Don't stay home - take advantage of our own backyard
As featured in Lynchburg Living, Jan/Feb issue
By Catherine Chapman Mosley
With the economy on top of many of our minds, some of us have chosen to eliminate vacations this year or take 'staycations' - staying at home and enjoying what is available right in our own backyards.
Isn't it true that we often take closeby opportunities for granted? And, that we visit nearby attractions only when we have out of town visitors?
Why board a plane or forgo a vacation this year when we have so much in good old Virginny? Keep in mind - Virginia isn't just for Lovers, but also for family outings, girlfriend getaways and the latest specialty vacation - 'mancations.' So, forget foregoing the vacation this year. You don't necessarily need a week in Florida. But take a day, 24 hours, or a weekend. You will feel refreshed and renewed with many opportunities we have within a two hour drive. Here are several suggestions for themed mini getaways in four decidedly different cities:
Lynchburg - Our own backyard is in full bloom
The hill city is blossoming and finally being discovered. Southern Living magazine recently featured Lynchburg's downtown revitalization, and The Craddock Terry Hotel was highlighted along with other unique hotels in Glasgow, Istanbul, Boston and New Orleans on www.portfolio.com.
Have you checked out these great destinations in your hometown?
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 the college (recently Rufino Tamayo’s Troubador sold for a record $7.2 million at a Christie’s auction), the museum is well worth a visit.
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 with waterways and locks that kids can actually control, climbing tunnels and a zip line.
Lynchburg's City Cemetery, 401 Taylor Street, (434) 847-1465, www.gravegarden.org
Yes, that's right - a cemetery that is a quirky tourist and field trip destination, entertaining 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?
Point of Honor, 112 Cabell Street, (434) 847-1867, www.pointofhonor.org
Travel back in time to and see how one of Lynchburg's most prominent citizens lived in the early nineteenth century. Dr. George Cabell was Patrick Henry's physician and Thomas Jefferson's friend. His Federal mansion offers one of the most inspiring views in Lynchburg. Tours, special events and a 2009 summer camp for 9- to 12-year-olds are offered.
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. Open April 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009 - closed Tuesdays and Thanksgiving Day.
The Blackwater Creek Trail
Enjoy running, biking or walking 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 another behind the Greek Orthodox Church on Langhorne Road.
Richmond - for Romance OR Time with the Girls
I just enjoyed a reunion weekend (actually just one night) in Richmond last spring with three of my Washington friends. It was a central rendez vous for us, with lots to offer in a mere 24 hours. We got the idea from my husband who had surprised me two years earlier on our fifth anniversary with a Richmond getaway.
Girlfriends Getaway or Romance Package, The Jefferson, 101 West Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220, www.jeffersonhotel.com, 800-424-8014.
Grab a girlfriend or two (or more) for this five-star hotel package that includes overnight accommodations, valet parking for two cars, bottle of house wine (Chardonnay, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) delivered upon arrival, breakfast buffet for two including gratuity and a $100 gift card for use anywhere within the hotel (including the spa).
For an anniversary or just because, the "Romance Package" includes sparkling wine and strawberries upon your arrival, one dozen red roses, room service full American breakfast, breakfast gratuity and valet parking. I definitely recommend the Sunday Champagne Brunch, and there is also a Sunday Champagne Brunch package. It takes place at the base of the magnificent Jefferson stairs which were rumored to have been used as a model for the staircase Scarlet fell down in "Gone with the Wind."
You will be sorry if you don't do the Sunday Champagne Brunch.
The hotel also offers complimentary transportation within a 3 mile radius of the hotel, which includes Carytown. Here are some Carytown suggestions:
Carytown: A Mile of Style, www.carytown.org/merchants.html
Can Can Brasserie, 3120 Cary Street, 804.358.PARIS, www.cancanbrasserie.com - Bon appetite! Your eyes and stomach will tell you you're in Paris...
Mongrel, 2924 West Cary Street, 804-342-1272, www.mongrelonline.com - Funky gift store you can explore for hours....
Que Bella, 3105 West Cary Street, 804-249-6110, www.quebella.net - Hip shoes (including Cordoni and Corso Como) and accessories with occasional sales...
Located in the Fan District, Grace Manor Inn (1853 W. Grace Street, 804-353-4334, www.thegracemanorinn.com) offers wonderful accomodations and a Romantic Getaway Dinner. You will be welcomed with wine and a cheese plate, which you can enjoy in the privacy of your own suite or it can be served to you in one of our three beautiful parlours. After unwinding, enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner by candlelight in our dining room. Explore Richmond's nightlife, and then begin the next day with piping hot coffee and a gourmet breakfast. Fill your day with antiquing, shopping, and touring or lounge around the Inn.
Charlottesville - Relaxing and Living the High Life
My father calls it God's country. Combining its natural beauty with academics, cosmopolitan shops and restaurants, I tend to agree. It has also been named a top place to live in the country by several media outlets including CNNmoney.com. Here is a simple sprinking of ideas for exploring Thomas Jefferson's hometown:
Saunders-Monticello Trail, http://www.monticello.org/parkway/trail.html
A beautiful, meandering hike up to Monticello and its brand new visitors' center. Kemper Park (at the base near the parking lot) is a great place for a picnic.
Monticello (www.monticello.org) and Ash Lawn (www.ashlawnhighland.org)
View the beautiful historic homes of Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe and learn a little something about these two early presidents and the times in which they lived. The new Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center, including the Cafe at Monticello, opened November 8.
Downtown Mall, 434-977-1783, www.downtowncharlottesville.net
Enjoy rambling down this very European walk lined with chic shops and restaurants. The Paramount Theater (www.theparamount.net) serves as a central attraction, providing cultural and educational offerings that one would expect for a large metropolitan city. The Charlottesville Pavilion (www.charlottesvillepavilion.com) anchored at one end of the mall hosts fairly large musical acts and a seasonal Fridays After Five. A movie theatre and the Virginia Discovery Museum (www.vadm.org) provide added entertainment. *Even if you don't stay overnight, there are three submlime spots you must visit for a drink or meal:
Clifton Inn, 1296 Clifton Inn Drive, 888-971-1800, www.cliftoninn.net (Make sure you don't crash a wedding in this intimate setting!)
Keswick Hall, 701 Club Drive, Keswick, 888-778-2565, www.keswick.com (You must try the parmesan truffle popcorn at the bar.)
The Kluge Estate Farm Shop, 100 Grand Cru Drive, 434-977-3895, www.klugeestateonline.com
