Nice weather is finally here and it is time to put the top down on the Fiat and hit the road for a day trip.  This month I pointed the car toward the Blue Ridge Mountains and drove to Sperryville, Virginia.  The drive to Sperryville can be quick by traveling route 211 west out of Warrenton, or scenic by taking the back roads through Culpeper, Madison or Flint Hill.  On these warm sunny days I would opt for the back roads through the beautiful countryside of Virginia.  Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sperryville may look small, but there is a lot to do here.  The Thornton River runs through the middle of town offering a tranquil escape from everyday routine.  The historic district of Sperryville is pretty much the town but there are other business and sites strung out along route 211 toward the Thornton Gap entrance to Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah Valley.  
    Founded in 1817 by Francis Thornton, Jr., Sperryville survives as an upper Piedmont crossroads village.  In the early 19th century John Kiger built Conestoga wagons in the town.  By the 1850’s two turnpikes (Thornton’s Gap and Sperryville & Rappahannock) intersected here.  In 1867, the Smoot family of Alexandria built a nearby tannery that closed in 1911.  By that time, the town boasted four churches, five general stores, one hotel, six mills, numerous shops, a Masonic hall, and a population of 350.  Sperryville’s wooden residences and visual charm have long made it a familiar stop for seasonal tourists to the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Today Sperryville is home to top notch B&B’s, restaurants, antique shops, gift shops, a throwback grocery store and its’ own distillery.
    Located in the heart of town you will find the Thornton River Grille.  This is where I stopped for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food served up by chef Tom Nash.  Located next to the Thornton River Grille is the Sperryville corner store.  It was here that I met owner Ken Thompson, who bought all three buildings which house the restaurant, the store and Rudy’s Pizza.  At the time of the purchase in 2000 the store was the only operating business, but Thompson quickly renovated the other two buildings.  Although the grocery store is a step back in time, it is fully stocked and has just about anything some one would need, including over 180 brands of beer.
    If you decide to turn your “day trip” into an overnighter, there are a number of B&B’s in the area including Hopkins Ordinary in town or the Belle Mead and Dulaney Hollow which is a short drive down Route 231 out of Sperryville.  Check out Dulaney Hollow and meet our friends Susan and Louis Cable who own this lovely home in the country and have been advertising with us for over 10 years.
    For the outdoors type there are more than 500 miles of hiking trails a short drive from town.  The Appalachian Trail meanders through Shenandoah National Park, just 5 miles away.  Some of the popular trails are Thornton River Trail, Little Devil’s Stairs, Tuscarora-Overall Run, Mary’s Rock, Piney River, and Piney Branch trails.  A short drive down 231 is Old Rag Mountain, a popular place to climb and camp out.
    There are two wineries located near Sperryville.  Smokehouse vineyards produce traditional and non-traditional meads (honey wines), historic beverages and seasonal hard ciders.  Sharp Rock Vineyards is also nearby.  A traditional winery, Sharp Rock is located on the Hughes River at the foot of Old Rag Mountain, and is one of Virginia’s most beautiful vineyard locations.
    If you take a trip to Sperryville in the fall, be sure to plan your trip around the Thornton Hill Steeplechase Races, which will be held on September 12, 2009.  For the past fifty years, Thornton Hill Farm has hosted steeplechase races in beautiful Rappahannock County, making it one of the oldest race venues in Virginia.  At the races you can bring a tailgate picnic or purchase food from local vendors.
    Located along the Thornton River is Copper Fox antiques and the Copper Fox Distillery.  Owner Rick Wasmund at the distillery makes one of America’s only single malt whiskeys.  As of this writing, Rick cannot disperse or sell his product to the public, however he hopes to be able to do so in the future.  Look for a full-blown article about Rick and his American Whiskey in a future issue of the Old Town Crier.
    With the nice spring weather upon us it is a great time for a drive.  Hit the road for a “day trip” and then return to Alexandria… for there is no place like home.

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