If you didn’t get excited enough about visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and experiencing the hospitality of The Iris Inn (can’t imagine that you didn’t), I would like to entice you further. Once you step out the front door of the Iris Inn, there is so much to explore, in addition to some very “Yummy Reservations” in the area. Dave, at the Iris Inn was a great host and always spot on with his recommendations.
The first night, we decided to drive the short distance into the town of Waynesboro for dinner at The Green Leaf Grill, located on West Main Street. 
We had viewed the menu in advance, which really enticed us. This was definitely a winner from the time walked in the door. We had a great waitress, the place of packed, and there was a single guitarist filling the air with his sweet music. Although we had to enjoy a glass of wine, we were hungry after our long drive and anxious to order. I chose their Grilled Salmon that was topped with artichokes, capers and onion butter sauce. It came with a salad and choice of a side. My photographer and constant sidekick, delighted in ordering the Sesame Crusted Tuna, which was serviced over jasmine rice with their wasabi aioli and teriyaki glaze. It also was accompanied by some asian slaw and fried won tons (and a side salad). Trust me, from our Caesar Salads to our main dishes, the food was top-notch.
Both orders of fish were done to perfection (my hubby wants his tuna barely cooked) and some of the best fish we have had. And although the food was outstanding, I have to say it was the whole experience at Green Leaf that left us totally satisfied. I hope you will decide to visit them, even if you’re just travelling through that area. (www.thegreenleafgrill.com).
The first morning, after we enjoyed our delightful (and very filling) breakfast, we were ready to begin our Saturday adventure. Since it was a little too early for the wine trails, we drove a short distance to the town of Staunton, Virginia to visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, our 28th President of the United States. 
With a definite chill in the air that day, it was a good way enjoy both warmth and culture. This is the second presidential library that we have visited. They offer guided tours, but you can also explore on your own. Check out their website at www.woodrowwilson.org to get a preview of what our country, during that era of World War 1, was experiencing. Our young tour guide was excellent and we enjoyed all the stories and insights.
After the tour, it was just the right time to start exploring the Monticello Wine Trail (www.monticellowinetrail.com). Two of the recommendations were “King Family Vineyards” (www.kingfamilyvineyards.com) and “Pollak Vineyards”, (www.pollakvineyards.com) both amazing properties, great views and very enjoyable tasting rooms. Depending on your preference of reds vs. whites, the selections from both were pleasing to the pallet. After our tastings, it was impossible to leave without taking 1 or 2 (or more) bottles to take home with us to enjoy.
We also chose a different “spirits” tour, the Silverback Distillery, located inAfton, irginia (www.sbdistillery.com). Selections like Vodka, Gin, Whiskey and Bourbon were an exciting diversion. Before walking in the front door, you immediately knew this was going to be fun because of the large, carved statue of a Silverback gorilla. 
Stepping inside, there was a buzz about the room, everyone trying their mini cocktails, watching the glow from creating specialty cocktails.
Before heading back to The Iris Inn for a little rest and relaxation (NAP TIME!), we decided to stop for a light lunch, back in Waynesboro. We decided to go to a place that caught my eye – Sam’s Hot Dog Stand. You probably think I’m crazy, but a good hotdog brings back some great childhood memories for me with my mom and dad. Sam’s is a little place, but it’s packed full of good flavor.
Tell Eddie, the owner, hi when you stop in. They’re located at 416 ½ W. Main Street, right across the street from The Green Leaf Grill.
The last Yummy Reservation, Saturday night, that I’d like to share was the Mill Street Grill, located in downtown Staunton, Virginia. Architecturally, inside and out, I love these kind of restaurants – historical and lots of personality.
They don’t take reservations, but it is definitely worth the wait! Once we were seated, we plowed right in with our orders. 
We shared their Oysters Rockefeller – Are these some of the largest oysters you’ve ever seen?! And believe me, they tasted as good as they look. (www.millstreetgrill.com) Our whole meal was just as heavenly and really enjoyed the fresh variety of bread they bring to the table.
Well, it was a fun weekend all around and we took home lots of good memories — meeting new friends, tasting some excellent wine and spirits, taking in amazing views, and just chillin’ out for a couple of days in the midst of a stressful time. We did learn a lesson on our “leisurely” drive home. Once you decide to enter the Shenandoah National Park’s scenic roadway, which is Skyline Drive, it follows the Blue Ridge mountains for 105 miles. In saying that, also know that there are only four (4) places to enter/exit the Park. So, once we headed north for home, and not wanting to turn back, we had to travel over 30 miles before we could exit back onto the highway. 
The scenery is amazing, even in the dead of winter; but the roads are very windy, and therefore, slow-going route. As the boy scouts say, just be prepared.
We all need to just getaway, even if it’s just for a Yummy Reservation or a little longer Delightful Destination. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy my experiences and venture out to create your own.
**I dedicate this blog to my amazing mother-in-law, Marylou Stokes, whose life was packed full of love, family, food and adventures of her own for over 90 years! She treated me like a daughter and I will miss her smile, hugs and wisdom.
Yummy Reservations and Delightful Destinations! 