Angela Mason's Blog

I'm back!! Did you miss me?! Just got back from another fantastic trip to my special secret hideaway spot, the Shenandoah Mountains. You never really know how much you need some time away until you pack up, drive about 4 hours and behold new scenery for a few days. As much as I love change and a great challenge, I will admit to being a creature of habit quite often. Almost too often! I went back to the same hotel, saw many of the same things, and even ate in some of the same restaurants. But since it was such a great time for me last year, I resorted to my sense of comfort and did it all over again. However, this time I had my travel partner with me and for him, it was all brand new; which made the same things special for me in a whole new way. I spent my time taking in some of the most spectacular scenery the human eyes can absorb along the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park. The drive is literally 150+ miles with scenic overlooks about every mile or so; each one with a different view of the valley. This year, however, my travel partner and I decided to hit the park at various times of the day, in order to make the most of my new digital camera! Over three hundred pictures later, I certainly did. There's no shortage of photo-ops in this part of the country, I can assure you. This year, however, my camera was treated to more than mountain shots, foliage shots, and flower shots. Only one day into the trip, we were shocked to see a black bear on the side of the road, just as calm as he could be! He practically posed for the picture I was able to snap, and then was treated to a fresh apple I brought along...mind you, I didn't hand feed him, we tossed the apple out of the truck in his direction and hoped for the best. I know you are not supposed to feed the wildlife, but how could you resist that face?! The park also is loaded with hiking trails and campgrounds. We took a great hike on the one super sunny day down to Dark Hallow Falls. It was worth every steep downhill and uphill step of the way! This years vacation also included a trip to Thomas Jefferson's house, Monticello. (Yes, the picture that's on the back of your nickel!) An amazing place to visit; especially now living in Philadelphia, this was almost like the sequel to a great movie. I tend to be a bit of an American history buff, and Monticello for me was like reaching the pinnacle of a mountain. The house is set on the massive multi-acre estate and has been extremely well preserved. It's loaded with little improvements made by Jefferson (he literally ripped most of it apart and rebuilt it over time), and features tunnels underneath the house used for storage and a "modern" kitchen where Jefferson was accustomed to dining on French cuisine prepared by his "chef". The quaint town of Charlottesville is also home to Miller's bar and grill. This is the bar that Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band got his start as a bartender and later took the band on the road. Supposedly great hot wings, so it was worth a stop. Miller's is a great place with a huge wooden bar, and great history (it used to be a drug store with a soda fountain) but the wings were so-so. We sat outside and absorbed the local color for a spell, and after a bit, the wings didn't matter, the atmosphere was pretty darn cool. Another big highlight of the trip for me is the multitude of caves in the area. Each one is different (some with bats, some without), and well worth the tour. Luray Caverns, Endless Caverns, Shenandoah Caverns, Skyline Caverns, take your pick!! Be sure to wear your boots for the cave floors may be quite slippery, but trust me when I tell you this is something you don't see every day. Even more amazing or should I say impressive is the tour guide in Endless Caverns (James) actually remembered me by name from last year! Okay, I'd like to say all of the hiking and exploring was playing into my healthy lifestyle, but come on, this is vacation after all. Living in the South for many years prior to my current Philadelphia home has cultured my tastebuds to craving good Southern cooking. I dined on some great eats! Grits, beans with hamhock, sweet tea, apple fritters, homemade biscuits with sausage gravy, apple butter, salt-cured Virginia ham, and of course, barbecue. I was given a tip from my parents not to miss a place called "Hank's Smokehouse". It took a lot of asking around to the locals and a few consultations with my Garmin, but we finally found it! Boy Howdy, it was worth the effort! Some of the best barbecue I've had in my lifetime. Top off this trip with lots of quiet time (some involving the new Dan Brown novel), a delicious trip to the Shenandoah Vineyards, great conversations, and most importantly, putting away the cell phone and schedule book...and you've got the perfect getaway for this Redhead. Sometimes, your batteries need a recharge. So my suggestion is, just do it. Just go and enjoy some time away. Your life will be here when you get back, just like you left it. Until next time, keep your helmet on. -Ang