The Road to Damascus, VA
School is finally out, and I feel I might be having an existential crisis. Okay, maybe that is just a tad on the dramatic side, but I am having a bit of a hard time adjusting to a new schedule with free time. I had no idea what to do.
My parents paid me a visit a couple of weeks after school ended. I was so glad for the visit, as well as some company. What I thought was going to be a trip of leisure, turned into long days filled with road travel. In only three days we had already covered three states, attended a concert, and visited multiple places. It was a lot of fun and action filled.
The day my parents arrived, Sam Lewis was playing a free concert in Abingdon, VA. If you haven't heard of him, you can check out my review here. He is a talented artist and has played with some great musicians. So, we made the hour and a half drive to see him debut songs from his newest album, which was recently released.
The drive to Abingdon, VA, was scenic and beautiful. Big rolling hills, pastures that looked as if they would go on forever and 360-degree mountain views. Neither I, nor my parents, had explored this part of the state, so every part of the trip was a new discovery.
The drive starts in North Carolina, then transitions to Tennessee and then goes into Virginia. Isn't that crazy?
Out of nowhere, in the bend of a curve, everything changed. A man, shirtless with red and white tube socks, walked down the road. A bit further, men with long beards walked down the streets of the town with large backpacks upon their back. I instantly fell in love with the mysterious town that is Damascus, VA.
We were rushing to get to the concert, so we didn't have time to stop. However, something about the town intrigued me so much that I promised I would make the trip back.
A week later, I kept my word and made the trip back to the little town that I wanted to explore. Armed with my camera and lenses, I wanted to capture the novelty of this little town I had never heard of.
A little bit about Damascus, VA. The little town is the site of where multiple trails all come together. Whether it is the Appalachian Trail or the Iron Mountain Trail, you can continue on either one. People from all walks of life pass through this little town on their way to explore natural surroundings.
I parked on the side of the street and began to explore. The sidewalk is made of brick, with custom-glazed bricks dedicated to the town. Bright murals color the sides of brick buildings and outdoor provision stores are popular.
As I took a few pictures, I heard the sounds of rushing waters. I followed the sounds to the tree-lined Laurel Creek. Next to the creek was a towering building that was painted dark red. The building is actually a remodeled water mill that overlooks a grist mill waterfall. It is both an inn and a restaurant. There was a sign for a restaurant located on the side of the building and I climbed the stairs to the door.
The hostess asked whether or not I would like to sit inside, or outside on top of the waterfall.
What kind of question is that?
I selected the latter and in a few minutes was seated right above rushing water.
As I waited to order my food, two eagles passed over my head. Everything was lush and green. Baby ducks waddled behind their mother and another duck slowly paddled its feet as it sat towards the edge of the falls.
Across the falls stood a Great Blue Heron poised on a rock. The falling water made fishing easy as falling fish were easy prey. The heron picked one out of the water and flew back to enjoy his find.
Damascus, VA is just about dreamy. The little town is quaint and is a beautiful addition to any road trip. It has become my favorite place to stop, and I am sure it will be yours as well.
Sincerely,
Caitlin
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Meet Caitlin
Caitlin is a storyteller and photographer currently based in the coastal city of Wilmington, N.C.
A self-confessed romantic, she is a firm believer that there is good in the world.
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