roadside stands, shops and plenty of entertainment. The Swindler

roadside stands, shops and plenty of entertainment.

The Swindler family’s gift shop and restaurant, Country Manor, sits snug against the mountainside. It’s a fine place to start the day with a cool drink enjoyed in the sun on the deck, watching passers venture along the road to Skyline Drive, nine miles west.

After a drink, I walked through the store from one corner to the next and inspect the tremendous variety oi gifts the shop has to offer, everything from pottery ol style and distinction to wooden or woven items. This weekend prices have been marked down on many items in the store.

The stop at Country Manor could give you the opportunity to find a really unique gift for a very moderate price.

A fine quiche dish or woven placemats may make a nice gift for the mother with everything. Noah’s Ark is popular for children and adults. Detailed Christmas tree ornaments in a variety of styles and color are an excellent value and a wonderful gift.

Before you leave, take a few minutes to watch Old Hollow’s Roy Pullen perform apple-butter boiling or watch demonstrations of basket weaving—two family activites enjoyed by both children and adults.

My next stop east was Parkway Gift Shop, and inside I found a variety of gift ideas: comic souvenirs, chairs, outdoor sculpture and jars of homemade jams or jellies.

Next, at Elmer’s Antiques, I picked up some decorating ideas and checked out the fine selection of antique furniture, all at 10 percent off.

In the village of Sperryville at this point, I noted how happy I was that I put on good walking shoes and planned for detours and unexpected but pleasant distractions.

My first stop there was Woodsmoke Cafe—warning, the barbeque aroma may entice you to buy, either for eating along the street or for taking home for later.

Next I wandered a few paces to County Home Antiques. This weekend that’s where you can find a hay bale to sit upon while to listening to the sweet blues of John Jackson, Rappahannock’s own world-famous blues singer.

Mr. Jackson’s blues and folk music—two shows at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Oct. 5—is sponored by Country Home Antiques.

The seventh son of Rappahannock’s Suttee and Hattie Jackson, Mr. Jackson’s life has taken him down many roads, such as that of gravedigger, butler, farmer, 1 chauffeur and musician. Winner of the 1986 National Heritage Award for the National Endowment of the Arts, he has taken his love for the Blue Ridge Mountains and his musical talent to over 60 nations worldwide.

During intermission or after the concert, wander into Country Home Antiques. In addition to antiques of style and quality, the store offers fresh Amish breads and pastries.

Fresh bread with freshly made applebutter— brewed on the lawn—could make an elder friend or family member smile with delight. The pastries make a nice addition to any breakfast table—whether for special or for just another morning on the run.

For a bit of culture or just a minute to browse, visit Southern Drawl Artworks, the tiny one-room gallery located across from Country Home Antiques.

Fine art is in style and no where else in the county is the tremendous choice available. Well-known limited editions from the best galleries can be purchased, framed and unframed.

Several pieces from local artists—around the county or area—can be seen or purchased.

Outside local artist Tanya Richey, director of her own Windflower Fine Art Gallery in Washington, Va., will visit this weekend, as well as Luray artist Gary Saylor and caricaturist Peter Scott.

Just down the road from County Home Antiques, Faith Mountain Company is bulging at the seams with ideas and items.

Faith Mountain Company offers a variety of potpourri and scented candles as well as naturally made pasta and fine jewelry.

In the discount room out back the prices are slashed on close-out items and out-of-season pieces. Unique flower vases and pieces of pottery await the perfect home.