TravelZWorld : Rolling Through Ole Virginny

Once we left the Carolina's, we continued north into Virginia. Beautiful state - lots of American history there along with some gorgeous countryside.
Part of the passion for travel means experiencing something new or reliving something extraordinary. We did both while in Virginia.

The first stop we had to make was Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant. It sits on the roadside off I-81 and has been welcoming customers since 1947. Mrs. Mildred Craft Rowe began this family business and even worked in the kitchen cooking and baking until her death at 83 years old in 2003. Her legacy continues. All pies are made from scratch daily and are served until they sell out. The meals are all home cooking style.

Rick and I first came here in 1997 on a road trip and we found this place purely by accident. Tired and hungry and searching for somewhere to eat, we happened upon Mrs. Rowe's and thought we'd give it a try. Glad we did. That was the first time I had their decadent coconut cream pie and I haven't forgotten it since.

At this feast, I tried something I had never heard of before - spoon bread (the scoop of yellow on the plate). It tasted like bread pudding, but not so sweet and was mighty tasty. We ordered homemade biscuits, liver and onions, beets, limas (lima beans) and a steak with mash (mashed potatoes). Not bad.

Of course, I saved room for some coconut cream pie...and it was luscious.

Next, we drove to Staunton to relive some earlier times. In 1967, Rick attended Staunton Military Academy and spent four years there as a cadet. In 1971, he graduated as a 1st Lieutenant. He wanted to see what was left of the campus and show me the sights he remembered so well. Together, we took a trip down memory lane.

Many notable American political and military leaders graduated from SMA. Staunton had a 116 year history before it closed it's doors in 1976. Many of the buildings where SMA cadets lived and learned remain. The parade field was still there and the stone bleachers still stood.

Mary Baldwin College, a longtime neighboring school, bought the property in a bankruptcy sale. Much of the splendid history remains intact for future generations to see and there is a museum on sight as well (it was closed unfortunately at the time we visited). The grounds are scattered with monuments and memorials dedicated to the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. One notable was a teacher and coach at SMA named Thomas Howie who was memorialized with a bust and inscription. He exemplified excellence during his tenure at SMA, became a Major and was killed in the Battle of Normandy.

Many of the buildings on property were being used by Mary Baldwin College, such as The "Mess Hall". The salute to SMA remains in the sign while it has become a Student Activities Center.

This used to be the Commandant's office with it's grand brick and stone stairway. The structure has been converted to an administration building.

Reminders were everywhere depicting SMA's past as being one of the country's most prestigious military academy. The stone eagle once stood over the main entrance to the North Barracks in 1917.