Showing posts with label VA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VA. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

A Journey to the "Center of the Universe" in Ashland, Virginia

I recently had the opportunity to travel to the far west end of Richmond, Virginia, to an area called Short Pump, so named for a pump that was located at a tavern built by Revolutionary War veteran Robert Hyde Saunders.

The affluent area is a shopper's paradise, with shopping malls as far as the eye can see and the Hilton Richmond Short Pump Hotel & Spa, was a comfortable and convenient basecamp for exploring the small town of Ashland, located just 16 miles away. An added attraction is that the hotel was within walking distance of  Short Pump Town Center, with 140 shops and eateries. I have to offer a warning however. If you're the unrestrained sort, who is prone to tennis elbow from whipping out the Visa, you may want to bunk somewhere else. The area is full of temptations for shopaholics! I spent a few hours at the attractive outdoor mall, enjoying the day and the plethora of  stores carrying everything from clothing, to shoes, candy, gifts and so much more. Because I knew I'd be visiting plenty of independent shops in Ashland, I decided to limit my spending, although I did buy a lovely multi-colored blouse at Versona, a women's boutique that hasn't quite made it to my neck of the woods.

Small Town Charm


Inn
The Henry Clay Inn located across from the Visitor's Center.
Ashland takes its name from Henry Clay's Lexington Kentucky estate named for the Ash trees that grew on the property. The town is quite proud of its native son who was born in 1777 and went on to become a presidential candidate in 1822, 1834 and 1844. Known as the "Great Compromiser," Clay is credited for helping to delay the Civil War by about four decades.

The locals also refer to Ashland as the "Center of the Universe" because it is located smack-dab in the middle of Hanover County, although I suspect that the moniker also has a lot to do with the fact that the 7.16 square mile area is just bursting with small-town pride. The friendly residents who engaged me on my visit had nothing but great things to say about life in their small corner of the world.

A Railroad Runs Through It


mural
A mural on the side of The Caboose Restaurant.
train
A walkable small town.


train and conductor
One of many trains that rumble through the town on a regular basis.
No matter what time of day you visit, you're likely to see a train pass by since tracks run through the middle of town. The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad initially developed the small town as a mineral springs resort, complete with a racetrack, back in the 1840s. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Ashland was left in ruins, so it was fortuitous that the Randolph-Macon College decided to move to the area shortly thereafter. The institution did much to rehabilitate Ashland and the Methodist-based private liberal arts college exists to this day, touting an enrollment of about 1,500.

First Stop--Welcome Center


train station

The Ashland Welcome Center, located in the Amtrak train station, has been recognized in Trains Magazine as one of the top 10 railfan spots in the country. Inside you'll find a small museum, plenty of pamphlets detailing things to do in the area and a friendly staff to help with any questions you might have about the town.

Small Town Shops

As you make your way around town, you'll find welcoming merchants selling everything from toys, to trains, jewelry, books, antiques, gifts and furniture.

store
Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys is just one of the independent shops in Ashland.

book store
Bell, Book and Candle carries both new and used books.
jewelry store
The friendly folks at Wagner Jewelers are always happy to help you pick out that special something.

Stopping for a Bite

There are several eateries in town if you're making a day of it. The Caboose Market and Cafe offers a selection of wine and beer, along with imported cheeses and snack meats and a seasonal menu featuring farm-to-table cuisine. Order one of the in-house made desserts to top things off, or save those calories and head on over to Sugar Fix, located near the historic Ashland Theatre.
eatery
The Caboose Market and Café offers a seasonal menu with a focus on local products.

restaurant
Inside The Caboose restaurant.
bakery
The Sugar Fix Bakery is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Sugar Fix offers brownies, cupcakes, custom cookies, candy and more. Owner Melinda Foster started out making cookies for family and friends and in 2011 the mother of six decided to open her own business and Ashland is sweeter for it.

corner restaurant
The Iron Horse Restaurant is housed in a building that is more than 100 years' old
The Iron Horse Restaurant operates out of a century-old building and is located at the corner of Railroad Avenue. The popular spot offers lunch and dinner, with a focus on southern cuisine, seafood, sandwiches, salads and steaks. The owners are quite proud of the eatery's proximity to the railroad tracks, enticing many railfans who are eager to experience one of the best vantage points to watch traffic on the busiest rail line on the East Coast.

Another laudable lunch option is "Homemades by Suzanne." I, for one, found it difficult to pass by after experiencing the alluring aromas that beckoned me to come inside, even though I had already eaten. Suzanne must know what she's doing because she was named "Best Caterer" for five years by readers of Richmond Magazine. On the menu are sandwiches, salads, soups and more to eat in, or carry out.

eatery
"Homemades by Suzanne" was named "Best Caterer" for five years by readers of Richmond Magazine.


restaurant tables
A peek inside of "Homemades by Suzanne."
A Century-Old Grocery  Store

Cross Bros. Grocery began serving the Ashland community in May of 1912, starting out as a small butcher shop and expanding to include additional offerings. By 1973, Cross Bros. had been enlarged four times before the family decided to sell it to two couples who recognized its importance to the community. In 2018, the business was sold again, this time to a group of local individuals committed to continuing the tradition of providing local meat, produce and groceries to Ashland. In addition to making upgrades to the building and re-branding the business as Ashland Meat Co. at Cross Bros., the group expanded its offerings to include beer, wine and prepared foods.
grocery
Cross Bros. Grocery, serving the community since 1912.

grocery
Ashland Meat Co. at Cross Bros. has expanded its offerings to include beer, wine and prepared foods.

A Large Library for a Small Town

The town may be small, but it touts a rather large library, as seen here, and the residents of the area have Richard Gillis to thank. "Dick" served as Mayor from 1977 to 1990 and as a member of the Pamunkey Regional Library Board of Trustees from 1971-1980. During this time he was very vocal about the need for a library in the area. Gillis was also responsible for Ashland's "Center of the Universe" moniker. He passed in 2001, but is memorialized on the building, which bears his name.
Richard Gillis, Jr. library
The Richard S. Gillis, Jr. library is located downtown.
Historic Theatre
theatre

The Ashland theatre opened its doors in 1948 with "Sitting Pretty" starring Robert Young, Maureen O'Hara and Clifton Webb. The show was preceded by a cartoon, with an entrance fee of 40 cents for adults and 14 cents for children. Like most small, independent theaters, the business saw its share of hard times in an era where entertainment choices abound and was therefore forced to shut its doors in the 1990s. When the owner donated the building to the Town of Ashland in 2013, the town united to save the landmark.  A two-year overhaul began along with a  $2.1 million capital campaign and in 2018 the theatre reopened to the public. Today the venue offers movies, musical acts, other live performances and community-building events.

Local Accommodations

The Henry Clay Inn
Inn
Porches tailor made for relaxing and watching the world go by.


Inn
The entrance area to the Henry Clay Inn.

Inn
The breakfast area of the Henry Clay Inn.

The attractive Georgian-style Inn located across from the Ashland Visitor's Center is popular with railfans and those who enjoy the laid back pace of life that Ashland offers. And it's hard to beat for convenience--guests can walk out the front door and be at the train station located just a few steps away.

The boutique hotel offers 11 guestrooms, two suites and several spacious porches perfect for relaxing, chatting with a friend, or simply watching the world go by.
inn
The second floor balcony of the Henry Clay Inn.

bedroom
A bedroom at the Henry Clay Inn.


The Tinder Guest House


bedroom
A bedroom in the Tinder Guest House.
The Tinder Guest House, located next to the Bell, Book and Candle on South Center Street, dates back to 1898, when it first operated as a pharmaceutical business.

The Game Room at the Tinder Guest House

The 2,000-foot guest house features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a game room, an eating nook and a gathering room and is popular with families who are seeking a relaxing getaway.

Almost all of places I have mentioned are located on the "main drag,"except for the theatre and the bakery, which can be found on England Street.

I could go on about how quaint and friendly this small town is, but I'll leave it up to you to explore further. Hopefully these few tips on where to go and what to see might inspire you to do so, or, if you prefer, just reach out to the helpful staff at the Welcome Center, or any of the local merchants. I'm sure they'll be happy to assist.




Friday, September 14, 2018

A Long Weekend in Historic Charlottesville, Virginia



home
Charlottesville is home to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
A few weeks ago, I decided to carve out a few days to poke around Charlottesville, Virginia, located along the foothills of the Blue Mountains. What I discovered was an array of activities and attractions to appeal to a wide range of interests.

Because I had but three days to explore, I was forced to use my time wisely, so I made it a point to hit the hot spots. What I walked away with was a new appreciation for the area and its rich history.

Staying in the Heart of the Action
If convenience is high on your list of priorities, you can't go wrong by booking a stay in the historic district at the Omni Hotel in Charlottesville, located just 20 minutes away from the Charlottesville airport and steps away from The Downtown Mall.

The 205-room hotel has been named the "Number 1 Hotel in Charlottesville," by the Daily Progress and features a seven-story glass atrium, two pools (indoor and outdoor), a fitness center, coffee shop and an onsite restaurant (The Pointe), which I highly recommend. I'll allow the picture below to speak for itself.
Omni
Our room at the Omni Hotel in Charlottesville.
Not to put you to sleep, but one thing that impressed me the most was the bed, which had me at zzzz. I couldn't get over how comfortable it was. Usually, I sleep like a baby, meaning that I toss, turn and whine. Not here. I felt cradled in comfort and was out like a light in short order. I'll probably be comparing that bed to all others for a very long time.
meal
A delicious dinner done just right at The Pointe, Omni's onsite restaurant.
A Shopper's Paradise
It's not often anymore that you can walk out the front door of your room and find yourself in the middle of an outdoor mall, but that's what you'll find just a few steps from the front door of the Omni. The Downtown Mall is a shopper's paradise, with independent shops for blocks. Should you grow tired of spending all that money and need to take a rest, there are plenty of eateries along the way offering dining, either indoors, or al fresco. To me, that's just icing on the cake.
nook
This little throwback dates to 1951. I love the mid-century modern windows.

al fresco
The Nook offers dining both inside and outside.

books
The New Dominion Book Shop is one of the oldest businesses located at the Downtown Mall.

buskers
Buskers play for college money.

mall
A view from the second story of a bar overlooking the mall. The Widow's Sons' Masonic Lodge #60 can be seen in this picture. Chartered in 1799, it is one of the oldest Masonic Lodges in Virginia.


amusement ride
A child's carousel dates back to the early 1900s.

couch
A mosaic couch in front of one of the gift shops.

dining
Outdoor dining areas fill up quickly during the evening hours.
dining

One shop that caught my eye was Timberlake's pharmacy and when I saw it was established in 1890, I just had to wander inside to check it out.

drug store
Timberlake Drugs was established in 1890.
drugs
Perfume, pies and pills are just a few of the items available at Timberlake's.
Timberlake's offers solutions for what ails you and more and what woman can resist a stop at a drug store while on vacation? Maybe I'm just weird like that, but there always seems to be something interesting to be found in an out-of-town drugstore. In this case, their selection of merchandise ran the gamut, from pies, to barrettes, shampoo, aspirin and canes. A rather extensive selection of perfume will have you harkening back on quasi-feminist ditties like this one hawking a scent called Enjoli, which, believe it or not, is still around: "She could bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never, ever, let you forget you're a man...."

Enjoli

Venture further back and you'll see a quaint space that will transport you to an era when soda fountains were prevalent inside pharmacies due to the common practice of mixing soda water with medicine. The one at Timberlake's has withstood the test of time and still draws its fair share of "regulars," who socialize while sipping on made-to-order drinks like egg creams and milkshakes. Proudly displayed on the wall are old newspaper articles that have been penned about the place over the years. In one article, the writer casually mentions customers ordering ammonia cokes up until the 1980s. Later research revealed "spirits of ammonia" was actually added to the coke and the drink was said to alleviate the side effects of a night on the town. Could it be the gentleman in the story knew where to go to nurse a hangover? I guess we'll never know. I do, know, however, that the place holds a soft spot in the heart of many as one of the oldest businesses in Charlottesville.

historic soda fountain
Step inside Timberlake's soda fountain for a BLT, a coke (sans ammonia) and a side of nostalgia.
The Downtown Mall is also home to Charlottesville's Paramount Theater, created by Rapp & Rapp, the architects who were responsible for the Paramount-Publix theater chain. According to reports, the theater became a landmark almost immediately upon opening on Thanksgiving evening in 1931.  In its heyday, audiences who flocked to the venue week after week numbered in the thousands, but with the advent of television, theaters began to lose their attraction. The Paramount managed to maintain a downtown presence until 1974, when it was forced to shut down. Years later it re-opened, thanks to the grit and determination of those who loved the old mainstay. In 1992, the non-profit Paramount Theater, Inc., purchased the building and worked with a grant from the city on an extensive restoration project costing upwards of $16 million. Today it serves the community as a performing arts center.
theater
The Paramount Theatre operated from 1931-1974, then re-opened again in 2004.
popcorn counter
The popcorn counter at The Paramount Theater.

theater entrance
A separate side entrance is a reminder of the days of segregation.
Before we left the downtown area, we decided to dine at a modern-day speakeasy called The Alley Light, which we had trouble finding. After walking up and down the street several times, we enlisted the help of a friendly local, who steered us in the right direction. (Hint: It was through a gate, off the street and appeared to be a private back entrance to a business.)

While we were there we enjoyed a few small plates and creative libations like "Brunch at Becky's" made with Tanqueray, lime, Dolin Blanc and Green Chartreuse. We even spotted a bride and groom from our perch near a window overlooking the street.

speakeasy
Finding the Alley Light is a little difficult--perhaps that's part of the allure?
drink
Brunch at Becky's made with Tanqueray, summer herbs, Dolin Blanc and Green Chartreuse.
The Downtown Mall is a special destination that should be part of any trip to Charlottesville. So what did it take to create the popular area that draws locals and out-of-towners alike? Click on this link to learn about the evolution of the mall and the personalities and pioneers who joined together to make it what it is today.

Visiting Historic Monticello 
statue

Charlottesville is also the location of Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, who is best known as the author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson spent decades in politics, serving as governor of Virginia,  minister to France, the first U.S. Secretary of State, the second Vice President, the third President of the United States and the founder of the University of Virginia.

Today Monticello exists as an educational destination operated by the non-profit "Thomas Jefferson Foundation," which acquired the property in 1923.  Approximately 440,000 visitors stroll the grounds each year, generating an estimated $47 million for the local economy.

Guests have the opportunity to choose from docent-led and self-guided tours of the interior and exterior of the property. Tours of the first floor of the 43-room mansion are conducted year round. Behind-the-scene tours are offered less frequently and offer guests a peek at the second and third floors, along with the dome room. Interior photography is prohibited, so I am providing this link for those who are interested in viewing gallery pictures of various rooms inside the mansion.

A tour of the garden and grounds gives guests a glimpse of Jefferson's enthusiasm for gardening, botany and agriculture. Visitors will see a colorful array of flowers and plants from around the world and learn that Jefferson grew approximately 300 varieties of vegetables and 170 varieties of fruits ranging from apples, to peaches and grapes, to name just a few.
gardens
Views of the property.

vista
"As Love Lies Bleeding"
"As Love Lies Bleeding."
vine
Cypress Vine
Also offered year round are 45-minute "Slavery at Monticello" tours, where visitors will learn more about the individuals who worked on the property at the time. An additional tour spanning almost two hours provides guests with in-depth information on the Hemings Family and includes information on Sally Hemings, her relationship to Thomas Jefferson and the struggles endured by slaves of the era. To learn more about "The Paradox of Liberty, Enslaved Families of Monticello," click on this link.

cabin
A servant's house reconstructed to reflect the era between 1790 and 1830.

kitchen
The Cook's Room was occupied by Monticello's head cook.

ice house
The Icehouse was used to store meat and butter and for chilling wine. It was packed with insulated wood chips, or straw.
Thomas Jefferson was also known as an oenophile. While serving in Paris as minister to France, he gleaned quite a bit of knowledge about wine. This later enabled him to act in an advisory capacity to Washington, Madison and Monroe. His cellar contained an impressive selection of wines from Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Germany and Italy. It is said he preferred bottles over casks to ensure the integrity of the wine during the shipping process. It appeared that he was a bit cynical when it came to crewmen, wine merchants and adulteration. (That is, as they say, a whole 'nother story). Thomas Jefferson was known to have said this about his beloved beverage. "My measure is a perfectly sober three or four glasses at dinner and not a drop at  any other time, but as to those three or four glasses,'Je Suis bien friand,'" which, translated, means, "I am very fond."


wine
Jefferson's wine cellar included an impressive selection of European wines. 

casks
Jefferson preferred bottles over casks to ensure their integrity during shipping.
Before leaving the property, be sure to take the path to Jefferson's Grave and the graveyard owned by Thomas Jefferson's descendants.
gate


graveyard
The Monticello Graveyard.
graveyard
A list of individuals who are buried at the Graveyard
monument
Jefferson's monument.

As a result of Jefferson's meticulous record keeping, Monticello is known as one of the best-documented, preserved and studied plantations in North America.  To learn more about this designated World Heritage Site, or to schedule a tour, visit the website at monticello.org.

Michie Tavern Area

sign


Next to Monticello is the historic Michie Tavern, which was established in 1784 by Scotsman William Michie and served as the social center of the community until the mid-1800s when it became a private home and was sold out of the Michie family at an estate auction. In 1927, the abode was purchased by an entrepreneur by the name of Mrs. Mark Henderson. Henderson worked as a partner in her husband's shirt-manufacturing business and decided to move the structure to a more accessible and popular area. The home was dismantled, numbered and moved 17 miles by horse, wagon and truck and today it still draws visitors as a museum that tells a tale of 18-century tavern life.

museum
The outside of the Michie Tavern.
room
Interior rooms at the Michie Tavern.
bedroom

colonial kitchen
Kitchen at the Michie Tavern.
Old Game of Life
A game of Human Life that I found particularly fascinating. If you zoom in, you'll see various individuals like the Hasty Man, the Brute, the Learned Man, etc. I suppose if you embark upon the righteous path, you stand a better chance of winning?
In the 1970s, The Michie Tavern Corporation added additional old outbuildings and today the complex is known as the largest collection of reassembled outbuildings in the country.
"The Ordinary," situated next to the Tavern, serves a buffet lunch year round and is quite popular as you can see by the long line, which is often the case, according to our tour guide. "They serve some delicious fried chicken," she said. The Michie Tavern's Bill of Fare for that particular day was southern fried chicken, cornbread, black-eyed peas, stewed tomatoes, cole slaw, beets, green beans with country ham and peach cobbler.
restaurant
After lunch, many guests take the opportunity to visit the four unique themed shops housed in old, restored cabins.
shoppe
gift shop
The Metal Smith Shop is housed in a cabin that dates back to 1822 and was once located just six miles south of where it stands today. 

mill
Remnants of the Old Mill at the Meadow Run Mill and General Store.
jelly
Jellies are just some of the products sold at the Meadow Run Mill and General Store.
General Store
The General Store is housed in a Grist Mill dating back to 1797 and offers Virginia-made wines, beer and cider, along with candles, jellies, spreads, gifts and more.


These are just a few highlights of my summer trip to Charlottesville. I understand there is so much more to do and see, from winery tours, to James Monroe's Highland, to hop on/off tours, which I always seem to enjoy.  I haven't even mentioned the world famous and historic University of Virginia and the much-touted  "Corner," which is located on campus and is comprised of an array of shops and restaurants. When I return next year, I'll be sure to provide an update.