Meadows of Dan, Virginia

Chinquapin

We decided to visit Meadows of Dan today. I spent the first 22 years of my life there and then lived there on and off for the next 16 years.

I wanted to visit because it was the Chinquapin Festival this weekend. (see my post about Chinkypins) I really wanted to find some since I have not tasted one in something like 15 years. I knew there was one at my Grandmother's house at the end of the driveway. Unfortunately, I no longer own the home, but, I decided to pull into the driveway and have a look. Lo and behold, there they were . . . little, brown, shiny chinkypins peeking out of the burrs! I must have one! I hopped out of the car and just as I was reaching up to get one, a HUGE dog started running straight for me, barking like he really meant business. Needless to say, I left without a chinkypin!

While I was visiting a friend, she gave me a tip about where she thought there still might be a chinkypin bush. I had to check it out. The bush was COVERED in spiny, bright green burrs. Many of them had not opened yet. I was excited! Unfortunately, all of the chinkypins were tiny. Teeny-tiny. In fact, there was no meat inside the hulls. I wonder if all of the dry weather caused them to be that way?

We also visited Mabry Mill, Rocky Knob Cabins, Rocky Knob Visitor Center, Poor Farmer's Market, Mountain Meadow Farm & Craft Market and I also had to stop and photograph my elementary school that caught on fire last month.

I love visiting back home, but I usually end up having at least one good cry while I am there. Even memories that are good can make you sad sometimes.