Monterey, Virginia's Switzerland

Virginia's Highland County holds a treasure of a town. Monterey makes a great daytrip from Harrisonburg or Staunton, but it's also a perfect place for a weekend getaway.

There isn't much to Monterey, at first glance. The town is small and doesn't even have a true grocery store. Many of the businesses in town revolve around tourism. There's a historic hotel, a few restaurants and some art, souvenir and antique shops housed in attractive downtown buildings.

Let's stroll around Monterey for a moment.

We usually park near the historic Highland Inn. It's about halfway down Monterey's Main Street (Route 250). You can park on Main Street or on a side street. The Highland Inn's Sunday brunch buffet is quite good. In fact, it's so popular that you should consider making reservations. The restaurant normally serves a breakfast-type dish and some "Sunday dinner" choices. Of course, the restaurant also serves dinner.

High's Restaurant on Main Street is often jammed with locals. They serve sandwiches, burgers and "country cookin'" friendly, down-home service. When I last ate there, High's didn't take credit cards.

I should mention that Highland County restaurants can't serve alcohol on Sundays, so champagne and mimosas won't be part of your brunch experience.

After you've eaten, visit some of Monterey's shops. You can find all kinds of gift items in Morning Glories and Moonflowers, around the corner from the Highland Inn on Water Street, including gardening and bird watching journals, children's toys, stationery and garden decorations.

You might want to download a walking tour map from the Highland County website. Monterey has an abundance of 19th- and early 20th-century buildings. Many are private homes, but some have been converted into stores and restaurants.

Although Monterey doesn't look like Switzerland, or at least like the parts of Switzerland I've visited, it does have high mountains, at least for the eastern U. S. Bird watchers love Highland County and come from neighboring cities and counties to look for elusive, colorful songbirds. If you're new to bird watching, request a birding brochure from the Chamber of Commerce via their website before you travel. Monterey's nature trails are also quite popular.

You can book a room at the Highland Inn or try one of the many bed and breakfast options in Monterey. There are at least ten B&B or cottage lodgings in the Monterey area. The Montvallee Motel offers a clean and affordable alternative.

Monterey is famous for its annual Maple Festival. Held on two spring weekends each year, the festival spreads from Monterey to McDowell, between Monterey and Staunton on state route 250, and out to nearby sugar camps. It's fascinating to watch the maple sap boiling in large, open vats. Indulge yourself and eat pancakes, sausage patties and all the maple syrup you can pour onto your plate. Check out the antiques and craft items for sale at the high school, fire station and in front of the courthouse. Monterey and Highland County's other small towns host several festivals each year, including harvest time and holiday events.

Tip: Local hotels book one year ahead for the Maple Festival. Make your reservations early, and expect to pay premium rates.