Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1874-05-08
THE SCENERY ABOUT STAUN.
TON

THE SCENERY ABOUT STA UN.
TON.
Many persons seem to be Of the impress
sion that Weyer's Cave and Elliot's Knob
are the only points Of sight seeing inter-
est of convenient access to Stanton
This is an error, and it is mistake to per-
NIT strangers temporarily sojourning in
the city, to rest under the Impression
Right about this city there are hills which
the most extended and beauti-
full prospects. Not to speak of the view
from DIR. Sears Hill and Capitol Hill,
there is in the rear of the residence OF
Robert G.. Bickle, ESQ.,, knoll now used
as pasture lot, which embraces view OF
Staunton and the Blue Ridge, that at sun
set is worthy of the pencil of any artist
Three miles from town, on the Valley 1.-THE
McAdamized) road, there is an emlnence
overlooking Mr.. Bells farm from which
the eye takes in what seems to be great
circle of mountains and miles of valley
dotted with farm houses, and at this sea-
son green with wheat fields. This view is
almost unequaled in the United States for
pastoral and gentle beauty, and yet there
are few residents of Staunton who have
witnessed it. Why not induce the strang-
er who are travelling through this country
to 90 to such spots? Why let them come
and 90 under the idea that they have seen
Staunton when they have remained a few
hours at one of the hotels and walked
along Main street a short distance. A drive
to West View, six miles distant, furnishes
very delightful little episode in a visit
to this section. The mountains seem to
clasp the village like the encircling wings
of great bird. There is depth Of color
about them that would enchant painter.
Middle River lends its beauty to the scene.
A party could "pic-nic" day at this
point in the most agreeable fashion. -Four
miles beyond, the scenery at Buffalo Gap
offers an additional attraction. One of the
mountains at this point is far easier con-
quered than Elliot's Knob, and from the
high lodges Of rock that beetle over its
crest the sightseer looks down upon the
ravine below, the foaming waters OF Buff
falo Branch, charming brook, and the
white road undulating through the Gap
until the senses become giddy with the
realization of the vast height. On the side
of this mountain, looking towards the
Blue Ridge, glorious panorama spreads
in the distance. 1t is a picture of surpass-
ing loneliness unknown to fame. How
many who go to Buffalo Gap dream Of as
cending this mountain The reputation
of Elliot's Knob has overshadowed every
thing else in the neighborhood, and the
chances are about seven to one that when
the labOrious climber has reached the sum-
NIT of this far famed peak he will find it
enveloped in vapor, and be rewarded for
his steep ascent by the Imagination OF
what he could see if the ocean Of mists
would only melt away. We might 60 On
enumerating spots of romantic interest
that can easily he reached on foot or by a
conveyance from Stanton. But we have
fulfilled our purpose which is to give few
stray hints to those who may have energy
enough to profit by them. This is one of
the loveliest countries in the world. Its
scenery is part of it's capital. Many valu.
able citizens can be attracted to Staun-
ton by this consideration alone if it is
brought properly under their notice. 1t
would be shame to remain insensible to
the loneliness that orr country is lowered
with, or to let those who have some sensi.
bility for such things remain ignorant OF
the attractions that are almost within bow
shot of the place. If George Hetzel, a eel
ebrated landscape painter of Pittsburg,
were in this neighborhood month he
would make it known as widely by his
genius as many spots of far inferior beauty
which are visited by tourists from all parts
of the United States. There is no reason
to be over modest about the landscapes
that glorify this region, and there is still
less reason to regard them with the indif-
ference of
1.-THE dull weed
That rots at Lethe's wharf"