Christmas Candlelight Tickets Now On Sale!

Nov. 18th 2013

christmas card

Belle Grove Plantation
1st Annual
Christmas Candlelight Tours

It is time to make history at Belle Grove Plantation as we celebrate our first Christmas at the plantation! We will be opening our doors to old and young to come and gaze upon this grand mansion and grounds that has seen so many Christmas past.

On Friday, December 6th, 2013, Belle Grove Plantation will celebrate their Official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting. Come help us not only ring in the season, but celebrate officially opening our doors!

Saturday, December 14th from 5pm to 9pm, Santa arrives at the plantation! The last known visit from Father Christmas to the plantation appeared in the Free Lance Star dating to the 1890s! Come see him return once again and help us celebrate this return to tradition!

Each day, there will be entertainment and warm beverages to help you get into the Holiday Spirit!

Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast will be opening its doors for the 1st Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour for the following dates:

Friday, December 6th and Friday, December 13th
6:00pm to 9:00pm

Saturday, December 7th and Saturday, December 14th
Daytime Tours – 12:00pm to 3:00 pm
Evening Tours – 5:00pm to 9:30pm

Sunday, December 8th and Sunday, December 15th
Daytime Tours – 12:00pm to 3:00 pm
Evening Tours – 3:00pm to 6:00pm

IMPORTANT – This tour requires several stairs. We are sorry, at this time we are not handicap accessible.

Tickets are sold for scheduled times. Please make sure you purchase them for the time you wish to visit.

Ticket Prices:

Daytime Tickets

Adults – $15
Children under 12 – $10
Children under 5 – Free

Night Time Tickets

Adults – $25
Children under 12 – $10
Children under 5 – Free

I am sorry, we do not offer discounts for this event.

Please go to our Online Store to Purchase Tickets!

https://squareup.com/market/belle-grove-plantation-bed-and-breakfast/christmas-candlelight-tours-tickets

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Belle Grove History, Darnell History | Comments Off on Christmas Candlelight Tickets Now On Sale!

Look Who Stopped By The Plantation!

Nov. 17th 2013

Modern Molasses Cookies the Official Cookie of Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast birthplace of James Madison in King George Virginia at Port Conway

As many of you that have been following us over the last year or two know, we had an Official Cookie Contest last March. It was a wonderful contest and we had some really wonderful cookie recipes offered!

After a very close race and the public vote on Facebook, it ended with a delicious cookie called “Modern Molasses Cookies” submitted by Alyssa D’Alconzo. Since we have opened, we have been placing these yummy cookies on a silver tray on each bed during turn-down service. They are wonderful and everyone really enjoys the added “midnight snack”.

Modern Molasses Cookies the Official Cookie of Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast birthplace of James Madison in King George Virginia at Port Conway

Alyssa and Michelle – November 2013

This weekend we were excited to host Alyssa and her family for a couple days at the plantation! How wonderful to finally meet someone that we have been chatting with on our blog for so long. Alyssa isn’t the first from the blog to come by, but it was extra special to have her here to sample our “Modern Molasses Cookies”.

I think we passed the test!

But we would like to share the recipe with all those who are new or those who would like to know how to make them. Here at the plantation, I did make a copy of changes to the recipe. I don’t serve them with chocolate because there are those who may be allergic. I also make a batch and freeze the raw dough balls. Then in the afternoon, I pull out what I need and cook them so they are fresh and warm when our guests return from dinner. By freezing them, it helps give them a puffy center too. (A trick I learned from Mrs. Field’s cookies)

You can check out Alyssa’s blog and read about her adventures visiting us at

http://suitcasesandsweets.com

So make a warm batch and enjoy!

Modern Molasses Cookies – Alyssa D’Alconzo

Ingredients (4 dozen cookies)

2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/2 teaspoons allspice
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla
sugar
2 1/2 ounces dark chocolate
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine first 5 ingredients; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together shortening and dark brown sugar. Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla. Mix well.

Fold in dry ingredients and stir by hand.
Cover and chill at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheets.
Shape teaspoonful of dough into balls; roll in sugar.
Place balls onto cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart.

Bake 8-10 minutes until set. Cool for one minute on cookie sheet and remove to wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, break up chocolate into small pieces, add coconut oil or shortening, and microwave on medium heat until melted.

Using a fork, drizzle chocolate over cookies.

Allow chocolate to set and store in an airtight container.

Tea Anyone?

Feb. 23rd 2013

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Today, I had the chance to go back to Bacon’s Castle in Smithfield, Virginia to attend a wonderful Afternoon Tea with the Regency Society of Virginia. The Regency Society of Virginia is an organization for those who are fascinated by the British Regency and the corresponding American periods. They are a family-friendly, volunteer-run group whose goal is to continually grow in our knowledge of the years 1790-1820. Whether you are a Janeite, an English Country or Regency dancer, a re-enactor, a costume historian or lover of period dramas, The Regency Society of Virginia is a great place to be!

Diannahttp://thesedaysofmine.com/

Dianna
http://thesedaysofmine.com/

I received an invitation from my good friend and fellow blogger Dianna. Dianna has been with us almost from the beginning and has followed and supported us through this journey. She invited me early on to come to Smithfield, just about 45 minutes from our current home is Chesapeake to see her beloved Bacon’s Castle. This 1665 home located just outside of Smithfield is the only brick Jacobean home left in America. You can read more about his beautiful home by going to our “Year of the Virginia Historical Homes” Categories and finding it there.

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We started our event with a wonderful history lesson in tea. Did you know that Afternoon Tea Events we have today is largely based on the Victorian Era? The Afternoon Tea came about after the time of dinner was expended to a later time. Most households would have a breakfast and then dinner. When dinner stated getting later and later, the ladies found that they would need something more than tea to get them to dinner. So Afternoon Teas were born.

In the early days of America, tea was a valuable import. It was so valuable that it would be locked up and the mistress of the house would be the only one holding the key! I guess that shows how serious the Colonist were when the threw the tea in to the Boston Harbor!

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We dined on a wonderful plate of bits that were both beautiful and delicious. For our first course we were treated to two small tea sandwiches of egg salad and cucumber tea sandwiches, a bowl of asparagus soup (served cold), a small salad, lavender scones with strawberry preserves and fruit.

Cucumber Tea Sandwich

Cucumber Tea Sandwich

Egg Salad Tea Sandwich

Egg Salad Tea Sandwich

Lavender Scone

Lavender Scone

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After this plentiful plate, we were served our second course of sweet delights! Sweet muffins of apple and lemon poppy seed, vanilla shortbread and a coconut meringue cookie. With smartly dressed Society Ladies as our tea companions, there was a good time had by all!

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin

Apple Muffin

Apple Muffin

Coconut Meringue

Coconut Meringue

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After our Tea, we enjoyed a tour of this historic home. As my tour companion, Dianna gave us a deeper understanding our this home. Her family once owned it! Her mother was born and raised here! How lucky to have such history in ones family.

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If you would like to see this beautiful home, it will reopen for the Spring and Summer Season in March. Please visit their website at

IMG_4965

http://preservationvirginia.org/visit/historic-properties/bacons-castle

If you would like too learn more about the Regency Society or would like to have these wonderful ladies and gentlemen help you make your next tea or picnic event something really special, please visit their Facebook Fan Page at

IMG_4947

http://www.facebook.com/varegency?fref=ts

Get your Regency Dress Ready! Belle Grove Plantation will be hosting a Tea or Picnic Event soon!

To see more pictures of Belle Grove

Please visit our Facebook Fan Page

Facebook Link

Please Like Us and Share Us!

We are very close to 1000 Likes!

Update on Belle Grove after the Storm

Nov. 1st 2012

I am happy to report upon arriving at Belle Grove Plantation yesterday, we found no trees down! Not even a branch! We had just a few small limbs no bigger than a pencil down, but that is to be expected. Most of the leaves from the hickory tree near the caretaker’s house are off the tree. It was so beautiful just a week ago with its bright colors!

Hickory Tree

We are happy to report our walnut tree has survived yet another storm and are standing strong after 200 plus years!

Walnut Tree

Thank you to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers for us through this storm! We really appreciate your support!

We want to send out our thoughts and prayers to those who were in the path of the storm and who have not fared as well. We hope that things will get back to normal soon! Please let us know how you are doing!

One other note!

The Deadline for our Silent Vintage and Antique Auction is quickly coming to an end!

We are taking bids until Friday, November 2nd at 11:59pm!

Here is a quick update on the items!

Lot 1
Blue Glass Inkwell
Silent Auction Bid – $65.00

Lot 2
Meat Tenderizer
Silent Auction Bid – $8.00

Lot 3
Limoges Gravy/Sauce Boat
Silent Auction Bid – $10.00

Lot 4
Gelatin Mold
Silent Auction Bid – $20.00

Lot 5
Oriental Home Décor
Silent Auction Bid – $5.99

Lot 6
Glass Star Candle Holders
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 7
Oil Lamp
Silent Auction Bid – $15.99

Lot 8
David Michael Staffordshire Bone China Pitcher
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 9
Silver-Plated Gravy/Sauce Boat
Silent Auction Bid – $30.00

Lot 10
Dinner Plate size Penn State Decor Plate
Silent Auction Bid – $5.99

Lot 11
Teapot
Silent Auction Bid – $22.00

Lot 12
Silver Flask
Silent Auction Bid – $12.99

Lot 13
Handmade Jewelry – created for Civil War reenactment dress
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 14
Nippon Scalloped Bowl
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 15
Denton Bone China
Silent Auction Bid – $5.00

Lot 16
Johnson Brothers Windsor Ware F.B.&Co.
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 17
Coalport Bone China
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 18
Fondeville Ambassador Ware England
Silent Auction Bid – $5.99

Lot 19
Harpers Weekly Journal of Civilization Newspaper
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 20
Crystal Decanter
Silent Auction Bid – $19.99

Lot 21
(3) Unused “Dropped” Civil War Bullets – Found in and around Petersburg, Virginia
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 22
(4) Unused “Dropped” Civil War Bullets – Found in and around Petersburg, Virginia
Silent Auction Bid – $15.00

Lot 23
(3) Unused “Dropped” Civil War Bullets – Found in and around Petersburg, Virginia
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 24
Gold Teapot – Creamer – Sugar
Silent Auction Bid – $19.99

Lot 25
Tea Cup
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 26
Salad Plate
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 27
Brass Desk Ink Well
Silent Auction Bid – $15.00

Lot 28
Handmade Jewelry – created for Civil War reenactment dress
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 29
Dinner Plate
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 30
Flo Blue Serving Dish – small chip under the rim
Silent Auction Bid – $10.00

Lot 31
Royal Albert 8″ Quiche Dish – Bone China – Royal Doulton
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 32
Royal Albert Salad Plate – Bone China – Royal Doulton
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 33
Ticker Tape Parade Toy
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 34
Oriental Flower Brick (vase)
Silent Auction Bid – $0.00

Lot 35
1925 Kenworth Truck Bank
Silent Auction Bid – $12.99

Lot 36
Handmade Jewelry – Made with Vintage Pieces
Silent Auction Bid – $5.00

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Year of the Virginia Historic Homes | 68 Comments »

Back from Vacation

Oct. 22nd 2012

Wow what a week it has been! While we didn’t go to a wonderful location for rest and relaxation, we couldn’t have picked a better week’s worth of locations to go to. I will have to tell you that it is going to take me several days to cover all that we have done and seen this last week. So I hope you will be able to check back over the next few days!

After we returned on Monday from our time at the plantation, the Schooler House Bed and Breakfast and our meeting at Stratford Hall, we spent Tuesday just getting things done around the house in Chesapeake and preparing for the week of activities and meetings we had scheduled. It was near impossible to go to sleep on Tuesday night! With what lay ahead of us, I was eager to get it going!

On Wednesday morning, we rose at 6:00am (yes, 6am on a vacation day!) to get ready and head out to Richmond, Virginia. We had two appointments scheduled for Wednesday at two different locations. Best of all, we were going to meet up with our friend Terri, who lives in Richmond, for lunch. She was able to join us for the last meeting of the day.

Virginia Historic Society
Richmond, Virginia
www.vahistorical.org

Our first stop was at the Virginia Historic Society. I have been there before when I was doing some of my initial research on Belle Grove. It had been a whirlwind of a stop too! I had come in with just about one hour to view several pieces. I had pulled the reference information and had a list ready to go. These pieces were archive special collection pieces so I had to submit a request for each one. But thankfully, the librarians had worked with me and we were able to pull every one of them! I have to say a special thank you to Frances Pollard, one of the head librarians. She had pulled other pieces as well as the ones I knew about to help me complete some of the history of Belle Grove.

It was through Ms. Pollard that months later the Washington Post came calling for an interview on Belle Grove and my research. Most don’t know about the article in the Washington Post. It was during the early stages of our work on the lease contract and I wasn’t able to publish anything with Belle Grove’s name or location. I have to tell you it was really hard not to tell! The article was about researching family history. The Washington Post had come to the Virginia Historic Society to do the piece and Ms. Pollard had remembered my work and referred them to me. I never got to see the article, but how proud I was to tell about all the history we had uncovered by then.

When I visited the Virginia Historic Society before, there were several pieces I was not able to see because they were museum display pieces which required a special showing. Since we had the time during this working vacation, I decided to make an appointment to finally see them. Most of them were pictures of portraits that I had already seen. I had hoped to see the real portraits, but most were just copies of them. One piece we saw was a copy of the glass plate photo of Belle Grove in 1894. Their copy of the photo was a little clearer than ours and had more of the picture then ours. To our great surprise, it revealed more than we ever expected!

Belle Grove
1894
This is the photo I found first

Belle Grove
1894
This is the Virginia Historic Society’s copy

In the glass plate photo, you can clearly see more of the extension of the house. It also revealed that the third section of the house that we had long thought was added by the Hookers in the 1950s was in fact added a lot earlier. We now believe that it was added by the Turner family sometime between 1839 and 1876! Another reveal came in the way of who was on the portico. In the past, from our photo, we thought the person standing there was an African-American woman in a long white dress. We thought that she might be a former slave of the plantation that had decided not to leave. But as we looked at the photo, we realized that it wasn’t a woman at all! It turned out to be a man in a white suit sitting in a chair. We also found that he wasn’t alone! Sitting beside him is a small boy in a dark suit! Who have we found? I have a rough idea who it could be, but I am going to have to do some more research to find the true identity of both people. More to come on this discovery!

There was one more piece that we saw that was not on my list before. I had added it this time. It was the first piece we saw. Heather Beattie, Museum Collections Manager was our guide for this special viewing. When we arrived at the viewing room, she presented a small box. She opened the box to reveal a beautiful necklace made of gold and what looked like brown beads. It wasn’t very long, may be about 12 to 14 inches. But I knew what it was and was so overjoyed to have a chance to see it. This necklace was made by Nellie Madison Hite, sister of James Madison. What appear to be brown beads are in fact hair that had been twisted into the shape you see. The hair used for this necklace was that of President James Madison. I was so overwhelmed! Sadly we weren’t able to pick it up or touch it, but to come this close to the man himself! We could never be any closer to him unless we dug him up! It was truly very special!

Necklace made by Nellie Madison Hite using the hair of James Madison
Virginia Historic Society

After we finished with our special viewing, we headed up to the museum at the Historic Society. If you have never stopped by there, you are really missing something special! And best of all, it is free! Their collections are arranged by time periods. You can see items from the Native American’s who called Virginia home before the first settlers arrived to items from the Civil War to famous Virginians such as Arthur Ashe and Thomas Jefferson.

Catlett Conway
Uncle of James Madison
Born and Raised at Belle Grove Plantation
Virginia Historic Society

Virginia Historic Society

Beaded Silver Mint Julep Cup
Virginia Historic Society

1790s Sideboard
Virginia Historic Society

Virginia Historic Society

Inside Foyer of the Historic Society
Virginia Historic Society

Pocahontas
Virginia Historic Society

Plantation Model
Virginia Historic Society

Plantation Model
Virginia Historic Society

Plantation Model
Virginia Historic Society

Plantation Model
Virginia Historic Society

Plantation Model
Virginia Historic Society

Plantation Model
Virginia Historic Society

Plantation Model
Virginia Historic Society

Plantation Model
Virginia Historic Society

Plantation Model
Virginia Historic Society

Plantation Model
Virginia Historic Society

Plantation Model
Virginia Historic Society

James Madison
Virginia Historic Society

Virginia Historic Society

After our visit to the Virginia Historic Society, Brett and I headed over to an area in Richmond called Carytown. We were to meet Terri there for lunch at a place called The Can Can. But we arrived a little early so we took advantage of the extra time and hit some of the antique stores. Carytown is a town inside the city of Richmond. They have been revitalizing this area in what looks like a small town main street area. The shops are wide ranging from antiques to wine to consignment shops to places to eat. It all has the home town feel and it is easy to forget you are in a large capital city.

Carytown
Richmond, Virginia

Thomas Hines Antiques
3027 West Cary Street Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 355-2782

Our first stop was at Thomas Hines Antique Store. This store covers several store fronts and is what I would call an upscale antique store. When Brett and I entered, it took my breath away. I quickly told Brett that I would “take one of each”. The owner who was behind a shelf quickly responded, “Good, I’ll wrap it up for you.” Mr. Hines has been in the antique business since he was seven years old. Now in his seventies, he was able to point out pieces that would fit our needs for periods of the families various families that lived at Belle Grove. But the one thing that he told us that I hope to remember when we start making our purchases is this. He told us, “Make sure you buy the real thing. Because the people your plantation will attract will be the ones who will know the difference.” What a wise man he is.

Thomas Hines Antiques
Carytown
Richmond, Virginia

Thomas Hines Antiques
Carytown
Richmond, Virginia

Thomas Hines Antiques
Carytown
Richmond, Virginia

Sheppard Street Antiques
www.sheppardstreetantiques.com
Richmond, Virginia

From there we headed down the street looking into windows and enjoying the warmth of the sun. The next antique store we found was on a side street about a block away from Thomas Hines’ place. It was called the Sheppard Street Antiques Store. It isn’t a large as Thomas Hines’ place, but it has some really nice accent pieces. One of the first things that drew my attention was a small silver plated tea pot. It wasn’t big enough for an Afternoon Tea Social, but it would have been great for a one or two person tea. I didn’t get it and of course now I wish I had. Maybe I can make it back there again soon.

Sheppard Street Antiques
Carytown
Richmond, Virginia

Sheppard Street Antiques
Carytown
Richmond, Virginia

Sheppard Street Antiques
Carytown
Richmond, Virginia

Sheppard Street Antiques
Carytown
Richmond, Virginia

There was one piece that I got very excited about when I saw it. It was a set of spoons that were of the “Old Colonial Times” style. It is sterling silver and is made by Towle. This is the style I want for Belle Grove Plantation. It has that old charm and classic look that I feel would just be perfect for the dining table. As most of you noticed on the spoon bowls, the bowls are fluted like a pumpkin. I have used this style before at Schooler House Bed and Breakfast and just love the feel and look. I wasn’t able to get this set of spoons though. They are for chocolate dessert service and there were only a few pieces. Maybe soon I can find that set I need.

Old Colonial Times Spoon
Sheppard Street Antiques
Richmond, Virginia

I did however find one piece that I was able to get. They had a box of items headed to auction and they allowed Brett and me to look through it. I came across a small silver-plated creamer with small feet and a tiny lid on top. When I asked about the price, I couldn’t say no. So one day when you are sitting at our dining table enjoying breakfast, as you reach for this creamer to fill your coffee or tea, you will know how it came to grace our table.

Creamer
Sheppard Street Antiques
Richmond, Virginia

After shopping we met up with Terri at the Can Can. This brasserie is done in the style of a 1920s French Café. We decided to sit outside and enjoy the warm day and soft breeze. Our waiter, John was a lot of fun and very helpful in selecting a dish from their wonderful menu. And believe me it was really hard to select something! It all looked so good!

The Can Can Brasserie
www.cancanbrasserie.com
Carytown
Richmond, Virginia

The Can Can Brasserie
Carytown
Richmond, Virginia

Brett selected the Croque Madame. This is a variation of the Croque Monsieur, which is an open face ham and cheese sandwich. For the Croque Madame, they add a sun-side up fried egg. But I have to tell you that it is no ordinary ham and cheese sandwich.

The ham is fresh made (no deli slices here) and Gruyere Cheese.

Croque Madame
The Can Can Brasserie
Richmond, Virginia

Terri selected the Chicken Crepe. This crepe is filled with chicken and

topped with braised Lentil and Mushroom Ragout and an Apple Brie Fondue.

Chicken Crepe
The Can Can Brasserie
Richmond, Virginia

I selected the Cheese Plate. I didn’t want a lot to eat but this plate was filled with such delights! It has Camembert, Saint Andre and Fourme de’Ambert Cheese with slices of Smoke Sausage and Pate and a side of Green and Kalamata Olives and a Blueberry Compote.

Cheese Plate
The Can Can Brasserie
Richmond, Virginia

Cheese Plate (with the Smoked Sausage and Pate showing)
The Can Can Brasserie
Richmond, Virginia

As we sat there enjoying our meal, I could almost swear we were sitting at a road side café in France!

Terri and Brett
The Can Can Brasserie
Carytown

Brett and Michelle
The Can Can Brasserie
Carytown

Tomorrow – On to the Virginia House!

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Year of the Virginia Historic Homes | 28 Comments »

Meeting

Aug. 21st 2012

I know I said we will fill you in on the weekend at the plantation and Fredericksburg, but we got a surprise on Monday in the way of a very important meeting on Wednesday. We have been working on preparing for this meeting so we have not had time to post and answer comments. So tonight, we are going to be finishing up our prep work and getting to bed early because we need to travel to Richmond for this meeting.

Hopefully tomorrow we will have time to get the post up so you can see how much fun we had this weekend and I will answer your comments then too!

In the meantime, I thought I would share my “finds” from this weekend. We made a trip back to one of my favorite antique barn in King George, “McGinnis Antique Barn”.

Until tomorrow… enjoy and keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer for us.

Thank you all for your support! Don’t forget to get you tickets before 11:59pm Friday, August 24th! The big drawing is Saturday, August 25th!

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Year of the Virginia Historic Homes | 26 Comments »

Another Score Day in Antiques

Jun. 23rd 2012

Hurley decided to sleep in this morning while Brett and I headed out towards Kilmarnock, Virginia to do some shopping for antiques. We scored some really nice tea pots and tea cups!

Check out our finds! 

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Year of the Virginia Historic Homes | 46 Comments »

A day at the Plantation and Hint #5

May. 28th 2012

Today we headed up to the plantation for a day trip with our Plantation Dog, Hurley. As we crossed the bridge and saw the house sitting on the bluff, I felt it hard to catch my breath. We have been working on this for almost one year (July, 2011) and I still get the electric feel when we see it again. I can’t wait to come home for good.

Entry driveway

When we arrived, we allowed Hurley to jump out and walk around the front yard while I walked down to let the caretakers know we were there. We then stepped into the front hall. As I stepped in, I realized that the air had not been turned on, so it was a little warm in the house. The second thing I noticed was how Hurley was reacting to the house. Now you have to understand Hurley is a very easy going dog. Nothing really affects him. He just goes with the flow. We have taken him to other places and homes and every time he was just himself, excited to be somewhere new. But this time, it was different. As he came in, he started to appear kind of skittish. His body was lower to the floor and he was walking as if he was afraid the floor would drop out from under him. I don’t think it was the floor, which is hardwood. We have hardwood at our current house and he grew up on them. But as we walked through the house, you could see he just wasn’t sure about it. And he had to look at every space in the house. When we went upstairs, he even nosed his way into a closet where the door was slightly ajar.

We decided to take him outside for water and to walk around outside. He ran as normal, nothing seems out of place. He loved the front circle and yard until he saw the back and the bluff overlooking the river.

Riverview from the balcony of the house

After being outside for a short time, we realized that he was getting over heated so we decided to take him up to the balcony for the breeze to try and cool him off. It didn’t work. So we walked back in and he walked to the other side of the upstairs hall and laid down on the landing. My husband and I agreed we need to cut it short to get him out of the heat, so I called for him to come. This is where it gets weird. He got up and started towards me and took a step off the landing. But he stopped half off the landing and just stood there. Now I have seen him do this before at our current house. My daughter who lives with us also has a cat that Hurley grew up with. If he is walking somewhere in the house and she is in the way, he will stop and wait for her to move. That is almost what he did. It was like he was waiting for someone or something to move. So I walked over to him and told him to come on. He moved around me, but walked to the far side of the wall opposite of the staircase and then made his way around to the top to head down. All I can say is weird.

Magnolias from the plantation

Brett and Hurley on the front portico

After we got back in the car and got some air on Hurley, we head to a local winery. There are two that are very close to the plantation and they are both really good! (I will post a blog about the winery soon) As we headed over to the winery, we came across (you guessed it) an antique store! I have been to this one before, but I talked my husband into stopping on the way back from the winery. Score again!! This time I found 5 new tea cups and a tea pot set. Once we reveal the plantation, I can tell you the name of this place. But I can tell you it is in a barn that belongs to an 85 year old man who has to be one of the coolest people to talk with. His favorite thing to say is, “Buy something so I don’t have to eat hot dogs tonight.” I love it!

After my last antique purchases of the long weekend (glad it wasn’t a week, I would be broke!) we headed over to a local candy store to see if they were open. This candy store (which I will reveal once we make the announcement) is one to die for! When you walk into this store, you immediately go into a diabetic coma! The aroma of chocolate is so thick here; you almost have to cut it with a knife! The owner has been in business for years. She makes chocolate confections that Willie Wonka would envy! She also makes cakes and pies people come five hours to get. She used to make wedding cakes, but her orders got to be so overwhelming she had to stop. But! We have come to an agreement that she will be making wedding cakes exclusively for our plantation. She won’t make any wedding cakes for anyone else!

However, when we arrived, we were greeted with a closed sign for her store. That’s okay; we will be back on Saturday!

New Hint!

Hint One:

Captain John Smith sailed up the river that runs by this plantation in 1608 and noted the Indian settlements along the river banks.

Hint Two:

George Washington was a frequent visitor to this plantation.

Hint Three:

It’s not Williamsburg or the area around Williamsburg.

Hint Four:

Two famous Virginians were born on this plantation. Both were very good with words.

Hint Five:  NEW!

The town located across the river from this plantation once was under consideration for Nation’s Capital.

Advice – Read other’s comments. If someone guesses correctly, I do tell them. The first hint has been answered correctly.

Posted by Michelle Darnell | in Year of the Virginia Historic Homes | 85 Comments »