Memorial Day weekend in Virginia

My roomie and my best bud Laura and I decided to head out in the campervan for the long Memorial Day weekend. We decided to hit southern Virginia which is a short drive from Winston Salem. We stopped in Wytheville (for some reason is a favorite of mine), then headed to Floyd where Laura had been but was new to me. Great little artsy, musical town. Unfortunately the weather turned cold and rainy so we didn't stay in Floyd long, just long enough to stroll the small downtown street.

Sam likes to help with the driving

Brilliant sign

Music happens here.

NICE

We had booked a Harvest Host spot for the night so headed up to the vineyard to check-in and have some wine. Harvest Host is an organization for RVer's to have a free night (boondocking) at either a winery, brewery or farm (that are Harvest Hosts) , all the host asks is that you support their business. Well if I am going to drink anyway, might as well get a free night for it! We had booked a spot (with this club, there are limited spots at each location, depending on the host), AmRhein's Wine Cellars. First of all, we would never had gone looking for this place, it was WAY out, but boy was it beautiful rolling green hills. Ended up having a lovely camp experience, in the rain.

Wine tasting at AmRheins Winery

Parking at the vineyard

Our picnic

The next day we headed down to Damascas VA where Laura had booked us a bike ride on the Creeper Trail. I know, I think the name is a bit "creepy" too but we were ready. Did I mention it was a bit chilly? We checked in for the trip at the tour location, signed all the necessary documents and in the van (along with 10 others) we go. About half hour later we were dropped at the top of the mountain, given our bikes and sent on our way. Well with the Creeper Trail there is only one way to go (from the drop spot)...down. It was a great downhill ride, which lasted for 17 miles. SO glad we wore layers, and I had gloves. It was cold. But I would recommend biking the Creeper Trail. So cool. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Creeper_Trail

Nothing else to say...cold and creepy :)

Getting dropped at the start

the creeper trail

selfie on the trail

That night, we had a nice campsite along the river near town (let me tell you the town is VERY small). Sam went exploring down by the river but thankfully came back in time for the movie (streamed on my computer in the back of the van).

our site along the river for the night

the river

Sam back from exploring, ready for the movie

Since we were at the Appalachian Trail, we figured we had to hike it, even if it was only for an hour or so. (To say we did!). So we did just that, after breakfast. We were heading back to Winston Salem (or little weekend was over) but decided to go home a different way, through Boone NC. I had never been to Boone so was excited to see the town that is home to Appalachian State University. Another nice surprise. Boone is nestled in the mountains and has such a wonderful feel. So glad we decided to go that way. Another pleasant surprise.

here we go

Appalachian trail

Brewery in Boone

Loved this art deco theatre in Boone NC

Downtown Boone