Car games

I often say that our DVD player was the best $88 we have ever spent. It was a lifesaver during a long plane trip two summers ago, and it is an easy solution for long car trips as well.

However, in an effort to "unplug" and simplify, we have been doing things the old-fashioned way recently in terms of car games.

There is the car color game - each passenger picks a color and counts the number of cars passed in that shade - first one to 50 wins.

For rural roadtrips, everyone counts cows on their side of the road. If your opponent sees a cemetery on your side, all your cows are wiped out, you return to zero and begin again. First one to 100 wins.

Then there is car bingo - cards are inexpensive and can even printed from sites like www.momsminivan.com.

Do you have any fun games to share? Please post below...

Where were wall decals when I was creating a nursery?

(from my upcoming Roanoke Times July 6 Travel piece)

Where were wall decals when I was creating Luke's nursery? After this purchase, his bedroom has become an underwater paradise of sea turtles, rays, coral, bubbles and sea horses on what were plain, blue walls. I have since ordered more wall decals for my son’s playroom – planes and clouds we attached to the ceiling – simple decorations that define a room and create atmosphere. I first discovered these cool interior designs for kids at La Difference in Richmond, but they can also be found at the following websites:

www.ladiff.com
www.weegallery.com
www.wallcandyarts.com

Hope, faith and gratefulness

My friend CJ sent her story below for my readers. I wanted to make sure she was comfortable sharing it, and she is. It is a story of hope, faith and gratefulness.

I will never forget her call three years ago with the news of her tragedy. I wept as CJ told me that she believed God had let her little angel slip to earth, and He needed Lauren back with him in Heaven. I am inspired by CJ. I know you will be too:

Motherhood - where does one begin? I was your typical DC graduate saying often - "Kids, sure they're cute, but I don't think they are for me." It was work, work, work, and in the few remaining hours left in the day, I would try to squeeze in some fun at one of DCs fine dining and drinking establishments.

Then it happened - marriage to my sweet man, Steven. Shortly after our wedding I started thinking that children could possibly add to our happiness, but maybe we should start with a dog. I mean, children are a massive responsibility. Maybe we should test-drive the dog first. If we do alright with him, then we can consider children. Thus, Otto joined our family in March 2002. Life was good.

Later that year, we decided to move back to my home state of Rhode Island. My father's health was taking a turn for the worse, and I wanted to ensure I had as much time with him as possible. We shared 6 months together before he passed away on July 6th, 2003. It was at this moment that I finally looked at Steve and said, "What are we waiting for? We will never have enough money, enough time, enough patience, enough knowledge to start having children, so we should just jump in and see what happens."

Like many couples, we thought how hard could getting pregnant really be. Well, after a year of trying, desperation set in. After so many years of avoiding getting pregnant, it was now the only thing that I wanted. So we started seeking our Dr's assistance, however right before we were going to start testing, I randomly took a pregnancy test. Low and behold the test turned out to be positive. Well, one test just wasn't enough, so I took 4 more, before I was convinced that I was pregnant.

My pregnancy was perfect. No morning sickness, no exhaustion, just complete bliss. On March 2, 2005 we gave birth to our little girl Lauren. The moment they placed Lauren in my arms my heart practically burst. The light bulb went off, and I realized "Aha, this is what it is all about." It was almost frightening how quickly I began loving this perfect little being. Our lives changed in a matter of minutes, and we were now responsible for this completely defenseless little person who simply stared up at me with these big beautiful eyes. I was hooked.

Life couldn't have been better. I quickly fell into the Motherhood routine - diapers, night feedings, playtime. The first smile, the first coo, the first time she ate rice cereal. Even when I had to return to work, I left each morning with the happy knowledge that I would be coming home to my beautiful little Lauren. I sped through the day, so that I could return to her.

Then on August 5th, 2005 the bottom fell out. In a split second, just as quickly as she entered our lives, she was gone. Lauren passed away to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, commonly known as SIDS. Our perfectly healthy baby girl was gone. It was at this time that I learned what being a Mother meant. When you give your heart completely to your child, you are opening yourself up to the most unimaginable pain when something happens to them. When the precious being that you created out of love with your husband is gone, your life, as you knew it, is forever ended.

When Lauren died, all I could think of was that I had to have another child. The love I had for her was too great, and I felt I had to share it with another child. I wanted her to have a brother or sister, so that her memory would live on in them. Another child could and would never replace her, but after experiencing the beauty of being her mother, I just had to hope that I would be able to continue to share that love with her sibling(s).

Thus, the praying, hoping and trying began again. This time I prayed to my Daughter, as well as my Heavenly Father. Lauren took her time finding just the right baby, and after two of the toughest years of my life, we became pregnant again. On March 4th, 2008 we welcomed our son, Andrew Patrick into the world. My Motherhood journey continues. Once again, I find myself engulfed in the exhaustive joy of raising a newborn. Andrew is perfect, as was his big sister, but I'm not partial or anything. I don't even mind it when he cries, for I just
love to hear his voice.

Am I scared? All the time. It's like walking on a lake in December before the really cold weather has set in. You are never quite certain if the ice is safe. However, with each tentative step I move forward, because that is what a Mother does. She holds her breath whenever her child does something new, praying they will be OK. She celebrates when all goes well, and consoles when it doesn't.

In 3 short years, I've experienced the highest joys and most debilitating grief of parenthood. This is what you open yourself up to when you become a Mother. Despite all of the pain, I would not change a moment. I am proud to say that I'm Lauren's Mom and Andrew's Mom. I will forever be a Mother, and for that I'm eternally grateful.

Happy Fathers' Day to all dads/In Memory of Tim Russert

Happy Fathers' Day to any fathers who may be reading "Chronicles of Mommya," and I hope you are.

I have been greatly saddened by Tim Russert's death on Friday. Just like David Bloom in 2002, both these men and fathers were very likable and relatable. I remember being on a flight with Tim Russert when I worked for Discovery Networks. I was too shy (believe it or not) to try and meet him, but I was struck at that moment by how much he reminded me of my brother Bates - the strong presence and genuine smile - and apparently from all I have read, he was a very genuine person.

I love the fact that he wrote about his own father, and then with the overwhelming response of Big Russ and Me, he shared other father stories in Wisdom of Our Fathers. I love the fact that his son’s name is Luke.

The story below is one of my favorites from a Tucker Carlson interview on June 18, 2007.

RUSSERT: After I wrote the book, my son read it, and he came home, we came home from midnight mass, on Christmas of 2004, and suddenly, my wife screamed and said oh, my God, I said, what‘s wrong? She said, he‘s got a tattoo. I said, tattoo?

I said Luke, come here, we talked about this, I talked—we talked about the health consequences, you tell me you weren‘t going to do a tattoo. And he said—I said raise your arm. And he said no, he had his arms locked, I said raise your arms. He lifts his arm up, and there, in purple stencil are TJR.

My dad‘s name is Timothy Joseph Russert, mine‘s Timothy John Russert, and he looks at me and said, after I read the book, I always wanted you and my grandpa on my side. And I just collapsed in the chair, and I—that‘s the nicest tattoo I‘ve ever seen. I didn‘t know what to do.

TUCKER: That‘s the nicest tattoo I ever heard of.

Catherine: I may consider a tattoo for our Luke :) when he turns 18. (Pictured: My Mike and our Luke)

A mother's (and aunt's) pride

I was thrilled to attend my nephew Ben's graduation from Salem High School in Salem, Virginina yesterday (Friday, the 13th :)).

Driving the hour and a half from Lynchburg, we were slightly late but arrived just in time to see Ben receive a multi-year scholarship from the City of Salem. My sisters tears said it all - a mother's pride.

Unfortunately my five year old didn't make it through the entire ceremony so we were unable to hear the speeches. Rather than use the typical valedictorian and salutatorian speeches, students at Salem High audition for the honor to speak at the event. It was covered in today's Roanoke Times and the video is worth a watch:
http://www.roanoke.com/multimedia/video/wb/165538

Congratulations, Ben! We are so proud of you!

Special Teacher Essay Contest

Now that the school year is over and summer fun has begun, it's a nice time to reflect on teachers that have made a difference in our lives and our children's.

A story I wrote about one of Luke's special teachers was chosen by Real Simple magazine, and later featured on The Today Show last fall: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/a-mom-give-thanks-to-her-sons-teacher/3395519929.

Please send me your stories (limit 500 words) by July 1. A group of Virginia writers and my friends will judge them based on the story itself and how it is presented. Judges will look for creativity, originality, clarity, expressiveness and sentiment. The winning author and subject will each receive Angela Moore Autism Awareness necklaces by Angela Moore ($95 each, www.angelamoore.com). 15% of the proceeds from this collection benefit treatment scholarships at The RIMLAND Center in Lynchburg, Virginia (www.rimlandcenter.com). Additionally, the winning teacher will receive this beautiful photo of Assateague by Dan Smith ($350, editrdan@msn.com). Email your entries to lukesmom1216@yahoo.com with subject line "Special Teachers". Email should include essay and full names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for both writer and special teacher.

A Truly Amazing Children's Museum in Lynchburg, Virginia

Amazement Square (The Rightmire Children's Museum) in Lynchburg, Virginia is a state of the art hands-on facility that rivals many metropolitan children's museums and features the tallest indoor children's climbing tower. Four floors of fun include a toddler barnyard, giant legos, a mini model of the James River and downtown Lynchburg (see picture above),climbing tunnels and a zip line.

How did we get this in Lynchburg? Mrs. Rightmire donated a lot of money. So, there you go. If you live within the state of Virginia, this is definitely worth a day trip. If you live elsewhere, you should be packing your bags for at least a weekend getaway to Lynchburg. For more info, see www.amazementsquare.com.

Shared Parenting

Two dear friends, Betsy and Pam, both shared the following article from this coming Sunday's NYTimes magazine:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/15/magazine/15parenting-t.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Would love to hear your comments on this cover story... How do you make it work? Or, does it work? Email me at lukesmom1216@yahoo.com or post a comment.

Just remember - we are all in this together! There is strength in numbers :)

thanks,
Catherine

Solution for Wet Bathing Suits & Sand in Car

At the risk of being biased, I am going to tell you about a great product from friends that I worked with a few years ago here in Lynchburg. I first discovered Aqua-Pruff (www.aquapruff.com) at a retail store. Luke was a little under two years old, and I had been looking for something to put under his high chair. The plastic sheets I was using at the time were hard to clean. I wanted something low maintenance, something I could just toss in the washing machine.

I discoverd the Aqua-Pruff SUV mat, and my dreams were answered. Now I have five of them. They go well under high chairs, in the back of the SUV (milk leaked one time on the way home from the grocery store and I was forced to replace the 3rd row of seats due to the stench), on the grass for picnics, under children's table as they eat or work with glue, etc... Real Simple magazine covered the SUV mat two summers ago.

The car seat is great for summer, or really ANYTIME with kids. No worries about wet bathing suits riding home from the pool or sand after a beach trip. They also catch spills from drinks and snacks in the car.

Only moms could come up with a product like this! The fabric is neoprene, the same one used in wetsuits, so it is waterproof and machine-washable. (Don't put in the dryer as it will break down the neoprene.)

The great colors and designs are also monogrammable, so they make great gifts for moms and dads (products for the latter too :)), kids, grandparents and yourself! Check out www.aquapruff.com for more information...

Spunky Women

I am in deep despair since my two TV series have recently had their season finales. LOST - the fourth season has resurrected my love of this incredible series with characters I love and endless plot twists. I promise to write about it in the future...

The Tudors on Showtime has been a wonderful surprise - but why am I surprised? Jonathan Rhys-Meyer plays Henry VIII - although he is a much younger, thinner version - he plays the self-absorbed, gluttonous king very well. He's despicable and arrogant, yet very appealing. All the actors are beautiful, and the show is largely about sex.

Natalie Dormer has been superb as Anne Boleyn... sexy, spunky and brave, but I must say I was very disappointed in the finale - she was so reticent in accepting her fate - so unlike the boisterous Anne we had previously seen. And how could she talk so kindly of the king, the husband, that had condemned her?

'All these being on a scaffold made there for the execution, the said Queen Anne said as followeth: "Masters, I here humbly submit me to the law, as the law hath judged me, and as for mine offences, God knoweth them, I remit them to God, beseeching him to have mercy on my soul; and I beseech Jesu save my Sovereign and master the King, the most goodliest, and gentlest Prince that is, and long to reign over you, which words she spake with a smiling countenance: which done, she kneeled down on both her knees, and said, To Jesu Christ I commend my soul" and with that word suddenly the hangman of Calais smote off her head at one stroke with a sword: her body with the head was buried in the choir of the Chapel in the Tower." - http://englishhistory.net/tudor/exanne.html

Wait a minute! I thought I heard one of the two executed queens/wives of Henry VIII had run from her executioners and had to be forced down and beheaded... I would have expected that from Anne...the Anne played by Natalie Dormer. I fully expect an Emmy nomination and win for her.

She who laughs last... Let's hope that Natalie does win the Emmy and let us not forget...Anne and Henry's daughter Elizabeth I would take the throne eventually...

Be ready for Kindergarten and 1st Grade!

I have made a great discovery! Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten! and Let's Get Ready For First Grade! are award-winning, state-approved books that are used inside school districts and head start programs from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon. These are must-have books that kids, parents, teachers at home and school all love. Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten! is geared for ages 2-6 and Let’s Get Ready For First Grade! is the Winner of the 2007 Teacher's Choice Award for Families from Learning Magazine and is geared for ages 6-8.

To see inside this book and place an order, visit www.cedarvalleypublishing.com. Save 20% now with discount code CEDAR to get your child ready for Kindergarten and First Grade!

The Spanish/English edition of Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten! will be out this summer!

Pottery Barn Kids-look for less

After a brief vacation from my blog - didn't go anywhere, just needed some time to renew - I am back.

I have been thinking a lot about the economy and ways we as a family have changed over the last few months. I am not so quick to buy out of convenience. I still enjoy shopping and perusing catalogues and online stores, but now my focus is on making it myself. It's the old-fashioned way of doing things ourselves.

I have been coveting a bulletin board system at Pottery Barn Kids that is a combination of cork boards and cool fabrics framed and ready to hang in a child's room. At $200+, it's out of the question, so I set to create one on my own. What a challenge and fun process!

I was thrilled to find a pack of four 12"x12" cork boards at Staples for $10. My son and I then headed to Michael's for the fabric to cover them. We found pre-packaged squares of fabrics that were 15"x15" for $1.99, and he had a blast picking designs that included ducks, frogs, and pirate and jungle themes.

We wrapped the corkboard with the fabric like we were wrapping a package, using tacky glue instead of tape. It was quick and easy and look what we made for less than $20!

Bridget Jones Diary - Mommy-style

Coffee - 2 cups
Walked/ran - 4 miles
2 breakfasts and lunches made
Worked - 3 hours
Lunch with writer friends
(Luke is in camp this week)
Shopped with next door neighbor, Jewish Mother Marilyn who spoiled Luke once again...
Dinner for 3 - chicken hot dogs and chicken chili (Luke has a special diet and can't eat many meats)
Pool closed at 5pm, otherwise we would have been there...
Overall - a wonderful day....

Bridget Jones Diary - mommy-style
I am a 43 year old mom, wife, puppy owner and writer, not a swinging single Brit...

Chances are you will relate to me better than Bridget - stay tuned for more...

Another Fathers' Day Idea & a Giggle

Stacey Kannenberg of Cedar Valley Publishing sent in another great idea for Fathers' Day - ask you child(ren) what Dad's favorite food is and have them help make that for him on the big day. He and you may be surprised at the menu!


Also see this link my friend Jeanell Smith sent for a laugh: www.WhyWomenneedcatalogs.wmv

Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Cookout Class

Here's info on the food demo by Food4U, presented by my fellow moms and special diet gurus Chef Jeanell Smith, Carole Friend and Brenda Murphy:


Summer Cookout Survival I
How to make it through summer cookouts on a
Gluten-Free/Casein-Free diet

Thursday, June 19, 6-8:00 pm
The RIMLAND Center
2919 Confederate Avenue
Lynchburg

Turkey Burgers
Grilled Squash and Zucchini
Mixed Bean Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Slaw with Granny Smith Apples
Potato Salad
Spaghetti squash Faux-Pasta Salad
Ice Cream Sandwiches and/or Fruit Cobbler

Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited.
Cost of class is $35. Email lukesmom1216@yahoo.com or
call 434-660-0646 to register. Reserve your spot with a credit card, but we request cash payment the night of class.

This workshop will be helpful for families cooking for special diets related
to autism spectrum, Celiac disease, IBS and other gastrointestinal problems,
and the recipes may also be incorporated into a diabetic diet.
Presented to you by Food4U
Questions? 434-660-0646

Challenged Sports Exchange Welcomes All

The young batter swings awkwardly. “Pop!” Wood hitting leather surprises him. His head tilts upward and backward revealing dark, wide eyes beneath a red baseball cap and dirty blonde bangs. His solemn face erupts into a beaming smile that cannot hide his pride and excitement. Stunned, he forgets what comes next, until the crowd yells “Go!” and he begins his journey to first base. Inspired by cheers from the crowd, the batter slowly makes his way and finally reaches his destination…on his hands and knees.
Unable to walk, the triumphant batter crawls to first base. Wearing braces on his legs and hand crutches up to his forearms, the batter resembles young Forrest Gump from the beloved movie. He forgets his disability for a moment, and is focused on his goal.
Victories like this one are common through the Challenged Sports Exchange (CSE) program in Lynchburg, Virginia. “It’s all about fun,” says co-founder James Monaghan. The program allows special needs children and adults the opportunity to experience the thrill of sports in a supportive, positive atmosphere. Founded 17 years ago by Monaghan and Mike Ion, the CSE now offers twelve months of sports activities. “It’s therapy, hard work, but mostly fun,” adds co-founder Monaghan.
A vivacious seven-year-old confined to a wheelchair since birth charmed Ion years ago. Cerebral palsy constricted Jamie’s muscles and drew his head to the side, but the resolute youngster was determined to join the peewee football team Ion coached. The
boy’s speech was difficult to understand when the two first met, but Ion grew to understand Jamie, as did the other players on his team. His spirit and tenacity inspired them.
Ion and Monaghan then initiated a baseball team specifically for children with various disabilities originally based on a Little League of America program. That was the beginning of what is now a comprehensive twelve-month menu of sports activities for both disable children and adults.
“Life is simple. People complicate it,” says Monaghan. “When we see that smile on a face, we know we are doing our job.”
They are currently making plans to expand locally and eventually to spread elsewhere.

Sex and the (Little) City

Gaggles of girlfriends have flocked to the Sex and The City movie since its debut last weekend. They've reconnected with Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, like it was just yesterday…and it’s been fabulous!
Does all the girl talk make you want get together with your own girlfriends for conversation, Cosmopolitans, shoe shopping, and pampering? The Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia is a shoe-inn - literally - a boutique hotel renovated from old shoe factories in the city that was once the fifth largest shoe producer in the world. It's the perfect spot for you and your “sole-mates.”
The Shoe Fits Today's Downtown
Lynchburg has long conjured images of wholesomeness, scenic beauty and the Moral Majority (it was the home of Jerry Falwell until his death last year). Today we see the sexy red pump that adorns the newly opened Craddock Terry Hotel, a luxury inn that fills the fantasy of any shoe lover or savvy traveler.

The hotel was conceived by Lynchburg architects Hal Craddock and Lynn Cunningham who resurrected the old factories into a truly unique architectural showcase.

“Some of the floors had dropped 18 inches,” says Craddock, whose vision for the abandoned buildings has finally come to fruition. Craddock actually worked for his father in the factories when he was growing up.

The small lobby appears larger with its high ceiling, exposed brick, large wooden beams and windows. Here guests gather for wine and cheese in the late afternoon and can peruse historical footwear from the bygone era of the Craddock Shoe Corporation.

Upon check-in guests are led to one of 44 unique rooms that combine the urban history and modern styling of this eclectic hotel. From high heels to athletic shoes to hunting boots, local artist Michael Twery has designed 44 unique shoes that hang on each guestroom door. Exposed brick and faux leather wallpaper within each guestroom make one's hotel stay truly special, as do the comfortable, yet chic furnishings: classic American, updated with European custom fabrics and leather. The shoe motif plays out throughout the hotel but isn't overdone. Several pieces of artwork are made from actual shoebox tops.
Chicken Soup for the Sole
Shoemaker's Restaurant has become a popular destination for locals as well as travelers. The hotel's more formal restaurant, Shoemaker's is known for its surf and turf, but my friends and I swear by the chocolate martinis and crab cakes (having lived in Maryland five years, I know a good crab cake). One of my friends has been known to drive thirty miles for the macaroni & Gruyere and white cheddar cheese - the ultimate in comfort food. The blackened and grilled ahi-grade yellow fin tuna is served with a sweet soy glaze that "I could almost drink," according to one girlfriend. The hotel's more casual Waterstone restaurant opens June 16, and Jefferson Street Brewing Company will be opening soon as well.

Not far from the banks of the James River lies another soul (sole) of the downtown: a one-of-a-kind, world-class four-story wonderland: the Rightmire Children's Museum, better known as Amazement Square. Next door to it are train tracks and the James River, which made Lynchburg a major manufacturing crossroads in the early 1900s.
Downtown is dotted with cool shops, restaurants and things to do – but make sure to wear your sensible shoes; Lynchburg is known as the "Hill City."
It's all about Shoes
The Craddock Terry Hotel summons the heyday of Lynchburg’s shoe manufacturing. You and your girlfriends will also enjoy the quirkiness of a town that is now on the verge of a rebirth, with the growth of Liberty University and nuclear energy powerhouses AREVA and BWX Technologies.

"We want to be a 'welcome mat' for Lynchburg," adds Craddock.

It works.

What would Carrie Bradshaw think? Considering the fact she spent more on shoes than on her New York City apartment rent, chances are this is one doormat she'd be happy to wipe those Manolos on.

"I've spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!" says Carrie in one episode. With rates starting at $159 a night, the perfect place for her or for you and your girlfriends would be the Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg!

Hotel info:
The Craddock Terry Hotel, 1312 Commerce Street, (434)455-1500, http://www.craddockterryhotel.com/
Deluxe King and Double Queen Rooms range from $139-$159 Sun-Thur and $159-$179 Fri-Sat, Suites range from $169-$219 Sun-Thurs and $199-$239 Fri-Sat. The lower range is if guest qualifies for corporate rates, senior rates, or travel club rates.
Other Lynchburg Highlights:
The Lynchburg City Market, Main Street
The energetic Lynchburg City Market is only a block away from the hotel and offers fresh flowers and vegetables each Saturday during the spring and summer. Across Main Street are funky stores featuring stylish shoes, books, modern furniture and antiques.

Anthony & Co. Salon, 701 Church Street, (434)846-2232
This upscale salon is a several block walk from the hotel (remember this is the hill city and the walk back to the hotel will be downhill) and offers coiffing, facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures.

Machu Picchu, 512 5th Street, (434) 845-3255, http://www.machupicchu5thstreet.com/
Bull Branch, 1030 Main Street, (434) 847-8477
Dish, 1120 Main Street, (434) 528-0070
Main Street Eatery, 907 Main Street, (434) 847-2526,www.mainsteatery.comDowntown restaurants featuring Peruvian, eclectic, tapas, classic continental, and American respectively, each one has its own ambience, ranging from the third world simplicity and charm to railroad memorabilia.

J Crew Clearance Store, 25 Millrace Drive, (434) 316-6324, http://www.jcrew.com/
This factory outlet store is a haven for preppy bargain hunters... with lots of adorable Crew Cuts for the little ones.
The Maier Museum, 2500 Rivermont Avenue, (434)947-8136, http://maiermuseum.randolphcollege.edu/default.asp
This gem at Randolph College has held an extensive collection of American art as the result of a covert emergency plan. During the cold war, the former Randolph-Macon Woman's College was to be the "emergency shelter" for the National Gallery of Art in case of a national crisis. Though some of the more valuable pieces are up for auction to support a financially-troubled college (recently Rufino Tamayo’s Troubador sold for record $7.2 million at Christie’s auction), the museum is well worth a visit.
Vines Café, 2496 Rivermont Avenue, (434) 846-8463
Magnolia Foods, 2476 Rivermont Ave, (434) 528-5442, http://www.magnoliafoods.com/
These fun eateries neighbor the college and provide fresh, upscale foods and wines, plus outdoor seating. Magnolia Foods is a great place also to find unique beers, the latter to take home to the significant other who agreed to your girlfriend's getaway.
The Farm Basket, 2008 Langhorne Road, (434) 528-1107, http://www.the/farmbasket.com
This combination gift shop/café features room after room of goodies such as Vera Bradley, high-end culinary tools, fine stationary and garden accessories. You and the girlfriends will ooh and ahhh and could spend a good hour or two exploring. This is a terrific lunch spot for Southern favorites such as chicken salad and pimiento salad sandwiches and a mid-shopping break.

The Blackwater Creek Trail
Charlotte will enjoy running along this gorgeous trail which cuts through the city and offers gorgeous views of the James River. Managed by the city of Lynchburg, there are seven trail entrances including one across the street from The Craddock Terry Hotel.

And for Miranda and Charlotte’s return trip with the kids…
Amazement Square (The Rightmire Children's Museum), 27 Ninth Street, (434) 845-1888, www.amazementsquare.com
This state of the art hands-on facility rivals many metropolitan children's museums and features the tallest indoor children's climbing tower. Four floors of fun include a toddler barnyard, giant legos, a mini model of the James River and downtown Lynchburg, climbing tunnels and a zip line. Bring the family after your girlfriend getaway!

Lynchburg's City Cemetery, 401 Taylor Street, (434) 847-1465, www.gravegarden.org
Yes, that's right - a cemetery that is a quirky tourist destination in this Southern city and entertains with historical graves, funeral clothing and accessories as well as beehives, pet goats and products such as its own cookbook Food to Die For, Billy Doux Fertilizer that people swear by, and Died and Gone to Heaven Honey. An old-fashioned swing strung from a high branch on a 100-year-old tree takes you "up to heaven" - who needs a roller coaster?

Poplar Forest, 1548 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest, (434) 525-1806, www.poplarforest.org
Poplar Forest was Thomas Jefferson's summer home. It highlights his architectural mastery and offers tours and environmental education. Occupied by a private family for years, this historic landmark has been meticulously restored by historians.

Depot Grille, 10 9th Street, (434) 846-2776, www.depotgrille.com
This family-friendly restaurant with a model train, railroad tattoos and books for kids is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner – those with small kids understand.