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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Grace Cooper | Paulette Dean Paul Seiple | Lee Vogler

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Patrick County Tourism | Lee Vogler

COVER

A view of the Blue Ridge Mountains photo by Lee Vogler

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The Parkway Explorer’s Guise to

Patrick County

BY GRACE COOPER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PATRICK COUNTY TOURISM

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles through the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. To its millions of travelers annually, this mountaintop roadway is known for its scenic beauty, historic attractions and abundant outdoor recreation. Riding on the Parkway can give you that much needed getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can drive for hours without seeing much civilization. At milepost 177.7 you will see one of the rarest views on your ride: a town. Refuel your car, your stomach, and your soul in Meadows of Dan, Virginia.

Rocky Knob Recreation Area

Drive along the parkway north of the Meadows of Dan Village and you will find the Rocky Knob Recreation Area. This expansive section of the Parkway is shared with the neighboring county of Floyd. Here there are three trails ranging from easy to difficult. The most challenging is the Rock Castle Gorge National Recreation Trail, a 10.4 mile loop offering intense elevations, meadow strolls, steep descents, historical hideaways, abundant wildlife and even a waterfall. The second is the Black Ridge Tail, a moderate 3-mile loop with its own historical ruins and creeks. The third is The Rocky Knob Trail, an easy 2.3 mile out and back trail with a shelter at the top offering a stunning view. The Rocky Knob Visitors Center is open Friday through Monday from 10 AM until 5 PM for area information and assistance. Stay for a picnic and you may even spot the family of deer that are often seen grazing in the field near the picnic shelter most evenings! Pitch your tent or park your camper at the Rocky Knob Campground. Reservations are not necessary but are always helpful. www.recreation.gov or 877.444.6777.

Wineries on the Parkway

Wine lovers will enjoy the two neighboring wineries in this section of the Parkway. Villa Appalaccia (which sits next to the famous festival grounds of Floydfest) is a charming, Italian-inspired winery. Those with a taste for drier, European-styled wines will find themselves at home in the Villa’s open aired tasting room. Villa Appalaccia offers music on Saturday afternoons in the Summer. Just down the road is the well known Chateau Morrisette Winery & Restaurant. The largest producing winery in Virginia, Chateau Morrisette offers guests an expansive tasting room & gift shop, tours, live outdoor music and a restaurant serving elevated southern cuisine. Both wineries are very dog friendly and offer lawn space for picnics.

Historic Grist Mills

The historic Mabry Mill is the most photographed spot on the Parkway. You will find this exact mill pictured on postcards, framed prints, and used on various “home style” product packaging and marketing across the world. This grist mill is over one hundred years old and is open to the public! In the Summer and early Fall Thursday through Sunday 10AM - 5PM, travelers can go inside the mill and learn how it operates with the help of an educational interpreter. See the newly renovated flume and watch the giant wheel turn with the water. There are also live demonstrations of blacksmiths, basket weavers and more. Listen to live traditional music on Sundays as well. After your tour, grab a seat at the restaurant just next door and purchase souvenirs from the gift shop.

Off the Parkway, down the road from the village, is Cockram Mill. This 130-year-old grist mill sits on the banks of the Dan River. Visitors can tour the inside

FEATURE THE PARKWAY EXPLORER’S GUISE TO PATRICK COUNTY

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of the mill and eat at the accompanying restaurant, which offers an outdoor patio overlooking the river and the water wheel. The site of the mill was once the docking point for the Dan River Queen, a popular passenger paddle boat tour. The river has since become too small to allow for boats.

The Village

Just past the Parkway entrance is the quaint hub of the Meadows of Dan Village. Here you will find your road trip essentials like gas, food at Jane’s Country Cafe, coffee at Primitive Coffee, and unique shopping opportunities. Stop in the Blue Ridge Visitors Center for area information and maps. Poppy’s will warm your heart with locally hand-spun yarn, books, quality gifts, and alpaca-themed items.

Poor Farmers Market has a classic country store feel. Inside you will find souvenirs to satisfy every traveler’s tastes, freshly prepared sandwiches and snacks, hand scooped ice cream, glass bottle sodas, local honeys, jams, etc. as well as a few oddities here and there. Outside, there are fresh seasonal fruits and veggies,

potted plants, handmade wooden patio furniture, and much more.

Concord Corner Store sits at the edge of the village. This store sells high-quality artisan crafts from the surrounding area. Bring home something beautiful and special from your travels, like beautiful quilts, jewelry, woodworks, glassware, local beers and wines, and so much more.

Nancy’s Candy Co.

Just past the main hub of the village is Nancy’s Candy Company; a giant candy factory! Nancy’s sells primarily wholesale around the world, but visitors to the factory don’t have to buy in bulk to leave with Nancy’s sugary goodness (unless you just want to!). The retail storefront has every kind of candy you can imagine for purchase. Nancy’s started out primarily making fudge, which has remained their specialty to this day. Alongside their famous fudge sits a variety of truffles and other chocolate-covered treats behind the counter. Around the sales floor are classic candies to

take you back, novelty chocolates (like chocolate soap or Virginia-shaped chocolate bars), bagged snacks like cajun snack mix, a wall of Jelly Belly jelly beans, rock candies, and so much more. Along the back wall of the store are large windows where visitors can watch the candy being made in the factory on the weekdays. Be sure to take a selfie at their LOVE sign and tag #loveVA before you leave!

Primland Resort

Miles off of route 58 is one of the Parkway’s greatest hidden treasures, Primland Resort. This five-star luxury mountain resort is best known for its awardwinning golf course, the Highland Course. Primland offers much to do, many ways to relax, and various accommodation options for travelers. Participate in guided outdoor adventures like ATV rides, hikes, hunting and more. Dine at one of their three styled restaurants. Rejuvenate yourself at their NativeAmerican themed spa. Gaze at the stars in Primland’s very own observatory with nightly shows by their in-house astronomer. Love it so much you want to stay? Book a room or suite in the lodge, a private guest house, or even a luxury tree house with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Primland is great for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Children’s

activities are constantly being planned to keep the kids entertained while the parents relax.

Lovers Leap Scenic Overlook

Pull off at one of Patrick County’s greatest treasures, Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook, located south of Meadows of Dan on Route 58. The view from this spot is beautiful in any season, but Autumn is truly breathtaking. Legend has it that two Native Americans from separate tribes fell in love, and after their tribes forbade them from being together, they tragically ended their lives, jumping together from the cliffs at this very spot. Enjoy many more secluded overlooks at neighboring Fred Clifton Park, as well as picnic tables and trails. Remember not to feed the bears! A major mountain road expansion project has started along this route as well. While the work does not currently obstruct Lover’s Leap, the expansive construction project is definitely a sight to see in your travels.

From rugged mountain trails to deliciously sweet fudge to luxurious pampering, Meadows of Dan can provide the perfect pause in your travels on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go to VisitPatrickCounty.org to learn more about accommodations, other attractions, and events in Patrick County, VA.

A Guide to the

Perfect Day Trip

Day trips are an exciting and easy way to explore new places and create wonderful memories. Here are some tips that will help you plan a great day trip:

1. Choose your destination

The first and most important step in planning a day trip is deciding where to go. Take some time to think about your interests, hobbies, and passions. Do you enjoy hiking, visiting museums, or exploring new cities? Once you’ve identified your preferences, research your options and choose a destination that matches your interests. Consider factors such as distance, accessibility, and budget.

2. Plan your itinerary

Once you’ve selected your destination, it’s time to plan your itinerary. Make a comprehensive list of the attractions you want to visit, including museums, parks, and restaurants. Look up reviews and recommendations online to ensure that you don’t miss out on any hidden gems. Remember to factor in travel time and the opening hours of each attraction.

3. Pack accordingly

Packing is an important part of any trip, and day trips are no exception. Make a list of everything you’ll need for the day, including snacks, water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and any necessary equipment for your activities. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your memories!

4. Leave early

To make the most of your day trip, it’s important to leave early in the morning. This will give you plenty of time to explore your destination and avoid rush hour traffic. Consider setting your alarm a bit earlier than usual to make sure you’re on the road in time.

5. Explore

Finally, remember to have fun and enjoy your day trip to the fullest. Take your time exploring your destination and immerse yourself in the local culture. Don’t be afraid to try new things or deviate from your itinerary if you stumble upon something interesting. Day trips are all about adventure and discovery, so embrace the experience and make the most of your time away from home.

Doe Run Farm

BY GRACE COOPER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PATRICK COUNTY TOURISM

Fall is a magical place in Patrick County as the leaves change along the mountain ridges and cooler air filters over the area. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the county’s border with many outlets onto the connecting back roads and small towns. There’s plenty of fun to find in the county, from apple orchards to fall festivals. The Ararat community is home to some of Patrick County’s best scenic drives, multiple family-owned orchards, and the county’s only sunflower maze. Doe Run Farm is a family-owned farm that designs and plants an original maze each year. Since 2006, Doe Run Farm has been a go-to destination for families looking to enjoy a beautiful fall day. Each year, the maze has a new theme with a wide range of activities to complete as you walk through the property. The maze is spread across six acres with wide, easy-to-walk paths.

Doe Run Farm is only a few minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it the perfect addition to any leaf-peeping day trip. The farm is situated just below the mountains, which adds a perfect fall-colored backdrop to pictures. Doe Run Farm has a variety of other activities to do while you are on the farm. There’s a large jump pad, slides, and swing sets available for everyone to play on. Test your skills with corn hole, pumpkin bowling, and apple launching, or hop on a hayride and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Snacks and drinks are available onsite along with a selection of fall produce like apples and pumpkins. Doe Run Farm sells a selection of decorative items like small hay bales, corn stocks, and mums. Two pick-your-own flower patches, one planted with zinnias and the other with sunflowers, are also available.

The Doe Run Farm Sunflower Maze will begin its 2023 season on September 23rd and the maze will close on November 4th. The maze is open seven days a week, weather permitting and admission is ten dollars for patrons twelve and up, seven for kids four to eleven, and free to kids three and under. Pets are not allowed. For updates on the maze, check out their Facebook at Doerunfarmvirginia or email doerunfarmva@live. com. Blooming updates will be posted on Facebook along with schedule changes. Doe Run Farm is open to birthday parties, school trips, church groups, and other large groups.

For more information about Patrick County, visit our website, visitpatrickcounty.org for a full events calendar, trip recommendations, and more. There are over fourhundred square miles of winding back roads, small towns, and natural beauty to explore in Patrick County. There is no shortage of fun attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can go apple picking at Levering Orchard and Windy Hill, explore historic sites like the Reynolds Homestead and the Jeb Stuart Birthplace, or go hiking at Fairy Stone State Park and Rock Castle Gorge. There are plenty of places to find yourself here in Patrick County this fall.

Confessions of a 30 Something Years of Fun in Patrick County

BY LEE VOGLER

PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER

Patrick County has been a special place for me for a long time. When I was a kid, our family would take day trips up that way, especially in the fall, to enjoy the mountains and look at the changing leaves. Growing up in Danville, it was great to only be about an hour away from these beautiful mountains that seemed like towering giants to me.

After college, I worked in Patrick County one fall for former Delegate Charles Poindexter. I was the Patrick County field director for his campaign that year. My office was at the top of the hill in downtown Stuart, offering a gorgeous view that made the drive there each day more than worth it. It also gave me the opportunity to travel all over the county and meet people from Ararat, Woolwine, Meadows of Dan, and everywhere in between. It was during that time that I really fell in love with Patrick County.

I’ve been finding excuses to get up there ever since. Whether it was to watch a GW versus Patrick County High School football game (which one time ended in a 81-14 GW win where Patrick County shot off

fireworks after the game), or visits to nearby wineries, we keep coming.

In recent years, however, it’s been day trips with our kids, Kingston and Ava, that have been the driving force behind our trips to Patrick County. We’ve checked out several festivals in Woolwine and Stuart. We spent an hour one day walking through and under the Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge. We’ve had shopping trips in Meadows of Dan, which usually lead to a visit to nearby Mabry Mill. Now that our kids have gotten more interested in fishing, I’m looking forward to adding that to the list of activities we do up there.

Patrick County is a great place to get away for a day, or weekend, whether it is with your family or just a solo adventure. Our family has been finding fun there for years and will continue to for years to come.

2023 High School

Football Preview

BY LEE VOGLER PHOTOS BY LEE VOGLER

Chatham Cavaliers

After coach Jay Fielder left for the head coaching position at Martinsville High School, the Chatham Cavaliers will be led this year by coach Bruce Devlin. While Devlin may be new to the Chatham program, he certainly isn’t new to coaching.

He was the varsity football head coach at Princeton Day School in New Jersey, where he won two state titles and was named the Coach of the Year in New Jersey twice.

He also coached varsity baseball at Princeton Day School and won three state titles and two Coach of the Year awards. Most recently, he was a volunteer assistant coach for the Averett University football program.

The Cavaliers will kick off their season, August 25, on the road against Prince Edward County. In October, they will host key matchups against William Campbell and Dan River, before closing out their regular season at home against Altavista on November 3rd.

Dan River Wildcats

The Wildcats of Dan River High School will look to build off their successful 6-5 campaign as they open their 2023 season on the road against longtime rivals Tunstall. The following week, they’ll be on the road once again against the Magna Vista Warriors.

Dan River will then be treated to some home cooking with three straight home games against Bassett, Martinsville and Gretna.

Former player, and 1997 Dan River graduate, Brian Womack will continue to coach the team as he has for the past several years, racking up a string of successful seasons. In 2019, Womack was named Region 2C Coach of the Year.

The Wildcats close out their regular season on the road against Appomattox County on November 3rd.

George Washington Eagles

“Win Everywhere: In the classroom, the community and on the field.” That’s the motto the George Washington Eagles will carry into this season, following last year’s 4-6 campaign. Led by longtime coach Nick Anderson, the Eagles were in unfamiliar territory last season, but are looking to bounce back in a big way. “Last year, not making the playoffs for the first time as a coach in 18 years (11 with GW), as a staff we’re going back to the basics,” said Anderson. “Last season humbled us and made us hungry.”

Continued to Page 20

FEATURE 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Continued from Page 19

On the field, the Eagles will look a lot more experienced this season than last, with a group of juniors and seniors ready to lead the charge, headlined by Boston Collegecommit Kemori Dixon. The rising senior Dixon will look to lead the Eagles’ defense alongside fellow seniors Darell Mabin (DB/RB), Josh Pritchett (DB, WR), and Elijah Bridges (DB/RB).

In the trenches, the Eagles seemed poised to have two rising stars in sophomores, Chris Law and Tahjei Rasheed. Under center, junior Nehemiah Campbell will again lead GW.

George Washington will start their 2023 campaign at home against Dinwiddie. Along with continuing their longstanding rivalry with EC Glass, the Eagles will also have some fresh matchups against Staunton River and the new Mecklenburg County High School.

Gretna Hawks

“Ain’t no big thing, but it’s growing.” For years, that slogan adorned the entrance into the Town of Gretna and for many years, it could have represented the Gretna Hawks’ win totals on the field. But a little over 20 years ago, the tide began to turn. Coaches like Robert Prunty and players such as Vic Hall and Horace Hubbard put the Hawks on a winning track and now the program is associated with winning, collecting multiple state championships and playoff wins along the way.

Led now by third-year head coach Shaun Miller, Gretna will look to get back on the north side of .500 after finishing 5-6 last season. They open the season on the road against Jefferson Forest, who Miller says is “well coached.”

On offense the Hawks will be led by senior QB Melvin Wooden, who racked up nearly 1,600 yards of total offense last year with 17 touchdowns. Joining him will be senior WR Ryder Brooks and junior RB Zamarreon Younger. The defense will be anchored by senior defensive back K’Mari Chatten.

Tunstall Trojans

Following a 0-10 season, first year head coach Kirkland Brown will have his work cut out for him as he takes the reins of the Tunstall Trojans storied program, but he is looking forward to the challenge. “Honestly, all games are important to us,” Brown stated. “I know that’s cliche to say, but it is true.” The Trojans will be led on the field by running back/linebacker Bricen Pool, wide receiver/ defensive back Ryan Yancey, running back/linebacker Ryan Jones, tight end/defensive back Nash Glasscock, as well as Curtis Ingram who works the trenches on the offensive and defensive lines.

The Trojans will kick the season off against their longtime cross-county rival, the Dan River Wildcats. While every game is important, Coach Brown is anticipating that matchup. “I am looking forward to the first game of the year against Dan River so that we can set the tone for the year,” said Brown.

Tunstall’s regular season will come to a close with a home game on November 3 against the George Washington High School Eagles.

Paws for a Cause

In 1993, I flew to Provo, Utah, to help my niece get settled in at Brigham Young University. I had lived there for a total of seven years and had worked at BYU for three years, so I took a few days off from work and had a wonderful time seeing friends and former roommates.

We had a picnic by one of the apartment buildings we had lived in and I was taught a lesson that would serve me well through the years.

I had been the director of the humane society for a year and saw a dog that was chained to a stake in the ground. He had a ramshackle dog house, was thin, and had no food or water. One of my friends said, “That’s a shame. Someone should do something.”

WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

protecting animals in Utah were abysmal at the time, I suspect the dog led a horrible life and suffered until death came.

However, through the years the “someone should do something” has been a guiding force in my work.

MEET THE BEARDED DRAGON

When I got back to Danville, I decided to be that “someone.” I called the authorities in Provo and filed a complaint. I have often wondered through the years what happened to the dog. Since the laws

Games Solutions

Continued from Page 16

I urge everyone to be the “someone.” It is uncomfortable being a nosy neighbor, but an animal’s life may depend on you. It may bring you outside your comfort zone to volunteer at the animal shelter, but you can help brighten the animals’ day. It is horrible seeing a hurt animal on the side of the road, but overcome the horror and make the call to the authorities.

Animals really do depend on “someone doing something.”

Crossword Puzzle Word Search

This girl came to us from her owner. She is a picky eater and must go to an experienced home.

DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY