Snapshot of Monument Avenue ~ A National Historic Landmark

Richmond's Monument Avenue holds the distinction of being the only street on the U.S. National Register for Historic Landmarks and is named by the American Planning Association as among the 10 Great Streets in the country.  It also happens to be one of my favorite streets in the whole world, even compared to some beautiful streets I've seen in Europe.

The architecture of houses, churches, and organizations on Monument Avenue vary dramatically, ranging from Neoclassical, Georgian, Palatinate, Gothic, Colonial, and almost everything in between.  In addition to the architecture, Monument Ave features several prominent statues, commemorating famous Virginians such as Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and tennis legend Arthur Ashe.  If you're ever in Richmond, take a drive down this beautiful road, or better yet, park your car and walk down the median to soak up the architecture and atmosphere.

Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA

A photo posted by The Thrifty Gypsy's Travels (@thriftygypsy87) on Jan 25, 2015 at 3:34pm PST

Have you visited Monument Avenue?

Howling for Beer at Wild Wolf Brewing Company

What do recycling and drinking quality craft beer in an old school house have in common?  Wild Wolf Brewing Company.

Situated on Route 151 along the "Brew Ridge" in Nelson County, Virginia, the Wild Wolf Brewing Company demonstrates a commitment to excellent beer and responsible environmental stewardship, as demonstrated through their "recycling" of a 100-year old school house into a brewing facility and restaurant and their decision to can instead of bottle most of their beer.

During our visit on a frigid January day, the Wild Wolf had almost a dozen beers available, of which I sampled one and ordered another.  My first sample was of the Strawberry Schwarzcake, a dark-colored brew with a fruity kick.  This beer really surprised me - I wasn't expecting the lightness of taste compared to its dark color.  However, it didn't quite win me over enough for a full pint, so I opted to order their Belgian Blonde Ale, taste un-sipped.

The Blonde Hunny was everything I require in a wheat brew - smooth, not too bitter, and reassuringly "wheaty."  It also had a hint of honey which I particularly enjoyed.  Hefeweizen, whitbier, and blonde ale lovers alike will buzz over this one.

Although I only tasted two of their beers, I'd like to point out some of the amusing monikers of Wild Wolf's brews as a salute to their wolfish theme:  Primal Instinct IPA and Howling Pumpkin.  Sound appealing?  Go check (or taste!) them out!

Have you visited Wild Wolf Brewing Company or any other breweries on the Brew Ridge?

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Linking up with Justin Plus Lauren for the #WeekendWanderlust!

PSA: Fowl Play in Rome

This may or may not have been the bird that pooped on me today. See here: www.Facebook.com/thriftygypsytravels #rome #ttot #travel

A photo posted by The Thrifty Gypsy's Travels (@thriftygypsy87) on Jul 8, 2014 at 11:01am PDT

THIS IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT!  
Authorities advise that you be on the lookout for the feathery miscreant shown above, warning that you could be its next victim!

On or about the 8th day of July in the year 2014 at approximately 15:00, an innocent visitor to the city of Rome was viciously and callously attacked.  To whit, she was doused in a liquid secretion which one could only describe as "fowl."  Adding insult to injury, the reprobate seemingly taunted the victim with raucous squawking and cawing, posed cheekily for a picture against the Roman skyline, then vanished into the skies.

If you have any information leading to the arrest or capture of this perpetrator, please call Rome's Aviary-Criminal Hotline at +39 CRY FOWL (279 3695)*.  Operators are standing by, and you could win a cash reward.

BE AWARE.  BE PREPARED.  DON'T BE THE NEXT VICTIM.

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For more embarrassing tales from Rome, be sure to read about the pizza throwing incident of Pompeii or when I accidentally hit a waiter in Rome.

* Obviously this number does not exist.  But if you do call it, let me know what happens!