Chippokes State Park @vastateparks is home to two historic house. The River House Circa 1830 was occupied initially by Albert Carroll Jones. The second house known as the Mansion House was constructed by Jones in 1852, along with the accompanying brick kitchen. This stately structure was even built using materials from the property. At the time of Jones’ ownership Chippokes was the home of fruit orchards and my guide Joel, explained that this was once the site of one of Virginia’s few legal distilleries. People even claim this plantation survived the Civil War because Jones sold brandy to both sides during the water. The River House is only viewable from the outside at this time and is in the process of being restored. The Mansion House is available for interior and exterior tours as part of the park admission. Victor and Evelyn Stewart were the last owners of the property and donated Chippokes to the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1967 with the purpose of it being used as a park. The Stewarts are buried on the property as well in the Paradise Gardens. Full travel blog: http://takeawalkinmyflipflops.com/2023/07/19/why-you-should-visit-chippokes-state-park-in-surry-virginia/