Rat Mom

[bjkuds]

So far all my DS asked for is to go to Burger King....we are in Raphine also, which is where we stayed when doing the overnight visit last fall. Charlottesville is actually not too bad, easy drive, lots of choices and certainly do-able (at least for Saturday)..I figure they want to eat, talk and relax. DS's sister is coming with us and he told her to bring the video game/console so looks like I will be the one napping and they will be playing video games .....

It's amazing how appreciative they have become of the simple things. DS will be happy with almost anything I am sure. He just wants to relax, and the idea of an over crowded restaurant makes fast food or packing a cooler appealing. Charlottesville sounds like a possibility, but we will have to look at time restraints etc. Thank you

 

[bruno]

If you are staying in Raphine- you are about halfway to Staunton (it's a tad more than 30 minutes from VMI to downtown Staunton )- which is outside the mob zone for VMI Saturday post football game parents weekend and has several pretty good restaurants which you can get to without eating up a lot of precious bag time in the car , (Charlottesville is quite a bit farther if you are going just for a meal). My favorite is a German Restaurant just south of Staunton called "Edelweiss" (exit 213 when going north on I 81 from VMI) ; and I have also eaten in a place named the "Byers Street Bistro" in downtown Staunton which was very good. Neither are prohibitively expensive- and neither are chain restaurant food. I think that RahVirginiaMil or TPG can give some Staunton restaurant recommendations.
Oh- and BTW- there are some very good restaurants in Lexington too- just gonna be really crowded. The Southern Inn has been rebuilt after their fire- it's like the local landmark restaurant - been there for about 80 years. It used to be just comfort food but now it's a pretty good menu that you have to go too at least once if for no other reason than because it's been a part of Lexington for so long. The Bistro (on main st a couple doors up from Macado's) is also very good- just small so tough to get in if you don't have a reservation.

Anyone have any thoughts as to how far we have to go for food without waiting forever? (dare to dream) We are staying in Raphine which is probably still too close to the chaos. Wasn't sure how far north the crowds usually extend in the restaurants for Parents weekend.

 

[easter2]

Staunton is easy to get to and closer than Charlottesville...we have a neice in Charlottesville but it sounds like DS prefers not to see her this go around, just wants to be with us...so Staunton it is...

 

[easter2]

Got word last night that the dyke for my DS will be at Parents Weekend (and his dad also) so we get to meet his dyke...that will be pretty cool and should be interesting.

 

[bjkuds]

Got word last night that the dyke for my DS will be at Parents Weekend (and his dad also) so we get to meet his dyke...that will be pretty cool and should be interesting.

We are fortunate enough to already be linked the the Dyke's family. They contacted us via face book at the beginning of the year. They helped us set up our DS for a surprise the first time we saw him after matriculation.
We arrived the weekend of New Market early in the afternoon. Much earlier than expected. The Dykes family had already make arrangements to take out his Rats for dinner so we met up with them beforehand at the hotel and went to the restaurant with the dykes Mom and waited while her husband brought the Cadet and Rats from the Post. Everyone was in on it except our Rat. I never expected our son to cry when he saw us.. I got the biggest hug ever. It is a moment I will never forget as long as I live.
We will be tailgating with them on Saturday as well this time around. They have really helped us a great deal with learning the ropes. Take advantage of their experience. At least our DS Dykes family is very helpful and are eager to help us make things as easy as possible. Good Luck to you