Anniversary Surprise-Pilot Knob Inn

An absolutely fantastic trip, and surprise from my wonderful wife, Pilot Knob Inn was a trip to remember.

The Crooked Road - Grayson Highlands State Park

One of the most beautiful State Parks in Virginia, complete with high mountain views, trails, wildlife, creeks and streams, and even free-roaming ponies. The Park is very well maintained by dedicated staff and volunteers.

Grayson Highlands State Park resides within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, as part of Jefferson National Forest, with park entrance located on Rt. 58, 7 miles west of Mouth of Wilson, VA.

Mabry's Mill

Probably the most photographed spot in the US, Mabry's Mill represents one of the most scenic locations on Virginia's beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. The mill grounds contain a number of early interpretive displays each telling a story about life in the Southwest Virgina mountains.

Appalachian Flutes

My latest craft, or hobby, came about after I had the honor of meeting Running Deer. Not only was this Native American gentleman an accomplished artisan in the creation of Native American Flutes, but also a very entertaining story-teller who does honor to his heritage. Because of my interest in history, early American crafts, and woodworking, making flutes offered an opportunity to cover all areas of interest. Little did I know just how much I would enjoy this new craft. I spent many hours learning about the NA Flute, it's history, design, and sound. I quickly learned that making NA Flutes is a pasttime shared by houndreds, if not thousands of individuals, both of Native American desent, and non-NA desent.

This blog is devoted to my interest in NA Flutes, and my on-going effort to make the best possible, while continuing to get the most enjoyment I can from my woodworking hobby.

Colonial Crafts

Living History provides a great opportunity to not only re-live life as we image our ancestors really did live, but it also allows us to make use of our available resources to create all the tools, weapons, and clothing we would have needed during the days of the American Colonial Frontier.

Robin's "Knittincoop"

Robin's KnittinCoop Blog...

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area

Sycamore Shoals was the name given to the nearby Watauga River crossing, and the surrounding area that served the settlers as a common meeting place. The land around the Shoals had been cleared by earlier Indian inhabitants, and provided the best home sites for settlers moving down the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road into the Watauga and Yadkin River Valleys.

Solitude and Drapers Meadows

Solitude Plantation was built in 1803 on land acquired by the Preston family from Phillip Barger. It occupies the portion of Drapers Meadow where the 1755 Massacre occured. During the attack by Shawnee Indians, Mary Draper Ingles was taken captive and marched along the New River hundreds of miles to the Shawnee Old Town at present day Portsmouth, Ohio.

Martin's Station Frontier Fort

The reconstructed Martin's Station frontier fort is located at The Wilderness Road State Park, a short distance from the original fort site. Numerous events are held at the park throughout the year, including Living History reenactments. Also in the area is Cumberland Gap National Park, just 6 miles further west.

Virginia's Explore Park

Virginia's Explore Park, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 115, provides numerous activities for the family as they 'explore' Southweast Virginia's 17th, 18th, and 19th Century pasts.

The New River

The New River has been called the second oldest river on earth having been in existance even before the Appalachian Mountains formed. Another amazing note is its actual design. Contrary to most rivers on the North American continent, it flows north/northwest, starting in the North Carolina mountains, running through southwest Virginia, southern West Virginia, then joining the Kanawha to meet the Ohio.