This year will be remembered for its frequent rainstorms and towering clouds more beautiful than any real mountain ranges anywhere. It was too wet a summer to tend the yard, grow vegetables, or eat outside very often. May a bright, dry autumn follow so we can picnic happily at some of my family's favorite areas: the Blue Ridge Parkway on the way to the Peaks of Otter, above the dam at Philpott Lake in Henry County, and at Longwood Park in Salem.

If my family were flowers, we would all be ramblin' roses, for we love to get in the car and explore. I hope that our articles will draw you up and away into the hills to visit or revisit places like Stuart in Patrick County, Lover's Leap Overlook on the way to Meadows of Dan, the Lodge at the Peaks of Otter, and the campus at Sweet Briar College, to name a few of the spots that we share with you in this issue. Patrick Henry was the only Virginian for whom two counties were named. Both are interesting to see.

Our next issue will feature Fincastle, Botetourt County, and an artist from Nelson County. Be ready! Quiz questions for you all: for whom is Oriskany named? Which two counties does Iron Gate straddle? And what two famous explorers were in love with young women associated with the great homes "Santillane" and "Fotheringay"? 
In this current issue, look for mention of an alligator, antelope, and grouse; find a white-wigged man, a fine carriage, a catalpa tree, a snow-covered mountain, and Buffalo Mountain.

From Staunton to Stuart, Lexington to Lynchburg, and Rocky Mount to Ridgeway: let the traditions roll! 10,000 BRT's are now in 10 counties at libraries, shops, Visitors' Centers, restaurants, Chambers of Commerce, and at our advertisers. Look for BRT in its new display rack, with City Magazine, at Center in the Square and the Market Building in Roanoke. BRT is now at Farmington Country Club and the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville. Celebrate!

 - Ibby Greer

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