As part of my "cave-a-palooza" quest to visit all of the cavern attractions within an hour's drive of Staunton, I recently took a pleasant tour of the Caverns at Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County. Since I have already notched Grand, Endless, Shenandoah and Luray caverns onto my belt, I was curious as to how these … Continue reading The Caverns at Natural Bridge
Tag: Travel
Up in Smoke: Centralia PA
When I moved to Staunton three years ago, I soon noted that I was only one among many residents who have relocated here from other parts of the country. Since my former connection of friends and family-in-laws are in New England, I find myself traversing Interstate 81 through Pennsylvania a few times a year. A … Continue reading Up in Smoke: Centralia PA
Natural Chimneys – Natural Wonder
Few places within a half hour's drive of Staunton could hold a candle to the unique beauty of Natural Chimneys Park and Campground. This Mt. Solon day park with an overnight camping option is a photographers' dream. From the inspiring limestone chimney rock formations to the crystal clear North River that runs along the cool … Continue reading Natural Chimneys – Natural Wonder
Vibrant Vienna
Should you find yourself in Northern Virginia, a couple of hours outside of Staunton on the cusp of Washington DC, make sure to take time to visit the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Finding ourselves in town recently for a Bonnie Raitt concert at Wolf Trap, we did a Google search for other activities to … Continue reading Vibrant Vienna
Shenandoah Caverns: 100 years of colorful caving
On the outskirts of New Market lies yet another worthwhile cavern adventure in the form of Shenandoah Caverns. Although not as heavily marketed as nearby Luray Caverns, Shenandoah has its own unique charm that make the hour tour notable. Driving onto the property you are greeted with several incongruous, larger than life (Ok, cheesy) cartoonish … Continue reading Shenandoah Caverns: 100 years of colorful caving
Taking on the Locher Tract
A mere stones' throw (with a vigorous arm) from the better known Natural Bridge is a hidden gem for light hiking called the Locher Tract. With more than 370 acres, this accessible spot along the James River in the town of Glasgow, offers three shortish trails in a quiet area that abounds with local wildlife … Continue reading Taking on the Locher Tract
A revival meeting
The oldest church in Staunton may arguably be one of the most awe-inspiring in the city. I'm talking about Trinity Episcopal Church, which sits gracefully on the edge of the downtown area offering a respite from the bustle (as if there were any) from the shops and restaurants anchoring my Virginia hometown. I'd been meaning … Continue reading A revival meeting
The power of flowers
My friend Jamie recently netted a bounty of beautiful blooms from her local farm in Granby, Connecticut and sent me some snaps of various floral arrangements she had put together. It is the season in many parts of the country for short-lived posies to rear their gorgeous heads into brilliant colors of the rainbow. During … Continue reading The power of flowers