Stratford Hall and the Northern Neck Tourism Council will host nationally known author, Sharon Cavileer, at a book signing November 22, 2002 at Stratford Hall. Ms. Cavileer, a freelance writer and photographer, will sign copies of her new book, Virginia Curiosities, from 2:00 –4:00 p. m. at the Stratford Hall visitor’s center. Refreshments will be served.

     Ms. Cavileer brings the lighter side of Virginia to life in her new book, Virginia Curiosities. It is a combination of an “almanac, off-the-wall travel guide, and eccentric news gazette” (The Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, CT). The book features the “unique” of Virginia, including lots of interesting local lore, unique characters, and fascinating people. As part of her research, Sharon visited the Northern Neck and explored the area searching for the curious and humorous side of the area. An entire chapter in the book is devoted to the Northern Neck, including stories about Stratford Hall, George Washington Birthplace National Monument, The Doll House in Kilmarnock, the Northern Neck ferries, and Rocket Billy’s in White Stone.

     A regular contributor to The News Observer (Raleigh), the Boston Herald, Carolina Gardner, Virginia Explorer, South Carolina Shorelines, North Carolina Companion and Equisearch.com, Ms. Cavileer travels frequently to provide readers with fresh and appealing destinations that are often overlooked by the travel media.

     A native of Washington, D.C., Sharon and her family now reside in Clinton, Virginia. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and The Garden Writers of America. She notes of her travels, “I’ve fallen in love with the United States. The depth and richness of our culture and our collective sense of humor makes domestic travel a series of minor comedic adventures…when they’re assembled, it’s a journey of epic proportions.”

     Virginia Curiosities is available through Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, Connecticut. Other titles in the Curiosities series available this year include Kansas, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Missouri.