Virginia is for Kids!

Vintage sign from the Keysville Drive-In

Believe it or not, the drive-in movie theater is still alive and well in many parts of Virginia. While many have been updated with new sound systems, radio frequencies and websites, the heart of the operation remains the same. An inexpensive, wholesome place to spend time with family and friends under the stars.

Many theaters are only open on certain dates/days so be sure to call ahead or visit their websites before going.  Also, be sure to bring cash as some theaters do not accept credit/debit cards.

The Moonlite Theatre in Abingdon (Washington County) was opened in 1949 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Starlite Drive-In in Christiansburg (Montgomery County) has been open since 1952.

The Fork Union Drive-In (Fluvanna County) is the smallest drive-in theater in Virginia and has a Facebook page.

Hull’s Drive-In in Lexington (Rockbridge County) was saved from closure by local residents and is pet friendly.

Keysville Drive-In (Charlotte County) has a new concessions menu for this year and a Facebook page.

Park Place Drive-In in Marion (Smyth County) is a newer facility built after the old theater was replaced with a Walmart.

Central Drive-In in Norton (Wise County) opened in 1952 and borders the Jefferson National Forest.

Family Drive-In in Stephens City (Frederick County) is the closest drive-in in Virginia to Washington DC.

Mayberry Drive-In in Moneta (Bedford County) opened in June of 2008 and is adjoined by a diner.

Goochland Drive-In in Hadensville (Goochland County) is the newest drive-in in Virginia; opening in August of 2009.

Abingdon is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets.  Unfortunately, our most recent trip didn’t last nearly long enough to fully enjoy all Abingdon has to offer.

First of all, I recommend splurging and staying at “The Martha” aka The Martha Washington Inn.  This historic inn was built in 1832 and has been a private residence, a women’s college and a civil war-era hospital as well as it’s present use as an inn.  The inn’s library, with it’s fireplace and overstuffed leather couches and chairs, is a perfect place to curl up and read one of the many wonderful volumes available.   The staff was very attentive and kid-friendly.

One of the highlights of Abingdon is the Barter Theatre, established in 1933.  The Barter Theater is the State Theater of Virginia and puts on many performances for children.  Reserve your tickets in advance as many shows sell out.  If you are not able to get tickets in advance, I was told by a local that if you show up at the box office 15 minutes before the show starts, they will release tickets for those who have not shown up.

We had a wonderful dinner at The Tavern.  Again, reservations are recommended.  The Tavern is the oldest building in Abingdon and well worth a peek inside.  They do not have a children’s menu, but are happy to accommodate children with smaller portions of menu items or chicken fingers.  The owner’s attentiveness was most impressive.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to see all that Abingdon has to offer.  We look forward to going back and checking out the museums, festivals and more of the hidden gems here.

A great video featuring one of my favorite places to visit in Virginia.

The Virginia is for Lovers site is featuring travel in honor of Presidents – one of my favorite topics.  Turns out, there are many places in Virginia to learn about Thomas Jefferson besides Monticello!

Over the next couple of months, we will highlight a few inexpensive, yet fun-filled road trips for families to take throughout Virginia.  The first in the series begins here:

West Central and Shenandoah Valley

1.  Montpelier – the home of James Madison

Come visit the newly restored home of the Father of the Constitution, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Montpelier was the lifelong home of James Madison.  Madison was raised at Montpelier, lived here after his marriage to Dolley, returned here after his presidency, and died here in his study surrounded by the books and papers that marked so much of his life’s work.  It was at Montpelier where Madison researched past democracies and conceived of the system of government that became our republic.

The Montpelier estate features the Madison mansion, historic buildings, exhibits, archaeological sites, gardens, forests, hands-on activities, a new Visitor Center, and a freedman’s cabin and farm.  Learn about the man whose contemporaries called “Father of the Constitution,” and the woman who was the first to be called First Lady.

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the grounds of this historical masterpiece.

2.  Monticello – the Home of Thomas Jefferson

After lunch, head over to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.  Be one of the first to visit the new visitor center and be sure to take the Famiy-Friendly Tour offered here.   These special guided tours of Thomas Jefferson’s house are designed for children ages 6 to 11.  The 30-minute tours feature hands-on opportunities in every room and provide a glimpse of what life was like for the children who lived at Monticello in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

I wrote a post about visiting Monticello with kids.  Click here to access the post.

3.  The English Inn of Charlottesville

Spend the night at the beautiful and affordable English Inn in Charlottesville.  Rooms start at just $110 and include a full hot breakfast in the morning.  In addition, the English Inn offers free wireless internet access, an indoor pool, sauna, and free cribs if needed.

4.  Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton

The Frontier Culture Museum tells the story of the thousands of people who migrated to colonial America, and of the life they created here for themselves and their descendants.

These first pioneers came to America during the 1600s and 1700s from communities in the hinterlands of England, Germany, Ireland, and West Africa.  Many were farmers and rural craftsmen set in motion by changing conditions in their homelands, and drawn to the American colonies by opportunities for a better life.  Others came as unwilling captives to work on farms and plantations.  Regardless of how they arrived, all became Americans, and all contributed to the success of the colonies, and of the United States.

To tell the story of these early immigrants and their American descendents, the Museum has moved or reproduced examples of traditional rural buildings from England, Germany, Ireland, West Africa, and America.  The Museum engages the public at these exhibits with a combination of interpretive signage and living history demonstrations.  The outdoor exhibits are located in two separate areas:  the Old World and America.

The Old World exhibits show rural life and culture in four homelands of early migrants to the American colonies.  The American exhibits show the life these colonists and their descendants created in the colonial back country, how this life changed over more than a century, and how life in the United States today is shaped by its frontier past.

5.  Route 11 Potato Chip Factory in Mount Jackson

What’s more American than the best potato chips in the world crafted right here in Virginia? Not too long ago, about 10 years to be exact, with lots of potatoes, good oil, salt, serendipity, and a little luck, Route 11 Potato Chips sprouted in an old feed store in Middletown, Virginia.

Their goal?  Produce the best potato chips on the planet.  Chips to be proud of.  Chips, that with every potatoey crunch, make you feel like you were experiencing something very special.  Everything they make is hand-cooked.  This is much more labor intensive than the continuous frying methods of the big boys, and if you visit the factory, you will have the opportunity to view the production process.

Oh yeah…you can also taste and buy some potato chips while there.

6.  The Inn at Narrow Passage – Woodstock

Enjoy a comfortable and restful night’s sleep in this historic inn.  This 1740 Shenandoah Valley bed and breakfast is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty and history of the Valley.  Once a haven against Indian attacks on the Virginia frontier and later Stonewall Jackson’s headquarters during the Valley Campaign of 1862, the Inn now welcomes travelers looking for comfortable lodging and friendly hospitality.

Enjoy the beautiful setting over looking the Shenandoah River and allow yourself to be taken away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  Play a quiet game of checkers in the main lodge and take in a cool drink on the deck.  Leave plenty of time to indulge in the delicious homemade breakfast lovingly prepared each morning by the Inn’s owners, Ed and Ellen Markel.

7.  New Market Battlefield State Historical Park

Where 257 Cadets from the Virginia Military Institute made the difference between victory and defeat.

Explore the Civil War in Virginia here in this 300 acre park, 19th Century Bushong Farm and Hall of Valor Civil War Museum.  Commemorate a unique moment in American history, when Cadets from VMI engaged in pitched battle and helped win a victory for the Confederate Army.

Spend the day at the New Market State Historical Park and enjoy the museum, explore the historical farm, scenic Shenandoah River overlooks, picnic spots and walking trails.

Cyrus McCormick

Who was Cyrus McCormick?

“Cyrus Hall McCormick invented the first successful reaper and founded the harvesting machine industry.  In July 1831, at 22 years of age, McCormick first demonstrated his invention publicly.  This, the world’s first successful mechanical reaper, opened a new era in agriculture, an age of mechanization that changed life on the farm, altered American advertizing, and made it possible for millions of people to leave the land and enter an industrial society.”

Located in Steele’s Tavern, the McCormick Farm is conveniently located off I-81 exit 205.  The park is open daily from 8:30am – 5pm and admission is free.  There are picnic tables on site and plenty of room for the kids to run.  They will particularly enjoy seeing the real working grist mill.

The Farm features a grist mill dating back to the 1800′s, blacksmith shop and museum, school room, smoke house and other items of interest from the period.

Grist Mill at the McCormick Farm

Blacksmith shop and museum

Map of McCormick Farm

Duck pond at the McCormick Farm

Finding a place to spend the night  in western Virginia can be challenging; especially for a family with children.  Most of the chain hotels are located in the larger towns and are of the discounted variety that lack amenities such as breakfast.  The smaller inns and bed & breakfasts can be hard to find and/or not kid friendly.

The Inn at Narrow Passage, in Woodstock, Virginia is both easy to find and kid-friendly!  This restored Inn located on the Shenandoah River was built in 1740 and is a comfortable place to stay as well as a great history lesson.  Once a haven against Indian attacks on the Virginia frontier, during the Valley Campaign of 1862 it was Stonewall Jackson’s headquarters.

Ellen and Ed Markel, the Inn’s owners welcome visitors with open arms and treat you like a valued member of their family.  The Inn’s rooms are spacious, charming, updated and affordable.  We called the Inn as we traveled down I-81 and our accommodations were secured in a matter of minutes.  Our 2nd floor residence featured a queen size poster bed with comfy bedding along with a twin size bed, spacious sitting area, clean private bathroom and a warm fireplace.

The Inn sits on 5 acres overlooking the river allowing for lots of “running room” for children who have been in a car for a while.  The included hot breakfast is delicious and served with the same warm hospitality.

Here is a link to the Inn’s brochure.  You can also call them at:  800-459-8002 or reach by email:  innkeeper@narrowpassage.com.

Tina’s tips:  there are so many places in this area that are kid-friendly.  Give yourself plenty of time to relax and explore.  Luray and Shenandoah Caverns are within a 20 minute drive, along with the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory, American Celebration on Parade and many other attractions.

Even on a cloudy day it is beautiful

Playing checkers in the main building by the fire

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The dead of winter is probably not the best time to write this post; however, I happen to think the Blue Ridge Parkway is still beautiful even when it is so cold outside.

If you are looking for an inexpensive day-trip, this is it.  Filled with beautiful scenery, awesome history and very few tourist-traps, it’s a great way to spend a day with the family.

A designated All-American Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles through mountainous terrain from Shenandoah National Park all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  This is not a short cut to avoid I-81 – the speed limit is only 45 and well enforced.  This is a place to take your time and enjoy the scenery.

The Parkway incorporates several recreation areas, some exceeding 6,000 acres.  These parks within the Parkway have visitor centers, camp grounds, picnic areas, trails and, in many instances, concessionaire-operated lodges, restaurants, and other facilities. Order a FREE travel guide for the Blue Ridge Parkway by clicking here.

A few of my favorite stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway include:

Mabry Mill – A beautiful location that has been photographed and painted many times.  Restored gristmill/sawmill/woodworking shop and blacksmith shop.  Old time skills (basket weaving, seat caneing, spinning, and weaving) demonstrated.  Applebutter making on Sundays in October – Oldtime bluegrass music on Sundays 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Lots of fun for the kids seeing a real working Mill!  Milepost 176.1

Chateau Morrisette – Yes, I know a winery is not really what you would consider “child-friendly”; HOWEVER, the outdoor concerts are very child friendly.  The kids get to run around up and down the hills and dance while the grownups get to sip on some wonderful Virginia wine.  Milepost 171.5

Tina’s tip:  purchase a few inexpensive disposable cameras for the kids before leaving for the drive (they will be twice as expensive if you buy them on the parkway).  Stop off at lots of the “scenic view” stopping points along the parkway and let the kids snap away.  They will love seeing their pictures and putting them into their own albums.  If the weather is mild enough, pack a big picnic lunch too.  There are plenty of picnic areas and bathroom facilities along the parkway that are all clean and well-maintained.

The White House and Gardens

A couple of years back, on our first visit to Washington DC with our son, we stopped at the iron fence in front of the White House so he could see it.  “Mommy, I want to go inside” is all he kept saying.  Apparently, gazing at the White House from afar was not satisfying enough.

In class, my son had learned all about 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and it’s 6 floors, 35 bathrooms, 132 rooms, etc.  Why WOULDN’T he want to see the inside?  Come to think of it, I would like to see the inside.  So, I decided to look into getting a tour.

Tours of the White House are given to groups of 10 or more.  One must request a tour through their Member of Congress and requests are accepted up to 6 months in advance.  Tours are available from 7:30am until 12:30pm Tuesday through Saturday and are offered on a first come, first served basis.  Confirmation of the tour is received approximately one month prior to the tour date.  White House tours are free of charge and there is a hotline to call for more information:  202-456-7041.  Accommodations are available for those with special needs.

Things to keep in mind:  you must have a group of 10.  Restroom facilities are not available on the tour.  Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following: handbags, book bags, backpacks, purses, food and beverages of any kind, strollers, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording device, tobacco products, personal grooming items (make-up, hair brush or comb, lip or hand lotions, etc.), any pointed objects (pens, knitting needles, etc.), aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size.  The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.  Umbrellas, wallets, cell phones and car keys are permitted.  There are not any storage facilities at the White House so if you have a prohibited item, you will need to either dispose of it or not go on the tour.

A few months ago, I submitted a request to tour the White House through our Member of Congress via her website.  I received a prompt email confirmation and then, a few days later, mailed confirmation.  I’ll post an update here after our tour date.

If you would like to tour the White House Gardens, they are going to be open this weekend!  This Saturday and Sunday, October 18th and 19th, from 12pm-4pm, visitors to the gardens will be able to view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children’s Garden and the South Lawn of the White House.  Tickets are required for all attendees, including small children!  The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E Streets on each tour day beginning at 8:00 a.m.

12/11/2008 – update********* Looks like our visit to the White House is a bust.  We never received any further communication from our Congresswoman’s (Thelma Drake’s) office.  When I called earlier this week to inquire about that staus of our request, I was told that we had been assigned a tour date of December 6th.  Well, no one ever communicated that to me (via email, phone or regular mail) and the person I spoke with didn’t seem to be surprised nor offered any alternatives.   Because Congresswoman Drake lost her bid for re-election, she is in the process of shutting down her offices and obviously, no longer feels a need to serve her constituents (though she is still receiving a paycheck from the taxpayers). I called Randy Forbes’ office and spoke with a very nice woman there; however, they were unable to help since Congresswoman Drake’s office was supposed to assign me one of her “slots”.   What have I learned?  1.  Do not request a tour from a congressional representative who is up for re-election.  2.  Do not plan on any specific date or time of the year.  3.  Follow up with your congressional representative because they probably won’t follow up with you.