The Big Stone Gap post. [volume] (Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Va.) 1892-1928, 1893-07-20
BIG STONE GAP
ASA SUMMER RESORT.-HOWTO
MAKE IT ATTRACTIVE.
Some Good SuggestIont to the
Town Council.

weeks ago a few lines IN the POST
with reference to the suitability OF
this place as summer resort. And
although the place itself, with all it's
lovely scenery, it's healthfulness, it's
sulphur and chalybcate springs, its
close proximity to the High Knob,
4,200ft. above tidewater, and many
other less elevated points that over
look even lovlier landscapes than the
Knob, speaks inviting terms to this
very end, still there is something
lacking; this is not a summer resort.
Why? TO lover Of the beauties OF
nature, the view from any of the mi
nor elevations hereabouts, while not
SO extensive as that from High Knob,
is well worth the while of trip to
them. What is necessary to make
the Gap the resort it deserves to
be? have dwelt in many states,
and | might say | know every foot
of ground here, and ] know that
there is not to be found spot better
adapted to the needs and uses of a
summer resort. Was the mention
in the POsT reminder to some en-
ergetic outsider to come and see
what VIC have to make it such?
We offer no inducements to any one
to come. One might enjoy a "camp
out" on The Knob for considerable
time, but what If one wanted to come
and scamp out" didn't suit? In
valids would he benefited by this
climate, but they couldn't endure
camping, and the lntermont would
not begin to accommodate all who
would come lin the summer if it was
generally known what a lovely cline
is here and what health-givlng
springs, and if only the springs were
not almost hidden under covering
Of leaves and debris. \ fine hotel
on Poplar Hill, and others near the
several springs, would then become
not only a necessary, but also pay
ing investment. Then our town
ought also to see 10 another absolute
necessity of our ever attaining tins
important acquisition to the many
natural advantages already possessed:
viz, have the ordinance, preventing
the cutting Of any bush or under
brush along the river banks, repealed
at once and in it's stead have one en-
acted enforcing the grubbing out of
the banks, and the trimming OF the
trees. SO that, beneath their inviting
shade where walkway naturally
suggests itself, grass seed, if scatter
ed, could flourish. Then when sum-
mcr comes again, instead of the filth
and underground that now drive per-
sons as far as possible from the riv-
or bank. cleanliness and shade would
invite you to 4 pleasant retreat where
YOU could catch the freshcning noun
tain breexcs, and listen to the rip
pling waters of the mighty Powell S
River, than which Virginia holds no
stream more picturesque.
And, dear new town, don't yon
think you might open up some OF the
Boulevarls so that we might drive
our best girl near enough to hear the
rivers roar, and catch the lights and
| - VI - 'N>>''
shadows of the grand old trees that
line it's margin? have seen a young
man drive visitor across the bridge
and try to follow the rivers winding,
only to turn around in despair at
Flannerys spring, and drive right
back.
And more, couldn't you arrange a
walk beneath the trees for those
who prefer rambling to driving?
It needn't cost 80 much as
casual glance might lead you to
think; and even if it proves costly.
wouldn't it pay in the long run by
attracting many to our town? Even
though they come only for pleasant
outing they would leave with bet
ter opinion of the place and be sure
to return. Then let us see to it that
the river banks are put in the shape
thea should be, at least, and lessen
the already few causes of unhealth-
fulness and do away with the appear
ance of the shiftless farmer with his
brushy fence rows.
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