Thursday, 30 October 2025: We took advantage of an offer from friends between Chesapeake and our next stop, and arrived in Red Oak, VA, at Kennon and Denise’s place. Kennon has told us many times to come up, and true to his word, he made sure he could accommodate us. We let them know we’d be coming the first of October, and if you know Kennon and Denise, you know they work hard to prepare for visitors.
Kennon had already picked out the perfect spot for Smokey, complete with electricity and water hookups at our “site.” After a three-hour trip, we arrived — and it was perfect. They’ve made their place into something really special.
After setting up and taking the grand tour, we headed out to dinner at Pizza Pub. We do love some Italian, but the menu offered plenty of variety, and we all went our own routes. Since it was Halloween, the pub had a “live” DJ adding to the atmosphere.
Friday, 31 October 2025: Friday was a workday for us and a busy one at that. We spent the afternoon chatting with Kennon and Denise and exploring their place, which they continue to improve.
Friday night dinner that evening was at a brand-new Chinese buffet in South Boston, VA, recommended by one of Kennon’s friends. The place had just opened — only a banner out front — but inside we found a freshly remodeled space and buffet tables full of fresh food.
After dinner, we made a Walmart run (South Boston is about 45 minutes away and the closest one to them). That wrapped up Friday!
Saturday, 1 November 2025: Saturday morning we all decided to explore as a group, starting in downtown Clarksville, VA. When we’d been at Pizza Pub on Thursday, we’d noticed how charming downtown looked, and we weren’t disappointed.
Our first stop was Rooted Café, a cozy bakery serving sandwiches and coffee. It was mid-morning when we arrived, and the photographer was starving — we finished brunch before realizing we hadn’t taken a single photo of our food! The BLTs and bacon, egg & cheese bagels were excellent.
Next up was a local thrift store packed with treasures of all kinds — and live music while shopping! Kennon even discovered something he needed (can you guess what it was?).
Just out front, we found Hite’s Clothing, full of favorite brands and a great women’s selection. Further down Main Street, we explored The Shoppes on Virginia Avenue, two floors of local vendor finds — and yes, Kennon found another “must-have.”
On our way back up the street, we came across a unique combination shop — part gift shop, part ice cream shop, part café, and part appliance store! Crisman’s Appliance and The Cottage Barn is a true small-town gem. We didn’t eat lunch there, but the food we saw looked delicious.
Before leaving Clarksville, we browsed a few more antique stores (“other people’s junk,” as we like to say) before heading to Chase City, VA.
A Google search had led Kevin to believe we’d find old ruins there, but what we actually discovered was the MacCallum More Museum and Gardens — an eclectic collection of statues, busts, and nautical pieces from around the world. We toured the gardens, then arranged a private tour of the house and museum.
The home was built in 1929 by Edward Wren Hudgins, former Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court, and the gardens were created by his wife, Lucy Morton Hudgins. Inside, we found family heirlooms, including an impressive collection of ashtrays their son gathered during his military travels.
The museum showcased local history and preserved artifacts from the gardens, including Arthur Robertson’s Cabin and his remarkable arrowhead collection — nearly 46,000 pieces!
Back at the campsite, Kennon smoked four whole chickens while Denise whipped up her famous German potato salad and some mac and cheese. After that feast, we were full and ready for some Vols football — Tennessee vs. Oklahoma. The Vols didn’t win, but we had a great time playing Shanghai and enjoying good company.
Sunday was our travel day, and the time change set us in motion early. We did take our time packing up, hanging out, and saying goodbye for now. We will make another stop.