The idea of Skyline Drive began with Herbert Hoover, who wanted a summer residence or presidential getaway in the new Shenandoah National Park. When he visited the site for the "Summer White House" at Rapidan, he was very impressed with the area and saw the potential for recreational possibilities if only people had an easy and safe access to the area. Hoover was intent on seeing a road built along the mountain tops.
Roosevelt and his New Deal made Hoover's idea a reality.
Using Public Works money, FDR created the CCC or Civilian Conservation Corps, hiring young men to work on the mountain, building roads, overlooks, trails, and buildings.
Construction on the Skyline Drive began in April, 1933 and the 105-mile highway
was completed in 1939.
The northernmost access of the Skyline Drive is at Front Royal, Virginia.
The southern terminus is at Rockfish Gap where the Blue Ridge Parkway starts.
Enjoy our trip down Skyline Drive.
Beautiful views.
We travelled the extent of Skyline Drive from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap (where the Blue Ridge Parkway begins),
then decided to venture off the beaten path to find lunch.
Cue : the trusty GPS.
Our cheery voiced navigator is directing us to the Rockfish River Grill 11 miles away.
As we approach our "DESTINATION POINT,"
Ms. Garmin gives us the countdown:
"In point two miles, turn right."
In point one miles, turn right."
"Turn right and arrive at destination point."
We look around the used car parking lot.
There's a real estate office next door, and some other non-memorable shop.
But there is no Rockfish Grill in Nellysford, Virginia.
However, there IS ...
THAI-MEX!
Right across the street was a Thai-Mex restaurant -
an interesting culinary fusion if there ever was one.
Actually, this is Thai-Mex II.
Apparently, Thai-Mex I was a huge hit.
(And check the little blurb on the highlighted Thai-mex above.
It only has 2 misspelled words.
Also, sophisticated is not a word I would use to describe this establishment.)
Feeling adventurous and rather international,
not to mention extremely hungry,
we decided to try it out.
So far, so good.
Fresh chips and a nice spicy salsa were immediately brought to the table.
Here's the menu for your perusal.
Mr. Hawthorne ordered a plate of nachos.
I hate refried beans, but even if I didn't
this plate is definitely not appetizing.
Couldn't they put a little color in here?
I really liked the salsa.
Nice and hot.
Chicken on a stick with a peanut dipping sauce.
Not bad.
2 chili rellenos and an enchilada with yellow rice and the ubiquitous refried beans.
These were like no chili rellenos I've ever had.
The batter was like a pancake batter.
It was not pleasant.
The chili and cheese were OK.
I don't know what was inside the enchilada.
As Mr. Hawthorne described it,
Thai-Mex. The food that keeps on stickin'.
And he was right.
1 comment:
I'm lovin' this Rosie. History & scenery, 2 of my favorite things. Massanutten Mountain is also home to one of VA's few ski resorts, aptly named Massanutten Ski Resort. We, who have been there, sometimes refer to it as Messanuthin'.
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