Virginia Explorer - Demo - (Page 9)

Our next stop was the Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum. This reconstruction is located just 200 feet from an original native village. Interpretive guides share their knowledge of the Native Americans that called this area home more than 800 years ago. Interpreters make arrowheads, tan hides, work in their gardens, and demonstrate other survival skills. The adjacent modern museum features ﬁne artwork and displays many artifacts from local archeological digs and collections on loan from private individuals. A very educational experience awaits your group at Wolf Creek. Our ﬁrst full day came to a relaxing close at West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery. After a brief tour, I relaxed with the owner and enjoyed the fruits of his labor by the glass. The setting is spectacular, and they welcome groups of all sizes. A catered wine dinner would be a wonderful way to end a day discovering Wytheville. The third day began at the Fort Chiswell Animal Park, much to Dylan’s delight. He loves animals, and the chance to be up close was exciting. Our ﬁrst stop was the petting zoo, which is great fun for kids and adults. The real adventure, though, begins on The Outback Bus Tour. Offered hourly, the tour visits the scenic and natural setting for the 45-acre park’s more exotic species. On our tour we were able to feed many of the animals and rub a few noses, too. Dylan said he was astonished at “how the goats would just eat right out of your hands.” Although we could have spent hours talking to the animals, we had a scheduled luncheon at the Log House Restaurant with the Wytheville Convention & Visitors’ Bureau director and her group sales manager. The restaurant is an attraction in itself, dating from 1776. It has a reputation for ﬁne food and service. Unfortunately, our waiter was terrible and could not seem to get anything right! Dylan could not believe this was happening. Finally, the inept waiter just sat down at our table and called for help. After assistance arrived, we were told that our incompetent server was not a waiter at all, but the Mayor of Wytheville, Trent Crewe. Dylan and I had a good laugh on the drive to Roanoke and a wonderful story to share. June 6, 1944, the memorial is breathtaking. This was my ﬁfth visit, and I was as deeply moved as the ﬁrst time I saw this awe-inspiring memorial. I cannot imagine visiting any single place that reﬂects more of the strength and sacriﬁce from those that died protecting our freedom. Our afternoon included a round of mountain golf at Hanging Rock Golf Club, which is always challenging for guys from sea level. After a late lunch in the clubhouse, we were ready to play this gorgeous golf course. We both played well, but the course record still stands! Day Five was scheduled at a relaxed pace. It included one of my favorite attractions, the O. Winston Link Museum. The original prints on display from the world-famous photographer capture the end of America’s “steam locomotive era.” After lunch at the downtown Roanoke City Market, where we met the Mayor of Salem, Virginia, we explored Center in the Square and the Science Museum of Western Virginia. A large number of hands-on exhibits make science and technology accessible to all. Day Six promised more fun and more excitement, beginning with a stop at the Roanoke Star and overlook on Mill Mountain. The world’s largest man-made star (1949) provides a setting for a mar- And, it’s still a treat to hear “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” On Sunday’s trip back, Dylan said to me, “I enjoyed the entire tour, and I would love to go again. There are so many Wytheville’s summer celebration in the Park offers tremendous value to a group tour with wonderful activities all day long, great food, and superb entertainment. velous view of the city. Next stop was the adorable Mill Mountain Zoo. A compact layout makes viewing more than 50 animal species easy and entertaining. Completing the afternoon was a stop at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. If it moves, you’ll ﬁnd it there. Included among the displays is the last steam engine photographed by O. Winston Link. That evening we enjoyed Americana at its best at a Class A Minor League Baseball game. The Salem Avalanche took on The Myrtle Beach Pelicans. To our delight, our hometown team won. things to do in Wytheville, Roanoke, and Bedford, and there’s always something to do when you’re on the road with Dylan and Pop-Pop.” Our western Virginia mountain experience made for great memories. To get your group rolling to this magniﬁcent area, contact: Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau 877-347-8307 | www.VisitWytheville.com Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-635-5535 | www.visitroanoke.com Virginia City is a fine photo op and fun for all ages. The Fairﬁeld Inn & Suites by Marriott was our lodging in the Roanoke area. Located off I-81 at exit 146, the property is just over a year old, very convenient, and quite comfortable. The staff was wonderful. After settling in (with pool time of course) and a quick dinner, we attended the outstanding Mill Mountain Theatre production of Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Our fourth day began with a nice breakfast at the hotel and a short drive to Bedford and the National D-Day Memorial. Dedicated to the memory of the Allied Forces that triumphed on www.grouptournews.com Winter/Spring 2007-2008 • 9 http://www.VisitWytheville.com http://www.visitroanoke.com http://www.visitorangevirginia.com http://www.grouptournews.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Virginia Explorer - Demo

Virginia Explorer - Demo ABA Marketplace to Land in Virginia Beach in February Tracing Our Ancestors' Footsteps along the Wilderness Road From the Publisher Virginia's Spirited Spots Lead to American Whiskey Trail Dine Around Tidewater: Virginia's Seafood Style On the Road With Dylan and Pop-Pop: A Mountain Experience Sightseeing Tours: Seashore, Settlers, Steeples, Spirits, Shopping Celebrate Virginia Garden Week's 75th Anniversary in April Meet the People Making Virginia such a Wonderful Place to Visit Virginia Advertisers Specializing in Group Business

Virginia Explorer - Demo

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