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After weeks of sauna-like conditions, it was wonderful to step out my door with my dogs to a crisp, almost chilly morning. I decided to walk to the grocery store… because I could… without my hair doing its best imitation of 80’s big hair… without getting a fine sheen of perspiration by the time I get to the end of the street. The ironic thing is that I can walk to the store in almost the same time that I can drive it. Not as many traffic lights!
One of the things I loved about Centreville when I first moved here almost 18 years ago was the fact that I could see the Blue Ridge Mountains. The view has been marred a bit by traffic lights and new buildings, but as I walked this morning, there it was–that beautiful line of mountains. In less than two and a half hours, I can get to my favorite swimming hole. It’s at the base of the Rose River Falls in Shenandoah National Park.
When I was growing up, my brother and I would hike the Rose River Trail with our bathing suits on so we could jump from the top of the falls into the icy cold pool below. It’s not a daring jump, but it sure is fun. It’s also a great way to cool off after hiking. The falls are not very tall, but the pool at the bottom is very deep. I’m not exactly sure how deep because I could never get enough air into my lungs to dive down that far. The water is so cold it literally takes your breath away!
When I first moved here, Braddock Road was a straight line right through Centreville, crossing a two-lane Route 28 in just one place. Did you know that Braddock Road has existed since before Virginia became a colony? Native Americans created the original paths that were later developed and improved by the British and Colonists. The early Americans used the route to travel from about Route 15 in Loudoun County to the Potomac River in what is now known as Alexandria.
The route became known as Braddock’s Road, named after English General Edward Braddock because it was originally believed that he used this route during the French and Indian War. Braddock’s Road was used during the Civil War by both Union and Confederate troops, including Mosby’s Raiders. One of Mosby’s Raiders was a Centreville resident named Robert Spindle. Does anyone now live on Spindle Court?
Whether you love seeing (and hiking in) the Blue Ridge Mountains or love the rich history of the area, Centreville, Virginia has so much to offer those that call it home.
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