Destination 17
Blue Ridge Mountains, VA
The View
We departed Knoxville, turning northeast on scenic Interstate 81, traveling through the Shenandoah Valley and alongside the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains. Before heading further north, we spent two nights at a farmhouse Airbnb property near Buena Vista, VA, and enjoyed both the countryside and the lovely small city of Lexington. From there, we skipped the interstate, and took a leisurely drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Buena Vista to Afton, VA. It was gorgeous, and full of scenic overlooks, wildflowers, hunters and their dogs (the dogs were friendly, the hunters somewhat less so), and even a black bear, moving too quickly across the road for a photo. We started our drive early in the morning, when the road was quiet and the picture of peacefulness.
What to See on the Route
Natural Bridge State Park. We loved our short visit to this 215-foot natural structure (much larger and grander than captured in my photos), surveyed by a young George Washington and once owned by Thomas Jefferson. After previously seeing an art exhibit in Richmond of works featuring the Natural Bridge, I was pleased to realize we would be driving through this area. We took the short trail to the bridge, then the shady walk to the modest waterfall. While I relaxed in a rocking chair on the visitor center porch, Johnny enjoyed the 45-minute tour of the nearby Caverns at Natural Bridge. After our visit to the park, we had a perfect chicken salad sandwich at the Natural Bridge General Store and Natty B Cafe. There are very few places to eat in the immediate area, but this charming cafe would be a good choice even if there were.
Historic downtown Lexington. Founded in 1777, this Civil War city (we parked adjacent to the family home of Stonewall Jackson) is walkable and houses lovely historic homes, charming shops, churches and restaurants. We strolled the streets, purchased a very unique salt and pepper set at Earth, Fire and Spirit Pottery, viewed the free exhibits at the Stonewall Jackson Museum and had a nice comfort food dinner at the Southern Inn.
Downtown Waynesboro. On our drive north, after leaving the Blue Ridge Parkway, we stopped for lunch and then coffee/dessert in industrial and artsy Waynesboro. We enjoyed the red bud salad (greens and fruit) and fried chicken sandwich at The River Burger Bar, and then had a spicy chai latte and fresh pastries across the street at the hip and comfortable French Press. Johnny was enchanted by vintage and off-the-wall Tubular Toy Store, on the same block.
If we had more time, we could have proceeded from the Blue Ridge Parkway, straight to the Skyline Drive of Shenandoah National Park, which sadly was not an option for us.
The Room
Farm House Cottage located on a beautiful and historic 50-acre farm at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The host explained that this small two-story farmhouse (below) was the original residence. The large manor house and the small ice house are also available on Airbnb. The properties are located at a distance from each other, allowing plenty of privacy, and there are other historic farm buildings still standing (see below).
We grilled steaks and veggies on the back porch, with a view of deer prancing through the fields and to the sound of birds wishing us a good night. The location is quiet, lovely and unique, and I recommend this property as an alternative to roadside hotels and more expensive inns in the area.
