Kilmarnock, VA

This is the eastern-most point on our Trip East (this time anyway).  Arrived in Kilmarnock around noon after driving across the most beautiful parts of Virginia.  From Lexington, which is in the Shenandoah Valley, up I-81 to Staunton, and then across the Blue Ridge Mountains to Richmond.  It would have been nice to relive old memories and drive up Skyline Drive, but that's a trip to be enjoyed for itself.  Leaving Richmond, we stayed on I-64 and finally left it to take smaller roads over to Kilmarnock.  After being on I-70 and I-64 for almost the entire trip, we felt like we were leaving an old friend.

This area is called the North Neck of the Chesapeake Bay and is dotted with rivers, peninsulas, farming (both lumber, wheat, etc.), tourist attractions, boating, etc.  We weren't quite sure what to expect in Kilmarnock since it has a listed population of only 1,487; however, it looks like it is the main shopping center for this area (even has a WalMart).  The Kilmarnock Inn is a bed and breakfast located right in the center of town and has a Presidential motif - right from the Presidential Seal in the rug at the entrance to the memorabilia at the front desk to the different cottages and suites named after the eight presidents born in Virginia.(don't worry - I'm not going to ask you to name them all). We're staying in the main portion of the Inn and other wedding attendees are scattered throughout the premises.

Did some shopping, walked around town, and had lunch at a local restaurant.  Met up with my sister and brother and their spouses after lunch.  They had rehearsal things to do, so we found a local golf course (King Carter Golf Course) and played nine holes - very nice course with plenty of opportunities to get in trouble - and we never missed an opportunity :-).  A bit of explanation for why we're here.  Mary Ann (my sister) is married to Stuart Terry, who has two grown children - Marc and Robin - they kind of match Mary Ann's two grown children - Mark and Robin; but I digress.  Stuart's daughter, Robin, is getting married to Bill, whose parents have a place in the North Neck and that's where their wedding will be held on Saturday evening.  OK, enough family history.

While they had their rehearsal dinner in the evening, Vi and I went to a small, local Italian restaurant for dinner and then met Mary Ann, Paul et al for drinks and conversation afterwards.  Fun evening.