Little Road Trip from Northern Virginia to Fauquier County

Want to enjoy a little road trip from Northern Virginia to The Orlean Market with some beautiful scenery and a little bit of history thrown in?  Follow Interstate 66 to the second Marshall exit (Exit 27). At the top of the ramp immediately turn LEFT  and cross over I-66. Then turn RIGHT onto Crest Hill Road (Rt. 647). Watch the curves as you go. Follow Crest Hill Road for several miles.

After passing Hume Road (Rt. 635), enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains to the southwest. They are not called the Blue Ridge Mountains for nothing. This is a lovely way to enjoy a sunset in the late afternoon.

Cobbler Mountain on the left when you're driving down Crest Hill Road from 66 exit

After the wonderful mountain views, turn LEFT on Wilson Road (Rt. 733). Follow Wilson Road for about one half mile. Turn Right on John Barton Payne Road. Here's where the history begins.

Crest Hill Road

John Barton Payne was raised in Orlean and served his country under five different presidents starting with Woodrow Wilson.. He had an interesting government career including distinguished legal work with the courts in Illinois and then served as Secretary of the Interior under Woodrow Wilson. Judge Payne became national Chairman of the American Red Cross in 1921 and remained in that position until his death in 1923.  He never forgot his childhood roots and enjoyed his beautiful Orlean farm his entire life.

View on Crest Hill Road

Moving along down John Barton Payne Road, one will come to Tanner Branch Road (Rt. 732). Turn RIGHT to visit Thumb Run Primitive Baptist Church , built in 1771 of logs; then converted to brick in 1840's.This church was established when ten members of the original Thumb Run Baptist Church moved away to set up the present church. The building is almost square with two deep set front doors ( separate entrances for men and women) and fifteen windows. The outside stairway was for slaves to enter the balcony. Inside stairs led to the other gallery. The "Old School" or Primitive Church services were simple with no musical instruments used. The hymns are still sung a cappella today.

Fauquier County Slave Route

History 

Further along John Barton Payne Road, you may have the opportunity to purchase fresh organic eggs. Watch for the sign on the LEFT. Drive in, follow the arrows to the refrigerator and select your eggs which are always fresh. This is an honor system pay for your purchase.

Follow the John Barton Payne Road to the Orlean Cemetery where you may see the large Georgia marble monument donated by Judge Payne to honor the twenty-five members of the Payne family who fought in the War Between the Sates; two who fought in the American Revolution and one who served in the War of 1812. The monument was made in Vermont, shipped to Marshall by rail and then carried to Orlean on oxcarts. The transport of the monument drew a huge crowd of spectators on Crest Hill Road, Wilson Road and John Barton Payne Road. Judge Payne left funds for the upkeep of the cemetery.

Payne Family Memorial 

Orlean Cemetery 

Orlean Market Crossing Leeds Manor Road & John Barton Payne Road

Continue down the road to Orlean Market for refreshments: lunch in the deli with delicious sandwiches and liquid refreshments; dinner Wednesday through Saturday with  a choice of beverages and live music on Saturday evenings.  If you wish to extend your stay, consider an overnight at Barbee's Crossing Inn at Hume. Check our website for information about rates and vacancies at the Inn which is a delightful place to spend a weekend.