Hey Mess, thanks for that; one of the best posts I've read here in about 7 years.  And I will follow Joe's blog from now on.   Winchester VA (that hamlet of confederate blindness) is just down the road from me...and it hasn't changed much over the centuries, but there are a couple of decent bars and restaurants there.  As for geography, the Shenandoah valley is paradise.   A close friend of mine (yes I have one) has a farm there, and every year or so, when he travels (and fortunately takes his butinsky wife and obnoxious kids with him), I get to move in and look after the place (cows, horses, dogs, cats and all...).  

Aaaah Virginia....