<< Our Photo Pages >> Foamhenge, Virginia
Submitted by Andy B on Friday, 30 December 2005 Page Views: 10335
Modern SitesCountry: United States Region: Mid Atlantic Type: Modern Stone Circle etcInternal Links:
We know how much you enjoy the attempts of our colonial cousins to replicate Stonehenge, well here's another one, this time in Virginia. Refreshingly this one doesn't take itself too seriously as it was opened for April Fool's Day 2004.
Where: Near Natural Bridge. From Richmond, (Virginia), travel west on Interstate 64 for 99 miles to Interstate 81 south. After 41 miles on I-81, take exit 180 for Natural Bridge. You'll see Foamhenge on the right after you pass the Natural Bridge Petting Zoo, about a mile north of Natural Bridge.
Overview: Deep in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains lies the mystical, primeval Natural Bridge. Countless visitors have paid homage to the might of Mother Nature, but few Virginians know the mystical aura has manifested itself in the corporal world. And in what form has Natural Bridge's ancient spirit chosen to manifest itself?
Foamhenge.
That's right; Virginia finally has a henge of its own. As Eddie Izzard would say, it's "one of the biggest henges in the world." Since the Druids, no one has built a henge like Stonehenge [sic - don't quote us! MegP Ed], but Mark Cline of Enchanted Castle Studios decided in 2004 that the time was right for America to have a henge. What took the Druids 1,500 years and countless hours of labor to construct, Cline was able to reproduce in plastic foam in a mere two days, thanks to the help of two friends.
Cline came up with the idea about 15 years ago when during a visit to Insulated Business Systems he came across a number of huge plastic foam blocks. Through cooperation with Natural Bridge's management, Cline was able to realize his wacky vision on a picturesque hillside just north of Virginia's Natural Bridge.
Foamhenge opened to the public March 31, 2004, just in time for April Fools' Day. The megalithic sculpture is a life-size model of the real deal in Salisbury Plains, England.
Virginia's Foamhenge makes a striking image when set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My girlfriend and I were dismayed, however, when after first taking in the majesty of Foamhenge we discovered a sign declaring, "Foamhenge is closed temp. Please observe from this side of the fence."
Could it be the mystical power has overcome one too many visitors and that the attraction has been closed until a proper rune can be devised to ward off Foamhenge's magic? Upon closer inspection, we discovered that, no, it wasn't a case of enchantment but rather practicality; some of the megaliths had toppled over. Inquiries as to whether the cause was high winds, local prankster teenagers or possibly zealous Christians (who might take offense to such a pagan monument) that had caused the damage went unanswered. Most workers at Natural Bridge didn't want to go on the record with their thoughts. However, we were assured that Foamhenge will be reconstructed soon so that Virginians will again be able to boast about their henge.
If you want to take in some life-size silliness, it's still safe to pack your bags and head to Foamhenge. Just stay on the right side of the fence until the attraction reopens.
Admission: Free.
Phone: (800) 533-1410
Web: naturalbridgeva.com
More about Foamehenge, with photos at Roadside America and also the glorious Tacky Treasures.
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch
Note: Find Foamhenge on the map with our links on this page.