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For several months, Wes has talked about going to the in Trail Days festivalDamascus, VA. This tiny town refers to itself as the "most friendly town on the Appalachian Trail". After our visit to their annual TRAIL DAYS FESTIVAL yesterday, I have to agree with them. It's a almost like a super friendly, Appalachian Trail theme town. The 'town map' that I picked up at a supply shop proudly states that there are 860 residents in Damascus. Just about everything on the map is geared toward hikers. From places to sleep, shops to repair your gear, recommendations for a good place to grab a bite to eat, and local signs that are encouraging and friendly, this place has got to be a rewarding and exciting destination to meet along the trail.
We had to leave before the annual Hikers Parade, but I'm sure that was a great time too. Next year, we'll be back. But if I'm lucky, I won't have to wait that long. We're hoping to go check out the Virginia Creeper Trail this summer. It goes right through Damascus, too!
We had to leave before the annual Hikers Parade, but I'm sure that was a great time too. Next year, we'll be back. But if I'm lucky, I won't have to wait that long. We're hoping to go check out the Virginia Creeper Trail this summer. It goes right through Damascus, too!
When they say Hikers are welcome, they mean it! Even the local library was ready to greet and encourage weary travelers. (Oh, and they had a book sale too.)
There were 'free water' coolers set up everywhere, small totes with 'snacks' like granola bars and apples, signs offering a place to stay over night, or the opportunity to work for a few days on your way through town. The names of the shops were even 'hiker' based. The Blue Blaze Cafe, Mt. Rogers Outfitters (which I misread to be MR. Rogers, and I'll admit, I got excited for a moment about that!), Blue Blaze Bike Rental and Shuttle Service ... you get the idea.
There were 'free water' coolers set up everywhere, small totes with 'snacks' like granola bars and apples, signs offering a place to stay over night, or the opportunity to work for a few days on your way through town. The names of the shops were even 'hiker' based. The Blue Blaze Cafe, Mt. Rogers Outfitters (which I misread to be MR. Rogers, and I'll admit, I got excited for a moment about that!), Blue Blaze Bike Rental and Shuttle Service ... you get the idea.
The festival is actually held ON the AT. Here's Wes, standing next to the marker, for proof. :)
VENDORS!
OH my gosh ... if you need ANYTHING for hiking, camping, or being outdoors, this was the place to be! From steak and cheese subs (oh ... all of the food vendors .... YES!) to stakes for your tent, there were vendors that were ready and willing to help you. We saw folks selling vacuum packed food, cordless kinetic powered chargers, tents, stickers, cookware, hammocks, shoes, half priced clothing, and 'the world's best socks'. (I bought 3 pair.) Here's a list of who we saw: VENDORS AT TRAIL DAYS
KELTY was there, with fantastic enthusiastic staff ready to demonstrate their amazing products and invite folks to participate in their FREE RAFFLE! Wes purchased a set of trekking poles, and he yanked a ball cap out of midair when they were tossing them into the crowd, but the best part of the day was when he EARNED a silicone Kelty cup. He asked how much they were, and the rep said, "Well, can you do a one handed push-up?" "Heck yeah!" was his reply, and down on the muddy ground he went. I have to say, it was impressive. He was mighty proud of his trophy, which is pictured below. (Don't you love Adam's face in that pic too? haha!)
We also spent a good bit of time at the ENO booth. Oh, we do love our ENO gear! We even got Clara's birthday present there, but I can't tell you what it is yet! :) Wes found his 'new favorite cap', we picked up some great stickers, and got to visit with a great rep.
There were so many freebies at this festival. It seemed like most 'big brand' vendors were handing out something fun. We came home with a bag full of 'gear laundry detergent' samples, stickers, maps, magazines, brochures, stuff sacks, and even a tiny blaze orange Bible.
OH my gosh ... if you need ANYTHING for hiking, camping, or being outdoors, this was the place to be! From steak and cheese subs (oh ... all of the food vendors .... YES!) to stakes for your tent, there were vendors that were ready and willing to help you. We saw folks selling vacuum packed food, cordless kinetic powered chargers, tents, stickers, cookware, hammocks, shoes, half priced clothing, and 'the world's best socks'. (I bought 3 pair.) Here's a list of who we saw: VENDORS AT TRAIL DAYS
KELTY was there, with fantastic enthusiastic staff ready to demonstrate their amazing products and invite folks to participate in their FREE RAFFLE! Wes purchased a set of trekking poles, and he yanked a ball cap out of midair when they were tossing them into the crowd, but the best part of the day was when he EARNED a silicone Kelty cup. He asked how much they were, and the rep said, "Well, can you do a one handed push-up?" "Heck yeah!" was his reply, and down on the muddy ground he went. I have to say, it was impressive. He was mighty proud of his trophy, which is pictured below. (Don't you love Adam's face in that pic too? haha!)
We also spent a good bit of time at the ENO booth. Oh, we do love our ENO gear! We even got Clara's birthday present there, but I can't tell you what it is yet! :) Wes found his 'new favorite cap', we picked up some great stickers, and got to visit with a great rep.
There were so many freebies at this festival. It seemed like most 'big brand' vendors were handing out something fun. We came home with a bag full of 'gear laundry detergent' samples, stickers, maps, magazines, brochures, stuff sacks, and even a tiny blaze orange Bible.
This Amazing Bridge
Apparently, this bridge is part of the AT. It was gorgeous, and full of people all day long . Kids were running back and forth, bikers traveled (saying "On the left!" when they came from behind us), and lots of people were taking family pictures. The Rhododendrons were huge and bright. WOW!
Apparently, this bridge is part of the AT. It was gorgeous, and full of people all day long . Kids were running back and forth, bikers traveled (saying "On the left!" when they came from behind us), and lots of people were taking family pictures. The Rhododendrons were huge and bright. WOW!
Music and Dancing!
There was a huge line up of music events this weekend. (Click HERE for details). We had a blast watching the Crooked Road Cloggers! Wow, they looked like they were having a great time and the crowd loved them! After we crossed the bridge and walked down Main Street, the air was filled with the gentle sound of a man singing. Just a guy, a guitar, an amp, and a porch ... it was wonderful and I could have stayed all day to enjoy his music.
There was a huge line up of music events this weekend. (Click HERE for details). We had a blast watching the Crooked Road Cloggers! Wow, they looked like they were having a great time and the crowd loved them! After we crossed the bridge and walked down Main Street, the air was filled with the gentle sound of a man singing. Just a guy, a guitar, an amp, and a porch ... it was wonderful and I could have stayed all day to enjoy his music.
DOG DAYS
There were dogs EVERYWHERE. I mean ... EVERYWHERE. In the shops, on the sidewalks, at the festival, 'working' at the vendor displays, I even saw one sleeping in a hammock with his hiking companions! This town is definitely dog friendly, and the animals were as relaxed and happy as their humans. From a giant German 'speaking' dog named Baloo to a teeny tiny yorkie in a pink mohair sweater that was riding on her mom's shoulders, there was no shortage of pooches to greet you. We even saw a hiker with a dog decked out in a lime green pack that said "Don't touch me, I bite". Everyone gave that guy a wide birth, and the dog looked happy to be there. I fell in love with a little Aussie in a camo poncho . I didn't get her (his?) name, but those eyes just followed me around so sweetly, I had to sneak a pic!
Apparently, I'm not the only one who noticed. It made the news! Check it out: DOG ARTICLE
There were dogs EVERYWHERE. I mean ... EVERYWHERE. In the shops, on the sidewalks, at the festival, 'working' at the vendor displays, I even saw one sleeping in a hammock with his hiking companions! This town is definitely dog friendly, and the animals were as relaxed and happy as their humans. From a giant German 'speaking' dog named Baloo to a teeny tiny yorkie in a pink mohair sweater that was riding on her mom's shoulders, there was no shortage of pooches to greet you. We even saw a hiker with a dog decked out in a lime green pack that said "Don't touch me, I bite". Everyone gave that guy a wide birth, and the dog looked happy to be there. I fell in love with a little Aussie in a camo poncho . I didn't get her (his?) name, but those eyes just followed me around so sweetly, I had to sneak a pic!
Apparently, I'm not the only one who noticed. It made the news! Check it out: DOG ARTICLE