Charlotte to Lexington, VA

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Are we good or just lucky??

Today, we said our goodbyes to Amy and family. It was the first day back to school for Abby (10th grade) and Jake (9th). Good luck to them.

We drove North towards Lexington up I-77 and I-81. As we progressed, Jackie started to search for a nearby winery to visit and maybe have some lunch. Once into Virginia, she located a promising vineyard and we left the Interstate in search of the WHITEBARRLE Winery. I give Jackie five stars for her pick.

We arrived about five minutes before the winery opened for business. We were the only guests there and waited inside the winery until we were welcomed. Our hostess, Tess, was terrific. She was the expecting wife of the owner, Rik. She told us of the winery history and offered a tasting of the wine she thought we should best like. It met our expectation. We took two full glasses out to sit on the patio but before we went out Tess suggested that we walk down to their gazebo where there were rocking chairs for us to enjoy the peaceful setting. We did and it was perfect. Knowing that we wanted to get to Lexington by early afternoon, we purchased a couple of bottles and left after about an hour for the drive up.

Lexington met and exceeded our expectations. The village is actually a college town. We stayed at The Georges hotel. It was right on Main Street near all of the historical sites.

In Lexington, you find VMI and Washington and Lee University. There is so much "Southern" history here. Stonewall Jackson moved here after he finished West Point and taught at VMI. He is buried here and is highlighted in the VMI Museum. We also toured his home in town near our hotel. Also, Robert E Lee, moved to Lexington after the Civil War and became president of Washington University. He lived here until his death five years after the war. The university was later named for him as well as George Washington.

Tomorrow we drive to Gettysburg, PA. I hope it is as successful as today was.

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Photos

WHITEBARREL VINEYARD
Jackie at the vineyard.

WHITEBARREL
Lots of ribbons. Owner, Rik Obiso, was selected tops in Virginia last year.

WHITEBARREL
Yes, this is our kind of relaxation.

WHITEBARREL
Chilling

WHITEBARRLE VINEYARD
Tom thought he could get a refill off the vine. No, Tom! He is an engineer, not an agriculturist, clearly.

The Georges Hotel
TAPS was the bar. Happy hour from 3:00 to 6:00pm. Just in time for us.

VMI Museum
The chapel.

Virginia Military Institute
We were so impressed with this campus. Cadets were moving in to begin classes the next day.

Stonewall Jackson
This portrait was in the VMI Museum. After this tour we went to tour his home near our hotel. Impressive man. Only 39 when he died. A Southern hero.

Stonewall Jackson
This is Stonewall's actual horse, Little Sorrel. His bones were buried adjacent to our hotel. I guess this is only his skin.

The Southern Inn Restaurant
We lucked out again with our dining choice. The food was great but the desert was better. Our table was at a window in to the kitchen. The deserts were prepared in front of us. Who could resist?

The Georges Hotel
Our balcony over Main Street

Comments

[Irene]

Looking Good!
Enjoying your journey with you - thanks for sharing!