Hooked on Virginia's Crooked Road

"Interested in fiddle and banjo music, crafts, galleries, small towns and Americana? You'll find them on The Crooked Road, about 250 miles along Virginia's southwest corner, from the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge west to the coalfields region, through the valleys and peaks of the Appalachian mountains." 
Read this entire article from the Huffington Post here

Yes Virginia, we are for Lovers!

VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS Y'ALL!
Virginia Tourism revealed new artwork found at Virginia Welcome Centers - ie at a number of rest areas along our interstates. 
Thank you Governor McDonnell for re-opening these welcome centers and sharing with the country and world that Virginia is all about love! We love to have you visit and enjoy this great state. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean - we have it all here.

Roanoke, Virginia’s Star City - with a dash of history y'all

Roanoke is The Star City of the South

"A haven of solitude." --Thomas Jefferson

Floyd Fandango this weekend MP 170 on Blue Ridge Parkway

FLOYD FANDANGO Y'ALL!

Dangermuffin

The annual music, beer and wine event will be held Saturday and Sunday.

When it comes to regional festivals, FloydFest gets most of the attention. But it has a potent younger sister, Floyd Fandango, at the same site. The annual music, beer and wine event, which bills itself as "the hippest July Fourth event in the region," is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

I can't be held responsible for what I am about to show you!

You know we have the Claiborne House Picnic on the Parkway Package, and the last time I promoted it I showed the picnic basket near an awesome waterfall at one of our rivers. Now I am here to show you another favorite place of mine which is at a nearby lake. CHILL OUT WITH US AT THE CLAIBORNE HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST!

What, you didn't know we had a lake nearby? Well I have news for you, we have TWO OF THEM!  I took these photos as a teaser to show you a fantastic picnic spot I will only give you directions to if you purchase the Picnic Package and stay with us!  

I took these 4 photos today from the same spot...water temp is mid 80's, yes mid 80's, no sharks and no jellyfish!

I thought of y'all today as I kayaked this gorgeous lake. I thought about the guests who for lack of a better word, can find nothing to do around here, after I painstakingly add page after page to this blog. 

Did you know I have written 603 articles to this blog since its inception July 15, 2007. The very first article titled "Coon Dogs and Corn Dogs." You have no idea how inncredible this part of Virginia is, this place is a scenic and recreational gold mine!

skipping stones

Frommer's Lists Snappy Lunch

Southern Food: 10 Restaurants off the Eaten Path

Read the article and see the list from Frommer's here. 

photo © 2008 Kari Bluff | more info (via: Wylio)

We had two couples here on Motorcycles from Wisconsin travelling the Blue Ridge Parkway "America's Favorite Road" this week.  Their next stop was Mt Airy NC (aka Mayberry, Andy Griffith's home town).  One of the popular places in Mt Airy is Snappy's Lunch for a fried pork chop sandwich.  As you hear me say over and over ad nauseum PORK IS THE MEAT OF THE SOUTH.  If you want bbq, it is going to be pork! More specifically pulled pork that has been slow cooked and smoked, AND with coleslaw on top of the meat between the two buns!

photo © 2010 Southern Foodways Alliance | more info (via: Wylio)

Explaining to our guests that North Carolina is a state divided, many people say "Oh South Carolina and North Carolina?" I said, No, it is divided east and west by it's barbecue sauce, one side of the state brags on it's tomato based bbq sauce and the other is vinegar based. I will let you find out which is which!

Back to Snappy's - According to Visit Mayberry. com  Snappy's Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 5:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and Thursday and Saturday 5:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Sunday Closed. Open for tours and breakfast and lunch. Call 336-786-4931.  (Don't shoot me if you go there and they are closed, this is the South y'all, stuff happens!)

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is about an hour 30 minutes drive to Mt Airy NC. 

VIRGINIA IS FOR SOUTHERN FRIED LOVERS

Life is too short for bad coffee...Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway. We are located at the half-way point of this beloved road in Virginia, exit at MP 121.We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate.

It's A Guy Thing

WELCOME TO MANCATION CENTRAL
What do we have that appeals to men while staying at The Claiborne House B&B? Besides bringing your lovely lady along...
photo © 2009 Alessandro Valli | more info (via: Wylio)

One Virginia Souvenir Not To Take Home With You From Virginia

Tick Prevention Information 

Sharing this article from VirginiaOutdoors.com and Virginia State Parks:

Be warned this might really tick you off!

One Thing Not To Take Home With You From Virginia State Parks

By Nancy Heltman

A visit to a Virginia State Park is full of family fun. Whether you are hiking, picnicking, camping, boating, fishing... you will bring home many memories. A visit to one of our gift shops will let you select a souvenir of your visit. One thing we don't want you to bring home is ticks.

Yes, it's that time again. Warm and hot weather makes ticks more active and it's more likely you will inadvertently take one home with your after an outdoor visit.

My husband seems to be a tick attractor. Just a walk through the nature walk near our home usually nets a few ticks. We are firm believers in daily tick checks. Most tick borne diseases are only transmitted after the tick has been attached for several hours to a couple of days, so the sooner you get the little devil off you, the better. Make it a game with your kids. In fact, anytime they have been playing outdoors, you should make it a practice to do a tick check. 

A good method to check for ticks is in the shower or bath or stand in front of a mirror in your bathroom.

Prevention is the best practice, although the Mid-Atlantic is known for a furious tick season in the summer months, if you plan to hike stay on the trail, avoid tall grass, and wear long pants with socks!

You will see that your Virginia State Parks keeps the grasses around the cabins and campgrounds mowed short and all visitor areas, remind your kids to not wander off into fields or buffer areas at the parks.

This tick advisory from the Virginia Department of Health does a great job of explaining the symptoms for tick borne diseases. It also explains the best way to prevent them and the proper way to remove them.

See this comprehensive article "Peak tick season is nearly here—are you ready?"by Consumer Reports Health.org here.

If you are aggressive with checking for ticks after outside work and play, you should bring home only fond memories of your outdoor adventures.

PS Don't forget Fido - the best idea for him is a preventative treatment such as Frontline Plus for flea and tick control.

VIRGINIA IS FOR GREAT OUTDOORS LOVERS!

LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR BAD COFFEE!   Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here, and save! http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate!

ARE YOU BOLD ENOUGH FOR BOULDERING?

BOULDERING?      

As its name implies, bouldering is basically the type of rock climbing where one has to work his or her way through a boulder route, which is usually called a problem. As simple as it may sound, some problems require specific moves for one to get through them. These moves require practice to successfully pull them off, and therein lies the fun - trying over and over until you solve the problem. With bouldering you actually don't climb very high, usually no more than 12 feet off the ground.

Bouldering doesn't actually need most pieces of climbing equipment such as ropes, carabiners, and a harnesses. Climbing shoes for better scaling and chalk for better grip help, but aren't a necessity to get started. Crash pad to cushion a fall are helpful, but sometimes instead of using crash pads climbers assign a spotter, or someone who will stand below the climber and cushion their fall.

The Roanoke, VA region is home to a little known bouldering secret called McAfee Knob.

The hike to McAfee Knob is one of the more popular hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail, and the 3.5 mile hike (one way) is well worth it. The 270° panoramic view available at the knob is astounding...and the fact that there are more than 75 climbable boulders at the summit is the icing on the cake.

The long hike and vast expanse of boulders has kept the area fairly underdeveloped, which means you usually have the place all to yourself. Most boulders are vertical (between 10 and 20 feet tall) with slopers, pockets, edges, tiny crimps, and glorious jugs that will keep you entertained all day long. Download McAfee Knob Bouldering Guideand get outside!

Visit Roanoke Outside website for a full calendar of events in the Roanoke Region (ie this also includes The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia)

Roanoke Regional Partnership · 111 Franklin Plaza, Suite 333 · Roanoke, VA 24011

540.343.1550 X 104 · www.roanoke.org

VIRGINIA IS FOR BOULDER LOVERS

LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR BAD COFFEE!   Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here, and save! http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate!

Good night, John-Boy!

DID YOU KNOW WALTON'S MOUNTAIN IS ONLY 2 HOURS FROM THE CLAIBORNE HOUSE B&B?  

AND...DID YOU KNOW ANDY GRIFFITH'S MAYBERRY IS ALSO ONLY 2 HOURS FROM THE CLAIBORNE HOUSE B&B? 

Take a nostalgic journey from The Claiborne House B&B!

Earl Hamner Boyhood Home (Schuyler): Who doesn’t remember The Waltons television series of the 1970s. The show’s creator was Earl Hamner, Jr., and much of what viewers saw on the show was based on Hamner’s own childhood near Schuyler, Virginia. His boyhood home has now been fully restored and is open for tours daily. Good night, John-Boy!   See Delsjourney to Walton's Mountain.

Step back to a simpler time when you visit Mount Airy. Actor Andy Griffith grew up here, and it's no coincidence that a stroll down Main Street in the "Friendly City" reminds people of the town of Mayberry on the endearing and enduringly popular '60s hit TV series. Fans of The Andy Griffith Show can visit The Andy Griffith Museum, Floyd's City Barber Shop, Opie's Candy Store, Wally's Service Station, Mayberry Soda Fountain, Mayberry Courthouse,  the Old City Jail, Snappy Lunch, Andy's childhood home, the Andy Griffith Playhouse, and take a ride in a Squad Car Tour.  Visit Mayberry website here

As always your innkeeper Shellie posts this inn-formation to assist in your trip planning.  Don't forget, planning for a trip is half the fun! We hope the other half will be spent with us here at The Claiborne House B&B, as we are centrally located to tons of sites of interest!  Your innkeeper suggests those interested in a nostalgic road trip to Walton's Mountain North of us and Mayberry just South of us, take advantage of the Blue Ridge Parkway to picnic and  see the magnificent mountain scenery along the way!  


(Don't forget to come back to The Claiborne House B&B and head over to Mayberry Drive-in theater and 50's diner in Moneta VA for a banana split! We can give you directions.)


This is AMERICA Y'ALL!  SOUTHERN FRIED AND ALL.


VIRGINIA IS FOR NOSTALGIA LOVERS


LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR BAD COFFEE!   Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway.    We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate.

Blue Ridge Parkway DRIVE IT!

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 
It's time for a road trip y'all...get out of dodge, or in my case, get in your Dodge!

Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, ain't she sweet!

VIRGINIA IS FOR ROAD TRIP LOVERS

Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway. We are located at the half-way point of this beloved road in Virginia, exit at MP 121.We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate.

FEATURED HIKE - ROCK CASTLE GORGE

Rock Castle Gorge is an incredible 11-mile hike just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

There are several variations you can do for shorter mileage but it is highly recommended that you complete the entire loop.

• Classic hike
• Moderate to difficult hike
• 11 miles with shorter variations
• Located at milepost 167.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
• View hand drawn Rock Castle Gorge map 
• Click here for details, map, & directions

When you're finished hiking continue south on the parkway to milepost 171.5 where you will find Chateau Morrisett - a winery and restaurant. Or shoot into Floyd some Dogtown Pizza followed by music at the famous Friday Night Jamboree.

This Featured hike brought to you by http://www.roanokeoutside.com/ GET OUTSIDE!

Visit Roanoke Outside calendar of events, there is always something happenin'!

More details about this hike found here

VIRGINIA IS FOR ROCK CASTLE GORGE LOVERS

Life is too short for bad coffee...Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway.  We are located at the half-way point of this beloved road in Virginia, exit at MP 121.  We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate.

Advice from Pete...

PETE'S PICKS        

Looks like another scorcher weekend ahead of us...

Head to your favorite state park for some hiking, biking, boating, fishing, or just plain old relaxing.  Here are a few of my favorites:

• Smith Mountain Lake State Park 
• Douthat State Park 
• Claytor Lake State Park 
• New River Trail State Park 
• Fairy Stone State Park 

Have fun and stay hydrated!

  

Get Outside!

 

Pete Eshelman  
Director of Outdoor Branding 

 Roanoke Regional Partnership 

VIRGINIA IS FOR STAYING COOL LOVERS!

Life is too short for bad coffee...Shellie your innkeeper @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, VA - Blue Ridge Country! You can book your room online at any time right here http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is 15 miles to three exits off The Blue Ridge Parkway. We are located at the half-way point of this beloved road in Virginia, exit at MP 121.We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor - click here to see our certificate.