Iron Mike, Skyline Drive, Virginia

 

 

At Skyline Drive's Byrd Visitor Center, stands a statue of “Iron Mike,” commemorating the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps workers who built the trails, overlooks, and campgrounds during the Great Depression.

Skyline Drive, Virginia

Skyline Drive is 105 mile long drive along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah National Park. It provides a number of overlooks with beautiful vistas of the mountains and valleys below, such as the one pictured. It is home to black bears, bobcats, deer, wild turkeys, and a wide array of wildlife. It offers hiking trails, waterfalls, picnic areas, camping sites, lodging, dining and more. The southern entrance to the park is about a two and a half hour drive from Williamsburg.

Berkeley Plantation, Charles City, Virginia

Berkeley Plantation is a short drive from Williamsburg and sits along a portion of the James River populated with colonial plantations.  It was the home of Benjamin Harrison, a signer of the Declaration of Independence; birthplace of William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States; and, the family home of Benjamin Harrison, the twenty-third president of the United States. The first ten presidents all visited here. President Lincoln visited here when Union troops used it as an encampment on their way to Richmond.

In addition, the first Thanksgiving took place here in 1619 (sorry Pilgrims, but you didn't get here until 1620) and is the location where the military song, "Taps," was composed and first played during the Civil War. The Anglican priest who accompanied the settlers began to ferment Indian corn and developed bourbon whiskey here.

The grounds are beautiful and the tour is full of history from various eras.

Powhatan Plantation, Williamsburg, Virginia

The historic Powhatan Plantation is now the centerpiece of a large time share complex.

Fallen Heroes, Newport News, Virginia

Neighboring Newport News erected this monument to fallen police and firefighters; true heroes.

Ship Ahoy, Norfolk, Virginia

The Port of Norfolk offers beautiful buildings, restaurants, and ship building and repair. BAE Systems, Northrop-Gruman and the Newport News Shipyards have a multitude of facilities in Hampton Roads related to shipping. A great deal of cargo and coal ships in and out of the port.

This photo was taken from the top deck of a parking garage in the historic district of Portsmouth. Norfolk and Portsmouth are within an hour of Williamsburg.

Daffodil Days, Gloucester, Virginia

Nearby Gloucester, Virginia features its annual "Daffodil Days" celebration this weekend.

Artistic Architecture , Hampton, Virginia, Part 2

This is another of the artistic additions to an office building in Hampton. This, unlike yesterday's offering, incorporates a real window into the artistry.

Artistic Architecture, Hampton, Virginia

 

 

 

The owner of this office building in nearby Hampton came up with a great way to break up a long, brick wall; artwork.  This is one of three paintings decorating the building. 

Veteran's Monument, Newport News, Virginia

The Victory Arch in Newport News, complete with eternal flame, honors service men and women and is a fitting memorial to those who protect our freedoms.

 

Ships At Newport News, Virginia

Newport News, our next door neighbor, is famous for ship building and repair. The shipyards dominate much of the skyline along the James River, with ships in all shapes, sizes and purposes available for view. 

Strawberry Picking, College Run Farms, Surry Virginia

Monday, we managed a day off and went strawberry picking at College Run Farms in Surry County. We took the car ferry over the James River and drove to the farm.  You can pick whatever happens to be in season. We grabbed a gallon of strawberries from the rows and rows of raised strawberry beds. The last photo is of some of our co-pickers carefully searching for the perfect berry. This is a tasty and fun post in our "Good Neighbor Within An Hour" of Williamsburg series.

King Neptune, Neighbor Within An Hour Of Williamsburg, Virginia

This gigantic statue of King Neptune dominates the boardwalk at nearby Virginia Beach; a very popular shore destination drawing multitudes to the area each season.  Blue skies, wide sandy beaches, waves and sun are enticing.

We are periodically presenting items of interest from neighboring locales within an hour of Williamsburg and who, like all good neighbors, contribute to the quality of life for all.