for a spell in true Southern style. By the way, for any geocaching adventurers - Scottsville has several fairly easyily accessible geocaches...and Red found one near the levee!
It wouldn't be a true Red Chair visit to Central Virginia, without a stop at some wineries - the wine barrels are taller than Red! Rounding out the second day, a serene sunset over the Great Horseshoe Bend of the James River... After which Red set off on its journey to the next stop.
The Foxfield Inn Bed & Breakfast
Charlottesville, VA
October 9-11th, 2013
For a few blissful days the Red Chair found itself at the award winning, Foxfield Inn Bed and Breakfast in Charlottesville, VA. From being loaded with history and historic sites, hot air balloon riding, hiking, horseback riding, and award winning vineyards the Red Chair had so much to cover within the few days it was there! Red got to ride the carousel in C'Ville and meet the presidents, it even spent some downtime relaxing and enjoying the day on "the Lawn" at UVA. Beautiful weather, stunning accommodations and wonderful company await you here!
Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast & Wine Tours
Charlottesville, VA
October 5-7th, 2013
The Red Chair learned so much about living a life on a country vineyard, and today Red has an even stronger appreciation for those delectable bottles of wine from Red's past, present and future. Innkeepers of the Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast taught the Red Chair the art to using the grape picking knife, making Red promise to be careful first of course.
Red, like many visitors to Wine Country, had no idea this is actually hard work! The second morning the innkeepers even had to coax the Red Chair from the breakfast table to get working before the day got hot. After learning pointers from the Charlottesville Chair, Red decided it was time for a quick power nap before putting those pointers to work.. oh Red we can see how spoiled you have been lately!
The Innkeepers thought the Red Chair was such a great sport about trying out harvesting grapes they decided to take it on several of their wine tours. One of Reds favorites? Oh that would have to be Blenheim Vineyards, since the Red Chair is such a big Dave Mathews Fan. After some spectacular views, and delicious wine tastings (you have got to try the dry French styled rose wine) the Red Chair began to get a bit hungry. They stopped at Salt Artisan Market on the way back to the inn to grab some yummy sandwiches. Once back, the Red Chair was ready to try Arcady's Amarone Dessert Wine with some great local chocolate from Gearhart, and was ready for bed.
Red, like many visitors to Wine Country, had no idea this is actually hard work! The second morning the innkeepers even had to coax the Red Chair from the breakfast table to get working before the day got hot. After learning pointers from the Charlottesville Chair, Red decided it was time for a quick power nap before putting those pointers to work.. oh Red we can see how spoiled you have been lately!
The Innkeepers thought the Red Chair was such a great sport about trying out harvesting grapes they decided to take it on several of their wine tours. One of Reds favorites? Oh that would have to be Blenheim Vineyards, since the Red Chair is such a big Dave Mathews Fan. After some spectacular views, and delicious wine tastings (you have got to try the dry French styled rose wine) the Red Chair began to get a bit hungry. They stopped at Salt Artisan Market on the way back to the inn to grab some yummy sandwiches. Once back, the Red Chair was ready to try Arcady's Amarone Dessert Wine with some great local chocolate from Gearhart, and was ready for bed.
Stonewall Jackson Inn
Harrisonberg, VA
October 2-4th, 2013
The Red Chair fit right in at the Stonewall Jackson Inn in Harrisonberg, Virginia. After a turn greeting guests, Red found itself outside in the pleasant company of other seating under the beautiful wisteria-covered patio. The highlight of the Red Chair's stopover? Riding through Historic Downtown in Wayne's little hot rod! (Though it was a close tie after experiencing the Inn's famous "Breakfast to Remember" on the back deck.)
Apple Blossom Inn
New Market, VA
September 29-October 1st, 2013
Upon arrival the Red Chair found the Innkeepers of the Apple Blossom Inn fast at work in their flower and vegetable garden. So, Red, ever the helpful one, decided to supervise the planting of red tulips, which will be seen in all their splendor next spring. After a quick tour the Red Chair decided to acquaint itself with the various chairs that inhabit the Inn. Red most enjoyed meeting the spinning wheel chair made at the 1902 World's Fair at St. Louis, who told the Red Chair many stories about all of the Barnhart, Watts, and Coiner relatives of the owner and all of the other women of the family who spun flax into thread here. Not to be outdone, the 1906 piano bench and the 1874 pump organ stool invited Red over for further conversation.
Red also snuggled up to the quilt in the upstairs blue bedroom for more stories from the old house built in 1806, but as the quilt was mum about what happened, Red ventured into the guest kitchen looking for oatmeal cookies or apple pie. Deciding to leave the treats for the guests, Red, with assistance from Dr. Wilson, the innkeeper lumbered back downstairs and took up residence in the dining room for a look at the set up for breakfast. What fancy dishes are used! Red overheard the breakfast menu description and could hardly wait for Charlie’s fruit plate, BK’s peach dumplings, egg casserole and Turner Ham.
Red greeted our returning guests from Pennsylvania and then learned that as guests have the entire eight- room house to themselves, Red had to look elsewhere for shelter. Spying a gazebo in the backyard of the Apple Blossom Inn, Red decided that a rest was in order. In the sun-dappled gazebo, Red took a snooze and therefore, missed the tourist excursion to the New Market Battlefield, Showalter’s Apple Orchard, Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, and Endless Caverns. Red was last seen trying to get to the Shenvalee Golf course on Monday morning, but was stopped by Dr. Wilson with word that Red’s journey had to continue to Harrisonburg for the next B&B overnight stop.
Red also snuggled up to the quilt in the upstairs blue bedroom for more stories from the old house built in 1806, but as the quilt was mum about what happened, Red ventured into the guest kitchen looking for oatmeal cookies or apple pie. Deciding to leave the treats for the guests, Red, with assistance from Dr. Wilson, the innkeeper lumbered back downstairs and took up residence in the dining room for a look at the set up for breakfast. What fancy dishes are used! Red overheard the breakfast menu description and could hardly wait for Charlie’s fruit plate, BK’s peach dumplings, egg casserole and Turner Ham.
Red greeted our returning guests from Pennsylvania and then learned that as guests have the entire eight- room house to themselves, Red had to look elsewhere for shelter. Spying a gazebo in the backyard of the Apple Blossom Inn, Red decided that a rest was in order. In the sun-dappled gazebo, Red took a snooze and therefore, missed the tourist excursion to the New Market Battlefield, Showalter’s Apple Orchard, Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, and Endless Caverns. Red was last seen trying to get to the Shenvalee Golf course on Monday morning, but was stopped by Dr. Wilson with word that Red’s journey had to continue to Harrisonburg for the next B&B overnight stop.
Woodward House on Manor Grade Bed & Breakfast
Front Royal, VA
September 26th - 28th, 2013
Joan and Bob, owners and operators of the Woodward House on Manor Grade Bed and Breakfast, welcomed the Red Chair to Front Royal, Virginia, gateway to the Shenandoah Valley. Part of the B&B charm for our Red is learning the history of the properties it stays at and Woodward House on Manor Grade was full of interesting history! The Inn was built in 1910, as a private home, by the Woodward family on what was then called Manor Grade. The Inn has operated continuously as a hostelry since 1945 and Joan & Bob have operated it as a B&B since 1993. The Inns warm and down-home atmosphere, blends well with its cozy elegance. One of the Red Chair's most memorable moments of its stay was when it had the chance to meet Dandelion, Joan's pet hen, the main ingredient supplier for their famous "Skip-ah-lunch" breakfast. She even sat on the Red Chair and helped Red plan its itinerary for the day on what were the "must see" attractions. Of course on this list was Skyline Drive, with its many hiking trails and beautiful vistas among a few other items. A short but sweet and wonderful stay, the Red Chair will be sure to be back again soon.
L'Auberge Provençale Country Inn
White Post, VA
September 23-25th, 2013
Red and Innkeeper of the L'Auberge Provençale, Celest, traveled to the beautiful Skyline Drive to feast their eyes on the beautiful vistas of the overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. What a view! Red saw some Eagles soar and a few deer as well. Leaving the drive they took the risky route of The Low Water Bridge, which was very exciting being a busy one lane bridge and being only inches from the Shenandoah River. Next it was onto view the spectacular trees, boxwood gardens, herb gardens and the rescue areas of the American Chestnut trees thought to have been extinct from the early 1900's! The next day after a hearty breakfast, Red traveled the back roads of Clarke County, made a shopping trip to Middleburg and took a lonely drive along the river. Passing cows, sheep, horses and lamas along the way, stopping and petting frequently of course. After going to the Burwell Morgan Mill and posing with a French milling stone, Red waded through the Mill Race and purchased some fresh ground flour for the chefs back at L'Auberge Provençale. At the Inn Red made friends with the garden pig, strolled the grounds, chatted with the rabbits in the gardens and then at the end of a very long day, toasted a 35th anniversary with champagne for one of the guests who participated with great humor! Red enjoyed the farm to table cuisine at our restaurant La Table Provençale, where Red was the topic of many dinner conversations! After a long day the Red Chair retired from its travels in country comfort and country quiet, it was a great day!