After leaving the quaint town of Winchester, we realize we are only 20 miles from the state line of West Virginia, one of the many states we've not ventured prior. Right across the border is Berkeley Springs, the home town of our friend, Vicki's, father. She has given us a few suggestions for stops there. Initial entry into the state is very pretty and we find just a bit down the road the tiny town.
Upon entry, the cemetery she has described is perched on a hill to our right and we climb the road in search of her ancestors buried here. The sun has started to hide behind the forming clouds and the wind is still pretty gusty, both which set the tone for our visit. We find several Lutman tombstones, and while we have planned to plant a couple of our sunflower seeds, we find the flowers already here.
Mere blocks from the graves, is the town center, now a state park, housing a gazebo, roman baths and the infamous springs. We stroll, finding a squash match playing, and various patrons filling their water jugs with the fresh spring water. We comply and fill our single water bottles, as well. When in Rome....
Perched on a cliff above the park sits the castle Vicki has shared stories of, still intact, and picturesque above the bath houses. The neighboring downtown area hosts various eateries and shops. A sleepy little town where we loiter long enough to record a few pictures for our friend.
Cacapon State Park is ten miles down the road as we retrace our path back to Virginia. A quick glimpse in this park finds many areas still closed for the season, but we do spot a small waterfall, a prelude to what's to come on our journey tomorrow, hopefully.
En route, we find a little county park where we are able to take a brief hike, the day coming to an end. From the park, we stay off the main highway, and drive through the quaint town of Strasburg, ten miles from our home. There are quite a few of these little towns dotting this valley, all with their own distinctive historical downtown areas, each boasting some hidden delight.
Upon arrival in Woodstock, tonight's dining option offered by our friendly staff is the Spring Tavern, and is as different as can be from Joe's, but equally good. The little restaurant is very rustic and has a diverse menu. The waitress for the dining room, while not as personable as last evening's server, ever more efficient. She runs the whole room on her own, never missing a plate or empty glass. Her suggestions are all spot on, and the Fettucine Alfredo with chicken, broccoli and mushrooms is definitely plenty for the two of us to split. An apple dumpling for dessert with ice cream and caramel also is easily shared and we both leave fully satisfied.
A full day is at an end, and again, we await our much anticipated trip to Skyline Drive and a peek at the Shenandoah National Park tomorrow!
THANKS FOR SHARING THE SENTIMENTAL PICTURES OF BERKELEY SPRINGS, WHERE MY ROOTS AND ANCESTORS ARE. THAT SLEEPY LITTLE TOWN WAS MY DAD'S HEART AND SOUL. WHEN JOHN DENVER'S "ALMOST HEAVEN WEST VIRGINIA" CAME ON THE RADIO--WE WOULD HAVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN THE LUTMAN HOUSE. YOU'VE HEARD THAT THE PAY PHONES IN W. VA. DONT TAKE MONEY IF YOU WANT TO TALK TO GOD--CAUSE IT'S A LOCAL CALL.
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