Tired of the summer heat and humidity in the Midlands? Why not travel to cooler mountain air?

Our family journeyed last week through the majestic Shenandoah Valley’s mountains across streams and rivers and through quaint country towns. All of this so reminiscent of John Denver’s version of “Country Roads Take Me Home.”

The panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains was breathtaking as we marveled at nature’s beautiful handiwork.

Our destination was tucked away in a valley in the midst of the mighty Appalachians. The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV, is one of the most historic places in America. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. It has welcomed guests since 1778 who come for its health restoring waters.

We were there for the wedding of our grandson Samuel (Sam) Harman Stormer and Madeline (Maddy) Ross Smith. They were married Saturday in the Greenbrier’s white columned chapel. Many toasts were given for their happiness and bright future.

Sam and Maddy met as sophomores at Auburn University. They were attracted to each other and have waited a long time for this happy day. The bride’s family is originally from West Virginia and the groom’s father and aunt were born there.

School bells will soon ring with many changes due to covid-19. Some classes will be in person, online or virtual. Some activities students might enjoy before school days are: eating a cool watermelon, chilling with a Frosty, camping in the back yard, finishing that last summer book, hiking, a quick trip to the beach and remaining 6 feet from other beach goers. It’s your last chance for fun in the sun before the school year starts!

Our Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce is active although events are limited. Under the new leadership of President/CEO Angelle LaBorde, it held a virtual breakfast meeting Aug. 11. Bill Ellen, President/CEO of Experience Columbia, gave the keynote address on the state of tourism in SC.

The chamber awarded River Bluff High graduate Grace Day and White Knoll High graduate London Carraher with $5,000 Doris Burkett Scholarships. The chamber welcomed the newest business, My Pharmacy & Optical, and new Chair Angela Klosterman.

You can get up to $25 off your town utility bill by emailing receipts from in-town businesses to rebate@lexsc.com or mail to Town of Lexington, Rebate, PO Box 397, Lexington, SC 29071. Include a name, service address and phone number.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Rob Madsen, Kyle Adams, Griffin Hiers, Mike Pickett, Charletta Maloney, Gabby Adams, Jennifer Clemens, Tracie Ifkovits, Jennifer Merkel, Robert Miller, Allison Pellet, Scott Stogner, Sarah Ward, Jenna Hojnacki, Alex Mackintosh, Andrew Strock, Bill Carroll, Diane Hall, Amanda Shealy, Gwyn Wingard, Amber Bible, Ninette Burns, Sharon Hobson, Beth Lowman, Eleanor Barnes, Barry Caton, Peggy Fields, Cynthia Gordon, Daisy Harman, Hollie Harmon, Jamie Hight, Dooley Porter, Brant Taylor, Andrew Tworzyanski, Henry Wessinger, Ben DeFanti, Jon Ives, Callie Payne, Odie Rawl, Kenslie Shealy, Lewis Shealy, Eliza Spence, Angie Shuler, Tommy Rawl, Harry Wolfe, Robert Dooley, David Griffith, Phil Hamby, Tony Lynch, Tonya Conway, and Scott Wilhide.