Claiborne House Bed & Breakfast Coffee Talk

Two Exhibits Cruise Down the Crooked Road

2008-06-25T07:45:00.006-04:00

Southwest Virginians have an ear for music, and two new exhibits at the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum of Ferrum College showcase the long history of picking and singing in the mountains.

Crooked Road Royalty and Musical Styles Along the Crooked Road are open daily in the museum's galleries on the Ferrum College campus through February of 2009.

(Ferrum College - Blue Ridge Institue is a short 8 mile drive from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast. Also home to the famous not-to-be-missed Blue Ridge Folklife Festival every October.)

The museum is the State Center for Blue Ridge Folklore and a major venue along the Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. Gallery admission is free.

Crooked Road Royalty highlights the careers of the Hill Billies, the Stoneman Family, the Carter Family and the Stanley Brothers, four Virginia powerhouse groups that helped build the American country music industry.

Musical Styles Along the Crooked Road presents the rich variety of roots music western Virginians sing and play--bluegrass, ballads of love and death, sentimental mountain songs, blues and gospel.

Both exhibits include rare film footage and photographs of historic Crooked Road musicians.
Today's country musicians know their debt to Southwest Virginia's musical royalty. In the 1920s, the Hill Billies gave their name to an entire form of American music, and the Stoneman Family added over 200 recordings to the nation's song bag. In the 1930s and early '40s, the Carter Family's sentimental songs soothed the country in hard times, and the Stanley Brothers put an old-time mountain legacy on bluegrass.

"The story of American country music is filled with singers and pickers from the Crooked Road region," said Andrew Pauly, exhibit researcher. "Even today's young country music stars know songs that were first recorded by the early Southwest Virginia artists."

Crooked Road Royalty and Musical Styles Along the Crooked Road will travel to numerous venues in Southwest Virginia in the coming years. The exhibits have been produced by the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum for the Crooked Road with funding from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification & Community Revitalization Commission.

For more information, call 540-365-4416 or visit http://www.blueridgeinstiute.org/

For more information on The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail - - Promoting Appalachian Virginia's Heritage Culture. http://www.thecrookedroad.org/

Article taken from The Franklin News Post. Here is a link to their website for more local stuff here in Franklin County Virginia.

Photo credit: Photo by H.W. Smith: Roni Stoneman, performing here at the 2006 Wayne Henderson Music Festival, is one of three of Ernest Stoneman's daughters, who carries on country music's longest family legacy.

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia ht tp://www.claibornehouse.net/

Rock N Roll in Rocky Mount Package

2008-06-21T17:18:00.008-04:00

Special Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast Package

The month of August we have some super big-name artists coming to the area! They will be playing in a beautiful outdoor setting, on the water's edge at nearby Smith Mountain Lake.

Cost is $250 per couple (add on addtl night stay at regular room rate)

This package includes a ONE NIGHT STAY FOR TWO at The Claiborne House B&B, FRESH FLOWERS IN YOUR ROOM and TWO TICKETS TO ANY SHOW OF YOUR CHOICE LISTED BELOW:

Friday, August 8th 7:00 PM Sara Evans

Friday, August 15th 7:00 PM STYX

Saturday, August 16th 7:00 PM Lonestar

Friday, August 22nd 7:00 PM Grand Funk Railroad

Saturday, August 23rd 7:00 PM Blake Shelton

Thursday, August 28th 7:00 PM TobyMac w/Beautiful Republic

Friday, August 29th 7:00 PM Diamond Rio w/Mountain Heart

Tickets are non-refundable. Special package is not valid with other offers or specials. No gift certificates accepted for this special. General Admission seating.

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia ht tp://www.claibornehouse.net/

Updates on Drive In Theater and Amphitheater

2008-06-18T12:24:00.013-04:00

Update #1: The Mayberry Diner and Drive In Theater will make it's debut in late summer.

The 50's style diner that will seat 85 and serve up hamburgers, soups and sandwiches will be moved from it's current home in Chesapeake Virginia to Moneta and be open for business by end of July.

They plan to serve some new favorites like fried green tomatoes, cheeseburger pizza and Moravian chicken pot pie. Beer and wine will also be available.

The drive in will have daily double features with parking for more than 200 cars. The first film will be a first run and the second a few weeks older. The owner said first run films are charged 50% to run, second run about 10%.

Admission ticket prices are not set yet, but the plan is to charge $6 for adults, with children under 11 getting in free. So get your jammies ready to go to the old fashioned drive in theater!

This will be a family affair. Even during our economic slump, which I tend to call "the droopy dollar" the prices will be kept reasonable. The owner Bob Craig said that "The movie industry is actually what picks up during a recession. It's a form of entertainment people can afford."

At Mayberry Drive-in and diner they want families to spend time together and not break the bank. Once open, the drive in will be open year-round. I will update this post when it is open with directions and movie times. We wish them all the best in this endeavor. Like most of the things I feature on this blog, spending quality time together is #1. Directions and more info to come.

Update #2: Sweetwater Amphitheater will have a temporary use permit to host concerts in August.

What sort of shows can you expect to see at The Sweetwater Amphitheater? How about country star Sara Evans? and the rock group STYX. They will both be performing this summer at the lake. Some other artists scheduled to appear are Lonestar, TobyMac, Diamond Rio, and Grand Funk Railroad. For a special event package click here.

They plan to incorporate blues, jazz and all genres of music in the near future. Because it is a private cenue they can be selective about the groups chosen to perform. (no head bangers)

The August shows will be held at the East Lake Commons Site, across Smith Mountain Lake Parkway from Mariner's Landing.

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia ht tp://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Ice Cream Cottage at Smith Mountain Lake - Howzabout a Banana Split?

2008-06-18T11:41:00.016-04:00

Davey and Carrol Dillon run The Ice Cream Cottage at Bridgwater Plaza on Smith Mountain Lake. This family owned ice cream parlor is open from March to the end of November.

We had guests here at The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast ask someone where they could get an ice cream the other day and were directed to Dairy Queen. Now, sure they sell ice cream, but they don't serve it up with the same hometown southern hospitality you will get with a hand dipped ice cream at The Ice Cream Cottage. You can even get a homemade banana split! HOW COOL IS THAT!

How do you find the Ice Cream Cottage? Well from the B&B you just shoot straight out Route 122 - aka Booker T Washington Hwy toward Smith Mountain Lake for about 18 miles. You will see Bridgewater Plaza as the lake opens up and you approach Halesford Bridge. The plaza is on the right with plenty of parking. There are art galleries, restaurants and other quaint shops at The Plaza. The Visitor's Center is also located in Bridgewater Plaza, a great place to find even more fantastic places to sight see and great things to do.

The Ice Cream Cottage is located on the second level facing the lake. Over 24 flavors of Hershey ice cream, hotdogs, milk shakes, sundaes, banana splits. GPS address: 16430 Booker T. Washington Highway, Moneta, VA 24121 (540) 721-1305

Here is my suggestion: As the weather warms up (which it has) grab your swimming gear and head to the lake.

I already told you about our brand new white sandy inwater beach at The Franklin County Community Park.

Go for a swim, a kayak or rent a jet ski or pontoon. Then head on over to The Ice Cream Cottage for a cool refreshing treat. You can park your boat right there at Bridgewater Plaza and head in to see Davey and Carrol for a Coconut Chocolate Almond ice cream or Crazy Vanilla. They have owned and operated this wonderful ice cream parlor for 11 years and can make a killer sundae!

Isn't this what the lazy days of summer should be all about? Do yourself a favor, don't drive-thru a fast food joint. Walk or Boat up to The Ice Cream Cottage for a real treat! Tell them Tony & Shellie sent you. (The Ice Cream Cottage accepts credit cards, but always welcome cash - with ID of course).

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia (and bad ice cream!) ht tp://www.claibornehouse.net/

Virginia Green Staycation - What is it?

2008-06-10T12:25:00.011-04:00

Buzz word 'Staycation' is being tossed around a lot lately. When I first heard it, it really didn't make any sense. But now that I understand it's meaning I really like it and think it is a super idea!

How to help our U.S. soggy dollar and stretch yours this summer? Travel closer to home – there is so much to see and do in these United States. Do you love cultural heritage music? Y’all git on out here…

A staycation is a vacation taken close to home, in your own state even better. I have added our own twist to it by calling it a Green Staycation. Why green? Well what is better than saving your greenbacks? Why spend a ton in fuel, flying? - air travel with all it's hangups just isn't fun anymore...explore your own backyard (or preferably ours!)

To add to the green theme, we have decided to entice you with the rolling green foothills of the Blue Ridge here in Franklin County. Get out of the city, out of the traffic, the crime, the chaos and into the country! Travel our roads here in Franklin County and take in the scenery, the fresh country breezes and break free of Nature Deficit Disorder, as I like to call it.

What is Nature Deficit Disorder?

Definition: the desire to sit inside and be entertained by electronic devices instead of getting into the great outdoors.

If you think you might have this disorder, this is the place to start kickin the habit - hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, golfing, birding, hunting, paddling. The Blue Ridge Parkway is right at your fingertips from The Claiborne House B&B. See the Sweet Mountain Laurel Loop on The Blue Ridge. Smart View Recreation Area from the B&B go route 40-West and head out past Ferrum College to reach The Blue Ridge Parkway. Peaks of Otter is another wonderful place for a leisure hike with beautiful views!

We are offering a book online and save $10 per night Green Staycation Special Rate. Two nights = $20 savings , Three nights = $30 savings that you can put back into your tank or use to rent a pontoon, jetski or speedboat over at nearby Smith Mountain Lake!

Here's another novel idea for gas savings and staying as green as Kermit - if you have a motorcycle and want to tour America's Favorite Drive - The Blue Ridge Parkway, we have off street paved, lighted parking at The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast. We are 15 minutes from three entrances/exits on The Blue Ridge Parkway.

Who said it's not easy being green?

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia
ht tp://www.claibornehouse.net/

Grab Yer Cozzies - The Beach is Open!

2008-05-28T16:04:00.008-04:00

The Beach at our Franklin County Community Park is OPEN!

It officially opened last Friday just in time for memorial weekend and boating season. I guess there really is no reason left to go anywhere else. We have mountains, lakes, scenery beyond description and now our own beach!

There is no cost to go to this beach, bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, noodles and a big ugly hat and you are all set for a day of fun in the sun.

At the Franklin County Community Park you will find a brand new playground, restrooms, fishing pier, picnic tables and a wonderful trail that leads out to the point. This is a great trail for a nice walk after a swim or if you have a pooch, he/she would be forever grateful if you wandered down this trail to the point.

The community park/beach is about a 45 minute drive from The Claiborne House B&B. The directions are easy enough -

from Rocky Mount go Route 40 West to Route 122/Booker T Washington Highway. Go approx 18 miles til you come to WESTLAKE CORNER (you'll see a Kroger store and Wendy's) at the next light turn RIGHT on SCRUGGS ROAD. You will pass a Dairy Queen and then a fanstastic restaurant Blackwater Cafe. You will see Scruggs Fire and Rescue and turn LEFT at the service station. From there follow the signs to the beach.

There is plenty of parking near the beach or the other side near the fishing pier. Some decent sized Striper have been caught from this pier. So if you like to fish, don't forget your rod and reel.

Don't forget to stop at Homestead Creamery on your way back to The Claiborne House B&B. They have the most delicious ice cream made right there off Route 122 near Burnt Chimney. It reminds me aof a creamy custard.

They have the cows out the back from which this ice cream is made! You can grab a pint of the special of the week or have a cone right there and peruse there little store. I would add a website link, but this creamery is owned and operated by the old older of German Baptists. So there will be no website. Just old fashioned ice cream.

PS Certain parts of Australia call a swimsuit a swimming costume, therefore the typical Aussie abbreviation to Cozzies. I think in Queensland they call them TOGS. Grab yer togs. Or Swimmers.

FYI The water in August is 84 at Smith Mountain Lake. So you better hurry up and get here and enjoy it!

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia ht tp://www.claibornehouse.net/

Roanoke's Millionaire Club - The Texas Tavern

2008-05-19T14:14:00.019-04:00

A trip to Roanoke would not be complete without a stop to the city's most unique and very popular restaurant THE TEXAS TAVERN. (Perhaps the smallest as well)

The Texas Tavern is the most photographed building in Roanoke.

The Texas Tavern is a favorite haunt for many, famous and infamous and regular everyday ordinary people. Within the walls of this tiny building sit an elite group set to solve world problems over a cup of buttermilk and a chili.

When Dad and I went to The Texas Tavern, Dad commented on how good the coffee was. Of course it is good, just like here at The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast, it is percolated! So when you go, don't skip a cup of coffee after your meal, you will really enjoy it.

As we sat at the counter on our bar stools, the first thing I noticed was the solid brass foot rest that runs the entire length of the counter was worn down to below half. Boy has this counter seen some business!

Here is some trivia for those who love trivia about The Texas Tavern:

Texas Tavern is open 24 hours per day-7 days per week, except Christmas.

The building has been painted approximately 65 times.

Approximately 1100 Tons of Pinto Beans have been consumed since 1930.

Approximately 1,260,000 pounds of hamburger meat have been consumed since 1930.

Approximately 9,460,000 hotdogs have been consumed since 1930.

Gerald Williams and Bill Ammons ate at the "Tavern" the day it opened and are still customers 74 years later.

A favorite sign or two at The Texas Tavern:

We seat 1,000 people-10 at a time.

We don't cash checks or play with bumblebees.

I have taken this information directly from their website and hope it brings many more interesting folks in to join Roanoke's Millionaire Club.

Famous customers over the years include the "3 Stooges", when in Lynchburg or Roanoke back in the vaudeville days, Glen Miller, the legendary band leader, Lynwood Holton, former Govenor of Virginia, M. Caldwell Butler, member of the House of Representatives, Clifton A. “Chip” Woodrum, Virginia House of Delegates and Vic Thomas of the same. John Payne (famous movie actor in the ‘40s and ‘50s) was a native Roanoker and “Tavern” fan.

Also, Billy Joe Burnette, a well known entertainer originally from Roanoke and a loyal “Tavern” customer, recently presented the Texas Tavern with an original platinum record of his hit recording “Teddy Bear”, a multi-million seller.

Also, very well respected and popular retired Judge Jim Brice has been a "Tavern" regular since the early '40's. When Debbie Reynolds was married to a Roanoker, she was a frequent customer.

Over the last 74 years many people from various walks of life have visited the Tavern. It is not unusual to observe a judge sitting on one stool having a conversation with some fellow just released from jail. Preachers sit next to sinners and “ladies of the evening” rub elbows with the country club set. Democrats speak to Republicans at the Texas Tavern!

Everyone is treated the same at the “Millionaires Club” for each customer is treated as if he is indeed a “millionaire”.

Many famous people have come in, eaten, and left without any fanfare. Always bring your camera, you never know who is coming next. The Texas Tavern is the most photographed building in Roanoke. (Yes, it was rumored that Elvis was seen at the Texas Tavern several nights ago). Also, at a recent (February 04) Alan Jackson concert, pictures of the Texas Tavern were featured as a background to loud cheers from his fans!

Amongst many other accolades Texas Tavern is a consistent winner in polls conducted by the Roanoker magazine in catagories such as "Best Late Night Dinner", "Best Chile", "Best Hotdog" and "Best Inexpensive Lunch".

Featured in Fodors travel guide for the Southern U.S.

Sample Texas Tavern's Menu:

540-342-4825

Hamburgers
$1.20

Hotdog
$1.20

Double Hamburger
2.10

Egg Sandwich
1.60

Cheeseburger (small)
1.35

Denver (Egg & Cheese)
1.75

Cheeseburger (large)
2.25

Ham Sandwich
1.70

Ham & Egg Sandwich
2.10

Ham & Cheese
1.85

Cheesy Ham & Egg
2.25

Coffee
.70

Western
2.10

Chile (Bowl)
1.50

They also have a breakfast menu that draws in a regular crowd.

http://www.texastavern-inc.com/

All photo credits are given to our dear friend Jim Scott who stopped by for a visit and then hightailed it back to the NW.

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Visit Patrick Henry's House - Red Hill

2008-05-12T07:11:00.016-04:00

THE VOICE OF THE REVOLUTION and VIRGINIA'S FIRST GOVERNOR

Patrick Henry's plantation home RED HILL is an hour and a half drive from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast. It is something to see and explore! He referred to Red Hill as "One of the garden spots of Virginia."

After twenty-five years in Virginia's legislature, five conventions, and five exhausting terms as governor, Patrick Henry retired to Red Hill and resumed his private legal practice.

A little bit of history of the Man (taken from REDHILL.ORG website)

Patrick Henry’s political career began in December 1763 with his rousing victory in the Parsons’ Cause, a controversy rooted in the peculiarities of colonial Virginia’s tobacco-based economy that also became an important precursor of the American Revolution.

Clergymen of the established Anglican church and other public officials in colonial Virginia received their annual salaries in tobacco – 16,000 pounds per a year for a clergyman. For decades the market price of tobacco had been about 2 cents a pound, but severe droughts in 1759 and 1760 drove the price of tobacco much higher. In response to this crisis, the colonial legislature passed a Two-Penny Act, which declared that contracts payable in tobacco should be valued according to the normal price rather than the higher “windfall” caused by the recent drought. Many of Virginia ’s Anglican clergy, who already felt that their vestries paid them too little, protested the law. Eventually, the parsons appealed to colonial authorities in England , who overruled the Virginia statute and declared it void. This action aroused a controversy over the nature of British authority within the colony.

Most of us know the familiar words of Patrick Henry "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death" this Speech by Patrick Henry to the Second Virginia Revolutionary Convention meeting at St. John's Church, Richmond, on March 23, 1775.

Some more inspiring words of the same speech:

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty?

Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?

For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.

Click here to read the entire speech.

Osage Orange Tree Both a National Champion and a member of the American Forestry Hall of Fame, this Osage Orange tree has an astonishing eighty-five foot span and stands sixty feet high

http://www.redhill.org/

Toll Free: 800-514-PHMF (800 514-7463)

Red Hill is open:

Monday - Saturday 9 am to 5 pm

Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm

Admission: Adults, $6.00; Children, $2.00

Driving Directions

Red Hill has a fantastic 4th of July celebration!

July 4, 2008 ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Fireworks, live music, food, Patrick Henry, living history interpreters, games, and more...
$10 per vehicle carrying up to six passengers

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

U-Pick in Blue Ridge Country

2008-05-03T16:04:00.012-04:00

Having just returned from picking fresh warm in the field strawberries yesterday, I have share some U-Pick places you will enjoy. There is nothing better than handpicked ripened on the vine/tree fruit. NOTHING!

Guests from the U.K. this morning started their meal with handpicked red juicy strawberries and cream. As a part of their savory breakfast they also enjoyed homegrown tomatoes.

At The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast we will always strive to provide local produce if at all possible. There is plenty that grows here in these hills besides corn for moonshine and tobacco!

STRAWBERRIES
Dansby's Strawberries – Glade Hill

Sweet and clean. Plasticulture grown. A fun family event, pick one eat one pick one eat one. The Dansby’s encourage “sampling” as many as you like!

Picking times: Daily (Sun-up to Dark) and Sundays (2pm to Dark) – We’re in the buckle of the Bible Belt, so for folks who think everything oughta be open early on Sunday - - well it ain't gonna happen, thankfully.

Hot to find them:
From Rocky Mount go 8 miles on 40 East to Glad Hill Post Office. Turn right on 718 (Colonial Tpke). Go 2 miles to Doe Run Rd. After True Vine watch for the signs (448 Colonial Tpke).

Prices this year are:
You Pick - $9.25 per gallon = 5 lbs or $1.85 lb
We Pick For You - $13.00 per gallon = 5 lbs $3.25 qt

In Glade Hill - True Vine Area
540.576.3658

They have already alerted us to the asparagus we will be able to pick early next Spring! Asparagus is my all-time favorite vegetable – hm, how can I work that into a quiche?

CHERRIES
Levering Orchard - Ararat

On a good season, the cherries start as early as late May and can extend to the Fourth of July and sometimes beyond. Almost 30 years after Sam's planting, Levering Orchard claims the title as the largest cherry orchard in the South and draws customers from as far as Washington DC and Atlanta to pick its 43 varieties of sweet and sour cherries. I have to warn cherry picking is not for the faint hearted. The heat is on, the ladders are tall and wobbly. That is the only way to reach those beauties!

As Deane Kern wrote for a recent issue of Blue Ridge Country magazine, "Every June, Levering Orchard welcomes more than 20,000 visitors from the Blue Ridge and beyond.... Frank always encourages visitors to bring picnic lunches and take time to savor the clear mountain breezes and breathtaking scenic views. He declares that his delicious fruit cannot be found in grocery stores at even twice the price."

Levering Orchard nestles 2 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Orchard Gap, 75 miles southwest of Roanoke and 10 miles north of Mount Airy, North Carolina. Cherries ripen in June and early July; apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and pears in July and August; apples from July through November.

LEVERING ORCHARD
163 Levering Lane Ararat, VA 24053
Packhouse Office: 276.755.3593
Cherry Hotline: 276.755.4837
http://www.leveringorchard.com/home.asp See their website for current pick dates or call the cherry hotline.

This is not NEAR The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast, it is a decent one and a half to two hour drive down The Blue Ridge Parkway – a nice leisurely drive I might add. Remember you can’t go over 45 mph on The Parkway. So take your time and take in the scenery!

From Blue Ridge Parkway, between mileposts 193 & 194 at Orchard Gap (east of Fancy Gap, west of Meadows of Dan), go south on Orchard Gap Road (VA 691), down mountain 2 miles.

APPLES
Johnson's Orchards and Peaks of Otter Winery - Bedford

Directions: Take Route 460 1 mile west of Bedford. Turn right on Route 680 north for 5.5 miles. Follow the "yellow apples." From the Peaks of Otter and Blue Ridge Parkway, take Route 43 south for 3.5 miles, turn right on Route 682 for 3 miles, turn right on Route 680 for 1 mile. Follow the "yellow apples."

Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Open daily, August through November.
Special Comments: A drive to our farm is spectacular, especially in the fall when the leaves are turning. You can taste our apples, peaches, nectarines, cider, and other home grown and homemade products. Roadside stand open year round, 5 miles west of Bedford on Route 460. 15' high Johnny Appleseed statue. Restrooms. Picnic pavilion.

Products: Pick-your-own or fresh-picked apples, peaches, nectarines, and plums. Over 170 different varieties of apples including Red and Golden Delicious, Johnny Grimes, Jonathan, Johnny Dels, Grimes Golden, McIntosh, King Lush, Granny Smith, Rome, Black Twig, Arkansas Black, Stayman, Winesap, Gala, Fugi, plus many more antique apples.. Homemade cider, apple butter, syrup, apple hot sauces, jellies and jams, and other farm fresh products such as molasses, honey, pumpkins, hot peppers and other produce.

Note from Shellie – my favorite time of year to go to Johnson’s Orchards is near Memorial Day when the sunflowers are in full bloom to pollinate the apple trees!

Johnson's Orchards in Bedford. Nancy and Danny Johnson 2122 Sheep Creek Road, Route 680 Bedford, VA 24523(540) 586-3707 1-800-PIC-OURS (1-800-742-6877) See their website for the many festivals and events held at Peaks of Otter Winery and Johnson’s Orchards. http://www.johnsonsorchards.com/index.html

JAMISONS ORCHARD - Roanoke

Directions: One mile west of Route 419 and Oak Grove School.Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday. Closed Sunday (remember I said buckle on the belt).

Special Comments: Family farm since 1875. Our fruits and vegetables are grown on premises. Old fashioned homemade hard candy (in season). Fruit and gift baskets are a specialty.

Products: Apples, peaches, nectarines, vegetables, apple butter, peach butter, mountain honey, hard candy, Amish country cheese.

Dennis Jamison 5635 Grandin Road Extension, Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 774-5537

BLUEBERRIES
private patch - Bassett

JULY. I was given information for a pick-your-own blueberry patch. Blueberries are easy to pick (and easy to eat as you pick them!) They freeze well and shall be featured in many a blueberry pancake over this Summer and Fall at The Claiborne House B&B.

These are not the typical small Maine or wild blueberries, these are the large sweet and juicy North Carolina style blueberries. It only takes about 5 or 6 per pancake to make them bleed all over your plate.

Call first before you go to see if they are ready for pickin’ 276-629-7820. 110 Pawnee Lane Bassett VA

Directions: From Rocky Mount go 8 miles south on hwy 220 to Lucky Two store. Turn LEFT – go 3 miles to patch.

If anyone goes to any of the above – PLEASE SEND ME PHOTOS!

http://www.virginiaapples.org/pick-your-own/index.html Here is a list of all Virginia pick-your-own apples.

We had a guest stay with us who owns an orchard and every tree in it is cut from a tree owned by a notable American, Like Thomas Jefferson who extolled the virtues of the agrarian life. The third president of the United States considered farming to be his profession. While in Virginia you have the opportunity to visit Monticello or better yet Thomas’ summer home Poplar Forest where he spent his leisure time, contemplating much. (Poplar Forest is about 45 minutes from the B&B) near Bedford, VA.

“I continue in the enjoyment of good health, take much exercise, and make frequent journies to Bedford, the only journies I now take, or ever expect to take.” Thomas Jefferson January 10, 1811 [Age 68]

http://www.poplarforest.org/ http://www.monticello.org/

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Bluegrass Overdose at Festival in The Pines at Tripple Creek

2008-04-27T15:53:00.016-04:00

Festival in The Pines 28th Annual Tripple Creek Show April 30 - May 3, 2008

Celebrating 28 years of puttin' on toe tappin' bluegrass with the hottest artists in the Blue Ridge!

Come on out to Rocky Mount Virginia to hear Bluegrass like none other. Our local Tripple Creek Campground is the host to this annual bluegrass festival. Don't forget to bring a chair! Just in case you do, we have one y'all can borrow. Here is this year's line up:

Featuring...

The Larry Stephenson Band, The Lost & Found, Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Ramblers Choice featuring Jr. Sisk, The James King Band, The Bluegrass Brothers, Patrick Henry Travelers Dance Team, The Churchmen, Michelle Nixon & Drive, The Little Mountain Boys (2005 Showcase Win) In The Tradition (2006 Showcase Win)Roan Mountain Hill Toppers, Marcie Horn & Next Step, Midnight Ramblers (2007 Showcase Win),Hard Drivin' Grass, Ted Jones & The Tarheel Boys. Click here for the full schedule and lineup.

Gate Price 3 days for $70 or

4 days for $75 -- Children under 12 free with an adult

Directions from The North (Roanoke) - Take Hwy 220 South take the 3rd Rocky Mount Exit and go up and over the highway, go approx half mile then take left onto Tripple Creek Road - go 1/4 mile, entrance on right, follow the signs.

Directions from the South (Martinsville) - Take Hwy 220 North take the 1st Rocky Mount Exit, go a half mile then take left onto Tripple Creek Road - go 1/4 mile, entrance on right. Follow the signs.

From the Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast take either one. (Actually we can give you very simply directions from the B&B as we are only about 3 miles from Tripple Creek.) Address is 1184 Tripple Creek Road, Rocky Mount VA 24151

540.483.9839 for more information on this amazing toe tappin' festival.

A little bit 'bout headliner Larry Stephenson:

"One of the best and most influential of high lead/tenor singers in recent years." - Bluegrass Now Mag.

"One of the finest voices in Bluegrass today" - Bluegrass Unlimited

“A true treasure is the singing of Larry Stephenson. This guy is one of the finest singers Bluegrass has ever seen." - Bluegrass Canada

“Among the brightest and most reliable carriers of bluegrass tradition” - International Musician

Visit Larry Stephenson Band website at: http://www.larrystephensonband.com/

Visit Tripple Creek's Website

Photos from the top: Midnight Ramblers , Lost and Found ,Larry Stephenson Band

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

The Carolina Road and Waid Recreation Park

2008-04-18T13:30:00.033-04:00

Here through the Waid Homestead, The Great Wagon Road from Philadelphia to Georgia, known locally as "The Carolina Road" passes through the Blue Ridge.

Orginating as The Great Warrior Path of the Iroquois centuries before, the path was frequently used by The Iroquois before being ceded to the whites in 1714 to become one of the most heavily traveled roads in all of colonial America.

Located just 7 miles from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast, is Waid Homestead and the last existing stretch of this Carolina Road.

I have heard it said that one in every 4 Americans has a relative that has traversed this road. So believe it or not, many of you have ties here to our Franklin County Virginia.

Waid Recreation Area is open daily and home to some great trout fishing, thrilling canoe trips, beautiful walking trails, exciting ball games, and adventurous bike riding. Named Waid Park after the family who owned and lived on this land, it is The Waid Homestead. The barn and two tall old chimneys are all that remain from their farm.

Waid Park is located off of Six Mile Post Road in Rocky Mount, Virginia. This Park offers a variety of Walking and Biking Trails, Baseball and Softball Fields, Soccer Fields, Pigg River Fishing and Canoeing, Playgrounds, and Picnic Shelter Facilities.

The Picnic Shelters are located near playground equipment and have restrooms and grills. This Park is nestled near the Pigg River and is home of the "Pigg River Ramble" and the "MW Country Mountain Bike Race."

I have said it many times on the blog, that Franklin County is the moonshine capitol of the United Stated. Well here on the Waid Homestead is a small cabin, and my daughter took a photo of what is found inside this small cabin after climbing past poison ivy and possible snakes!

These are unused bottles of course, but looking at the style and markings, they are easily pre-1930's.

There is no sign of CAUTION DO NOT ENTER on the outside of this dilapidated cabin. In Virginia, we don't like people telling us what to do (as evidenced many years back in the War between The States) so we only ask that you use common sense when exploring glass riddled shacks.

So if you would like a place to hike, ride your bike, wiggle your toes in a cool trout stream or simply stand on a trail where many Iroquois have passed and wagons have tread during colonial America...just head on over the Waid Park. Less than 10 minute drive from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast.

If you leave Waid Park and stay on the same road heading West (Six Mile Post Road aka Route 640) it will land you on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Franklin County on The Crooked Road - Music, Art, Moonshine and More Music

2008-04-03T15:26:00.023-04:00

If you walk to the end of our street from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast (Claiborne Ave) and turn right you will be facing the building Antiques and Collectibles of The Crooked Road. Inside this new building you will find anything from old crockery to jewelry to furniture. If you get the chance to wander upstairs you will come to Carol Yopp's Wildlife Art Gallery. This just opened this week and features paintings by area artists, sculptures, hand-carved wood works, pottery and other local items of interest.

Our local photographer Dwight Haye's has an area featuring many of his photographs of Rocky Mount and Franklin County's most well known places, in addition to landscape scenes.

Rocky Mount is the Gateway to The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. One block north of the gallery you will find the Kiosk installed by the Crooked Road.org. At this kiosk you can tune your car radio into an a.m. station and hear the interesting facts about our county and its heritage music and why we are included in this fascinating road trip - called The Crooked Road. http://www.thecrookedroad.org/

There is also a large map of the trail posted on the kiosk and inside The Depot (Visitor's Center) you can get more information on the trail and other sites of interest along the way.

The Depot features live bluegrass and mountain music every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month called Footlights of The Blue Ridge. Bill Fuller brings together some of the top artists from our region and take my word for it, your toes will tap.

The next concert of Footlights of The Blue Ridge is April 11 at 7pm. Artists performing will be the amazing David Parmley and Continental Divide.

Across the Street from The Depot is Downtown Music. Inside this music store you can see some of the instruments that make bluegrass and ol' timey music what it is. Handmade banjo's are created right here in this studio.

Enroute into Rocky Mount on Route 40 (kitty-corner to the McCarty's McDonalds) is Hall's Music, another wonderful place to pick up some authentic bluegrass instruments. Hall's Music also has some local music on CD as well as sheet music of some of your favorite songs. If you want to see a mandolin, dulcimer, banjo, dobro or fiddle up-close this is the place! 540.484.8890

MOONSHINE EXPRESS
Sunday, April 20 - "Moonshine Express" - ride a vintage bus through Rocky Mount, meeting "characters" associated with Franklin County's liquid industry. Tickets are $14 and go on sale March 20. Displays and old vehicles will be available. See our replica moonshine likker still and talk to folks from both sides of the law at tour headquarters.

Choose your departure time: 1:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 3:00 p.m.Sponsored by the Franklin County Historical Society (540) 483-1890 or http://www.franklincountyvirginiahistoricalsoc.org/

Friday, June 6 Community History Days begin at Sheriff Shively's Storehouse on "The Crooked Road" - VA 40 West of Rocky Mount. Hosted by Lane & Sue Rakes. This date marks the one-year anniversary of this community project. Learn about the Endicott/Shooting Creek area - mini museum in the store. History and music theme items for sale and sale. Locally produced arts & crafts. Continuing each Friday.

Photo of local Rocky Mount group Pickin Buds - - hear them on their myspace page and book 'em if you like: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=193583882

FESTIVAL IN THE PINES
Festival In The Pines 28th Annual Event is Apri 30 - May 3. 2008 Kicks off with a barn dance.

Featuring...
The Larry Stephenson Band, The Lost & Found, Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Ramblers Choice featuring Jr. Sisk, The James King Band, The Bluegrass Brothers, Patrick Henry, Travelers Dance Team, The Churchmen, Michelle Nixon & Drive, The Little Mountain Boys (2005 Showcase Win) In The Tradition (2006 Showcase Win) Roan Mountain Hill Toppers Marcie Horn & Next Step, Midnight Ramblers (2007 Showcase Win) Hard Drivin' Grass, Ted Jones & The Tarheel Boys

For more information contact Tripple Creek Campground at http://www.tripplecreek.com/ .

1ST ANNUAL RHYTHM & VIEWS FESTIVAL AT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE
JUNE 2008 Join us for the 1st Annual Rhythm & Views Festival at Smith Mountain Lake. This Lakeside Concert Series kicks off with an incredible lineup of bluegrass musicians on Sunday, June 8, 2008. Gates open at 2 pm and music starts at 4 pm.

The Rhythm & Views Festival will take place at the W.E. Skelton 4H Educational Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake. Featuring Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Nothin Fancy, Acoustic Endeavors. Go to the website listed for more details. http://www.dlpconcerts.com/ 540-721-2759

For other events not listed here you can also visit our Franklin County website: http://www.visitfranklincountyva.org/

Lastly, if you come a road trip to visit The Crooked Road, we invite you to stay with us and enjoy all that Franklin County has to offer. But please note, this is not just a music trail, as I illustrated above, it is about the fascinating people of these Blue Ridge Mountains, it is the culture, the day-to-days that make this Crooked Road such a special place.

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Appalachian Trails Map Highlights The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail

2008-03-22T10:55:00.024-04:00

Hit the road on scenic Appalachian trails
By Kitty Bean Yancey, USA TODAY

Drivers who want to take a look at Lookout Mountain or brake for country music on Virginia's Crooked Road can gear up for one of 28 Appalachian driving tours developed by the National Geographic Society in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Visitappalachia.com offers interactive versions of the tours, downloadable maps and links to Appalachian states' tourism offices for additional info.

Driving routes, with photos and detailed travel information, also are featured in the April issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine. They include southwest Virginia's Crooked Road, Ohio's Clothesline of Quilts, The North Alabama Birding Trail, Kentucky Artisan Heritage Trails, West Virginia's Coal Heritage Trail and a 93-mile spin along the Lookout Mountain Parkway between Chattanooga, Tenn., and Gadsden, Ala..

The driving tours have a mission: to bring more visitors to Appalachia and rev up local economies.

Stay at The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast and drive the famous Shooting Creek Road on over to Floyd for their Friday Night Jamboree.

EXCERPT: Floyd, a one-stoplight town of 423, the population explodes on Friday nights. An overflow crowd spills out of the Country Store's faded wooden confines and onto Locust Street, where the Ruritan Club has set up a barbecue stand in the gravel lot next door.

Bands take shape on the corner, and a street party atmosphere prevails. Inside the general store, there's no smoking, drinking or cussing allowed, and generally, people comply, says Wood, an employee who helps maintain decorum.

Though Floyd is showing some signs of gentrification — tamarind-glazed tofu and jazz guitar at Oddfellas Cantina, a hemp clothing store, a shop-window ad for guided meditation — the Friday old time (fiddle-driven dance music) and bluegrass (the concert music born from old time) are what pack them in.

The jamboree evolved from impromptu get-togethers in an adjoining feed store and spread to the 1910 general store building where it became formalized 20-odd years ago.
"The store is an uplifting place with this wonderful spirit," says current owner Woody Crenshaw. "There's nothing pretentious here, and that's what touched me — how real it is in a world that's become so artificial."

***EXCERPT
"It's because people here don't take their cues from Hollywood or Nashville or New York," says Joe Wilson, chairman of the National Council for the Traditional Arts. (Joe Wilson stayed with us at The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in the Wash House Cottage and loved it here! He gave us a nice write us up in his book "A Guide to the Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail." we're on Pg 43 - the only lodging with a photo. :)

"You have a set of cranky people here who'd rather hear (local artist) Wayne Henderson than Garth Brooks. You know why? He's better. The reverberations of a great musician can last in a community for centuries."

In fact, the genre's popularity is growing, and not just because of Hollywood influences such as last year's Johnny Cash biopic, Walk the Line, or the earlier O Brother, Where Art Thou? Locals call the recent fans "the O Brother people," Wilson says. (Dan Tyminsky is a local to Franklin County and was the voice in the movie singing "Man of Constant Sorrow" he lived 8 miles from the B&B in Ferrum. He was touring with Allison Krauss.)

Along the Crooked Road, "all of a sudden we have a resurgence of young people (playing music) like never before," he says. http://www.thecrookedroad.org/

***
If you have not heard it y'all don't know what yer missin! Dixie Bee-Liners new pre-release "Down on The Crooked Road" - we have permission from Brandi Hart to play their cd for our guests. It is to be released mid April. Dixie Bee-Liners are what I call the new music on the Crooked Road. I love it.

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Read another article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Travel Section By J. Eric Eckard posted Sun 03.30.08:

"On the surface, we're just signs on the side of the road that connect the venues, but the real story is the people and the music," says Bill Smith, executive director of the Crooked Road project. (Bill Smith stayed in our Wash House Cottage and loved it here at The Claiborne House B&B)

Connect with the Carters or Ralph Stanley. There is a Crooked Road to roots of country music

Franklin County Moonshine Capital of the World

2008-03-14T13:43:00.010-04:00

Why is our Franklin County Known as the Moonshine Capital? Is it the rebellious nature of the native Franklin County Virginian, or plain ol' dislike for hall monitors!

I will let the experts in the field explain, this is from an article posted in the Franklin News Post. I do not see a credit on the article, but do not be fooled, our man on the scene Morris Stephenson who was involved in the biggest moonshine bust in history has somethin' to say on the subject!

When you visit us, please be sure to stop in at the Blue Ridge Institute on the grounds of Ferrum College to walk through a museum like no other. If you hurry and git on out here - you will be able to encounter the Moonshine Exihibit "White Liquor Blue Ridge Style." Disclaimer: No Sampling, sorry, but how'd I know you would ask. :)

Moonshining reputation built on long history

Franklin County wasn't labeled the "Moonshine Capital of the World" for its special brand of the illegal whiskey.

The county earned the reputation for the sheer volume of whiskey produced and for the perseverance of the moonshiners.

Maybe it was the independent nature of Franklin County residents, or their disdain for government telling them what to do or a way to make a little extra cash on the side. Or maybe it was just the topography of the county. Probably, it was all of the above.

Regardless of the reasons, making moonshine whiskey has been part of the county's history from just about the year it was established --1786. That was just a few years before Shay's Rebellion, an attempt by residents of western Pennsylvania to quash the newly formed federal government's decision to tax whiskey.

With those taxes looming, moonshiners went "underground," to ply their trade by night and in the secret confines of mountainous areas with plentiful streams.

That's why the rugged, mountainous western part of Franklin County around Endicott was a home to many stills, easily hidden in the deep crevices of the hills. Many raids took place in the Shooting Creek and Rennet Bag Creek sections of the area.

Generations of Franklin County residents have been in the business, passing down the techniques as surely as grandmothers pass down their recipes.

Most moonshiners were, by all accounts, ordinary citizens carrying on a tradition and making a little money to supplement otherwise slight incomes.

Others fought with revenuers, outsiders and amongst themselves, with some of those scraps ending in deaths. Many went on trial for moonshining and related offenses including murder. Some were acquitted; others went to jail.

Local police were often caught up in the trade, accepting protection money to keep their noses out of the business. Informers cropped up occasionally and some were even killed.

In researching the topic, there seems to be no end to the stories, many of which are still told to any eager ear.

One such story may best sum up moonshining activities in the county. "The Franklin County whiskey conspiracy case" in 1935 brought widespread attention to the county.

The following account of this case is from A Bicentennial History of the county by John S. and Emily J. Salmon:

Prohibition had made illegal distilling even more profitable and as business picked up so did investigations. As a result of one such inquiry a federal grand jury indicted 34 in a conspiracy case that defrauded the federal government of an estimated $5.5 million in whiskey excise taxes.

Those indicted included former Franklin County sheriff D. Wilson Hodges, a state prohibition officer, several deputies with the sheriff's department, former House of Delegates member David A. Nicholson and Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney Charles Carter Lee.

The conspiracy reportedly began in 1928 when then-Franklin County Sheriff Peter Hodges divided the county into districts and assigned a deputy to each district. The deputy's job was to enlist people to operate stills and then collect protection money -- $25 per still, $10 per load of whiskey and $5 for a filling station. Lee was accused of being a ringleader of the conspiracy.

As a side note to the case, 17 days before the grand jury began meeting, a potential key witness, Deputy Sheriff Thomas Jefferson Richards, and a prisoner he was escorting were gunned down in Rocky Mount when they got out of the car Richards was driving. Richards took 15 bullets, from both a shotgun and a .45 caliber pistol, in the chest and back. The car he was driving, a 1931 Ford roadster, was riddled with bullets in the ambush.

During the conspiracy trial, the government produced 176 witnesses "who told the jury of the huge extent of of the liquor operations in the county." Some of those witnesses, called rumrunners, said they had moved more than a million gallons of whiskey out of the county during the period covered in the indictment, traveling in caravans at high speed with "pilot" cars running interference to "ward off any officers that tried to stop them." (One of those rumrunners was a woman, Mrs. Willie Carter Sharpe, who said she moved more than 220,000 gallons between 1926 and 1931.)

Government statistics said that between 1930 and 1935 a total of 37 tons of yeast, 16,920 tons of sugar and thousands of tons of malt, meal and other materials used in making whiskey had been shipped to Franklin County. More than a million five-gallon cans made specifically for liquor were sold in the county during that time. Most were sold by Robert P. DeHart of Shooting Creek, who pleaded no contest in the trial.

It took the government 25 days over a period of five weeks to build its case. The defense used 16 days to try to refute the case, calling 69 of its own witnesses. Introductory statements to the jury, closing arguments and rebuttals took nine days.

The trial lasted 10 weeks and was the longest trial on record in Virginia to that date except for the treason trial of Aaron Burr, which was held in Richmond in 1807.

The Franklin County conspiracy case went to jury at 3:10 p.m. on June 29 and a verdict was reached on July 1. Twenty of the 23 defendants were found guilty. Lee and two deputies were acquitted. Most of those received light sentences and were reportedly back in the business before they even started serving their jail times.

Many more moonshining-related trials have occurred in the county over the years as the business didn't stop.

In a 1972 bust, the largest still ever found in Franklin County was destroyed.

With 20 718-gallon vats, the still was located off Prillaman Switch Road between Ferrum and Henry. The operation had a mash capacity of 14,360 gallons, capable of producing 1,436 gallons of whiskey per week.

Later that year, in December, an even larger still was found near Ferrum, with 24 718-gallon vats.

That December bust gained such notoriety, as most Franklin County residents will say with a wink and a swig of pride, that a photo of the still has been widely distributed and a copy of it hangs in the Franklin County Courthouse.

No one was ever charged in the December 1972 bust.

According to the Salmons' book, of the 277 stills found in the state from July 1, 1971 to July 1, 1972, 119 were in Franklin County. The nearest competitor was Buchanan County with only 20.

Between 1959 and 1985, of the 753 stills destroyed statewide, about 300 were in Franklin County. No other county even came close.

The last large-scale bust was in 2000, when Operation Lightning Strike resulted in 30 indictments related to three operations, two in Franklin County and one in North Carolina.

A Ferrum man, who authorities said was the ringleader of the largest of those operations, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison.

His operation produced more than 213,780 gallons of moonshine between 1992 and 1999, authorities said.

County authorities say the practice has probably not stopped but busts are few and far between these days.

As Special Agent Kenny Stoneman said in the Salmons' book, "as long as the sun rises over Smith Mountain Lake and sets over Philpott Lake to the west, there will be liquor made in Franklin County."

Visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum: http://www.blueridgeinstitute.org 540.365.4416

Visit the Franklin County Historical Society - to find books and other memorabilia on the subject. http://www.franklincountyvirginiahistoricalsoc.org/ 540.483.1890

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/

Alejandro's Mexican Grill in Roanoke is a hit!

2008-03-06T16:34:00.026-05:00

Alejandro's Mexican Grill in Roanoke is now open and is magnifico! As you know, being raised in San Diego CA instills a certain salsa in your soul. When you leave the fantastic Mexican food of Southern California, you really miss it. Just like the lobstuh in the NE, Southern CA is reknowned for its fast food taco joints and its abundance of flavor.

Well I saw in the SW Virginia CITY MAGAZINE that a new kid was in town, his name is Alejandro. He serves up a spicy salsa bar with 12 homemade varieties of salsa. Fresh and homemade,full of flavor - Did I mention fresh? Very fresh! Help yourself to the homemade tortilla chips and salsa while you await your meal. Yes fill up on them, I dare ya!

We went to Alejandro's amidst a packed out lunch crowd today, which is always a good sign.

It was myself and my skeptic parents. Mom being born and raised in San Diego and Dad living most of his adult life there really appreciate their spicy Mexican food. My parents have a thing for homemade fish tacos - Dad catches the fish himself (like Mahi Mahi) and they make some killer Baja Style Fish tacos! (Of course Fish Tacos were invented in San Diego - Trivia)

On the menu there was a great variety to choose from - including steak, grilled chicken, shredded pork, sausage, barbecue pork, steamed beef, shredded chicken, shredded beef and ground beef. Then add to that ceviche and fish tacos. I saw tortas, enchiladas, grilled plates, burritos and tacos from any meat choice.

I ordered my all time favorite carne asade taco ($1.90) and Mom had the carnitas burrito ($5.90). Both were outstanding. My taco consisted of two steamed corn tortillas, piled high with marinated piping-hot grilled beef, diced onion, cilantro and I added a little pico de gallo (which really it didn't need) this taco was muy excellente.

Mom's Carnitas burrito was California style with shredded pork, guacamole, rice, beans, sour cream, cheese, onions and plenty of flavor. She said she just couldn't add any salsa, the flavors melded together so well it was perfecto! (Mom likes to use words like 'meld')

Dad ordered a combination plate and was quite satisfied with flavor, content and quantity. Next time we try to "chee-kin in-chee-la-dahs" as the owner called them, they looked awesome! We saw lots of patrons eating the enchiladas.

Well there you have it - try it you will like it. It is WORTH the wait in line (if you arrive at lunch time). It is also worth the short drive from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount. It is casual. You order at the counter and take a seat. They have a full bar. They have great prices and delicious food! I highly recommend Alejandro's Mexican Grill in Roanoke for lunch, dinner or a late night snack.

They are open: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 to 2 a.m. (limited menu after 10 p.m.) Friday and Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

They are located: 127 Campbell Ave., downtown Roanoke. (540) 400-7053

Drive time from the Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is approx 20 minutes. Parking in downtown Roanoke is FREE after 5pm. Otherwise there are some paid lots nearby that are $3 per day. Alejandro's is one block from the new fabulous-soon-to-be-open Roanoke ART MUSEUM and walking distance to the O. Winston Link Museum (another highly recommended site to see in Roanoke). http://www.linkmuseum.org/, http://www.artmuseumroanoke.org/

They have a children's menu - but if you bring a kid to Alejandro's and order chicken nuggets I hope they throw them at you! Come on parents, order that kid a taco! Let them get their own chips and salsa. "LET THEM EAT SALSA"

Life is too short for bad coffee... Shellie @ The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount Virginia http://www.claibornehouse.net/