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Mr. GFE and I just returned from a gluten-free mini vacation (well, gluten free for me, of course). We headed southwest to Peaks of Otter in Bedford, VA, opting to stay in the lodge there. As you can see, the lodge offers stunning views.
![A gluten-free mini vacation to Peaks of Otter in Bedford VA and more. Shown are Sharp Top mountain and Lake Abbott. [from GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/DSC05495.jpg "A gluten-free mini vacation to Peaks of Otter in Bedford VA and more. Shown are Sharp Top mountain and Lake Abbott. [from GlutenFreeEasily.com]")
Then we backtracked a bit to Forest, VA to visit Thomas Jefferson’s weekend retreat, Poplar Forest. Poplar Forest is where then second-term President Jefferson escaped from the British invasion on Monticello.
From there, we headed northwest to Warm Springs in Bath County. As the names indicate, warm mineral springs reportedly rejuvenate all who “take the baths.”
From Warm Springs, we headed north into Highland County and then through several counties in West Virginia before we headed east to Winchester, VA. There we spent the last night of our vacation at one of our favorite B&Bs, Long Hill (sadly, this B&B is no longer open).
We had a really wonderful trip. In most places, the fall foliage was still beautiful, with some trees still green, surprisingly.
Even in spots where most of the leaves were gone, one could see farther and the mountains and valleys were still beautiful. Oh, and of course, I ate naturally gluten-free meals along the way—some great meals, in fact!
But, where was I earlier this past week, before my gluten-free mini vacation? I was in Minneapolis, at General Mills (in the Betty Crocker Portrait Kitchen most of the time!) for the Gluten-Free Bloggers Summit.
Originally published November 8, 2010; updated September 14, 2018.
nicola @ gfreemom says
Shirley, these photos are phenomenal. So beautiful! You are such an inspiration in living life to the full and truly relishing the great outdoors.
Shirley says
Hi Nicola–Thank you, sweetie! 🙂 I could have taken one beautiful shot right after another … the views were just so amazing. But, I finally stopped clicking and just looked and enjoyed. Hubby said I needed a video camera. Nope, not the same. 😉 We do love the outdoors … the mountains especially!
Hugs,
Shirley
Pat @ Elegantly Gluten-Free says
What a lovely trip that sounds like — thanks for sharing it!
Shirley says
Hi Pat–Thanks, dear! I will share more photos and info later. I know I always say that, but I sure plan to … too much good stuff not to share more! 😉
Hugs,
Shirley
Mikki says
Sounds like a wonderful trip and how fun to go to the GFE event!!