Kids & Family
Love Is A Battlefield In Fredericksburg National Park
"That big rock at the top of the hill will always be a place where love began for us!"
For this month's Love In A Small Town feature, we asked Patch readers to tell us the story behind a specific spot in town where they fell in love. For Erika Hilliard, this spot is the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Here's her story:
“It is true that love surpasses all, extending across all time and places. But still, we all have that one place in our mind and heart that remains symbolic of when that love began.
For me, it is the location of the first date with my husband. That special place is in Spotsylvania County within the Fredericksburg National Park. He packed a picnic meal for two, and we enjoyed the sandwiches, sodas and coffee. He even had my favorite chocolates (Hershey and Rolo).
We just sat on the blanket for a while talking and finally heard a train and watched it go by. Then we decided to take a walk to the pyramid on the grounds, and he told me the history behind it. I could tell that he was a history buff.
The view was beautiful and amazing, but most importantly, it was very peaceful. We enjoyed the walk where some of the greatest among us had walked and battles were fought. Plus, I was able to learn the history because he knew so much about the place’s natural heritage, instilling a sense of awe.
We took a drive through the battlefield park, feeling at peace and taking pictures of the preserved beautiful land, just loving the outdoors. I took the time to slow down, breathe and appreciate the sun as well as his company.
So, the spot where we ate and walked was the spot that we began the process of getting to know each other. It might not have been exactly love at first sight, but it was definitely a very good start to our relationship.
It’s been over 34 years and we are still happily married. My husband understood the value of starting off with a good foundation, that big rock at the top of the hill will always be a place where love began for me — for us!
Celebrate love, life, and inspiration.”
— Erika Hilliard
See all Patch "love landmarks" here.
For next month's Love In A Small Town feature, we want to know: Have you ever had a chance encounter with someone that led to love? Email your story to locallove@patch.com for the chance to be featured. Get more details here.
Photo: James Kirkikis/Shutterstock
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