Shenandoah Valley
Epic scenery and Civil War history mingle in the Old Dominion
Few places in America rival the beauty of Shenandoah Valley. Spanning 200 miles across the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, this fertile and scenic land has been nicknamed “the Big Valley” for its abundance of wineries, wondrous caverns, preserved Civil War battlefields and untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see.
Follow the Shenandoah River to charming towns bursting with music festivals, artisan galleries and restaurants serving distinctive local cuisine. Or hop on your bike or jump in your canoe to get lost in the valley’s lush greenery and scenic beauty. No matter what you choose to do, the Blue Ridge Mountains are always present, providing the perfect backdrop for any adventure.
A Captivating Outdoor Paradise
Kelly J. Mihalcoe LLC. Virginia
Stretching from Front Royal to Waynesboro along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is a national treasure that can’t be missed. Hike along 500 miles of trails to get to cascading waterfalls, mountaintops and 75 overlooks promising panoramic views. Join a guided horseback ride at the Skyland stables.
Journey through 101 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail. Or cruise along Skyline Drive, a 105-mile National Scenic Byway that takes you to stunning overlooks, visitor centers, lodges and picnic spots. From late September to mid-November, the entire byway is carpeted with bright fall foliage — a sight you’ll never be able to forget.
If you venture off Skyline Drive, you’ll wind up at Luray Caverns. The Eastern Seaboard’s largest caverns, Luray is home to cathedral-sized rooms packed with towering stalactites, staggering stalagmites and shimmering pools.
You’ll also hear the eerie sounds of the Great Stalacpipe Organ, an instrument that gets its notes from tapping on ancient stalactites of varying size. Conceived by musician Leland W. Sprinkle in the mid-1900s, the organ is considered the biggest musical instrument on the globe. When you get back to the surface, check out Luray Valley Museum to see an extensive collection of artifacts and explore a restored 19th-century farming community.
Not far is the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, which houses over 140 transportation-related items including coaches, carriages and cars dating back to 1725.
Glimpse into the Past
Nicknamed “the Breadbasket of the Confederacy” during the Civil War, the Shenandoah Valley entices history buffs with its historic sites, battlefields and museums. In Lexington, walk in the footsteps of Robert E. Lee, the iconic Confederate general who led troops into pivotal battles. Here, you’ll also stumble upon the Virginia Military Institute, the oldest state-supported military college in America, and Washington and Lee University, which is famous for establishing the nation’s first journalism program.
Step back in time as you stroll through the former battlefields at the New Market Battlefield State Park and Fisher’s Hill Battlefield. You can also visit Staunton, the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson.
It’s Wine Time
Virginia is known for its wineries, and you’ll find most of them nestled in the hills of Shenandoah Valley. Follow a wine trail and sip your way through the land. Thanks to many wineries, you’ll get to sip and swirl everything from Zinfandel to Sangiovese. Popular stops here include Barren Ridge Vineyards, Peaks of Otter Winery, CrossKeys Vineyards and Wisteria Farm and Vineyard. Most wineries are family run and open at least on weekends, if not daily.
For More Information
Shenandoah Valley
800-847-4878
www.visitshenandoah.org
Virginia Tourism Corporation
804-545-5500
www.virginia.org
