
"Wandering
re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between
man and the universe." - Anatole France
If quarantine has you feeling stressed and in need of some
harmony, round up your family and friends for a road trip
to remember! Spend the day in Surry County, Virginia
where you can get away from it all and take in a leisurely
hike, delicious food and drink, quirky driftwood art, and
so much more.
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Chippokes Plantation State Park,
"Chipoax Road"
Hidden under the trees of Chippokes
Plantation State Park, lies a subtle trail where guests
can literally take a step back in history. Today the trail
is tranquil and quiet, enabling one to relax and take
in all the natural beauty of the area. However, in the
late 1660's this would have been a bustling dirt road
filled with farmers and oxcarts taking their products
to the James River to sell.
"Chipoax Road", the
first documented road on the south side of the James,
was the lifeline that connected the early settlers' farms
to Cobham Wharf, where they would sell their goods and
subsequently send them by ship to consumers.
The road, although highly valued by
local farmers, was sometimes a torment to the property
owners at Chippokes Farm who were responsible for its
maintenance. In 1802, and again in 1812, the Paradise
family petitioned to have the road closed. This was never
permitted; and by the mid 1800's then owner, Albert Carroll
Jones, not only owned the wharf, but also had installed
a toll house where the road came onto Chippokes property
and was charging farmers and merchants for its use.
Today the trail follows a section of
the road from the housekeeper's cabin between cabins 2
and 3 and winds along the sides of the road for a beautiful
view of College Run Creek. It is a one-mile trail which
serves as a "down and back" hike, although plans
are being made to connect it to another existing trail
within the park which leads to the Farm and Forestry Museum.
Chipoax Trace Trail is a unique opportunity to experience
our country's history in a different way. It provides
a link to the farmers, fishermen, merchants, and enslaved
people for whom this road was a pathway to survival.
In addition to the Chipoax Trace Trail,
the park offers additional hiking trails, gardens, Farm
and Forestry Museum, picnic areas, playground, programmed
activities, and sandy beach along the James River.
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Begin or end your journey
on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry for a unique
scenic experience. View Surry from the James River - the
same way Capt. John Smith and the Jamestown colonists did
in 1607.
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Upon your arrival in Surry, follow Route
31 to Edwards Ham Shop.
Here, you can purchase a picnic lunch to enjoy along your
journey. Whether you prefer country ham, deli ham, smoked
turkey, or pimento cheese - you are sure to find something
that will make your mouth water.
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Surry has a quirky, laid-back vibe and many "little
known" secrets that we want you to be able to experience.
So, after your hike on the Chipoax Trace Trail, take a short
drive back to the Town of Surry to discover some of those
secrets.
At Just for Kicks Cupcakes, you'll find Oz-themed
sweets. We recommend that you follow the Yellow Brick Road
- and take Toto with you!
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Quirky awaits you at Cre8tive Works Gallery,
where driftwood comes to life! The artist, Everett Mayo,
once a heavyweight boxer, is now "artist in residence".
He not only loves to share his vibrant and stunning creations,
but also conducts workshops designed to encourage others
to embrace their creativity too.
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Farmer
Joe's Greenhouse, Florist and Gifts is a fixture in Surry.
Abundant lovely plants and gifts in a small space. Say "Hello"
to Joe and Marge! |
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Don't
miss a chance to visit Hampton Roads
Winery. This is a working farm and offers a self-guided
farm tour. But, if time is short, enjoy a tasting of their
award-winning wines and spend some time watching the goats
run up and down the World's Tallest Goat Tower. |
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No shame having a glass of wine before dinner!
We recommend ending you day in Surry at the Surry
Seafood Company Restaurant. If weather permits,
dine out on the deck where the views of Gray's Creek, designated
a Virginia Scenic Waterway, are best enjoyed. The restaurant
offers the best seafood south of the James as well as soups,
salads, burgers, steaks, and more!
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Had
a wonderful day? We hope you'll plan your return trip real
soon! |
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