Sometimes, you don’t need to go far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere special. After living in Southern California off and on for years, I finally made it to Big Bear Lake — one of those places that had somehow stayed just out of reach.
Natural Bridge in Virginia is a geological marvel, standing at 215 feet high and 90 feet wide, carved by Cedar Creek. This natural limestone arch was considered sacred by the Monacan Indian Nation. George Washington surveyed the bridge for Lord Fairfax in 1750. Legend has it that Washington carved his initials into the rock, which visitors can still see today. Oh George, defacing our natural resources? 🤦♂️ Maybe the story about him chopping down his father’s Cherry Tree wasn’t a myth? In 1774, Thomas Jefferson purchased the bridge and 157 surrounding acres for 20 shillings, about £1 or $4.44 or roughly $7,200 today with inflation. Quite a steal for the bridge! The site also boasts rich biodiversity, with rare plants and wildlife. Natural Bridge became a National Historic Landmark in 1998, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.
The night before my park visit, I stumbled upon Thunder BRidge Campground, a gem I found on HipCamp. This 100-acre site has quite a history—originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the ’30s, then a boys’ juvenile detention center and a Big Brothers/Big Sisters camp until 2009. Thunder Bridge offers private tent sites, cozy cabins in the woods, and spacious RV spots on a well-kept green space. The host, Adam, was uber friendly, super chill and helpful.
I met Adam at the entrance and arranged to buy some firewood from him. Note: Always buy local firewood to avoid spreading invasive species—many parks ban non-local wood. Adam drove me to my cabin, Woodpecker 1, and dropped off the wood. I chose a cabin because it wasn’t much more expensive, and I didn’t want to hassle with setting up a tent for just one night. The cabin was spacious, had all I needed, and the bathhouse wasn’t far away, complete with a communal room to charge my phone and laptop.
Pictures: Woodpecker #1
Hungry upon arrival, I used some farm-fresh eggs from my previous Airbnb host to make a delicious egg sandwich. Later, I steamed tamales I’d picked up during my travels. Who says you can’t eat well while camping? It was a chilly night in early October, but I survived and enjoyed the adventure!
Pictures: My Egg Sandwich | Cooking Tamales over the Fire
Pictures: My campsite with the wood from Adam | I love making campfires!
A few months back, I had an amazing time at Kentucky’s Natural Bridge, so I was super pumped to check out Virginia’s version. Spoiler alert: it didn’t quite live up to the hype. Sometimes, beautiful spots get too popular and end up feeling more like theme parks than natural wonders, and that was definitely the vibe here. Let’s just say, Virginia’s Natural Bridge won’t be making my list of favorite state parks.
Pictures: The Visitor Center | LOVE sculpture next to the Visitor Center
First off, the entrance fee. If you’ve read my other posts, you know how I feel about high entrance fees. Sure, parks need money for upkeep, but charging $9 per person (13 and over) can make it pretty pricey for families, especially those on a budget. It gave me flashbacks to the pricey Flume Gorge in New Hampshire.
At the Visitor Center, you’ll find the usual suspects: a gift shop, exhibits, and restrooms. From there, it’s a trek down 137 steps to the Cedar Creek Trail. There are a few other trails in the park, but Cedar Creek Trail is the main event. It’s a fairly easy 2.0-mile round trip with a 400-foot elevation change—most of which is tackled by those stairs down to the Trail Store, where you pay your $9 fee at a small window.
Pictures: The start of the walk down to the Trail Store
A short walk from the store brings you to the Natural Bridge. It’s a cool geological formation, carved over millennia, but it didn’t quite wow me like Kentucky’s. And here’s where things get a bit theme park-ish: rows of benches and spotlights facing the bridge. For almost a century, the bridge has been illuminated on the last Saturday night of every month from April to October. They recreate the first light show from 1927, with the 200-foot-tall arch lit from above and below while Cedar Creek murmurs below. Sounds kind of magical, right? But still, at $9 a pop, it feels a bit commercial.
Pictures: The Natural Bridge – complete with a spotlight in the foreground | Natural Bridge from the other side – notice all the benches at the end of the trail
Walking along Cedar Creek Trail at Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia is like stepping back in time. The trail offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Monacan Indian Nation through its living history exhibit, although it was closed during my visit. This exhibit usually showcases the Monacan way of life, offering insights into their daily activities, traditions, and skills. But based on the pictures, needs a little work.
Pictures: The Monacan Indian Exhibit
Continuing along the trail, you’ll encounter the Saltpeter Cave, a significant historical site used during the War of 1812 for mining saltpeter, a key ingredient in gunpowder. Cool history, but not much to it. Next, you’ll reach Lace Falls, a 30-foot waterfall that provides a serene and picturesque stop. It was nice, but wouldn’t hit my top 100 waterfalls that I have seen.
Pictures: The Saltpeter Cave
Pictures: Views along Cedar Creek Trail
Pictures: Cool Rock on the Trail | Asters or Symphyotrichum
Lastly, the trail features the mysterious “Lost River,” which disappears underground, adding an element of natural wonder to your hike. Each of these sites along Cedar Creek Trail tells a unique story, weaving together the area’s cultural and natural heritage.
Pictures: The “Lost River”
I finished my visit back at the Visitor Center to buy some postcards and use the restroom. And since I was there, I decided head downstairs and check out the exhibits. The staff was super cool and showed me the star of the exhibits, a beautiful Eastern Indigo Snake, by the name of Margarita.
Outside of Margarita and yes, the actual Naturall bridge, the hightlights of this trip were camping the night before and then my stay afterwards. Venturing northeast along the Blueridge Parkway from Natural Bridge State Park, I landed in the quaint hills of Faber, Virginia, at the Acorn Inn Bed & Breakfast, about an hour and a half away.
Nestled amidst the charming hills, Martin and Kathy run this delightful retreat with warmth and flair. Surrounded by lush forests and vineyards, the inn offers a serene escape. Each morning, Kathy’s homemade breakfasts tantalized my taste buds, while Martin brewed some coffee and shared stories and local tips. Turns out, Kathy’s brother shared my college alma mater and major—a small world indeed!
Pictures: The Hallway – look at how wide the “stable” doors are! | Communal Men’s Bathroom
Pictures: Communal Living Room | Kitchen (FYI – not set up for cooking) | Banquet Room
Pictures: Outdoor Spaces
With the whole inn to myself for three nights, I soaked in the tranquility. My photos capture the cozy common areas and perfect porch relaxation spots, showing the charm and character oozing from every corner of the inn. How cool is it that the inn was once a stable, transformed by Martin himself? Martin’s craftsmanship is just the start—Kathy’s talent as an artist and photographer shines through the beautiful pieces adorning the walls. I wanted to buy so many of her art pieces! Before opening the Acorn Inn, they lived and worked in Mexico and South America, so the walls are also adorned with folk art, masks, and tapestries from their travels. It’s the perfect spot for remote work and nearby adventures, like exploring the charming town of Nellysford. I couldn’t resist grabbing wine and snacks from Basic Necessities. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and check out the Acorn Inn Bed & Breakfast! You won’t regret it.
Pictures: Some of Kathy’s Artwork
Pictures: Some of the Folkart from their Travels & Life in Mexico and South America
As we wrap up this adventure, let’s take a moment to reflect on the highs and lows, the triumphs and tribulations. While Natural Bridge State Park didn’t quite knock my socks off like we hoped (cue sad trombone), my journey wasn’t all doom and gloom. Oh no, my friends, Thunder BRidge Campground was an uber cool find and nestled in the hills of Faber, Virginia, lies a hidden gem—the Acorn Inn Bed & Breakfast, run by the dynamic duo, Martin and Kathy. After all, life’s too short for boring adventures! 🌟
Dates of Visit: 7-12 October 2023
One of my all-time favorite chefs and globetrotters was the legendary Anthony Bourdain. He once said, “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
Now, let’s talk about Cape May, New Jersey. This little beach hamlet managed to break my heart in ways I didn’t see coming. Sure, the journey was fun and educational, but it was also like an unseasoned clam chowder – something was missing. Granted, I visited during the off-season, which meant fewer crowds but also fewer attractions. But honestly, after hearing my travel buddy’s tales of the summer madness in these beach towns, I’m pretty relieved I dodged the peak tourist frenzy. Cape May might not have lived up to the hype, but hey, at least I got a history lesson out of it!
A little background on this excursion – I was visiting my buddy Phil and his wife Amanda in Lewes, Delaware. With Amanda tied up at work, Phil and I seized the opportunity for a boys’ day out, setting our sights on Cape May. Our journey began at the Lewes Ferry Terminal, one of the nicest I’ve seen, and the On the Rocks Dockside Grill. Now, ferry protocol: arrive early, check in, line up the car, head inside to chill, and wait for the call. And since work was the last thing on our minds, we cozied up to the bar for some top-notch Bloody Marys because, hey, when on holiday, it’s practically the law! Here is a link to the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.
Pictures: The Lewes Ferry Terminal
Pictures: The Lewes Ferry Terminal | The Breakfast of Champions
It’s like the iconic moment at the Indy 500 when they holler, “Drivers, Start Your Engines!” But here, at the ferry terminal, it’s our turn. A crackle over the PA system signals it’s time to hustle to our cars and prepare to board. These salty sailors work their magic, seamlessly ushering vehicles onto the ferry. Once aboard, we ascended to the upper deck, ready to soak in the 85-minute voyage to Cape May. Despite the November chill nipping at our noses, we braved the brisk air for a while before retreating indoors to explore the ship and chill a bit more. I bet the trip in the summer is even more amazing. But, alas, we made do. And just like that, as the shoreline drew near, the call echoed once more, beckoning us back to our car for the next leg of our adventure.
Pictures: Boarded and set to go! | Looking back at Lewes
Pictures: Bundled up for the Crossing | Approaching the Cape May Ferry Terminal | Passing a Ferry
Southern New Jersey boasts rich farmland, offering bountiful harvests of fresh produce. This fertile region is known for its vibrant, community-driven agricultural traditions. Here, farmers cultivate a bounty of crops, from juicy tomatoes to sweet corn, under the sun-drenched skies of the Garden State.
Our next stop was Nauti Spirits, a true farm-to-bottle operation, which is also one of NJ’s largest distilleries, with two massive all-copper pot stills and a column still. It is located on a bucolic 60-acre coastal working farm that sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, less than 5 minutes from (and between) downtown Cape May and the Cape May – Lewes Ferry. The distillery is unique in NJ, as they use much of what they grow on their farm to produce their spirits.
Pictures: Cool Vibe inside Nauti Spirts
Walking in, you’re hit with that vibe—cool, laid-back, and totally inviting. The staff? Top-notch. The place? Gorgeous, with sunflowers swaying in the breeze like a scene from a postcard. We sampled their spirits, and while they were good, let’s just say the bourbon left a little something to be desired for the price. But hey, it’s all about the experience, right? So we kicked back, sipping our cocktails, soaking in the vibe, and reveling in the beauty of local agriculture. Cheers to that!
Pictures: Sunflowers at Nauti Spirits | Bourbon on the Rocks and a Nauti Mule
Our stomachs growling, we decided to grab a bite before diving into our Cape May adventure. The chosen spot? Lucky Bones Back Water Grill. Not that it would matter to me (I’m a pescatarian), but with a name like Lucky Bones and the aroma of a pit barbecue as you stepped out of your car, you’d think the menu would scream BBQ. Spoiler alert: BBQ wasn’t the star of this show.
Curious about the quirky name, I found out that “Lucky Bone” refers to the peculiar hook-like claw of the male horseshoe crab. Back in Cape May’s whaling days, sailors deemed these claws lucky charms, taking them to sea for protection. Hence, the name “Lucky Bones.”
Pictures: The “Sargeant Joe Friday” Mahi Sandwich | Beer with more Personality
Back to our dining experience: we opted for bar seating, as the dining room felt like a relic from another era—eerily cavernous and devoid of charm. The menu? A nostalgic trip to the 1980s, alongside Banana Seat Bikes, Miami Vice suits, and leg warmers. The food was just okay—nothing disastrous, but certainly nothing to write home about. I ordered a Mahi sandwich with house-cut fries. Note to restaurant owners: if you’re going to boast about house-cut fries, make sure you know how to cook them properly! The sandwich itself was as bland and uninspired as Sergeant Joe Friday from Dragnet. At least the beer had a bit of personality, which was more than I could say for the rest of the meal.
Cape May is home to one of the highest concentrations of Victorian homes (second only to San Francisco), drawing visitors from all over. We parked near the Washington Street Mall—a pedestrian promenade brimming with unique shops, quirky boutiques, a variety of restaurants, and laid-back bars. We decided to dive in and explore. The mall had some cool spots but didn’t quite blow us away, so we wandered into the Historic District. The tree-lined streets were dotted with Victorian homes, most of them impressively well-maintained. These ornate, colorful houses definitely added a touch of charm and old-world elegance to the area and I get why people are drawn here.
Picture: Victorian Homes in Cape May | NJ
No visit to Cape May is complete without hitting its pristine beaches—though maybe when it’s a bit warmer! On Cape May Beach, we stumbled upon a quirky beach bunker, a World War II relic standing strong against time and tides. This concrete sentinel adds a dash of history to the sandy shore, perfect for snapping unique photos or pondering its storied past while soaking up the sun. We’d dive deeper into history the next day at Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware, discovering how differently the two states approach these historic sites. Sorry Jersey, Delaware has you beat here.
Pictures: Cape May Bunker | Cape May Bunker and Lighthouse
Our final pit stop: the Cape May Lighthouse, a beacon calling out to explorers like us. Built in 1859, this iconic landmark boasts a height of 157 feet and a staggering 199 steps to the top. Its guiding light once served as a vital navigational aid for ships sailing along the bustling East Coast. While we missed the chance to peek inside, its majestic presence alone was worth the visit.
Pictures: Two views of the Cape May Lighthouse
Pictures: From Cape May’s Maritime Past
As Anthony Bourdain wisely said, “Travel isn’t always pretty…but that’s okay.” So, let’s talk about Cape May, New Jersey. Sure, it didn’t steal the show for me, but hey, that’s part of the adventure, right? From exploring quirky beach bunkers to tasting local spirits, it was a journey sprinkled with surprises and lessons learned. Each stop, whether stellar or just okay, added a new chapter to my story. And isn’t that what travel’s all about? Happy Travels!
Date of Visit: 5 November 2023
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