New Market Virginia’s Southern Kitchen
If you’re a history buff touring New Market, Virginia’s Museum of the Civil War or Battlefield State Historic Park, then you’ll most likely work up an appetite with all of that Civil War history indulgence. What better way is there to fill your growling stomach than with some hearty southern food?
Photo by Ron V
Southern Kitchen is New Market’s very own classic, southern eatery. Established in 1955, it has a long tradition of comfort food with everything from fried chicken to peanut soup, all served with 1950s flair. Feast on a country ham as the jukebox plays behind you. Chow down on a homemade meringue pie with its perfect creamy sweetness. Sip some vegetable or peanut soup on a chilly, fall day, or bite into the hot, open-faced roast beef sandwich. (Is your mouth watering yet? Ours certainly is.)
Photo by Pamela T
But don’t take just our word for it. Check out these Yelp reviews as well:
“I had the fried chicken, which was beyond delicious with a crispy golden skin and juicy meat. The chicken-fried steak, smothered in white gravy, that my son ordered was even better. Awesome mashed taters and tasty beets and green beans. The waitress convinced us to have some pie with our coffee (chocolate for me, lemon for my son).”
“Excellent food! Friendly service. Some of the best biscuits and gravy I have ever had.”
“Hush puppies, Peanut Soup, Fried Chicken… and finish it all off with a slice of coconut cream pie…”
Photo by Dana S
Need lodging for your New Market getaway? Click here to check out our BBHSV members.
Field of Lost Shoes: The Movie and the History
“Every year a parade is held at VMI to honor cadets who gave their lives at a turning point during the American Civil War. On May 16, 1864, seven friends marched into the Battle of New Market…only four came out.” If you have seen the 2014 film “Field of Lost Shoes,” then you may recognize these words from the very beginning of the film as the camera pans over cadets marching across the fields of the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA. This film is the dramatization of a real event, the Battle of New Market, that occurred right here in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia during the American Civil War, and whether or not you’ve seen the film, it’s a fascinating story and an interesting place to visit.
According to the VMI website, the cadets “helped close the gap” so that the Confederate forces could push the Union army back and force Sigel to retreat. At this point, Breckenridge and his men were able to secure the Shenandoah Valley for the Confederate Army. It was during this battle that may of the cadets lost their shoes to the thick mud as a result of heavy rain and “freshly plowed soil.” It thus became known as the “Field of Lost Shoes.”
Want to see this place for yourself? Check out the Annual Reenactment, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War (which is closed for renovations at the moment, but will re-open after January 9), or take yourself on a self-guided battlefield tour. And nothing completes your tour through time like a stay at a historic bed & breakfast. Click here to check out our Shenandoah Valley B&Bs.
150th Anniversary Battle of New Market Reenactment
The Civil War Battle of New Market was fought on May 15, 1864 as part of the Valley Campaigns. This battle included two hundred fifty-seven cadets from the Virginia Military Institute, ranging in age from fifteen to twenty-five. The result of this battle was a victory for the Confederate army that forced the Union army out of the Shenandoah Valley.
Now, over a century later, New Market will present its 150th Anniversary Battle of New Market Reenactment, “one of the oldest continual reenactments in the nation.”
“Experience Civil War soldier life as you visit on-going demonstrations and living history presentations prior to and after the battle each day. Walk in history’s footsteps as you explore the sights and sounds of the Civil War with Signal Corps, Artillery, Cavalry, Musket firing, Camp life, Medical Corps, and much more. Enjoy tasty treats from a variety of food vendors and shop for souvenirs on Sutler Row” (Shenandoah at War).
Quick Facts:
When: May 16-18, 2014
Where: The Virginia Museum of the Civil War, New Market, VA
Admission: $10 (children 9 and younger are free)
Lodging: A BBHSV member inn
Source: Bruce Wetterau