Spend a long weekend discovering the unexpected while enjoying the foliage of the season in Northern Shenandoah Valley.
Martinsburg, WV
Martinsburg is a great start for a long weekend. Get the relaxation started with a bit of self-care. Indulge in salt therapy before or after an amazing massage at Touch of Grace Spa and Salt Cave, then it’s on to 10 blocks of architecture, history, shopping, and dining downtown.
Don’t miss The Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Roadhouse, a National Historic Engineering Landmark that once housed 16 steam engines. The nation’s first national labor strike was held at the roadhouse in 1877. It is the only cast iron-framed structure of its kind that still stands today.
Sample West Virginia moonshine the legal way at Black Draft Distillery. Enjoy a flight or go straight for the First Harvest Moonshine, a nod to the old-time corn whiskey many hills and hollers are known for.
Enjoy the birds amid the foliage with a stroll through the 46-acre Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve. More than 160 species of birds have been documented at the marsh, the first wetland restoration project in West Virginia. Note that pets (leashed or otherwise) are not permitted in the preserve.
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Winchester, VA
Winchester is known for apples, now is the time to get a bushel or a peck straight from the source. Score at Marker-Miller, Richard’s, or Rinker. Each offers crisp apples and all the things you can make with them. Except hard cider. For that, turn to Winchester Ciderworks. Their refreshing beverages are something you’ll want to take home.
Perusing the Loudoun Street pedestrian mall in Old Town Winchester is a must for visitors. The architecture alone is something to appreciate, but when fun locally owned boutiques, restaurants, and assorted purveyors are added to the mix, you have an afternoon well spent.
Traveling with children? Head straight for West Oaks Farm Market where a glorious corn maze and family fun await!
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Save time to explore the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. Seven acres of meticulous gardens are showing off in their fall best while another 90 acres of greenspace invite you to stroll a while and enjoy the foliage and fresh air. Take time to walk through the Glen Burnie House to admire exhibits and learn a bit of history about the Valley.
Woodstock, VA
An outdoor lovers paradise, Woodstock is a great hub for exploration amid the foliage. Find your way to the Woodstock Tower for a breathtaking view of the Valley below. Atop Massanutten Mountain, it’s a relatively easy two-mile out-and-back hike that affords views of the winding Shenandoah River. If you’ve never seen an aerial view of the northward-flowing Shenandoah, you’re missing out. It could not be a more perfect back and forth, back and forth flow. In fact, Seven Bends State Park takes its name from the river. The fish are biting, so try a stop there next.
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About town you’ll likely notice a distinctly October feel thanks to the pumpkin characters. The town encourages public art displays of pumpkin people. Businesses also get into the fun; keep an eye out as you shop and move about town.
Antiquing and artistry are big characteristics in Shenandoah County and Woodstock is bursting with both. Find plenty of handmade goods and needful things at places like Travelers Treasures, Shenandoah Stuff, The Carpetbagger, and Woodstock Gardens. For antiques, a stop at Nate and Main, Spring Hollow Antiques, and Valley Treasurers.
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Enjoy your fall experiences in the northern Shenandoah Valley and be sure to tag both us and your locations to share all the beauty!
Header: Old Town Winchester. Photo by Sam Dean and courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.