Before Virginia, we would briefly stroll through Pennsylvania. Mer had never experienced Primanti Brothers. This restaurant's infamous menu item consists of deli-like sandwiches (your choice of meat) with all the sides between the bread. You like coleslaw, its on the sandwich. You like french fries, it's on the sandwich. Only this time, the restaurant was having some challenges with the fries. The french fries contents were more like Hot Fries, but no flavor, crunchy, hollow. We made the most of it, but it also left a lot to be desired. (The pickle was the highlight)
Onward to our first sight! Mer and I have a lot in common. We love trails and we love ales, but our interest in mid-century aesthetics are also at the core. A couple years back, we had plans to visit Falling Water, but they were closed that day. This time, we would make it happen. Tickets were purchased in advance. Falling Water is a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, built for the Kaufman family. This was the Kaufman's family retreat for the weekend. You can write an entire book on the layout of the land, and architecture of the home. Conceptually, it's a house integrated with nature, and bonded with a waterfall. The pictures will best demonstrate :)
Following our envious trek through this masterpiece, we headed towards Front Royal, Virginia. What's there? Not much exactly, but it is the north entrance into Shenandoah National Park, which we were planning to visit the next morning. To help battle our colds, we ordered some spicy Thai takeout for dinner that evening. Honestly, my dish in particular was probably the best Thai I have ever had. If you find yourself passing through Front Royal, make time to stop.
The next morning's weather and our health (or lack-of) would deter us from any possibility of hiking, but those ailments would not stop us from driving through the park. One of my favorite directors is Tim Burton and his work on Sleepy Hollow was amazing. Our drive through Shenandoah was much like the visuals of the movie; ominous, foggy, misty, eerie. Fortunately, no headless horsemen though! Not all adventures will be sunny, so we made the most of it. The overlooks were for not, due to the fog, but the green trees gave this park it's unique periphery. Below is simply a tease of our drive:
Following a brief nap inside the park, we exited and made our way towards Richmond. The plan was to visit some long awaited, coveted breweries I have been following for quite some time (Triple Crossing and Veil), but the plan was also to take home some cache home to share with friends. Mer was very much struggling at this point, so she rested up as I headed towards the breweries. Thunder and lightning entailed, but the tastings were the reward. Triple Crossing had a Citra IPA worthy, and Veil had dry hopped everything, but their milkshake, sour ale (Blaprigo Tastee) will not be easily forgotten.
Trails and Ales has been the dominating theme of our journey, but we have also made time to visit those landmarks which have defined America. Before the establishment of our country, there was Colonial Williamsburg. Meredith had visited before, but this would be my first tour. We were both on the road to recovery. Our health and the weather were both promising. The hurricane was now trending to the south. We seized the moment and headed towards the prequel of our nation.
The preservation of this historical park is phenomenal. As you cross the walk-way into the park, the engraving in the sidewalk eludes to a "step back in time". That it was! We stopped for a beer and appetizers. The pub setting was perfect. The shudders were closed in preparation of the hurricane. Inside it was dark, and lit only by the likes of candles. We also visited several sites, including the church, where our first and third president sat at one point. Additional stops included the court house, millinery, carpentry, book binding, etc, but it was the outside appearance of this town which gave an everlasting impression. Our small towns can be attributed to this unified community.
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