A Fun Weekend Visit to No. Virginia (w/Some History Thrown in)

In October, I took a couple of days to drive to north-central Virginia to visit my friend Jonathan, who is a man who dedicates himself to the health and welfare of animals as a veterinary technician. He's got a huge heart, and also does pet-sitting. In today's blog, you'll see some of the fun things we did over the two days near Culpeper.

(Photo: Rob and Jonathan at an outdoor coffee cafe)

CULPEPER, VA- Culpeper is about 1 1/2 hours west-southwest of Washington, DC. It's the only incorporated town in the county of the same name. 

FAST FACT -Chartered in 1749, Culpeper County was named for Lord Thomas Culpeper, Colonial Governor of Virginia, 1680-1683. That year, at the age of 17, George Washington was commissioned to survey and plot the Town and the County of Culpeper.

DINNER AND FUN COFFEE-  We had a nice dinner at a restaurant with outdoor seating, called GRILL 309. The waitress provided the best service I've had in ages. These are photos of the Raven's Nest coffee shop that we went to afterward, where the coffee and the desserts were amazing. We sat at a sidewalk table talking for over 2 hours! 

REVOLUTIONARY WAR FACT - During the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), the Culpeper Minutemen, a pro-Independence militia, formed in the town of Culpeper Courthouse. They organized in what was then known as "Clayton's Old Field," near today's Yowell Meadow Park.

WHAT IS MICHIE TAVERN - Michie Tavern located in Albemarle County, Virginia, is a Virginia Historic Landmark that was established in 1784 by Scotsman William Michie. The Tavern served as the social center of its community and provided travelers with food, drink and lodging. It remained in operation, in the Michie family, until 1910, when it came to be owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 1927, the Tavern was purchased by the Josephine Henderson, who had it moved seventeen miles from Earlysville to its present location, close to Monticello.

THE TAVERN TODAY - Today, it's a working restaurant, and employees dress up in period costumes. However, when we visited to try and have lunch on a rainy Saturday, they were closed. So, we walked around the grounds, stuck our head in signs for goofy photos and walked through the only thing that was open, the GIFT SHOP, of course!! 

FINALLY- What short trip would be complete unless I got to stop at a comic book shop? So, Jonathan was patient and allowed me to find one and pay them a visit! It was a really nice and memorable getaway... although be warned that in October, there were still a LOT of stinkbugs out in Virginia!