| |
Dayton: America As It Should Be
by Jenny Brockwell
Rockingham County Tourism Information
Horses pulling buggies. Cows grazing on pristine farmland. A charming small town. Intrigued? Good.
It’s not far to the beautiful town of Dayton, in Rockingham County, about five miles south of Harrisonburg. And although it’s small, you can spend a very full day (or two) here.
First, the horses and buggies. Dayton is home to many Old Order Mennonites, who farm the outlying land and travel the area in 19th-century style. Although they are a private people, you can experience their peaceable culture all around you. Between Dayton and Harrisonburg is CrossRoads, the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center, a museum and outdoor facility that illustrates the Mennonite history and faith here in the Valley. Explore the historic homestead, schoolhouse, and gardens, or take part in one of the many educational programs offered throughout the year.
Another wonderful way to experience the Mennonite heritage is through food. Plan on an hour or more at the Dayton Farmers Market, a unique indoor market, open year-’round, featuring homemade baked goods, chocolates, crafts, produce, toys, and so much more. You simply cannot go to Dayton without experiencing this charming market!
Speaking of food, a great mealtime stop is the Thomas House Restaurant, located in downtown Dayton. It, too, is operated by members of the Mennonite community, serving the freshest food and homemade items.
For home interiors, the Primrose House is also a must-see in Dayton. It’s in a lovely two-story (notably yellow) home further down the street. Every room is just chock-full of unique Americana pieces. They also have fun jewelry and watches, sure to be great additions to your jewelry box. If you’d like to stay over in Dayton, the Primrose House offers a cute and cozy new guest cottage as well.
Once you’re done shopping, you should give your wallet a rest and enrich your mind instead—Dayton is also home to the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society. (Beware, they do have a great gift shop filled with tons of books on the area!) But definitely check out the exhibits here on the history of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County—they tell the story from the earliest beginnings, continuing through the establishment of schools, to the rich poultry industry (the county was once the Turkey Capital of the World!), all the way through to today.
Save some time for the scenic Silver Lake Mill. I hope you brought your picnic basket! The historic mill (open for tours) features a wonderful gift shop (Okay—you might need to break out the wallet one more time...) and is situated on a beautiful mirror-glass lake. Get out your camera too—you’ll catch the mill’s mascots, two swans, in graceful motion.
After a day in Dayton, you’ll continue on your travels relaxed and refreshed.
Article text ©2010, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.
Our Local Advertisers
| |
