THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CCXCVIII

Though both Periwinkle and Noelle stopped in yesterday when Stinky and Sawyer were celebrating the anniversary of their return home after their walkabout four years ago, Stinky is excited to go on an adventure with Periwinkle today. They stayed at his house the last two times he was in charge of the planning. So, he promised Periwinkle something special for today.

Stinky does not have to wait long until he sees the teleportation tunnel start to vibrate. With a whoosh Periwinkle tumbles out right into his waiting paws. After several minutes of whisker kissing and paw hugging, Stinky takes Periwinkle’s paw and leads her back into the tunnel. Moments later they arrive at their destination: a huge, bright yellow house. “Oh, Stinky, I recognize this. It is the Lemon Hotel where your parents spent their anniversary,” gushes Periwinkle.

Lemon Hotel – Paint Bank, Virginia

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle Stinky, in front of a bright yellow old building: The Lemon Hotel.

 

“That’s right, Periwinkle, this is the Lemon Hotel in Paint Bank, Virginia. My mom and dad said there are some fun things we can explore and then spend the night here. Let’s get checked in, so we can get started.”

When they enter, both tabbies “ooh” and “ahh” at how pretty the hotel is. Everywhere they look they see unique features and gorgeous antiques. The bright yellow color is so welcoming and happy; though, lemons can represent the challenges and difficulties one experiences in life.

 

Collage of items from The Lemon Hotel.

 

After checking in, Stinky and Periwinkle head to the Blueberry Suite, which is where Stinky’s mom and dad stayed.

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle Stinky, in the sitting room of the Blueberry Suite at The Lemon Hotel.

 

“Stinky this is absolutely gorgeous. I cannot believe we get to stay here. Let’s check out the bedroom.”

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle Stinky, in the bedroom of the Blueberry Suite at The Lemon Hotel.

 

“This bed looks really comfy too,” states Periwinkle. She then asks Stinky what he can tell her about the hotel.

Stinky explains that the property was originally a hotel and built in 1909 by a Mr. Lemon. It has undergone several different transformations and has been a halfway house, a private residence and a hospital. After falling into disuse and disrepair, it was purchased by John and Nancy Mulvern, who already owned a lodge and the general store in town. It was Mr. Mulvern’s dream to turn the building into a boutique hotel. Unfortunately he passed away prior to accomplishing this. His widow decided to continue the renovation project, which took several years. The Lemon Hotel officially opened in July 2021 and contains six rooms/suites each named for a different fruit grown on the property.

Exploring Paint Bank

After checking out their suite, Stinky takes Periwinkle’s paw and leads her back outside. “There are a couple of things we need to investigate out in the countryside. It isn’t really that far, but I think we should take the teleportation tunnel so we don’t wear out our paw pads.” Moments later, they find themselves further out in the country. Periwinkle squeals when she sees two large bison behind a fence. “Wow, Stinky, look how huge they are.”

“Come on, Periwinkle, let’s go check them out.” Periwinkle looks skeptical about getting any closer. Stinky, however, assures her that he is a bison whisperer, and they will be entirely safe. Once inside the fence, Stinky encourages her to hop up on one of the bison.

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle Stinky, riding bison in Paint Bank, VA.

 

“Stinky, please don’t say anything like, ‘giddy-up,'” admonishes Periwinkle. Stinky giggles but minds what she says.

After checking out the bison, Stinky leads Periwinkle to something else he wants to check out. When they arrive, he immediately climbs aboard.

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle Stinky, on an old fire engine in a field in Paint Bank, Va.

 

“Stinky, I guess it is okay for us to be on here, as it does seem to be out of commission,” exclaims Periwinkle.

“I sure wish I had one of these,” Stinky tells Periwinkle. “It would be so much fun to ride around town in.”

Periwinkle just giggles. After the tabbies investigate the fire engine a bit more, Stinky suggests they head back to the hotel for a snack.

Back at The Lemon Hotel

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle & Stinky, in the dining room of the Lemon Hotel.

 

“Oh goody, Stinky, lemon bars and lemonade. What could be better or more appropriate.”

“It is perfect, Periwinkle. We’ll be having dinner and breakfast here as well. When we finish our snack, would you like to sit on the porch for a little while?”

“Yes, that sounds lovely.”

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle & Stinky, on the front porch of the Lemon Hotel.

 

“Stinky, this is so peaceful. The only place better is our cottage, don’t you agree?”

“I do, Periwinkle, as it is our special place!”

After some time rocking on the porch and snoozing a little bit, Stinky tells Periwinkle that they have another place to visit.

The General Store

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle & Stinky, on the front porch of the Paint Bank General Store.

 

“Are we going to do some shopping, Stinky?”

“No, there are lots of things to buy here as well as a restaurant, but we are going to check out some of the cool decor,” Stinky replies. “Let’s go in.”

When they get inside, the first thing the tabbies do is check out a diorama with deer, a turkey, a beaver and a fox.

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle & Stinky, viewing a diorama at the Paint Bank General Store.

 

“This is so realistic, Stinky. Thank you for not climbing all over everything.” Stinky decides not to say anything. He just takes Periwinkle’s paw and leads her upstairs.

“This is the Swinging Bridge, for which the restaurant below is named,” Stinky explains.

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle & Stinky, on the swinging bridge at the Paint Bank General Store.

 

“Stinky, please mind the sign and do not run.” Stinky pouts but heeds Periwinkle’s wish. From the bridge, the tabbies search out the next attraction and discover a cow wearing shoes. Of course, Stinky hops right up. Periwinkle decides that she might as well join him, as she does not see anyone around to chastise them.

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle & Stinky, riding on the statue of a cow wearing shoes at the Paint Bank General Store.

 

“This is certainly a funny looking cow but probably a bit safer than those bison in the pasture,” states Periwinkle. “What’s next, Stinky?”

“I think you will really like this, Periwinkle.”

 

Two cartoon tabbies cats, Periwinkle & Stinky, with a taxidermy bobcat at the Paint Bank General Store.

 

“Oh my cat, Stinky, do you think this was once a live bobcat?”

“It sure looks like it, Periwinkle. At least that is something you and I will never have to worry about happening to us!”

“Whew, I am certainly happy about that. What is on the agenda now?”

“Back to the hotel for a nap, then dinner, relaxing on the porch and bed. There is a mill here. It is called Tingler’s Mill, and has a long and interesting history, but we are going to save that for another adventure. I hope that is okay with you.”

“The plan for the evening sounds perfect. And I would love to come back here again.”

Stinky takes Periwinkle’s paw and leads her back to the hotel.

The End

To learn more about The Lemon Hotel, click on the link in the paragraph above the heading, Exploring Paint Bank.

Periwinkle & Stinky will be participating in the Happy Tuesday blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus. You can do the same by clicking on the Happy badge.

 

Giveaway

If you missed yesterday’s post, “Two Ameowzing Anniversaries,” then you do not know that we are having a giveaway for three surprise prizes. To have the opportunity to win one, leave a comment on that post by clicking on the link in the previous sentence. You have until Thursday at noon to do so.

Thanks for joining Periwinkle & Stinky on their adventure. Kitties Blue hope to see you tomorrow.