Friendly City brings smiles to all

Family friendly fund awaits visitors to city

There are many ways to spend the day in Harrisonburg, Virginia, but with new art displays in the area, here is a kid-friendly day trip idea.

n At the Heritage Bakery & Café located at 212 S Main St., Isabelle n Harrisonburg is called the Friendly City. Passers-by smile, and a shopkeeper will start a conversation. This year, that openness is shown in a series of painted “Inclusion” doors that are spread across the downtown area. One of the doors, of a woman in African dress pouring tea, is displayed on the patio of the Heritage Bakery & Café. Another, “Our Little World,” includes a tree and woodland creatures and stands in front of the nearby public library. n Inside the three-story Explore More Discovery Museum, located at 150 S. Main St., executive director and founder Lisa Shull said that this museum is a fabulous, all-bases covered operation. On the weekdays, camps go on in some rooms as public visitation takes place in the large expanses of themed areas.

Rento, baker and co-owner, turns a small round cake in her hands, chocolate with a cherry on top. Families eat breakfast, inside and outside, children at almost every table.

At the counter, you see blueberry muffins and rich breakfast pastries. Behind, a collection of teapots, some floral, none matching, sit on a shelf. Nearby you can spot a turquoise mixer. Meanwhile, within the preparation area, a young man measures out liquid from a bottle.

One of the options is lox on a bagel, complete with capers.

The Heritage Bakery & Café is located within the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center, so there is plenty of parking (up to four hours), restrooms with baby changing stations — and maps and water bottle refills.

Children can dip into the free Valley Turnpike Museum to examine a diorama. Miniature people, cows, and horses roam downtown Harrisonburg in 1862.

The project, called “Opening Doors: the Art of Inclusion,” has a brochure and an app to allow people to track all twenty artworks. The artworks, which are cheerful, colorful and direct, have a sense of whimsy that can appeal to children.

The museum is a testament to the strength of the Harrisonburg community, because dozens of businesses have donated to the cause. There is a small plane and a real emergency vehicle, both offering children pretend play. Not only is there a theatre for live drama, complete with a curtain, but there’s also a puppet theater with a selection of animal puppets and a TV station with screens. A veterinary station provides areas to give a pet a medical examination and then to groom them. There are stuffed animals to represent pets: a rabbit, a cat and a dog. Kits interact with it, like a little girl that ran her finger over the ear of the dog as part of her examination.

Big teeth are on display at a dentistry station, and bouncing balls teach children about money in another area. In addition, there are snack tables for families on two floors. You are allowed to bring in your own food.

“We tell parents to follow their children’s cues,” Lisa Shull said. “In the kitchen, you can be on the receiving end of the meals they serve. You can also simply observe your children interacting with other children. You learn a lot that way. In some areas, you can be more active, helping them understand the information.” n If you have a child interested in firefighters, you can head to the Fire Department Museum in the Building of Public Safety in downtown Harrisonburg. Children fascinated with spies might also be intrigued, because you need clearance to enter the elevator. In the lobby of the building, you go up to an official behind a plastic barrier, and you are handed a pass. Next, you swipe the pass within the elevator to take you up to the museum.

For families with both older and younger children, there is Maker City, a Maker’s Space where children ages 8 and up can be left in the care of adult activity leaders on staff. That’s a system that allows you to wander with your younger children, as your older children do carpentry projects, electronics, computergenerated projects and more.

Also of interest: The Explore More Discovery Museum is gearing up for its big 20th anniversary birthday party on October 14. Throughout the year, they will have special events in honor of their milestone.

Once inside, there are two large rooms appropriate for children. The adjacent corridors have text and displays for adults and not for children. In the two main rooms children can see old firefighting uniforms, carriages, bells and water hoses. They can try on child-size equipment and ring a bell. They cannot, however, slide down the pole, though touching is allowed. n Walking from the Fire Museum to lunch, passersby can see ducks near Liberty Park and a pollinator garden. n Back to South Main Street, there is plenty of artwork along the way. Eventually, one can slip into Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Company, which offers free samples, located at 102 S. Main St. There is salty caramel popcorn. On the street there are several stores to peek into. The Agora Downtown Market is made up of individual vendors and stores, there’s something for everyone. There is also Alakazam Toys for kids, with its sparkling marbles, dressup swords, stickers and puppets. Parents may peruse vintage clothing, including 1970s longsleeved shirts of every color and shine.

The Fire Museum, which is free, is located at101 N. Main Street, 3rd floor.

Magpie Diner is located across railroads tracks, in an unusually-shaped building that was once a tire store. Sometimes a railroad car is sat idle to the north of the restaurant. Magpie Diner itself, decorated in stark black and offwhite, has both style and substance. The spring pea salad is one of several fresh salad options, but there are different types of menu items.

The Green Goddess Grilled Cheese would be a great choice for children willing to abandon plain American cheese. The green goddess dressing is mild, and the texture is melt-in-yourmouth. Magpie also bakes its own bread and runs a bakery adjacent to the restaurant. Sweet tea with a straw of black swirls adds to the atmosphere of industrial chic.

The waitress at the diner confided that children usually order the all-day breakfast pancakes and eggs.

The patio gives ample room for a family to spread out, and the tables offer umbrellas.

Magpie Diner is located at 85 W. Gay St.

– By Alexandria Searls

Fastfacts

NAMESAKES

Page County: John Page, governor of Virginia from 1802-1805, formed from Shenandoah and Rockingham counties.

FOUNDED 1831

A charming and relaxing trip

Breathtaking views, winding roads highlight relaxing destination

Travel the winding country roads through the mountains into the charming towns of Luray, Shenandoah and Stanley on a day trip to Page County, Virginia.

One can enjoy the wide variety of activities and breathtaking views the county has to offer around every corner. Formed in 1831, Page County is set between the Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains, and is part of the greater Shenandoah Valley.

Located about 90 miles west of Washington, D.C., Page County is close enough for a day trip, yet it’s remote enough that visitors can truly escape and relax from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city. Each town in Page County has a wide variety of things to offer visitors from downtown boutique shops, to restaurants and outdoor recreations.

A Relaxing Day In Luray

With so many hidden gems tucked away within Page County, one can start to imagine a trip of relaxation with cool classy eats.

In the morning, the drive into town can be an early scenic one, driving with the sun rise, but coffee and breakfast are close. Parking just off Main Street in Luray, one can stumble across the Gathering Grounds Patisserie nternet cafe. It serves breakfast sandwiches for something quick or a sit-down breakfast option to enjoy the atmosphere on the patio or inside, while drinking a cappuccino. After breakfast and coffee, it’s a short ride to The Seasons Spa at the Mimslyn Inn. The spa offers many services. A stay can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

“A lot of care, mindfulness, and attentiveness goes into a client’s spa treatment,” stated Rich Sitorius, spa manager and lead spa therapist of 12 years. “Giving that same quality of work with every client is important in creating a trusting, safe environment which continues to bring clients back to the spa.”

In the afternoon, a light lunch can be found at Asian Station, which offers different daily specials based on what ingredients are in the kitchen, along with freshly made sushi and a handful of other Asian food classics. Located directly next to the train tracks, it’s possible to watch a train go by.

The rest of the afternoon, one can walk Main Street in Luray, shopping in all of the boutique shops like the Virginia Gift Shop or Nest and Hive, and many others. If it’s warm out and a beverage is needed while walking downtown shopping, Compass Tea is a small tea shop with teas from around the world and is a place one can take a rest from walking. Compass Tea has small boutique gifts with homemade jewelry to shop from as well. After a rest and a tea, the shopping and walking can continue until it is time for dinner. Ending the day at the Watch and Warrant for dinner, the decor and food presentation gives the feeling of being in an upscale restaurant, especially on the second floor of the restaurant with its amazing views of downtown Luray and the mountain backdrop. The food choices range from wings to a charcuterie board; burgers to prime rib, making a meal as simple or fancy as chosen. After dinner and dessert, if there is still time before heading home for the night, one can grab a drink at the bar.

A Trip Down To The Caverns

Starting the day a little bit later, arriving for lunch time on Main Street in downtown Luray, one can find the Ollie Cat Cafe, which is an American-style sandwich shop that offers a variety of appetizers, salads and sandwiches, along with specialty adult beverages.

After lunch is wrapped up, one can head to the underground to explore the limestone caves of the Luray Caverns. Although discovered in 1878, the caverns are explored again with each new visitor. A full tour through the caverns is about an hour. here are many formations like “The Great Stalacpipe Organ,” which is the world’s largest musical instrument. A ticket to the caverns will also get one entrance to the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, the Shenandoah Heritage Village and the Toy Town Junction.

For more adventure fun, outside there is a half-mile walk through the Garden Maze or climb new heights at the Rope Adventure Park.

After working up an appetite, dinner can be found not far from the caverns at Dan’s Steakhouse, a restaurant that has been part of the Luray community and family owned since 1949. Choose from one of the many cuts of beef for a steak dinner.

If there is room after dinner for an ice cream treat, at Main Street Favors, located on Main Street in Luray before heading out of town, The Blue Stuff ice cream flavor is a popular option.

A Horseback Ride In Stanley

A combination of adventure and relaxation might create a balance while visiting Page County.

Begin the morning in Stanley at The Coffee Shop with a specialty coffee and pastry for a light breakfast. The welcoming committee one receives upon entering the little cafe is filled with greetings of gratitude. With coffee in hand, it is a quick drive to a pre-reserved horseback ride at Jordan Hollow Stables.

There is a view of the mountains and the sounds from Hawksbill Creek on the hourand-a-half-long trail ride.

“Our stable is loved by so many, not just because of the trail rides but because of our other animals here, like the turkey who greets everyone,” said Lisa Cubbage, co-owner of the stable. “And we rescue horses to use for the trail rides. Those are the best horses for the kids to ride.”

After the trail ride ends, lunch is available at the Hawksbill Diner for an American and Southern-style lunch while still in Stanley.

After lunch, drive up to the Thornton Gap entrance station in Luray to take a scenic drive on Skyline Drive. Wined through Shenandoah National Park going south to Swift Run Gap entrance station in Elkton, stopping at any of the scenic markers to take in the views and snap a photo or two. Once off Skyline Drive, travel back to the town of Shenandoah for dinner at Rudy’s Diner, a local favorite with American-style food and daily specials and plenty of dessert.

Page County truly has something for many outings, and no matter what one chooses to do on a day trip , experiences will be had and memories will be made.

— By Gabriele Paonessa

Fast Facts Namesakes

Berkeley County: Most historians believe the county was named for Norborne Berkeley, Baron de Botetourt (1718–1770), Colonial Governor of Virginia from 1768 to 1770.

FOUNDED 1772

Heart of the Eastern Panhandle

Historic B&O Roundhouse, geocaching big draws for travelers

When visiting the Eastern Panhandle, the first stop should be to the historic Belle Boyd house in the historic area of downtown Martinsburg. Once the childhood home of the famous Confederate spy who passed information to Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall“Jackson, the house is now the home of the MartinsburgBerkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Martinsburg-Berkeley CVB has all the information for locals and visitors alike to learn why Berkeley County is the heart of the Eastern Panhandle.

Mark Jordan, executive director for the CVB, said the visitors center “spans through time.” He said that currently, the center is hosting an artist exhibit at the lower level of the Berkeley County Museum.

“People can come in not only to see the history of the area, but also view some local artists’ work.” He said, “We don’t sell it. It is just for viewing, with information about the artists and how to get in touch with them.”

As with many weary travelers, “What’s good to eat” is one of the first questions the visitors center is prepared to answer. Jordan said that having so many established restaurants in Berkeley County has made the job easy to find something everyone in the group will love.

Jordan hopes to encourage “people to get out and recognize what’s in our own backyard.” He said, “We have a lot of great opportunities to bring in visitors and to bring in family members and give them things to do.”

Jordan explained that the Eastern Panhandle and surrounding states offer many opportunities to impress their out-of-town guests with a wide variety of activities.

“We’re so close to everything in Berkeley County.” He explained, “We can stay here in Berkeley County, but we can also go out to Jefferson or Morgan counties. We’re so close to Northern Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania. We’re very fortunate where we are. At the CVB, we promote the area as well.”

Berkeley County has many outdoor activities to interest visitors, such as worldclass golf, disc golf, biking, and kayaking.

Hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of the Berkeley Outdoors Hiking Guide, courtesy of the CVB. They also offer the Berkeley Outdoors Nature Guide. This guide offers readers information about the fauna of the area. They can also learn about the nature preserves, where birding is a common activity.

In addition, the CVB also created a Berkeley County Fishing Guide for those who enjoy casting a line. Sportsmen can find local hunting opportunities in the Berkeley County

Did You Know

Civil War, the facility was rebuilt and went on to become one of the reasons the state of West Virginia was established.

Today, with the support of various organizations, the heart of the Martinsburg Roundhouse is beating once more.

“I am excited that the Roundhouse is going the direction that they are, because a lot of people come into the CVB who want to see the Roundhouse,” said Jordan. “It’s the last of its kind, and not many places can say that, so it’s really special.”

As restorations near completion, the unique space is on the fast track to become of the top event destinations in the area. From intimate events, such as weddings, to large-scale productions, the Roundhouse will have much to offer anyone who has the opportunity to visit.

Hunting Guide

One of the most alluring draws for Berkeley County is the excitement of geocaching. Visitors from all around have made this the number one county in West Virginia for the activity. Geocaching is a treasure hunt that combines the use of GPS technology with the great outdoors.

“At the CVB, we have a lot of people coming in for our history,” said Jordan. “We have a lot of rich history in our area. Whether it’s Revolutionary War or Civil War, we have museums that are dedicated to our history, such as the Adam Stephen House.”

Major Gen. Adam Stephen is credited with founding the city of Martinsburg. Visitors can visit his colonial home for weekend tours from April through October.

Just a short distance away is the Martinsburg Roundhouse and Caperton Train Station.

Visitors who come to Berkeley County by the Amtrak/Marc Commuter train will pass the Adam Stephen House and arrive at one of the oldest functioning commuter rail stations – the Caperton Train Station.

The Historic B&O Roundhouse is one of the most impressive reasons to visit Martinsburg. After enduring a fire in the

The Roundhouse will also be the new home of the Martinsburg Farmers Market. Vendors with locally produced goods will be available Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning June to October.

Work is currently underway to address increasing access to the Roundhouse.

“They are working on that,” said Jordan. The Frog Hollow Trail is becoming active and once that becomes connected, people can walk and access it.”

“Things are looking up for Martinsburg as a city. It’s becoming easily accessible and the quality of life – for Berkeley County and Martinsburg itself – they’re looking at that and they’re addressing any issues there might have been, and that’s exciting. People are coming, and they expect certain things as visitors and they’re trying to meet those needs.”

The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau is located at 126 E. Race Street in downtown Martinsburg. Please visit www.travelwv.com or call 304264-8801 for more information.