Colonial Beach 2014
Whether You’re Here for a Day or a Week, You Will Experience What We Call Home Summer Guide
A Special Supplement to The Journal May, 2014
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May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
Welcome to the Town of Colonial Beach On behalf of the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce, we welcome you to our waterfront town. This is your guide to explore and become a part of all of the wonderful things that make Colonial Beach a unique and relaxing community. “Whether you’re here for a day or a week, you will experience what we call home.” The Chamber of Commerce represents 145 businesses and organizations, from retail, service, real estate, marinas, hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, art galleries, antique shops and professional services that cater to their customers on a first name basis. The Chamber’s year round events calendar is made possible by businesses and residents who volunteer their time and effort to celebrate the beauty of our surroundings as the second largest public beach in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The bounty of our good fortunes includes a school system that is fully accredited by the Virginia Dept. of Education. Our police department is also fully accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. Situated in historic Westmoreland County, Colonial Beach, VA has something to offer everyone. If you visit us once, you will return time and time again. Enjoy!
Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce 106 Hawthorn St. PO Box 475 Colonial Beach,VA 22443 (804-224-8145) info@colonialbeach.org www.colonialbeach.org
Carey W. Geddes President, Col. Beach Chamber of Commerce
2014 Board of Directors President: Carey Geddes Beach Service Center Vice President: Maryann Day Beach Shop Treasurer: Mitzi Saffos BB&T Bank Directors: Patrick H. Ward, CPA Kyle Schick, Colonial Beach Yacht Center Joyce Thor, JarrettThor Fine Arts Ed Blunt, The Lighthouse Restaurant Anita Chung, River Edge Inn Shirley Hinrichs, Monroe Bay Inn, B&B
The Journal — Your weekly paper The Journal’s news is about our community — that’s it. We don’t try to be anything but local. It’s all about our community and what makes it GREAT! To subscribe call 540-775-2024
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The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 3
63rd Annual Potomac River Festival kicks off a busy Colonial Beach season The Potomac River Festival, hosted by the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce, brings together a variety of local and outside talents for entertainment, as well as shopping experiences for handmade art, crafts and souvenirs. Over the years, local non-profit groups have added events either close to or during the Festival weekend.
Festival Carnival The fun really begins with on June 4, with the Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Dept.’s Festival Carnival, hosted by the ladies auxiliary. Overlooking the Potomac River on Town Hill, the carnival traditionally offers a family night. With one low price, kids receive a bracelet that allows them to ride as many rides as they can handle until 9 p.m. The carnival continues throughout the week and during the Festival weekend. Thursday, June 5, is a great day to take advantage of touring the many historical sites within minutes of Colonial Beach. George Washington’s Birthplace is just 15 minutes up the road on Route 3, and just 5 more minutes brings you to Westmoreland State Park. After a day of adventure, take advantage of one of many local restaurants featuring locally harvested blue crabs and other local fish.
For lodging, the town offers many quaint bed and breakfasts, as well as the newly renovated River Edge Inn, located at the base of Town Hill overlooking the Potomac River. On Friday, spend the day on the beach soaking up the sun, but be sure to stake out a spot along the parade route for the Firemen’s Parade, which will begin at 7 p.m. The Firemen’s Parade The Firemen’s Parade draws fire companies from hundreds of miles away to show off their trucks, flash their lights and blare their horns, which can be heard across the river as far away as Maryland. Be sure to bring earplugs and a bag for collecting candy. The parade route starts at the firehouse on Colonial Ave., goes east and then turns right on to Washington Ave. The parade will then turn left onto Boundary St. and continue past the cannon. The parade will then turn left, going against the traffic on Beach Terrace by the River. When it reaches the Boardwalk at the Municipal Pier, the parade will turn left onto Hawthorn St., against traffic, then turn right onto Taylor St. The parade will then cross Wilder Ave. and proceed into the Town Parking Lot, continuing across Riverboat’s parking lot, ending at the Town Hill Stage area. Immediately after the parade, folks gather
to watch the Miss Colonial Beach Beauty Contest on the Town Hill Stage, while judges and visitors get an up-close look at the fire trucks. You don’t want to miss the trucks leaving the beach, blowing their sirens one last time and waving goodbye. On Saturday, the Arts and Crafts Show begins at 10 a.m., and food vendors will be present for all-day dining.
The Grand FEATURE Parade The Grand Feature Parade begins at Noon on Saturday, featuring Rockin’ the Beach as its theme, with Colonial Beach the town’s new Po- Police Chief lice Chief, Elizabeth Elizabeth Legg “Libby” Legg as the will serve as Grand Marshal Grand Marshal. The parade award ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on the Town Hill Stage, and live entertainment will begin at 3 p.m. and run until 11 p.m. Don’t miss the fireworks Fireworks will be shot from the Town Pier and can be viewed all along the beach
as well as from Town Hill and the carnival area. Fireworks begin shortly after dark, signaled by the fire department’s siren, as are many event beginnings such as the parades. Sunday winds down a bit, but the fun continues with the Boat Parade at 1 p.m. and the Pet Parade on Town Hill Stage at 2 p.m. Fun on the Potomac Colonial Beach is located on the northeastern-most end of the Northern Neck in Virginia. It sits on the Potomac River and is known for its gambling back in the 1950’s. Today, visitors still can get a taste of betting at Riverboat on The Potomac, which features betting on horse races, as well as both Virginia and Maryland Lotteries, Keno and card game tournaments. The town features a large beachfront for swimming, wading and boating along the Potomac on its east side. Numerous marinas line the protective waters of Monroe Bay on the town’s west side. A free public boat launch is located on the southern tip of Colonial Beach with inexpensive spaces to park vehicles and boat trailers while you spend the day on the water. A trolley system runs during the summer accessing every area of Colonial Beach or Continued on page 5
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May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
The Potomac River Festival features two parades, a boat parade, carnival rides, pageants, arts & crafts and lots of fun.
James Monroe Birthplace Park and Museum
The historic James Monroe Birthplace Park and Museum is open during the summer on weekends from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Bring lunch and enjoy the picnic area on the grounds or launch your canoe from our dock on Monroe Creek, which flows into Monroe Bay and the Potomac River. The Foundation’s purpose is for Education and Preservation honoring the life and legacy of James Monroe, our fifth President and founding father. He was the only other US President to have served in active duty in the Revolutionary War other than George Washington and helped save this nation during the War of 1812 when he served as both Secretary of State and Secretary of War. Visit the new Museum with its expanded exhibits honoring President James Monroe.
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Directions: The Birthplace is located on Route 205 in Westmoreland County, 1 mile east of Colonial Beach at 4850 James Monroe Highway at the James Monroe Birthplace Historical marker. www.monroefoundation.org • virginiapresidents@gmail.com Find the James Monroe Memorial Foundation on Facebook 804-214-9145
Each office independently owned and operated
The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 5
Continued from page 3 visitors can call one of the local cab services. Colonial Beach is a golf-cart community, sharing the road with vehicles and bicyclists. The downtown area features medium box stores with a mix of small quaint shops, including golf cart rentals, thrift stores and gift shops throughout. A large group of artists have settled in Colonial Beach, and the town is quickly becoming a hub of local and visiting artists featured at various shops in town. Nightlife in Colonial Beach has grown up since the early days, with a large variety of restaurant-style bars and pubs with many featuring live entertainment year round. The town also has local private clubs such as the Moose Lodge, American Legion, VFW and the Eagles. There is also a local group for boy scouts, girl scouts and venture crew. Colonial Beach is also home to a host of large birds of prey, such as osprey, bald eagles and the occasional hawk. Cranes, blue herons, swans, geese, ducks, seagulls, loons and a variety of small birds also reside year round in Colonial Beach. Blue crabs are plentiful in summer and oysters in winter, thanks to conservation efforts that have brought back these local delicacies. Colonial Beach also offers many tackle shops to accommodate fishermen, and The Potomac River Fisheries Commission is located in the downtown area on the corner of Taylor St. and Wilder Ave. Upcoming events Colonial Beach has now become a regular
stop on the UWP- IJSBA Watercross National Tour. Colonial Beach will play host to the Liberty Cup portion of the National Jet Ski Competition on July 18 through 20. The Chamber is hosting the Father’s Day Car show June 15, put on by the Colonial Beach Cruisers. Be sure to also check out the Annual Boardwalk Arts and Crafts Show on Sept. 6 and 7. This year, the town will host its first Bike Fest from Oct. 9 to 12, with a variety of
activities and scheduled events, geared towards a biker demographic, strategically planned to accommodate their interests. Bike Fests tend to create a tradition among loyal motorcycle enthusiasts who return for years to come. One of the more popular events during a bike fest is the Weeny Bike Ride, where bikers get on a bike with a rider and try to take a bite out of a hotdog. Bike rodeos show off a rider’s slow speed skills, such as the Roadkill event, where rid-
ers attempt to pick up stuffed animals inside a small area. Events are all geared around having fun, while practicing safety. Of course, there will be food and beverage vendors serving sodas, tea and alcoholic beverages, and the town is in negotiations with the band Molly Hatchet. Whether you come for a day, the weekend or a week, you’re sure to come back again and again. —Linda Farneth
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May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
Colonial Beach is a thriving Art Community linda farneth
The Colonial Beach Artists’ Guild has been around for a while, but in the last 7 years has blossomed into a thriving art culture. The Guild sponsors the Second Friday Art Walk, which gives several of the one hundred plus members venues to display their artwork. Various locations around town allow artists to display during the art walks, and many allow the artists to remain set up the whole month through. The JarrettThor Fine Arts Gallery, Visions by Shirl and Hannah’s Pottery by Hand and Studio A are just three of the locations where Guild and visiting artists show during the art walks. JarrettThor opened their doors seven years ago at 100 Taylor St., Suite 101. The gallery, named after Joyce Jarrett Thor and her husband, Carl Thor, started as Joyce’s personal studio but blossomed into a thriving gallery which features artists from Colonial Beach and other parts of the country. Hannah’s Pottery by Hand opened four years ago at 10 Hawthorn St., where she began giving pottery lessons. Hannah continued to expand her business by featuring the work of other artists, many who give classes in jewelry, mosaics and other mediums. After some renovations, she opened the east
side of the building to house Studio A, managed by Dale Yingling and Susan Usher, who are both artists as well. Space is rented by various artists inside both studios, and Hannah plans to offer outdoor vendor space during the summer in the adjacent lot near the Municipal Pier. Artists will show on the weekends and are welcome to show throughout the week. Shirley Rush’s lifelong dream to own an art gallery was realized three years ago when she opened Visions by Shirl, located at 116 Hawthorn St., next to the Colonial Beach Museum. Rush currently displays the work of several other artists along with hers. Shirley is an accomplished artist who studied art at the Internationale Schule in Frankfurt, Germany, when she was a ‘military brat’. Rush took several years off to raise her son, and after some encouragement from her husband, Carroll, in 2006, she picked up art where she had left off. These are just three of the thriving galleries in Colonial Beach. Other businesses such as the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, Riverview Inn, Lala’s Hair Studio and Esco Limited offer space to local artists, both for the art walk and during the month. The Guild also co-sponsors the Annual Boardwalk Art Show with the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Shirley Rush unveiled her work of art, “Transmutation of Time” at the Sept. Art Walk. Colonial Beach has recognized the success of the Artists’ Guild and as a result, has named an official Art District as well as including amenities for art lovers in the town’s comprehensive plan.
The Guild members have also painted murals around town, and for two years in a row, have painted special panels depicting each artist’s interests that make living in Colonial Beach unique and fun.
Pottery By Hand • • • •
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The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 7
Andrea Clement’s talents produce a wide variety of artwork. Vicki Marckel’s fun loving spirit shines through her self portrait. Marckel shows off the shoes she wore for the painting.
Lucky Seven for JarrettThor Fine Arts carl thor
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ART AT THE BEACH
Regional Artists with original landscapes, seascapes, still life, portraits and abstracts Unique hand-made jewelry, plus wooden bowls, silk scarves by Tarver Harris Designs and decorative minerals including amethyst, kyanite and quartz Exhibit by Joan Limbrick & Nancy Brittle Workshop by Steven Walker - (oil) Fredericksburg Artists Exhibit - “Drawn Together” Workshop by Luba Sterlikova - (oil pastels) FREE Exhibit by Carolyn Goodridge RECEPTION EACH 2ND FRIDAY Workshops by Carolyn Goodridge - (encaustic)
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September will mark the seventh year for JarrettThor Fine Arts in Colonial Beach. Joyce and Carl Thor, the artist/owners, originally had in mind a painting studio for themselves and a small gallery for the works of a few friends. Since then, they have expanded twice, and they now permanently represent over 30 artists and can hang up to 120 paintings at the same time in their expanded space. Some of their permanent artists are from Colonial Beach, but others are from as far away as New York City and France. They bring in a new “featured artist” each month, often an artist and/or style not previously seen in Colonial Beach. Several of their permanent artists are also teachers, so JarrettThor now presents a complete program of workshops throughout the year that reflects most of the common painting media including watercolor, oil, pastel, acrylic, encaustic (beeswax), and (new in 2014) oil pastel. The workshops provide a variety of subject matter from still life and seascapes/landscapes to abstracts. Many of their students are reawakening their interest in art after years of dormancy. JarrettThor provides an annual Alumni Exhibit to showcase the work done in the various workshops or inspired by the teachers. The workspace also includes the design studio of Tarver Harris with scarves and other textiles added to her paintings. The gallery’s line has been extended to include decorative minerals, special books, wooden bowls by Mark Chandler, and unique jewelry by Candy Livingston and Pat Troiani. JarrettThor is located at 100 Taylor Street (Condo Building) in Colonial Beach’s Arts and Cultural District and participates in the Colonial Beach Artists’ Guild’s Second Friday Art Walk every month throughout the year.
Look for information about upcoming Art Walks in
The Journal. Go to www.journalpress.com to subscribe.
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May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
Remembering a Black & Gold state championship season Leonard Banks Sports editor On Friday, March 13, 2009, time as we know it came to a standstill in the town found off the beaten path, known as Colonial Beach. Two men, connected by athletics, friendship and fate, suddenly found their destinies on the threshold of high school basketball history. Dylan Farinet and Tristan “TT” Carey will forever have the distinction of taking a team of ten where no Drifter man or woman has ever gone before. In the final seconds of the 2009 VSHL Division I Group A State Championship finals, the Drifters defeated Eastern Montgomery, 77-75. With less than 30 seconds remaining, Carey broke a 70-70 tie with a short-ranged jumper. With the crowd sitting on the edge of their seats, and 16.2 seconds left, Farinet followed with two foul shots to extend the Drifters’ lead to 76-72. However, the Mustangs responded with an Adam Sisson 3-point jumper, cutting their deficit to one. Seconds later, a hustling Farinet converted one of two foul shots, giving the Drifters a 77-74 lead, with 16.2 seconds in the game. In a last gasp attempt, Mustang forward Brad Wooten barely missed a 3-pointer basket. After the ball fell into the awaiting hands of the Drifters,
the celebration of a lifetime commenced at mid-court of the Virginia Commonwealth University Siegel Center gymnasium. The Drifters had overcome the adversity attributed to trailing 33-26 at halftime, the Mustangs breaking a state-record of 13 3-pointers, and a host of early missed shots and turnovers. Carey led all scores with 37 points. He also added 16 rebounds and four steals. Farinet added 17 points, 19 rebounds, four assists and four steals. How did the team of Carey, Farinet, Joe Slater, Ken Devers, Alex Gorfida, Jeryl Dickerson, Thomas Peery, Paul Roberson, Jamel Dickerson and Kevin Swope collectively realize their dreams, after winning a record of 10-0, 26-3 that included a division and tournament championship? The not-so-secret common denominator that methodically led the way for the championship was legendary sports icon, Steve Swope. After long hours of practice and sleepless nights, the fruits of his labors had finally paid off. After the game, former Drifter athletic director (39 years) and local sports historian, Wayne Kennedy’s perspective was unique and to the point. “It was certainly a team effort, but it sure is refreshing to see native son Steve Swope bring out community together,
to achieve this lofty accomplishment for not only his team and himself, but also for every past Drifter athlete, coach and fan who gave it their all—but could not be as successful as this year’s basketball team. Colonial Beach has always been the home of Drifter passion, but now it is also the home of State Champions.” The championship win over the Mustangs marked the Drifters 16th consecutive win victory in a row for the Drifters. Ironically, the season started off with a heartbreaking 62-61 loss to Lancaster. Sadly, every member of the team eventually embarked upon successful post-graduate and collegiate careers, with the exception of Dickerson. On May 8 of this year, after going kayaking, Dickerson’s boat was later found empty. The search for his body continues. He was attempting to paddle five miles across the Potomac River from Hague to Tall Timbers Marina, in St. Mary’s County, Md., Maryland Natural Resources police spokesman, Candy Thomson said. As for Carey and Farinet, their lives continued to travel successfully along a parallel path of high school and collegiate achievement. Along with Carey setting the school’s all-time scoring record (2,481), he acquired a star status with baseball and football honors. In his final season, he
scored 884 points, the third highest in VHSL history. At Longwood University, he started 59 of 64 career basketball games, scored 932 points, 326 rebounds, 162 career assists, 105 steals, 41 career blocked shots and 136 3-point goals (sixth all-time), and Lancer Athlete of the Year (twice). He accomplished the aforementioned feats and others, after transferring from La Salle University, in the short span of three seasons. As for Farinet, his basketball collegiate dreams began as a transfer from Virginia Wesleyan College before coming to the University of Mary Washington, three seasons ago. Using the motto “play angry”, the sixfoot-two forward recently led the Eagles to their best season in school history (25-6). The historic season featured a CAC Championship and numerous individual honors. The Eagles’ season came to an end as the Williams College Ephs defeated the Eagles, 79-46, in the NCAA Division III Tournament Quarterfinals. Farinet’s high school athletic legacy included his membership in the 1,000-point club and numerous basketball and football (quarterback) honors. Now that their college and high school years are embedded in sport history, Farinet and Carey can equally feel proud they are were apart of something special.
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The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 9
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May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
F&A’s Colonial Beach Classic Corvette Collection attracts customers nationwide In three white buildings behind a high fence on McKinney Blvd., Frank Coates, III and his son operate a nationally-known, family-owned firm that buys and sells prized, clean used Corvette sports cars and is one of the oldest successful businesses in Colonial Beach. From the distinctive styling of the little white 1954 Corvette two-seat street cruiser with its automatic transmission, to the powerful 1967 Corvette with its big block 427 cubic inch motor, to the technology, styling and performance of the modern Corvettes 60 years later, the Coates family has assembled every generation of the popular American sports car classic. “I have been in the auto business since 1976,” said Frank Coates, III. “And I have been driving Corvettes since I was 15.” Frank, his wife Candy, his daughter Ashley, Ashley’s son Hunter, Frank’s son Frank IV and his wife, Michele, all participate in the family auto business at F&A Corvette in Colonial Beach. Frank IV, who has been managing the business for the past two years, said working with Corvettes and with his dad is a dream come true. “We are a father and son team; how can you go wrong with that?” he said. “I love to come to work. It’s fun.” Frank III is a native of Colonial Beach. His dad, Frank, Jr., used to manage the town’s Texaco gas station which was located where McDonald’s is today. Frank and Candy started their Corvette business 34 years ago. “We carry every generation and every style of Corvette,”
Frank III said. The Coateses buy and sell the highly sought after American sports cars, not only locally, but nationally and internationally. “We have customers everywhere,” Frank III said. “People call me, they contact us online, there are dealerships we work with, and we get a lot of people off the street.” “Business is good; we have 43 Corvettes here right now,” Frank III said. “We have three buildings, and they are all full of Corvettes. We buy and sell, and we handle shipping all over the country.” “That’s the thing about Corvettes,” said Frank IV. “People want to drive them, want to look at them or want just to sit in them. And we shock them sometimes with the prices. Anybody can own a Corvette. There are a lot of Corvettes that are not that expensive.” Despite shipping cars to places like Washington state, North Dakota and Sweden, the Coateses are proud of their walk-in business from Colonial Beach and Virginia. “We get people stopping by all the time,” said Frank IV. “We like meeting people and we like talking about Corvettes, and we are open pretty much every day,” said Frank III. Corvette lovers can check out the inventory at F&A Corvette by going online to www. facorvette.com, or they can drop by the Coates’ store at 621 McKinney Blvd. at the Beach or call them at 804-224-0588. —Richard Leggitt
Frank Coates, III, left, and Frank Coates, IV, father and son, run their family owned and operated, and nationally known, Corvette sales business out of Colonial Beach.
Corvette
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The Bell House Bed & Breakfast
(804) 224-7578 Just a short drive from Colonial Beach or Montross
4099 Kings Hwy. • Oak Grove, VA (formerly Bowie’s Restaurant)
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charming circa 1882 Victorian on the Potomac River, once the summer home of Alexander Graham Bell. Private baths, wine & cheese, full breakfast. Sit on the front porch and enjoy the magnificent view of the Potomac.
804-224-7000 • 821 Irving Avenue Colonial Beach, VA 22443 www.thebellhouse.com • annebolin@thebellhouse.com
The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 11
The Visitor Center now open Friday - Sunday
June 4-8 2014 63rd Potomac River Firemen’s Festival
Don’t miss a minute of the Carnival, Miss Colonial Beach Contest, and all the activities on Town Hill. Watch the Firemen’s Parade as it winds through the Beach on June 6 starting at 7 p.m.
2014 Colonial Beach Calendar of Events June 1
Miss CBVFD and Festival Baby & Little, Jr. Contests, No entries that day. 6-8 p.m. 804-224-0215. 4-8 Potomac River Firemen’s Festival Carnival, Town Hill, hosted by the CBVFD Ladies Auxiliary. 804-224-7255 6 Miss Colonial Beach Contest after the parade 804-224-0215 6 CBVFD Firemen’s Parade, 7 p.m. 804-224-7255 6-7-8 63rd Annual Potomac River Festival-Parade, Vendors, Arts & Crafts, games, Stage Shows, etc, 804-224-8145. Sponsored by Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce 7 Colonial Beach Dragway Nanu’s 4th Annual Bike Fest. colonialbeachdragstrip.com 804-224-7455 7 4th Annual Beach Clean Up Day. Co-sponsored by the CB Yacht Center and the CB Historical Society. Volunteers need to meet at the yacht center at 8:30 a.m. 7 Annual Yard Sale hosted by CB Chapter 595 NARFE. nell8211@msn.com 13 2nd Friday Art Walk 6 - 9 p.m. 804-410-2025 colonialbeachartistsguild.org 14-15 Yard Sale CB Historical Society. 9 a.m. At the corner of Hawthorn & Washington 15 Father’s Day Classic Car Show 20-22 4th Annual CB Blues Festival benefit for OAR. High Tides Restaurant. Co-sponsored by CB Chamber of Commerce. cbbluessociety@gmail.com 23-25 Three-day painting workshop in oil. Jarrett Thor Fine Arts host, held at Masonic Lodge 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 804-224-7200. 28 CBVFD 5k race. 9 a.m. Town Hill.
July 4
July 4th Celebration and Fireworks from Municipal Pier 804-224-7181 11 2nd Friday Art Walk, 6-9 p.m. 804-410-2025, 7/11-8/3 Potomac River Regional Art Show at the Town Center 804-224-2774 12 CBVFDLA dinner, 5-7 p.m. 804-224-7255 12-13 YMCA Colonial Beach 2-day Triathalon Terry McLaughlin, 540-371-9622 19 Fraternal Order of Eagles #4315 Cancer Benefit 804-224-4315 18-20 5th Annual Int’l Jet Ski Races - 3-day event 804-224-8145/804-224-8726
AUGUST 3
5 8 9 10 16-17
Explore the Shore 5k to benefit Wounded Warriors Project. Start time 8 a.m. bishopevenys.com/colonial-5k-corse-map/packet Nat’l Night Out Crime Prevention event. CBVFD & local law officials 804-493-8066 2nd Friday Art Walk, 6-9 p.m. 804-410-2025 www.colonialbeachartistsguild.org CBVFDLA dinner at the fire house, 5-7 p.m. CBVRS Children’s consignment clothing sale 35th Annual Rod Run to the Beach 804-224-0690
september 6 6-7 12 13 20 20 21-22
Jazz in the Courtyard 6-9pm Ingleside Vineyards 804-224-8687 46th Annual Arts and Crafts Show on the Boardwalk 804-224-8145 2nd Friday Art Walk, 6-9 p.m. 804-410-2025 www.colonialbeachartistsguild.org CBVFD Ladies Aux. dinner 5-7 p.m. 804-224-7255 2nd Annual Alexander Graham Bell Croquet Tournament. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Bell House, 821 Irving, Ave. Proceeds go to the CBVFD. Golf Tournament fundraiser for the CB Historical Society. 804-224-2429 5th Annual Chesapeake Wine and Harvest Festival Stratford Hall. 804-493-8038
october 9-12 10 18 25 25 25
1st Annual Bike Fest. 4-day event with bands, vendors, bike shows, demo fleets and more. colonialbeachbikefest. com or colonialbeach.org 2nd Friday Art Walk, 6pm - 9pm 804-410-2025 www.colonialbeachartistsguild.org 35th Annual Harvest Celebration 11am-4pm Ingleside Vineyards 804-224-8687 Mystery Dinner Theater colonialbeachfoundation.org All day festival. Also, CBVFDLA Children’s Halloween Party & Costume Contest 804-224-7255 & Halloween Golf Cart Parade & Contest 804-224-2278 Historical Haunts-Ghost Tours Stratford Hall 804-493-8038
Go to colonialbeach.org for more events and happenings at the Beach.
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May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
Handy Phone Numbers Town & Government Services Town Hall (804) 224-7181 Treasurer & CFO (804) 224-7183 Director of Building & Zoning (804) 224-7506 Chief of Police (804) 224-7612 Director of Public Works (804) 224-7260 Building Inspector (804) 224-7214 Colonial Beach Public Library (804) 224-0921 Refuse Pickup & Water/Sewer Emergencies (804) 224-7260 Colonial Beach Public Schools School Board (804) 224-0906 High School (804) 224-7166 Elementary School (804) 224-0921 Potomac River Test Range / Explosive Experimental Area For information about the Potomac River Test Range / Explosive Experimental Area go to http://www.navsea.navy.mil/nswc/dahlgren/ RANGE/rangeschedule.aspx The site provides daily information about the operations and scheduling of activities at the Potomac River Test Range and the Explosive Experimental Area (Pumpkin Neck). These facilities are used by the military to conduct munitions testing and should be avoided while testing is in progress. Range / Weapons Testing Hotline: 877-845-5656 (toll free) for daily updates on range operation and test schedules. Noise Questions & Comments: 866-359-5540 (toll free) to comment or ask a question about noise or vibrations you think are being caused by operations at Dahlgren.
General Information Post Office Colonial Beach Landfill County Landfill (Montross)
(804) 214-9636 (804) 224-7729 (804) 493-8825
Transportation: Bay Transit Service Voter Registration Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office
(877) 869-6046 (804) 493-8898 (804) 493-8066
Civic Groups American Legion Post #148 and Aux Colonial Beach Historical Society Colonial Beach Lions Club Fraternal Order of Eagles Moose Lodge NARFE Rescue Squad Aux. VFW Post #10574 and Aux. Volunteer Fire Dept. Ladies Aux.
(804) 224-0718 (804) 224-3379 (804) 224-7557 (804) 224-4315 (804) 224-0931 (804) 224-3069 (804) 224-7393 (804) 224-9510 (804) 224-7255
Worship Colonial Beach Baptist Church Colonial Beach United Methodist First Baptist Grace United Methodist River of Life Pentecostal Maranatha Baptist Monroe Bay Assembly of God New Life Ministries St. Elizabeth Catholic St. Mary’s Episcopal
(804) 224-7555 (804) 224-7030 (804) 224-7198 (804) 224-4444 (804) 224-8157 (804) 224-8351 (804) 224-9375 (804) 224-8447 (804) 224-7221 (804) 224-7186
We've got your hunger covered in the Northern Neck
® Locally Owned by William Washington
The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 13
Bryan Pemberton’s Custom Cartz - a unique, fun way to see Colonial Beach Richard Leggitt Eight years ago, Bryan Pemberton bought a golf cart to help his son, Todd, who has Down Syndrome. “We were looking for a way for him to get around the neighborhood,” Pemberton said. “We painted it, added lights, and it was perfect.” Today as the owner of Custom Cartz at the Beach, Pemberton is helping hundreds of other families and businesses customize golf carts so they can meet a variety of everyday needs. “Whether you want to lay out on the beach, go to lunch or just ride around, you can see a whole lot more from a cart,” he said. “We have real estate agents who use our carts to drive people around to the homes they are showing.” At his Colonial Beach cart store, and in another store in Fredericksburg, Pemberton sells new and used street-legal golf carts that are not meant for the golf course. There are a growing number of communities in Virginia that allow golf carts on their streets and in their neighborhoods. In addition to Colonial Beach, which has 800 carts running around town, Horner’s Beach in Westmoreland County and Fairview Beach in King George allow golf carts on their streets. Many of these residents depend on Pemberton and Custom Cartz to provide service, repairs, parts, accessories and sales of new and used carts. Pemberton was in sales for paint store giants Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams for 26 years before buying his Fredericksburg cart store in 2011, and then opening the Colonial Beach store in 2012.
“I always wanted to work for myself,” he said. “We do not do golf course work. We handle sales, service and parts for residential and commercial customers,” Pemberton said. “We do the maintenance for the golf carts at Mary Washington Hospital and The University of Mary Washington, for example.” “We also provide new and used carts for customers and then customize them with paint, lights and individual designs for those who want them. “We customized a six-seater for a customer, decked out with a stereo, lights and a silver custom paint job.” “And, we do a good business in rentals,” Pemberton said. “We rent carts by the hour, by the day or for any 24-hour period. We have a lot of tourists who come to Colonial Beach, park their cars and drive around town in carts.” Pemberton said he gets his new carts from top brands like Yamaha and Star Electric and carries a full selection of quality accessories, as well. “Our used carts come out of Long Island,” he said. “They are in much better condition. In that part of the country, a cart is only used for a few months each year because of the weather, as compared to a cart from the south that might have been used 10 to 12 months a year.” For those interested in buying, renting or customizing a golf cart, Pemberton’s Colonial Beach store is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Thursday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The store is located at 614 Colonial Ave. The phone number is 804-2146011 and the website is www.customcartzllc.com.
Bryan Pemberton, owner of the popular Custom Cartz store in Colonial Beach, is seeing steady business for the sale and rental of golf carts since beach weather has arrived.
CAMERON HILLS GOLF LINKS
18-Hole Championship Public Golf Course
540/775-GOLF (4653) www.cameronhills.com
OPEN YEAR ROUND
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May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
First Annual Colonial Beach Bike Fest coming in October The first Annual Colonial Beach Bike Fest will be held October 9-12. This event will feature a variety of activities throughout that weekend including vendors, live music, bike demos and much more…. How it all began… The idea of a Bike Fest has probably been crossing the minds of bikers in the area as well as businesses in the local Colonial Beach community for years. However, it just took a couple of local business owners along with the general manager at All American Harley-Davidson and disc jockey Ripley from 97.7 The Rocket to address the topic over dinner and drinks one evening, for this event to hit the ground running and the rest is history. Colonial Beach is the perfect destination for a Bike Fest because it’s centrally located to numerous biker communities in the Mid-Atlantic Region, has an awesome layout to accommodate the festivities as well as beautiful riding scenery and climate in the month of October! The 2014 Bike Fest Planning Committee is: President of the Chamber of Commerce, Carey Geddes, Ripley the Rocket from 97.7 The Rocket, Steve “Smurf ” Keene, All American Harley Davidson General Manager, Graphic Designer Jay Hayden and High Tides Restaurant and Black Pearl Tiki Bar owners Bryan & Vickie Coffman. A bike fest is simply a series of activities and scheduled events, geared towards a biker demographic, strategically planned to accommodate their interests. Bike fests tend to create a tradition among loyal motorcycle enthusiasts who return for years to come. Some of the more popular events during a bike fest
include, The Weeny Bike Ride, where bikers get on a bike with a rider and try to take a bite out of a hotdog, Bike rodeos show off a rider’s slow speed skills, such as the roadkill event, where riders attempt to pick up stuffed animals inside a small area. Events are all geared around having fun, while practicing safety. Of course there will be food and beverage venders serving sodas, tea and alcoholic beverages. There is always live music and many events end with a fireworks show but at the request of council this year’s event will forgo fireworks. Admission is free to riders and spectators, however each event does charge an entrance fee for the participants. Proceeds will fund the prizes and be donated to local charities as is customary with these events. The tradition of bike fests began years ago at Daytona Beach, with Bruce Rusmyer of the Harley-Davidson Dealership, who decided to have a little get-together for the weekend. Now bike fests are hosted all over the country for some good clean All-American Fun. Bringing the Colonial Beach Bike Fest to life, in October 2014, will bring a community together, raise money for charities, boost local businesses and become a fun tradition for bikers all over the East Coast! Make plans now to join in the fun and you’ll be able to say you were at the FIRST Colonial Beach Bike Fest years down the road! Find more details about Bike Fest at colonialbeachbikefest.com. Just confirmed, the band scheduled for Saturday is said to be Molly Hatchet! —Linda Farneth
Kashmir Rocks Colonial Beach! Carla Rollins Gutridge
Since their first appearance in Colonial Beach back in 2006, Kashmir, THE Led Zeppelin tribute band, has given classic rock fans in our area something to look forward to. Thanks to High Tides Restaurant owners Vickie and Bryan Coffman, it’s become a Colonial Beach tradition to both open and close the summer season with holiday weekend concerts featuring these guys. Appearing on High Tides’ Black Pearl Tiki Bar stage every Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend since 2009, Kashmir gets the “Led” out in a performance, that if you didn’t know better, would swear it was the original band. From the opening, “It’s been a long time since I rock and rolled…” of the playlist, to the final, “…and she’s buying the stairway to Heaven”, lead singer Jean Violet wails out notes that would surely impress Robert Plant himself. Lead guitar/bow player Andy Urban never disappoints with his incredible talent and black leather outfit as he pays tribute to his character, Jimmy Page. Donning his trademark derby just like the late John Bonham, Paul Cooper’s barehanded drum solo of “Moby Dick” must be seen and heard to be believed; it makes my hands hurt just watching him go! And last, but not least, is Felix Hanemann, the newest member of the band. Felix becomes John Paul Jones, playing bass guitar and keyboards. And while Felix is the most recent “Jones”, he had also previously been a member of the band in the past. The other three say that they’re glad to have Felix back again. When they’re not being Led Zeppelin, the guys have regular daytime jobs and hobbies. One is a hammer-swinging carpenter, one does web graphics and design, and the other two jokingly told me that if they told me what else they did, they’d have to kill me. That’s ok, guys; I don’t need to know that badly. What I can tell you is that Jean is a huge history buff, and Paul likes to cook. They all say that Colonial Beach is one of their favorite places to perform in and to visit. And as an added benefit to all of us Kashmir fans, a third dating has been made for Saturday, October 11 this year, during the First Annual CB Bike Fest. Follow the band’s events on their website www.KashmirRocks.com.
The 2014 Bike Fest Planning Committee is: Carey Geddes, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Ripley the Rocket from 97.7 The Rocket,
Steve “Smurf” Keene, All American Harley Davidson General Manager, Graphic Designer Jay Hayden Bryan & Vickie Coffman. High Tides Restaurant owners
The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 15
Thousands participate in honoring heroes during Some Gave All Memorial Ride Thousands greeted a miles long procession of motorcycle riders Sunday, May 18 as the Some Gave All motorcycle ride to honor Marine Sgt. Joshua Frazier of Spotsylvania and Army National Guard Sgt. Nicholas Mason of King George County rolled into King George County. The Some Gave All Foundation, which was formed seven years ago to honor Frazier and Mason and all Fredericksburg-area service members who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help veterans and their families. At the eighth annual 2014 Frazier/Mason Some Gave All Memorial Motorcycle ride last Sunday, motorcycle riders gathered and the proceeded to King George High School in a miles-long motorcade that stretched from King George proper to the Stafford County line. Almost 1,300 riders participated in the ride, according to King George Circuit Court Clerk Vic Mason, Nick Mason’s father. At King George, the riders were greeted by thousands of supporters for the official ceremonies. There were stunt shows, live music, demonstrations and activities.
“This year’s Frazier/Mason Some Gave All event was the largest yet,” Mason said. “Words cannot express the gratitude that we owe to all of the volunteers, businesses and the Spotsylvania and King George Schools that were instrumental in making this event such a huge success.” “Many thanks to the Spotsylvania, Stafford and King George Sheriff Offices, Virginia State Police and the Prince William Motor Unit for ensuring the safety of the Ride participants on the route from Spotsylvania to King George,” Mason said. “The community support is what separates this from just any other ride. This has transformed from a simple motorcycle ride to honor Josh and Nick into a community event that honors to all of those who have served or are serving our country in the military.” “We will never be able to thank enough those men and women or their families for their sacrifices that ensure the freedoms that we all too often take for granted,” Mason said. “The proceeds from this event will be used to assist veterans in their time of need.”
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May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
Bill Bowman’s Boathouse Marina is bringing vintage boats back to life RIchard Leggitt Bill Bowman has spent his life refurbishing and restoring aging things that have fallen on hard times. “Houses, cars, boats, I have always enjoyed taking something that is in trouble and bringing it back to better days,” Bowman said. A year ago, Bowman, who spent most of his life in the construction business in Richmond, bought Stanford’s Marine Railway Marina in Colonial Beach. Today, Bowman’s The Boathouse Marina is one of the Beach’s flourishing businesses. “All of our slips are rented, and I have a waiting list for slip rentals,” Bowman said. “We have refurbished the marina and have been pretty successful.” The Boathouse Marina has WiFi, a new boater’s lounge, showers, and a 25-ton boat lift that has replaced the old marine railway. “We have transient slips, and we are boater owned and boater friendly,” said Bowman. And, in addition to the usual marina services offered by The Boathouse Marina, Bowman takes pride in the restoration work the marina is doing to refurbish and refit a number of vintage boats. “I have always liked boats,” Bowman said. “I have lived on the water my entire life. I grew up on the Pamunkey River in Hanover County; then I lived on the James River in Richmond; and now here on the Potomac.” “And I enjoy the pleasure of taking
something that is down on its luck and then refurbishing and restoring it and bringing it back to life,” Bowman said. “And that especially applies to wooden boats from the 1800s through the Depression era. There is something about a wooden boat that just demands perfection.” Bowman and his crew of skilled craftsmen maintain and restore boats for customers and also work on Bowman’s collection of several dozen boats. “I have been collecting boats since I was in college. And, as you become known, people will come and seek you out.” Bowman’s collection includes a classic 1927, 57-foot wooden Elko cruiser, the Hermione. And, he is currently restoring a triple cockpit, wooden 1924 Chris Craft rum runner like the boats that were used to bring alcohol into the United States from Canada during Prohibition. Bowman’s team has been working on a vintage 1957 wooden, open cockpit Barbour for a customer. “In this business, you have to become very particular; you want to have something special,” Bowman said. The Boathouse Marina offers a wide variety of services in addition to its restoration and maintenance work, including a tow boat, “Butch”, for boaters needing assistance. The marina is located at 829 Robin Grove Lane on Monroe Bay. The phone number is 804-224-7644. The web address is www. theboathousemarina-va.com.
Bill Bowman, who has owned The Boathouse Marina since 2013, is gaining a well regarded reputation for the work the marina is doing, including the restoration of vintage boats.
The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 17
There’s Great Hiking Nearby While in Colonial Beach Jim Lynch DAHLGREN RAILROAD HERITAGE TRAIL in nearby King George The Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail (DRHT) is a rails-to-trails conversion of the old Dahlgren Branch line, which was built in 1942 to serve the Naval Base at Dahlgren. The DRHT preserves open space, serves as an active wildlife corridor, and is open for non-motorized uses such as cycling, jogging, walking and cross-country skiing. Rails-to-Trails projects are unique recreational resources and are of distinctive benefit to their communities. Rail trails are usually level, or have gentle grades and wide curves that offer clear and easy access for people at all levels of mobility, making them particularly suitable formultiple and varied recreational uses. Additionally, the trails may serve as alternate transportation resources, offering walking and bicycle routes to work sites, educational campuses or commercial centers. The 16-mile DRHT Rail Trail encompasses 238 acres. The western terminus is on Bloomsbury Road (Rt. 605) near the Stafford County line. Here, there is a small parking area and a multi-purpose area used for events. Two old RF&P rail cars are parked on remnants of the rail that remain. Accessing the interior of the cars is not permitted, but all are welcome to view them and take pictures. For safety reasons, please do not climb on the cars. From there, the trail continues east and terminates about a mile east of Owens Road (Rt. 624). Most of the trail is beneath a beautiful canopy of mature trees, making it very shady and pleasant, even in the hot summer. This trail goes through some of the wildest and most beautiful land in the Northern Neck of Virginia. The property abounds with wildlife; songbirds, turtles, muskrats, deer, foxes, eagles, hawks, beavers and water fowl are all common sights and sounds. “Nowhere else locally can I hike all day, for miles, through the woods listening to birds; it’s a true breath of fresh air,” says one trail fan. Trail users include scout groups, families and individuals, cyclists, and runners.
There are two long-distance running races on the trail every year; a half-marathon in February in conjunction with the Northern Neck Winterfest event, and a 50-kilometer race in August. The trail is accessible from: the Bloomsbury Road trail-head; the road crossings at Comorn Road (Rt. 609), about four miles from Bloomsbury Road; and Indian Town Road (Rt. 609), about eight miles. There are small parking areas at these locations. Future improvements will include parking at Owens Road and trail connections to Caledon State Park. Until the trail becomes part of the State Park system, it remains in private ownership. The owner encourages the public to use the trail, but asks that users obtain a permit at no charge. Visit the Friends’ website for details and to download a permit application at friendsdrht.org. In the future, the trail will also be part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a trail system that runs from Pittsburgh, PA to the Chesapeake Bay. Note that the trail passes many properties of our trail neighbors, even though very few residences are visible from the trail. Leaving the trail and trespassing on our neighbors’ property is strictly forbidden. The Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail encourage you to visit and enjoy this beautiful natural pathway through King George County. We’ll look for you on the trail! Other hiking trails near Colonial Beach: GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHPLACE NATIONAL MONUMENT- 550 acres In Westmoreland County, just a few minutes southeast of Colonial Beach and under the protection and care of the National Park Service since 1932, the grounds are a nice walking area with several paths around the Memorial House in the Historic Area. Park at the Visitor Center (nice movie, exhibits, gift shop and restrooms). Go out the back door of the Visitor Center, and enjoy the view of Popes Creek from the wooden deck (there are rocking chairs there for those not wishing to hike). Take the Popes Creek Trail toward the Historic Area and Cedar Grove. If you have a little
photo submitted by Carla Gutridge
Footbridge at George Washington Birthplace National Monument more time, take the new (2012) wooden footbridge that goes across an arm of the creek to the Picnic Area (restrooms here are closed during winter months) and a separate 0.9mile nature trail. Come back across a pair of boardwalks Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail Map to the barnyard area, WESTMORELAND STATE PARK- 1900 and back to the Visitor Center parking lot on acres (approx.) the Upper Trail. Level grade with a few short Just a few miles farther down Route 3, lorises; dirt, crushed oyster shells or woodchipcated between Washington’s Birthplace and based. There is one small wet, boggy stretch Stratford Hall in Westmoreland County, on the separate Nature Trail, but for only a few there are seven trails, totaling six miles in yards. About two miles total, not including the length. Some steep hills, including a long and separate nature trail. Tours of the Memorial steep staircase coming up from the beach House and other informative presentations by on the Potomac River; dirt paths, winding Park Rangers and Guides are available. Open through mature forests; well-marked; a great 9-5 daily (except for New Year’s Day, Thanksplace to spend the day hiking with a lunch. giving, and Christmas). Pets are not allowed in Cabins and campsites are available. Parking the Historic Area (including its trails and the fee for all, and camping fee, if applicable. footbridge). There are no admission or parking fees. www.nps.gov/gewa
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May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
Boundaries in Colonial Beach Carla Rollins Gutridge
Although the Town of Colonial Beach is physically located in Virginia, anyone venturing out into or over the Potomac River off the town’s shores is legally then located in the State of Maryland. Many have contemplated this boundary over the years, and as some have found out the hard way, you can’t break the law in Colonial Beach and then seek refuge in the waters of the Potomac thinking that the CB
Police Department, Westmoreland County Sheriff ’s Officers and/or Virginia State Police can’t touch you there. Because of the invisible boundary and the time it would take law enforcement officers from Charles County, Md. or Maryland State Police to respond to the area, a mutual agreement has been made between the states that allows Virginia law enforcement officers to respond to emergency situations and detain suspects in unlawful activities while Maryland law enforcement respond
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from across the river. This boundary line was of great benefit to business owners of properties built out over the river during the time that slot machines were legal in Maryland but not in Virginia. “Little Reno”, later named “Reno” before it was transformed into today’s “Riverboat on the Potomac”, was one such venue that enjoyed the benefits of owning slot machines back in the day. After slots were no longer legal in Maryland, along came the Maryland Lottery. Before the days of the Virginia Lottery, people would drive to Colonial Beach from all over the State of Virginia to purchase tickets for themselves and others (some being well-paid to do so), sometimes waiting in lines going out the front door of the establishment on special drawing days. Today’s Riverboat on the Potomac has the best of both worlds; lottery tickets for both Virginia and Maryland can be purchased there. Once inside the building, Virginia Lottery scratch-off tickets are in self-serve machines, ready for the buying. Overhead, a sign reads, “Welcome to
To Subscribe to The Journal: • Call The Journal - 540-775-2024 • Go online to www.journalpress.com • Drop off a check at the office 10250 Kings Hwy. King George - The Journal Complex
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Parts • Sales • Service Keep your Golf Cart ready to zip you around town this summer. Gateway Power Equipment is now an authorized service center for
Maryland”, announcing that the state line is about to be crossed, and anyone proceeding will be able to purchase alcohol and lottery tickets under the laws of Maryland, leaving Virginia’s rules and regulations on the other side of that line. As far as fishing in Colonial Beach goes, since the Potomac River is in Maryland (all but just a few feet of it, anyway), and its shores and the Municipal Town Pier are in Virginia, either state’s saltwater fishing license is acceptable here. Fishing in waters that are solely in Virginia, such as Monroe Bay and nearby Maddox Creek fall under Virginia’s fishing rules and regulations only. Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license, and there are certain days each year that are “free fishing” days, meaning no one is required to be licensed. The Potomac River Fisheries Commission, located just behind the Boardwalk, is ready and able to answer all your questions, and to sell you the license(s) you may need. I understand that there is even a “combo” license available there. More info on Page 21.
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The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 19
Visit the Colonial Beach Historical Society & Museum The Museum at Colonial Beach is in the business of preserving and sharing the history of Colonial Beach, “the playground on the Potomac.” The Colonial Beach Historical Society was formed in 1994 to promote and preserve the history of this region of Virginia’s Northern Neck. The efforts of the Society’s members led to the opening of the Museum in 1998. The Society rescued a historical house in town that had been neglected and was headed for demolition. The building was renovated and is now the Museum. Artifacts are displayed here that tell the story of the town of Colonial Beach. Today the Museum shares that history in the form of photographs, old commercial records and equipment personal collections and much more. The Colonial Beach Historical Society meets the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Colonial Beach Town Center/ Cooper Library building at 20 Washington Avenue. Meetings are open to the public and everyone is cordially invited to attend. One of the special exhibits in the Museum is the Watermen’s Room. This is a permanent exhibit, dedicated by the founding members of the Historical Society to honor the generations of fishermen and oystermen who made their living on the waters around Colonial Beach. Colonial Beach is only minutes away from
other attractions in the area such as Stratford Hall, George Washington’s Birthplace, Westmoreland State Park, Dahlgren Heritage Museum and many other popular vacation and tourist stops. Colonial Beach, along with its surrounding area is rich in history. The area was first home to Native Americans, then was settled as farming land during Colonial times. The town began its existence as a resort in the 19th century, and was incorporated in 1892. The Museum at Colonial Beach gives a glimpse into the town’s past, from the Colonial era to recent times. Exhibits change throughout the year, so be sure to stop by each time you visit Colonial Beach. The Museum relies on generous donations of its members for operating expenses, collection items and volunteer hours for opening. If you are interested in becoming a member, or making a donation, please contact the Museum. The Museum located at 128 Hawthorn Street and is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. from early April to mid-December. It is also open by appointment. Contact information at: Colonial Beach Historical Society PO Box 215 Colonial Beach, VA 22443 www.MuseumAtColonialBeach.com cbmuseum@hotmail.com
MUSEUM At Colonial Beach Celebrate History Hours:
April 12 thru December 14 • Saturday & Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Come in and learn what has drawn visitors to our shores since the nineteenth century through exhibits, pictures and videos.
128 Hawthorn St., Colonial Beach, VA 22443 (corner of Hawthorn St. & Washington Ave.)
need picture of museum
The Watermen’s room is dedicated by the founders of the historical society in honor of the generations of fishermen and watermen who made their living on the waters around Colonial Beach.
CB Trolley news updates Please note that the Trolley will not run during times when a Parade is taking place, such as the Potomac River Festival firemen’s parade and the grand feature parade. The Colonial Beach Trolley runs from May through September and makes about 20 stops along its route. It’s so much fun to ride! What a great way to get around town. There’s plenty of space for all your gear, too. Shopping bags, kids, whatever you’ve got with you. Service hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day) it runs on Saturday, Sunday AND Monday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Here’s a list of all the stops with the time (after the hour) that it stops at that location. Read more: http://www.colonial-beachvirginia-attractions.com/colonial-beachtrolley.html#ixzz31EwDOf8l
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:00 Colonial Beach Municipal Pier entrance :04 The Bell House Bed & Breakfast :05 Irving & Thackary :06 Wakefield Motel :09 Dockside Restaurant/Blue Heron Pub :14 Castlewood Park :18 Nightingale Motel & Marina :20 The Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge :21 Hawthorn & Washington :22 Tides Inn Market :23 Riverboat on the Potomac and Town Hill :25 7-11 on Colonial Ave. next to Pearson’s Car Wash :28 Colonial Beach Plaza :30 Beachgate Shopping Center :32 The Meadows Apartments :35 Wilkerson’s Restaurant :40 1st & McKinney :42 1st & Jackson :45 Colonial Beach Inn :55 Hawthorn & Washington
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May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
The next chapter of Steve Swope’s sports career Leonard Banks Sports editor Steve Swope is making the best of his retirement years. He dedicated his entire professional life to the town and citizens of Colonial Beach; however, after 34 years, the Fredericksburg-area sports icon has found a career niche with the Philadelphia Phillies MLB organization. For 50 years, through the best of times and the lean years, Swope has passionately followed the Phillies, and this year, his baseball passion has become a reality in the form of being a spring training usher at Bright House Field Stadium, in Clearwater, Fla. “I thoroughly enjoyed myself in Florida,” Swope said. “It was one of the top five things I’ve ever done in my life.” Most recently, after returning from Florida, Swope reflected on his experience with the Phillies. Along with making adjustments to lodging, and becoming acclimated to the warm and sunny weather, Swope discovered a host of new friends and professional alliances. “I would go outside and take a picture of those blue skies and palm trees, and send it back to my wife (Anne),” Swope said. “While it was 52 degrees in Colonial Beach, it was nearly 80 degrees in Clearwater. I missed Colonial Beach, but I didn’t miss it that much—it was nice down in Florida.” According to Swope, his job could be described as a glorified Walmart greeter; he greeted fans as they came in to watch their
favorite team. The stadium (360-degree main concourse) provided 8,000 to 9,000 baseball fans an opportunity to see some notable baseball MLB players such as Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins, and manager Ryne Sandberg. Frequently, Swope associated with the Phillies executive management, including senior president and general manager Ruben Omaro, Jr. and player personnel. “I described it to my wife as being in a make-believe world,” Swope said. “It was like being a 10-year-old kid waking up and having an opportunity to go to Disney World every day.” Affectionately tagged with the nickname “Stick” by members of the Phillies and his fellow ushers, Swope blended into the organization quickly. “It’s fun to have a new identity and a new setting in life,” Swope said. However, now that he has cut his teeth on the prodigious atmosphere of MLB, he aspires to reach farther into organization. “I intend to speak with Mr. Omaro in regard to taking part in additional roles with the Phillies organization; possibly taking a role in the team’s morning practices,” Swope said. Swope’s new office, aka Bright House Field, was built in 2004. The Phillies have used Clearwater as their official training area since 1967. Adjacent to the stadium is the Phillies minor league Carpenter Field, which is the spring training site for the Phillies minor league teams (Gulf Coast League Phillies). Continued on page 21 Anne and Steve Swope
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The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 21
Continued from page 20 In addition, it is also the home of the Phillies, High-A minor league affiliate, Clearwater Threshers. Bright House also features a state-of-the-art video scoreboard, a tiki hut pavilion, group picnic areas, kids play area and an expansive team store. Fans who attend spring training are infatuated with the intimate ambiance of the small stadium setting, where they can get an up close perspective of America’s favorite pastime. “It’s like coming to Monroe Park, and watching a professional baseball practice or watching the game in a small setting,” Swope said. “It’s a neat way to see your favorite team.” Along with meeting a host of baseball legends, Swope also rubbed elbows with the world of entertainment. He had an opportunity to exchange dialogue with famed WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan and Yankee legendary left-handed pitcher David Wells. He also had the rare opportunity to meet with America’s history by speaking with one of the women baseball players from the World War II era, who was characterized in the 1992 movie, “A League of their Own.” Other people from the world of entertainment that crossed paths with Swope included Philadelphia-based rock band Blackthorn, sportscasters Greg Murphy and Stephen Hillenburg, and sports Philadelphia columnist Jim Salisbury. Nearly 20 years ago, Salisbury wrote a story about a heated dispute that involved two fans at an Orioles and Phillies baseball game. One of the parties happened to be Swope. Not only did Salisbury remember the incident, but he established a friendship with Swope during their reintroduction. Many college and community friends, Swope’s wife and his three sons (Joey, Tyler and Kevin) visited him and spent quality family time with him in Clearwater. Along with experiencing fan pandemonium in Clearwater, with watching a sea of red Phillies fans covering the island of Clearwater, they had an opportunity to visit the abundance of restaurants in the area. While Swope loved having the option of experiencing a new restaurant, his love for grouper sandwiches was by far his favorite. For breakfast, Swope found an eatery with a menu similar to his Colonial Beach hometown restaurant, Lenny’s. Interestingly, the place was also named Lenny’s. Prior to coming to Clearwater, in January, Swope was given a retirement present from his family, and several close friends from the Colonial Beach School system, in the form of participating in the annual Philadelphia Phillies Fantasy Baseball Camp. Swope left the Drifters baseball and basketball program in capable hands with two legendary area sports figures - Brent Steffey and Jonathan Parker. After accumulating over 1,000 wins in both sports last year, Swope came to the difficult decision to retire and see out new challenges in life. “When it hit last spring, I knew it was going to be my last year of baseball,” Swope said. “I knew this other opportunity was out there, and I didn’t want to keep letting it go by without experiencing it. God lined up everything for this happen.” Outside of his four years at Virginia Tech, the idea of staying away from his beloved town of Colonial Beach was foreign to him. Now that his second career is firmly in place, the sky is the limit. With his wife’s impending retirement next year, the couple will soon make Clearwater a permanent part of their yearly travels. “It’s fun to have a new identity and new setting in life,” Swope said. “It was a unique experience to carve my professional niche in the next era of my life.”
From the Potomac River Fisheries Commission and the Sport Fishing License Reciprocity Guidelines. NOTICE: while PRFC fishing licenses are valid in MD & VA areas, the seasons, sizes and creel limits for each species may be different. Please check the MD & VA rules before fishing.
POTOMAC RIVER FISHERIES COMMISSION SPORT FISHING IN THE TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER LEGAL SIZES, LIMITS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS
2014
2014
A Sport Fishing License is Required ! Possession of Fillets is Prohibited ! Any Fish Caught with Hook and Line May Not Be Sold or Offered for Sale (except by commercial license) ! Any Fish Whose Size is Prohibited, Season is Closed, or is in Excess of the Possession Limit Must be Immediately Released to the Waters Where Found ! No High-Grading Allowed ! It Shall be Unlawful to Possess a Live Snakehead Fish or to Return, Release, or Otherwise Discard Any Living Snakehead Fish to the Potomac River Rev. 3/14 All restrictions are subject to change. Striped Bass (Rockfish) Season Open: Open Area: Minimum Size Limit: Possession Limit: Bait Restrictions: Special Restriction:
Spring Season Summer/Fall Season April 19 through May 15 May 16 through December 31 Below Harry W. Nice Bridge (Rt. 301) Below Woodrow Wilson Bridge (I-95) 28” 18” with only 1 over 28” 1 per person 2 per person No live eel. No more than 2 hooks No more than 2 hooks When Fishing for Striped Bass During the Closed Season – Barbless Hooks are Required
Black Bass (Largemouth Bass) Season: 15” March 1 – June 15 Minimum Size Limit: 12” all other times Possession Limit: 5 per person Black Drum Minimum Size Limit: 16” Possession Limit: 1 per person Black Sea Bass Season: May 19-Sept. 18 & Oct. 18-Dec. 31 Minimum Size Limit: 12 ½”(1) Possession Limit: 15 per person (1)
Tail filament is not incl. in total length of the fish
Pike (Chain Pickerel) Minimum Size Limit: 14” No Possession Limit
Red Drum (Puppy Drum) Minimum Size Limit: 18” Maximum Size Limit: 25” Possession Limit: 5 per person Spanish Mackerel Minimum Size Limit: 14” Possession Limit: 15 per person
Bluefish (Taylor) Minimum Size Limit: No Limit Possession Limit: 10 per person
Spotted Sea Trout Minimum Size Limit: 14” Possession Limit: 10 per person
Catfish – Bullhead Minimum Size Limit: No Possession Limit
6”
Summer Flounder Minimum Size Limit: 16” Possession Limit: 4 per person
Catfish – Channel Minimum Size Limit: No Possession Limit
8”
Tautog Minimum Size Limit: 14” No Possession Limit
Catfish – White Minimum Size Limit: 10” No Possession Limit
Weakfish (Sea Trout) Minimum Size Limit: 12” Possession Limit: 1 per person
Croaker (Hardhead) Minimum Size Limit: No Limit Possession Limit: 25 per person
White Perch Minimum Size Limit: 6” No Possession Limit
Eel Minimum Size Limit: 9” Possession Limit: 25 per person
Yellow Perch Minimum Size Limit: 9” Possession Limit: 5 per person
Catfish – Blue Season: Minimum Size Limit: Possession Limit:
Year Round None Unlimited
Snakehead No Minimum Size Limit No Possession Limit
Blue catfish are likely causing detrimental impacts throughout their expanding range, potentially creating unbalanced ecosystems. It shall be unlawful to possess a live snakehead fish or to return, release, or otherwise discard any living snakehead fish to the Potomac River.
Shad – American Season Closed – Moratorium
Sturgeon Season Closed – Moratorium
Shad – Hickory Season Closed – Moratorium
River Herring – Moratorium Season Closed Blueback
Alewife
CREDITS: Illustrations by Duane Raver, Jr., in Fishes of the Southeastern United States by Charles S. Manooch, III, used with permission. For the most current information contact: Potomac River Fisheries Commission (804) 224-7148 ♦ (800)266-3904 ♦ www.prfc.us
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22
May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
Fighting that fire with a fury of their own Carla Rollins Gutridge Usually, when a firefighter responds to a structure-fire call, it’s for a building they’ve never entered before. Most of the homes and other buildings they risk their own lives to save belong to someone else and have no personal attachment to them. This was definitely not the case when the pager tones sounded shortly after 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2014, to respond to 315 Douglas Ave. in Colonial Beach. Being the small town that it is, most anyone with a scanner in the Colonial Beach area recognized that address as the elementary school campus. Many of the responding fire and rescue personnel had either attended school there, worked there in some capacity, or had children still enrolled there. Their first thoughts while in route to the scene must’ve been to hope that is was a false alarm, or something minor. Much to their dismay, the building soon became fully engulfed with flames, and they knew that it would be a firefight like no other. So many memories, so much history lived within those walls. And now those walls were holding in the flames and smoke as long as they could, but were soon forced to submit to the fire’s fury.
Many, many firefighters fought that blaze, but a problem with water supplies and an impending roof collapse of the over 100-year-old building forced those fighting the fire from inside to evacuate the beloved building for their own safety. When asked what ran through her mind as she battled the blaze inside her old elementary school building, 23-year-old lone female firefighter inside the burning building, Jamie Gutridge Conn, replied, “It was so dark and smoky in there; I could barely make out where the classroom entrances were located.” With adrenaline levels surely off the charts, those firefighters inside the inferno had no choice but to evacuate the building when Command gave the order to do so. The roof was in danger of collapsing, and they had done all they could from inside to save the interior of that building loved by so many. As of the time of this printing in May 2014, the cause of the fire had not yet been released, and the investigation was ongoing. It is uncertain whether it was an act of arson, or accidental. Rumors of arson soon spread throughout the town, but any evidence of such has yet to be reported to the public. If it was, indeed, an act of arson, there is a special place here on Earth for the arsonist(s) if caught and convicted. And if it
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The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 23
Oak Grove VFD - Assisting Colonial Beach since 1972 Carla Rollins Gutridge The Oak Grove Volunteer Department (OGVFD-Engine Company 4) has been an all-volunteer institution since its creation in 1972, when it became apparent that Westmoreland County needed an additional station to cover the area known as Washington District, and between the towns of Colonial Beach and Montross to the east, and the King George County line to the west. Chief Michael Gutridge, now a Life Member and a member since 1982, works for Ingleside Plantation, Inc. and has since he was a teenager in school. Because he is usually always in the area of the firehouse, he’s usually one of the department’s first to respond when the tones “drop” for someone needing assistance in OGVFD’s response area. Out of a total of 408 calls for assistance in OGVFD’s November 2012-October 2013 fiscal year, Gutridge responded to most of them. While always in the top two or three responders for any given year, the only calls Gutridge does not respond to are those that occur while he is out of town, which is a rare event, unless he has been dispatched by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to travel to an area that needs his help because of some disaster. One year, not too long ago, he made it to 100% of the calls
dispatched to OGVFD. Gutridge’s daughter, Jamie Gutridge Conn, and her husband, Chad, live in Placid Bay Estates, just a short distance from the firehouse. Both are also very active in the fire department, and Gutridge couldn’t be more proud of his little girl growing up to serve the community, and at her daddy’s side, no less. The 408 emergency responses recorded for the year consisted of the following: 31 fires; 99 emergency medical calls; 1 search for a person on land and 1 search for a person in the water; 31 motor vehicle accidents, with no extrications necessary and only seven injuries; 1 boating emergency; 100 calls for lift assistance of a patient; 9 hazardous conditions with no fire involved; 12 standbys for aircraft; 8 public service calls; 10 alarm malfunctions; 38 for severe weather/disaster; and 67 calls which were dispatched, but cancelled en route. They averaged 8 members responding per call in an average time of 5.7 minutes per call. They accumulated 2,954 man-hours for emergency responses and 3,555 man-hours for training; not bad at all! OGVFD received assistance from Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Department and other neighboring departments a total of 37 times, and provided assistance to neighboring departments 32 times throughout the year. At their Annual Installation of Officers
Ceremony in early December, the following awards were presented: Chief ’s ChoiceJunior Member of the Year- Taylor Garrison; Chief ’s Choice- Member of the Year- Amber McKenzie (now Mrs. Ryan Huffman); Chief ’s Choice- Elected Line Officer of the Year- Ray Irvine; Chief ’s Choice- Appointed Line Officer of the Year- Chad Conn; Chief ’s Choice- Outstanding Support for Data Recording- Jamie Gutridge Conn; Fireman of the Year (by member vote)- Jack Balderson The top five emergency responders awards were presented to: • 5th Place- 179 out of 408 calls- Chad Conn • 4th Place- 206 out of 408 calls- Ryan Huffman • 3rd Place- 208 out of 408 calls- Jamie Gutridge Conn • 2nd Place- 357 out of 408 calls- Jim Latane • 1st Place- 370 out of 408 calls- Michael Gutridge Chief Gutridge also presented a special award for outstanding community service to Matthew Hall, a member of the community, for his assistance in the following emergency response call: At approximately 7:12 p.m. on August 11, 2013, in a pond just off of Bridges Creek,
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adjacent to George Washington Birthplace National Monument (GWBNM), there was a call for three-year-old child missing in the water. GWBNM Law Enforcement Officer Owen T. McDaniel, Westmoreland County Sheriff ’s Office, Colonial Beach and Montross Volunteer Rescue Squads and OGVFD members responded to find several people already searching for the child in the water. While many dove into the water time after time without success, one young man refused to give up; appearing physically exhausted himself, the young man eventually located the missing child and brought him to the surface. Tragically, the little boy did not survive, but the heroic efforts of many that day did not go unnoticed. Matthew Hall was that young man, and the award for outstanding community service was presented to him for his efforts that day. Line Officers installed for the 2013-2014 year include: Chief- Michael Gutridge; Assistant Chief- Ray Irvine; Captain- Roy Richards; 1st Lieutenant- Larry Jones; 2nd Lieutenant- Jamie Gutridge Conn; 3rd Lieutenants- Chad Conn and Ryan Huffman The 2013-2014 Board of Directors includes: President- Larry Jones; Vice President- Mark Sydnor; Secretary- Virginia Shepherd; Treasurer- Jamie Gutridge Conn; Member at Large- Jim Latane
24
May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
CBVRS Shares Highlights from 2013 & Updates about 2014 Sara Hunt Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad serves a large region extending from the Town of Colonial Beach to the Horners Beach/Flat Iron area. With more than 70 volunteer members, including seven Junior Cadets, who represent the next generation of rescue workers, the squad continues to grow and expand its programs and services. Some noteworthy milestones and highlights from the squad’s records in 2013/2014 include: In 2013, CBVRS volunteers made more than 900 calls equivalent to more than
28,000 man-hours, traveled almost 73,000 miles and logged more than 4,200 hours of training. J. Carlton Hudson, a squad member for almost 60 years, was entered into the Hall of Fame for the Virginia Association of Rescue Squads (VAVRS) at the organization’s 79th conference in Virginia Beach in the fall of 2013. Also at the VAVRS conference, CBVRS earned the highest number of awards from all statewide squads, including First Place honors for ALS Call of the Year and EMS Website of the Year. The ALS call involved treatment for an elderly man who was
having a heart attack on a boat and was subsequently flown to Mary Washington Hospital from Colonial Beach. The squad recently purchased two new ambulances and is working diligently toward implementing major improvements to the current station at 225 Dennison Street in Colonial Beach. Upcoming events in 2014 include the squad’s annual Back to the Beach Bash on May 24, 2014, the Fun Crab Invasion, to raise funds for squad activities and a first-
ever Flu Vaccine Campaign during the 2014-2015 flu season in partnership with the Guadalupe Free Clinic. More details about the Flu Vaccine Campaign will be forthcoming in the summer. “Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad had a great year in 2013, and we’re anticipating that 2014 will be even better,” said CBVRS Rescue Chief Wesley Melson. To stay posted on current squad activities, please “Like” Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad on Facebook.
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The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide, May 2014, 25
Shopping at the Peddlers Market linda farneth
Colonial Beach Peddlers Market offers so much more than a shopping experience. Aside from over 30 vendors with a multitude of treasures for sale, the market offers a Facebook page which not only updates photo’s of newly added items and vendors, the page gives helpful information about upcoming events in Colonial Beach. Manager Fred Mills routinely updates Facebook page “peddlersmarket.cb” with the latest items and highlights upcoming events and where to purchase items to help you enjoy those events. During the Rockfish tournament Mills gave information on check-in and weigh-in times as well as featuring Kimmie’s Fish and Tackle’s booth. Mills also updates information on the latest sales that vendors run. But the real fun comes from visiting the market in person, while enjoying all the fun events and natural beauty that Colonial Beach has to offer. As you walk in the large airy market you are greeted by friendly staff and will soon get lost in the variety of goods for sale. Items range from new and used, to hand made crafts, original artwork and items for all types of decors. Shopping is relaxed and all items are clearly marked for customer
convenience. Jewelry, Furniture, driftwood crafts and even old antique items are among the many treasures your will find as you stroll through out the market. Vendors occasionally stop by to update and add items, but the staff at the Peddler’s Market are always there to answer any questions, assist with reaching merchandise, retrieve merchandise from locked cases as well as help you load large items into your vehicle. Prices are reasonable and the markets expansion, from 15 to over 30 venders since it opened in October, speaks to the markets success. Mills said that over 10 vendors have expanded since the business opened and new vendors arrive weekly to peddle their wares. You can stop by anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday thru Monday, But the market does close one hour early on Sunday. (10am to 5pm). The market is located in the Rankins Shopping Center at 501 Euclid Ave in Colonial Beach Virginia. While you’re there check out the other locally owned and operated shops within the plaza. Including Rankins True Value, Rankins Furniture Store and Raggs which offers and assortment of new and gently
Linda Farneth
A look down an aisle at the Colonial Beach Peddlers Market shows a colorful array of many knick knacks, collectibles and fun items for sale. used clothing, specializing in casual business suits and accessories for ladies. So come in and join visitors who have already come from all over Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and even the
Carolinas and see what the peddlers market has to offer you. For any questions or information call The Peddlers Market at (804) 224-0750.
Peddlers Market
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May 2014, The Journal’s Colonial Beach Summer Guide
Big crowds, big toys and a splashing good time Colonial Beach has now become a regular stop on the UWP- IJSBA Watercross National Tour. The town will host the Liberty Cup portion of the National Jet Ski Competition for the fifth year in a row on July 18 - 20. Each year, the event brings the town’s residents and visitors together, starting on Friday with the Corporate Sponsored Races. Local businesses can compete in a simple course set out for even the most inexperienced jet ski riders. In past years, law enforcement officials, politicians and businesses from outside Colonial Beach have joined in the fun. Last year, Westmoreland County Supervisor Larry Roberson was a good sport when he came in last place for town representatives. The pros race all day Saturday and Sunday, with competitions for speed, agility and freestyling. Last year, visitors enjoyed a hot dog eating contest, a corn hole tournament and a car show on Sunday. The Best Boy Toy award went to Gus’s motorcycle, voted number one as the People’s Choice.
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Westmoreland State Park On the Potomac River’s Northern Neck, this park offers many opportunities for family fun. It has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and an adjacent bathhouse, meeting area, snack bar, camp store and power-boat ramp. You’ll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, cabins, a fishing pier, boat rentals and 6 miles of trails. Fossil collectors enjoy hunting for ancient shark teeth along the Potomac. Offshore breakwaters are great for fishing. Birding enthusiasts find the park an excellent site for spotting American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, common terns, green herons and gulls, as well as wintering waterfowl. The Potomac River Retreat is an overnight center suitable for family reunions and other gatherings of up to 16. Its waterfront location provides docking space at a boathouse. Murphy Hall, atop Horse Head Cliffs, offers a superb view of the Potomac River. The hall accommodates up to 72 people for meetings and other gatherings. Amenities include audiovisual equipment, a warming kitchen for catered events and an executive board room. Hours: Dawn - dusk. Location Facing the Potomac River, the park
is six miles northwest of Montross and just off Route 3. Its address is 145 Cliff Road, Montross, 22520-9717. Drive Time: Northern Virginia and Washington D. C., two hours; Richmond, one and a half hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/ Virginia Beach, two and a half hours; Roanoke, five and a half hours. TRAILS Hiking and one bicycle trail; no bridle trails. Seven trails, including self-guided interpretive trails, cover six miles. The CCC Trail has five fitness stations. Hikers can observe the flora and wildlife present on the coastal plain. The park’s location beside the Potomac River allows visitors to see how the changing river level affects the land. The park has a beach trail that offers a stunning view of the Potomac River. There are no designated swimming areas along the park’s shoreline. SWIMMING The pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A bathhouse and concessions are located in the pool area. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and the lodge, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park’s control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances. There are no designated swimming areas along the
Potomac River at the park. FISHING, BOATING Fishing in the Potomac River is available throughout the year. A valid fishing license is required. Striped bass, spot and bluefish are among the most common sport fish found in the river. Rock Spring Pond boasts a variety of fish including catfish, bream, bass and crappie. Power boats are permitted, and a boat ramp is available. There’s also a boathouse that sells ice, bait and tackle. Paddleboats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards can be rented Memorial Day through Labor Day as well as on weekends from mid-April to Memorial Day and from Labor Day to Columbus Day weekend. Call 1-800-9337275 to buy a money-saving annual boat launch pass. OVERNIGHT FACILITIES Cabins, camping, group camp, camping cabins, Potomac River Retreat. For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Rates are subject to verification by DCR’s state parks reservations staff. First determine the season, which varies by park, then the rate. Cabin and Potomac River Retreat guests must have either their reservation number(s) or confirmation letter at check-in. Those having arranged for someone else to handle
check-in must make sure that person has the reservation number. The number is needed to enter the cabin. Camping and cabin guests also should be prepared to show a valid ID. Weekly rentals start Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Camping Swimming and boat launch free for overnight guests. Campsites have either fire ring grills or box grills, all of which allow campfires. Firewood is sold at the park; starter logs are available at camp store. Because of the risk of forest infestation, please do not bring any firewood. Camp store: Camping and picnic supplies and gift items are available. Two vehicles per campsite; extras must park in parking lot and pay parking fee. Guests visiting campers must pay the standard daily parking fee and park in the proper parking lot. Also guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. Accepts outlets for 20 and 30-amp current. Laundry facilities in Campground A bathhouse. Site type: EW - Electric and water hookups, various equipment, RVs of up to 40 feet, bathhouse available. Campgrounds A and B. Std - No hookups, various equipment. RVs of up to 40 feet, bathhouse available. Campgrounds A, B, C.
Virginia State Parks Belle Isle | Caledon | Westmoreland
We love d hiked t our time on t hi h this af s morning and e water. We te tomorro rnoon. We’re g are kayaking w et campgr to go fishing. ting up early ou The pa join us nd is really r nice. Yo k’s next ti u shoul me. d
Love , Virginia
800-933-PARK (7275) | www.virginiastateparks.gov VSP_JP_GetAways.indd 1
3/25/2013 10:03:25 AM
Colonial Beach Potomac River Festival June 6th, 7th & 8th Theme “Let’s Rock the Beach” Grand Marshal: Colonial Beach New Police Chief Elizabeth “Libby” Legg Friday June 6th: Fireman’s Parade 7:30 pm Miss Colonial Beach Contest Saturday June 7th Grand Feature Parade 12 Noon Arts, Crafts, and Vendors 10-5pm Fireworks 9 pm Sunday June 8th Boat Parade 1pm Pet Parade 2 pm
m a Ber of h C h C a C e om B Presents l a m i n “Let’s Rock the Beach” 63rd Annual Potomac River Festival
Ce er
Col o
complete details www.colonialbeach.org 804-224-8145
featuring 2014 Potomac River Festival Grand Marshal Colonial Beach Police Chief, Elizabeth “Libby” Legg
June 6th, 7th, & 8th Parades, Beauty Contest, Arts & Crafts, Carnival, Fireworks, Music, and Tons of Fun Father’s Day Car Show • June 15th Blues Festival • June 20th, 21st, 22nd July 4th Fireworks Bike Fest • Oct 9th - 12th 804-224-8145 • www.colonialbeach.org