Shenandoah, Virginia

We started our roadtrip by traveling about 300 miles south to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. An abundance of rain in this area has turned the farms and countryside into a lush green patchwork quilt. The rivers and creeks are swollen with rushing water. We camped at the Shenandoah Valley Campground in Verona, Virginia, along the banks of the South river. After Jim sat up the camper, we enjoyed a cozy lunch looking out at the trees and river and listening to the soft patter of rain on the camper roof.

We selected this stop so we could visit with our friends, Greg and Jackie Stenson. Greg is the pastor of Mt. Vernon Mennonite Church in Grottoes, Virginia.

Originally, we had hoped to visit the Frontier Culture museum, a replica of an early-American village which highlights the various ethnic groups who settled this country during Colonial times, but the rain thwarted our plans. So, we visited the Grand Caverns instead. Not as well-know as the Luray Caverns to its south, it is nonetheless designated as a National Natural landmark. Discovered in 1806, it has been open to the public since 1808. We saw the candles and torches which were used to guide visitors in earlier times, but today it is lighted for safety reasons. However, at one point the guide turned off all lights and the darkness was all encompassing. The caverns contain spectacular rock formations – mineral flows, shields, stalactites, and stalagmites. The pictures do not capture the true beauty, but I’m including some to give you an idea of the magnificent displays.

Greg and Jackie knew of our interest in local cuisine and found an excellent place for dinner for the four of us. This charming restaurant is simply named Kathy’s and is well known by the locals here. Kathy’s, located in Staunton, Va. has the southern charm you’d expect in small-town Virginia. When in Virginia, I always want to try the oysters and thanks to a late spring, they were still in season. Kathy’s did not disappoint – the oysters were fantastic, lightly battered and fried crisp with my favorite Southern side – fried apples.

Jim tried the special of the day which was a chicken casserole – chicken with homemade stuffing, vegetables and a bit of gravy -- with a side of delicious homemade coleslaw. We concluded our evening with pie and coffee. Our meal was complimented by Kay, our fun and sassy waitress. She kept us all entertained with her quick wit and southern spunk.

The entire staff at Kathy’s was friendly and helpful and offered us a tour of the remaining rooms in the restaurant where we viewed beautiful local paintings, folk art and some gorgeous antique china. We sat chatting and drinking coffee until the restaurant closed. What a wonderful evening.

So this morning we leave the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, heading for South Carolina. It has been a great start to our roadtrip.