There are things happening in the small town of Clifton Forge, Virginia. I didn’t realize how many things.
My friend and I stopped there because it’s only 45 minutes from “home” and we heard the little town was morphing into something special.
We stopped right in the center of town to begin our visit at the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center. Taking in the regular storefront facade. I was thinking, “Ah well. Just another ho-hum artsy craftsy place. But let’s take a look.”
What surprises were inside!
Handmade Honeysuckle Centerpiece Really Made of Honeysuckle!
Look! Look! Look!
After talking to the friendly volunteers in the Arts Center and marvelling at all the locally made treasures, we realized there was not enough time. Clifton Forge is becoming a true art center.
First there is exciting rennovation going on at the Masonic Theatre (just down the street from the artsy craftsy place). Work is in progress to create the most modern facility for theater, music, and community events. There was mention of a sophisticated Art School too which is already populated with students from around the world..
And we noticed enticing shops – like a grand looking antique store and a hardware store that is supposed to be fabulous. Now I know “fabulous” is a strange word for a hardware store but we were told not to miss it. This particular place is so unique it even has a section devoted exclusively to WOMEN!
And of course, Clifton Forge was once a booming railroad town for over 100 years until the 1960’s. I have to return there to visit the Railroad Museum where visitors can go through a 1940’s vintage train!
There are several restaurants, including Michel’s of authentic French cuisine, and the Club Car (where we had lunch) featuring the freshest of fresh everything. I have to go back just to try the restaurants!
The sad thing is we simply did not have enough time to cover the charming town of Clifton Forge.
And as I put together this blog post, I realize there is not enough time to tell you all about it either because if we had just two more hours we would still be in the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center browsing buying.
Virginia Views 