Henricus Historical Park Virginia

All Saints Day, November 1, was a cold (52 degrees) rainy day in Virginia. Not the ideal time to be touring an outdoor historic attraction. As it turned out, it was quite ideal. The only people touring get to have the docents all to themselves, it meant a lot of individual attention. Henricus Historical Park is a living history museum and during the week there will undoubtedly be school children in attendance, on the weekend not so much.

Begin the tour in the visitor center where an entrance sticker is provided. There is a 10-minute video that can be watched before or after walking in the historic park.

The current site is not the correct location for the Indian village but it works well this way to get everything onto the available space. The name of the Indian village is Arrohateck and it is for the Powhatan people. A docent met us in the first hut and explained life in the village. This is the type of village that Pocahontas would have been born in.

A medicine man’s hut is located in the village as well and the docent will explain the human skulls that you will see inside.

Next on the tour is the hut where the soldiers would have lived. We spent a long time here discussing what life was like in the village and the importance of religion in the life of the residents. The year of the village is between 1611 and 1622 when a fierce and unexpected Indian attack forced the town of Henrico to be abandoned for a time.

From the soldier's area,  you walk to Proctor Plantation. This is not a plantation on the scale of the James River Plantation of the later years, this is the beginning. It is a cozy home with a few amenities and it would have provided ample shelter for a family.

A large tobacco barn protects the money crop of the area and one pig and two goats are also on display. Several small gardens are located in both the Indian and the colonist villages.

Rocke Hall is the home of the minister of the village Rev. Alexander Whitaker, it was he who is credited with the conversion to Christianity of Pocahontas. It was too dark on this day to actually tour that home but both floors are available.

Mount Malady is the first English hospital in the New World. You can walk around inside this building. The Patron’s Tavern which is an ordinary was locked so not available.

Allow at least a couple of hours to visit here. It is fascinating. You need to be mobile enough to walk around on gravel paths. A gift store is located in the visitor center. Restrooms are in the same building. Restrooms are also available in a building adjacent to the tavern.

While not as large or in depth as Historic Jamestowne, this is a fascinating place to visit and well worth the time and effort.

Stonewall Jackson Hotel Staunton, Va.

Travelers to Virginia will notice that they see the name of Stonewall Jackson in many different locations. He is a native son, Confederate General and a martyr to the “Cause”. In Staunton, Va. the most historic hotel in town is the Stonewall Jackson. It is located on a high spot making it visible as you drive into the downtown area. If you are staying at the hotel, don’t try to drive around to the front, drive straight into the town parking garage below the hotel, you need to take a card to enter but after that, your room card will get you in and out.

You will take the elevator up to the lobby. Be sure to choose the elevator that says it goes to the hotel, there is another one that doesn’t. Once you are in the beautiful lobby you can check in and take a different elevator to get up to your room.

We love this hotel; it is lovely with a friendly staff and very clean and comfortable rooms. The rooms are not overly spacious and the bathrooms are quite small but everything is in excellent repair and there are plenty of windows to keep the rooms light and bright. They are not all identical; we have stayed here several times and noticed that there are various styles of room which is usual in these older and non-chain hotels.

We had a king bed on this trip and while it made the room a little tighter than the queen, it was very comfortable and exactly what we wanted. There is a desk in the room and an open closet area. The TV gets a wide selection of channels and the WiFi is fast and strong. Most of all it is quiet, an occasional train whistle may break the silence but nothing to disturb your sleep.

The location of the hotel is hard to beat. It is next door to the Blackfriars Playhouse, above the Visitor Center and within walking distance of most of the best restaurants and coffee shops in town. There are also plenty of shops from thrift and antiques to flowers and healthy food within a couple of blocks.

Rates are very competitive and depending on the time of year can be a downright bargain. In January they were definitely a bargain. If you are planning a visit to Staunton, Va., I highly recommend that you consider staying at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel. Not only is it historic, it is everything that you could want in comfort and service.

October events in Albemarle County and Charlottesville, Virginia

CHARLOTTESVILLE AND ALBEMARLE COUNTY: A FEAST FOR THE EYES, THE MIND, AND THE TASTE BUDS THIS OCTOBER

This area is a wonderful choice for a fall getaway, with Virginia Wine Month, Virginia Artisan Month, Starr Hill Brewery’s Oktoberfest, the Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival, the Spirit Walk, Doggy Howl-O-Ween, Harry Potter Halloween and breathtaking fall foliage

The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau (CACVB) invites everyone to consider the Charlottesville, Virginia area for a fall getaway. With plenty of events and activities, the epicenter of Virginia offers a multitude of options for recreation and entertainment.
October is almost here and it is a great time of year to partake in the celebrations surrounding Virginia Wine Month. There are more than 250 wineries across the beautiful state of Virginia and a large concentration of them in located within a 30-mile radius around Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Virginia Wine Month features a large number of wine-centric special events taking place daily! For more information and a calendar of events, visit www.virginiawine.org/october-wine-month 

October is also Virginia Artisan Month! Take this opportunity to meander the beautiful county roads to visit artisans along the Monticello Artisan Trail. A stop at the Albemarle Tourism & Adventure Center and Crozet Artisan Depot in downtown Crozet is a must, as it features the one-of-a-kind work of over 50 regional artisans. Information about Virginia Artisan Month can be found here: http://www.artisanscenterofvirginia.org/index.php/home/blog/artisan-month-view-all

On October 8 and 9, Crozet hosts another fantastic event: The Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival. Over 100 juried fine art and craft Exhibitors will show and sell their handcrafted works in the soaring high-peaked tents and park pavilions at Claudius Crozet Park. Live music can be enjoyed throughout the weekend, as well as great food from a variety of on-site vendors, beverages including Virginia wine and draft beer by the glass, and plenty of fun especially for the kids. For more information, visit http://crozetfestival.com/

The Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society invites everyone to participate in the 22nd Annual Spirit Walk and meet residents from our community's past. Come learn their stories as they are vividly brought to life before you. On October 21, meet former residents who now rest in Charlottesville's Maplewood Cemetery. Officially opened in 1827, Oakwood houses the remains of many citizens, both well-known and long-forgotten. Guests are encouraged to bring flashlights to the Maplewood

Cemetery tours. Step back in time as you are guided through Charlottesville's historic Court Square on October 22. Included in this tour is the courtroom trial of Rosa Ricks Smith, a wife and mother accused of murdering her husband. On October 29, meet former inmates of the Old Albemarle Jailhouse. Completed in 1886, the jail served the community until 1974, holding a variety of people behind its bars. To purchase tickets or obtain more information, visit www.albemarlehistory.org

All Charlottesville area visitors traveling with their pooch will not want to miss the 9th edition of Doggie Howl-O-Ween on the Downtown mall, taking place on October 28. This fun event includes doggie trick-or-treating, a parade, and a costume contest. All proceeds benefit the Amanda Benford Cure for Canine Cancer Research. More information can be found by visiting http://www.amandabenfordcccf.com/doggiehowloween

Calling all Harry Potter fans! On October 29, the charming town of Scottsville is hosting its annual
Harry Potter Halloween. Once again, the entire town of Scottsville will be involved! Scottsville's Valley Street will be transformed into the village of Hogsmeade. Many popular Hogsmeade establishments will be represented by various local businesses and organizations (i.e. Baine's
Scottsville will be HONEYDUKES SWEET SHOP & Om Tattoo & Massage will be OLLIVANDER'S WAND SHOP). Everyone is invited to dress up as one of the characters for a day of festive wizarding world fun! Festivities start @ noon and more details can be found on the event’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/163500894059177

Every October, Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer some of the most spectacular autumnal landscapes in the country. The Shenandoah National Park (SNP), located only 26 miles west of Charlottesville, is one of the best places to view nature’s grand spectacle of colors. This colorful season can be enjoyed by hiking one of the many trails or taking a relaxing drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The SNP’s Mountain View Webcam offers the opportunity to watch the seasons change from home… but visiting in person provides an unparalleled experience. For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/shen

Stonewall Jackson Inn, Harrisonburg, Va.

The Stonewall Jackson Inn is located on Market Street in Harrisonburg, Va. I was, as usual, attracted by the name of this inn. Stonewall Jackson is such an iconic figure in the South and as one of his legion of admirers, it was a no-brainer. Luckily, this inn is incredible and everything is done to make sure you have a comfortable and carefree visit.

The first thing you will need to do is to pick your room. The north side of the house has rooms named after northern figures and the south side, yes you guessed it, southern figures. I was attracted both by the room and the figure so chose the dashing JEB Stuart.

This particular room has a king-sized bed and is located on the second floor in the southwest corner. It is spacious and has a nice-size bathroom with shower. The room also has a desk and chair as well as a mini fridge in the room. If you are looking for some works of art, the ones on the wall are for sale.

The Appomattox Room on the first floor is the public space. You can relax on the sofas or at the table and if you would like you can enjoy a fire in the fireplace. The kitchen is open to guests and you can grab a cup of tea or a cold drink.

Before you arrive, you will be contacted by one of the innkeepers to ask about any needs that you may have. You can pick your breakfast time as well as reveal any allergies you may have so that breakfast will be perfect.

If you have difficulty with stairs there are several rooms on the first floor.

The Inn was built around 1885 in the Queen Anne style which has been tastefully adapted to the New England Cottage Stone and Shingle Style by architects Richardson and Emerson. The staircase is quite impressive and especially, at the time of our visit, still decorated for Christmas, is excessively charming.

The grounds are extensive but at this time of the year are not at their most gorgeous. In the warmer weather, there are roses blooming and breakfast can be taken on the rear deck. We awoke to a dusting of snow on the deck.

Every room has a charm of its own and you will no doubt find one that suits your style and needs. You will notice the gleaming wood floors throughout the house. The restoration of this historic building was undertaken as a labor of love by Dr. Wayne Engle, professor emeritus of psychology at James Madison University.

When you arrive, you will be given the grand tour and everyone who works here is very proud of this lovely house. Your every need will have been thought of and provided for. You will be escorted to your room, your luggage carried up for you and you can feel free to have a wonderful night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast.

If you are attracted to homes with a history, this one has just enough to provide the possibility of a resident ghost. If you would welcome a visit, ask for one of the ghost-friendly room signs and hope that Audrey, who was an artist, decides to visit. You can see her pictures which are on display in the house. Ask any member of staff, they will be happy to point them out. One, in particular, a nude self-portrait is located over the fireplace in the foyer.

At check in one of the questions is when you would like breakfast. The time chosen on this occasion was 8:30 a.m. Coffee is self-serve and the fresh fruit cup with a dollop of yogurt and granola arrived shortly. Four types of juice are offered including orange.

The main course was orange croissant French toast with a scrambled egg, bacon and sautéed apples. Needless to say, you will not leave the table hungry. The recipe for the French toast is offered on their website if you want to recreate it at home.

While we were eating, Wayne came down to say hello and chat a little. He is an interesting man and an expert on the local area.

If you are looking to stay at a lovely bed and breakfast with a staff who will be happy to pamper you and provide a delicious breakfast I highly recommend the  SStonewall Jackson Inn

Top Canada foliage destination

When the weather starts to turn cool and the days get shorter, the leaves from sea to shining sea in Canada begin to turn to shades of gold, orange, and red. All across this massive country people are taking to the roads to view the colors of fall. Here are a few suggestions for finding the best fall foliage in Canada.

When it comes to sheer volume of color, you will be hard pressed to find anywhere that compares to  New Brunswick. There are more different varieties of trees in New Brunswick than anywhere in Canada. You will find both hardwoods and softer woods and that combined with the evergreens produces a show that anyone will enjoy viewing in the fall. Color will be at its peak, most years during early October.

A drive through New Brunswick should be combined with visits to their farmer's markets or apple orchards and other attractions for a wonderful weekend or even a week. Route 17 offers great opportunities for leaf leaping as does the Fundy Trail. There are several Provincial parks that offer a chance to enjoy the great outdoors while getting your fill of the colors of fall.

The Province of Quebec is home to the Laurentian Mountains and with them the opportunity to view the magnificent colors of fall. Whether you choose to dive along the St Lawrence River from the area of Quebec City to Montreal or the reverse you will find a visual feast for the eyes. Closer to the larger cities there are also parks where you can enjoy all the attractions of the city while viewing the colors.

Fall comes early in the Province of Quebec and you can start to enjoy the foliage as early as September with the peak coming at the end of the month. You could easily enjoy a drive east through Quebec to Gaspe and then head south into New Brunswick to combine the best that the eastern part of Canada has to offer.

Ontario offers great color as well. They even offer a website to tell you the best places to view it. Whether you want to check out the parks in the capital city of Ottawa or head to the Haliburton Highlands, Algonquin Provincial Park or the Muskoka Region you are guaranteed to see some fabulous color.

The western provinces have the Rocky Mountains, especially Alberta. There are two Canadian National Parks Banff and Jasper where serious leaf peepers can go a fix of fall foliage. In this area, there is not the variety of trees that you find in the eastern provinces but the aspens offer a nice flash or color. There are several fall fairs that would make a nice compliment to any fall foliage trips in Alberta.

The western provinces offer a totally different leaf experience than the eastern ones. It's all about the spectacular mountains and the blue sky with a splash of fall color. For the best color shows head east but for drama, the west has it in abundance.

Canada is a vast country and the landscape and the foliage vary from one province to the other. From September through October you will find a mix of great color and great activities to make your visit one you will remember. Chose one of these top foliage destinations in Canada or choose your own, you can't make a bad choice.

Bayview Inn Bar Harbor, Maine

As soon as you enter the lobby of the Bayview Inn, in Bar Harbor, Maine, you will understand why they are rated #1 in Bar Harbor by Trip Advisor users. The lobby area is charming and the welcome warm. The dining room and the stunning view of Frenchman's Bay unfold before you. Did I forget to mention, this is a waterfront hotel? On the right of the lobby is the staircase that will take you up or down to your room. If mobility is an issue, there are some rooms on the main floor.

After our friendly check-in and some fresh baked cookies, yes every afternoon at 2 p.m. fresh cookies come out and you are encouraged to indulge, we headed to our room. Coffee and hot water for tea are available in the dining room all day. You can take your cookies and drink and enjoy the views on the balcony off of the dining room or as we did, bring them to your room. There is also a bar area where drinks are offered.

We were located on the third floor and had a king room with a private balcony overlooking the water. While the weather was not cooperative while we were visiting, we did get to enjoy the chairs one afternoon while the sun was shining.

Al, the doorman and general all around helpful guy, carried our very heavy suitcase up the stairs for us. There is a hint in this, try not to bring a huge suitcase, there is no elevator.

Breakfast is served from 7-10 a.m. and is complimentary. It is an expansive continental plus. You can expect to find oatmeal and cold cereal, a large selection of fresh pastries, bread, bagels and muffins, juice, coffee, fresh fruit, yogurt and a hot dish. It might be scrambled eggs and sausage, a croissant breakfast sandwich or mini quiches. All of them were delicious. Needless to say, you won’t walk away hungry unless you choose to.

Our king room was spacious with a very comfortable king bed with white bedding and plenty of pillows. Seating is provided by a recliner and two chairs and a table. Other similar rooms had a love seat instead of the recliner. The TV was in a credenza and had a wide selection of channels. A list of the available channels was included which we always appreciate. Robes for your use are provided in the closet.

A microwave, mini fridge and Keurig coffeemaker are offered. The bathroom has a bathtub and shower combo with great pressure and fluffy towels. We felt very well cared for.

The hotel has an outdoor pool which was not open when we visited in mid-May. In addition to the rooms in the main building, there are townhouses on the hill above the pool. Breakfast in the main building is also provided for these accommodations.

The hotel has a minivan that is available from early morning to late in the evening to take you anywhere in the area that you want to go. Not having to worry about finding parking when you want to go downtown is a big advantage. High speed Internet is provided at no charge and it was unfailingly strong and fast.

Located in the Eden section of Bar Harbor, the Bayview Inn is about a mile to the harbor but the location is perfect. Not only is it waterfront with a very good restaurant almost right across the street but the main entrance to Acadia National Park is just two miles down the road. The staff is so friendly that you will feel as if you have known them forever and we were greeted each and every time we came into the lobby area. I loved this hotel and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone visiting Bar Harbor and would certainly stay here again.

Norumbega Inn Camden, Maine

To say that the Norumbega Inn is impressive is to understate the obvious. It looks like a castle sitting along Route 1 in Camden, Maine amid lovely grounds. We drove by it several times while we were staying in nearby towns and were impressed by how majestic it is. Entering the front hall does nothing to change that impression. A beautiful carved staircase goes up on the left with a tete-a-tete on the first landing with a fireplace. It looks like the perfect place to just sit and relax especially in the cold weather with a fire blazing.

Our room was located down one flight on the first level of the house. In case you might be thinking basement, get that notion right out of your head. While it does have amazing brick walls with arched doorways, nothing could look farther from a basement. The bedroom has four windows and a slider to a private deck and is light and bright. The walls are a regal burgundy color and the room is dominated by a king size four poster bed. A sofa done in a whimsical pattern of hot air balloons with a down seat makes a very comfortable place to sit and watch TV or for me, work online.

You enter the spacious room through a public lounge with a Keurig coffee maker where you will find a selection of delicious shortbread cookies. You can also choose to watch TV or just relax in this space on the large leather sofa. Additional public spaces are offered on the first floor including a curved wall library, a parlor with fireplace and the dining rooms.

Our bathroom was huge with a six foot jetted tub as well as a tub and shower. Again, large windows open onto the back of the house. Plenty of high-end amenities are offered and if you want to wear a robe, the closet has two. The shower has impressive pressure and the towels are plentiful and luxurious.

Breakfast is served from 8-9:30 a.m. and is a multi-course affair. Phil Chrispo, one of the innkeepers is a former CIA instructor and you will be dazzled by the array of delicious creations that are presented to you. Our first morning it was an amazing ramekin of oatmeal combined with millet and quinoa with a fruit compote on top followed by mini corn muffins and fruit scones and then the main course of French toast with strawberries, blueberries,and real Maine maple syrup. You always have two options for the main course, a sweet and a savory, obviously, we chose the sweet.

Every day but Wednesday, you have the option of having Phil cook dinner for you as well. If you have the opportunity, I recommend you do it. We were here two nights and one of them was Wednesday but Thursday evening we had an amazing dinner that wowed us through every course. He is a very creative and talented chef and it is one of the best meals we have ever had.

Phil and his partner Sue have been the owners and resident innkeepers here since 2013. They have done amazing things to this beautiful home including replacing the outdoor decks. Many of the rooms have private outdoor space but there is a shared deck that runs around part of the building. Linda, the assistant innkeeper was so helpful and more than willing to answer any questions we had.

My husband and I were totally enchanted by the Norumbega Inn and will recommend it to everyone we know. We, of course, hope to return here again ourselves as soon as possible.