One of the best ways to experience the Shenandoah Valley is drive along historic Route 11 (the Great Wagon Road) . Virtually every mile affords spectacular mountain range views on the east and west. Valley towns with European roots now boast acres of vineyards,...
There aren’t many events that draw 20,000+ people to Luray, Virginia over a weekend. But Cooter’s Last Stand, held in July, indeed broke that ceiling and drew people from 43 states and 11 countries. Brought to the Shenandoah Valley by Ben Jones (Cooter) and his wife,...
A central part of the Shenandoah Valley’s character lies in the small river towns where history is valued, the pace of life is calm, and scenic beauty is a glance in any direction. The Town of Shenandoah is such a destination. Located in Page County, the Cabin Capital...
The Shenandoah Valley’s growing reputation as an acclaimed cycling area just got another boost. Blue Ridge Outdoors named Harrisonburg one of its “10 Best Blue Ridge Bike Towns.” The city had previously been honored by National Geographic as one of...
Thomas Jefferson was one of the earliest tourists to promote Harpers Ferry. In 1783, he stood on the cliffs that now bear his name, overlooking the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. He later wrote: “The passage of the Patowmac through the Blue...
Newcomers to the Shenandoah Valley are often surprised at how many performance theaters can be found here and how professional their performances are. The Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro is a perfect example, offering a busy calendar of plays, films, dance, and concerts,...
Of all the elements that go into the perfect fall getaway, it’s the leaves that matter most. Generally speaking, fall color will peak in most of the Shenandoah Valley around the middle of October. But keep in mind the length of the Valley and differences in...
There aren’t many cities where the events calendar shows “Bicycle – Vineyard Tour” in the same month as “Civil War Weekend.” But it’s just this kind of diverse experience you can find in Winchester, near the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley. Add in farmers...
In a 1990 New York Times article about fishing in Shenandoah National Park, Robert M. Poole wrote, “Herbert Hoover was a keen angler, and the Rapidan was his favorite stream. Friends recall that he would come straight from the White House, so excited by the sight of...
Grand Caverns in Grottoes, about a half-hour’s drive south of Harrisonburg, is yet another spectacular subterranean experience in the Shenandoah Valley. With underground temperatures a near-constant mid-50s, the cave is a blessing for a family trip on an August...
August is Craft Beer Month in Virginia, and not just because of the joy of a cold brew on a hot day. Staunton is one of the best places in the Shenandoah Valley to hoist a glass in celebration. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced in June that Virginia is now...
The musical traditions of the Shenandoah Valley are deep and varied. Early European immigrants, with few forms of entertainment available, brought the fiddle and the “scheithooz,” a German forerunner of the dulcimer with them along the Wilderness Road. In time, banjos...
What was once called farming is now often called agri-business, and with agri-business has come agri-tourism. Agri-tourism is a broad term that can reflect a range of authentic agricultural experiences: Pick your own fruit. Harvest grapes at a vineyard. Tour a working...
So what is there to do in Harrisonburg this summer? A better question might be, “What can’t you do?” And one of the highlights, says Tourism and Visitor Services Manager Brenda Black, “is the chance to “win BIG in our Friendly City Fortune on July 4th.” In this...
If the glimpse of a dirt path fading into the woods excites you, if scenic vistas of the Blue Ridge or the solitude of a silent wilderness lift your heart, then we hope you visit the Shenandoah Valley on June 3rd, 2017 –National Trails Day—to explore some of the...
Considered a “gateway” to the Shenandoah Valley, Bedford is about 135 miles west of Richmond. “Bedford is a destination for all ages and is a great choice for a relaxing and fun vacation,” said Bedford County Director of Tourism Nicole Johnson. “We love for visitors...
First-time visitors to Shenandoah National Park are usually somewhat prepared for its spectacular views: mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls, and endless miles of hardwood and evergreen forests. What they often don’t expect is the awe-inspiring view of the sky at...
About a one-hour drive from Roanoke and three hours from Richmond and Washington, DC, Alleghany County is often described as a tranquil place to slow down and escape the frenetic pace of modern life. And while that slower pace may certainly be found, Alleghany...
Massanutten may be one of the few resorts in the country where it pays to get into great physical shape before you stay there. Swimming and diving in the massive indoor/outdoor waterpark, mountain biking on nearby trails or the new bike park, ziplining with your kids,...
It’s hard to tell who said it first, but the quote “Happiness is listening to a waterfall” may well have originated in the Shenandoah Valley. Shenandoah National Park alone has more than a dozen named waterfalls and dozens more course through Virginia’s Blue Ridge...
The first question newcomers usually ask about Front Royal is, “How did the town get its name?” Among a number of theories is this one: A huge oak tree, (referred to as the “Royal Tree of England) once stood in a public square, now the intersection of Chester...
Roanoke, at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, is less than a three-hour drive from Richmond. Virtually surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Roanoke shares the scenic splendor of many Valley towns—plus an exciting mix of urban and natural...
Sometimes, words just aren’t enough, and that’s the case with Luray Caverns. You need to see it, because words like “stalactite” and “stalagmite” are dry-sounding geological terms that just don’t convey their visual impact. These delicately carved limestone...
Known worldwide for its awe-inspiring caverns (and see separate feature this month), the town of Luray has also become known in recent years as a hub of outdoor recreation. The annual Luray Triathlon (Aug. 19-20, 2017) draws about 1,500 competitors. This September...
