Tour and Tea at Rosemont Manor

My family recently visited Rosemont Manor, which was the home of Harry Byrd, a much beloved Governor and Senator in Virginia history.  In Virginia schools, they credit Harry Byrd with getting Virginia out of the depression before the rest of the country. It is a beautiful property in Berryville, VA.  Recently, a family bought Rosemont and turned it into a bed and breakfast, and a wedding destination.  They have tried to keep much of its historical identity.

Overall, it was a pleasant tour, half of which had historical value and half of which was a wedding promo.  Our group appeared to have consisted of a few young brides and their mothers checking out the place.  It would seem they attract a prestigious crowd.  Apparently, General Petraus' daughter had her wedding there and a president of a foreign country was planning a wedding.  I noticed the mother and daughter in our group who were dressed quite impeccably, was carry a Versace bag and sunglasses.

Largest holly tree I've ever seen

The family was also able to hold on to much of the property surrounding the house.  The property had many trees I've never seen including the largest holly tree I've ever seen.  Unfortunately, the tour is limited by how many guests Rosemont has that morning as the rooms were converted into guest rooms.  Lucky for us there were not many.

My kids got a kick out of the dial telephone and the owner, who took us on the tour, told us where we could find the two-way mirror.  We also got a quick look at the big copper sink in the kitchen and apparently, there is a hidden safe in the house.

The tea was my favorite part.  The tea, held inside the house, was not like teas I've been to before.  Teas I've attend, you get to pick which tea you wanted to drink.  There were three courses and with each course came a different tea blend.  Each one had its own flavor.  The last course is the dessert course and there appeared to be a little piece of wedding cake.

Overall, I enjoyed it and would consider going again.  (Of course, there are still many teas I need to attend.)We were able to attend for $39 a person however, their website says it is typically $60

Some tips:

• The owner us, we were the first tea that was not full so I suggest making reservation if you intend ongoing.

• It sounds like they are using Living Social quite often, so check it out for any specials.

• The manor has only been in business for 2 years but it sounds like it is becoming quite a success, so keep an eye on prices.

• I came mostly for the tea.  The tour was extra for me.  If I were to look at it objectively, I would improve the tour.

On the Go: Backpacking Training, finding my individuality

A little over two years ago, my family and I started back country backpacking.  Being that we were new to it, I always felt uncomfortable going out to areas where it would be at least a couple of hours before we can get help if we need it.  An opportunity arose for me to take a backpacking training class.  For a variety of reasons, I was the only one in my family going.  So Saturday morning, I woke up early, got in the car with my bag pack and drove off into the mountains.  

What I found most disconcerting was that I went by myself.  I was surprised.  Mind you, this was not a trip to the supermarket by myself, this was a trip to some unknown land at least a 2 hour drive from home by myself.  I realized that many of my adventures I always had my family or at least part of my family with me.  I realized that I always asked them to come along with me, not with the intention that I didn't want to be alone but rather that I was encouraging them to get out and see the world.  When I got to the training camp I found out that I would be in a tent by myself.  This also was a first for me.  I don't think I ever recall being in a tent alone.  It was truly a weekend of taking care of myself.

Call it what you may, but it seemed as if this weekend was sent to me as a life lesson to remind me of my individuality. So many times I've heard women say that they lost themselves in their families.  I've heard that they do not feel they have anything of their own and they no longer had their individuality. Yes, I've even heard this from working moms and wives.  I think this weekend has helped me understand that feeling.  I am not looking to break away from my family and "become myself again" but learn from this weekend to remind me that I should get away sometimes where the decision making is based on my needs and desires rather then that of another.