What is Shot Tower Historic State Park?

Have you ever been driving down I-77 in southern Virginia and saw the sign for Shot Tower Historic State Park and wondered what it was for? Well, we did and decided to take a detour off exit 24 to see what was there. The park is about 2 miles north on Route 52 near Austinville, Virginia. Sitting on this 10 acre state park is a "Shot Tower".  The 75 foot tall tower was built in 1807 by Thomas Jackson. Below the tower is a 75 foot shaft that had an entrance at the river level. Hot lead, from the local lead mine, was poured from a large kettle through sieves to a kettle of water 150 feet below to make perfectly round shotgun shot. It was the first factory to produce shot in America and is 1 of only 3 remaining in the United States.
 The tower was opened to the public by the Leads Mines Ruritan Club in 1968 after extensive renovations. While the access tunnel is no longer open, the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company collapsed the tunnel for safety reasons, the tower is occasionally open on weekends in the summer for tours. The Shot Tower Historical Park is also a good parking area for accessing the nearby New River Trail.


Up, Up and Away at the Carolina BalloonFest

Are you looking to enjoy some of the East Coast's best hot air ballooning? Does the sight of a sky filled with multi-colored balloons make you happy? Then the Carolina BalloonFest in Statesville, North Carolina is an event you will want to attend. This very popular outing is held each year in October. A word to the wise though, get there really early. So many people wanted to attend this year on Saturday that they had to turn people away. If you are lucky enough to be able to spend the entire weekend at the show it is worth the cost to buy the VIP package just for the reserved parking.

Carolina BalloonFest

Photos from the MAM's Biplanes and Triplanes Air Show

Are you looking for a more laid-back sort of an airshow? Then do yourself a favor and check out the Military Aviation Museum's WWI Biplanes and Triplanes Air Show held in Virgina Beach, VA each year. The museum's grass runways make a perfect backdrop for these replica aircraft. Because of the relaxed atmosphere at this air show you can even get up close to examine each airplane. There are no barricades or fences to obscure your view.

Biplanes and Triplanes Air Show