#Virginia Wineries

[washington-dc-bus-tours]

Virginia Wine Tour Adventure: Discover the Magic

Virginia wine country easily becomes unforgettable and embraces into its arms all wine lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anybody else in search of luxury. Beautiful rolling hills to the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia, has over 300 wineries, each offering something special. Independent journeys along Virginia wine tours ensure not only an indulgence in some of the finest wines on the eastern seaboard but also a wondrous journey through a breathtaking landscape, historic places, and friendly towns.

Why Virginia Wine Country is a Must

Virginia is seldom taken into consideration with the considerations between Napa Valley and Sonoma but it definitely has its reasons to be exceptional. Well known for over 400 years of winemaking, the winemakers of Virginia have mastered this art of grape growing and making, growing proud award-winning wines that almost give competition to those wines from more known regions.

Wine Regions in Virginia

Virginia is divided into a number of unique wine regions, each offering its own terroir and wine styles. Among some of the notable wine regions are:

Northern Virginia Wine Region: Outside Washington D.C., this is one region that is home to most of the state's renowned wineries. With rolling hills and proximity to the nation's capital, it's a popular day-trip destination.

Shenandoah Valley Wine Region: Sandwiched in between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains is this valley. Next to the topography of this locale is experienced great wines, which mark the greatness of Rieslings and sparkling wines.

Central Virginia: Named for Jefferson's estate, "Monticello", Jefferson was known to be one of the great rabble-rousers for American winemaking and planted some of the first vines in this area. Now, Central Virginia is known to produce a lot of Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Petit Verdot.

Eastern Shore Wine Region: Nestled along the Chesapeake Bay, the Eastern Shore provides a most unique coastal wine experience. The maritime climate means it produces excellent white wines of a crisp, refreshing nature, yet also regales with wines light-bodied and fruity.

Planning Your Virginia Wine Tour

A Virginia wine tour offers so much more than just a day of wine tasting—it's an experience you can tailor to your preferences. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a weekend with friends, or even wandering solo, Virginia wine country has something for everyone.

What Wineries to Visit

Virginia boasts over 300 wineries, and planning a visit may sound pretty overwhelming. Focusing your trip in the regions that interest you the most will allow you to create a travel plan highlighting the best that Virginia has to offer. Just a few of the must-visit wineries are outlined below.

Barboursville Vineyards – Central Virginia

Notable for its Italian heritage, Barboursville is one of the oldest wineries in Virginia. One of the world-renowned wines of this winery is their signature—Octagon—which is a Bordeaux blend.

Stone Tower Winery, Northern Virginia: From every angle at Stone Tower Winery, one gets a panoramic view of the countryside in Loudoun County, which gives the place its rustic yet stylish feel. Their estate blend, in particular the Meritage, is outstanding.

Bluestone Vineyard, Shenandoah Valley: Bluestone Vineyards rests in the middle of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, containing a very wide range of wines. Their award-winning Viognier and Petit Verdot should not be missed.

Chatham Vineyards – Eastern Shore: Located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, Chatham Vineyards offers this unique, coastal wine experience. Their Chardonnay, produced in Church Creek, is vibrant and crisp, with bright fruit flavors.

Best Time to Visit Virginia Wineries

Though they are open year-round, the best months to visit Virginia's wineries are during the fall harvest season, from September through November, which boasts cool temperatures, colorful foliage, and winning activity in the vineyards. The Fully blossomed vineyards and mild weather also make spring a picturesque time for visiting.

One of the most important aspects of planning your Virginia wine tour is transportation. For that reason, it's best to leave it to someone else to navigate the winding country roads and ensure safe and appropriate transport is available after multiple tastings. Transportation is always an element to wine tour options, so a visitor can fully relax and enjoy guided tours of some favorite wine tour experiences. Options are available for :

Hire a Private Chauffeur Service: If the touch of a human hand is what you are into, then the private chauffeur service is among your options. They will be able to craft a special itinerary involving your likes and dislikes. This option will be great for couples or just small groups who want this exclusive tour for themselves.

Group Wine Tours: Here is a more social option in case you want to go in groups. These tours come with its transportation to several wineries and tastings. Food may be involved, such as lunch or a picnic.

Self-Guided Tours: Those who love the open road can always enjoy the implemented freedom of a rental car with a customizable itinerary; just be sure to bring along a designated driver or use one of the many designated driver services available.

What to Expect on a Virginia Wine Tour

A Virginia wine tour is so much more than just wine tasting. It becomes an opportunity to get lost in the state's rich past, to enjoy breathtaking scenery, and to meet the passionate winemakers who put their hearts and souls into every bottle.

Wine Tastings and Pairings

Most Virginia wineries offer tasting flights where you can enjoy their wine creations. The tasting flights usually feature whites, reds, and rosés, along with dessert and sparkling options. A great number of wineries offer food pairings to match the wines they serve. The culinary experience further enhances your level of interest in wine touring, with options for farm-to-table meals to complement your wines, as well as artisanal cheeses and charcuterie boards.

Vineyard and Winery Tours

In most wineries, there is a provision for touring around the vineyard and sometimes at the place where the wine is produced. This practice gives an individual the golden chance of getting to understand the entire wine production process right from the growth of the grapes through to the final packaged wine. All through, one gets educated about the peculiar terroir of the regions, the challenges of growing grapes in the Virginian climate, and effort and talent that is truly put into the project.

Festivals and Special Events

Throughout the year, many special events and festivals are held in various Virginia wineries that make half the fun. Some of these most popular events are: Virginia Wine Month. Celebrate Virginia Wine Month with special events, tastings, and promotions at wineries across the state.

Wine & Garlic Festival (Amherst, VA): Celebrating a strange pairing – wine and garlic, complete with live music, artisan vendors, and of course, food and wine.

Harvest Parties : This goes on for a number of weeks, so many wineries host harvest parties that include the ancient art of grape stomping, live music, and spunky food.

Tips for a successful Virginia Wine Tour

Plan Ahead: So many wineries have schedules; it's preferable to plan your roadmap beforehand. Do not forget to look at the time and dates of opening.

Pace Yourself: Wine tasting can be an all-day event, and that means you slightly have to pace yourself. It's wise to start lighter with the wines, including whites and rosés, then move on to heavier reds.

Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated and cleanse your palate between tastings.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions: Virginia winemakers are very enthusiastic about what they do. Do not be shy to inquire about such things as the winemaking process, the history of the winery, or foods they suggest pairing.

Conclusion

A wine tour in Virginia is fabulous, with the mix of wines and the Ebullience beauty and history of the area. Virginia wineries have much to offer to every palate, whether an experienced wine enthusiast or willing greenhorn. There is much to take in, from the rolling hills of Northern Virginia to the coastal charm of the Eastern Shore, where you can enjoy much great wine and fantastic views.

[joehaupt]

Wisteria Farm & Vineyard In Stanley, Virginia (November 2022) by Joe Haupt

[paulpingminho]

[meonapicnictable]

Special thanks to The Wine Reserve at Waterford for the picnic table and dinner.

[vandaliatraveler]

Off-topic, but wanted to share.  I did my first wine-tasting this past week during a work-related trip to DC.  The event was hosted at Three Creeks Winery, located just outside Leesburg, VA in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The wine was divine and the evening was near ideal, especially after the sun peaked through the winterish clouds just before dusk.  You can see for yourself how the winery got its name. I apologize for the crappy cell phone photos. 

[forsythiahill]

On cold winter days, it is nice to remember lovely views enjoyed during the hot summer months!

[lavnderhoney]

Peaks of Otter Winery

Bedford, VA.

[haybug1]

Wines of Virginia ~ Wines of the Week

It may be easy to fall into only enjoying wines from the typical states we may think of for producing quality wine in America, like California, Oregon, or Washington. However, every state in the country is crafting wine of some sort today, either from fruit grown in that state or imported, of which much is of high quality, like many options from states like Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, and…

[johnjhalseth]

My family at the Fleetwood Farm Winery near Leesburg VA.

https://fleetwoodfarmwinery.com/

[winerywedding]

Blog Home - Wine and Country Weddings

Virginia Wine & Country Weddings is a uniquely beautiful magazine to help you plan your elegant wedding in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Vineyard Wedding

[suchananewsblog]

The Narmada flows in Virginia: Sudha Patil, an Indian winemaker in the US, is celebrating the community and her culture

The Narmada flows in Virginia: Sudha Patil, an Indian winemaker in the US, is celebrating the community and her culture

What does it take to start a vineyard as a retirement plan in your adopted country? A lot of passion and gumption, that’s what. In the years that Sudha Patil has run Narmada Winery, located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Virginia, she has learnt winemaking, supervised harvests, and won several awards for wines that distinctly transport you to India — from its names to…

[stayatsam]

been on a little trip this week for visiting some wineries in virginia! also went apple picking

[atlaslimo]

Book your Personalized Wine Tour with Atlas Limousine and Sedan

Ready for an unforgettable day in Virginia’s wine country? 🍇✨ Atlas Limousine and Sedan offers luxurious wine tours, perfect for groups and special occasions. Relax in comfort as we take you through the most scenic wineries. Book your personalized wine tour now!

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 🌐 https://www.atlaslimo.net/request-a-quote ☎️ +𝟏 𝟐𝟎𝟐 𝟐𝟏𝟔 𝟗𝟓𝟎𝟎

[paulpingminho]

[threadandlace]

Pirate Smile (Jake POV)- Seamstress for the Band series, part eight (4.0k)

Masterlist- to start from the beginning

“You okay?” you asked Josh as he came back into the room, clearly flustered as he paced for a moment before digging into his suitcase. He was quiet, which was abnormal when he was drunk. “Josh,” you repeated, a little louder this time. He stilled and slowly turned to face you. “What?” he replied, his eyes blank. “Are you okay?” you repeated, searching his face for a hint at whatever was clearly bothering him. “Yeah. I’m fine. Just drank a bit too much,” he said with a chuckle as he turned back to rummage through his suitcase for his toiletries. Something is up. Josh disappeared into the bathroom, and you heard the shower start.

Reaching into your sweatpants pocket for your phone, you checked the time. Almost 2:30 am. Tomorrow morning is going to be a struggle. You checked through your socials, scrolling through pictures and videos from the night before. You laughed at some edits the fans had made of Josh making a face while hitting a high note. The thirst traps were your absolute favorite things to look over- it stroked your ego just enough, but also made you laugh at how enthralled some people were. You watched the TikTok Olivia had posted of the group’s trip to the distillery and winery, reflecting on the day. You noticed a few frames that had everyone included in them and grimaced, knowing people would immediately notice the gorgeous girl hanging in the background with Josh.

She really was pretty, but you liked her for more than just her looks- she was skilled beyond compare and hilarious. She fit right in with the group, her presence enhancing the group dynamic. Taking a deep breath, you opened the comments. Sure enough, the hateful side of the fanbase had sprung into action.

Who the fuck is this girl we keep seeing??? Hello?!

Does Josh have a gf?! Sleeping on the highway tonight fr…

Girlie wants to be a groupie so bad, fuck off

You were the most concerned about the ones speculating that she and Josh were a couple, mostly because you felt like there was some weight behind the speculation. It was only an inkling you had, but you saw the way he looked at her- it was a look you’d hardly ever seen from your twin, but one you knew it held weight.

Scrolling over to twitter, you saw the same speculation and hatred. You noticed that one of the girls that had thrown the beer in West Virginia had taken a video, which you clicked on. The video was shaky, but it clearly showed the cans of beer being shaken up before making impact. It broke your heart to see her freeze, holding the damn box of shoes that left her completely defenseless. Josh ran into the frame and you heard him yell something at the idiots with the cameras as he grabbed her and pulled her through the door. Oh they���re definitely going to run with this.

And, true to your fear, the fanbase did run with it. Screenshots of the video had been blown up, made into a meme, and shared all over Twitter and Instagram. “Fuck,” you whispered as you continued to wade through the cesspool of disgusting comments and jokes. “What?” Josh asked as he walked back into the room, towel around his waist and wet curls clinging to his face. “Uh, nothing,” you tried to cover. Josh turned to face you, giving you a serious look. As serious as he could give being a little drunk and slightly resembling a wet poodle.

Josh pointed to your phone. “Tell me. Now,” he ordered. You sighed before giving him the breakdown from the night. He stood still as he listened, slightly leaned back against the wardrobe at the front of the room. Once you’d finished, he rubbed his face before turning to fish his clothes out of the suitcase. “That’s all you got?” you asked. He pulled on a pair of underwear before turning to face you. “I’m too fucked up to comprehend everything. All I know is that I’m angry. And that I hope she’s asleep and not seeing the fucking vile filth people are spewing onto all these damn platforms.” You nodded as you listened, noting his passion as being slightly more than the normal amount. “Nothing we can do tonight. It’s a tomorrow issue for sure,” you commented as you rose and walked into the bathroom to brush your teeth.

Josh joined you in the bathroom and you both stood at the sink as you brushed your teeth. He looked tired- his skin was more pale than usual, purple shadows more prominent under his eyes. You knew that at the end of the day, he did this for you. This band, music, touring, all of it was your dream, he just happened to have the incredible voice and stage presence you had needed to be complete. The sacrifices he made never left the forefront of your mind, although your dream had slowly started to become his too. He loved performing and traveling and, of course, making you happy. Therefore, he was happy to join you on the rollercoaster that was Greta Van Fleet, although you knew that a hiatus was coming. You were ready for it, and you were sure Sam and Danny were too. The income you all were making off the tours was nice, but you were all able to be quite comfortable off the revenue generated from streams, merch and other endorsements.

You and Josh crawled into your own beds, turning to face each other and talk for a few minutes before you fell asleep. You’d always done this, for as long as you could remember. Typically, Josh would talk the most and you’d listen as he recounted various parts of the day, rambling about whatever crossed his mind. Tonight though, he was quiet. You figured he was just tired and irritated over the social media situation, so you discussed a time for your alarm before you shut off the light. A few minutes later you heard his breathing deepen, a sure sign he was asleep. His breathing lulled you to sleep soon after.

As soon as the alarm went off, you groaned. Josh was still out when you rolled out of bed and headed into the bathroom. It was 9:30 am, meaning you only had about 30 minutes to get down and grab breakfast before it closed for the day. You quickly got ready for the day, Josh not stirring at all as you moved around the room. You sat on the edge of his bed as you pulled on your shoes, turning to shake him lightly. He mumbled something and swatted at you. “As long as there’s signs of life, I’ll leave you be for a bit. I’ll get you something for breakfast, what do you want?” you asked quietly. Josh’s answer consisted of a grunt as he rolled over. “Okay, well, if you don’t like what I bring you, you’re out of luck front man,” you said as you headed out the door.

Danny was sitting at a table and drinking a coffee when you entered the dining room. “Morning,” he said with a smile as you walked over to him. “You want to sit?” he asked but you shook your head. “I need to take stuff up to Josh. He’s pretty hungover,” you said. Danny nodded. “Sam too. I told him I’d bring him a waffle. He asked for bacon for some reason, but I will not be fulfilling that request,” Danny said with a laugh. You leaned, quieting your voice as you glanced around the room. “Did you see Twitter?” you asked quietly. Danny nodded, giving you a look of sadness. “I really love our fans but… some of them really make me question humanity.” You nodded, “I couldn’t agree more.” You gave Danny’s shoulder a pat before heading to the breakfast bar.

You were boxes of food for you and Josh, as well as an orange juice for him and a coffee for yourself. The elevator doors opened, and you were greeted by a familiar face. “Good morning,” she said quietly, giving you a soft smile. “Good morning! You headed down?” you asked as you stepped out of the elevator, noting her luggage next to her and she nodded. “See you on the bus in a bit,” she said as the doors closed between you.

Josh was still half-asleep when you got back in the room. “Dude, you have to get up. For real this time,” you pressed as you put his food down in front of him. He slowly sat up, reaching for the cup of orange juice on the nightstand. You sat at the table in the corner to eat your breakfast and watched as Josh ate slowly, chewing thoughtfully on the bacon you’d brought him. “Why a bagel?” he asked, gesturing to the plain bagel you’d brought him, a light layer of peanut butter between the halves. “You always wanted a bagel and peanut butter when we were sick. Mom always made you a peanut butter bagel and brought me what?” you quizzed, knowing he knew the answer. Josh rolled his eyes, “crackers. So boring.”

 You both were able to make it onto the bus by 10:15, only a little behind schedule. “Always late,” Danny tutted as you took your seats at the booth in the middle of the bus. You had all chosen to get onto your bus versus the wardrobe bus today, giving her space to work on finishing whatever she needed to. “Where’s Sam?” Josh asked as he made a cup of tea at the kitchenette. “Bunks,” Danny replied, pointing behind him as he flipped through one of the magazines Emily had left on your bus for some reason. Josh walked over and moved the magazine in Danny’s hands to get a better look at the cover. “People? Really? Of all things, Emily doesn’t get enough drama on the road?” Josh joked. “And you too, for that matter Danny boy,” Josh added, poking at Danny. Danny chuckled but shrugged, “something to pass the time. At least this isn’t about us or our friends.” Josh took a seat and gestured to the cover “actually, Oprah is my friend, so thanks for that.” You all laughed as the bus headed towards the venue.

The ride to the venue was quick and you were all immediately ushered to sound check. “We need to get it done quickly because they’re letting the general admission group come in early due to the weather,” Emily had explained. Sure enough, when you stepped off the bus you were greeted by a downpour, the rain starting to puddle in the parking lot. Everyone made their way to the stage and went through the usual lineup to check your equipment. Everything sounded pretty good after a few minor adjustments, although you could tell Josh was exhausted as he struggled to hit different notes. You went to stand closer to him and noted how he relaxed, although he still was strained. As you exited the stage you all were ushered to the green room, a large open area that split into the various dressing rooms.

Josh immediately went to his room and closed the door, likely getting ready to take a nap. You and Danny went to check in with your seamstress extraordinaire, who looked quite tired. “How’d it go?” she asked in her normal, cheerful manner. Danny talked about how great things sounded and how excited he was for tonight, but all you could think of was the sea of hateful comments you’d read last night. 

Did she know? Had she seen what you had? She smiled at you uneasily. “You okay, Jake?” she asked gently. You nodded and took a seat in a chair to the side of the area of where she was working. “Yeah, I’m great. Tired, but good. You?” She nodded and expressed the same- tired, but good. Sam took a seat on the floor next to you and stretched on the floor, eventually laying back and closing his eyes. “Sam, the floor is probably disgusting, do you want the couch?” she had asked him, but he shook his head, lifting a finger up to silence her, which she had laughed at.

Emily came back, carrying her usual clipboard and frazzled look. “Emily, what’s for lunch?” Sam asked, noticing her presence before she’d even spoken, his eyes still closed. She completely ignored him and looked past all of you, finding comfort in one of the few other women on the tour. “We are having some weather issues,” was all Emily said before bursting into tears. 

Instantly, she was up and taking Emily by the hands and leading her down the hall, whispering to her as Emily sobbed. Something was clearly very wrong, but you and Danny stayed put, giving each other wide-eyed looks of confusion. Sam propped himself up on his elbows before looking around. “Where’d she go? Did I make her upset?” he asked and you shook your head. “Something’s going on, but we have no idea what. It’s fine,” Danny replied, sitting back in his chair as he eased his head back and closed his eyes.

The women came back a short while later, Emily taking off down the hall quickly. “Everything okay?” you asked as she returned to her work. She nodded, not giving you an explanation. “Do you know what we are having for lunch?” Sam asked and she chuckled. “The venue is doing catering. I think it’s Mexican,” was all she said before the room returned to silence.

She had been right- lunch was Mexican. “Should we wake Josh up?” Danny had asked and you nodded. You left your plate and went into his dressing room, taking a moment to adjust to the pitch black. You fumbled through the room, eventually finding his body curled up on the couch on the side of the room. “Hey. It’s almost 1:30, I figured you would want to come get lunch. They have these quesadillas that I think you’ll really like,” you said after gently jostling him awake. “I’m coming,” Josh had answered, still half-asleep. You helped pull him up off the couch and you flipped on the light on your way out, Josh wincing at the brightness as he followed behind you.

The vibe in the green room immediately changed when Josh stepped into the room. He ignored it as he went to make himself a plate and you returned to yours. Josh returned to the group and sat in a chair at the edge of the group, eating quietly. He didn’t so much as look her way, a shift from the day before when they had been side-by-side, eating and joking together. The air was tense, and Danny clearly felt it too from the looks he was giving you. Sam, however, was oblivious as he discussed the set list. Sam argued with Josh for a moment over the opener, eventually getting his way when Josh gave in.

Emily came back into the room as everyone was finishing up lunch, looking even more anxious and frazzled. “So we have a real problem,” Emily started, flipping her clipboard back and forth between her hands. You all waited for her to continue. “So… the arena is flooding.”

“What does that mean? Like, flooding how?” you asked as you searched her face for a clue to just how bad this was. “Like… there’s a leak in the roof. Multiple leaks. And the floor is covered in water. This storm is getting really bad,” Emily said quietly. “Wait…” Danny started, “didn’t you tell us that all the GA people were going to go into the arena early? Because of the storm? Are they in there right now?” Emily nodded slowly, all of you falling silent. “Well, they’re all being taken out into the halls now, because there’s now a hurricane warning. And, you know, because the arena has turned into a swimming pool.” Josh stood, “I want to see.” Everyone nodded in agreement and Emily excused herself to have a quick chat with the security team to facilitate a way to view the damage.

A few moments later, everyone was being escorted by security up through the levels of the arena until you made it out to finally see the damage. Everything Emily had said was true- rain was falling from a few spots in the ceiling, cascading down and splattering onto the concrete floor. There was now a few inches of standing water in the middle of the arena. Workers were milling about as they tried to clean things up, an impossible task as the water continued to fall from the ceiling, much quicker than they could clean. Everyone stood in awe, taking in just how bad the situation was. A few fans were still being ushered out from the area around the stage, all of them passing through the standing water that was collecting as they made their way to the halls surrounding the main area.

As you all headed back to the green room, the severity of the situation started to sink in. “So,” Emily had said after everyone was seated once again, “we are going to have to reschedule, obviously. The leaks won’t be able to be repaired in this storm, and I don’t think they’d be able to clean the water up quick enough anyways.” 

Everyone was silent- having to cancel or reschedule was the absolute worst thing, all of you hating it for so many reasons. The logistics of rescheduling were a nightmare, but the disappointment you all felt from the fan base was worse by far. Everyone’s minds shifted to the fans- people that had likely slept on the concrete outside the venue for hours, if not days, for a chance to get a good spot in the pit. “Obviously we will go break the news, although I don’t think it’ll be a surprise. Some people have left already because they’re piecing things together, but I think most of them will stay put. The storm is really getting bad. I know that we won’t be able to leave for a few hours,” Emily continued.

 “Can we get them food? Waters?” Danny asked, Josh agreeing. “The venue is going to provide food and water for everyone stuck here. Obviously, this is a huge liability, so everyone is being taken care of very well,” Emily clarified.

“Well… I guess we get another day off,” Danny noted, trying to stay positive. “We are just going to have to come back and make it up,” Sam commented, and you agreed. “How does that work?” she asked as she worked on applying beading to a pair of pants. 

She was always working, no matter where she was- always present, but still far off as she hunched over her latest project. Danny explained the rescheduling process to her as she listened and asked occasional questions as she worked. “Well, at least your outfits will be ready when you come back,” she added with a chuckle. “I was really excited about this wardrobe set too,” Josh said quietly, speaking to her for the first time of the day. “I know. They’ll still get their use when you guys come back,” she said, reaching out to squeeze Josh’s knee. He gave her a reserved smile, both trading their usually giggly exchanges for quieter glances back and forth.

The lights flickered as the storm continued to ramp up. You pulled out your phone to check the radar. “Looks like we are about to get the worst of it,” you noted, showing the radar to the group. Everyone had leaned forward to see the screen when the power finally cut out completely. It was pitch black save for the exit signs and the group’s terrified faces reflecting the colorful light from the radar on your phone. 

“Shit,” Sam hissed. You could feel Emily’s presence before you heard her, barely able to make out her shape from the red glow of the emergency exit signs as your eyes adjusted to the dark. “Everyone okay?” Emily shouted and everyone sounded off. “Do they not have generators for this kinda thing?” you heard Danny ask. Nobody had an answer, so you all sat in silence for a few minutes as you waited for something to happen. “I’m thinking we are going to be stuck here for a bit,” you said quietly, everyone groaning in response.

Editing credits to the lovely @joshs-jonch who I’m so grateful to have had on this journey with me!

taglist: @eyelinerjake @radmads-gvf @gretavansara @everyglowinthetwilightknows @fwzco

[traipseartist]

July 4th - 7th - Yokum's Right of Seneca Rocks, West Virginia

I claim to be a Rock Climber™ but the majority of my experience is actually clinging to plastic rocks inside of blissfully air-conditioned warehouses in the part of town that's definitely getting gentrified.

I discovered I liked to climb at a time in my life when I was desperate to find something athletic that didn't make me want to walk into the sea. My body image after high school was in shambles and I developed a certain hatred for treadmills and ellipticals--symbols of punishment for over-indulgence or a demand I adhere to some kind of standard that I never really could buy all the way into. Needless to say, exercise was always a means to an end. If I could have put my brain in a jar and made my legs run the necessary number of miles to make me a size 0, I would have. Gleefully. Surely athleticism was mastering the ability to fully disconnect your body from your brain? Who wanted to be present for the heaving and the sweating and the oh-god-oh-god-this-is-how-I-die feeling that hangs in the balance?

Then I had a long-distance boyfriend who fell headlong into the sport and in my soft loneliness, I connected to him via chalk-coated climbing facilities. We would chatter on the phone about climbing problems, the world of outdoor climbing, competitions, characters at our respective gyms. When his life drifted away from mine, I stayed close to the wall. I felt not just the urge to be stronger and solve more difficult problems, but the desire to start speaking my body's language instead of pulling out the duct tape every time I needed to push through something that felt physically hard.

-------------------------------

So, yes yes, a beautiful back story. An illustrative origin that does nothing to explain why I'm clenching a stubborn half-sapling between my thighs and trying to keep all of my pistachio shells in my hat as I dangle my ankles thousands of feet above the valley floor in Seneca Rocks, West Virginia.

My partner Vincent and I are out with the Explorer's Club of Pittsburgh (some 20+ riotous humans with a distaste for a particular kind of self-preservation) on this fine holiday weekend when we agree to do something relatively stupid and exactly what we came for. We want to stand on the top of the biggest piece of exposed Tuscarora Quartz in the north east and shake in our boots while doing it even though we're mostly little indoor-monkey gym-rats.

Seneca Rocks, West Virginia is not like other climbing destinations. Some crags, especially those on the west coast that attract climbers from around the world, have their own sprawling ecosystems born of their touristic revenue. Joshua Tree has the strangest assortment of desert-proof fast-food establishments. Yosemite and the Sonora Pass have many of the trappings of a mountain get away: Adorable high streets in small boom towns scattered throughout the region, themed restaurants, condos and vacation homes stacked high and wide for visitors and returning locals alike. Something (wineries and theme parks and tucked away spas) for the person who has no desire to really disconnect from society, thank you very much.

Seneca Rocks, West Virginia has:

Yokum's Vacationland - a truly grandiose title for a double-wide cabin that feels like a themed gas station with a root-beer stand tacked on the back and some motel rooms up top. All the same, totally beloved.

Harper's Old Country Store - honestly, much cuter than Yokum's but probably less trafficked unless Yokum's runs out of ice or chocolate milk

Princess Snowbird's Indian Village & Campgrounds - not touching this one. It's been here for a second. It has RV hook-ups and could not be more American in nature.

The Gendarme - your local spot for outdoor guides, good advice, and the climbing gear you forgot.

There are campgrounds (Seneca Shadows) up the hill from Yokum's, and a little science center filled with dusty art-deco furniture across the way. All of this within the cast shade of the mountain you came for, and that is that.

The end.

Yet, despite the almost video game-esque limited nature of this local map, Seneca Rocks is obviously its own ticking entity. There are people who live here. The pepperoni rolls for sale in color coded zip-block bags (RED - Pepperoni and Mozzarella, BLUE - Mozzarella only, GREEN - EXTRA Pepperoni and Mozzarella) deposited in big wicker baskets by the cash register at Yokum's are made by a woman named Betsy. The local guides that cart litters of injured recreationalists down from the mountain are no NPCs.

So when you're teetering on routes with names like "Muscle Beach" and "Ecstasy Jr." that drape the mountain high above our tiny valley below, it's hard to feel that same uncaring maw of the great wilderness that I've felt so many times before when I've been playing with my own safety for fun and un-profit far from the sympathy of other humans.

Still, when a rope strains on a carefully placed nut in the crevices of Whorl's Thicket or you see some cotton slings tangled in the branches of a marooned tree under Traffic Jam, you are reminded that your survival--that any human's survival on this little quartz dinosaur spike--is purely by permission and tolerance only. There is no conquering here; there is only playing on the shoulders of a giant. It's reckless, even though it is surely allowed and time-tested.

I learned very quickly that the people I was climbing amongst, however, did not always have a passion for the reckless nature that is the hobby. Some of them had the exact opposite problem with their bodies and their minds that I found I had. They did not wish to separate their mind from their body so that they could push through the soul-crushing boredom of exerting physical labor without feeling much reward or time passing. Instead, they wished to sever the connection so that they could overcome the crippling fear of hanging on the edge, of being too frightened to progress--something I enjoy playing with, fiercely.

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At the summit of Seneca, there is a small metal lockbox the size you'd see keep cash in a concession stand on the perimeter of a high school Softball field. This box is full of notes, little plastic figurines, found treasure, a cow bell, a whistle. Well wishes, banal little messages for those behind or in front that may find themselves up here soon and again.

At base camp, there is a loose huddle of chairs around a dimming campfire and the air of survival from something we chose. Another day on the rock, another meal to remember the day we didn't fall off of it. Someone mentions a plaque affixed to a large boulder along the path up to the crag, seen just before the turn off to a torturous route upward to some other famous trad classics named "Stairmaster." It's a commemoration to a woman who was part of the Explorer's Club of Pittsburgh. She stepped backwards off of a steep step-around route on the mountain and fell to her death a week before her wedding in the early 2000s.

Someone says they wish they hadn't named her specifically on the plaque--it made the club look careless. Untrained.

There is a long pause before someone else says that her fiance wanted to bury her in her wedding dress. I put my mind back into my body, and my body back into my tent, and I am thankful to sleep on a solid, flat surface yet again.