going local: Herndon, Virginia

Wandering around old quaint towns is a favorite of mine . . . I hope to do more of it as my kids grow older . . . maybe I’ll even get them to enjoy the historicity of places, unique specialty shops, bakeries and ice cream salons, and the simple pleasure that is sitting on a wooden bench and watching people pass by.

Since we live about 5 miles from one such town, yesterday, I invited my best friend and her kids to join us for a little exploration and play near the town’s old railroad tracks.

the old caboose

one special little girl climbing to the top

the caboose steering wheel

a beauty

signs

and more signs

another beauty, wearing a cute outfit her nanna sent

a great place for fresh bread; a local favorite

old houses are everywhere . . . in great contrast to all the developments so popular in the area

i love the architecture

and the railway?  now a biking path that extends the length of the old tracks;

my husband bikes it almost daily on his way to work

runners, hikers, bikers, and moms with strollers galore

(a great place for eavesdropping :-) )

and there’s always somewhere to sit down and rest,

whether it be the lush grass on the green, a bench, a brick path, or an old wooden chair

the train’s old depot is now a museum . . . amazing stories inside . . . it almost feels haunted

a stained glass window

the local florist

old wagon wheels

and wildflowers

complete our adventure.  I wonder where curiosity will bring us next time . . .

to see a few more photographs of delicious eats in Herndon, check out my post, “i heart desserts.”