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Editor's 7Remarks This publication is a first for the Rappahannock Neu’s. It's not meant to be so comprehensive that it rivals the phone book but rather to touch upon information that a long-time resident, a newcomer or visitor might appreciate seeing in one place. Rappahannock County is located some 80 miles west of Washington, D.C. Driving out of Warrenton on US 211 and heading west or coming across the mountains from Front Royal on Rt. 522 or perhaps through Sperryville from Culpeper, you'll feel the magic of this county without much effort. Its lush green rolling hills nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains are resplendent reminders of a land largely unspoiled by development. For many years, long enough to make a significant difference, elected officials and county residents have been on the same philosophical page as far as opening the gate to sprawl. They haven't. While neighboring counties have touted similar stands, the minds, hearts and pocketbooks of Rappahannock residents have partnered to make it a realitv. It's a legacy’ that many would like to have in place for a long time. Living without supermarkets and shopping malls is a small price to pay for those who choose to live here. Many have found sanctuary in this county, basking in the solitude that it offers but also spoiled by the many unique treasures that it holds. Treasures like organic farmers yielding seasonal goodies, a cadre of craftspeople who create fine furniture, blow life into glass, shape pots from mounds of clay and paint pictures that resonant with luminosity. There are galleries to stroll through, restaurants to try, theatre events to attend and a galaxy of wineries to rival the private stock of Dionysus. And then there's the Inn at Little Washington. What small town in America can boast the likes of Patrick O'Connell's five star, five diamond eating establishment in the heart of Washington - a town with a population of less than 200. There are award winning Angus cattle magnificently munching away, polo matches at Bleu Rock Inn and Kobe beef at Sunnvside <& The Schoolhouse. There are antique stores , fine gift stores, places to look at llamas and places to stretch your mind and body with Svnergy dance classes. For history buffs, the county holds haunting memories of Civil War battles lost and won. You can travel certain back roads that are still unpaved and come upon the leftover stones of a once fine fireplace. There are folks in Rappahannock that can claim heritage to the Mayflower, there are others that have turned their once weekend homes into permanent ones, others who have a passion for working the land but all with a desire to claim, keep and nurture a . place of beauty for many generations to enjoy. Your local officials are your friends and neighbors. Thev are as accessible as a phone call, a handshake or a lunch away. Official meetings are held in historic buildings usually without microphones and eye contact is easy, encouraged and can easily be followed bv a comment. My ramblings are only a prelude to the near spiritual rhythm of Rappahannock County. Getting back to the Rappahannock Guide which hopefully you are about to peruse, keep in mind that it's a first and like anv good recipe will hopefully get better each time we make one. Enjoy! ' Anita L. Sherman Editor , Rappahannock News
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