his is the only treasure map you need to taste some of the best wines and meads in Virginia. Start anywhere on the Trail and you will find delicious gems to sip with views and scenery that are true riches of the Commonwealth. Join us for the day, or plan your next vacation on the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail!
Our affiliate members can add to your Shenandoah Valley wine country experience:
•Brierley Hill Bed & Breakfast • Lexington brierleyhill.com • 540.464.8421
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As summer’s humidity and heat gives way to autumn chills, the Mid-Atlantic region undergoes a remarkable transformation. A vibrant tapestry of red, yellow, brown and orange hues take over the hills and mountains, captivating the senses and evoking a feeling of wonder for both locals and visitors.
The arrival of fall and cooler temperatures draws thousands to the area to behold the changing seasons and observe the kaleidoscope of colors that heralds the winter months and the holidays.
Leaf peepers and fall lovers alike take in the scenery and traverse the mountains and valleys to observe Mother Nature at her best, all the while enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, biking, golf, rafting, fishing and an endless number of day trips.
These fall colors are celebrated through fairs, festivals and other events – like the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia’s Apple Harvest and Apple Butter festivals, among others in the region – bringing the community together and kindling a feeling of unity. That extends to those who visit the region to take in its beauty, history, food and many activities – a welcoming atmosphere that truly makes everyone feel right at home.
And, you can’t talk about fall without also mentioning Halloween. Late October ushers in a thrilling atmosphere of mystery and imagination. From hayrides and pumpkin carving to the many “haunted” sites spread across our landscape,
spooky and whimsical traditions abound as we all celebrate the allure of the unknown. Look no further than Antietam National Battlefield or Gettysburg National Military Park for ghost stories that will send tingles up your spine. A little farther away, sites like the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia, and the former West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia, bring history and things that go bump in the night together, captivating the imagination.
As fall wanes and winter wraps its icy grip around the region, thoughts turn to giving thanks and enjoying some old-fashioned holiday revelry. Throughout the Mid-Atlantic area the joyous holiday season and spirit takes over us all, filling us with nostalgia and a sense of togetherness. Holiday events abound, and along with the picturesque landscape, a quintessential small-town America feel shines through as those yearning for simpler times visit to celebrate the most wonderful time of year.
There is much on to do and see in the fall and winter months. From shopping for unique, handcrafted gifts to enjoying delectable cuisine and taking in the sights, the Mid-Atlantic region indeed is a cornucopia of family friendly adventures that will foster memories that will last a lifetime.
cuts of meat.
We also offer custom meat processing to give you exactly the cut you’re looking for. We cover all stages of meat processing.
the PERFECT time to rediscover Coolfont and enjoy a wooded resort property offering tranquil, clean lodging, an indoor swim center featuring a heated, saltwater pool, the Treetop Restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, a bar offering 24 beers on tap and special cocktails, beautiful event and conference rooms, hiking trails and a 12-acre lake. Coolfont offers four seasons of fun – the perfect place for a relaxing getaway!
Located at the base of Cacapon Mountain, Coolfont is an easy 5-mile drive from downtown Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, offering guests a short drive to check out one of the Nation’s Best Small Art Towns. Plus, Coolfont is the perfect venue for weddings, corporate retreats, private dining events, birthday parties, bridal/baby showers and more! Seeking a super fun day trip? Come to Coolfont! Enjoy a fantastic lunch overlooking the lake, relax in the heated saltwater pool, or take a leisurely stroll through the mountain, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the nature.
RediscoverCoolfont Resort
andenjoya wooded resort property offering tranquil lodging, indoor swim center, the Treetop Restaurant & Lounge, beautiful banquet and conference rooms, hiking trails and a12-acrelake. We offer four seasons of fun -the perfect place for arelaxing getaway.
About Coolfont:
• Lake view rooms with private balconies and in-room jacuzzi tubs
• Spacious suites with fireplaces
Located at the base of Cacapon Mountain, Coolfont Resortisjust 4miles from downtown Berkeley Springs, WV,offering guests ashort drivetocheck out one of the Nation’s Best Small ArtTowns. Plus, we are the perfect venue for weddings,corporate retreats, private dining events, birthday parties, bridal/babyshowers andmore.
• Pet-friendly lodging
• Group rates
About Coolfont Resort
• Seasonal lake activities including pedal boats, kayaking and fishing
• Indoor heated, saltwater pool
• RV and tent camping coming soon!
• Onsite spa/massage services available
•Lakeviewjacuzzi rooms
• Dining available 7 days a week
• Dining packages
•Tranquilsuites with fireplaces
•Gift shops
•Lake activities
• Onsite personal training services available
•Group rates
• Fitness Center
• Hiking trails
•Dining open 7days
• Gift shops
•Dining packages
•Lakeside pavilion
•Indoor saltwater pool
•RVand tent camping coming soon
• Seasonal outdoor activities including volleyball, basketball, pickleball, tennis, frisbee golf, cornhole, shuffleboard, horseshoes and more!
• Lakeside pavilion
•Fitness center
•Hikingtrails
•Onsite spa/massage ser vices available
•Onsite personal training ser vices available
From spirits haunting old, decrepit buildings to ghostly apparitions roaming the streets and fields, and even a few monsters, the Mid-Atlantic area is a hotspot for paranormal activity, with plenty of scenic locations for ghost tours and more.
At the meeting point of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry is more than just a picturesque town; its rich history is brimming with spooky stories and local legends.
As a key location during the American Civil War, it saw so much destruction that many say it’s home to a variety of ghosts. One such alleged ghost, Father Michael Costello, a priest at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church from 1857 to 1867, is said to haunt that building, which was used as a hospital during the war.
Harpers Ferry also boasts the oldest ghost tour in America, according to harpersferryghost.20m.com.
Point Pleasant, West Virginia, claims the enigmatic Mothman as an eerie resident. This winged creature, with its glowing red eyes and ominous presence, has left a mark on local lore. Linked to a series of mysterious events in the 1960s, Mothman’s legend has persisted through the years.
Whether a reputed harbinger of doom – the collapse of the city’s Silver Bridge in 1967 – or a misunderstood entity, the Mothman has become a cultural icon that draws thousands of visitors every year to this small town. The creature has been the subject of several films, including the 2020 documentary The Mothman Legacy, as well as The Mothman Prophecies, a 2002 drama starring Richard Gere and Laura Linney. Explore the Mothman Museum and research center, and if you’re brave enough, venture into the night in hopes of a glimpse of this
With Halloween looming, believers in the supernatural and skeptics alike will be looking for haunted places to visit.
enigmatic figure. Or perhaps dip your toe in the water first by checking out the Mothcam at mothmanmuseum.com
Believed to have been the turning point of the Civil War, the three-day Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil. Just like Antietam, the historic battlefield, located in Southern Pennsylvania, is said to be haunted.
Over the years, many unsuspecting tourists have seen and even photographed what they thought to be ghostly apparitions of soldiers, horsemen and even whole regiments.
Telling Gettysburg’s ghost stories even goes back as far as the battle itself, when a rumor surfaced among the soldiers that a ghostly George Washington, who had been dead for many years at that point, had been seen leading the men. Check out gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/ haunted-gettysburg.
A mind-numbing 23,100 soldiers from both Union and Confederate armies were wounded, killed or went missing Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam Battlefield, the location of the bloodiest single-day loss of life in the Civil War.
Located near Sharpsburg, Maryland, the historic battlefield is home to more than a few supposed ghost sightings. One specific spot on the battlefield, colloquially known as Bloody Lane, was the site of more than 5,000 of the deaths that took place during the four hours of fighting. Many witnesses have claimed to have smelled gunpowder, heard singing or seen ghostly apparitions while no one else was around.
For more information, search Antietam National Battlefield at visitmaryland.org.
One of the wildest tales in West Virginian folklore is that of the Flatwoods Monster. The first sighting was in namesake Flatwoods in Braxton County, West Virginia, by two brothers and their friends when they saw a streak of light fly across the sky, landing in the yard of a local farmer.
According to their story, the group investigated the crash site and saw a “towering ‘man-like’ figure with a round, red ‘face’ surrounded by a ‘pointed, hood-like shape,’” according to BraxtonWVA.org. While descriptions of the monster vary, the story has inspired a welcome sign in Flatwoods, as well as a local Flatwoods Festival.
For years, the monster has been popular folklore in West Virginia. It was the subject of the 2018 documentary The Flatwoods Monster: A Legacy of Fear, as well as an episode of the 2019 History Channel series Project Blue Book, as well as references in the popular video game Fallout 76.
Fans of the 1999 horror film The Blair Witch Project will recognize the large, flat rock near a creek in of Black Hills Forest as Coffin Rock, the site where many of the movie’s “found-footage” scenes were shot. Just 20 minutes from Burkittsville, Maryland, the site is easily accessible by way of an old logging trail. According to local legend, Coffin Rock is where a search party went missing while looking for an
According to a 2021 report by the moving company moveBuddha, West Virginia and Pennsylvania are among the nation’s most haunted states, with West Virginia placing third and Pennsylvania fifth. (New Mexico topped the list.) The report factored in things like number of haunted places, cemeteries, abandoned buildings, unsolved murders and even reported ghost sightings.
8-year-old who also had gone missing. When a second search party was dispatched, stories say they found the bodies of the first search party, which then vanished before the second party could return with backup.
The website Then and Now Movie Locations says that to reach Coffin Rock, you should park in the lot near Black Rock Mill and follow a path across from the mill leading east. Good luck!
Located in Weston, West Virginia, the TransAllegheny Lunatic Asylum ceased operations in 1994 after 160 years. It had been the site of Civil War raids, a gold robbery and decades of medical and mental health procedures.
Commonly cited as one of the most haunted places in West Virginia, the asylum was originally built to house about 250 patients, but was the home to 2,600 people at its peak in the 1950s. The asylum – which has an adjacent cemetery – also was a hotspot for experimental medical techniques, including more than 4,000 lobotomies that left healthy patients with brain damage.
According to the asylum’s website, its halls are now home to eight spirits of residents and a few staff. One story says that visitors can hear one of the former patients, a 9-year-old girl named Lily who died of pneumonia, laugh and cry when they walk into her former room.
Through Nov. 4, it will host its award-winning haunted house, flashlight tours and ghost hunts. Visit trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com.
West Virginia itself is home to more than
18,534 graveyards, the highest number of graveyards per capita of any state, according to moveBuddha. The oldest of these graveyards dates to 1734.
The arrival of autumn in the Mid-Atlantic region brings with it a breathtaking spectacle of nature’s artistry – the mesmerizing display of fall colors. As the days shorten and temperatures cool, trees undergo a remarkable transformation, painting the landscape with hues that range from fiery reds and oranges to golden yellows and deep purples.
In our region this year, leaves are expected to start to turn in early October, with the most vibrant colors expected in mid- to late-October. Whether it’s a leisurely drive through scenic routes, a hike in the woods or the simple pleasure of watching leaves cascade from trees, the fall foliage season offers a unique opportunity to pause, reflect and find solace in the wonders of the natural world. As we marvel at the fleeting beauty of autumn’s palette, we are reminded of nature’s intricate elegance and the way it constantly rejuvenates us all.
Hawthorn
Hazelnut
Hornbean
Maple, Red
Maple, Sugar
Oak, Black
Oak, Blackjack
Oak, White
Persimmon
Sassafras
Sweetgum
Sycamore, American
Oak, Bur
Oak, Post
Oak, Shingle
Oak, Swamp White
Dogwood
Gum, Black
Oak, Northern Red
Oak, Pin
Oak, Scarlet
Oak, Southern Red
Oak, Swamp
Chestnut
Sourwood
Sumac
Ash, White
Basswood
Birch, River
Birch, Sweet
Buckeye, Ohio
Coffeetree, Kentucky
Cottonwood, Eastern
Elder, Box
Elm, American
Hazelnut
Hickory, Mockernut
Hickory, Pignut
Hickory, Shagbark
Hickory, Shellbark
Hophornbeam
Locust, Black
Locust, Honey
Maple, Silver
Oak, Chestnut
Pecan
Redbud, Eastern
Shad Bush
Tulip Tree
Walnut, Black
Walnut, White
Willow, Black
Magnolia, Umbrella
Holly, American
Our year-round farm market offers a wide variety of locally produced fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, cheeses, honey, meat (beef, chicken, pork), spices, preserves, wine, pies. We also offer bulk candy, nuts, dried fruit, spices, teas, coffee, gluten free snacks, soup mixes and products made from local artisans. Stop in and see why we are known for our delicious vine ripened tomatoes, the best sweet corn, juicy peaches, and crisp apples.
Open Daily - Hours vary by season.
Starting in September: Pumpkins, Fall Mums, Indian Corn & Winter Squash
Speakeasy Restaurant & Bar
Open Daily for Dinner at 5pm
Outdoor Seating Friday & Saturday
Live Entertainment Weds & Thurs
Weekly Features:
Tuesday Date Night for 2 $45, Starter and Entrée each, shared bottle of house wine
Wednesday Community Give Back
$1 per entrée donated to local charity STEAK NIGHT by the ounce SPECIAL
Thursday
Friday 1/2 price Apps from 9-10pm
Sunday Early Bird Menu 5-6pm $16.95 per person
Circa `31
Breakfast Daily 7am
Sunday Brunch Buffet 10:30am-2:00pm
Outdoor Seating Limited!
Upcoming Events:
Oysterfest November 10-11th
Community Christmas Dinner
Buffet December 7th
Frank & Elvis Christmas Dinner
Show December 9th
New Year’s Eve Gala Dec 31st
Throughout the region, every location, from the tiniest burg to the largest city, will offer Christmas adventures to enjoy.
In preparation for the gift-giving season, many areas offer craft shows and markets, starting as early as November. Plus, tree lightings, parades, and concerts fill the calendars and encourage attendance to both observe and participate.
By Toni MilbourneMusical performances scheduled for the season include a performance of Vince Guraraldi’s classical jazz soundtrack from A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Eric Byrd Trio. The performance will take place Dec. 2 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Barns of Berryville, 95 Chalmers Court, Berryville, Virginia.
The Madison Singers, the James Madison University Chorale and the JMU Symphony Orchestra will present HolidayFest, featuring Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s most popular mass, Midnight Mass for Christmas on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Forbes Center for Performing Arts, 147 Warsaw Ave., Harrisonburg, Virginia. The evening also features a traditional holiday sing-along and a special reading by a Harrisonburg celebrity.
Sacred Harp: English, Irish and American Christmas in Staunton, Virginia, on Dec. 1 will help ring in the holidays with an evening of traditional English, Irish and American music. The program’s features the masterpiece The Sacred Harp (1844), an American shape note source developed from 18th century English rural church music. The event will be hosted by the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2807 N. Augusta St. in Staunton.
Another favorite way to celebrate the season is with the Abram’s Delight Candlelight Tour, scheduled this year for Dec. 1 between 6 and 8 p.m. Abram’s Delight is the oldest house in Winchester, Virginia, built in 1754. Guests are invited to walk the museum grounds and view the beautiful holiday decorations created by local garden clubs. There is no admission charge for this event.
The 40th annual Maryland Christmas Show, set this year for Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 24-26 at The Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., brings a premier Christmas shopping event to Frederick. Many merchants and artisans bring their goods, including fine art, pottery, furniture, jewelry, toys, clothing, ornaments and much more making shopping fun for everyone of all ages.
Another opportunity to find those perfect holiday gifts for the early shopper is the Northern Virginia Christmas Market at the Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, Virginia, Nov. 10-12. This is Northern Virginia’s grand opening celebration of the holiday season, where 225 fine artisans from more than 30 states offer a diverse selection of fine arts, photography, stained glass, wood, and more. Select specialty food vendors offer gift-packaged gourmet fare as well, ideal for creating the perfect gift basket.
Winchester, Virginia, hosts its Holiday Open House and Winter Market on Saturday, Dec. 9, offering shopping in favorite shops and boutiques while enjoying the holiday atmosphere. Shepherdstown, West Virginia, also offers a unique holiday shopping opportunity via their Holiday Marketplace, located in the Entler Hotel on German Street. The market operates for four weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, beginning Nov. 24-26 and including Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17.
By Matt Burdette Photos courtesy of Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention & Visitors Bureau
At the heart of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle lies a place like no other. From fascinating history dating back centuries before the formation of the United States to breathtaking vistas, Berkeley County is a juxtaposition of modern, metropolitan amenities with the charm of a small-town.
The area is a year-round, family friendly destination that offers a litany of unique experiences that keep people coming back for more. In autumn, the hills explode with vibrant colors, and there is no shortage of annual and everyday events and attractions, leaving visitors and locals alike enamored with the area.
The area’s history dates back more than 2,000 years and as America took shape, Virginia officials purchased the land in 1744 from the Iroquois Confederacy through the Treaty of Lancaster. The price? Just 200 pounds – around $39,500 in today’s currency. Fast-forward to 1748, a 16-year-old George Washington surveyed present-day Berkeley County for Lord Fairfax. In 1772, the county was formed from Frederick County, Virginia.
In 1860, as West Virginia statehood – June 20, 1863 –neared, Martinsburg was the Shenandoah Valley’s second-largest town, boasting a population of more than 3,300.
Helping to fuel the Industrial Revolution, Berkeley County also has a rich railroading history, being home to the famed Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Roundhouse. The site, which draws visitors from around the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places, was the location of the first significant labor strike in the U.S. The event became known as the Great Railroad Strike of 1877.
Since then, Berkeley County has grown exponentially and remains one of the most populous and successful areas in the Mountain State.
Hiking, camping, fishing, golfing, biking and even taking in the beautiful scenery are pastimes for many, especially in the fall months when the air turns from hot and humid to cool and crisp. Hiking options in the county range from the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area –
spanning 22,000 acres in Berkeley and Morgan counties – to Poor House Farm Park, a countyowned destination of 127 acres. Poor House Farm boasts five miles of hiking and biking trails suitable for those of all skill levels.
In addition, a fully stocked pond awaits anglers looking to haul in the big one. Other fishing hotspots, aside from the Potomac River, include Sleepy Creek Lake, which is chock-full of largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill.
The WV Route 9 Bike Path, also suitable for walking, is a popular destination as well, stretching from Martinsburg to Charles Town in Jefferson County. Places to camp abound, with dozens of campsites in the county, including Leatherman’s in Falling Waters, and Lazy A and Bear Creek campgrounds in Hedgesville.
With best-in-class Woodbrier Golf Course in Martinsburg and The Woods in Hedgesville, hitting the links is a no-brainer in the fall.
Those seeking a different kind of outdoor adventure can look no further than Berkeley County’s geo-caching challenges. According to the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention & Visitors Bureau, geocaching “is a treasure hunt that combines the use of technology and the outdoors that engages folks through GPS tracking and clues to find cache boxes.” Caches can be anything from Tupperware containers to birdhouses or fake rocks. Once the cache is found and opened, geocachers sign the logbook inside the cache and return the stash for future seekers. There are more than 50 active caches.
It sounds cliché, but Berkeley County has something to please even the most discerning palate. The area has everything from tacos and brick oven pizza to Chinese and Thai cuisine. Popular destinations include Brix27, Habanero Mexican Grill, Fiesta Tapatia, Heatherfields Restaurant, Mother Shuckers Crab Shack, Mamma Boyd’s Family Diner, Mountaineer Meat Smokers, The Copper Still Pub & Grill and many, many more.
Those looking for libations might try Amani Brewing in Martinsburg, which offers a variety of expertly crafted drink options.
Black Draft Farm & Distillery, nestled in the county’s rolling hills just a short drive from downtown Martinsburg, offers a quaint yet modern atmosphere. From their Straight Bourbon Whiskey to their Rise and Shine Coffee Vodka, Black Draft’s drinks have become favorites of visitors and locals alike.
44th Annual Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival
Oct. 19-22 ı Berkeley County Youth Fairgrounds
Celebrating the heritage of the Eastern Panhandle’s apple industry, featuring everything from an apple pie baking contest and auction to a pageant and the 5K Apple Trample.
Main Street Martinsburg’s Christmas on Main
Dec. 2 ı 10am - 7pm ı Downtown Martinsburg
Showcasing food trucks, live music, Santa Claus and a picturesque tree-lighting ceremony that would make Norman Rockwell envious.
As the nip of cooler months descends, Loudoun County, Virginia, opens up with a host of fun seasonal activities. Check out some of these options on your next day trip to Loudoun.
Historic Douglass High School Education and Development Center: Opened in May of this year, the Historic Douglass High School in Leesburg serves as both a vibrant community center and a museum. It operated from 1941-1968 as Loudoun County’s only school for Black students and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, you can stop inside for exhibits, artwork, and oral histories. Then, head out back for a park, a skating rink, and a ground-breakingthemed playground that commemorates figures and events in Black history.
407 East Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176 visitloudoun.org
Celebrate Oktoberfest’s Brews: With Loudoun’s 30-plus breweries, you can enjoy the festive cuisine and beverages of Oktoberfest outside Germany! Lovettsville, for example, will holds its celebration Sept. 22 and 23 this year. As for the celebratory beers themselves, for traditional flavor, try the locally brewed German lagers and European ales at Black Hoof Brewing in Leesburg. Also check out Bear Chase Brewing Company’s Märzen, malt forward, with “primarily Pilsen and light caramel grains with Hersbrucker Hops,” according to its website.
Lovettsville Oktoberfest: lovettsvilleoktoberfest.com
Black Hoof Brewing:
11 S. King St., Leesburg, VA 20175 blackhoofbrewing.com
Bear Chase Brewing Company: 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont, VA 2013 bearchasebrew.com
LoCo Adventure Trail: Autumn is one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors in Loudoun. Get out and experience some excitement with local businesses and parks across the county. Try paddleboarding along the Potomac with Paddle NOVA, and enjoy the fall foliage of the Appalachian Trail by hiking at Bears Den.
visitloudoun.org/things-to-do/outdoorsrecreation
Paddle NOVA: paddlenova.com
Explore Leesburg with an Arts Tour: Besides boasting a quaint, walkable downtown, Leesburg enjoys a vibrant arts scene. Explore the town’s history and public art for free by downloading a walking tour. For a more in-depth exploration of Leesburg’s artists and artwork, book a Loudoun Art Tour with a knowledgeable local guide, who will take you on a leisurely walking tour of your choice.
Walking tours: leesburgva.gov/visitors/ walking-tours
Virginia Wine Month: October is Virginia Wine Month, and with more than 50 vineyards, Loudoun turns out to celebrate big-time! Beyond delicious tastings, the county’s vineyards offer live music and theatre, art displays, harvest dinners and more.
See Visit Loudoun’s handy Wine Country Guide: visitloudoun.org/drink/wine-country
Axe Bars: Have you tried axe-throwing yet? Check out one of Loudoun’s two new axe bars! Elysium Axe Bar in Purcellville offers local wines and beers, as well as a surprisingly spacious upstairs lounge. In Sterling, Axes and Os likewise has an extensive food and drink menu. It also has connections with the World Axe Throwing League.
Elysium: 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville, VA 20132 elysiumaxebar.com
Axes and Os: 21680 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 125, Sterling, VA 20166 / axesandos.com
Leesburg’s Coffee Corridor: Too cold to spend time outside, but still want to go on a tour? Try the walkable Leesburg Coffee Corridor in the downtown area around King Street. With options from the delectable Parisian-style dessert and tea selection at Mocatinas, to the aptly named Catty Corner Café for cat lovers,
Loudoun County is a lush land of vine-covered river valleys, historic villages, fashionable towns and a dynamic craft beverage and epicurean scene.
you can spend a morning or an entire day getting a caffeine fix.
To find a full list of area coffee shops, see visitloudoun.org/blog/post/mustvisit-coffee-places-in-loudoun.
Mocatinas:
3 E. Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176 mocatinas.com
Catty Corner Café: 116 E. Market St Leesburg VA 20176 cattycornercafe.com
ION International Training Center: Practice your double Axel, or just strap on some skates, at Leesburg’s world-class ION International Training Center. Founded by Olympian ice skater Luiz Taifas, ION was built to provide a professional-quality skating center to the Northern Virginia area. Besides regular public skating sessions, you can book lessons for skating or ice hockey. Be sure to check out its upcoming ice and concert events, too.
19201 Compass Creek Parkway, SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 / ionitc.com
Downtown holiday décor: Loudoun’s historic towns deck themselves out for the holiday season. Downtown
Leesburg will have an extensive light display around its town hall parking garage, as well as charming window displays at the many local shops where you can find unique gifts for friends and family. In Middleburg, experience the year-round joy of The Christmas Sleigh shop.
The Christmas Sleigh: 5A E. Washington St., Middleburg, VA thechristmassleigh.com
Bring the Adventure Indoors: Winter doesn’t just mean curling up by the fireplace! Summit Ropes in Sterling boasts the largest indoor ropes course in the United States. Enjoy the adrenaline rush when you skydive at iFly in Ashburn or try go-karting at Autobahn Indoor Speedway in Sterling.
Summit Ropes: 44810 Old Ox Road, Sterling, VA 20166 summitropes.com
iFly: 20315 Commonwealth Center Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147
iflyworld.com/loudoun
Autobahn Indoor Speedway: 45448 E. Severn Way #150, Sterling, VA 20166 autobahnspeed.com
Covered Bridge Driving Tour: There’s no better time of year than autumn to visit three historic covered bridges in the northern part of the county. Within 12 miles of each other, the Utica Mill, Loy’s Station and Roddy Road bridges all date to the 19th century. Loy’s Station and Roddy Road are both near parks, so bring a picnic and enjoy the picturesque view.
Driving tour instructions: visitfrederick.org and search Covered Bridges Driving Tour
C&O Canal Bike Ride: Enjoy the best of Frederick’s foliage by taking a leisurely bike ride along the C&O Canal towpath. Fifteen miles of it wind through Frederick, and a ride straight through will take you from the impressively sturdy Monocacy Aqueduct to views of the picturesque South Mountain at the Washington County line.
For more about the C&O Canal, searchvisitfrederick.org
With showstopping lighted boats on a downtown creek and spine-tingling ghost tours, Frederick County, Maryland, is a magical place to visit in fall and winter. From historical tours to local libations, it truly offers something for every age and taste.
Meet Frederick’s Ghosts: During spooky season, learn about Frederick’s ghosts with Maryland Heritage Tours. The state’s oldest operating ghost tour features experienced guides who will take you on a stroll around downtown Frederick while sharing tales of British Loyalists, Civil War soldiers and more. Those seeking a more intense haunt can try the dusk tours of historic Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Book your tour, if you dare: marylandghosttours.com
Hike Cunningham Falls State Park: Relish the breathtaking view of Maryland’s 78-foot cascading waterfall at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont—the tallest in the state. With 10 trails of varying difficulty, you can spend a whole day hiking and enjoying the park’s picnic, boating, and fishing areas, as well as the nearby historic village of the Catoctin Iron Furnace. Camper cabins and campsites are available through October. Search dnr.maryland.gov
Harvest Fun: Frederick County’s local farms offer special activities for the autumn. Throughout September and October, Gaver Farm in Mt. Airy has its Fall Fun Fest, where families can try a corn maze, a petting zoo and more than 60 other attractions. Summers Farm, whose fall festival runs Sept. 16 to Oct. 31 this year, stages special entertainment and weekend fireworks,
and of course offers traditional pumpkin picking and a corn maze. Be sure to check out the pumpkin patches and activities at Magnolia Meadows Farm, Green Meadows Farm, and Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, with its crafts from local artisans.
Gaver Farm: gaverfarm.com Summers Farm: summersfarm.com
Grab a Local Brew: After a visit to Sailing Through the Winter Solstice, it’s only a few steps to Frederick’s bustling Carroll Creek Brewing District, where you’ll find four breweries, as well as a variety of local restaurants. Be sure to try a weekend visit, as special events, performances and food trucks spice up this hub of Frederick’s nightlife. See visitfrederick.org
Catch a Movie at Warehouse Cinemas: Get cozy and enjoy a movie at Frederick’s Warehouse Cinemas, an independently run cinema with amenities you never knew you wanted. With heated leather recliner seating and a full menu of food and drinks, including craft cocktails and a self-pour beer area, Warehouse turns movie-going into an unforgettable experience.
Find showtimes at Frederick. warehousecinemas.com/home
Discover Frederick’s Role in the Civil War: As the nation’s only museum dedicated to the doctors
and nurses of the Civil War, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine is the perfect coldweather stop. Immersive exhibits tell the story of the medical professionals who healing soldiers devastated by the war’s new weaponry and who laid the groundwork for the medical profession today.
To plan your visit, go to civilwarmed.org
Stroll Theatre Row: Set in the heart of downtown Frederick, the theater and arts district offers quite a variety of entertainment. The historic Weinberg Center for the Arts provides regular music, dance, theater and author events. New Spire Arts hosts a variety of musicians in its intimate black-box theater, while Maryland Ensemble Theater puts on innovative shows, comedy nights and children’s theater.
Explore all of the theatre district at visitfrederick.org
Sailing Through the Winter
Solstice: No winter visit to Frederick is complete without a stroll through Carroll Creek Park to see its uniquely decorated sailboats. More than two dozen dock there between November and March, with designs that change every year. The boats are charming to visit when lit at night or during the day. Visitors can vote for their favorite boat, with donations supporting local nonprofits.
See visitfrederick.org
Downtown Frederick is famed for being the original location of the Wine Kitchen, a “rusticchic” bistro with a menu of locally-sourced food and wines. The restaurant is alongside the picturesque Carroll Creek Park, offering delightful dining views of the water, décor and crowds.
thewinekitchen.com
Catoctin Mountain Park, the home of the president’s Camp David retreat, offers activities for outdoorsy folks and history lovers alike. Scenic vistas dot the 25 miles of hiking trails, and the Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail provides a glimpse into the historic moonshine industry. nps.gov/cato
Take a drive through the Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway for gorgeous views of Catoctin Mountain and the Maryland countryside. The byway also serves as an easy point of access to the county’s many other attractions and activities. Check out a suggested driving tour here at visitfrederick.org.
Monday-Friday
2-6,2023 5days/4nights $1199per person(double occupancy), 4nightslodging in Tilton, NH, eightmealsincluding aLobsterBake with entertainment, Rideonthe CogRailroadtothe SummitofMtWashington and back,Cruise on MS Mt.Washington,GuidedTourofKennebunkport, Walkers Point, Stonewall Kitchen, Scenic train ride with boxedlunch.
Monday October9-Thursday October12$689 perperson (double occupancy) 3 nights lodging, 3breakfasts,3 dinners, Hornblower Cruise Voyagetothe Falls,guided tour of NiagaraFalls, SkylonTower,WellandShippingCanal, FloralClock,Greg Frewin Theatre, Winer yTour, Niagara-on-the-Lake.Passport required.
5days/ Sunday October15- Thursday October19$1829 per person (double occupancy)round trip motorcoach to BWI, roundtrip nonstop air to St. Louis, motorcoach from St. LouistoBranson, andthroughoutyourtour, four nights lodging at Hotel Grand VictorianinBranson,nine meals, seven showsincludingOak Ridge Boys, Neil Diamond Tribute, ClayCooper,Pierce Arrow presents Decades, Esther at Sight &Sound, Doug Gabriel,GreatPassion Play with HolyLand Tour,Dogwood Canyon, Gateway ArchinSt. Louis, Local Branson guide
Sunday -Thursday October22-26$849 perperson (double occupancy)includes 4 nights oceanfront accommodations, 8Meals, 3Shows:One The ShowatAlabama Theater,Time Warp at CarolinaOpry, Legends in Concert.2-houreco cruise of Murrells Inlet,Shopping at Broadway at the Beach.
Sunday- Monday October29-30$179per person(doubleoccupancy)includes overnight lodgingatMargaritaville at Resorts HotelCasino along the world-famous Atlantic CityBoardwalk PerPerson Bonus Package:$15 Bonus, $25Meal Credit
5Days/4 Nights, Monday –Friday November 6-10$879 perperson (double occupancy) Includes:Round-Trip Motorcoach to BWI, Round-trip non-stop air to Las Vegas,Round-trip Airport to HotelTransfers,4nights accommodations at the fabulous Excalibur Hotel&Casino.
Friday-Monday December 15-18Nashville Country Christmas $1979per person (doubleoccupancy). includes roundtrip airfare, roundtrip bus to BWI, 3nights lodgingatGaylordOprylandResort., 6Meals, fourshows including ChristmasDinner show in ballroom at GaylordOprylandResort with Darryl Worleyand friends,Amy Grant &Vince Gill at theRyman, General Jackson ShowboatLuncheonCruise with entertainment., Grand Ole Opry,CountryMusic HallofFame,guided city tour of Nashville,DeltaFlatboatride, Treasures for theHolidays,Ice.
Monday-ThursdayJanuary 22-25, 2024- $2079per person(doubleoccupancy)round tripair fromDulles to Key West, roundtriptransportation to DullesAirport, roundtrip trolleytransportationtoand from hotel.3 nights in KeyWest at Florida Keys and Key West Lodging Association’s“Property of the Year”,the Doubletree GrandKey Resort located amile fromthe airport. Complimentarytransportation from hotel to Duval Street and thebeaches.
for four parades in New Orleans
Sunday-Thursday June 9-13, 2024 -$909 per person (double occupancy) includes 4 nights lodging ,4 Breakfasts, 4Dinners including aLobsterbake Guided tour of the Cape to Provincetown with afternoon Whale Watch Cruise. Cape Cod Canal Cruise, Guided tour of Hyannis, KennedyMuseum, Tour of Sandwich and, round trip ferryto Martha’sVineyardwith tour
ADay On Your Own
$95 per person
Saturday October 14
Saturday December 2
Saturday December 9
Saturday December 16
Saturday December 23
$77 per person, Bonus to be determined.
Saturday September 16
Saturday October 14
WIND CREEK CASINO BETHLEHEM, PA
$53per person, $30 Bonus
Saturday September30
OCEAN
$79 perperson
Saturday October 21 Sunfest
MOSES AT SIGHT&SOUND LANCASTER, PA
$155 perperson Includes show andmeal
Friday August 18
MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS
Friday December1
$155 perperson
Includesshowand meal
Thursday December83:00p.m. Lancaster,THE FIRST NOEL $139 perperson includesticket andmeal at Shady Maples following theshow.
Monday November 27 $199 perperson includes showticket,Orchestraseating, freetime in New York City.The Radio City Music Spectacularfeaturing the worldfamous Rockettes at Radio CityMusic HallinNew York.
• Protect
Tucked in the mountains of West Virginia only 7 miles from the original location, America’s second arsenal and armory has been resurrected, offering our own modern AR-15’s, AR-lO’s, and AR-9’s. Each firearm reflects American craftsmanship and value. In addition to being an American manufacturer, our retail outlet carries a full line of rifles, handguns, accessories, and offers armorer services and firearm training. Whether you are interested in a handgun for conceal carry, the perfect firearm for homedefense, a new hunting rifle, or a competition ready sidearm, Harpers Ferry Armory will be able to meet your needs.
Probationary Police Officer is paygrade 103, beginning at $52,500. Employees of the City of Martinsburg are provided a range of fringe benefits including vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, health/ life/dental and vision insurance, longevity pay, police pension and modified take home vehicle policy.
Applicants with a current WV Law Enforcement Certification will receive a $10,000.00 sign on bonus, if hired, in addition to a starting salary of $55,125-$68,843 depending on years of service (paygrade 104).
Crafter’s Dream
Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival
Sept. 22-24 10am – 5pm Jefferson County Fairgrounds
Don’t miss one of the most anticipated events in Jefferson County. Attracting thousands to enjoy everything from live music to fine arts, crafts and wine, more than 150 vendors turn out each year, helping locals and visitors find the perfect unique gift for a loved one –or for themselves.
Learn more at mhacfestival.org
George Washington, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, Robert E. Lee, John Brown, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are but a few of the historic figures who trod West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle and – more specifically, Jefferson County – where these famed men helped lay the foundations of an enduring republic.
Those visiting the area can walk in their hallowed footsteps, enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities, dine at some of West Virginia’s most notable eateries or stop by the Panhandle’s hottest casino destination.
Just prior to the start of the Civil War, Jefferson County was the site of one of the most infamous events in this young nation’s history – John Brown’s Raid.
Brown, in his quest to end slavery, attacked the armory in Harpers Ferry on Oct. 16, 1859. He hoped to gain weapons for his newly formed forces. The raid failed, thanks to the U.S. Marines and Col. Robert E. Lee, ending with the abolitionist being wounded and captured. The ensuing trial turned out to be one of the most notable in American history, resulting in Brown’s conviction and execution.
The Jefferson County Museum in downtown Charles Town harbors a one-of-a-kind collection of artifacts from Brown’s uprising, including the wagon that carried him to his death.
As noted by the Jefferson County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, “the Civil War changed Jefferson County and the nation forever. Local residents witnessed invasions and battles and experienced military occupation and martial law. Located on the border between the United States and the fledgling Confederacy, Jefferson County was trapped between two nations at war.”
Harpers Ferry was the site of West Virginia’s largest Civil War engagement, when Stonewall Jackson captured more than 12,000 Union troops, the largest surrender of U.S. soldiers during the entire war.
In addition, the Battle of Shepherdstown ended Gen. Robert E. Lee’s initial invasion of the North; and Charles Town saw significant action, with its county courthouse being heavily damaged by artillery fire. During the tail end of the war, the battles of Summit Point and Smithfield wrapped up the area’s wartime history.
Many of these sites are within walking distance or a short drive from one another, and museums dot the landscape commemorating these events.
The renowned Appalachian Trail runs through Harpers Ferry, making Jefferson County a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, the C&O Canal connects to the Great Allegheny Passage, a rails-to-trails route that spans 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.
Because of Harpers Ferry’s proximity to the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, those seeking thrills on the water can take advantage of white-
water tubing or just a calm, peaceful float down the waterway. River Riders Family Adventure Resort on Alstadts Hill Road offers assistance in planning outings, and even rents canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
A short drive to Shepherdstown’s West German Street takes you to Pedal & Paddle, where guided excursions are available. Visitors can cycle along the C&O Canal or enjoy other water-centric activities.
If fishing is more your speed, Harpers Ferry is the spot for you. From fly fishing to a relaxing afternoon angling for the catch of a lifetime, the town – located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers – offers some of the state’s best opportunities and amazing fishing spots.
Jefferson County is flush with dining options. From farm-to-table bistros to international gems, this region’s dining scene beckons locals and travelers alike.
Located in the heart of Shepherdstown, The Pressroom stands as a culinary cornerstone, seamlessly blending history with contemporary flair. Housed within a meticulously restored printing press building, the restaurant offers an ambiance that pays homage to its roots while embracing modern sensibilities.
Try American International Fusion cuisine at Lilah in Shepherdstown. From their inventive small plates that encourage sharing to their thoughtfully curated main courses, Lilah’s menu is a culinary journey that celebrates the region’s bounty while exploring a world of tastes.
In Charles Town, Alfredo’s Mediterranean Grille & Steakhouse the selection of premium steaks is expertly prepared and complemented by a medley of Mediterranean-inspired dishes that reflect the rich tapestry of flavors from the region. From succulent kebabs to tender ribeyes, every dish is crafted with careful attention to detail and an appreciation for culinary tradition.
No stop in Jefferson County is complete without a visit to the famed Bavarian Inn, Resort & Brewing Co. Located in Shepherdstown, the historic eatery features a full menu, along with a brewpub, lounge and outdoor beer garden.
And, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, where you can not only enjoy a variety of fare, but also the roll of the dice or a pull or two at one of the many slot machines.
Brook Lane is aleadingprovider of behavioral health services forpeopleofall agesthroughout theMid-Atlantic region. We look forcaringand compassionate staff dedicated to improvingthe healthand wellness of each person we serve.
Individuals that successfully satisfy all the requirements will remain on a list of eligible candidates for a period of three years in the event an opening does occur.
The starting pay for Firefighter/EMT-Basic is $50,000 + $4,254 mandatory OT for a total of $54,245. Employees of the City of Martinsburg are offered a range of fringe benefits including; vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, health/life/vision and dental insurance benefits, longevity pay and fire pension plan, all of which the Firefighter is entitled to. The City of Martinsburg reserves the right to amend date and/or location to remain in compliance with any COVID-19 guidelines in effect at the time of testing. New hires that possess a current EMT Paramedic through the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services or are certified elsewhere as an EMT-Paramedic and are able to obtain legal recognition as an EMT-Paramedic by the WV Office of Emergency Medical Services within ninety (90) days of first date of employment will receive a $10,000 sign-on bonus, with new hires being required to sign a minimum of two-year commitment with the City. Beginning salary for paramedics is $55,125 + $4,680 (OT) = $59,805 plus $500 per year of certification up to 10 years ($5,000).
Take a scenic country drive for leaf peeping while enjoying an apple cider donut.
Pick-your-own apples and pumpkins at one of our local farm markets. Go off-roading with Appalachian Offroad Adventure’s guided jeep tours on 60 miles of mountain trails.
Relax by the fire at a local campground.
Take a hike to a scenic overlook or a short trip to nearby Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive.
Browse the shops in Old Town Winchester for a unique gift.
Visit a Christmas tree farm to cut your own tree.
Taste and shop at our markets for delicious homemade baked goods.
Take in a live performance at Shenandoah University’s Conservatory.
Cozy up with a glass of wine or mead at a winery or meadery.
Let’s eat
Relax and enjoy an authentic, traditional Northern Italian meal at Violino Ristorante Italiano in Old Town Winchester. Featuring fresh, local ingredients, Violino’s items are made from scratch – from pasta to gelato.
Fall festivals abound in Winchester and Frederick County. The annual Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival, Sept. 16-17, features hard cider, craft beer and wine tastings, an apple pie eating contest, live music, food and craft vendors, kids’ inflatables, an antique car show, and much more. Don’t forget to check out the Apple Arena for apple tastings and a free apple. If you can’t get enough apples at the festival, several local farm markets offer pick-your-own so you can take home some to share.
Need a pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern, or to make a pumpkin pie? Pick-your-own at a pumpkin patch, where you may find hayrides, apple cider, petting zoos, corn mazes and kids play areas. Check out Hill High Farm, MarkerMiller Orchards, Virginia Farm Market, Richards Fruit Market and West Oaks Farm Market.
mountain acres, including several lakes for fishing and canoeing.
Get in the holiday spirit by strolling Old Town Winchester’s quaint and historic pedestrian mall. The mall is decorated with festive lights and a beautiful 35-foot tall Christmas tree. Bring your friends and spend the day browsing the shops, boutiques and galleries for gifts that truly are unique. Grab a cup of coffee, have a glass of wine or enjoy lunch at one of Old Town’s restaurants. One of the most popular events of the holiday season, Walking in a Winter Wonderland at Clearbrook Park (Nov. 24 - Jan. 1) is a dazzling display of lights. Visitors can stroll through the paved paths and enjoy the sights of twinkling lights on the lake, or visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Valley brings vibrant fall foliage, scenic drives and perfect weather for exploring country farm markets and vineyards.
Interested in Civil War history? See it come alive at the Battle of Cedar Creek Reenactment, Oct. 21-22. Thousands of reenactors will convene on the actual grounds of the battle that occurred here 159 years ago.
Outdoor lovers flock to Winchester and Frederick County in the fall for camping, hiking, horseback riding and off-roading. The Cove Campground, located in Gore, has everything you need for a rustic escape to the outdoors on 3,000
Begin your visit at the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center, located at 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Road (take exit 313 from Interstate-81). The Visitors Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers maps, brochures, discount coupon booklets, souvenirs, orientation videos, helpful travel counselors, convenient parking, a Civil War Orientation Center and free Wi-Fi. For more information, visit www. VisitWinchesterVA.com or call 540-542-1326 for a free visitor guide.
Shenandoah
Check with us for maps, books and information about local places, area hiking and events.
The museum at the1848 Edinburg Mill is a treasure-trove of Route 11 memorabilia, antiques, old equipment and tools, as well as exhibits featuring Civil War history, the nation’s first CCC camp, the farming community and so much more! Exhibits are constantly updated so there’s always something new to discover.
Learn the fascinating story of how the Mill survived Sheridan’s fires during the Civil War and be sure to keep an eye out for our resident ghost, the mischevious Frankie.
First floor Visitor Center/shop is open to the public.
Admission to floors 2 & 3 museum displays, donation $3. Includes a showing of the film “The Burning.” Elevator available.
Washington County is the first of 31 United States counties to be named in honor of George Washington, the father of our country. Founded in 1776, the county honored Washington before he was our nation’s president.
The town of Boonsboro was founded by brothers George and William Boone (relatives of the more famous Daniel Boone) and was situated along the main road leading from Hagerstown to Frederick. It was laid out in 1792 and incorporated in 1831. About 500 citizens from the town and nearby farms built the Washington Monument, our nation’s earliest monument completed and dedicated in honor of the country’s first president, on July 4, 1827. Today, the town is Washington County’s second-largest municipality. Historic markers explain the National Road, Civil War battles and more, while quaint shops line Main Street. Nora Roberts’ book store, Turn the Page, is a fa vorite stop of the bestselling author’s fans, and visitors can stay in her bed and breakfast, Inn BoonsBoro on the Square.
Clear Spring, founded by Martin Myers in 1821, is located 12 miles west of Hagerstown. The historic National Pike – which once linked the port of Baltimore to the western frontier of Ohio – runs through the center of town. The Civil War brought troops and skirmishes, including a large cavalry battle during the retreat from Gettysburg 150 years ago this July. Area attractions include Knob Hall Winery; Whitetail Mountain Resort; the C&O Canal;
Fort Frederick State Park; and Camp Harding County Park, named after President Warren G. Harding, who, along with notables such as Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, camped there in the 1920s.
Founded in 1767 and situated east of Hagerstown, Funkstown was named Jerusalem until its incorporation in 1840. In 1823, the Old National Pike was built through Funkstown, making it a popular stop along the road. (A Civil War battle happened here, too, and reenactments are held every July.) Funkstown continued to grow in the 20th century; however, railroads made the once-bustling community a quiet residential town. Antique stores now line Baltimore Street (Alt. U.S. 40), along with quaint shops and a few eateries. Today, Funkstown, which hosts the popular Olde Tyme Christmas each year, continues to reflect the charm that first attracted early German settlers to the area.
After arriving in the area, German immigrant Jonathan Hager built the first house here in 1739. He began laying out the town in 1762. The Hager House still stands as a carefully preserved museum, giving visitors a window to the 18th century.
The Washington County Free Library began the world’s first bookmobile service in 1905.
The first presidential retreat, Woodmont, was founded in Washington County in 1870.
Willie Mays played his very first professional baseball game at Hagerstown’s Municipal Stadium in 1950.
The War Correspondents Arch in Gathland State Park is the only national monument to a free press, and also the only memorial to journalists who gave their lives while providing war coverage.
Crystal Grottoes has more formations per square foot than any other cave known to man, and is the only commercial cavern in Maryland.
The inventor of Tabasco Sauce, Edmund McIlhenny, was born in Hagerstown. His father was a mayor.
Movies filmed here include, Guarding Tess, Gods and Generals and Lovely Molly.
Spend some time exploring Washington County’s many quaint towns. A beautiful and leisurely drive to any of our towns along the Maryland National Road, a Maryland Scenic Byway, or along our Civil War Trail will offer lots of surprises. You never know what hidden gems you’ll uncover.
The National Road brought growth to Hagerstown, now Washington County’s largest city, and the railroads intersecting here gave it its nickname, “Hub City.” The largest Civil War cavalry battle fought in an urban setting happened here in July 1863. There are many award-winning historic Civil War markers throughout the area. Of special note are Downtown Hagerstown and the Arts and Entertainment District, where you’ll find wonderful shops, restaurants and such cultural attractions as the Maryland Theatre, the Washington County Arts Council Gallery, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Hagerstown City Park offers 50 acres of beautiful outdoor space. You’ll also enjoy golfing at Hagerstown Greens at Hamilton Run, swimming at Claude M. Potterfield Pool and visiting Fairgrounds Park. Shopping opportunities abound at the Valley Mall and Hagerstown Premium Outlets. And stop by Hagerstown City Farmers Market for homegrown produce from area farmers, as well as crafts and baked goods.
Hancock is the western most town in Washington County, situated on the Potomac River at the narrowest point in Maryland. In 1818, the National Pike, Hancock’s Main Street, was officially opened.
During the Civil War, Hancock became an important town in the struggle for control of the C&O Canal and the Potomac. Confederates shelled the town from across the Potomac River, and later held it for ransom.
The C&O Canal National Historic Park visitor’s center at the Bowles House is a gem of curated living during the Canal’s heyday. Other attractions include antique and specialty shops, the Blue Goose Fruit Market and Bakery, and several restaurants. Outdoors enthusiasts can explore the C&O Canal Towpath and Western Maryland Rail Trail. The Tuscarora Trail of West Virginia passes into Maryland where it joins and uses the C&O Canal towpath to Hancock. Here, it crosses the Potomac River and connects to the Big Blue Trail.
A boat launch onto the Potomac is located in Hancock, along the C&O Canal at Little Tonoloway Recreation Area in Hancock. The C&O Canal Bicycle Shop offers shuttles.
For additional info, visit the town’s website, https://townofhancock.org.
Located eight miles south of Hagerstown, Keedysville was once a vital link on the B&O Railroad. Today, it boasts a unique combination of farmland and Victorian architecture.
Little Antietam Creek is an attractive focal point. Taylor Park provides visitors with recreational facilities. Bonnie’s at the Red Byrd offers delicious home-style meals. In the neighboring hamlet of Rohrersville, sip some local varietals at the scenic and award-winning winery, Big Cork Vineyards.
and Antietam. In addition, there was a cavalry battle here during the Confederate retreat from Gettysburg, 150 years ago. There is a Civil War Trails marker on the site, just east of Maryland 77.
Interesting local attractions include the Smithsburg Town Museum and Smithsburg Veterans Park. The annual Steam and Craft Show, Smithsburg Pride Days and other events attract thousands. Visit nearby Red Heifer Winery, and also the many orchards and fruit stands. townofsmithsburg.org
Sharpsburg is intrinsically tied to the Battle of Antietam. On Sept. 17, 1862, this peaceful town was the place where two massive armies clashed, leaving 23,110 dead, wounded or missing. Every building overflowed with the wounded and dying. After the war, Sharpsburg’s population declined; today, it has fewer than 700 residents, many directly descended from families here during the Civil War. The Antietam National Battlefield and the Antietam National Cemetery are part of Sharpsburg, and nearby museums such as the Pry House Field Hospital Museum attract international symposiums. Visit the Newcomer House Exhibit and Visitor’s Center just past the Antietam Cemetery, try a famous Nutters Ice Cream treat and eat at Captain Benders Tavern. sharpsburgmd.com
Smithsburg was incorporated in 1846. The town played a role in the Civil War, when residents helped care for wounded soldiers after the battles of Gettysburg, Monterey, South Mountain
Once considered a potential site for the United States’ capital, Williamsport is located at the confluence of Conococheague Creek and the Potomac River. With the opening of the C&O Canal in 1834, it evolved into a thriving waterfront town. During the Civil War, the swollen waters of the Potomac at Williamsport prevented Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army – retreating from Gettysburg –from crossing into Virginia for several days. The Civil War might have ended in Williamsport, but the Confederates held the town against Union attacks until finally slipping back into Virginia. Today, Williamsport has many fine businesses and recreational opportunities. Be sure to visit the town museum, the newly restored Civil War cannons high atop Doubleday Hill and the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Williamsport is also the finish line for the annual JFK 50 Mile, the largest, oldest and most prestigious ultra-marathon in North America. williamsportmd.gov
With so much to see and do, make a day trip or an overnight out of it.
Our merchandise embraces the most extensive variety of time tested products available in this advanced age. Our wares have been meticulously selected from the reputable concerns of esteemed craftsmen of the mountains, the Ohio Valley and Pennsylvania, as distant as New England and as near as your neighbor. Our suppliers are well practiced in the manufacture of pottery, tinware, fabric, basketry, wrought iron, woodenware and general manufacturing. Our stock is warranted to be the best available for the money invested.
Hours:
Sun & Mon 10-5 pm
Tues-Sat 10-7 pm
RING 304 876 6907
205 E. Washington St., “At Tollhouse Curve” Shepherdstown, WV
iron,
Local, Unique Handicrafts and Decor Items
Woodstock and Shenandoah County Mugs, Cards, Photos
Hours: Thurs & Sat 9am-2pm; Fri 2-6pm; Sun Noon-4pm
At Cook’s Exxon and Country Store
Woodstock, VA• I-81 Exit 283 under the NAPA sign!
By Kate Marsanico / Photos courtesy of Destination Gettsyburg
While Adams County, Pennsylvania, is known for the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3,1863) and, of course, Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, today people flock to the area not only to learn more about its history, but also to enjoy its gorgeous wineries, farms, restaurants and cultural activities. The fall season is particularly lovely here, with a plenty of things to do that are easily navigated in a day.
Land of Little Horses: Looking for a memorable outing with the family? This park offers an educational experience that will capture your imagination and conjure joyous memories of your childhood. In the park, you’ll interact with 60 horses of different sizes – including miniatures and ponies – as well as goats, sheep, rabbits and even a baby zebra. Guests will learn about the animals’ personalized care, their habitats and individual personalities through interactive activities like grooming and feeding sessions. Don’t wait too long to visit, as the park closes for the season on Oct. 29.
125 Glenwood Drive, Gettysburg, PA 17325 landoflittlehorses.com
Adams County Winery: Located just outside of Gettysburg, Adams County Winery is the fifth oldest winery in Pennsylvania. Its Farm Winery’s Tasting Room rests on 75 acres of rolling hills and farmland, making it the perfect setting to sit back and sip some great wine and relish the beauty of fall. The Tasting Room is housed inside a pre-Civil War bank barn and features an outdoor patio and covered pavilion with heaters, yard games, indoor seating inside Rusty’s Cellar and scheduled winery tours. Home to five varietals, the winery is sure to please virtually every adult palate. Try one of their specialty wines like the Scrapple – spiced cranberry apple, made with 100% local Adams County apples. 251 Peach Tree Road, Orrtanna, PA 17353 adamscountywinery.com
Apple picking in Apple Country: More than 35 varieties of apples grow in Adams County, making it a popular pick-your-own destination in fall. There are several local farms where you can pick up this tasty fall treat, such as Hollabaugh Bros., a family-owned establishment that’s been around for more than 65 years. Here, you can go on an apple-variety scavenger hunt, attend a festival, buy delicious, fresh baked goods and more. Boyer Nurseries & Orchards
is another popular apple destination, featuring its own market, pick-your-own fields, and Boyer Cellars. They offer traditional red and white wines, as well as hard ciders. The rustic tasting room has a chestnut-wood tasting bar, ample seating and a large wraparound porch with view of the orchard. Reminder: It’s always a good idea to go online to check the status of the harvest before you visit.
Hollabaugh Bros.: 545 Carlisle Road, Biglerville, PA 17307 / hollabaughbros.com
Boyer Nurseries & Orchards: 405 Boyer Nursery Road, Biglerville, PA 17307 boyernurseries.com
Leaf peeping: With its 6,000 acres of preserved battleground fields, Gettysburg National Military Park is among the best places to take in fall’s brilliant colors. At Little Round Top, one of the most famous battlegrounds, you can view the foliage’s brilliant colors as you look over the battlefield, farmland and then gaze at the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tour the park by car, bus, horseback, bicycle or even Segway.
Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitors Center: 1195 Baltimore Pike Gettysburg, PA 17325
Antiquing: New Oxford is considered the antique capital of Pennsylvania. Every year, visitors come to seek deals on collectibles and other classics from treasured shops like the New Oxford Antique Center, Zelma’s Emporium, D&L Treasures and Rife’s Antiques. Bonus: These shops are all located near each other.
New Oxford Antique Center: 333 Lincoln Way West, New Oxford, PA 17350
Zelma’s Emporium: 11 North Water St., New Oxford, PA 17350
D&L Treasures: 411 Lincoln Way W., New Oxford, PA 17350
Rife’s Antiques: 4415 York Road New Oxford, PA 17350
Enjoy the change of the season as you sip a glass of wine at one of the local wineries or spend the day picking the area’s most popular seasonal fruit – apples. Winter also brings a unique opportunity to check out the county. While daylight grows shorter, the list of things to do in this charming county does not. Choose between indoor and outdoor experiences that are sure to liven up the cold winter days.
Hike Strawberry Hill: If you love nature, this experience is for you, as miles of hiking trails await you around Strawberry Hill. To explore it thoroughly, you can book an educational expedition, take off on your own and frolic in its cold mountain creeks (if you dare to brave the temperature) or enjoy a picnic by the pond. The trail is open in the winter, but as always, be careful and check weather conditions before you head out.
Strawberry Hill: strawberryhill.org
History-themed escape room: Escape rooms have become increasingly popular, challenging visitors to search for clues to solve interactive puzzles and “escape the room.”
1863 Escape in Gettysburg is a Civil War-themed escape adventure featuring three rooms/puzzles. In one room scenario, you receive notice that rebels plan to ambush a train carrying Union gold. Your mission is to find that train at Gettysburg Station and retrieve that gold—just one warthemed story to choose from among many.
1863 Escape: 344 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, PA 17325 / 1863escape.com
Soak in a spa: In the cold winter months, is there anything better than a warm, relaxing day at the spa? The Gettysburg Spa is a full-service salon and spa, offering hair, skin, nail and body care guaranteed to help you relax and rejuvenate. Choose from makeup styling and hot-stone massages, facials and manicures/pedicures.
Gettysburg Day Spa: 730 Chambersburg Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325 / gettysburgdayspa.com
Year-round camping: There are many yearround places to camp in and around Gettysburg where you can enjoy being one with nature any time of the year. Book a cottage or a lodge on a campground. Granite Hill Camping Resort sits on a 150-acre Civil War-era farm that features a lovely mix of woodlands, meadows and rolling hills. The membershipbased Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is also a good option for winter activities.
Granite Hill Camping: 3340 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg 17325 granitehillcampingresort.com
Gettysburg Battlefield Resort: 1960 Emmitsburg Road, Gettysburg / travelresorts.com/ locations/gettysburg-battlefield-resort
Adams County Pour Tour: Adams County is known for its local breweries and wineries, and perhaps the best way to tour the region is to download the Adams County free passport to get a digital guide to Gettysburg’s downtown tasting rooms, as well to as those throughout its countryside. The passport includes a trail map to help you plan your journey, with stepby-step instructions sent to your mobile device. And in the winter, many of the stops feature signature seasonal drinks.
Adams County Pour Tour: destinationgettysburg.com/pourtour
The crisp fall weather and stunning foliage make for a picturesque day out on a scenic drive through Shenandoah National Park or on a hike in the George Washington National Forest, where color peaks in October.
Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Massanutten mountains, farms, historic inns and winding country roads lead to canoeing, kayaking and hiking, whether it be on the famed Appalachian Trail or another path that leads to equally beautiful vistas and challenging trails and paths. Other outdoor destinations include Big Gem Park, which offers a pond, fountain, fishing, picnic area and multiple hiking and biking trails; and the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway, which offers 2 miles of trails, a swimming area and fishing.
Autumn also is the perfect time to go wine and spirits tasting. Page County is home to many breweries and wineries, including Hawksbill Brewing Co., River Hill Wine and Spirits LLC, The Valley Cork and Wisteria Farm and Vineyard.
By Gabriele PaonessaAt family owned River Hill Wine and Spirits, aged bourbon is popular with locals and visitors, as the facility’s attention to detail shines.
Owner Fred Foley notes that ingredients in their products all are locally sourced, many coming from their own farm. “We literally take it from the fields to the bottle,” he says on the company’s website, riverhilldistillery.com.
Another small-batch distillery is Blue Shepherd Spirits in Luray. Their artisan spirits also are created in-house, using local grains and goods for the most optimal spirits and cocktails.
As Halloween approaches, navigating your way through a corn maze, taking a hayride through the countryside or visiting a pumpkin patch surely will get you in the “spirit” of the season. Although not the first pumpkin patch in Page County, Fairview Fun Farm is the first to offer a playground of activities for its visitors. Gary Breeden, a local hay farmer and owner of DR’s Quickstop in Stanley, Virginia, purchased the property that the farm is now located on in
2015. His plan was to use it for hay, but the front of the property was too wet.
Then, after taking her grandson to visit a pumpkin patch elsewhere, inspiration struck Darlene Anderson, Breeden’s girlfriend. “Gary needed to use that part of the property for a pumpkin patch here in Luray,” she said.
The Fairview Fun Farm opened in September 2020 and has been hugely successful since day one. The farm offers many things to do and see, including the pumpkin patch, hayrides, a corn maze, barrel train rides, a corn crib, barnyard games, swings and a tonguebiter slide. “The biggest hits are always the slide and a corn crib,” Breeden said, “and anything that needed to be constructed I made myself.”
Visitors also can paint the pumpkins they pick, go fishing and even feed the barnyard animals. The Fairview Fun Farm has collaborated with other local organizations, all working to better the community. During the week, the farm is closed to the public, but has worked with the schools to provide field trips for local kids.
“The farm is important firstly [because] Luray is a tourist town and this helps the community in our tourism,” said Breeden, “and second it’s important to our residents, they no longer have to travel hours away to enjoy fall farm activities, they now have one in their backyard.”
Autumn’s sweater-weather days are the ideal time to enjoy plenty of local activities like visiting a pumpkin patch, taking a hayride or soaking in the fall foliage in Page County, Virginia.
Bear’s Den Park Trail is part of the Appalachian Trail and is a 1.6 mile, out and back easy hike with a rocky outcropping that offers panoramic views of the Northern Shenandoah Valley and the Allegheny Mountains. Leashed dogs welcome. Take VA-7 East (Harry Byrd Highway) and turn right onto Route 601 (Blue Ridge Mountain Road) in Bluemont. A parking lot is on the right. Follow the blueblazed AT side trail at the back of the lot.
Another Appalachian Trail, the Raven Rocks Trails, is nicknamed the “roller coaster” because of its winding trail up and down steep ridges. It is a strenuous 6-mile outand-back hike with an elevation gain of 1,535 feet. The trail begins at Snickers Gap. The final summit is a band of cliffs with spectacular views. Not recommended for dogs. Take VA-7 East (Harry Byrd Highway) and go left on Route 679 (Pine Grove Road) in Bluemont. The trailhead parking lot is on the right.
Wayside Fun Farm: Berryville offers pickyour-own-pumpkins, a 10-acre corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin smashing, farm animals, games and more. The farm opens Sept. 23, closes Oct. 29.
5273 Harry Byrd Highway, Berryville 540-539-3276
Edge Wood Dairy Farm: Features mums, pumpkins, fall decor, a corn maze and slingshot pumpkin chucking.
667 Fishpaw Road, Berryville Facebook.com/pumpkinpatchat edgewooddairy
Macintosh Fruit Farm: Pick your own fruits, herbs and vegetables and enjoy honey, cider donuts and pies. The Hard Cider Tasting Room offers a bar menu and music Friday through Sunday.
608 Russell Road, Berryville 540-955-6225, mackintoshfruitfarm.com
Enjoy colorful leaves during a fall hike along the Appalachian Trail, pick a pumpkin and enjoy cider and family activities at local farms, take in lovely fall and winter views at local wineries and experience the small-town charm of Berryville’s shops and restaurants.CLARKE COUNTY, virginia Bear’s Den Park Trail
Sip a taster flight or a bottle of Golden Hour Chardonnay or Raven Rocks Red and pair it with cheese and crackers at the Twin Oaks Tavern Winery’s Wine Club Room.
18035 Raven Rocks Road, Bluemont
540-554-4547, twinoakstavernwinery.com
Sign up for a weekend Wine Camp, an educational experience on life at the vineyard and the process of making wine, at Veramar Vineyard Its rustic but elegant tasting room features 14 varieties of wine.
905 Quarry Road, Berryville / 540-955-5510
• Take a hike and enjoy the scenery at Blandy Farm, the State Arboretum of Virginia in Boyce, 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Info: 540- 837-1758, blandy.virginia.edu.
• Enjoy ice cream at Homespun in Berryville. Homespun is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves lunch and dinner. Their meats are local grass-fed livestock and they use other fresh ingredients sourced from the Smith Meadows Farm. Stay with them at the Smithfield Farm Bed and Breakfast
homespunberryville.com smithfieldfarm.com
• Visit the historic Burwell-Morgan Mill, shop the modern country Locke Store and get a bite at The Buttery. The Mill, 15 Tannery Lane, Millwood, is a National Register Historical Landmark of one of the oldest, most original operational grist mills in the Shenandoah Valley.
540-955-2600, clarkehistory.org mill.html; thebutteryva.com; lockestore.com
• Stroll the charming small town of Berryville for shopping and dining. For more information or list of shops, visit: berryvillemainstreet.com
• Watch the annual Christmas parade at noon on Dec, 1 in Berryville and at 6 p.m. join the community during the tree lighting ceremony at Rose Hill Park.
• Stop by the Sweet Elephant Bake Shop, 23 W. Main St., Berryville, for cookies, cakes, cup cakes, scones, brownies and savory breads. 540-277-2632, sweetelephantbakeshop.com
• Grab a coffee or gluten-free waffle at Cordial Coffee, 8 S. Church St., Berryville, and watch in-house roasting done onsite. cordialcoffee.com.
Get out your fancy hats for a British afternoon tea at the Tea Cart – Pumpkin Spiced Chai or Apple Spice Green Tea served in tea cups with scones and Devonshire cream are perfect to start the fall season.
Serving Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 2pm Reservations are recommended.
16 W. MAIN STREET, BERRYVILLE exploretock.com/teacartva
Burwell-Morgan Mill
With many towns dotting its landscape, a trip to Hardy County, West Virginia, is like a journey back in time.
By Matt Burdette
The county seat, Moorefield, was founded in 1777, and is a quaint town that showcases its storied past through well-preserved buildings and a vibrant main street that draws in thousands of annual visitors.
Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in a proverbial paradise in Hardy County, complete with lush forests, rolling hills and meandering rivers. Lost River State Park and George Washington National Forest provide ample opportunities for hiking, camping and connecting with the great outdoors. The iconic Lost River, which appears and disappears underground throughout the region, adds an air of mystery to the landscape. Trout fishing in the county’s clear streams is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors. Learn more at wvstate parks.com/park/lost-river-state-park.
There are multiple bike trails and gravel races, which are on a variety of terrains. In fact, a new group is helping to spearhead development of the trails. The Lost River Trails Coalition is focusing on the development of a sustainable mountain bike network in and around Lost River State Park and Hardy County. Learn more at facebook.com/groups/lostrivertrailscoalition.
For history lovers, the county has 10 sites on a Civil War trail, and most recently has developed a Historic Schoolhouse Trail, along with
AmeriCorp. The trail may be followed on the website and app Clio, and currently stands at 22 stops. Learn more at theclio.com/tour/2291.
Culinary enthusiasts will find themselves indulging in a unique blend of Appalachian flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Farm-totable dining experiences are a highlight, with restaurants offering dishes that showcase the area’s agricultural bounty. From hearty comfort food to innovative cuisine, Hardy County’s dining scene caters to a variety of tastes.
Look no further than Mullin’s 1847 Restaurant in Moorefield, along with Gennaro’s Italian Restaurant, El Rancho Mexican Restaurant and O’Neills. For those looking for sweet treats, visit Cakes & More in Moorefield. In Lost River, the Guesthouse Lost River, Lost River Grill and Lost River General Store + Café are can’t-misses. In Mathias, the recently opened Lost + Found Pizza and Provisions offers wood-fired pizza. In Wardensville, the Lost River Trading Post, the Kac-Ka-Pon Restaurant, Marina’s Pizza and Drifters Café are tasty options. The newest eatery in Wardensville, Mack’s Bingo Kitchen, utilizes seasonal ingredients from its organic
farm and other nearby purveyors, showing off the county’s farming roots.
When shopping is at the top of your list, check out the variety of family owned stores, selling everything from antiques to hand-crafted pieces that are sure to take pride of place in your home. Hardy County also boasts nearly a dozen farmers markets, complete with produce that can be crafted into the finest of meals.
Hardy County truly stands as a testament to the beauty and authenticity that rural destinations can offer. Its rich history, breathtaking landscapes and warm community spirit make it an ideal getaway for travelers seeking a taste of the past and a rejuvenating connection with nature.
Heritage Weekend – Sept. 22-24
In its 70th year, this celebration of the area’s cultural legacy will feature reenactments, crafts, a quilt show and traditional music.
Wardensville Fall Festival – Oct. 13-14
Featuring more than 100 vendors, a car show, bingo, a Firemen’s BBQ Chicken cook, a parade and the famed Old Time Jam Session.
West Virginia Turkey Festival
Oct. 28 ı Old Mathias School
Showcasing crafts, a youth pageant (Oct. 14), a baking contest and a turkey dinner.
rivers, stocked lakes, and mountain runs offer some of the best fishing.HARDY COUNTY, wesT virginia Photos courtesy of Hardy County Convention & Visitors Bureau
The fall season kicks off in the town of Bath, West Virginia – better known as Berkeley Springs – with a tribute to the harvesting season of the apple.
This year, the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce will host the annual festival on Oct. 7-8.
The festival is centered around Berkeley Springs State Park. The popular event draws travelers to the downtown area to celebrate the classic orchard tradition of cooking apple butter in large copper kettles, and visitors can even take a turn stirring a pot.
The event will feature more than 150 vendors, live entertainment and contests. It will kick off with the traditional Apple Butter Parade Saturday morning, as visitors and locals line the streets of the town, and floats, bands and more make their way along the parade route.
After checking out the festival, be sure to stop into the town’s unique shops. During this time of year, many stores offer extended hours to accommodate tourists. You’ll find jewelry stores, antique shops, art shops and more lining Fairfax, Washington and Independence streets, with other shopping opportunities just outside of town. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, peak fall color is projected for Oct. 5-21. Motorists who visit Morgan County can experience the beauty of the leaves changing as they traverse the countryside, perhaps following in the steps of the man credited with establishing Bath as a perennial resort community –George Washington.
The Washington Heritage Trail offers 16 points of interest across 54 miles of Morgan County, its westernmost and perhaps woodsiest segment. Be sure to stop at Panorama
Overlook, located about three miles west of Berkeley Springs, which marks the end of Cacapon Mountain. National Geographic named this spot one of the five best scenic views in the East, according to the trail’s website. From this vantage, you can see parts of West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as the Potomac and Cacapon rivers.
After traveling along the same path as the nation’s first president, visitors can relax the same way he did. For more than 250 years, Berkeley Springs has been a center for health and hospitality. Washington, as well as his friends and family, were drawn to the area, as he believed its famed warm mineral waters led to better health. Today, the 74degree waters of Berkeley Springs offer a mineral composition that has remain unchanged since Washington’s time. Berkeley Springs State Park is a great place to learn more about the healing properties of “taking the waters.”
According to Travel Berkeley Springs, more than 20,000 acres in two wildlife management areas provide opportunities for hunting everything from white-tailed deer to flocks of wild turkey. Primitive camping is offered at Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. Try sport clay shooting at Cacapon State Park.
Fishing is a popular activity in Morgan County. The Ridge State Fish Hatchery
breeds West Virginia trout, which is used to stock local lakes. Sleepy Creek Lake has bass, sunfish, pike and crappie. The county also offers several public access points for riverside fishing; there’s access to the Potomac River in the town of Paw Paw. Hunting and fishing licenses are required for those between 15 and 65 years old. Hiking and biking are a great way to connect with nature in Morgan County. The Spruce Pine Hollow Park connects with the Tuscarora Trail. This trail is considered a “blazed in blue” trail – an alternative Appalachian Trail route. Many golfers travel to Morgan County to take advantage of the 18-hole, 72-par championship golf course at Cacapon Resort State Park. Designed by Robert Trent Jones in the mid 1970s, it’s meticulously maintained and among the region’s most popular public courses. It’s open for year-round play, weather permitting.
Fans of disc golf courses can try out Woodshed & Whippin’ Post, two courses in the same location in Paw Paw.
Morgan County is well known in the region for its natural spring areas, the most important of which is the “fam’d warm springs” of Berkeley Springs today part of Berkeley Springs State Park in the center of Bath.
By Alexandria Searls
Be inspired by the mountains and scenery of the Shenandoah Valley. Renowned for its colorful fall foliage, Shenandoah County offers an array of outdoor activities perfect for taking in the views. From hiking the George Washington National Forest to fishing along the Shenandoah River, mountain biking at Bryce Resort or horseback riding at Fort Valley Ranch, Shenandoah County is truly nature’s playground and the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Adventure-seekers can enjoy Virginia’s largest OHV trail system along Peter’s Mill and Tasker’s Gap near Edinburg or soar through the sky with Skydive Shenandoah in New Market. Those looking for a more leisurely experience can take advantage of the area’s wheelchair accessible or stroller-friendly trails allowing visitors to relish in the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.
While many destinations quiet down in the winter months, Shenandoah County comes alive with skiing and snow tubing at Bryce Resort.
Antique lovers and treasure hunters can spend a weekend exploring the many locally owned shops throughout each of the six towns within the county. Visitors will find an array of household goods, furniture, women’s clothing, jewelry and children’s items as well as locally sourced food products like jams, jellies, fresh baked breads and pastries, specialty foods or locally roasted coffee from one of two local roasters.
Take in the fall foliage from above with a balloon ride over the Shenandoah Valley.
Take a hike at one of the many scenic overlooks including Big Schloss, Story Book Trail or Woodstock Tower to view fall foliage from above.
Enjoy fall’s bounty of fresh, local flavors at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants sourcing local ingredients.
Skydive with Skydive Shenandoah in New Market for a truly adrenaline filled experience and some of the best views (if you can keep your eyes open!).
When temperatures dip in the winter, explore underground wonders at Shenandoah Caverns, where it’s always a mild 55 degrees no matter the outside temperature. Visitors can explore stalactites, stalagmites and the famous bacon formations. Be sure to save time to visit American Celebration on Parade as well to get up close and personal with parade floats from throughout history, including presidential inaugurals, Rose Bowl parades and Thanksgiving Day parades. Adults and children alike will be delighted pushing the buttons and watching the float characters come to life.
Finally, history lovers can enjoy a number of museums highlighting local history ranging from the Revolutionary War, Civil War and through modern times with museums in each of the towns including the Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market, the Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum in Edinburg, the Shenandoah County Historic Courthouse in Woodstock and the Hupps Hill Museum and Strasburg Museum in Strasburg.
Enjoy a cold craft beer at a local brewery such as Box Office Brewery, Swover Creek Farm Brewery or the Woodstock Brewhouse.
Hit the slopes at Bryce Resort. Mountain bike in the fall or ski in the winter at one of Virginia’s few four seasons’ resorts.
Explore underground wonders at Shenandoah Caverns where it’s always a mild 55 degrees.
Warm up over a glass of mulled wine at one of the county’s eight wineries.
Explore the Virginia Museum of the Civil War to learn about the war’s impact on Virginia residents and how it shaped the future of the state and nation.
Enjoy sweet pastry or a warm, freshly baked loaf of bread from Flour & Water in Woodstock.
In Shenandoah National Park, the glorious colors of the fall season can be viewed from the Skyline Drive overlooks in Rockingham County. Oaks, with red, orange and yellow leaves, depending on the species and week, grow throughout the park. You’ll also see maples in brilliant red, and black gum in a distinctive wine-colored shade. Yellow tulip poplars grow by rivers and tributaries within the valley, their leaves broad and beautiful. The overlooks that we are recommending, like Sandy Bottom Overlook and Swift Run, are best reached by car, not foot, as they are along the road. You’ll be on top of the ridge, sometimes looking west, and sometimes looking east as you visit the different stops. All times of day are lovely, but the light of sunset deepens the colors of the leaves and casts a golden glow. You might want to time your trip to end at sunset.
The ridge and upper slopes have red oak forests. Maple, ash, basswood and birch take up the mid-slope range. The poplars line the streams of the lower slopes. Leaves change color earlier at higher altitudes, so the trees on Skyline Drive will show their colors before the trees you can see below from the overlooks. Peak leaf color, taking into consideration trees at all altitudes, is usually around Oct. 15. You can sign up for fall foliage weekly reports at the Virginia tourism website, Virginia.org, which is particularly helpful if you are visiting from out-of-state or if you’re in-state and need a reminder. That site will tell you how the colors are progressing.
Peak leaf season often corresponds to hawk migrations. Keep your eyes open for the circular motions hawks can make in-flight.
To enter the parts of Shenandoah National Park of Rockingham County, go to Swift Run Gap Entrance Station off Rt. 33. Park entrance is $30 per car. Free days are offered throughout the year, however; the free days this fall are Sept. 23 (National Public Lands Day) and Nov. 11
(Veterans Day). You can also purchase a yearly pass for $55 – well worth it if you’d like to return several times.
Eating within the restaurants of the park can be expensive. Think about packing a picnic with snacks, drinks, and lunch.
You can go south or north from Swift Run Gap. Going south, you can drive towards a final destination of Big Run Overlook, which offers stunning silhouettes of the Blue Ridge Mountains at sunset. That drive is 15.5 miles. Along the way, we recommend the overlooks that have a divider between them and the main road of Skyline Drive. The Swift Run Overlook has big views, and faces West. Sandy Bottom, also oriented West, is equally impressive. Bacon Hollow gives a lovely Eastern view, with rolling, forested slopes. The Loft Mountain (East) and Brown Mountain (West) overlooks are also favorites. From several views into the Shenandoah Valley, you can get glimpses of civilization in the distance, hidden within the natural vista. In contrast, Rockytop Overlook, towards the end of your journey, reveals wilderness and sweeping landscapes.
You will need to decide how you want to make your stops coming and going, since most likely you will be retracing your journey to leave the park. Some people choose overlooks with a western orientation as they head south, and an eastern orientation as they head back north. You can also select the most highly recommended overlooks on the way south, and then, coming back, stop at additional ones, as your energy allows.
If you go north from Swift Run Gap, instead of south, you head to the Oaks Overlook, which is 6.4 miles away. True to its name, the Oaks Overlook has a stand of oaks. Stops along the way include Hensley Hollow and Baldface Mountain. Because this portion within Rockingham County is half the distance of the other, we recommend adding it at the end of your day or saving it for a second trip. The sunset views of the southern stretch may capture your imagination – and cause you to linger.
Bring along children’s books about trees and leaves, and match the leaf with the color that they are seeing in the distance.
Show your children the trees that are up close and, using a pencil and a notebook, have them trace the fallen leaves, and then label them with name and location. As you move from overlook to overlook, you can trace one type of leaf at each place. Even if the nearest tree is an evergreen, and not a deciduous tree, you can include the needles and cones in your project.
Take a photograph of each view, which can be made into a collage later. Just remember to photograph the overlook sign before you take your pictures – that way you won’t get confused about the locations.
Adults can have a project, too! Fans of watercolors can sketch each view, perhaps putting simple lines in for the horizon and the mountains, and then using color washes to represent the leaves. The result can be abstract or more realistic. Add in your comments, creating a travel diary.
Stretch your legs! A parking lot for a trailhead is often a short drive from an overlook. You can do nature observation at the beginning of a trail, walking only as far as you are comfortable –just because a loop trail is seven miles long, doesn’t mean you have to do the whole thing! Likewise, the sight of hikers speeding by doesn’t mean you have to walk at that pace. There is plenty to see right where you’re standing.
If you have children, there are SEVERAL activities to make HIKING MORE engaging for them.
COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Front Royal and Warren County have so much to offer. Enjoy a colorful town full of outdoor adventure for the whole family.
WARREN COUNTY
View the colorful fall foliage during a drive through Shenandoah National Park or during a hike on the Appalachian Trail. The entrance to the park is near Front Royal off Route 340.
Camp out under the stars at the Shenandoah River State Park –the 1,600-acre park is situated along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. While there, fish and canoe in the South Fork, enjoy a picnic, ride a bike or a horse and enjoy the views.
Tour historic homes in Front Royal: Belle Boyd Cottage, Balthis House and Ivy Lodge. The cottage is the home of Confederate spy Belle Boyd. Balthis House is the oldest house in town, and the Ivy Lodge houses the Front Royal/Warren County history museum.
Enjoy beverages and food at the wineries, breweries, and meaderies and learn about the history of beer in Virginia at the Beer Museum of Virginia.
Take a stroll in historic downtown Front Royal –there’s plenty to see and do, from murals painted on outside business walls to boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Front Royal is the gateway to the Shenandoah National Park and the beautiful Skyline Drive. With more than 105 miles of breathtaking views, over 70 overlooks for photos and nearly 75 trails for all types of adventurers, this is a stop that cannot be missed. Be sure to check out the National Park Service website for more information about admission deal days and other events.
Our hidden gem is absolutely the Shenandoah River State Park, known as the Raymond “Andy” Guest State Park. Nearly 9 miles south of town, this park is over 1,600 acres of scenic views and river access with over 5 miles of river front recreation. We can’t stress enough that you must stop at Cullers Overlook – you won’t be disappointed. Speaking of natural wonders, how do you feel about heading below ground? Skyline Caverns was discovered in 1937, with the caverns opening in 1939 to the public. The tours below ground last nearly an hour and your guide will give you history and geology facts along the way. They are also home to one of the largest anthodite collections left in nature – including the oldest known to man. The caverns are a cool 54 degrees yearround, so we strongly encourage you to check this one out on a hot day.
With two forks of the Shenandoah River winding across the county, we have plenty of opportunities on the water. Whether it’s kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, fishing, or canoeing, we’ve got you covered. Did we mention we are the canoe capital of Virginia? Our community is chock full of experts in water fun, such as Downriver Canoe Company, Front Royal Outdoors, and more.
Perhaps following your tastebuds through town is more your speed? We have a wide variety of restaurants, many of which are locally owned, that can take you on a journey all your own, including The Apple House Restaurant and Gift Shop. This family owned restaurant has been serving local residents and visitors for 60 years, so be sure to stop by for a delicious home-cooked meal. From all-American and diner fare to Indian, Thai, and so much more. We’re pretty sure you want to start your day with an apple cider doughnut from the Apple House in Linden. Not to mention we’re world famous for our homegrown pizza sensation, Melting Pot Pizza. And if you need a sweet treat, be sure and stop in to Spelunkers for custard or C&C Frozen Treats for the most unique flavors you could encounter!
Did we mention we are home to seven wineries, two breweries, and two meaderies, just to name a few. Whether it’s an uncommon flavor, a relaxing atmosphere, or something more, our Warren County watering holes have just what you’re looking for.
Maybe getting in 18 holes is more your outdoor style? We have four golf courses right here in our backyard. Blue Ridge Shadows, Front Royal Golf Club, Shenandoah Valley Golf Club and Sly Fox Golf Club are each unique experiences, with award-winning courses and delicious food!
We have plenty of distinctive shopping and creative spaces, too. With a whole host of boutique shops for clothing, gifts, crafts, and more –it’s hard to believe you couldn’t find something. Our historic downtown has a vibrant mural collection nestled amongst our shopping and dining hub. Not to mention our classic movie theater, arcade, art galleries and more – Main Street is not to be missed.
