Several blog posts ago I mentioned that I did not complete everything there is to do in Alexandria. Recently, I returned to the Northern Virginia (NOVA) area to visit The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. This article serves a companion pieces to my Alexandria blog post. Keep reading till the end to watch my YouTube video about the Masonic Memorial.
The guided tour goes through some of the rooms of the massive obelisk. The tour begins in the Grand Hall, a massive room with 40-foot columns, two massive murals of George Washington in patriotic scenes, and a giant statue of George Washington at the far end of the Hall. Our tour guide then directed visitors to the Replica Lodge Room, which replicates Alexandria’s original Masonic meeting room. Here I learned the origins of Freemasonry, which begin in the 1600s. The term originates from the mason guilds that would grant the honorary position of “free mason” to prominent men of the community.
The tour makes its way up the building, stopping at two exhibit rooms. The first room talks about all the different Freemason orders. It turns out that there are many different orders including the Shriners. The next room is a two-story room with one floor devoted to the life of George Washington and the other floor talking about the history of the building. Before reaching the observation deck, you stop at the Knight Templar Chapel, the only order of Freemasonry where you must be a Christian.
Then visitors are sent to the observation deck mentioned below. Finally, the tour goes all the way down to the first floor, where you are greeted with a gift shop. The gift shop lacked much of interest, but it’s funny that a secret organization has a gift shop. Besides the gift shop, one can glance inside a giant banquet room and look at a small exhibit about historic Masonic buildings.
The Observation Deck
The observation deck is 300 feet above the ground floor, as well as being on top of a hill. There are panoramic views of Alexandria and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, the D.C. area is too far away to get great shots, and the modern office buildings completely swamp views of historic downtown Alexandria. Still, I highly recommend The George Washington Masonic Masonic Memorial just for the observation deck.
Interesting Facts About The Building
Here are some facts about the building. First the entire building stands 333 feet tall. President Calvin Coolidge (not a Freemason) laid the building’s cornerstone in 1923. However, construction took so long that the interiors were not completed until the 1970s.
The elevators that visitors go on to tour the building are worth a mention. As the building narrows as it gets to the top, the elevators go up in a 7.5-degree angle. The strangely shaped elevators are as a mix between a rounded square and a triangle and missing a corner. The tour guide revealed this was a purely ascetic choice, as the architect wanted to incorporate Art Deco into an otherwise Greco-Roman building.
How You Visit The Masonic Memorial
Here are some practical tips on visiting The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The Memorial is open from Thursdays-Mondays, with guided tours at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30, p.m., 2:00 p.m., & 3:30 p.m. that last about an hour. You may take pictures inside the building, but no use of flash photography. You cannot film inside the building, but they were fine with me filming on the observation deck provided I did not record anyone.
Conclusion
I did not know that the Masonic Memorial was open to the public as a museum until recently. I enjoyed learning about the Freemasons at the Masonic Memorial as it’s a world I know nothing about. The observation deck also makes the Masonic Memorial a unique must-see destination.
Here is my companion YouTube video about The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. This is the first time I’ve tried color grading one of my videos, so let me know if you like it or not.
Restaurants
This Is The Chantilly Location
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is about 13 minutes away from Old Town Alexandria with its many attractions and restaurants; I recommend Mia’s Italian Kitchen on King Street. I also recommend Dolan Uyghur Restaurant for Uyghur cuisine (a mix of Chinese and Middle Eastern flavors); the closest location is 17 minutes away in Arlington. Read the restaurants recommendations linked above if you want more dining options that are further away.
On my final full day in Northern Virginia, I actually left the NOVA area to travel to Winchester VA. Although Winchester is not considered part of NOVA, it is relatively nearby as the town was an hour away from my hotel. It was a beautiful drive to Winchester as the landscape changed from flat, urbanized land to rural mountains. This is part three of my NOVA trip, following Alexandria and Leesburg/Waterford.
Winchester is the most unique small town I’ve been to because the main thoroughfare has no road going through it. Instead, Old Town Winchester is an entirely pedestrian friendly walking mall that retains the original buildings. It was nice to film a charming small town without having cars and trucks constantly driving by. The rest of Downtown Winchester is more conventional with roads, but it still retains its historic nature.
This Building Served As Headquarters For A Union General
There are plenty of restaurants in Winchester. I went to Benny Meloto’s Pizza which if I’m being honest was not that great of a pizza. However, it was cheap, quick, and filling (since a single slice can fit on two paper plates), so it’s an option for those who want to maximize their time in Winchester.
Places to See in Winchester
Located in the heart of Old Town Winchester is The Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum, located in what was the third courthouse of Frederick County. The downstairs section talks about the courthouse’s history while the upstairs exhibit talks about the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley. The design of the second courthouse was so controversial that part of the county broke apart and formed its own county. The Judge presiding over the John Brown trial was came from this court. Winchester changed hands 72 times during the Civil War, the most of any place in America. Graffiti from both Confederate and Union troops remains visible today. The building remained a courthouse until 1984.
Near Old Town Winchester is the George Washington Office Museum, which delves into George Washington’s early years as a surveyor, as well as recounts Winchester’s early years. I did not know that George Washington became a burgess (member of the legislative body) for Frederick County in 1758. After George Washington left, a family lived in the office until 1908 when the city bought the property.
Also near Old Town Winchester is the Handley Regional Library. This grandiose building is still a working library, but they offer tours twice a month. Look up to marvel at the stained-glass dome.
A bit further away is the Stonewall Jackson Headquarters. Jackson originally headquartered at a hotel, but moved to this building when invited by Lewis T. Moore, the second owner of the house. The two men originally met during John Brown’s trial and execution. The tour guide recounted how the women of Winchester hated the Union so much that they grabbed guns and shot at Union troops. The actress Mary Tyler Moore is a descendant of Lewis T. Moore. Also, the visitor entrance seen above was not the original entrance to the house.
A 15-minute walk from Old Town Winchester is the Patsy Cline Historic House and Patsy Cline Memorial Park. While I did not go to the Museum, I highly recommend visiting the Park to appreciate the unique landscaping. I recommend walking to both places, since they are located in an old suburb with minimal parking.
A several minutes’ drive from downtown Winchester is the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. This museum is a bit odd, since it is a mix of a history and art museum, with displays of quilts and miniature houses. I noticed that the Shenandoah Valley history section had several historic kitchens on display. The Museum is built around the Glen Burnie estate, which remained in the family’s hands throughout the years; the last owner of the house was gay, which probably the first time I’ve ever been to a museum with some LGBT history.
The Glen Burnie Mansion, Which The Museum Was Built Around
About a 24-minute drive away from downtown Winchester is the Long Branch Historic House & Farm. The original builder of the mansion died in the War of 1812, and thus never lived in the house. After the Civil War, the widowed wife of the new owner lost the house, but ended up buying back the house and land in auction. The last private owner of the house owned successful racehorses, and modified the mansion to what it is today.
Conclusion
Those looking for a charming small town with plenty to do should look no further than Winchester, VA. You should spend at least two days exploring Winchester and the surrounding area, because I did not visit the Patsy Cline Historic House, Abram’s Delight, or explore the nearby Sky Meadows State Park. Winchester is definitely worth a stop if one is in the Washington D.C./NOVA area, and is close to both Harpers Ferry or Shenandoah National Park.
Some important information: The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is closed on Monday, while the Patsy Cline Historic House is closed on Tuesday. When arriving at Long Branch Historic House & Farm, ignore what Waze says and turn right to the north entrance. Once you arrive, the visitor entrance is neither the front or back door, but in a small wing to the left (in orientation of the picture above). Once you arrive, let someone know that you’re a visitor and you would like a tour of the house, as they may be in the back.
Below is my companion YouTube video entitled Best Things to Do in Winchester Virginia. Please subscribe if you liked the video.
The first thing that comes when thinking of Northern Virginia (NOVA) are major cities and endless suburban sprawl. However, at the furthest corner of NOVA are two small towns, Leesburg & Waterford, which retain their picturesque historic charms yet remain under the radar. These two towns are about 11 minutes apart, making them a perfect destination to spend a day or two. This blog post about Leesburg and Waterford is the second of a three-part series on my recent trip exploring NOVA following Alexandria and followed by Winchester.
After finishing the museums listed below, I walked around Leesburg’s charming downtown. Unlike other small towns, Leesburg’s commercial district surrounds a block rather than stretching out on the main street. A few blocks away is Market Station, a collection of shops and restaurants surrounding an old historic mill.
First Downtown Leesburg…
Now Market Station…
While I never got the opportunity to eat in Leesburg, I did make a fun stop at a store. Sunflower Shack sells old fashioned sweet treats and home decor items. Although I could not buy any chocolates because it was such a hot day, I did buy four sodas. The sales clerk kindly wrapped up the sodas when I told them I was from out of town; the sodas managed to survive the trip home in perfect condition.
Museums of Leesburg
OatlandsHistoric House and Gardens was built by George Carter, the son of Robert Carter III, whose house I saw in Williamsburg. George Carter fought his father’s decision to manumit (legally free) his slaves. The tour heavily focus on the lives of the enslaved people and what happened to them after emancipation. The tours also talked about the Eustis family, the second family who lived in the house. Oatlands also has a beautiful walled garden just steps from the mansion.
Dodona Manor was built in 1803, but is most associated with George C. Marshall, whose second wife bought the house in 1941. The second wife had a brief career as a Shakespearean actress in Britain, but her Kentucky accent held her back. The tour guide noted the modesty of George C. Marshall as his bedroom was small and spartan. One interesting thing on display was a television set, which is not something one normally finds in a historic house.
Exploring Waterford
On the final day of the trip, I decided to make a detour to visit Waterford, which I only discovered from watching this video last year. Waterford turned out to be a unique experience because (minus all the passing cars) the town completely retains its colonial look. Waterford’s main street is incredibly tiny and, with the exception the mill, church, post office, and corner store, has only houses rather than the standard storefronts. Waterford’s history is also interesting because it was founded by Quakers. Why Waterford remains under the radar is a complete mystery to me.
The Old Mill Dating From the Early 19th CenturyRusted Water Wheel, Now Detached From the MillBeginning of Trail Leading to Catocin Creek
Conclusion
Overall, I highly recommend visiting Leesburg and Waterford as a day trip, or perhaps a two-day trip as I did not include Morven Park, which is another place I highly recommend. One could spend several hours wandering through both Oatlands and Morven Park’s gardens. The two small towns are conveniently located a little over an hour away from Washington D.C., as well as being relatively near Harpers Ferry and Antietam National Battlefield.
Here are some helpful tips. While Oatlands grounds are open every day, guided tours of the house are only available from Thursdays through Sundays at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00. Oatlands is not located in Leesburg, instead being 14-minute drive away. George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor located several blocks away from downtown Leesburg, and is only open on Friday through Sunday. Keep in mind that the entrance to Dodona Manor is on Edwards Ferry Road, not E Market Street; also, they have a tiny parking lot, so those with time and the ability to walk could park downtown and take an 11-minute walk to the house. Waterford is most known for the Waterford Fair, which happens in early October.
Below is my companion YouTube video about Leesburg and Waterford. If you enjoyed the video, please like and subscribe.
Restaurants in the Greater NOVA Area
There are plenty places to eat in Leesburg (not so much Waterford), either in the downtown area, Market Station, or the strip malls at the edge of town. If you want more dining options, try some restaurants in the greater NOVA area, such as those listed on my Alexandria blog post. In order from closest to furthest to Leesburg: Swadi Pakistani Kitchen, Rice Culture (Chantilly location), Malaysian Kopitiam, Marufuji Japanese Market, Hawk & Griffin, Fettosh, and El Pike Bolivian Restobar. There are also two Roy Rogers fast food restaurants located within Leesburg.
I always wanted to see Alexandria and experience the beautiful historic old town. The hour-long glimpse of Alexandria I got several years before only served to whet my appetite for more. Finally, I got extra days off work, so I decided to explore more of what Travel & Leisure calls one of the best cities in the U.S. This blog post about Alexandria is the first of a three-part series of my recent trip exploring Northern Virginia (NOVA), followed by Leesburg/Waterford and Winchester.
After arriving in downtown Alexandria, I first had lunch at Mia’s Italian Kitchen. The restaurant is located in the pedestrian friendly section of King Street. The restaurant is three stories tall, but I forgot to see the second and third floor. I had the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, which was perhaps my favorite meal of the trip. There are plenty of other restaurants nearby is you want a different option.
Historic Alexandria is definitely a must-see destination. There is so much to do and see within downtown Alexandria, as well as admire the old buildings. Some roads were made out of cobblestone, which added to the ambience of Alexandria’s historic nature. There were also several small parks located on the waterfront conveniently located near downtown.
First the Architecture and History…
Ruins of Ice Well That Could Store Up To 62 Tons of Ice For Local Tavern
Now the Nature…
Museums of Alexandria
Historic Huntley was built in 1824 as a summer home of the original owner. Today the interior of the house is non furnished, and one side of the building has it so visitors can see the brickwork and roof of the house. Something unusual is that the outhouse and slave quarters were brick structures, as those structures were usually made out of wood.
The founding father Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee originally purchased the lot the Lee-Fendall House is located on, but his father-in-law Philip Fendell first lived in the house. Many members of the Lee family lived in the house throughout the years, but not Robert E. Lee. Later on, John L. Lewis, the president of the United Mine Workers Union lived here.
It is believed that the Carlyle House inspired both Mount Vernon and George Mason’s Gunston Hall. General Edward Braddock stayed here before the French and Indian War started and was a terrible house-guest. The front stone work is a replica of the original stone, while the other three sides have the original stone walls covered in stucco.
I recommend getting a guided tour of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum because I decided to do the self-guided tour and did not really find much interesting about it. The tours fill up fast so either arrive early or expect to kill time before the tour begins. On Saturdays during the summer the museum stays open till 7:00. As for the history of the building, the Apothecary opened in 1792 and stayed a family business until 1933.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Located on the waterfront is the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Thirty different artists have their own gallery where they display their artwork. It is fun place go window shopping and sightseeing even if (like me) you’re not interested in contemporary art.
Located within the Art Center is the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. While there, I learned that Alexandria’s waterfront has been expanded over the years; in fact, the land the Torpedo Factory is own was not around in 1748. I also learned that several ships were found buried under Alexandria’s waterfront.
Conclusion
Overall, I highly recommend Alexandria as a day trip, or perhaps spend several days because I did not have time to visit The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, or even know about River Farm until my Historic Huntley tour guide mentioned it. If you are visiting Washington D.C, definitely schedule a day to visit Alexandria. Or, you could do what I did and make Alexandria a launching point to explore the NOVA area, such as Woodbridge.
Here are some helpful tips. Historic Huntley is only open on Saturdays with tours at 10:30 and 12:00 between April and October. Historic Huntley is not located within downtown Alexandria, instead being about a 20-minute drive away. The other three museums are located within historic Alexandria, and the Carlyle House and Apothecary Museums are two blocks down from the Torpedo Factory Art Center. The Lee-Fendall House is a 15-minute walk from the Art center, and it’s a pleasant walk through quaint neighborhoods.
Below is my companion YouTube video about Alexandria. If you enjoyed the video, please like and subscribe.
Restaurants in the Greater NOVA Area
For those wanting to travel through the Greater NOVA area, there are so many restaurants serving different all different kinds of cuisines. Listed below are the restaurants I went to on this trip in the order of closest to furthest from Alexandria.
El Pike Bolivian Restobar serves (as you can probably guess) Bolivian food. I had the Falso Conejo, which is a saucy steak dish. It was conveniently opened late because when I arrived at NOVA, many of the restaurants I wanted to go to were already about to close for the night. Located in Arlington.
Fettoosh serves Moroccan Food. Moroccan food is similar to other Middle Eastern Cuisine, but there are some unique dishes like Chicken Tagine, which I ate. The parking lot is very small, so I parked at the grocery store across the street. Located in Arlington.
This is the Chantilly Location
Rice Culture serves taiyaki (fish shaped Japanese pancake with filling inside) as well as soft serve ice cream. I couldn’t decide between getting a taiyaki or a pandan flavored something so I combined the two–Pandan does not have much of a taste. There are two locations, the closest one to Alexandria is located in Vienna.
Hawk & Griffin serves traditional British Pub food and goes all out on the pub theming. I went there to have Sticky Toffee Pudding, which was so good I didn’t mind the fruit in the pudding. I was the only person there not watching the World Cup. Located in Vienna.
Marufuji Japanese Market has everything that one would need to make Japanese food. The place is definitely a must see even if you’re on vacation and really can’t buy much. I bought several ramens that I have never seen before. Located in Vienna.
Malaysian Kopitiam serves (once again) Malaysian food, which I would describe as being a mix between Chinese, Indian, and Thai cuisine. I had the Nyonya Chicken, which was like Sweet and Sour Chicken but spicier. Located in Centreville.
Swadi Pakistani Kitchen serves food from Pakistan, which is similar to Indian food but with beef dishes. I had the Nihari, which is a curry with slow-cooked beef. The person who took my order actually recognized me from the nearby Dunkin Donuts I went to that morning. Located in Sterling.
Roy Rogers restaurants are the local fast-food chain of the greater DC area. I had breakfast there, but they are known for their roast beef sandwiches and “fixin’s” bar. It was not an outstanding breakfast, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. Located all over NOVA.
As a child I visited both Jamestown museums many times and thought I knew all there was to know. I went on this recent trip to the two Jamestowns in order to write a companion piece to my Colonial Williamsburg post. However, I ended up learning a lot of new things, so here are the recommendations on how to maximize visiting Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne. Keep reading to watch the companion YouTube video at the end.
Historic Jamestowne is located on the actual 1607 Jamestown Settlement. The original James Fort is gone now, but archaeologists are working hard to uncover what remains of the first permanent English settlement in the New World. As shown in the pictures, Jamestown Island is located in swampy wetlands; one can image the difficulty the settlers had in getting fresh water.
The Tercentennial Monument Celebrating Jamestown
Historic Jamestowne is actually administered by both the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia. The National Park Service represents the New Towne, with some ruins. Meanwhile, the Preservation Virginia side represents the Old Towne, with the Archaearium Archaeology Museum as well as Confederate Earthworks, alongside more ruins.
First New Towne…
An 18th Century Ruin, People Still Lived Here After the Abandonment of Jamestown
Now the Old Towne…
The 1907 Memorial Church Standing on Foundations of Original ChurchCivil War Era Earthworks; Both Confederate and Union Forces Occupied JamestownThe Archaeology Museum, Above the Foundations of the Statehouse
The Archaeology Museum displays artifacts found on Jamestown Island. Something unusual on display are the skeletons of two different settlers, so if that bothers you skip that section. Another interesting thing is there are cutouts so visitors can look down on the ruins of the old Statehouse.
Jamestown Settlement
Five minutes away from the original Jamestown is Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum. Jamestown Settlement recreates James Fort, a Native American village, and the ships that brought settlers to the New World.
Jamestown Settlement currently has an exhibit on Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown. It was a little odd learning so much about Chinese culture at Jamestown as they went in great detail about what each decoration meant. Still, it was fascinating learning about how some settlers had access to finer goods while struggling in the wilds of early Virginia.
After leaving the visitor center, you first run into Paspahegh Town, a replica of a tribal village. While there I learned from an interpreter about the process of making canoes. Canoes were traditionally made by a complex process of burning a log and scrapping the embers with either stones or oyster shells. It usually takes about two to four weeks to build a canoe. All canoes made at Jamestown Settlement go on display and some actually get demonstrated on the water.
This Canoe Is About 90% DoneThis Canoe Is on Display
Continuing on, you arrive at James Fort, which replicates the early Jamestown settlement. At every hour there is a matchlock musket demonstrations just outside the Fort. There were also interpreters demonstrating blacksmithing and bread-making. It was funny seeing several chickens running around; they really liked the crumbs from the bread oven demonstration.
Continuing on from James Fort is a pier with the replicas of the Susan Constant, Godspeed, & Discovery. The Susan Constant was off being restored while I was there, a small sloop took its place. It’s amazing to consider the 105 people crammed on three tiny ships alongside tons of cargo.
Perhaps the most interesting thing I learned was at the gift shop devoted entirely to bees and honey-related items. There I learned that honeybees are not native to North America. Honeybees were actually brought over to Jamestown in 1622 for their honey and wax. The honeybees sailed across the ocean during the winter of 1621 when bees go dormant.
YouTube Video About Jamestown
Here is the companion YouTube video about exploring Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne. If you enjoy the video, please like the video and subscribe to my YouTube Channel Photo Historic Travels.
What To Know Before Going
Historic Jamestowne: As a quirk of Historic Jamestowne being run by two organizations, there are two separate admission fees; prepare to pay $15 dollars twice to visit Jamestown Island. I recommend paying for both in order to maximize your visit.
Jamestown Settlement: The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation operates the Jamestown Settlement. You can buy a combo ticket to visit both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
Restaurants Near Jamestown
There are several restaurants in the Williamsburg Crossing strip mall, about an eight-minute drive to Jamestown Settlement. I recommend eating at Chopsticks Pho Grill if you want to try good Vietnamese food.
The closest restaurant to the two Jamestowns is Dizzy Izzy’s by Foodatude. It serves alright food, but the place closes on Mondays and Tuesdays and only has outdoor seating. This restaurant might not be the most convenient places to eat.
If you have more time, Jamestown is close to Williamsburg with many different food options. In order from closest to Jamestown Settlement to Furthest is Honey Butter’s Kitchen, the restaurants at Merchant’s Square in Colonial Williamsburg, Bonanza Social Kitchen, Anna’s Brick Oven Pizza-Pasta, Maria Bonita Cantina, and Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que.
I have lived in Virginia for most of my life, and yet Southwest Virginia had always remained a mystery to me. I had never even heard about Breaks Interstate Park or the Great Channels of Virginia until my adulthood. For someone living in Coastal Virginia, Southwest Virginia (or SWVA) is around a six-hour drive, and for certain destinations even longer. Finally, I received time off from work so I took the opportunity to finally explore what Southwest Virginia had to offer. Keep reading to watch my companion YouTube video.
I chose Abingdon as my headquarters for this Southwest Virginia trip because it is consistently ranked as the prettiest small town in SWVA. While I would personally rank Damascus (discussed below) as more beautiful overall, Abingdon is still a very charming small town with many historic buildings.
This Was Right Next To My Hotel
On our first night there, my Dad and I ate at The Tavern, located in the oldest building in Abingdon. I recommend dining at the restaurant for its atmosphere. We ate outside because the forecast said rain for most of my trip, but I would have been equally happy eating in one of the many historic rooms.
The History Of The Building
A little bit outside the city is the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace, which serves as a welcome center and sells handiwork by local artisans. There were also exhibits about local history but some of them were covered-up by items for sale. The place is worth a quick stop to check everything out, about 15 minutes at most unless you intend on buying something.
The Channels Natural Area Preserve
On Monday I went to The Channels Natural Area Preserve and Breaks Interstate Park (discussed below). These two places were the highlight of my trip. It seems so strange that these two places are not frequently advertised in the best of Virginia.
First, information about The Channels, also known as the Great Channels of Virginia: there are only 10 parking spots and they fill up pretty quickly so arrive early. We arrived at around 7:30 on a Monday to find an already half full parking lot. Although the climb only takes about three hours round-trip, be prepared for an seemingly endless amount of uphill climbing. The first three images provide important information about hiking the Channels, and more practical information can be found here.
This Is Where The Trail BeginsThe Name Of The Trail And Important InformationTurn Left On This Fork On The Trail, The Right Leads To Private Property
I couldn’t find any information about how The Channels were formed, either on site or on the internet. Still, definitely a unique experience exploring the unique rock formations. Below show what you can expect to see hiking the Brumley Mountain Trail and the otherworldly beauty of The Channels.
Breaks Interstate Park
Afterwards, we drove through winding mountain roads to get to Breaks Interstate Park, a massive park that borders Virginia and Kentucky. There was much to do in the park (including a water park), but the highlight is definitely the canyons.
The Breaks is frequently referred to as “the Grand Canyon of the South” and it’s easy to see why with views like this. The Breaks is the largest canyon east of the Mississippi River. Once again, it’s so strange that this natural wonder remains under the radar.
Sign That Explains The Meaning Of The Name
While the park is massive, you can drive through much of it. Most of the scenic spots have short trails, if any, and it’s convenient to park your car up to any place you wish to stop. Do keep in mind that the Tower Overlook and the Tower Tunnel Overlook are two different places.
Cleveland Town Park
Between The Channels and The Breaks, there is a small town called Cleveland, which has a small community park. But this park is unique because it has a suspension bridge over a river. I highly recommend stopping here to take in views of the river.
Bristol
On Tuesday, we went to Bristol Virginia/Tennessee. Bristol is the largest city in the far west of SWVA. The border between Virginia and Tennessee sits right in the middle of Bristol’s main thoroughfare, State Street. One could easily have dinner in one state and catch a show in the other state.
The Virginia Side Of The StreetThe Tennessee Side Of The Street
Bristol prides itself on being the birthplace of country music. On the Virginia side of the city is the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. This museum documents the historic 1927 Bristol sessions, as well as country music’s Appalachian background. Overall, an fascinating look on a topic that I am not necessarily interested in.
Chilhowie Bluegrass JAM-Boree
Parking Was Chaotic, We Parked Next To A Ditch Across The Street
To continue with the Country Music theme, we went to Chilhowie to see the Bluegrass JAM-Boree. The JAM-Boree happens every Tuesday starting at 6:30, located at the Chilhowie Lions Club. I only recommend going if you are fond of Bluegrass or Mountain Music, if not you could probably skip it. However it was intriguing seeing a world different from my own, and I was mesmerized watching the people doing buck dancing.
Big Stone Gap
On Wednesday, we went to Big Stone Gap to see the Southwest Virginia Museum Historic State Park. The town of Big Stone Gap is small but completely surrounded by the mountains giving it grand views. There’s also a river that runs through the town adding to its loveliness.
The Museum itself is actually run by the Virginia State Parks systems, making it the smallest state park in Virginia. The Museum itself is organized a bit awkwardly, with the first floor dedicated to the town’s mining boom years, the second floor dedicated to the mansion’s former owners, and the third floor dedicated to the lives of the early settlers. Still, it’s an interesting overview of the regional history.
Damascus
After lunch, we drove to Damascus, which ended up being my favorite of the small towns. While Abingdon’s buildings were nicer, charming Damascus won out with its rivers and nature. Damascus is actually an important stop on the Virginia Creeper Trail, but unfortunately the trestle was closed while we were there.
Views From The Damascus Old Mill Inn
Wytheville
On our final day, we went to Wytheville to see the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum. The town is a typical nice small town, with many nice historic buildings. The most notable thing about Wytheville is the giant pencil suspended from a building.
The Museum itself shows an entertaining look at Edith Bolling Wilson’s girlhood in Wytheville and her time as First Lady of the United States. The upstairs was undergoing renovations when were there, but they provide a video explaining the history behind each room. Renovations should be complete in late 2026.
Conclusion on Southwest Virginia Vacation
I accomplished a decade long (if not longer) dream of exploring Southwest Virginia. Although I did so much, there are still places I didn’t get to visit (like The Devil’s Bathtub and the Natural Bridge State Park), making SWVA a perfect vacation opportunity. I feel SWVA has much to offer for travelers wishing to discover an little known Virginia with unique landscapes and a different history.
Below is the companion YouTube Video for this blog. My video has much more footage of each destination. If you like what you see, please consider subscribing to my channel.
Restaurants In Southwest Virginia
Listed below are the restaurants I ate at on the trip that I recommend. I will go in Alphabetical Order.
Damascus Old Mill Inn: This hotel has a restaurant on the first floor. I recommend eating here for the views of the river and little waterfall. Located in Damascus.
GoodTimes Coal Fired Pizza & Pub: If you’re wondering about coal fired pizza, they use anthracite coal (different from the coal used for powering trains) found only in Pennsylvania, which emits high heat and low emissions as noted by our waitress. All this leads to a great pizza. Located in Big Stone Gap.
Jack’s 128 Pecan: This place must have been a former house, because they were many rooms all decorated differently. They had the best food of all the semi-fancy restaurants we ate on our trip.
Pal’s Sudden Service: For those looking for local color, Pal’s is the local fast-food chain of choice. With its gaudy buildings and commanding pylon signs (the message the day we went said “Respect Is Earned”), Pal’s is definitely an experience. Keep in mind it’s drive-thru only. Located all over SWVA.
Skeeter’s World Famous Hotdogs: Only two doors down from the Edith Bolling Wilson Museum is Skeeter’s, which has been open since 1925. Definitely come here if you love hot dogs, because there was only one non-hot dog thing on the menu; I had the BBQ sandwich. Located in Wytheville.
The Tavern: I’ve already talked about The Tavern above, but here’s some more about the restaurant. It serves a mix of New American and German food. I recommend eating here to absorb the historical ambiance. Located in Abingdon.
Woodbridge is not the first place one thinks of when thinking of major travel destinations in Virginia. Much of the discourse around Woodbridge online revolves around its suburban character; the Prince William County Tourism Website proclaims Woodbridge as having Virginia’s largest outlet mall. But I believe that there are hidden gems in the most seemingly mundane places that are worth a day trip. So here is my suggestions for a fun day out in underrated Woodbridge Virginia. Keep reading for YouTube Videos about other places in Prince William County.
The deciding factor for me to go to Woodbridge was trying Bangladeshi food at Dhansiri Restaurant. Bangladeshi food bares some similarity to Indian food, but more beef oriented. I ordered Beef Bhuna, which was tasty, but even after asking for the mild it still had heat, so I would suggest eating elsewhere if you can’t handle spice.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site
After lunch, I drove to Rippon Lodge Historic Site, which is the second oldest house in Prince William County. Rippon Lodge has seen many changes over the years; it was once a small house built around 1745-1747 by Richard Blackburn, whose son Thomas Blackburn fought in the Revolutionary War under George Washington. The Blackburns and Washingtons grew closer when Thomas’ daughter married George Washington’s nephew.
Rippon Lodge As It Looked Before 1924
Eventually, the Blackburns lost the property and Rippon Lodge changed hands several times until 1924, when Wade H. Ellis and his wife drastically changed the shape of the house to its current appearance. A descendant of the Blackburn family bought the house in 1952 and owned it for half a century. Prince William County acquired the property in 2000 and opened the house for tours in 2007.
I received a self-guided tour with a pamphlet providing information about the house (which is where the above information came from). The employee led me from the admission room to the opposite side of the house. He gave me a basic overview of the house before leaving me on my own. Although I was expecting a guided tour, it was nice to be able to go on my own pace.
One thing Rippon Lodge did that I like is showing what the house looked like throughout the years, rather than focusing on one specific era. I always felt that many historic house museums should focus on a more comprehensive look at the site’s history, especially if no one particularly noteworthy owned the house. The house also revealed the many architectural changes it went through, such as how they moved the chimneys and altered rooms.
The grounds of Rippon Lodge are very beautiful. The pergola covered with roses particularly struck my eye. There’s also a well, some outbuildings, and a family cemetery located on one of the trails.
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk
Neabsco Regional Park Is Also Known As Rippon Landing Park on Google Maps
After Rippon Lodge, I went right across the street to visit Neabsco Regional Park, which is particularly notable for the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is a winding 3,300 feet long (or .625 miles) trail that goes above the marshy Neabsco Creek. The 90-degree heat made the mostly treeless boardwalk a slog, but the views and seeing a beaver building a dam made it all worth it.
At some point, the Boardwalk abruptly ends and turns into a narrow wooden trail that goes deep into the woods. It turns out that the boardwalk is the only connection between the two different sections of Neabsco Regional Park. I only found that out after getting lost in an unmaintained section of the park.
Conclusion
I enjoyed exploring the things to do in Woodbridge. I hope this blog post allows people to view Woodbridge through different eyes. So next time one is looking for a fun day out, consider Woodbridge and Prince William County in Northern Virginia.
The grounds of Rippon Lodge Historic Site are open every day from dawn to dusk, but the house itself is only open from Friday-Monday from 10:00-4:00. Guided tours are supposedly at 11:00 and 2:00, but I arrived at 1:40ish and the employee only gave me the self-guided option, so keep that in mind. More information about the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk found here.
Below is the companion YouTube video, which show in greater detail Rippon Lodge Historic Site and Neabsco Creek Boardwalk.
Other Towns in Prince William County
If one wanted to make a full weekend (or weekday) vacation to Prince William County, I have two videos from my old YouTube channel about Occoquan and Manassas (links in name). Occoquan Historic District consistently ranked as one of Virginia’s most beautiful small towns. Old Town Manassas is the County Seat of Prince William County and played an important role during the Civil War.
If you want to explore more of the NOVA area, read my blog post about Alexandria.
I made two nonconsecutive trips to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia; living close to Williamsburg does have its benefits. The first trip focused on seeing historic homes normally closed to the public as part of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, while the second trip focused on seeing the remaining historic house museum that I had never been to before. Both visits work together to give an overview of what to do in Colonial Williamsburg, VA. At the end, I showcase the natural beauty of College Landing Park to complete your Williamsburg Virginia tour. This blog will serve as a companion to my first YouTube video so keep reading to the end.
Virginia’s Historic Garden Week was the reason for my first trip to Colonial Williamsburg. The two houses I managed to get a rare glimpse into were the Ludwell-Paradise house and the Coke-Garrett house. These two house are private homes that are normally closed to the public, but were opened for one day for this event. The Ludwell-Paradise house once was the home of the Ludwell family, of which several of its member converted to Eastern Orthodoxy. The Coke-Garrett house serves as the home of the Presidents of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and had just finished a restoration only a couple of days before the event. I have no pictures of the insides, but it was interesting seeing modern kitchens inside 18th century buildings.
Have a Colonial Style Convenience Store Instead
I also went to Bassett Hall, which was the home of the John D. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. This House is usually only open to the public on Thursdays-Saturdays, so I took a rare opportunity to visit. I also went to the Bray School, where enslaved children received an education in order to accept their lot in life.
Garden of St. Mary ChapelThe George Wythe House
Several weeks later, I decided to visit the remaining historic homes I’ve yet to see. I first went to the George Wythe House located besides the Palace Green. George Wythe was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the first law professor of the United States. It had the typical grand 18th century Georgian interiors and a very beautiful garden.
The Robert Carter House
Next, I went right down the street to see the Carter House, an incredibly long house that I could not fit entirely within the picture. The House is entirely bare on the inside, with zero furnishings and several holes in the walls exposing the wood and brick work. Our tour guide told the fascinating story of Robert Carter III, a man who turned from a dissolute playboy to a conscientious man who manumitted more of his enslaved people than anybody prior to the Emancipation Proclamation. The house is only opened on Tuesdays-Wednesdays.
The Peyton Randolph House
I then walked down Nicholson Street to see the Peyton Randolph House. Peyton Randolph served as President of the First and Second Continental Congress. Our tour guide delivered a personable look at the lives of the Randolph’s and their enslaved people.
Duke of Gloucester Street
On both trips, I enjoyed strolling along to Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg’s main thoroughfare. The street starts at William and Mary, goes through Merchant’s Square, and passes through 18th century Williamsburg. It turns out that Merchants Square is the oldest planned shopping center in the United States dating from 1927. The images below will show you Duke of Gloucester (DoG) Street (and accompanying side streets) in chronological order.
Wren Building College of William and MaryDoG Street With Merchants Square in Foreground and Capitol in Background House on the Palace Green, I Think a Private ResidenceOne of Several Trade Signs in Colonial WilliamsburgKing’s Arms Tavern
College Landing Park
A five minute drive from Merchants Square is College Landing Park. It’s a riverfront park with only a fishing pier, kayak launch, boat ramp, and a hill with stairs. Although it’s a small park, it will do just fine after a long day of exploring Colonial Williamsburg.
Reflections in Murky Water at College Landing Park
Conclusion
Overall, I greatly enjoyed my two visits to Colonial Williamsburg. Although I have been there many times before, there were still so many places and things I had yet seen. So whenever you visit Colonial Williamsburg, consider all of the places I’ve mentioned alongside the Governor’s Palace and Capitol building. Perhaps you could even visit the two private homes the next time Historic Garden Week happens in mid-April.
While it’s “free” to walk around Colonial Williamsburg (you need to pay for parking on an app), you would need to purchase a ticket to enter into many of the buildings. Single-day Tickets go for $33.75 online or $37.50 at site for people 13 and up; Multi-day Tickets go for $55.00 for people 13 and up. More information can be found here. Information about Historic Garden Week is found here.
If you want to learn more about the early days of America, Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne are nearby. Read my blog post here.
Below is my YouTube video about my two trips to Colonial Williamsburg. Think of it as a wordless vlog, giving you the sights and sounds of Colonial Williamsburg. The video shows much more than this blog, such as the gardens of the two private homes, Bassett Hall, the Bray School, etc.
Colonial Williamsburg Restaurant Recommendations
It makes sense to recommend many different restaurants as Colonial Williamsburg is an all-day destination. I will go in order from fanciest to least fanciest.
Colonial Williamsburg has several dining establishments the replicate the experiences of eating at a tavern during the colonial era. The King’s Arms Tavern was founded in 1772 and has the waiters dress in period attire. I chose the King’s Arms Tavern in particular because I once had my birthday meal there.
The Blue Talon Bistro serves French cuisine, located on the parking lot behind Merchants Square. I also had a birthday meal here, and I would love to eat here again.
The Cheese Shop is a local institution located on Merchants Square. Its sandwiches are a favorite with my family. Head next door to Wythe Candy and Gourmet Shop for specialty candy.
Rick’s Cheesesteak Shop is located on Prince George Street. I’ve been there once and enjoyed their cheese-steak sandwich.
Precarious Beer Project is located in a building on the other parking lot behind Merchants Square. They have three little restaurants located inside, of which I enjoyed the birria tacos of Electric Circus Taco. I’ve only been inside a rainy Monday lunchtime and a Tuesday afternoon, so I bet the place is much livelier at nighttime.
If you wanted to go to explore more of the greater Williamsburg area, I can recommend many different restaurants. In order from closest to furthest from Merchants Square are: Bonanza Social Kitchen (Korean Fried Chicken), Anna’s Brick Oven Pizza-Pasta (Wood Fired Pizza), Honey Butter’s Kitchen (Breakfast Food), Maria Bonita Cantina (Mexican), and Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que (a local institution). Also, I highly recommend going out of your way to get Duck Donuts, but make sure they’re open before you make the trek particularly if you go earlier in the week.
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