Fall Trip to Scottsville, VA

Last week Hurricane Sandy was slated to batter the East Coast so the girls decided to hit the road to see the colorful leaves before they were all blasted off the trees.  We headed South of Charlottesville to the quaint town of Scottsville, Virginia.  It was a scenic drive down Highway 20 with lovely hillsides covered in glorious yellow and orange with a few splashes of red.

First stop was to travel on the last poled ferry in the United States, The Hatton Ferry.  This was the final weekend of the season to catch the ferry trip from Albemarle County to Buckingham County.  Ironically, the water level was so low (pre-Sandy) that we could only venture halfway across the James River.  Regardless, it was a lovely day and our ferry driver was a wonderful guide, born nearby, which allowed him to share a bit of local history while we enjoyed our ride.  The ferry has operated for 140 years and is still in motion thanks to the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society.

Next we strolled downtown Scottsville.  It reminds me so much of my old small town residence of Pulaski.  Like many small towns, the economy has really done a number on it but we did find one great shop, the recently opened Scrumpcious Sweet Shoppe.  Ohhhh, and Ohhhh, and Ohhhh does it ever have great cupcakes!  I was really happy to see they provided samples and man did that hook me into wanting MORE.  The White on White was the best, the Chocolate on Chocolate was no slouch.  Creamy rich icing and a soft buttery cake.  It has been a long time since I've had such a good sweet.  The reviews on the Chocolate Cake with Mint icing were mixed.  I loved it and wanted more but my friend didn't like the icing because it was Spearmint and not Peppermint.  I personally loved the surprise and love Spearmint!  The Pumpkin Cupcake was excellent but I still liked the sample White on White the best.  I WANT MORE.


Ivy coated Mennonite Church, Schuyler, VA

After devouring our sweets we were off  to Schuyler, Virginia where the creator of " The Walton's", Earl Hamner, grew up.  His home still stands as do several beautiful churches tucked into the landscape.  The Walton's Museum was closed already (darn those cupcakes) but several interesting structures remain in Schuyler.  The Mennonite Church covered in Ivy is a treasure.  We were invited in for a service by the local Non-denomenational Church group but we were trying to make it home before dark so had to pass. 


Darling Rockfish Post Office, outside Schuyler, VA.

The little Rockfish U.S. Post Office is now closed but the darling little structure still remains.  It is so sad to think this community no longer has it's little Post Office open.  Such a gem and I can imagine quite the "community center" when it was up and running.

We zipped up 29 N back to reality, but it was a nice venture back into the country, little traffic, a lot of wildlife, and little noise.  Just how I like it.

-Rebecca

Vintage Finds

Cool Fall weather and trips to see my parents have led me to all sorts of crazy finds.  I can't help myself, even with a room full of items to sell, I stumble across more treasures.

Retro Metal Amoire - before - and after sanding and painting.

Check out this 1950s era metal Armoire that I picked up on the last day of a yard sale in Roanoke, Virginia for $5.00.  It was sitting alone ignored and no one wanted it until I wanted it (funny how that works).  Luckily there were men hanging around and with a little arm twisting, the back of my Subaru once again handily accommodated another treasure.  A little Hammered Copper Spray paint and it is as good as new.  I love the retro look and it looks great in my Dining Room (of all places) with my copper color theme.  The kicker is that I had a coupon at Lowes for $10.00 off a $10.00 purchase!  Which brought my grand total for this item to under $10.00 and its life has been extended for another 70 years.

Vintage Wine Rack after sanding and painting.

I found this Wine Rack at the Recycle Center in Charlottesville.  At the time it was rusty and a bit under the weather and I did not realize it was a Wine Rack.  I only noticed the lovely pattern and grape leaves and that was enough to pitch this totally free item into the back of the car.  I mean it was just sitting there looking up at me crying... I am so cute, you can make me all better... ha ha... sooo, I took it home.   My husband decided to help me by sanding it and painting it!  I forgot to get a before photo but trust me, it looked as if it belonged in the dumpster.   The Wine Rack will soon be for sale in my vintage shop, ForsythiaHill.etsy.com since we are freaks of nature and don't drink wine.

I picked up this "Chicken Playhouse" on Freecycle.  My Subaru came through again.. we had a good laugh over hauling this home (I am lucky to have a husband that supports my habit).

Off to get busy and list items in my shop.

-Rebecca