Centreville, Virginia: Foamhenge

Visited off season, so none of the areas other attractions were open. Foamhenge was easy off I-81 and a great leg stretch. Just be prepared for the red clay -- when wet it's like red cement on your shoes.

Stumbled on Foamhenge on the ride from Lexington to the Natural Bridge. Not only is it free, but very photogenic.

The face on the statue of Merlin is modeled after a friend of the sculptor named Jordan and, as luck would have it, his niece served us while we lunched at the Pink Cadillac Diner just up the road.

The weather/animals/vandals certainly did some damage.

Still very cool to visit, just the paint is coming off, and I think the squirrels may be making homes in it... or some sort of woodpeckers/birds. And of course people had to engrave their initials in some of the stones.

The only American Stonehenge that really is an exact replica of the time-worn original. The size of it is quite remarkable. Be prepared to clean your shoes from the red clay all around, and there is quite a steep hill to climb. This was worth the trip to see from Ohio -- of course we saw the Haunted Monster Museum and Dinosaur Kingdom... What a treat it all was!

My husband and I were among a fair number of people who visited on 5-27. I must admit having no idea Foamhenge existed, but when we drove by on Route 11 we had to check it out. I teach art history part time and have told my students about Stonehenge (and Carhenge!) - now I'm able to add Foamhenge. It was open for visits and the damage others mention was repaired as of our visit.