Day 6: Thursday, September 19, 2013



36 miles from Dendron, VA to Suffolk VA.  We got an early, chilly start and finished early.  On the ride, I had a first…we were chased by a frantic, braying donkey.  Fortunately, he was behind a fence.  We passed numerous cotton fields and learned that there is a gin mill in Windsor, VA.
Since we finished so early, we were able to check out the town of Suffolk.  In 1916, Amedeo Obici offered a prize for the best idea for a symbol to represent his company, which had been named Planters Nut and Chocolate Company.  The winning entry included sketches of “Mr. Peanut” by fourteen-old Anthony Gentile of Suffolk.  Later, a commercial artist added the hat and monocle to create “Mr. Peanut” as we know him today.  Gentile received a $5.00 cash prize for his winning entry.  Later, Obici paid Gentile’s way through college and medical school.  We visited the Planters Peanut Center and bought some incredible chocolate-covered peanuts and peanut brittle.  We also had a fabulous meal at the Plaid Turnip on Main Street.  They offer brick presses.  The barbecue bacon, chicken, and cheddar/jack cheese press was fantastic.  Donna had an eggplant parma press that she said was delicious.  Bob had a classic Greek salad.  If he biked he could get a brick. 
We are staying at Davis Lakes and Campground, a beautiful location.  




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