For the July Business After Hours, Silver Spur Saloon hosted the event in Love Valley, NC! The town is known for being the Cowboy Capital of the area, but on this day the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce invaded to bring a little bit of city to the country. Bob and Judy Adams, owners of Silver Spur, were gracious to open their little "saloon" to us, providing the visitors with food and drinks.
The "Chamber Chicks" started getting into the western mood as soon as they started their journey towards the little town. You won't know you are getting closer until you turn onto a dirt road and you see more horses than people. Mind you that the Business After Hours events always happens on a Thursday of each month, it felt like a ghost town. As soon as we stepped out of the car, we were immediately thrown into an Old Westen movies, with our Membership Director pretending to walk like she has been riding a horse for hours. The town was modelled after the Old West towns in the Hollywood classics everyone has come to love, including town rules and ordinances that apply to keeping the small main street untouched by the 21st century. We admired the Miss Kitty's Hotel (idolized after the Miss Kitty of Gunsmoke), browsed the General Store stocked with unique local crafts, and walked down the street filled with dirt and dust. Walking into the Silver Spur Saloon highlighted the start of the event when we pushed our way through the old western swinging saloon doors. The saloon was divided into three sections: the restaurant with dance floor, a smaller NASCAR room with a pool table, and then finally the outdoor bar with chicken wire. We made sure we explored almost every inch of the place, taking in the sights and sounds.
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| A cowboy and Bob talking about horses! |
As we listened, laughed, and enjoyed great time together, a "posse" of cowboy hat and chap-wearing Cowpoke came walking into the Saloon ready to "wet their whistle." It didn't really hit those who came to the event that the only way these people arrived was either by cars or by...HORSES! And there they were lined up, tied to the hitching posts that lined the street, nine beautifully, big horses just waiting for a rider to get on. The few of us who went outside to see these remarkable animals that we rarely see in the city and asked questions to the riders/owners. We then went inside and settled down for a little food as Judy brought the founder's wife, Ellenora Barker for storytelling and advise. This is the woman who backed her man on his dreams of becoming a cowboy and creating a christian town. She reminded us to never stop dreaming because one day they will come true. Soon afterwards, Judy and Bob's son walked in and offered if anyone of us would like to ride a horse. When you are offered a chance to ride, you hardly turn it down. So we all were assisted onto a horse, a few that had more experience were sent on their way to explore the area while others were assisted to ride up and down main street. It is amazing how riding several trips up the small main street could be so entertaining!
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| Judy and Ellenora |
As the day was winding down but the humidity wasn't, we had to say our thank yous and goodbyes to the people of Love Valley and to Bob & Judy for their hospitality and allowing us to come enjoy the Old West brought to life. The great news is that they have asked to host again next year! And the only way to end this post is to sing...
"Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again."
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| The Chamber Chicks Ride Again! |
