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'Shop Hop' Four times a year in Vinton County

Over a dozen unusual shops, studios and other attractions in northern Vinton County will salute the holidays with a combined "Shop Hop" four Saturdays this year. The 2010 Shop Hops will be May 22, July 3, September 4 and November 6 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Some will also be open the same hours on Friday and Sunday. All are clustered on or near St. Rt. 93, so visitors can start at one end or the other and visit each shop in turn. Each location can give you directions to the next one.

Starting just north of the intersection of St. Rt. 93 and 56 in the hilltop village of Mt. Pleasant near the corner of Fairview Road is Nature's Way with a fine selection of Native American items and a variety of herbal products. Enjoy the front garden and fish pool while there. Head south on 93 and at the intersection of St. Rt. 56 and St. Rt. 93, travel east on St. Rt. 56 about a mile to The Art Barn which offers wood-burned art, custom furniture such as tables and benches made from local wood, signs, walking sticks and rustic crafts, all created in the barn.

Return to Rt. 93 and travel one-half mile south to Fiddlestix ~ A Celebration of Appalachia where you'll find four buildings chock full of quilts, candles, goodie mixes, cookbooks, primitive board games, country Christmas ornaments and more.

From here, travel south about one-half mile to the Cox Covered Bridge on Woodgeard Road. Stop and admire the recent bridge preservation efforts, read about its history and perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch. Following signs, continue on scenic Woodgeard Road to Lois' Summer Kitchen, full of antiques, gifts and collectibles. While there, you can watch for your perfect Christmas tree at Weaver's Christmas Tree Farm. While there, check out the new Pine Tree Quilt Barn.

Then follow Creola-Hue Rd. north to St. Rt. 56. Turn right on St. Rt. 56 and follow to Scenic Way Gifts where you will find Vinton County made items including beautiful wind chimes and stained glass. Then follow St. Rt. 56 East back to St. Rt. 93 and continue about four miles south to Bethel Road, where you can have lunch at the Coach House Tea Room at Ravenwood Castle. Although the Castle is not open for tours, be sure to stroll through the formal garden behind the castle as well as the informal cottage gardens in the Medieval Village. After you depart down the exit driveway, make the sharp right turn onto Bethel Road again and go to the top of the hill to Glen and Merline Maynard's Studio. Glen is an award-winning master woodcarver (one of his specialties is delightful Santa ornaments) and Merline is a renowned basket maker. You'll enjoy chatting with them and viewing their beautiful work.

Make your way back to 93 again, turn left and travel about seven miles south to McArthur's only stop light in the middle of town. Park somewhere near this corner, and enjoy colorful flowers and gift items at Vinton County Floral just north of the corner. Choose from one of the village’s restaurants or pizzerias for a relaxing lunch. Near this same corner on Main Street is Remember When Antiques and More. Here you'll take a walk down "memory lane" and see furniture and accessories like your mother or grandmother had.

Travel East on St. Rt. 50 to St. Rt. 278. Turn left and St. Rt. 278 and follow into the village of Zaleski. Once in Zaleski, look for the red barn decorated with the Anvil Quilt Block. This barn houses Zaleski Candleworks, a wonderful local business renowned for handmade scented candles, crafts and all sorts of unusual gift items.

Retrace your steps back to St. Rt. 50 and turn right to return to McArthur. In McArthur, continue west on St. Rt. 50 seven miles to the village of Allensville and turn right on Goosecreek Road. Go to the "Y" in the road and bear left on Garrett Ridge travel about a half mile to The Butter Churn, where you'll find more antiques and collectibles. After leaving The Butter Churn, continue on Garrett Ridge. At the stop sign, turn left on Pretty Run Road (turns into Eagle Mills Rd.) and travel approximately six miles to Yoder’s Greenhouse. This Amish operated greenhouse boasts a wide array of bedding plants, garden vegetables, hanging baskets and arrangements. Be sure to ask directions to the Mt. Olive Covered Bridge which is very close.

Those coming from the south can begin their Shop Hop near McArthur and work their way north on Rt. 93. Each location can give you directions to the next one. You'll be amazed at the variety of unique attractions, talents and gift ideas available in Vinton County!