TWO PORTS IN A SUMMER STORM
by Mona Magnis
Negotiating the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia can be challenging at the
best of times with its serpentine, hairpin turns that squiggle for hundreds
of miles but in a thunderous rainstorm with fifty feet of visibility it
is daunting. We had been maneuvering the parkway for three days. The first
day was glorious. The second day the rains came and came and came. By
the third day, with the promise of clearing, we attempted the Parkway
again and the clouds closed in and the storms began again. By lunch my
husband, the designated driver, was stiff and tired and we both were hungry
having nibbled away our supply of fruit and crackers. Descent roads were
not close together and in the fog we kept missing exits. As the afternoon
wore on we despaired of ever eating again. The fog finally lifted somewhat
and we took the first exit we saw and left the parkway. Fortunately the
road was somewhat straight and the traffic light. Anyone with any sense
stayed indoors. As carefully as we could we searched the road for signs
of a restaurant but none were evident. Suddenly, we turned a sharp curve
and saw a beautiful yellow sun streaming through the storm. Right in front
of us, in the middle of nowhere, there was a shinning new Subway restaurant
attached to a new service station. Never have two tired, hungry pilgrims
been so happy to see a fast food restaurant as we were. We dodged the
rain and as we entered the brilliantly lit restaurant two friendly women
greeted us warmly. The restaurant was spotlessly clean. My husband and
I thought we were in a traveler’s heaven with warmth, welcome, delicious
fresh food and yes, immaculate restrooms. We had found a welcoming port
in the storm.
We luxuriated in Subway’s amenities for as long as we could. The storm finally let up and we had a date with a bed and breakfast near Woolwine several miles south.
With the skies still dripping and the clouds beginning to lift we began
our search for the Mountain Rose Bed and Breakfast Inn. At Woolwine we
turned right on Charity Hwy. The instructions read that the entrance is
on the left side immediately after crossing Rock Castle Creek. Of course
we missed the house because it is set back a hundred feet or more from
the road at the end of a curved, tree lined, unpaved lane. The trip was
worth the search. When the lane ended a lovely two story Victorian home
nestled in a hundred acres of treed land, extended its welcome.
The house had been built at the turn of the century on the banks of the Rock Castle Creek facing the site of the Mountain Rose Distillery Number 250 which was one of the few legal distilleries in the state of Virginia. It was known for “honest goods” and “full measure” and produced such delectable whiskeys as “Old Ike” rye, “Mountain Dew” corn and “Pride of Virginia” corn whiskey. It is rumored that the products of the Mountain Rose Distillery were used in the White House during Prohibition.
We
were graciously welcomed by the swim-suit clad innkeeper, Melodie Pogue
and immediately offered refreshments, sherry, ice tea and cookies and
invited into the pool for a swim. Our large, sunny, interestingly decorated
room was delightful. A private bath, fireplace, air conditioning, soft
linens, plush towels, private label soaps and shampoos coddled us into
feeling ‘right at home’.
After settling in, we walked along the bubbling creek, noisy with birdsong and damp from the rain. The clouds had lifted and, for the first time in three days we welcomed the sun.
In the morning we were treated to a delicious three-course breakfast.
It was served elegantly on antique silver and china with 19th century
oil lamps providing the illumination. Fresh fruits, melon soup, homemade
breads, egg dishes as well as pancakes and other savories were offered.
The menu changes daily.
Although we were only staying one night we discovered that there were many area attractions that could induce us to stay longer if we had more time. Mabry Mill, the Chateau Morrisett Winery and restaurant with summer jazz concerts, the Villa Appalachia Winery, the Floyd General Store which holds Friday Night Jamborees, hiking trails, Fairy Stone State Park with its swimming, fishing, hiking and biking trails and the Reynolds Homestead museum are all very nearby.
We
had found a warm, welcoming second port in the summer storm.
The Mountain Rose Inn
1787 Charity Highway (Rt. 40)
Woolwine, Va. 24185
Phone (276) 930 1057
Fax (276) 930 2165
www.mountainrose-inn.com