Jim Young cradles grain in the palms of his hands.

Indeed, some of the things we hold dearest require the most sweat and tears.

The introduction of Virginia's rich history to new generations are the passions of many Virginians. They carry on traditions and reiterate our foundations to inspire and educate visitors.

So here's to the laborers of love - the reenactors, historians, millers, blacksmiths, and others dedicated to passing down the stories and traditions of our past. Go forth and discover Virginia's history!

Quite the cook is the miller's wife.

Jim and Georgiana Young of Wade's Mill are more than excited about their life as "the Miller and his wife." They are downright passionate about it.

Jim works long hours in their 1750's flour mill to grind out catalog orders and Georgiana hosts numerous cooking classes throughout the year.Yet somehow Jim finds time to be active in the community and Georgiana travels to find new creative cuisines, not to mention hosting special wine-pairing dinners and an annual apple butter festival!

Wade's Mill gift shop yields a wide array of kitchen products, linens, pottery, and of course, stone-ground flours and mixes for the culinary-inclined visitor.

Fun cooking classes at Wade's Mill!

Fruit, vegetables, meats, seafood, and yes, flour can be found fresh in Virginia's restaurants and farmer's markets. Virginia's chefs pride themselves on the use of local ingredients. Their masterpieces - an infusion of their own style and the fresh-picked flavors of the Commonwealth - are renowned. Discover Virginia's culinary excellence and green restaurants!

Traditional Virginia Spoonbread - a Wade's Mill recipe
Stir 1 c. stone-ground Wade's Mill cornmeal into1 pint of boiling water. Stir 1 minute, remove from fire and add 2 Tbsp. butter. Beat well, add 4 beaten eggs and beat in 1 c. cold milk. Beat again and pour into a hot buttered baking dish. Bake 25 minutes (400º) and serve from the baking dish.

Martin's Station in Wilderness Road State Park

The Wilderness Road: Virginia's Heritage Migration Route includes sites dating from the migratory period of the mid-1700s to mid-1800s. Nearly 300,000 settlers moved through Virginia - some settling along the way and others moving on. Captain Joseph Kennedy, a Scotsman, settled along the way and built Wade's Mill in the Shenandoah Valley around 1750.

Explore Wade's Mill, these Wilderness Road sites and others!

• Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
• Frontier Culture Museum
• Historic Carolina Road through Henry County
• History Museum of Western Virginia
• Settler's Museum
• Wilderness Road Regional Museum
• Wilderness Road State Park