I am the phantom husband you may have heard about while visiting Oak Grove Plantation bed & breakfast in Cluster Springs, Va. While my wife, Pickett, is serving guests their breakfast, she may refer to her husband back in Washington, D.C. Most guests have never seen him and may wonder if she is making this up.
Well, here I am, writing my first blog for Oak Grove. In past summers, I have only been at
Mike, the Phantom Husband of Oak Grove Plantation B & B
Oak Grove every other weekend while taking a break from my job in Washington as editor of the Kiplinger California Letter. Well, since I retired, I plant to spend more time at the B &B. I’m also going to write a blog about the attractions of Southside Virginia and Pickett’s wonderful inn.
I can’t wait to get down there for the terrific bike riding in the area. Traffic is sparse, scenery is beautiful and there aren’t many hills along the side roads in this area. You come across cows in pasture, historic homes and many unexpected sights as you glide leisurely along roads where nobody seems to be in a hurry.
There are plenty of things to do, with even the nightlife improving. We rarely miss a performance at the Prizery, where music, comedy and other entertainment are brought in from bigger cities. For race car fans, there is Virginia International Raceway and nearby South Boston Speedway. Dining is quite good at Bistro 1888 and Molasses Grill.
And of course there is Oak Grove Plantation, with 400 acres for hiking, biking, bird watching and dog walking. The breakfasts are great and the company is pleasant. Of course, I get to stay there for free. (I do have to wash dishes.)