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The Highpointers – Virginia (Part 2 of 3)
Day 2
Richmond – The capitol of Virginia is full of beautifully historic building. We decided to visit one the newly renovated American Civil War Museum.
The American Civil War Museum – The beautifully designed iron works building set next to the James River is worth the visit alone to Historic Tredegar. One of the nation’s most significant Civil War Sites, Tredegar is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The permanent exhibit - A People’s Contest: Struggles for Nation and Freedom in Civil War America gives a vivid account of the war with hundreds of original artifacts and photographs. A few of our favorites that helped show us that this was a real war, with real people who had real struggles were Robert E. Lee’s boots and a color photograph of Abraham Lincoln. Location - 500 Tredegar Street, Richmond, VA 23219
https://acwm.org/
Catawba – A small Appalachian town set in a scenic mountain backdrop.
The Home Place Restaurant – If you are the kind of person that likes to find out of the way places only locals know about than this is your place. We found this restaurant while biking with friends from Los Angeles to D.C. When we finally made it to the mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway we were starving. And boy does this place serve up some food – massive quantities in a beautiful setting. The Homeplace was built in 1907 and eventually was purchased by the Wingate family. The family opened the restaurant in 1982 and have been serving up hungry locals and Appalachian trail hikers on a 63 acre piece of heaven ever since. Location - 4968 Catawba Valley Dr. Catawba, Virginia 24070
https://www.facebook.com/The-Homeplace-Restaurant-115564841808913/
Wytheville – (54 miles to Mt. Rogers) Wytheville (pronounced with-ville) is an interesting small town with a unique history. It was home to first lady Edith Boling Wilson, wife to Woodrow Wilson and is a great place to stay before a climb to Mt. Rogers.
https://www.visitwytheville.com/
Big Walker Lookout – 13 miles north of Wytheville is the Big Walker Lookout. This may very well be the best view of the Blue Ridge mountains. Make sure you are ok with heights. The tower is over 100 feet high and requires walking up multiple flights of stairs on somewhat questionable steps…yikes! But well worth the view. Make sure to take the time to hang out in the general store and eat some delicious home made ice cream. Also, don’t forget to enjoy the slow pace mountain life in the Appalachians while sitting in rocking chairs and talking to the very friendly store owners.
Location – 8711 Stoney Fork Rd Wytheville, Virginia 24382
