T H E G O O D WA L K A MEAL BESIDE THE TRAIL The enticing aroma of fried chicken wafts up from Michie Tavern (michietavern.com) as you traverse the Saunders-Monticello Trail. Give into the temptation after your walk and enjoy one of the bonuses of visiting Monticello-a buffet meal of traditional comfort foods in the circa 1797 tavern. Laurie proclaims the chicken to be some of the best in the area. (By the way, the name is pronounced "Mickey," not "Mitchie.") ABOVE This view is from along the Pond Trail. The pond is fed by springs and a seasonal stream from the mountain behind it. LEFT: The 2-mile SaundersMonticello Trail begins with a boardwalk. exceeding 10 feet." I don't know if he also chose raspberry bushes, but Laurie and I couldn't resist sampling a few of the ripe fruits dangling beside the pathway. A turn onto the .3-mile Pond Trail yielded sightings of ducks, herons and sparrows, while the short side trip to the Carter Overlook provided a forest-framed view of Charlottesville with a backdrop of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Before leaving here, we took advantage of some of the other attractions that are accessible from the trail system and have no fee to visit. The "Secluded Farm" has two miles of pathways winding through natural grasslands, and an arboretum has been developed with more than 100 species of plants representing many of those that live in Virginia's mountains and piedmont areas. Find out more about Leonard's walking and hiking adventures at habitualhiker.com. MICHIETAVERN.COM Potomac Eagle Scenic RAILROAD potomaceagle.com 304-424-0736 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 15http://www.MICHIETAVERN.COM http://www.potomaceagle.com