To celebrate, we took a little trip out of town to Staunton, VA. It's a small town just a few hours away from Northern VA (where we live), but it's not a typical "go to" location for a weekend trip. The town's secret though is this place:
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| Blackfriar's Playhouse |
It is an amazing theatre with an amazing company. We bought tickets to see A Christmas Carol and it was one of the best performances I've ever seen. It was uplifting and unique and funny and charming. The theatre is very interactive with the audience; there are seats on the stage and the actors walk through the audience as part of the performance throughout the show. It's just an all around incredible experience. For anyone living in the area, I highly recommend taking an overnight trip to Staunton to see a play here. Also, stay at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel. It's close to everything - right next door to the theatre, and just a block away from historic downtown - so you won't have to drive anywhere and it's very charming.
One of the things I enjoyed about the trip was walking around the downtown area. It's all small businesses and shops which I love (there aren't many places like this in my area).
While we walking around town I found a camera store and museum that I had to check out. It had tons of old cameras and lenses that I got such a kick out of. I wandered around this little store for a long time. There were so many cool cameras there, and for once the owner didn't give me a weird look when I started taking photos inside his store.
It was ridiculously large. And heavy. Definitely don't drop this thing on your foot.
The lens was the size of my face. It was so huge I couldn't resist snapping a photo of our reflection in it.
We only stayed for one night, but the town has already become a favorite to me. I can't wait to go back.
Looks like it was a lot of fun! I would totally go ga-ga over those cameras, too.
ReplyDeleteI love exploring little (or at least smaller) towns in this area. We also love Stephen's City if you find yourself itching to get away again. We stayed at the Inn at Vaucluse Spring and went horseback riding at Wagon Wheel Ranch, plus more. So much fun :)
Looks like a wonderful short trip. The old cameras are a favorite of mine as well. There are some awesome prints of the old type of cameras. I know several people who use old cameras still today but im too addicted to the easy use of my dslr. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteFirst, how have I been reading your blog for so long yet I had NO idea we live in the same area? Maybe I'm just a bad reader and missed it before. Anyway, I have been itching to get to Staunton. I have only been there once, and I was in college. . . and had no interest in cute downtown areas back then. That camera store looks like a must-see. I have an old Voigtlander plate camera that Ryan gave me on our first Valentine's day.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Foot - I haven't been to Stephen's City, I'll have to remember that!
ReplyDeleteHound Girl - Digital is definitely easier to use! It would get awfully expensive to develop all the photos I take too :)
Jane - Now you know!! :) It was a lot of fun, and the drive there is great too. Driving through the mountains is very scenic! :)
that looks like such a fun trip! i would love to have seen that play! it sounds amazing! looks like a great weekend to spend with the one you love.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool little town and shop! I lurve looking at old cameras - and I've started collecting old polaroid cameras, because they are just awesome!
ReplyDeleteAm definitely sharing this with my sis and bro-in-law who live in Fairfax County, VA. They would LOVE Staunton and the playhouse :). Sounds like a great time.
ReplyDeleteVery Cool! As a UChicago PhD student, I'm all for geeking out. ;)
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome weekend - so fun!
ReplyDeleteCute place!
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