Two wonderful words… road trip! Decided to gas up the SUV, grab sister, Darlene and cousins Priscella and David and hit the road. The sun was barely up and we were headed to Front Royal, Virginia for their annual craft and wine festival. I know, driving over two hours to visit a craft and wine festival is unheard of, right. But, I’ve loved Front Royal ever since the first time I visited this small Virginia town. I just wish I’d spend more time here. Each year I promise myself to come and spend a weekend, but before I know it another year has passed. There’s small town charm mixed with great hospitality. You can’t ask for more. Mix in a glass or two or three of really great wine and its wine o’clock! I think I can honestly say, I love the country side as much as I love the city as much as I love the beach. There is nothing better than people watching while strolling along a wonderful side walk filled with people with the same desire to have a great time. The laughter, the conversations and the smells of great food are plentiful. I purchased a wine glass so I could taste the many wines of Virginia. There were several wineries present that I had not had the pleasure of meeting before. And yes, there were some great wines there; however, I found and fell in love with a wonderful winery. Most know wine is mainly paired with food… white wines with fish and chicken, red with pork and beef. Blah. Blah. Blah. Well, what would you say if I told you Notaviva Vineyards doesn’t do that. Their wines are paired with music. Jazz and classical and… wait for it… Gypsy! What a find. Gitano! If you can grab a bottle do it. I grabbed three.
After spending a restful night in a local hotel we jumped in the car and headed out to the last leg of our road trip. Don’t know when the last time I drove along Skyline Drive. 109 miles of highway carved through the Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Nothing more majestic than viewing the earth above the clouds and if you are lucky you might spot some of the natural habitats. This one had two cubs with her. But be careful, Kodak moments can be deadly if you aren’t careful. 
