Hello Patrick,
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the heat and how I preferred cooler weather. Due to the ongoing drought, many people have been hoping for rain, which reminded me of a song by the Temptations called “I Wish It Would Rain.” Much to my relief, the rain arrived on the 4th of July, and I wasn’t upset since we greatly needed it. It seems like everyone was able to enjoy some form of celebration, and the fireworks were fantastic. A big thank you to all those involved in making the fireworks display possible.
We had a small gathering at the Historical Museum, where we participated in the ringing of the bells. John Reynolds and his team had a scaled-down version of the Liberty Bell, and we were able to join in on the celebration. If you get a chance, I’d recommend visiting to see it – the bell may be small, but it produces a mighty sound.
July will be another great month to explore our county. You can visit the orchards and find homegrown goodies for sale at Levering Orchards, Windy Hill Orchard, Martin’s Blueberry Hill, and Wades Orchard. In addition, Dawson’s and Ayers Orchards, located in Cana, VA, are also worth a visit. If you’re looking to beat the heat, you can head to the public pool at Dehart Park in Stuart or stroll along the Blue Ridge Parkway under a canopy of trees providing shade and a pleasant mountain breeze. I have previously mentioned our beautiful State Park, Fairy Stone State Park, which offers a large lake for all water activities, swimming, and boating.
On July 20, competitive kayaking will be at the 41st Red Bank River Run. Kibler Valley is another hidden gem, offering beauty and tranquility as the Dan River winds through it. If you haven’t been, I would encourage you to come out and support the Ararat Ruritans as they host the event. There are many more places and events that are occurring, so please check out our events calendar on our website. Also, if you have information about unique places we missed or upcoming events, please share it with us. We love to keep you – and us – informed. Lastly, no matter what you do, please ensure safety, be welcoming, show some love, and express gratitude. We are blessed in Patrick, and if we respect it, the tourists who visit our area will, too. Remember, “Come get lost and find yourself here.”
Talk to you soon, love you!
James Houchins: Director of Economic Development and Tourism
