Freedom Still Rings - The Wilderness Road

Follow the Path of History - The American Frontier at Wilderness Road. The Raid at Martin's Station May 7 - 9, 2010  (10th Annual)

History comes alive with Frontier Militia, Cherokee Warrors, an 18th Century Trade Fair, etc. 10-5PM Fri& Sat, 10-3PM Sun, Frontier Battle 1PM Sat , Night Battle 830PM Sat

Wilderness Road State Park was purchased in 1993. The park is about 310 acres that lie astride the Wilderness Road, a route carved by Daniel Boone in 1775.  The route, which followed a buffalo trace, opened America’s first western frontier. Most notable in the park are the Karlan Mansion built in the 1877, a state-of-the-art visitor center and Martin's Station, a replica of a colonial frontier fort that was on this site in 1775. Click here to visit the Friends of Wilderness Road's website, which provides details about the fort.  

Location: At the intersection of Routes 58 (Wilderness Road) and 923 (Martin's Station Trail), five miles west of Ewing, Va., and 10 miles east of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Middlesboro, Ky.

Drive Time:

Northern Virginia, 10 hours; Richmond, eight hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 11 hours; Roanoke, five hours; (Rocky Mount 5 1/2 hours).

Directions:

From Interstate 81 (Bristol, Tenn.-Va.): Take Exit 74B south onto U.S. 11W (towards Kingsport, Tenn.). Go about 20 miles on U.S. 11W (Stone Drive). Exit right onto U.S. 23 north toward Gate City, Va. Go about 25 miles to Duffield, Va. At traffic light, turn left onto U.S. 58 and continue for about 40 miles. Wilderness Road State Park is on the right (Martin’s Station Trail) across from Elydale Elementary.

click here for a google map
Website for more info: http://www.historicmartinsstation.com/

Note from your Innkeeper Shellie - this is nowhere near The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast.  Why am I showing this to you? We have many guests who stay with us and travel the Blue Ridge Parkway or on to other parts of Old Dominion.  This is for them - to help firm up your travel plans and to give you the opportunity to see some living history!   Virginia is a very large state - you will concurr when you see that the drive time from VA beach to SW Virginia (Cumberland Gap) is 11 hours!

VIRGINIA IS FOR HISTORY LOVERS

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

Valhalla Vineyards in Roanoke

Just an hour drive from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is Valhalla Vineyards.  Spectacular views, award winning wines and events.

Valhalla Vineyards has been growing grapes and producing award winning estate wines from a 2000ft. mountaintop overlooking Roanoke Virginia since 1998.  The 21 acre vineyard produces world class cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot, chardonnay, cab franc and more. Its decomposing granite soils and unique climate (similar to Rhone Valley of France) afford the premiere terrior on the East Coast. 

View their wines here.

Open April through Dec on Fridays 4-7 (closed Friday in Nov. & Dec), Saturdays 12-5 and Sundays 1-5 for tours of our Vineyard, winery and Barrel Cave, elegant tasting in the Cellar Door with breath taking vistas, and picnicking under our timber frame patio or on our sunlit mountain top deck. Just minutes from the Blue Ridge parkway you'll feel a world away.

Don't miss their Wine Maker Dinner Series featuring Executive Chef Jason Pollard.  Visit their Events page for more information.

Summer Serenade Dinner
July 16th, 2010

Harvest Wine Dinner
October 15th 2010

Holiday Wine Dinner
December 3rd 2010

Valhalla Vineyards

6500 Mt. Chestnut Road ▪ Roanoke, VA  24018 ▪ 540-725-WINE (9463) ▪ info@valhallawines.com

Visit their website here

If you like to hike/walk or bike there is a little known hidden gem just past Valhalla Vineyards called Happy Hollow Gardens in the Roanoke County Parks system. Located almost near the top of Mount Chestnut Road there is a small parking lot and trails with benches along the path.  When the trails diverge I suggest you take White Pine all the way to the top and see the view.  Attached is a photo of this entrancing view.  Bring a picnic or a bottle of wine from Valhalla Vineyards to share.  This is the Western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains - Roanoke is actually the foot of the Shenandoah Valley.  We are on the Eastern slopes here in Rocky Mount at The Claiborne House.

VIRGINIA IS FOR WINE LOVERS

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

Smith River Guide - Largest Tributary of the Dan River

SMITH RIVER GUIDE An Insider’s Guide to the Smith River in North Carolina  and Virginia Waterproof and sized  for travel	Featuring
	·         River features and trip tips ·         Access areas and fishing holes ·         Trout stocking area, river history ·         Boat rentals and guided trips ·         Riverside camping and B&Bs ·         Trails, parks, birding, bicycling, scenic drives ·         River towns, historic buildings, mills, industry ·         Geology, fossils, bridges, railroads
For over 80 miles, the Smith River winds through four rural counties in two states and Philpott Reservoir. The Smith is the largest tributary of the Dan River, which is the southern branch of the Roanoke River. Together, the Smith and Dan drain 3300 square miles of Virginia and North Carolina. This guide focuses on the 45-mile section from Philpott Dam to the confluence with the Dan River in North Carolina and includes an additional map showing 30 miles of the upper Smith River.
KEY MAP
How the River Guide Maps are Organized
The guide includes 18 strip maps for 45 miles of the Smith River and one map covering 30 miles of the upper Smith. The maps are oriented to follow the flow of the river, starting with Map 19 and ending with Map 1 in Rockingham County at the confluence of the Smith and Dan River. For road travel throughout the area, consult a local highway map. Be sure to note the north arrow on the river maps in this guide when using in conjunction with highway maps. River maps are numbered in descending order, as are river miles. In keeping with mapping protocols, miles and maps are numbered from the most downstream point, the confluence of the Smith River with the Dan River (Mile 0). Therefore, the maps in this guide are numbered from 1 to 19; river miles are numbered from 0 to 75 (from downstream to upstream) Each strip map includes match lines showing overlap with previous and following maps. A companion guide for the middle section of the Dan River is also available. To order your full-color waterproof guide, please visit our store or buy in person here. All proceeds from the sale of the guide support work to preserve and promote the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River Basin. Website here: http://www.danriver.org More resources and links here: http://rivers-trails.blogspot.com/   Smith River Trout Unlimited  Virginia’s Top Five Trout Streams The Smith River from Philpott Dam downstream to Martinsville provides some of the best trout fishing in Virginia. Cold water releases from Philpott Dam create about 20 miles of trout stream. This river is stocked with catchable sized rainbow trout from October-May, and also supports a wild population of brown trout. http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/philpott/smith_river_fishing.htm VIRGINIA IS FOR CITATION TROUT LOVERS Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net

A Successful Photography Weekend!

We had a successful photography weekend as a couple guests and myself ventured out onto the Blue Ridge Parkway for the first ever Claiborne House Photography on The Parkway.  The weather cooperated as we had lessons and insights from botany to wildlife with our guide Appalachian Naturalist/Photographer and Author Fred First.

(Click image for larger view)

Here is one photo I took yesterday of a Fiddle Head fern.  

Talk about fun - I never knew there was so much edible Flora and Fauna on the Parkway as Fred pointed out wild ginger, sassafras, ramps and other interesting growing things.

Please visit Fred First's Blog "Fragments from Floyd" to see some of his stunning images, writing and glean more information about this part of the country - aka God's Country - The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia!  http://www.fragmentsfromfloyd.com/

We hope to plan another Photography on The Parkway here at The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in the Fall - hope you can join us then!  Please email your interest in attending to this innkeeper.

VIRGINIA IS FOR BOTANY LOVERS

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

Blue Ridge Parkway - What's bloomin'?

Bloomin' Schedule for the Blue Ridge Parkway

She's 75 and she's still got it!

The bloom peak occurs within the dates indicated. Bloom peaks along the Parkway in Virginia are usually earlier than in North Carolina due to lower elevation. 

The selected locations are referenced to Parkway milepost markers beginning with Milepost 0 at Rockfish Gap in Virginia and ending at Milepost 469 in North Carolina. The letters PA represent Picnic Areas. Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway "America's Favorite Drive" website here: http://www.blueridgeparkway.org and Virginia's Tourism Page: www.Virginia.org

Flower                                         Peak                                    Milepost

• Skunk Cabbage  (Sympocarpus foetidus) Feb-Mar 176.1, 185.8, 217.0
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Feb-June Common along roadside.
• Dwarf Iris (Iris Verna) Mar-Apr 260.5
• Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana) Mar-Apr Craggy PA
• Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) Mar-Apr 76.2-76.4, 296-297, 315-317, 320.8, 339.5
• Serviceberry-Sarvis (Amelanchier arborea) Mar-May 241-242, 294-297, 308.3, 347.6, 368-370
• Silver-Bell Tree (Halesia carolina) Mar-May 344.1-355.3
• Birdfoot Violet (Viola pedata) Mar-May 147.4, 202, 260.5, 379
• Buttercups (Rannunculus hispidus) Mar-June Common along roadside
• Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis) Apr-May Craggy PA, 458.2- Heintooga Spur Rd.
• Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) Apr-May Common in low woods and coves.
• Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) Apr-May 369-371
• Great Chickweed (Stellaria pubera) Apr-May Common in rich, moist woods.
• Soloman’s Seal (Polyganatum biflorum) Apr-May Common on moist wooded slopes, coves.
• Fringed Phacelia (Phacelia fimbriata) Apr-May 370-375
• Bloodroot (Sanguinara canadensis) Apr-May 85.6, 191-193, 198.7, 294
• Princess Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) Apr-May 100-123, 381-382, 396, 400
• Golden Groundsel (Senecio aureus) Apr-May 29.1, 85.8 PA, 330-340
• Pinxter Flower (Rhododendron nudiflorum) Apr-May 4, 92-97, 138.6, 145.5, 154.5 PA, 162.9, 211.6, 217-222, 350-351, 412-423
• Heal All (Prunella vulgaris) Apr-frost Common along roadside
• Trillium (Trillium spp.) Apr-May 175, 200-216, 339-340, 364.6
• Fetterbush (Leucothoc racemosa) Late Apr-May 241.1, 379
• Redbud (Cercia canadensis) Late Apr-May 54-68
• Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) Apr-June 367.6 PA, 458.2
• Foam Flower (Tiarella cordifolia) Apr-June 296.9, 339.5, 367.7 PA
• False Soloman’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa) Apr-June Common along roadside
• Black Locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia) Apr-June 100-123, 367-368, 383
• Witch Hobble-Hobblebush (Vibumum alnifolium) Apr-June 295.5, 362-367, higher elevations in rich, moist woods. 
• Carolina Rhododendron (Rhododendron minus) Late Apr-June 308-310, 404-411
• Dogwood (Cornus florida) May 6, 85.8 PA, 154.5 PA, 230-232, 217-219, 378-282
• Large Flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) May 3-7, 64-85, 154.5 PA, 168-169, 175, 330-340, 370-375
• Fraser Magnolia (Magnolia fraseri) May 173-174, 252-253
• Bluets (Houstonia spp.) May-June 200.2, 355-368 PA
• Field Hawkweed (Hieracium pratense) May-June 6, 78.4, 165.5, 229.5, 325-330
• Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) May-June 84-86, 170-172, 211.6, 375
• Hawthorne (Crataegus spp.) May-June 155-176, 365.6, 368
• Small’s Groundsel (Senecio smallii) May-June 29.1, 85.8 PA, 330-340
• Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida) May-June 167-174, 308.3, 347.9
• Pinkshell (Rhododendron vaseyi) May-June 305.2, 342-343, 349-351, 419-424
• Red Berried Elder (Sambucus pubens) May-June 355-360, 369, 412-425, higher elevations in rich, moist woods.
• Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) May-June 138.6, 144-145, 149.5, 164-166, 217-221, 308-310, 368-380, 412-423
• Fire Pink PA, (Silene virginica) May-June 1-2, 85.8 PA, 154.5 241 PA, 339.3 PA, 367-375, 404-408
• Allegheny Blackberry (Rubus allegheniesis) May-June 6, 167.2, 239.9, 305-315, 339.5, 367.6
• Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) May-June Common along roadside in dry, rocky areas.
• Bowman’s Root (Gillenia trifoliata) May-June 24-25, 149.5, 260, 332, 368-369
• Bead Lily (Clintonia unbellulata) May-June Common in rich, moist deciduous woods.
• New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) May-June 42-43, 91-100, 138.4, 197, 211, 241, 328.6
• Dodder or Love Vine (Cuscuta rostrata) Aug-Sep Common along roadside
• Spiraca (Spiraca japonica) June-July 368-378
• Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) May-June Aug-Sep (berry) 242.4, 383, 394, 396
• Galax (Galax aphylla) May-July Common in deciduous forests, open rocky areas.
• Fly Poison (Amianthium muscaetoxicum) May-July 210-216, 406-408
• Phlox (Phlox carolina) May-July 4, 79-82, 163-164, 200-202, 219-221, 339.3 PA, 370-380
• Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) May-July 74-75, 339.3 PA, 370-378
• Bladder Campion (Silene cucubalus) May-Aug 376-381
• Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) May-Sep Common along open fields and roadside.
• Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera) Late May-July 85.8 Sharp Top Trail, 380-381
• Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) Late May-June 130.5, 162.9, 347.9, 380, 400
• Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiesne) June 44.9, 77-83, 130.5, 138.6, 239, 247, 266.8, 348-350, 364.1
• Viper’s Bugloss (Echium vulgare) June May-40
• Sundrop (Oenothera fruticosa) June 8-10, 89-91, 229, 270.6, 351-352, 355-360, 370-375
• Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) June July-Oct (berry) 382, common along roadside in Virginia.
• Goat’s Beard (Aruncus dioicus) June 10-11, 24, 240, 337.6, 370-375
•  Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) June-Aug 63-65, 238-246
• Beard-Tongue (Penstemon spp.) June-July 44.4, 89-91, 154.5 PA, 254.4, 339-340, 370-372
• American Elder (Sambucus canadensis) June-July 29, 85.8 PA, 136-138, 272-275, 311.2
• Fragrant Thimbleberry (Rubus odoratus) June-July 18, 74.7, 339.3 PA 369-372, 406-408
• White Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) June-July 162.9, 169 PA, 232-233, 339.3 PA, 352-353, 455-456
• Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) June-July 102-106, 231-232, 321-327, 375-380
• Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana) June-July (bloom) Sep-Oct (berry) Higher elevation spruce-fir forests, Mt. Mitchell, Mt. Pisgah.
• False Hellebore  June-Aug 364.6, Craggy Gardens
• Deptford Pink (Dianthus aemeria) June-Aug Common along grassy roadsides.
• Coreopsis (Coreopsis pubescens) June-Aug 29.6, 77, 157, 190, 306
• Butter and Eggs (Linaria vulgaris) June-Aug Common along roadsides and waste places.
• Turkscap Lily (Lilium superbum) June-Aug 187.6, 364-368, 406-411
• Mullein (Verbasxum thapsus) June-Sep Common along roadside on dry banks.
• Bull Thistle (Carduus lanceolatus) Late June-frost Common alongroad sides & pastures at lower elevations. 
• Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) July 6, 85.8 PA, 169 PA, 374
• Tall Meadow-Rue (Thalictrum polygamum) July 85.8 PA, 155.2, 248
• Fleabane (Erigeron strigosus) July Common in fields and along roadside.
• Ox-Eye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) July Common in fields and along roadside.
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) July Common in fields and along roadside.
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) July Common in fields and along roadside.
• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) July-Aug 85-86, 167-176
• Bergamot Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa) July-Aug 38.8, 368-374
• Tall Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) July-Aug 36, 161.2, 228.1, 314, 359-368
• Oswego Tea (Monarda didyma) July-Aug Common in wet areas at higher elevations.
• Starry Campion (Silene stellata) July-Sep 378-380
• Bellflower (Campanula americana) July-Sep 370-375
• White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) July-Oct Common along roadside.
• Jewel Weed (Impatiens capensis) Aug Common along roadside in wet areas.
• Boneset (Eupatorium rugosum) Aug 29.1, 85.8 PA, 151, 247, 314
• Ironweed (Venonia noveboracensis) Aug 245, 248
• Joe-Pye-Weed (Eupatorium purpureum) Aug 6, 85.8 PA, 146, 248, 339.3 PA, 357-359
• Pokeberry (Phytolacca americana) Aug 6, 74.7, 151, 239.9, 323, 376.9
• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Aug Infrequently in wet places
• Virgins Bower (Clematis virginiana) Aug 131.1, 85.8 PA, 176.1, 285-289, 313-370
• Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) Aug-Sep 305.1, 369-370
• Angelica (Angelica triquinata) Aug-Sep 294.7, 339.5, 355, Craggy Gardens, Nature Trails
• Nodding Lady Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) Aug-frost 365-368
• Gentian (Gentiana quinquefolia) Late Aug-frost 85.8, 363-368
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) Sep Common in fields and along roadside.
• Aster (Aster spp.) Sep Common in fields and along roadside.
• Yellow Ironweed (Actinomeris alternifolia) Sep-Oct 6, 88, 154.5, 271.9, 330.8
• Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Late Sep-Oct 130.5, 293.3, 295.4, 305.

VIRGINIA IS FOR BLOOMIN' LOVERS

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