This marker is visible from the Interstate and US-11 that runs as a service road here. It's quite a…read moredistance to the nearest exit, though. The marker reads, "Nearby stood Capt. Audley Paul's fort, built in 1757 during the French and Indian War (1754-1763) as one in a series of fortifications to protect Virginia's frontier. Paul served as a lieutenant in Maj. Gen. Edward Braddock's ill-fated expedition against the French at Fort Duquesne in 1755. He soon joined Col. William Preston's ranger company as first lieutenant and served in the 1756 expedition against the Shawnee at Sand Creek. In 1761, Paul's fort sheltered settlers fleeing their homesteads in anticipation of Indian attacks. Paul later served in Dunmore's War and fought in the Battle of Point Pleasant, 10 Oct. 1774." Online, there is more information. The fort was a French & Indian War defense established in 1757 under the direction of Colonel George Washington. This post was one of a chain of defenses along the western frontier established by Colonel Washington to counter the French and their Indian allies. Audley Paul was born in 1736, in Nottinghamshire, England, to John Paul and Margaret Lynn. Audley married Jane Mathews and had 8 children. He passed away on September 2, 1892 nearby in Botetourt County, Virginia. [Review 13770 overall, 1091 of 2020, number 1205 in Virginia.]

I enjoyed learning the history of the bridge. The cave arches were breathtaking. I did not enjoy…read moreclimbing the stairs to return to the main building, but the experience was definitely a hike! I was excited to watch otters fish for food in the streams. The waterfall was not as grand as I expected it to be, but the natural scenery was worth viewing for $9. As a bonus, there is a trail to a cave.

This is a perfect place to take a road trip break! We did exactly that on a recent drive from…read moreAsheville to Richmond. The visitor center was easy to find and the building reminded me of those found at the University of Virginia, which was founded by Thomas Jefferson. Coincidentally, Thomas Jefferson also owned the land on which the Natural Bridge is located. After paying your admittance fee at the center, you head down several stairs and will pass a small waterfall. Very soon thereafter, you will see the Natural Arch. There is a flat path that leads you through the arch where you can continue your stroll along a steam for about 15 minutes to see a larger waterfall. "Saltpeter Cave" can also be found along the path. It was interesting to read that Mr. Jefferson leased out this shelter for the excavation of potassium nitrate which was eventually used to make gun powder. While I would not make the Natural Bridge a destination trip, it is definite worthwhile to explore if passing through the area.

Tony and I went to Eagle Rock Va on a day trip to check out some historical sites and we happened…read moreupon this side of the road park. There is parking, some flowers and some relics from Old Canal System and these three Lime Kilns. There is no charge and you can just park and walk around. They are located just outside of Clifton Forge Va about 15 miles. It was a nice day trip and the park was free to enjoy. There is an information box with history of the location and the kilns/ovens.

Natural Bridge State Park is much bigger than I thought. When you get there, you go into the…read moreVisitor's Center/ Gift Shop, pay the small fee and start your hike. The main star of the park is the natural bridge itself. It's probably a shorter walk to the natural bridge than it is around the gift shop. I did the Cedar Creek Trail which is only 1 mile long and relatively flat from the natural bridge to the end at the waterfall. The trail is paved a lot of the way and well maintained the rest. Along the way there is a small cave that you can explore, a creak to just sit and relax, and lots of historical markers along the way. I had no idea that Thoms Jefferson once owned this land and the natural bridge itself. There is an urban legend that George Washington carved his initials in the bridge (along with a gazillion others). This hike is quite relaxing and easy to do. We saw a deer along the trail that was less than 10 feet from me and could care less that I was there. There are several other hikes that time didn't permit me to take. These trails will take you to other waterfalls, caverns and even a 2 mile frisbee golf trail. The natural bridge is a must see as it is absolutely gorgeous but next time, I will make time for the rest.

Such a cute little area with the natural bridge. There is a Virginia state fee for adult to enter,…read moreit's nine dollars per person. If you've actually bought something from REI, the receipt concern as a free admission to the park. You'll have to check the fine print. I don't know if there's a minimum spin, but I know that last I went to REI one of the front desk workers told me that the receipt would serve as my admission. And indeed covered it so I paid $0 more entrance to the park To get to the start, you have to go down some stairs, but I did over here a couple of groups at depending on if you need, they can drive you to the start. Natural Bridge had a couple of chairs so I'm assuming that a tour or they are just spots for people to rest. If you continue walking down the trail, you'll also find some other school spots like the saltwater cave, the ghost river, and Lace Falls. When I went a couple days ago, there has been a drought which has caused lace falls to be a bit smaller than normal. The ghost River was a surprisingly cool attraction. As soon as you start walking close to the hole, you can feel the cool breeze and hear the gush of the water. Where the river starts and where the river hint, we have no idea but it's a cool thing to check out.

I had high hopes for this place. Unsure if what to expect, we ventured into kexington from natural…read morebridge on a hunt for something to do with out kids. The entrance area didn't disappoint with lots of little tasks and activities to do. I could see the excitement in my kid's eyes as they ran from one thing to the next. They did a GREAT job on that part. We ventured along to see what else there was to do. With no signs anywhere, we just wandered. There was a tiny pollinators garden and outdoor classrooms with nothing to do. It is probably a really fun place for a class to go on a field trip, but randomly stopping by didn't make for a great experience.

We've brought our children here and it's just awesome: fairy forest, mud pie kitchen areas,…read moretreehouses. I was amazed that it was just there for free. (I think there was a donation box.) We enjoyed wandering around the property, it had a variety of different bits of scenery (meadows and denser woods).

Love this library and all of the interactive programs that they have for kids. Children's section…read moreand adult section. There's a play area for the littles and lots of chairs to sit in rain. They have multiple areas for coloring and drawing and lots of electronic resources. One of the best small town local libraries I've ever been to.

This roadside marker is near the central district of Buchanan in front of the Presbyterian Church…read more It is in very good condition as it was replaced recently. The marker reads, "The Great Valley Road, which carried many settlers of European descent through Virginia beginning in the 1740s, cross the James River nearby. This intersection gave rise to Pattronsburg, established north of the river in 1788 and named for early landowner James Patton, and Buchanan, laid out south of the river in 1811 and named for Colonel John Buchanan. Commerce and manufacturing flourished, particularly after the James River and Kanawha Canal reaches its western terminis here in 1851. Union Major General David Hunter marched through in June 1864 on his way to attack Lynchburg. In 1882, the two towns were consolidated and incorporated as the Town of Buchanan." [Review 13773 overall, 1094 of 2020, number 1208 in Virginia.]

What a wonderful night! We were able to treat the kids to their first night at the drive in - and…read moreit was something my husband and I hadn't had a chance to do together. The property was clean and well kept. Clean bathrooms that are temperature controlled and have sound so you don't miss much of the movie if you have to use them. Concessions were on the slow side, but I assume they don't mass produce the snacks for smaller crowds, so that wasn't too bad. I also saw you can pre-order and they'll text you when it's ready - something we will take advantage of next time. This is definitely something we will do again when we are town.

I have not been to a drive in since I was seven. (55) we drove 1:15 minutes to Hull's…read more Our family enjoyed the movie,food and staff. I can't wait to go back!!!