Friday, April 11, 2014

The Village of Porches

Every year Hubs and I plant a garden down at my brother's farm. To get to Bro O's house, we pass through the Village of Greenup. 
Sign Photo courtesy of Wiki
1. Greenup's nickname is The Village of Porches. Population approximately 1500. Greenup got its name from National Road surveyer William C. Greenup, who platted the town in 1834. 

Greenup's claim to fame: Abe Bowman, pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, James A. Peters, herpetologist at the Smithsonian Institution, and Cy Warman, 19th century author. 

Not included in this list is actor James Woods. I was up late one night watching a late night show starring Tom Snyder. His guest that night was James Woods. A lady called in from Illinois and he told her he had lived in Greenup as a child. Although none of the information I found lists Greenup as his residence, when I asked around, it seemed to be a well known fact among the older citizens. 
2. Almost all of the buildings in the downtown area have porches. Greenup has always reminded me somewhat of New Orleans, without Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras. They have parades and festivals, but I've always wondered why they didn't participate in a Mardi Gras celebration. It would be the perfect setting. Don't you think?
3. When I was a kid, we sometimes drove the 5 miles to Greenup and occasionally would stop by the Candy Kitchen, which was known as The Greeks back then. They had the best ice cream!
4. Greenup also has a winery. Reminiscent of California Wine Country, Cameo Vineyards is perched atop a hill overlooking the Embarass River Valley. They have several varieties to choose from. Although my favorites are Niagara, Pink Catawba, and Embarrass Blush, I haven't had a bottle of wine I would send back.
5. The Jackson truss bridge is located in Cumberland County, just outside Greenup. The covered bridge spans the Embarras River. Visitors often mispronounce the river name, embarrass, as in red-faced; however, the correct pronunciation should be um-bray. We local folks just call it am-braw. This bridge has the honor of being the longest single-span covered bridge, not posted with restrictions, in the United States.

Jackson bridge was completed and dedicated in 2000. It is an exact replica of the original bridge built in 1832, with the help of such notables as: Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Lincoln, and Dennis Hanks.


Linking to Random 5 Friday

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!



16 comments:

Unknown said...

Greenup looks like a neat place to visit. It's always good to see small town America thriving and able to offer a unique quality to life.

Maggid said...

This is a terrific post. i am super glad i clicked on your link.

Thanks for correcting my thought-pronunciation of embarrass . . . yeppers, i would have gotten it wrong. This town looks splendid -

I'm grateful you took the time to tell me where the name came from - and, i suppose "The Greeks" were the original immigrant family serving up terrific ice cream . . ???

I enjoyed visiting you this morning - THANKS!!!

TexWisGirl said...

'red face' :)

lovely little town! lots to like here.

Jenn Jilks said...

What a fun town! The name is so positive!
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

What a cute place. That's a great bridge. It always interests me, how local towns and landmarks are pronounced.

Karen said...

What a quaint little town! I love the porches.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

gorgeous covered bridge. need to see that one in person. we love checking out covered bridges. along with lighthouses, grist mills & other must see sights. ( :

looks like a quaint little town to check out too!! i love a storefront like that. so fun.

Molly the Airedale said...

The covered bridge is just gorgeous. Thank you for telling us how to pronounce it, BJ!

Gail Dixon said...

Greenup is such a charming place. A Candy Kitchen? How do I get there? LOL I enjoyed your photo tour so much. Have a great weekend!

EG CameraGirl said...

I LOVE that covered bridge. For sure I'd have pronounced the name of the river wrong. :))

Tanya Breese said...

oh wow, i love their downtown! what a great little place!

forgetmenot said...

Very nice post-lovely little town, and the covered bridge is awesome. Mickie ;)

Hilary said...

What a lovely town.. so photogenic and you did a wonderful job of capturing it.

Sarah Huizenga said...

I love all those porches and the candy store has to be great!

Hootin Anni said...

Oh my...this post was exceptional fun read. So very interesting. James Woods, huh? Cool.

Love the covered bridge...and the old town atmosphere.

GREAT post.
[ya know...I don't think I know your first name...always Rubbish by Roan]

Ida said...

Great Randoms. Living in "Wine Country" myself I enjoyed your vineyard shot and that awesome bridge shot as well.