Quirky Named Places and What to Do There, Episode 4
Our fourth episode. So far, we’ve traveled the deep south, wild west, and the northeast. Turning south again, our latest adventure, the mid-Atlantic region. A densely populated region. The Jersey shore to the Carolinas, the mid-Atlantic is a beach lover’s haven and to the west picture postcard mountains and valleys roll to the western horizon. Load up the car, the usual, snacks, good music, and your friends. Here we go!
Accident, MD
A name given in colonial times, the modern town in the northwestern corner of Maryland was part of a land grant deeded to a colonist by the King of England. The land wasn’t plotted or explored by settlers. Two survey teams unknown to one another set out to determine the best location and the boundaries. Upon returning to the deed holder reporting on their findings, both teams happened to begin their survey at the same location, a conspicuous oak tree. The grantor dubbed the place, Accident. The name remains 270 years later. Happy accidents are nothing new.
A small community nestled in the Appalachian hill country; it remains a rural area. In May, the third Saturday the town hosts it’s annual fishing rodeo on the town pond. Come and watch the anglers compete to haul in the big catch of the day. Bargain hunters and pickers unite. The second Saturday in July is the town-wide yard sale. Bring your tote bags. Early birds will get the jump on the best pickings.
A thirty-minute drive from the center of town, stand at the tri-state boundary, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia all meet. A small official plaque marks the spot. To the east of town, a popular mountain biking trail course, Margroff Trail is one of the more popular biking trails in the region. Load up your bikes and ride.
Small towns might lack hotels or places to rent for your long weekend. About 20 minutes east of town is an uncommon lodging experience. Four treehouse rentals stand in a peaceful wooded area. Ranging from 3 to 6 guests, all year round, the rentals offer the great outdoors in every direction.
Down the road a short drive, is the vast Savage River state forest. Hiking, biking, fishing, camping and a host of other outdoor activities are found in all seasons. In winter, snowmobiling and snow skiing are also in the area.
Tightsqueeze, VA
A peculiar name indeed, with a sensible story of how the small rural Virginia town got its name. A local merchant selling hair tonics, wanted an advantage for ladies traveling through, easy access to his store. He constructed his store and front porch, so a Victorian era lady didn’t have to step in the dirt or mud, mussing her dress. She was able to step from the coach onto the shop’s porch. A blacksmith shop owner across the dirt road decided he too would build up to the edge of the road for his customers.
The facing shops made a very narrow spot along the road. Travelers soon started calling the place, where you get to the “tightsqueeze”. Like a modern-day speed bump riders and coachmen couldn’t go full speed when traveling by the two facing shops.
Both storefronts are long gone, replaced by a modern road and a shopping center on one side of the road. About 30 years ago, a town commission elected to change the town name. It was short-lived. Local residents protested and the name was changed back to Tightsqueeze.
A 45-minute drive north of town is watery wonderland, Smith Mountain Lake Park. Boating, fishing, water sports of all kinds await the outdoor enthusiasts. For more casual vacationers, the Virginia Dare is a replica paddle steamer. Lounge and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of an upper deck canopied seat. Closer to town, golf courses speckle the countryside. A 15-minute drive from town is a military museum, the A.A.F. (American Amoured Foundation). Preserving the history of American military tanks and their role in combat. 15 minutes east of town, a hunter’s paradise. The acreage is part preservation and part hunting grounds. Depending on the season, look out for the protected bears and flora restoration projects, a serene outdoor space for naturalists.
Soul City, NC
An important lesser-known part of the American experience, the community was an ambitious city planning enterprise by an African American World War two veteran. He envisioned a planned community open to all. Fostering black owned businesses and enterprises. During the civil rights era, the harsh Jim Crow south oppressed many. The idea, build a new welcoming society in the heart of the south. Although the project ultimately did not become a modern haven for those who simply wanted to be part of the American dream, there is evidence of the historic efforts to do so. To learn more, the Smithsonian institute has preserved some of the artifacts and stories for future generations.
What to do after touring the former site? Outdoor activities abound. Less than fifteen minutes to the west, across U.S. highway 1 and interstate 85, is the massive, sprawling John Kerr Lake complex. It straddles North Carolina and Virginia. An abundance of boating, fishing, hiking, water sports and golf spread out along the reservoir boundary. To the north is the Roanoke River, flowing through the lake area.
If outdoor activities aren’t “floating your boat”, less than an hour south, is Durham. A vibrant university town. Arts, theatre, museums, and shopping cluster the old town center. For the sporting fan, AAA team, the Durham Bulls play ball in spring and summer. A compromise for travelers who want some green space and urban skylines, the American Tobacco Trail is a 22-mile path for biking and walking.
Little Heaven, DE
A little slice of heaven. That’s what comes to mind when thinking how a place got its name. And maybe it is. The earliest reference relates to a local farmer constructed cabins for his Irish workers, thus called Little Heaven. Considering the depressing famines in their home country, the American experience might have persuaded the immigrant farm hands to dub the area its namesake.
Although it is now just a digital pin on a map, what to do nearby? There isn’t a place in the state that isn’t close. Delaware is the second smallest state in the continental United States. At the end of July, the state fair is open for business. Concerts, competitions and a midway carnival entertain the attendees just before the dog days of summer arrive.
Feeling lucky? A casino and sports book are in the area. It’s a long drive to Atlantic City, why not game down the road from Little Heaven? Win or lose, a night out with your friends, you can dream about hitting the jackpot and having the always entertaining conversation, what would you do with a million dollars?
Beachgoers, the small state is home to some terrific coastal activities. There isn’t a consensus “best beach” in the “first state”. A short drive from one to the next, it’s easy to stroll the sand along more than one during your stay. Two that will likely be in your top five:
Henlopen is situated on a former military base. There are miles of grassy trails, dunes and a lighthouse to explore. A World War two era fort on the grounds is an interesting historic site to hike around. Fishing, kayaking, bird watching abound along and around the marshes and creeks meandering through the surrounding grounds.
Rehoboth is a family friendly beach. Busy in summer, it is a small seaside town with lots of great dining, live music and a beach boardwalk, in case you don’t want to trudge through the sand and dodge the seasonally packed beaches. For the waterpark fan, Jungle Jim’s is just up the road. Waterslides anyone? Bay cruises and sport fishing outfitters are numerous in the area. South of Rehoboth a sheltered bay, calmer waters compared to the often choppy Atlantic surf. A leisure activity for the whole family.
Big city lovers, an hour and half north of Little Heaven, Philadelphia is close enough to make a day trip, as is the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., a two-hour drive.
*****
Thank you for indulging my writings.
I write about three topics: music, tourism, and sustainability.
By profession, I am a: Travel Designer. My goal is creating for you: a vacation, holiday, road trip or travels as epic as possible.
Open to collaborate!
My personal website, find me @ https://uxfol.io/joshblackprofessional