Seizing a window of opportunity, Judy and I headed off to our beloved Blue Ridge Mountains. There are so many favorite spots there, but this time the destination was West Jefferson and the nearby Buffalo Tavern Bed and Breakfast.
This is how the old house greets you after you follow gently winding Buffalo Road a few miles from town. Very inviting, wouldn't you agree?
We were greeted on the front porch by Doc, our amiable host. He has prepared for his guests with every conceivable ammenity. Well, at least everything we cared about. After a quick tutorial about the house, we were off to settle into our upstairs room, "The Flapper." All of the B&B's four rooms feature private baths with showers in addition to these "soaking tubs."
At night we opened the windows and let that cool mountain air drift in. The queen-size beds are luxurious.
Now nobody loves a fire more than me and Judy, but we resisted the temptation. Actually, it's just for ambience, but you can turn on a fake flame.
How many places can you get a view like this just looking out your front door?
This massive silver-leaf maple may well have been here when the house was really a tavern back in 1872.
How about another view of the charming house.
And another. Don't you wish you were there right now?
It got to near 100 degrees in the Sandhills today, but only 88 in West Jefferson. A real heat wave for those lucky folks.
The "Madam's Room" was just across the hall from us. Each room has its unique decor. The larger President's Suite fills the remainder of the upstairs. Only the Governor's Room is located downstairs, where you'll also find the parlor and dining room.
An ample and delectable breakfast was served at nine, giving us time to relax on the upstairs porch, reading our Bibles and catching up on newspapers we had brought along. Ah, what a tranquil setting. Hot tea or coffee available from 7:45 on. Birds everywhere. We couldn't have ordered a more perfect scene. Doc is a chef par excellence, and has authored his own cookbook. He's also a retired career educator. Can you believe it?
This is the view as you gaze behind Doc's place. This is why we opted for a place away from town, and we have no regrets.
We never had time to venture further up Buffalo Road, but as you can see, it's a pastoral paradise.
Meet the only other guests whose visit coincided with ours: Glen and Patty. They were a nurse and teacher, respectively, so you can imagine the four of us had a lot to talk about. Believe me, if they had time to blog, they'd have even more to tell than me and Judy! How about that cycle? The Parkway and other highland roads beckoned.
Now let me forewarn you: I've got several more blog posts in the works that will chronicle our excursions around town, up Mount Jefferson, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and to the old railroad town of Todd. But if I've already made you start dreaming of a trip to the hills, start by visiting Doc's website, where you will learn in more detail why it was such a cozy home-away-from-home.
Yes, Buffalo Tavern B&B was perfect for us, even down to the roadside covered with pale blue chicory, my favorite wildflower.
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