The Homestead’s winter holiday season

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The inviting, comfortable front porch at The Homestead in Hot Springs is probably one of my favorite places at this oasis in the western mountains of Virginia where winter brings lights and holiday decor….

The Homestead’s magical holiday lights

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The Grand Hall is majestic and comforting, all at the same time … the familiar surroundings are even more beautiful at Christmas.

Virginia Republicans gather at the Homestead

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Good people … the Thomas family. Mike, Alec, and Ashley.

Back roads, sheep farms, mountain vistas of Highland County

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Highland County is also known as Virginia’s “Little Switzerland” because of its mountains and sheep. Sparsely populated, the vistas year round are exceptionally stunning but in the fall vibrant oranges, reds, and golds make the mountain slopes come alive with color. These photos were taken on September 30 when only the far western part of the county was at peak but the next week will see big changes as the autumn color show moves east. (For more photos see Fall colors brighten western Highland County.)

West Virginia’s Greenbrier Resort unveils impressive 1,000-pound chocolate holiday display

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Pictured clockwise from top left: Jean-Francois Suteau, Executive Pastry Chef at The Greenbrier, stands next to one of his chocolate creations; some of the resort’s holiday-themed chocolate structures; The Greenbrier’s impressive 1,000-pound chocolate Christmas display.

Early autumn lunch with Barb and the wisdom of Dove chocolates

By Lynn R. Mitchell

As we enjoyed the warm autumn afternoon, my friend Barb and I caught up on all the goings-on in the area as well as life in general. We were at an outdoor table at McAlister’s Deli in Waynesboro, soaking in the warm breeze and relishing the second day of October over iced tea — sweet for her, unsweetened for me — and sandwiches.  It was a long, leisurely, much-needed catching-up, a respite in the middle of busy days and, for her, moving to Fishersville from north of Waynesboro.  I like the new abode because it’s closer to our circle of friends, not that distance has ever kept us apart.