I like small towns.
I like small, quaint towns.
I like small, quaint towns with friendly people.
And that’s exactly what you find here –
On Friday I was off. Luckily the rain didn’t move in until later because I needed to take a trip about an hour away down interstate 81 south. It was truly a peaceful, beautiful drive. The mountains are so pretty and the leaves are gorgeous. No complaining here.
My first stop was to drop my sewing machine off to get my ‘needle threader’ fixed. I had called the day before and spoken to the owner who was oh so helpful. The plan was to be there by 10 and since his daughter helps on Fridays he would have time to work on my machine. I made it with 3 minutes to spare =)
After checking out my machine, he sent me downtown to wait. A nice little coffee shop with internet as he explained. He said he sometimes goes there just to get away.
I very soon figured out why he said that…..What I found was the perfect spot.
There was a group outside laughing and talking, enjoying their coffee. I walked in and found a table along the wall about the same time a nice couple grabbed the booth by the window. Obviously ‘regulars’. The gentleman chatted with another customer asking how he had been and about the family. I grabbed a cup of coffee and logged on. (well I had to ask about the internet…..there was a little piece of paper by the register that gave me the password =)
A short time later the same man said he liked my hair. His wife spoke up and let me know she liked my whole outfit. Right before saying “you obviously aren’t from here”. I chuckled and asked why. Of course that led to a great conversation about the town, why I was there, and what we all did for a ‘living’. She quilted and he was an ‘artist’…teaching himself to sew by buying clothing at the thrift store and tearing it apart to use as a pattern. And taking wedding flowers from the trash or left behind and un-doing to learn how to make the ‘swag’. We joked and said they had adopted me as they helped me locate the bathroom and kept an eye on my table. Such a sweet couple. (We are now friends on FB).
This cafe served coffee. Breakfast. Lunch. Smiles.
And had a HUGE selection of wines.
Even a spot for free tastings.
Of course I spotted the Virginia section and grabbed this one (I love ‘unique’ and fun bottles –
and as I was paying, two ladies were tasting some of the wines open and available. They were enjoying themselves and asked me to join in their Friday of winery hoping. Very nice and thoughtful but it wasn’t even noon yet. I had an hour drive. I really needed to get my sewing machine. But, that’s just an example of this little town.
Within an hour or so I got the call – time to head back. Once inside I found the owner packing everything up nice and neat. He was able to straighten the ‘threader’ but wanted to show me how to easily thread the needle on my own if it happened again. He had a HUGE wooden needle (that I neglected to get a picture of) and demonstrated how to ‘slide’ the thread down the grove and poof! it goes right in the hole. Hmmmm just the little things sometimes =)
We chatted and I spotted some old sewing machines. As I inquired, he talked passionately about each one. Each had a story. This one was actually his Mother’s.
I explained how we had been looking for an old machine and really wanted one with the table. He smiled and said I have some for sale!
We continued to walk around the store and talk about all the items. This needle box was really cool. Basically you figure out your model and a couple other numbers then turn the hands to those numbers and then the bottom opens up to your exact needle. Awesome.
He told his daughter to grab the ‘lunch box’. She hesitated and he laughed and said ‘its ok, I will find another one’. I did find out later that it ended up his son LOVES lunch box sewing machines and this one was going to be his Christmas present if not sold by then.
I was in heaven. It was beautiful. They even let me sew on it. Knowing i would ask, the owner looked up the date it was released from the warehouse by the serial number. September 21, 1928. Yay!
The original owners manual. How Cool!
And now this machine is in my sewing room. I can just sit and stare at it. Wondering who used it and what was made. History. I forgot to get bobbins so haven’t yet used it but plan to make something very soon. It’s a beauty, huh?!
I knew Ronnie would love this old cord =)
And a working light! Score…
I cannot wait to use it. It even comes with a one year warranty.
I literally could have spent the whole day looking at all the old machines, listening to the stories and chatting with him and his daughter.
This one was his mother’s. He laughed and said he wished she was there and he would suggest selling that one just to get her fired up LOL
This one was in the shape of a G – for the man’s name – Gibbs and has quite the history/story – It’s actually very interesting….Read MORE HERE –
Just soo many kinds..
As I say, all good things must eventually come to an end…..I had to head back home and the rain had moved in.
Of course I had to take a picture of my new friends –
If you ever need vacuum cleaners, sewing machines or even lamps fixed it’s worth the visit. And more importantly if you are looking to buy any of those items it’s worth the visit and I promise the service is awesome =)
Woodstock is a great place to visit. There’s so much to do –
Six wineries in the county:
North Mountain Vineyard & Winery
I also found their Facebook page very helpful – Places to eat, shop, sightseeing, hotels.
There are 6 wineries in the county. The cafe is perfect and there’s even a steak house.
It’s a nice ride down Interstate 81 then just a few miles off the exit. This time of year is great given the fall foliage. There’s so many options down in that area. Small towns. Historic sites. Wineries. Virginia definitely has lots to do. Even a nice motorcycle ride would be great. Definitely a place I plan to visit again. But for now I had achieved my goal (plus some).
Ronnie and I had a nice dinner at Paddy’s in Charles Town –
Turkey Bacon wrap with Sweet Potato fries –
and Ahi Tuna – Yum!
Then off to the Old Opera House to see –
Great seats in a beautiful building.
Oh and I did make a friend in the restroom….Masks in the basket = Selfie =)
If you’re interested in seeing a great show with awesome talent, check out the Old Opera House schedule. Christmas is a great time to go, too!
So another Friday in the books – a great Fall day.
I love Fall.
I love the colors of Fall.
I love the early sunsets of Fall.
See Jane – Fall is Great! and now it’s time to GO, GO, GO!
Seems like everything is just a tad bit slower leaving time to breathe. AND when It gets dark sooner my candles are lit sooner and I am typically all settled in by 7 each evening. Who is with me there?!
