Grey Swan Inn Front Porch Swing

Innkeeper Speaks about Peace Corps

2011-03-07T20:36:00.011-05:00

Jim and I met long after his two year venture with Peace Corps and I still like hearing about his experiences for those years. Last night was another one of those opportunities when he was the speaker for Blackstone Rotary Club.He opens the meeting speaking an incomprehensible string of sounds.. and using mime. Repeating over and over, we start getting what he was talking about. And then he explains, that's how he learned Marshallese. Jim joined Peace Corps right out of college going to San Jose for an introduction... or as he put, they worked very hard at trying to talk those interested into backing out.... The interviewers were former Peace Corps Volunteers and knew the hardships first hand. He was told he was going to be all alone and isolated without other Americans for two years. That didn't daunt him. He then when to Hawaii for 10 weeks of training. Hawaii??? That a tough training site, right??

Jim then went to an island in Central Pacific with only 200 people and lived with a family that spoke no English. He job assignment was to teach English as a second language (TESL) . He continued to tell the Rotarians about foods eaten (fish, coconut, and lots of commodities - canned bologna and Spam), fishing adventures, how he lived on the island, and live among the Marshallese.

Peace Corps is celebrating 50 years this year - thank you, Jim, for sharing your Peace Corps experience with me again and with my fellow Rotarians!

2011-02-26T15:35:00.002-05:00

Blackstone, Virginia is on the National Register of Historical Places and is a good walking tour for visitors to Blackstone. The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast is a part of the registered site, located at 615 South Main Street. Other places of interest include downtown Blackstone (which is a Virginia Main Street community), Schwartz' Tavern and The Carriage Museum. Wear good walking shoes, bring your camera, and enjoy Blackstone's history!!

Below is a walking tour map beginning at The Grey Swan Inn and outlines the residential areas that are part of the National Register:

View Larger Map

What a President Would Have Eaten

2011-02-21T16:55:00.004-05:00

Happy President's Day!

While volunteering at our local Blackstone Friends of Library bookstore, The Book End, I found a wonderful little cookbook "Monroe Family Recipes" which was published in 1988 by Ash Lawn-Highland, College of William and Mary, the home of James and Elizabeth Monroe in Charlottesville, Virginia. What a find... it gave a bit of the history of the cooking and foods available during Monroe's time.

Here's one of the recipes which we'll want to try at the Grey Swan Inn when the summer tomatoes are in:

Tomatoes and Eggs

(Original recipe: Grease muffin tins; put one thick slice of unpeeled tomato into each tin; season with salt and pepper; break one egg on top of each slice; again season with salt and pepper and put a small piece of butter on top of each egg. Back in an oven until the egg is set. Serve on rounds of toast and garnish with parsley. This is good with cheese grated over the egg.)

1 large ripe tomato

6 eggs

salt, pepper

butter

6 slices of bread, toasted

parsley

1/4 cup grated cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease six muffin cups thoroughly with butter. Place one thick slice of toato in each cup. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

Break one egg into each cup. Season it with salt and pepepr and place about 1/2 tsp. butter ontop of each egg. Back until the eggs are firm and set.

Serve on hot toast with cheese and parsley sprinkled over each egg. Serves 6.

Civil War Encampment - June 13 & 14, 2009

2009-05-26T16:07:00.004-04:00

Come to Nottoway Court House, Virginia, June 13 & 14, 2009 and enjoy a Civil War Encampment!
There will be lots of activities for all ages to enjoy. Stay at The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast during this weekend event and continue the Civil War theme with breakfast foods designed around foods served during the mid-1800's.

Be sure to come to Seay Park in Blackstone, VA on Saturday for the Lemonade and Cookie Social from 7 pm - 9 pm

Arsenic and Old Lace

2009-05-12T09:20:00.003-04:00

SACT (Southside Area Community Theatre) & Mitchell's Restaurant presents Arsenic & Old Lace

Enjoy a play about a dramatic critic who comes home to become engaged to his love, only to find out that his two sweet dear old aunts have developed a bad habit of poisoning lonely old men. They feel what they are doing a service putting these men out of their misery. They even bury them in the cellar complete with funeral services. Fortunately, his brother is a perfect patsy since he already thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt - the murders could be pinned on him and he live out his days in Happy Dale sanitarium. Unfortunately, the other devious brother makes an untimely return home with his drunken doctor friend. They too have been on a killing spree.

This play is full of comedy and will delight all. Many local celebs are making appearances in this play - Liz & Charlotte Walters, Jim Hausbrouck, Tom Forrester, Kelly Forrester, Pete Smith, Richard Aviles, Joe McMillan and many many more! This play is directed, organized and kept on track by Christy Aviles (Director) and Mary Sydney Gilley (Stage Manager) just to mention a few. Without the kindness of Mitchell's - we would be doing this all on the street! Can't forget the blood, sweat and tears of Tilly Conley (Producer) and Bev Boyko and their crew of volunteers!

I STRONGLY urge you to come - the talent is amazing - It will be a great show.

Show Dates and Specifics -

May 28, 30 & June 4 & 6 at7:00 pm Dinner & Show - $25.00 - please arrive 1 hour before performance

May 31 & June 7 at 2:00 pm Show Only - $10.00

Please call Mitchell's to make reservations (434-292-4100) Limited seating is available.

Coming Soon to Blackstone - Arsenic and Old Lace

2009-05-07T08:19:00.001-04:00

More to be posted soon - with dates and ticket information!

Marriage Renewal Retreat - Feb 13-15, 2009

2008-12-31T14:18:00.016-05:00

MARRIAGE RENEWAL RETREAT

Let this Valentine's Day bring your marriage back to its honeymoon luster. Love never dies, it just needs to be polished.

Rainbow Arriving Workshop for Marriage Renewal will focus on understanding and practicing the powerful regenerative techniques of the wisdom teachings of east and west that can help you make your relationship workable for greater personal awareness of who you are as a joyous being. You will discover how the relationship of marriage can reveal to you the keys that will unlock the happiness you know is just beneath the surface of your love for each other. Those who practice wisdom together expand their wisdom together. Discover how your marriage can give birth to all you know you can be.

The workshops will include DVD intensives with world spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle and meditation master teacher Jack Kornfield. You will also learn an easy energizing stretching and breathing routine you can do together or separately to open portals of awareness within. And you will learn how to make the healing power of meditation portable so that you can transform stress in your life into opportunities of personal healing and rejuvenation.

"Can one workshop do all that?" you may ask. It can if you expect a rainbow to arrive in your life.

Retreat Location: Blackstone Yoga Center, Blackstone, VA
Lodging: The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast, Blackstone, VA

Planned itinerary:
Friday, February 13, 2008
2:00 pm - 6:30 pm Check-in & Workshop Registration
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Dinner (on your own)
7:00 - 9:00 pm 1st Workshop Session
9:00 pm Return to Inn/Free Time

Saturday, February 14, 2008
8:00 am Full Breakfast
9:30 -11:00 am 2nd Workshop Session
11:00 pm Free time & Lunch (on your own)
2:00 - 3:30 pm 3rd Workshop Session
3:30 - 7:00 pm Free Time/Dinner (on your own)
7:00 -9:00 pm 4th Workshop Session
9:00 pm Return to Inn/Free Time

Sunday, February 15, 2008
8:00 am Full Breakfast
9:30 - 11:00 am 5th Workshop Session
11:00 am Workshop Celebration at the Inn
12:00 pm Check-Out

The Retreat and lodging is available for up to 5 couples and will include a full breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings as well as beverages and snacks at the Inn. Rates for retreat and lodging from $398 (double bedded room), $420 (queen bedded room), and $465 (king suite). There will be a 3 couple minimum for the retreat.

Call The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast at 434-292-3199 for reservations and further information.

About the Retreat Facilitator:

Ed Conley, 72. is a photographer and yoga/meditation teacher in Blackstone, Virginia, where he lives with his wife, Tilly, a native of Blackstone. From the early 60's Ed was consumed by hunger for truth in in 1968 had a profound and life changing awakening through a connection with the world teacher Krishnamurti. In the 70's he found a direction for his journey through association with Alice Christensen, American Yoga Association, and Swami Muktananda of Siddha Yoga. Ed and his wife ran a meditation center for Siddha Yoga in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, in the late 70s.

Having settled in southside Virginia in the 80s, Ed began teaching yoga in Blackstone, but his practice had not matured yet and all of his interest turned to feature writing for the local paper, the Courier-Record, and photography, Leaving the newspaper in 1994 Ed devoted all his energies to building a photography studio.

In 1986 a connection was made with Swami Satchidanada at Yogaville in Buckingham, Virginia. And in 2005 during a visit to Yogaville that initial connection opened into a dynamic spiritual awakening that has transformed Ed's life and channeled all his energies into writing and teaching yoga/ meditation full time.

Since then he has been writing daily on his spiritual blog, Wyde-Angle.com is working on a book of spiritual insights, and publishing articles in the Integral Yoga Magazi

ne. Ed is currently designing workshops and yoga classes for the Thrive Health Center opening in 2009 in South Hill, Virginia, and teaching yoga classes at the community college.

Ed's driving interest is to make the healing principles of yoga and meditation workable in our busy modern life. The vehicle for this teaching are the Rainbow Arriving Workshops that custom fit the teachings of yoga to specific populations.

Contact Ed at byc@blackstoneyogacenter.com

Madeline's House Day

2008-10-21T22:29:00.005-04:00

Madeline’s House Day

On Wednesday, October 29, 2008

A fund-raising cookout is being hosted by Citizen's Bank & Trust from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, with ALL donations given to Madeline’s House. (what is Madeline's House? It is a women's shelter for victims of sexual and domestic violence)

Get your hamburger, hotdog, chips, cookies and

drink for a small donation of $5.00.

Visit them at their Main Office location of

126 South Main Street in Blackstone

and HELP support Madeline’s House.

Other donations will be accepted at all Blackstone Citizens Bank & Trust Company locations.

Wish List

Food Lion Gift Cards
Wal-Mart Gift Cards
Calling Cards (phone)
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
Bath Towels & Wash Cloths
Plastic Cups, Bowls, Plates and Plastic Forks, Knives, Spoons
Aluminum Foil
Liquid Laundry Detergent
Fabric Softener/Dryer Sheets
Bleach
Pine-Sol
Lysol
Tissues
Vehicle Cleaning Supplies
Dish Washing Liquid
Dishwasher Detergent
Pens
Ladies jogging suits (all sizes)
Ladies socks
Totes with lids
Trash bags (30 gallon)
Freezer bags
Writing Tablets
Ink pens
Plastic storage bins
Ladies undergarments (all sizes)
Ladies Pajamas
Sheets and Pillow Cases (twin size)
Plastic food Storage containers
Permanent Markers
Feminine Hygiene products
Children's pajamas
Alarm clocks
Batteries
Flashlights
Light bulbs (60, 75, 100 watt)
Vinyl mattress covers (twin)
Room deodorizers
Over the counter medications
Deodorant
Hand Sanitizer
Brushes & combs
Children's jogging suits
Children's socks
Children's essentials
Hair dryers
Curling irons

These items may also be dropped off at The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast - please call in advance: 434-292-3199 Need someone to pick the items up? Give us a call!!!

Central Virginia Home & Garden Show

2008-09-07T17:44:00.004-04:00

When: Saturday, September 20 9am - 8pm & Sunday, September 21 10am - 5pm
Where: Fireman's Sports Arena, Zion Hill Road, Farmville, VA

Admission: $4 (children free)

Family Farm Day

2008-09-07T17:40:00.003-04:00

Sept 13, 2008

Virginia Tech Southern Piedmont Center
Blackstone, VA

Pond Workshop

2008-09-07T17:30:00.004-04:00

October 15, 2008 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Auditorium of the Southern Piedmont Agriculture Research Extension Center
Route 40 east of Blackstone, VA

This workshop is designed to help you with water quality, aquatic weeds, pond management tips, and build a cage for caged fish production.

Pre-register by Friday, October 10th to the Brunswick County Extension Office at 434-848-2151 or Nottoway Extension Office at 434-645-9315.

Amelia County Fair

2008-09-07T17:22:00.004-04:00

Amelia County Fair
Sept 9-14, 2008
At The John H Paulette Memorial Park

Pickett Theatre

2008-09-07T17:13:00.004-04:00

Pickett Theatre is now open!!

Currently showing: Wanted (R)
Starring Angelina Jolie

Friday 7 & 9 pm Saturday 5, 7, & 9 pm
Sunday 5 & 7
Monday Closed
Tues-Thurs 7 pm only

Admission: $5
Under 12, military & shows before 6 pm $3.50
Visa & MasterCard accepted

For more information: 434-292-8466

Southside Youth Festival - Sept 20, 2008

2008-09-07T16:56:00.004-04:00

What: Fourth Annual Southside Youth Festival
Where: Hooper Park, Crewe, VA
When: Saturday, Sept 20th, starting at 1:00 pm

The Festival is a non-profit event that is free to children 19 and under; $5 for ages 20 and older with proceeds going to youth-related activities in Nottoway and surrounding counties.

This year the main feature will be an amateur Music Competition. Other events are an Art contest, Poetry contest, Kids Casting competition, Titanic Slide, Rock Climbing Wall, free giveaways, and fun and games for all ages.

For more information, visit: SouthsideYouthFestival.com

The Grey Swan Inn Celebrating One Year Anniversary

2008-08-25T22:17:00.011-04:00

The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast will be celebrating its first anniversary under the management of Jim and Christine Hasbrouck on September 2, 2008 from 2:00 PM to 5 PM. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 3:00 PM. The inn is located at 615 S. Main St. in Blackstone. The public is cordially invited to this event which will also include tours of the home.

The Hasbroucks moved to Blackstone from Baltimore MD in August 2007. Jim had recently retired from the USDA Forest Service after a 34 year career in Human Resources. Christine occupations included stints in medical administration, travel, and personal sales. The couple took a number of courses in the operation of a Bed and Breakfast over the past few years then set a course on finding a suitable establishment. Blackstone and the Grey Swan Inn fit the bill.

This charming home was built in 1902 by Douglas Longstreet Tuggle of R. W. Tuggle & Son Tobacco Company of Blackstone, Virginia, for his bride. It is a contributing property of Blackstone’s Historic District which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The home was converted to a Bed and Breakfast approximately 15 years ago and was formerly owned and operated by Fred and Nancy Jo Sibel until the Hasbroucks assumed ownership in September of last year.

The Inn offers a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for the weary traveler including a full gourmet breakfast each morning of their stay. To many of their guests “It’s like coming home when I’m on the road”.

Some of the inn’s amenities include free wireless internet, flexible breakfast hours, leisurely moments on the front porch, televisions in most rooms, freshly ground coffee, and lively conversations with the owners and other guests. The addition of online reservation services on The Grey Swan Inn’s website (www.greyswaninn.com) add to the convenience for the savvy online traveler.

The innkeepers are member of Blackstone Chamber of Commerce, BBAV (Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia), PAII (Professional Association of Inns International), and recently became qualified for Virginia Green Lodging. The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast can be found listed Virginia.org – Virginia’s official tourism website and has been featured on Home and Garden Television (HGTV).

Dropout Prevention Meeting

2008-08-22T17:44:00.003-04:00

Dropout Prevention Meeting
Tuesday, August 26
6-8 pm
Nottoway High School Mini Auditorium

For all Community Partners!!

Blackstone Image Kick-Off

2008-08-22T17:28:00.007-04:00

Blackstone Image Kick-Off
Thursday, August 28th
6:00 PM
Blackstone Fire Department

Be a part of history in the making!
Enjoy FREE food samples at a "Taste of the Town"
Watch our local youth perform
Learn how you can become a Blackstone Ambassador!
Take home some FREE Blackstone gifts

sponsored by:

Events for This Weekend - August 22, 2008

2008-08-22T17:01:00.005-04:00

Friday, August 22, 2008

Farmers Cafe, 213 S Main St, Blackstone, VA
"South Bound" Local Country Band 7:30 pm until..... No Cover Charge

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Farmers Cafe, 213 S Main St, Blackstone, VA
"Thunder Creek" Bluegrass Band 7:30 pm until..... No Cover Charge

Cruise-In, 5-9 pm
Held in the municipal parking lot behind Town Hall, Blackstone, VA
The public is invited to check out all the classic cars and other interesting rides.

Auction - 10 am Daniel Auction Warehouse, 770 Main St, Alberta, VA
500 Lots or More of Trucking Freight Salvage
for more information - www.danielauction.com

Community Appreciation Day - 10 am - 2 pm
Sponsored by Nottoway Civic League, 1010 Mt Nebo Rd, Blackstone, VA
Free to the public - information, praise dancing groups, food, fellowship
Free school supplies will be given out
Information providers: VA Dept for the Aging, Job Corp, Senior Nutrition Program,
Habitat for Humanity "We Care", and others

August Event - Amelia Bluegrass Music Festival

2008-08-10T18:00:00.003-04:00

Amelia Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival

August 14, 15, & 16, 2008

An Annual Event on 3rd Weekend for 29 years!
Amelia Family Campgrounds, Amelia, VA

Free Parking - Bring Lawn Chairs
Tickets: Weekend - at the gate $60
Thursday - $20 Hours - 1:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday - $25 Hours - 12 noon - 10:30pm
Saturday - $25 Hours - 9:30am - 10:30pm
See Campground website for more information!

Come stay at The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast
We're under 25 miles to Amelia and the Festival and can provide you
with the comforts of home!!

The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast Joins Virginia Green Lodging Program

2008-08-09T12:56:00.002-04:00

The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast is now a participant in the Virginia Green campaign. To become a participant, the inn had to meet a required minimum of core practices in the following areas:

1. Linen services.

2. Recycling and waste reduction.

3. Water conservation.

4. Energy conservation.

5. Green event practices.

Our Green Statement:

"While honoring the past and its gilded history, The Grey Swan recognizes our responsibility for conserving energy and our natural resources. We initially started by inviting guests to reuse towels and charging bed linens every3 days or as needed rather than daily. We also let our guests know that we will recycle any plastics, glass, aluminum, or paper that is left int heir rooms. We have recently been participating in a community effort to establish a recycling center in the the town. Becoming green is an ongoing education process for us, reviewing our current practices and the willingness to change as we can to become better stewards for our property, community, and world."

Here are some of The Grey Swan Inn's practices:

Linen Service: use of cold water, use of non-phosphate, non-toxic, and biodegradable laundry detergents, minimized use of bleach, changing towels and bed linens every 3 days or longer rather than daily

Recycling and Waste Reduction: recycling glass, aluminum cans, plastic, toner cartridges, newspaper, cardboard, and packing supplies, tracking overall wast bills, eliminate the use of styrofoam, use reusable dishware and glasware, and minimizing the use of disposables

Water Conservation: tracking overall water usage and wastewater, preventative maintenance of drips and leaks

Energy Conservation: replacement of light bulbs with CLF light bulbs, use of hybrid vehicles, lighting sensors, conservative use of guest room air conditioners and heaters when unoccupied

October 11, 2008 - 12th Annual Taste of Brunswick Festival

2008-07-28T16:04:00.005-04:00

Just 20 miles to Alberta from The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast in Blackstone, VA!

Scuba Diving Near Blackstone, VA

2008-07-28T10:25:00.003-04:00

For scuba diving enthusiasts and novices, come to Lake Rawlings! It is also well suited for swimming and kayaking.

Lake Rawlings was once a dry quarry supplying granite rock used in the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, I-85, and other major highway projects. When miners hit an aquifer in the late 50's, Lake Rawlings was created. Now, Lake Rawlings is a full-service diving destination, offering SCUBA, camping, instructional, and other specialized services to their guests. This diving facility offers rental equipment, courses for all levels, and is available for private use to qualified parties. Go to the Calendar of events to see upcoming events.

Just under 25 miles from Rawlings, Va you can find accommodations for individuals or small groups up to 12 people at The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast in Blackstone, VA. Flexible check-in and check-out times for groups are available with advance notice. Guests can enjoy luscious full breakfasts after 7:00 am with freshly ground coffee or a variety of teas. Relax and visit with other guests on the porch swing during the warmer months or in front of the fireplace in cooler weather. Several amenities include wireless internet, off street parking and clothes lines for hanging wet gear. Online reservations are available for your convenience.

Come to Blackstone, VA in September 2008

2008-07-23T12:45:00.007-04:00

Sponsored by the Blackstone Chamber of Commerce, the Blackstone Arts & Crafts Festival attracts some of the best artists on the east coast with a wide variety of hand crafted products. There is something for everyone at this festival. Learn more...

Antique Tractor and Engine Display
Craft Demonstrations
Kiddie Korner
Face Painting
Trained Dogs Show

Lodging still available at The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast - 1 mile from the festival!

2008-07-23T11:27:00.003-04:00

JOHN H. DANIEL COLLEGE CAMPUS - KEYSVILLE: Thursday, August 7

TOURISM WORKS for Your Virginia Business!

Meet with Virginia Tourism at the John H. Daniel College Campus in Keysville for Tourism Web Training on August 7

Virginia Tourism wants to drive traffic to your business! Meet one-on-one with Virginia Tourism staff to get listed on www.Virginia.org, the Commonwealth’s official travel and tourism website. Come by during lunch or a break and you’ll leave with a new, online AD listing and access to Virginia Tourism marketing, development and educational tools to help your tourism business GROW!

· ALL visitor-friendly restaurants, lodging, events, attractions and retail shopping are eligible

Including B&Bs, hotels, motels; diners, fast-food and delis; retail wine, food, clothing, home and accessory shops

· Get listed on www.Virginia.org and get in front of 5 million+ website visitors a year! – FREE

· Leave with your own website AD listing and reach more people using the Internet

· Reach vacationing families, weekend getaway couples, business travelers and the media to increase business

· Leave with access to a new, dynamic marketing mix that will enhance, or jump-start, your marketing efforts

· Let ‘Virginia is for Lovers’ work for your business and link visitors’ passion for life, food & travel with your business

· Tourism is one of Virginia’s most powerful industries, generating $17.7 billion in revenue, supporting 208,000 jobs and providing $1.2 billion in state and local taxes to Virginia’s communities.

Thursday, August 7-9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

John H. Daniel College Campus – Workforce Development Building > Room 108

200 Daniel Road, Keysville, VA 23947

* Bring existing advertising, brochure and website copy as a guide for your online AD Listing

* Parking through main entrance, pass main building, then park at next building on left, Workforce Development Building in the lot provided.

If August 7 is not convenient, consider these other locations and dates where we’ll be nearby -

· Tuesday, August 5-9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Franklin Business Incubator in Franklin, VA

· Wednesday, August 6-9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Christanna College Campus in Alberta, VA

For more information, contact Virginia Tourism’s Angela Wiggins (awiggins@virginia.org - 804.545.5553)

Things to See in Blackstone

2008-07-21T07:20:00.003-04:00

Robert Thomas Carriage Museum
and
Schwartz Tavern

August tour hours:
Monday thru Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm

September thru June hours:
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm

For more information and for tours other than times posted call:
434-292-1459
434-292-7795
434-292-7251

Just 1 mile from The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast!

View Larger Map

2008-07-20T12:10:00.005-04:00

Customer Appreciation Day

Blackstone Post Office

Friday, July 25, 2008 10 am - 2 pm

Come meet Postmaster Monica Ball &
Eric Bentham, Small Business Specialist, USPS

Light refreshments, giveaways and a raffle

(Just a few blocks from The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast)

Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser

2008-07-20T11:54:00.004-04:00

The Southside Virginia Habitat for Humanity will hold a community dinner on Saturday, July 26th, 2008 to raise funds for its next home. The dinner will be from 5 to 7 pm and held at the Nottoway Civic League, 1010 Mt Nebo Rd, Blackstone, VA.
The meal will include BBQ, cole slaw, baked beans, iced tea, and dessert. Take-out orders will be available, also.
Tickets are $8 for the dinner and are available for purchase in advance at either Benchmark Community banks in Blackstone or Citizen's Bank and Trust in Crewe. Tickets will also be available at the door.
All proceeds will go toward construction of a new home in Blackstone.

(See the story in this week's edition of Courier-Record, Blackstone, VA.)

Blackstone Cruise-In

2008-07-19T18:01:00.004-04:00

Blackstone, VA - July 2008 Cruise-In

Don't miss this month's Cruise-In in downtown Blackstone!

Cruise-ins are held on the 4th Saturday of each month, for 5-9 pm in the municipal parking lot behind Town Hall (100 W Elm St, Blackstone, VA)

Walking distance from The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast (1/2 mile).

Farmer's Market

2008-07-19T17:46:00.005-04:00

Now's there another place to get fresh produce in Blackstone, VA....

Farmer's Market
Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
8 am - 2 pm

Located behind the Blackstone Antiques and Crafts Mall
121 N Main Street
Blackstone, VA 23824
434-292-0027

This will be an ongoing event until November 1st, 2008!
Both enclosed and outdoor spaces with pick up guidelines at the Mall

View Larger Map

What's Going On in Blackstone, VA

2008-04-14T11:40:00.004-04:00

Here's what is happening in Blackstone, VA and surrounding area this coming week. Thanks to Courier-Record newspaper of Blackstone for most of this information!

April 15, 2008 – Free blood pressure screenings
Ripberger Public Library, Kenbridge from 10-11:30 am
Spencer’s Drug Store, Blackstone from 1-4 pm

April 16, 2008 – Education Program:
Advance Directives, Part 1 How to approach and discuss difficult issues;
Part 2 – Legal Aspect
Location - Piedmont Geriatric Hospital, call to reserve space: 434-767-4521

April 17, 2008 – Free blood pressure screenings
Victoria Public Library, Victoria from 1:30-3:30 pm

April 19, 2008 - 2008 Strawberry Season at Chesterfield Berry Farm
General Admissions: $5 per person (children under 2 free)
Activities include: Hayrides to and from strawberry fields, pig race, picnic area, Farm animal corral and goat walk, sand area, straw area, strawberry picking take home containers, weekend intertainment
SuperPass: $9 per person Activities includes above activities plus wagon train rides, strawberry cannons, barrel train rides, moonbounce, duckraces There will be a separate charge for wine tasting, pony rides and gem mining
NOTE: one $5 admission fee will be taken off an 11 pound box of strawberries. One per person with admission receipt.
Farm Hours: Mon-Thur 8 am to 7 pm Fri, Sat, & Sun 8 am to 4 pm

April 19, 2008 – Dance with band “Casper” The South Hill Moose Lodge, 8 pm until Midnight
Tickets $25 for more information call 434-447-4547

April 19, 2008 – 4th Annual Consignment Auction, Darvills Ruritan Club, Rte 40, Darvills, VA at 10 am
For further info call: 804-478-5161, 804-586-1622, 804-720-4334, or 804-712-2432

April 19, 2008 – Wildlife Mapping from 1-2 pm, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park

April 19, 2008 – Benefit Dance, American Legion Post 50, Crewe, VA
Admission $10 Doors open at 7 pm with Music at 9 pm
Music provided by “Billy Shakes with the Tremors”
BYOB, suds, setups, ice, snacks for sale; 50-50 raffle, Proceeds benefit local Veterans

April 19, 2008 – Picking Up Our Pride in Blackstone
Blackstone Rotary Club hosting town wide clean up project
Meet at Seay Park at 8 am for street/task assignment

April 21, 2008 thru May 2, 2008 – Spring Clean Up Time for the Town of Blackstone

Many of the upcoming Blackstone events are within walking distance to The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast at 615 S Main Street, Blackstone, VA 23824

Blackstone Virginia Restaurants

2008-04-10T16:09:00.004-04:00

Are you visiting Blackstone, Virginia or planning to sometime soon?

Here is a list of restaurants along with address, phone numbers, & hours of operation in Blackstone and a couple within 10-13 miles of Blackstone. We haven't eaten at all of the restaurants listed, but I did call each for their hours, or pulled the information from our newspaper, Courier Record. All of the Blackstone restaurants are within 1 mile of the Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Acapulco’s Mexican Grill, 209 S. Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Tuesday through Sunday 11 am – 9:30 pm
Phone: (434) 292-3746

Blackstone Herb Cottage, 104 N Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Monday through Friday 8 am – 4 pm
Friday night (beginning 4/11) 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm Seafood Buffet (reservations)
Sunday (beginning 4/13) 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Brunch (reservations)
Phone: (434) 292-7721

Brother's Pizza & Italian Restaurant, 301 N. Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Sunday through Thursday 11 am – 10 pm
Friday & Saturday 11 am – 11 pm
Phone: (434) 292-7249

Farmers Café, 213 S Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Monday through Thursday 5 am – 9 pm
Friday & Saturday 5 am – 10 pm
Sunday 5 am – 7 pm
Phone: (434) 292-3236

Hardee’s Restaurant, 203 N Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Monday through Saturday 5 am – 10 pm
Sunday 6 am – 10 pm
Phone: (434) 292-4948

Hong Kong, 1507 S Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Sunday through Thursday 10:30 am – 10:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 10:30 am – 11 pm
Phone: (434) 292-4412

Huddle House, 1407 S Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open 24 hours
Phone: (434) 292-3418

Louise’s Restaurant and Country Store, 31155 Christanna Hwy, Dundas, VA 23938
Open Tuesday through Saturday 11 am – 9 pm
Saturday: Seafood Buffet
Sunday (beginning 4/6) 11 am – 3 pm Buffet
Phone: (434) 676-9029

McDonald’s, 404 N Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Sunday through Thursday 5 am – 11 pm
Friday & Saturdady 5 am – 12 midnight
Phone: (434) 292-4977

Mildred’s Meals, 109 E 5th Ave, Kenbridge, VA 23944
Open Monday through Saturday 6 am – 8:30 pm
Sunday 11 am – 8:30 pm
Phone: (434) 676-3060

Mitchell's Restaurant, 403 N. Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Monday through Thursday 6:30 am – 9:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 6:30 am – 10:30 pm
Sunday 7 am – 3 pm
Phone: (434) 292-4100

Pizza Hut, 319 S Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Sunday through Thursday 11 am – 10 pm
Friday & Saturday 11 am – 11 pm
Phone: (434) 292-3336

Subway of Blackstone, 1501 S. Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Monday through Saturday 9 am – 9 pm
Sunday 10 am – 9 am
Phone: (434) 292-5949

Sullivan's Restaurant & Tavern, 100 1/2 N. Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Monday through Saturday 11 am – 10 pm
Phone: (434) 292-7942

Virginia Barbeque, 1417 S Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Monday through Saturday 10 am – 10 pm
Sunday 10 am – 9 pm
Phone: (434) 292-3663

Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers, 1419 S. Main St, Blackstone, VA 23824
Open Sunday through Thursday 10 am – 1 am
Friday & Saturday 10 am – 2 am
Phone: (434) 298-0808

Save the Armory Family Day

2008-04-10T15:24:00.005-04:00

Come to Blackstone, Virginia this Saturday, April 12, 2008 at the Harris Memorial National Guard Armory on High Street in Blackstone, VA from 10 am until 4 pm for "Save the Armory Family Day".

This event is presented by The Friends of Blackstone to raise money and generate more support to save the historic building from being destroyed. Day-long events include live music, food (chili, hot dogs, cornbread, baked goods, Boston Butts, and Brunswick Stew), a silent auction, bingo, and more. The innkeepers of the Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast will be there with baked goods and items for the silent auction.

Here are directions from The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast, 615 S Main Street, Blackstone, VA. Some availability is still available for this weekend for those who would like to stay Friday or Saturday nights.

View Larger Map

To read more and about this event and other Blackstone, VA news visit: Courier Record newspaper

Let's Go Fishin'

2008-04-01T14:50:00.003-04:00

This past week, Jim & I drove to Twin Lakes State Park. It was a warm spring day and a perfect time to go on a drive in the country! We found that there wasn't much activity going on.. maybe a handful of families camping out. Both lakes are dark brown from tannin, but according to a few people we encountered, the fishing was good... crappie and brim were caught from Goodwin Lake. They even caught a large mouth bass in Prince Edward Lake.

We drove by their conference center and it appears to be a good facility for family reunions, wedding receptions, conferences. At the main entrance we saw an announcement for an upcoming event: April 5, 2008, Twin Lakes Family Bluegrass Festival, featuring the Bluegrass Brothers, Shallow Creek and country Fried Grass bands. The music starts at 1 pm with gates being open at 9 am. Parking lot pickin' is encouraged. No dogs allowed in concert area. Overnight camping is available at the park and food is available. Tickets are $10 (advance sales) and $15 at the gate. No refunds. Will be held on Prince Edward Lake at Cedar Crest Conference Center. Call 804-561-0705 for more information.

Other lakes with driving distance to Blackstone, Va are:
Amelia Lake
Briery Creek Lake
Brunswick Lake
Chesdin Reservoir
Great Creek Watershed Lake
Nottoway Lake
Sandy River Reservoir
Swift Creek Lake
Fort Pickett Lakes

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website has a great amount of information with some photos. I also found a lot of information on Virginia's Retreat website.

Springtime in Blackstone

2008-03-24T16:42:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year for daffodils, forget-me-nots and forsythia to bloom here in Blackstone, VA. The weather today is still pretty cool outside, but the blossoms are telling me that warmer weather is on its way soon!

And it will soon be time to go fishing again.. I suppose that there are those dedicated fishermen who will fish year-round, but I'm of the warm weather variety! I recently purchased my Virginia fishing license and am taking stock of the different places to fish in the area.... I'll be back soon with a list of streams and lakes.

Civil War Re-enactment

2008-02-29T11:36:00.005-05:00

Blackstone, VA newspaper, Courier-Record, was filled with all kinds of information this week. Below is something that really caught my attention:

Have you visited Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park? This Saturday and Sunday, March 1st and 2nd, from 10 am until 4 pm there will be a Living History program, featuring reenactors and CSA artillery firing on the hour (11 am until 3 pm) and period music! This battlefield site is key to General Robert E. Lee's decision to surrender at Appomattox court House, ending the war in Virginia.

Sailor's Creek is a 3 1/2 hour drive from Northern Virginia, 1 1/2 hours from Richmond, 2 hours from Roanoke, 3 hours from Virginia Beach, and just 30 minutes from Blackstone, Va. For lodging accommodations, visit our website: www.greyswaninn.com

Afternoon at The Bookend

2008-02-22T17:53:00.004-05:00

This afternoon was filled with romance novels, cookbooks, fiction, biographies, gardening, inspirational, and non-fiction books at The Bookend, The Gently Used Bookstore, here in Blackstone, Virginia. I felt so rich being surrounded by so many wonderful books and periodicals!!

The Bookend was established in 2007 by The Friends of The Library for building funds to add to the existing library here in Blackstone. The bookstore is located at 102 W Maple Street in walking distance to all of downtown shops and restaurants. The store's hours are: Tues, Thurs, and Friday for 10am - 5pm. My volunteer shift was this afternoon from 1:30 to 5:00.

I had not visited the bookstore before today and was impressed in how neat the books were in their shelves - organized by author for fiction and subject matter for the nonfiction. We ended up taking home an armload of books for our guest rooms and I have a stack to pick up next week. We really like books!!!

I saw a note on the desk with the book title, "Watership Down" by Richard Adam. Have you read it yet? It is a great read!

Be sure to stop by The Bookend on your next visit to Blackstone. Tell them we sent you!