“Where are we going?” my wife Fyllis inquired as we walked toward our car. “I have no idea,” I replied, “but it’s going to be great.”
Several hours later, we wholeheartedly agreed that it had been even better than we hoped.
We had taken a surprise day trip, driving to nearby destinations we had not visited
before and enjoying sites, bites and diversions that were both entertaining and
educational.
What is Guess Where Trips?
Our excursion was provided by Guess Where Trips, one of several companies that offer outings close to home, journeys to other areas of the United States and even trips around the world.
How often do you get to surprise yourself? It’s virtually impossible to do so. But these imaginative outfits have figured out a way to make it happen. The rewards can be well worth the wonder for those willing to trust their travel plans to these experts.
While destinations included in the Guess Where Trips itineraries remain a secret until departure time, nothing else is left to chance. After picking a general locale, participants choose whether to receive their itinerary by mail or a digital version.
The packet includes an introductory section with suggestions on a time to depart, driving instructions, how long to spend at each stop, recommended places to eat and other helpful, practical information.
Among hints of what we were going to see and do were references to Mill Mornings; Shop, Cheers & Eat, and A Secret Bridge.
With a variety of recommendations made for some stops, you’re told to select those that come closest to fitting your preferences. Also suggested is if you can’t fit in all of the attractions, consider returning to enjoy them at a later date.
Mill Mornings
Shortly after our departure from Washington, DC, we entered a pastoral setting of rolling fields enclosed by low stone walls and split rail fences, tidy farms and tiny towns.
Our Mill Mornings exploration brought us to Aldie Mill Historic Park, the site of a grain mill and storehouse built in 1804 which was powered by twin overshot water wheels.
President James Monroe made use of the mill when he lived nearby after his presidency ended in 1825. In addition, during the Civil War, Confederate raiders captured Union soldiers who were stationed there.
Photo by Victor Block
After a short drive, we encountered a very different setting. Middleburg, Virginia offers equal doses of charm, natural beauty and southern hospitality. It also recaptures hints of the past, with more than 160 buildings that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Fabulous Food and Wine
The town also boasts an upscale horse country charm and serves as an epicenter of a number of outstanding wineries. Walkable main streets are lined by country-chic boutiques and restaurants.
The crown jewel of the eateries is The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, which has been a pillar of the village since it opened in 1728. No wonder presidents, politicians and Hollywood celebrities are among those who have dined, and wined, there.
Speaking of wine, the nearby Greenhill Vineyards provided a welcome respite. The sprawling property has been a working farm since 1762 and views from both the veranda and picnic tables scattered around the spacious lawn offer inviting views of the fields planted in grapes and gentle hills in the distance.
Guided wine tastings are available which pair well with a menu that includes specialty cheeses, charcuterie, caviar and more.
Historic Sights
Also in the vicinity is the Goose Creek Stone Bridge, which brought to mind several chapters of history. This graceful span, which is supported by four beautiful arches, was built around 1810 and had a tollhouse that charged three cents for a horse and rider and up to 12 cents for a full carriage.
In June 1863, Union forces near the bridge held off troops of General Robert E. Lee’s
Confederate Army who were traveling north toward Gettysburg. Their victory played a pivotal role in the Battle of Gettysburg which marked a turning point in the Civil War.
The story was much more tranquil as we came to the end of our one-day drive. Fyllis and I strolled through some of the 1,860 acres of woodlands and pastures that comprise Sky Meadows State Park, a serene setting that connects visitors with the farming practices of early European settlers.
We recaptured that and other aspects of colonial life while checking out the mid-19century log house, outbuildings, reconstructed blacksmith shop and gardens.
Enjoying Nature
Those plantings were dwarfed in both size and beauty by what greeted us at The State Arboretum of Virginia, our final stop offers enough appealing alternatives that we could have spent most of our day there.
The botanical garden showcases species from around the country and the world, but the rainbow of bright colors contrasts with the dark history that unfolded at the site.
The land once was a plantation where enslaved Africans toiled. A wing of one building served as their sleeping quarters and a cemetery containing 40 unmarked graves adds to the tragic tale.
We found much more uplifting a leisurely walk along the Native Plant Trail, which leads through a meadow, woodlands and a wetland area. Equally enticing is an herb garden that showcases plants with culinary, medicinal and household uses.
When we returned home, Fyllis and I agreed that our surprise road trip was among the most memorable we had experienced. We can’t wait to amaze ourselves again.
For more information, log onto guesswheretrips.com
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