May is a visually splendid month to visit the Shenandoah Valley–but expect the serenity of the landscape to be interrupted by the gaiety of a festival almost anywhere you go. Moving from north to south, here’s a short roundup of locales offering food, drink,...
Would it surprise you to learn that Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is the third “best” tourist attraction in Virginia? Ahead of Monticello? Ahead of Mount Vernon? You can see the complete list here but Poplar Forest, a National Historic Landmark, was indeed chosen...
The Shenandoah Valley may be pretty far off-Broadway, but visitors will find a surprising number of professional theater performances even in the relatively small towns up and down the I-81 corridor. The Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro is one such example, offering a...
If a menu offering “Shrimp & Scallop Ceviche, Prince Edward Island Mussels, and Twin Cornbread & Andouille Stuffed Quail” sounds good—it is. If it sounds like an A-list, uptown restaurant—it isn’t. It’s Skyland, in the heart of Shenandoah National Park. That...
The Shenandoah Valley is usually associated with natural scenic beauty, quiet mountain getaways and idyllic trips along a trail or down a river. But every year about this time, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester turns the Valley into something else...
Small farmers’ markets in the Shenandoah Valley have, over time, grown from simple roadside stands into multi-faceted operations complete with seminars, festivals, concerts, tours and other events. Of course their “bread and butter” remains fresh, succulent...
For a town that lays claim to a world-famous geologic wonder and lies minutes from a breathtaking national park, you’d think Luray had enough to brag about. But wait, there’s more. For generations, Luray has been known as the headquarters of Shenandoah National...
Once revered by the Monacan Indians, surveyed by George Washington, and owned by Thomas Jefferson the awe-inspiring Natural Bridge has been an important Virginia tourist attraction since the 18th Century. Located about 14 miles south of Lexington, Natural Bridge...
At Capon Springs & Farms, you can explore 4,700 acres of breathtaking scenery, feast on farm- fresh eggs and delicious baked goods prepared on-site daily; or rejuvenate with healing spring water throughout the resort – and truly have fun with the whole family!...
A number of cities in the Shenandoah Valley combine the lure of American history with scenic natural beauty and the vibrancy of modern art and culture. Staunton, especially in the month we celebrate Valentine’s Day, does this supremely well. Many of the buildings...
Museums small and large can be found throughout the Shenandoah Valley, with permanent displays and upcoming exhibits that preserve the area’s rich and culturally varied history. Museum of the Shenandoah Valley Opening at MSV February 17: “Hear My Voice—Native American...
Despite a wide array of indoor and outdoor pastimes in and around Luray, typical first-time visitors still view Luray Caverns as the single most compelling reason for them to visit. On a guided, 1.25-mile path through the cave they will see a true natural...
Outdoor recreation never really stops in the Shenandoah Valley, but in January, most visitors are searching for the Great Indoors– and Harrisonburg is one destination where they will find plenty of excitement. Here’ a look at some of the city’s popular indoor...
Even the most casual student of American history is aware of the extensive Civil War action that took place throughout the Shenandoah Valley. But it would be a mistake to think historical wonders from other periods are not present in the Valley. From native American...
The slopes are open in the Shenandoah Valley! The winter sports crowd — from acrobatic teenage snowboarders to daredevil skiers spraying powder in their wake— will find all the snow they need in the Shenandoah Valley. And there is no more popular place to...
It’s a great American tradition to go home for the holidays. But don’t underrate leaving home for the holidays. December in the Shenandoah Valley will give you all the holiday cheer you can handle. Christmas plays and stage performances, annual historic home tours,...
Thomas Jefferson, who once owned it, called Natural Bridge “the most sublime of nature’s works.” Even in Jefferson’s time, the bridge was visited by guests from many countries and over the years, various entrepreneurs launched resort lodging operations there. The...
A tour down Skyline Drive is one of the most popular trips in the Shenandoah Valley—for three seasons. But have you tried it in winter? A winter tour of Skyline Drive? Isn’t it full of snow and ice? Well, sometimes, yes. And Skyline Drive can be fully or partially...
Martinsburg, WV, the northern gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, is a fine example of how creative small towns can be in putting on holiday celebrations. Lacking some of the bells and whistles of big-city holiday cheer, Martinsburg instead showcases its heritage with...
The definition of the word “museum” is changing, and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) in Winchester is one good example of how. With four major galleries, changing exhibitions, a café and museum store, the MSV has all the classic attributes of a conventional...
If there is one world-famous landmark in the Shenandoah Valley, it’s very likely Luray Caverns. The guided, 1.25-mile tour is more than sufficient to overload the senses. Visitors will see pools of water so clear they reflect the rocks above, hear musical notes played...
Simply reaching New Market is a gratifying part of the visit to this wonderful Shenandoah Valley town. About a two-hour drive from Washington, DC, New Market is immediately accessible from I-81, offering splendid mountain views for many miles. And for those who like...
If we ever come up with a “Coziness Capital” of Virginia it is bound to be somewhere in the Shenandoah Valley. Tucked-away cabins in the Valley range widely in amenities, but scenic views, fireplaces, quilts, and a glass of something are common to most. The following...
Memories of the Civil War are rife throughout the Shenandoah Valley. There are even eight counties in the Valley that have been Congressionally designated as a National Heritage Area – the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District–an effort led...
