Virginia's Appalachian Trail - Virginia Is For Mountain Lovers

Virginia's Appalachian Trail

Virginia is home to 544 miles of the Appalachian Trial, more miles than any other state! And 101 of those miles lie in beautiful Shenandoah National Park and parallel to Skyline Drive.

The A.T. also parallels the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, goes through Mount Rogers National Recreation Area inGeorge Washington & Jefferson National Forests, and ends in Damascus, known as Trail Town USA, where the trail goes right down its main thoroughfare.

Virginia's Northern End of the Appalachian Trail

The best time to hike this portion, 54 miles, is springtime and September through early November, making it the perfect time to see the fall foliage. Begin your hike at the border of Virginia/West Virginia in Clarke County. Many backpackers consider this portion of the A.T. perfect for spring break!

Key Sites Along the Way
» Sky Meadows State Park in Fauquier County is a popular access point to the Appalachian Trail. Primitive campsites are available, too!
» G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area in Fauquier County offers the greatest place to see wildlife. The trail covers the entire upper portion of the area and runs for about 7 miles.

Shenandoah National Park of the Appalachian Trail

The best time to hike this portion, 101 miles, is springtime and September through October. The Trail is well-graded, well-maintained and gentle grades for less-experienced hikers. The park facilities close in early November through March, and snow shuts down Skyline Drive to motorists. Although cross-country skiers and snowshoers are welcome!

Key Site Along the Way
» Shenandoah National Park offers two lodges, Skyland and Big Meadows, as well as plenty of campsites, waysides and camp stores along Skyline Drive, which the A.T. parallels. Backcountry permits are needed when camping along the trail in the Park.

Virginia's Central Portion of the Appalachian Trail

The best time to hike this portion, 225 miles, is springtime and September through October. The Trail becomes more difficult the further south you travel, with many 2,000-to 3,000-footclimbs, crossing ridges and valleys. The Trail follows the Blue Ridge Parkway to Roanoke. (This is the portion of The Appalachian Trail closest to The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast - there is a fantastic place to ride horses we can recommend near Peaks of Otter and some easy hikes with vistas on both sides of the Blue Ridge Parkway)

Key Sites Along the Way
» George Washington & Jefferson National Forest in Bedford County offers many primitive campsites.
» Peaks of Otter in Bedford County has thePeaks of Otter Lodge and plenty of campsites.

Virginia's Southern End of the Appalachian Trail

The best time to hike the southern end, 166 miles, is May through October. The A.T. travels more westerly through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests from Roanoke County to Pearisburg in Giles County. According to the Appalachian Trail Conference, this portion of the A.T. is the most remote and less traveled. By the time you reach Damascus, you'll probably be ready for civilization again or you can begin your hike on either the Virginia Creeper Trail or Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail.

Key Sites Along the Way
» Big Walker Lookout is a 100-foot tower to view the spectacular scenery.
» Mount Rogers National Recreation Area offers many campgrounds and Mount Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia and the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway.
» Grayson Highlands State Park features access to the A.T. and plenty of campsites, overlooks and wild ponies.
» Damascus is an ideal place to start or end your A.T. trek. Free parking is available and shuttles can be arranged for one-way hikes.

info courtesy of Virginia's Appalachian Trail - Virginia Is For Lovers

Click here for a map of The Appalachian Trail in Virginia

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Fast Facts About Virginia

Almost Everything You Might Want to Know about Virginia

Location:
Located midway between New York and Florida, Virginia is the gateway to the South. It is also sometimes classified in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Commonwealth is bordered by Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, and Maryland to the north; the Atlantic Ocean to the east; North Carolina and Tennessee to the south; and West Virginia and Kentucky to the west. See The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast really is the center of it all!

Geography:
Western Virginia is mountainous, covered by the Allegheny and Blue Ridge mountains with the great Shenandoah Valley falling between the ranges. The central piedmont region, with its rolling hills, flattens out into the sandy coastal plain toward the Atlantic Ocean.

Climate:Mild with four distinct seasons

Area:
42,767 square miles

Population:
6,872,900 in 1999

Major Industries:
Manufacturing, exports, tourism, which accounted for $13.1 billion in 2000 - up from $12.4 billion in 1999 - and employed more than 200,000 workers, high technology and agriculture

Capital:
Richmond (since 1780)

Popular Tourist Attractions:
Western: Abingdon, Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Bristol, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, Lexington, Luray Caverns, Natural Bridge, Roanoke, Shenandoah National Park, Shenandoah Valley, Skyline Drive, Staunton, Winchester

Central: Charlottesville and Monticello, Danville, Kings Dominion, Petersburg, Richmond

Northern: Alexandria, Arlington and Arlington National Cemetery, Fredericksburg and Fredericksburg National Battlefield Parks, Mount Vernon, Potomac Mills

Tidewater: Williamsburg area, including Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Williamsburg Pottery and Yorktown; Norfolk; Virginia Beach; and Chincoteague/Assateague on the Eastern Shore

What is the Commonwealth of Virginia?

You will often hear our state called the Commonwealth of Virginia. This does not meanVirginia has a different form of government than any other state. "Commonwealth" is defined by Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary as a political unit or government (1) "founded on law and united by compact or tacit agreement of the people for the common good," or (2) "one in which supreme authority is vested in the people." Using these definitions, it could be said that all 50 states, as well as our national government, are commonwealths. Besides Virginia, three other states - Kentucky, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania - use the term commonwealth as part of their official names.

The first use of commonwealth in Virginia was early in its history. One reason given by Governor Sir George Yeardley for authorizing the first General Assembly meeting at Jamestown in 1619 was "for the better establishing of a commonwealth here."

From 1649 to 1660, England and Virginia did not have a king. Instead, the Puritans ruled under a Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell. The government was called the Commonwealth of England. This commonwealth ended when King Charles II reclaimed the throne in 1660.

In colonial times, Virginia was officially known as the Colony and Dominion of Virginia. When the 13 colonies broke ties with the British Crown during the Revolution, the old name was no longer suitable. The delegates to the convention in Williamsburg, when the first Constitution of Virginia was adopted on June 29, 1776, used commonwealth as the name for the new form of government. It is very likely they had in mind the Puritans' rebellion against the Crown in England over 100 years earlier. Pennsylvania and Massachusetts also chose to be called commonwealths after independence from Great Britain. The other 10 former colonies took the name "state," the term used in the Declaration of Independence.

Kentucky was once part of Virginia. When Kentuckians joined the Union as the 15th state in 1792, it kept the name commonwealth.

There are several other uses of the word "commonwealth" in the world today:

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is not a state, but a territory. In this case, commonwealth refers to the free association with the United States chosen by the Puerto Rican people.

The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of Great Britain and about 50 countries that were once part of the British Empire. Some of these nations, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Jamaica and other Caribbean islands, still recognize the British monarch as their official head of state.

Other sites of interest pertaining to Virginia might include:

www.state.va.us Official State of Virginia Site

www.lva.lib.va.us Library of Virginia

www.civilwartrails.org Civil War

www.history.org Colonial Williamsburg

www.vahistorical.org Virginia Historical Society

www.apva.org Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquties

www.historyisfun.org Jamestown/Yorktown

www.nps.gov National Park Service

FACTS:

The 2002 Virginia Travel Guide is the source for the following facts:.

Chincoteague calls itself the clam capital of the world because the town was the world's largest shipper of clams in the 1920's .

Hampton Roads is the name of the body of water where the Chesapeake Bay and the Elizabeth, James and Nansemond rivers meet.

An oak tree in Hampton served as a gathering place of slaves to hear a reading of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Today the tree is known as Emancipation Oak.

The first Africans documented to have come to British America arrived as freedmen in Jamestown in 1619.

The Mariners' Museum in Newport News houses one of the most extensive maritime collections in the world.

Virginia Beach is the world's longest resort beach at 28 miles.

Caledon Natural Area in Westmoreland County is the summer home to one of the largest bald eagle concentrations on the East Coast.

The first major land battle of the Civil War took place in Manassas. Sightseers from Washington, DC, arrived in carriages with picnics to watch the action.

The town of Washington in Rappahannock County was the nation's first town named for George Washington.

Crabtree Falls in Nelson County is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.

Danville served as the last capital of the Confederacy.

Petersburg's Blandford Church has one of the largest collections of Tiffany windows in the world.

Virginia's Robert E. Lee was the only man in history who was asked to become commander of opposing armies in the same war.

Highland County is called "Virginia's Switzerland" and is the southernmost maple syrup-producing area in the United States.

Mount Rogers in Grayson County is the highest peak in Virginia at 5, 729 feet.

More features about Virginia click here

Visit our Sites of Interest Page and Photo Page for more images and ideas for your next visit in our area!

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net

Old Timey Camp Meeting Sing-Along

Mark your calendars to go to the Old Timey Camp Meeting Sing-Along May 31st.  No, you won't have to meet at the brush arbor, but in these hills we still gather together in the old fashioned ways and sing praises to God.  This is tradition in these Blue Ridge Mountains of the South.

Featuring choir, orchestra, soloists and special guest musicians.   The Leete Girls will be playing as well at this event held at Franklin Heights Baptist Church here in Rocky Mount.  

Event date and time:   Sunday May 31st at 630PM.

After a sneak peak into the girls' music folder I found out some of the tunes you will hear, enjoy and sing-along to will be: 

• "It's Shoutin' Time in Heaven"
  
• "I Won't Have to Cross Jordan Alone"
  
• "Good Old Gospel Singing"
  

It will be this innkeeper's first old time Camp meetin' sing-a-long, but if it's southern, I'm gonna love it!

It is less than 3 miles from the B&B. Directions from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast to Franklin Heights Baptist Church:

From our parking lot on High St turn RIGHT.  At the corner turn Right (N Main Street or Bus Rt 220 S).  At the light turn LEFT (Tanyard Rd).  Go approx 2 miles at the SHEETZ Station turn LEFT at that light (Bernard Rd).  Go under railway trestle, take your first LEFT, then first RIGHT (Hilltop Dr).  You will see the church on the hill to the right.

Address is: 110 Hilltop Drive, Rocky Mount VA 24151

Phone number : 540.483.9507   Website:  http://www.franklinheights.org/

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia  http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Smith Mountain Lake - Closer than you think!

The southern half of beautiful Smith Mountain Lake is in our Franklin County. Walk, Hike, Bike, Kayak, Golf, Swim, Dive, Dine, Shop, Ski, Fish or Smooch at The Lake.   Over 500 miles of shoreline to enjoy. 

http://www.visitsmithmountainlake.com/ to find festivals, fireworks and even ski boat or pontoon rentals!   How about a paddle boat dinner cruise? Leave the driving to them, it is a great way to see The Lake.   Your innkeeper can make the arrangements. See packages here - http://www.claibornehouse.net/ro/packages.asp

Water Temperature at Smith Mountain Lake in July is a warm and beautiful 84 degrees - NO SHARKS! 

Smith Mountain Lake is a fantastic lake, from the Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast it is 18 miles to Westlake or a few more to Bridgewater Plaza where you can sit out on the docks and enjoy a nice meal and watch the sunset.  Don't forget - What About Bob - Shellie's favorite movie was filmed at this lake.  Dr Leo Marvin's house is still there - privately owned, of course, but there.

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia  http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Summit Springs Shooting Sports - Father's Day Idea

Summit Springs Shooting Sports offers the following:

• Fully automated 12 station Sporting Clays Course
  
• Modified Bunker Trap/5-Stand
  
• Combination Smallbore (50 ft.) Rifle Range and Pistol Range (for members only)
  
• Clubhouse with shooter's lounge, shop, and education center
  

Instruction -

NSCA Level II shooting instructor

NRA Training Counselor and Instructor in:

• Rifle
  
• Pistol
  
• Shotgun
  
• Home Firearm Safety
  
• Range Safety Officer courses
  
• Concealed Carry (Virginia) course available
  
• Youth Programs available
  

More Info:

• Credit Cards accepted
  
• Rental Carts & Guns available
  
• No shot larger than 7-1/2 12 gauge 3 dram
  
• Eye & Ear protection recommended
  
• Gift cards available
  
• Hours -  Thursday through Sunday - 11 AM to dusk, Other days and times available by appointment - please Contact
  

SAMPLE COST IS: Sporting Clays $35 round of 100. Additional rounds same day $5 less.  Modified Bunker Trap/5-Stand $8 round of 25.

Website: http://summitspringsshooting.com/

E-mail:  SummitSpringsShootingSports@cox.net

Phone:  (540)365-3119 or (540)353-8580

Location

12991 Franklin Street, Ferrum, VA 24088

Route 40 West, approximately 2.5 miles west of Ferrum College. 30 miles south of Roanoke and 60 miles north of Greensboro.

Directions

From The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast go to corner from our parking area and turn Left, this is Franklin St/Route 40 West. (Follow signs to Ferrum College and The Crooked Road). Go Approximately 2.5 miles past Ferrum College. Turn left at the small sign for Summit Springs Shooting Sports after Sawmill Road and Pernello Road.

This innkeeper was told from a guest who was here for a professional  shooting competition, that this is a top operation!  A great Father's Day idea.  

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie
The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival May 23rd

Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival at the 105 acres Blue Mountain Festival Grounds nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain Foothills.

Saturday, May 23, 2009 11:00 AM, Gates: 10:00 AM

Ticket Price: $20 in advance (you can buy them online here) $25 at the gate

KINGS OF BELMONT

The Kings of Belmont thrive off performing live, and their shows have been described as "anything but predictable." While the set lists and song arrangements vary from show to show, the one constant is the energy of the band. Whether its rock or country or hip-hop or jams, you will find it woven into the sound of The Kings of Belmont. This popular Charlottesville, Va., band will be headlining Rooster Walk, so be sure to save some energy for their show. You'll need it!

TOWN MOUNTAIN

Town Mountain occupies the common ground between traditional bluegrass, outlaw country and pure old-time mountain music. The Asheville, N.C., band harnesses the frantic energy of the modern punk string sound, yet still remains respectfully rooted in the traditions of Bill Monroe. With their debut album on the Top 25 national bluegrass charts, Town Mountain's fan base is rapidly growing, and with their upbeat stage presence, they're sure to be a crowd pleaser at Rooster Walk.

LAZY MAN DUB BAND

The Lazy Man Dub Band came together in the fall of 2007 by a happy set of fortunate circumstances. Starting in Roanoke, Va., the band has been laying down the jams all across the state and leaving in its wake an exploding fan base. Constantly evolving as a group, Lazy Man relentlessly experiments with their sound by bringing new and different arrangements to the table each night. No two Dub shows will leave you feeling the same. Rehearsing in a basement studio in the valleys of southwest Virginia and travelling to everywhere, The Lazy Man Dub Band is bringing roots rock reggae to the masses, one party at a time.

ANDY THORN, JON STICKLEY & FRIENDS

Though both are in their 20s, Andy Thorn and Jon Stickley have the musical resumes of long-time veterans. Thorn and his five-string banjo toured nationally with Larry Keel and The Natural Bridge band before joining forces with the Emmitt-Nershi Band (Drew Emmitt of Leftover Salmon and Billy Nershi of the String Cheese Incident) more than a year ago. Stickely first burst onto the national scene as a member of Indie rock band Strunken White. After graduation from college, he joined the Biscuit Burners. Stickely currently plays lead guitar with the up-and-coming Shannon Whitworth Band. Don't miss these hot bluegrass pickers, and their friends.

JOE WASHRAG

Joe Washrag has been a favorite among Martinsville-area music fans for several years. The band specializes in "bumpin' blues grooves," and they dish them up in style. With varied influences including rock, rockabilly, Motown, and The Dead, Washrag shows often have a unique blend and flavor. Although blues is the main focus, you never know what might find its way into a set from time to time.

SANCTUM SULLY

From the smoky climes of Asheville, North Carolina come the rowdy string band, Sanctum Sully. Drawing influences from the likes of the Grateful Dead, The Band, & traditional bluegrass music, they have acquired a hard-drivin' sound that keeps legs a'stompin' and feet a'clappin'.

BUTTERHOUSE

With strong ties to the music scenes of Charlottesville and Martinsville, Butterhouse is a powerfully talented jam band. With equal emphasis on musical arrangments and creative songwriting, butterhouse is an assemblage of incredible dynamics. Huge sweeping soundscapes give way to epic song forms and poignant lyrics that manifest their feelings through the accompanying sonic tidal wave.

THE MOON RATS

The Moon Rats are a hip new blue-country-rock-grass orchestra, playing only the most enjoyable music! If you find yourself singing, dancing, using the master violet ray or just plain having a good time, then The Moon Rats, based in Charlottesville, are probably rocking somewhere near you.

REBEL GUNS

The Rebel Guns are a crowd-pleasing cover band from Martinsville. Whether it's the Allman Brothers, Lynard Skynard, Johnny Cash or something more recent, it's hard not to sing and dance when these guys hit the stage.

JASON AND THE STATE W/ HUNTER DAVIS OF EXISTOR

Jason and the State is Richmond based music producer and DJ J Forest Goldsmith. J began writing and performing electronic dance music in his free time as a soldier stationed outside Frankfurt [GE]. Since leaving the army in 2003 he has shared billing with acts such as Pretty Lights, 20/20 Soundsystem, Soulive, Existor and DJ Craze. His production credits include the Daybreak EP from Existor and a full length 2005 release "8 Bit Runner: Secret's of the Grey Rainbow". Hunter Davis, will join Jason on drums and percussion for this special set at Rooster Walk 2009.

JOHNNY GUITAR

http://www.roosterwalk.com/index.cfm

Directions from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast:

Head south on Main Street until it merges into Highway 220. Go a couple miles and at first light take left onto Sontag Road. Follow 9.4 miles. Take a right onto Coopers Mountain Road. Follow 4.6 miles to festival site. (This is the Snow Creek area)

Blue Mountain Festival Grounds

2067 Coopers Mountain Road, Martinsville, VA 24112

CLICK HERE FOR BLUE MOUNTAIN'S WEBSITE

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Whitetop Mountain Band Plays Mountain Tradition

One group performing at Floydfest 8 this year (July 23-26, 2009) is the Whitetop Mountain Band. The most popular dance band in Virginia: Mountain Music at its best featuring Oldtime fiddle & banjo, bluesy mandolin,Powerful singing on Honky tonk Classics, Country duets, Blues, four-part Mountain Gospel, and high energy flatfoot dance. WTMB has brought audiences out of their seats across the US.

Article below taken from Cybergrass.com
BMNN wrote: on Dec. 15, 2008:

The Whitetop Mountain Band is a family-based band from the highest mountains of Virginia. Whitetop, Virginia is an area rich in the old time music tradition; this band has deep roots in mountain music. The members have done much to preserve the Whitetop region's style of old time fiddling and banjo picking and are legendary musicians and teachers of the style.

The band has also won many awards throughout the years at competitions and fiddlers' conventions like Fiddlers' Grove, Galax Old Time Fiddlers' Convention, Sugar Grove, Jefferson, Fairview Battle of the Bands, Laurel Bloomery, etc. They have over a hundred ribbons/trophies altogether in band, fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, folk song, duet singing, and dancing awards.

The band currently has recordings on the Arhoolie Record Label and Virginia Foundation of the Humanities. The band has also been recorded by JuneAppal, Heritage and been on compilations for Rounder Records.

The Whitetop Mountain Band has been featured in many books, magazines, and tv/radio shows about Appalachian music such as The Guide to the Crooked Road, A Hotbed of Musicians, Strings of Life, In Good Keeping, Country Music Television, Travel Channel, PBS, Old Time Herald, and many tv news and radio programs.

The band originated with Albert Hash in the 1940s, a well-known and beloved fiddler and luthier. When he was a teenager, Albert played fiddle with Henry Whitter of “Grayson & Whitter” which recorded during the 1920's. Albert had a tremendous impact on the old time and bluegrass scene. The tune, “Hangman's Reel” that Albert recorded is the version played by so many old time musicians today. He also taught such luthiers as Wayne Henderson, Audrey Ham, and many others to build instruments.

In the 1970s, Albert's brother-in-law, Thornton Spencer (twin fiddle), and his wife, Emily Spencer (banjo, vocals), joined Albert in the Whitetop Mountain Band. The three also started an old time music program at Mt. Rogers School, a small k-12 public school, in Whitetop. The students learn fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass, etc. and dancing. Emily Spencer carries on the program and it has received a lot of regional and national attention for its uniqueness (Grammy award nomination, CMT, numerous articles and radio shows).

Listen to the Whitetop Mountain Band on their myspace page here. Visit Whitetop Mountain Band at their homepage here.

More info on Floydfest 8 - 4 days of music and family fun (note from author - hippy/new age culture) for the band lineup and to purchase tickets click here. Floyd is about 50 minuets drive up the mountains from The Claiborne House B&B.

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie
The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Scenic Flights Over Smith Mountain Lake

Take a different flight of fancy!  Romantic Scenic flights over Smith Mountain Lake in two or four-seat Cessnas are offered by SML Aviation from the local airport off Route 626.  Forty-Minute flights showcase the lake's dramatic twists, turns, coves and creeks - plus unique views of the dam and mountain.   

You would also have breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and foothills from this flight.  

The cost is $69 per person.  Pilot Brant Howell is qualified and personable,  Call 540.296.0955 for details.  

Smith Mountain Lake Airport

1090 Cutlass Rd.  Moneta, VA. 24121

Phone:540-296-0955

Email: Howellinone@aol.com

SML Aviation is 31 miles from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast - it is a super scenic drive up Route 122 to Moneta and takes approximately 45 minutes.  This link might work for directions from Yahoo. 

Come on guys - this is romantic!  I have now given you a few options to think about - ask me (Shellie your innkeeper for more details): 

1. A moonlight horseback trail-ride near the Peaks of Otter - also adjacent to a winery.  
   
2. A sunset hot air balloon ride in Forest VA with cheese, crackers and champagne.
   
3. Parasailing for two over Smith Mountain Lake for the adventurous
   
4. Lunch or Dinner on a Paddle Boat as it cruises around the lake
   
5. ...and now a scenic flight over the lake (you can even fly over Dr Leo Marvin's house --the setting for "What about Bob?")  Now that's Romance!
   

I can arrange the flowers and chocolates - I can even book these romantic flights of fancy for you! Give me a call 540.483.4616.

Love does not consist in gazing at each other 

but in looking together in the same direction. 

      ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery 

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia  http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Homestead Creamery

Do you remember the hand churned ice cream from years ago?  After turning that wheel you felt you had arms like Popeye and were more than ready to dive into that homemade fresh ice cream.  Well at Homestead Creamery what you see is what you get!   From the cows grazing out behind the creamery to the delicious concoction sitting atop your cone - or on your spoon (especially if you buy a whole quart to yourself!)  

 Tony loves this ice cream as it is richer and more custard-like than the average chemically induced dairy product you find at a fast food ice cream chain or the grocery store.

All the milk at Homestead Creamery comes from two local farms, both in their third and fourth generations of family ownership.  The milk is free of all hormones and antibiotics, and because the milk is sold in recycled glass bottles it tastes fresher longer and is more environmentally friendly.

Homestead Creamy is a very pleasant drive up Route 122 toward Smith Mountain Lake from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast.  It is in Wirtz Virginia - just past the intersection in Burnt Chimney (yes these are real places!)  

If you want to make an afternoon of it, first stopping at Homestead Creamery and then on to Booker T Washington National Monument (which was the Burroughs Tobacco Plantation) where they have a full farm like in the days of Booker T with trails to walk and a unique visitor's center with a video not to be missed on the young life of  Booker T Washington pre the Amancipation Proclamation.

Homestead Creamery brings you a wide variety of fresh, homemade products prepared daily at our creamery.   Old-fashioned glass bottled milk including whole, creamline, 2%, skim, half and half, buttermilk and flavored.  Hand dipped ice cream, and fresh churned butter.   See how our products are made...dairy farm and creamery tours available Monday-Friday.  Call ahead for reservations (to take the tour).  540.721.2045

Business Hours:

Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:00AM to 5:00 PM

Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Closed Wednesday and Sunday

7254 Booker T. Washington Highway, Wirtz 24184  Phone: 540.721.2045

“Without ice cream life and fame are meaningless”

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia  http://www.claibornehouse.net/