But before my family got into town we had a week full of fun! Beginning at Chantilly National, then to Herndon Centennial and after that we headed up to Musket Ridge in Maryland. Musket Ridge was high in the mountains and was beautiful! I was glad we got to play it and enjoy the great view! We then got to head down to Warrenton, VA to host a very small tournament at Fauquier Springs. We had some crazy holes that kept us busy: like a declined dog-leg right where you had to ring a bell before you crossed over to the green for safety reasons. We also had a DCP that afternoon and because of our need to be everywhere at once I was the sole rules official on the course. Fortunately no earth shattering decisions occurred but I did stay busy. I've determined rules officiating is something I would be interested in pursuing for a future career or pastime. We then were off to Evergreen for our next DCP, another great course surrounded by mountains. Then we were off to the supposedly haunted Shenandoah Valley House that was not necessarily haunted but was definitely outdated. We had a blast hanging out with one of my favorite volunteers, Albert Rockwell. the house was directly across from the clubhouse. I had some difficulty with patience with some players and their parents but I learned a lot. It was a good way to end the week because of how quickly the tournament ended, so I could get home to my family that were driving into Stafford!
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| From behind the clubhouse looking out onto the course and the mountains surrounding it. |
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| Looking onto the clubhouse down the 18th hole. |
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| Suspender Shenanigans |
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| The SV House |
Saturday we began the day with a tour of Chatam Manor, the home to founding father Fitzhugh and many important people during the Civil War. The building served as a hospital, meeting place for presidents and war leaders and a place signifying the many changes of the times. President Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln had walked those halls.
We then headed to Washington's childhood home. They had a virtual tour you could take with you via Ipad. It taught you the importance of what you were looking at even though there really wasn't anything there. Melinda and I learned a lot while we walked around, including the fact that the stone throw fable concerning young Washington must have occurred there.
We continued on into downtown the historic district of Fredericksburg and by recommendation ate at Foode, which the head chef has been featured on Top Chef. We ate outdoor and a very fulfilling and delicious meal. Foode fries are a good enough reason to return. We were then able to walk around and enjoy all of the boutiques, historic courthouse and pubs that lined the streets.
But before we headed back we had to stop at Carl's ice cream stand. It's one of the oldest venue's in the area and has three flavors to offer and only accepts cash. But the trip is well worth it! This little stand has been featured on Food Network.
We had a movie and pizza night in the hotel, we decided to watch Night at the Museum to prepare us for the next day we were hoping to spend in DC.
Sunday morning my family made the trip with me to my temp church Immanuel Bible Church. After a much appreciated message on giving we headed to the metro and were shuttled downtown to 13th street. We hoofed it down to the White House and played tourists. But the highlight of the day was eating at Old Ebbitt Grill. This is the oldest restaurant in DC, also the busiest restaurant in DC. Part of the President's Men was filmed there. Despite the potential of bushing elbows with DC's celebrities, we were more wowed by the food. The brunch there is to die for! We have determined we have to come back for the much tempting desserts that we were far too full to even attempt to stomach!
But we knew we were going to have ice cream before we left the city, so to walk it off and make room for sweets we headed over the Mall. Despite all of the construction going on... well everywhere, we were still able to enjoy all of the sights we could see that weren't too far out of our feet's comfort. But we enjoyed all of the American History Smithsonian Museum (it's my favorite). We soldiered on through some really neat exhibits, but when we had seen all we could see we headed outside searched relentlessly for ice cream and after much searching we did and happily enjoyed it in my new favorite spot in DC. It's one of the two fountains outside the Arts & Industries Museum. Let's just say, if I move to DC and I have a boyfriend that wants to propose... here's a subtle suggestion.
We metro'd back home. And before we knew it the weekend was over. It was hard to say goodbye, I wish they could've stayed for weeks but I enjoyed my time with them. We are already planning our next trip.
