Ed. — From the Sunday, Aug. 27, print edition.
VIRGINIA BEACH — My grandfather loved leisurely Sunday drives in the country. Years ago, whole families would hop in the car, a relatively new invention, and take to the road to explore the countryside. I recall doing this with my grandparents when I was young. But I hadn’t thought about the value of those rides until I realized how important such excursions are to our souls and this area’s future.
My husband and I decided to downsize when our youngest left for college last year. This meant selling our beloved family home. A Saturday open house kicked things off, and my husband and I had to find something to do. At first, we thought we might find an event in the area, but I suggested an old-fashioned Sunday drive.
“Let’s just go where the wind takes us,” I said, and so we did.
We headed down Princess Anne Road to the rural area, where two-lane roads lead to working farm fields, sometimes confused with open space. As we passed Pungo village, we considered stopping for coffee at one of the local establishments, but we had just started, and so we kept moving.
It was a lovely day, and I rolled my window down to breathe the fresh air and let it blow through the car as we drove. I could feel the stress of the previous weeks leave my shoulders as I settled back for the ride. My husband turned off the radio and let outside sounds waft in while we drove. It was a strange and wonderful sensation, the way the sweeping views uncluttered our minds. I could feel the two of us loosening.
The lush rural area fields suggested a cornucopia of fresh produce, and we weren’t surprised to pass many a farm market busy with visitors. I reminded my husband of all the times we headed out that way to pick strawberries, blueberries or pumpkins when in season. I wondered how much time had passed since the last time we did that. We both felt nostalgic being out there after all the trips we took down that road when we were looking for a home so many years ago.
We stopped for lunch at a small local hotspot off the beaten path. We sat at the window and watched horseback riders come and go, children play in the neighboring yard and farmers chat on the porch outside the door. Time slowed, which can drive a person batty if they’re watching the clock, but we weren’t for the first time in months. We enjoyed the sensation of not having to be anywhere or do anything.
It was brand new and fine by us. Like so many others, our lives move at breakneck speed most days. But that day, we had nowhere to go and no time to be there, and we had found the perfect way to do just that.
When we got back on the road, we let ourselves meander from back road to back road, frequently noting how wet the area was from the last weeks of rain. Seeing that some of the streets had been closed to travelers due to so much water was heartbreaking. It reminded us of how fragile this area is and how worthy of protection.
Along the way, our youngest texted us about stopping at the Blackwater Trading Post, and so, with the happy thought of nowhere else to go, we did. We then spent over an hour sitting on the porch rocking chairs, greeting fellow customers, and watching the day go by. Our agent called to tell us it was safe to come home. We thanked her. Then we kept on rocking.
I often took my youngest for rides to the rural area because it reminded me of my favorite childhood places. We visited farm markets, stables, the library and stores. It has always been the place I like best in Virginia Beach.
While serving on the Transition Area Committee and then on the Planning Commission, I frequently found myself in the rural area meeting with residents or simply driving around to understand better the area and the residents’ environmental and development concerns. Always, my time out there reaffirmed my conviction that the area must be preserved for future generations.
Since that “Sunday” drive together, my husband and I have often commented on what a great day that was, despite the reason for our ride or the stress before we got on the road. We know we’re lucky to live where it’s possible to recapture the peace we found that day in the country.
All we have to do is let the rural area roads take us there – and safeguard the area so our grandkids can do the same.
The author is a former Virginia Beach Planning Commissioner and college professor. Reach her at leejogger@gmail.com.
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