Escape to Shenandoah National Park

BY GARY BENNETT Special to The News-Post

We are so lucky to live where we live. Central Maryland is just a stone’s throw away from beaches, big cities, bucolic countryside, iconic rivers and trails, Revolutionary and Civil War history and, of course, the oldest mountains in America.

We are all trying to mitigate the hottest summer on record here in the lowlands, but like me, you might just be ready to plan your escape to the cooler climes of our nearby mountains.

The mountains of Western Maryland are easy to get to but small. The ones in West Virginia are larger and more rugged but too far away for a quick trip. Luckily, we have the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia right next door. Nothing says mountain retreat more to me than a weekend getaway to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Shenandoah National Park covers 311 square miles in Northern Virginia from Front Royal to Waynesboro, encompassing 196,000 acres of pristine wilderness. It was established in 1935 and designed for everyday Americans in their newfangled motor cars to experience the allure and grandeur of the mountains. The peaks range from about 2,000 feet at the beginning and end of the park to 3,700 feet near the middle at aptly-named Skyland near Thorofare Mountain. Small, when compared to the Rocky Mountains, but much older.

Shenandoah is a long and relatively skinny park that boasts world-famous Skyline Drive. It is the focus and hopping off point for all the best park attractions. A national scenic byway, Skyline Drive is Shenandoah National Park for most people. It famously meanders back and forth across the tops of the peaks and runs right down the center of the park for over 100 miles.

Skyline Drive is famous for providing access to beautiful mountain vistas that would otherwise be unobtainable for most of us. You’ll want to take advantage of over 75 scenic overlooks, with names like Gooney Run, Hogwallow Flats, Stoney Man, Hawksbill Gap and Naked Creek. You might be tempted to stop at each one to take in all the sights, sounds and fresh air. You’ll see the Shenandoah River and Shenandoah Valley to the west and the rolling hills of the Virginia piedmont to the east.

It will take you about three hours to leisurely cover the 100-plus miles from start to finish, but it is well worth it. You won’t feel a need to go any faster than the 35 miles-perhour speed limit. I swear, I can feel my blood pressure decreasing and sensory perception increasing every time I make this drive.

Shortly after entering the park in Front Royal, stop at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center to get your bearings and to pick up a few snacks. Next, take advantage of the many scenic overlooks. A particular favorite of mine is Hogback Overlook, looking west to the valley and George Washington National Forest. If you’d like to stretch your legs, try Hawksbill Summit, which rewards you with a couple of hidden waterfalls and a breathtaking peak that is easy to climb. Many Skyline Drive trails connect with the Appalachian Trail. Please note there is a fee to enter the park, whether you are staying or simply driving through. As of this writing, the fee for a private car is $30, which includes unlimited entry and exit for up to seven days. Throughout the year, there are some free days. Consult goshenandoah. com for more information.

Getting There

It couldn’t be easier to get to Shenandoah National Park.

Simply drive west and then south on Route 340 right out of Frederick for about an hour and a half, covering about 70 miles to the doorstep of the park in Front Royal, Virginia. No other roads are necessary. Along the way, enjoy peaceful country scenery, plentiful farm stands and country stores, the charm of Charlestown, West Virginia, and Winchester, Virginia, and more beautiful red maple trees and mountain laurel than you can count.

When To Go

This is completely up to you, because every season offers something spectacular. You simply can’t go wrong.

Spring comes late to this part of the country, and a definite chill fills the air until late May. It has been known to snow as late as early June.

Summer brings a shining clarity to all the deep greens in the ridges and hollows. Birds are nesting and seem to sing nonstop from early morning to early evening. Skies are clear blue with white puffy clouds seeping in around the peaks.

Autumn is prime time at Shenandoah National Park, when a coolness and crispness fills the air. Brilliant fall colors seem to burst from the trees. Hikers abound. Birds are at their most active, preparing for their southward migration.

Even winter offers a quiet, snowcovered stillness that is hard to forget.

What To Do

One can do very little at the park and feel completely content. Stop along the side of Skyline Drive at one of the many picnic areas and enjoy a quiet lunch. Curl up in your cabin with a favorite book. Snooze the day away at one of many comfy loungers available at camps and visitor’s center.

For the more adventurous among us, you can hike on over 500 miles of trails, including the Appalachian Trail, which cuts a large swath through the park.

Waterfall chasing and bird watching during the day and stargazing at night are two of the more popular activities.

I highly recommend taking in any programs the park rangers offer. Their knowledge and love of the park is palpable. Plus, they have all the best stories to tell.

At the two park resorts, Skyland and Big Meadows, you can take advantage of expertly prepared programs. Note that some are free when staying at the resorts and some require paying an extra fee.

Some Of My Favorite Activities

n Map and compass navigation — Guides take away your technology and you must fend for yourself. Don’t worry. You can do it. n Horseback riding – It’s about $60 for one hour at Skyland, but trust me, one hour will be enough time to see the sights from a whole new perspective. n Rock climbing — Don’t worry. They have excursions (and rocks) appropriate for both novices and experts. n Basket-making — A local artisan will lead you in making your very own white oak basket. n The ever-popular whiskey and wine shuttle takes you down to the lowlands to relax, partake and listen to stories about the park along the way.

Where To Stay

Shenandoah National Park features varied lodging options for every taste, from back-country camping to city-slicker glamping. If you wish, you can pitch a tent in the back country or stay at a spacious, luxurious lodge at one of the two park resorts: Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge.

The park also has four campgrounds that are operated by the National Park Service and are open spring through fall: n Mathews Arm Campground (at mile 22.2) n Big Meadows Campground (at mile 51) n Lewis Mountain Campground (at mile 57.2) n Loft Mountain Campground (at mile 79.5)

Skyland Resort is about 41 miles into your trip on Skyline Drive and is located at the park’s highest peak, about 3,700 feet high.

Big Meadows Lodge is located just a few miles down the road from Skyland and is just a bit lower in elevation. It features beautiful Dark Hollows Falls and the handy Byrd Visitor Center.

Lodging at both resorts range from premium hotel-like rooms and suites to small, detached cabins. They even have pet-friendly rooms.

Summer prices range from about $150 per night for a cabin with two double beds and very few amenities to about $400 a night for a preferred room with all the amenities you’d expect at a fine hotel. Adults 62 and older receive a 10% discount. Military members and first responders also qualify for special rates. Prices go up a bit in the fall.

I recommend you go with a rustic cabin to get a better mountain retreat experience. Some rooms have TVs and some don’t. Ditch the TV and other technology and instead play a board game to pass the evening, at least until it’s time to stargaze.

Of course, you’ll want a fireplace,

(See SHENANDOAH 17)

”HUE: An Ode to Color” — through Aug. 25, Gallery 44, 44 S. Bentz St., Frederick. Multimedia art exhibit that explores color in art in a myriad of ways by seven DMV area artists. Open by appointment only. gallery44south@ gmail.com or gallery-44.com.

“The Power of Color” — through Aug. 27, Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Artist Lynn Hotes exhibits her colorful abstract paintings. She works in acrylics, oils, pastels and pencil sketching and loves portraiture and architectural themes. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. eastsidearts313@gmail.com.

”Textile Art” — through Aug. 27, Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. Part of the Wine and Art Series, featuring yarn and canvas textile creations by artist and art teacher Christine Williams. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends or by appointment. linksbridgevineyards. com.

”Over 70 Show” — through Aug. 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media. A signature of the Delaplaine’s Creative Aging Month, this annual exhibition celebrates local artists over age 70 and showcases a wide range of styles, techniques, and interests. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”Heavy Metal” — through Aug. 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Oil paintings by Raymond Burns. Easily mistaken as merely utilitarian and unattractive, Burns hopes to elevate the character

Peabody

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“The first and second floor has the option for us to potentially do some group classes as well,” she explained. “So there’s just a lot of potential for us to build what we do particularly well, which are private lessons and group classes and teaching music.”

At the launch, Peabody teachers will offer private lessons in violin, viola, cello, guitar and piano for all ages and skill levels.

“The goal for us is to hire musicians and provide work for people in Frederick and around that area, as opposed to a Baltimore City teacher who’s traveling to Frederick,” she said. “We’re really building a cohort of faculty, and students and the beauty that exists in the form, color and texture of railroad equipment, engines, cabooses, boxcars, and railroad structures in various states of use and decay. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

“Bedwetter” — through Aug. 27, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Work by Phyllis Mayes and Lily Sellers, daughter of gallery member Annie Quinlan. Noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240-367-9770, nomagalleryfrederick.com.

Pat Scull: “Outside-In, Inside-Out” — through Aug. 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. With influences from fossils, crystals and bones and an examination of the forced life of insolation and interruption in the pandemic, Pat Scull’s paintings and sculptures use both the microscopic and telescopic resources of human perception to think about where humanity fits within the cosmos. Hours:9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

“Truth” by Robin Davisson — through Aug. 27, DISTRICT Arts, 15 N. Market St., Frederick. Featured artist Robin Davisson’s lyrical, process-driven work is rooted in eclectic curiosity and the material surprises she discovers working with her finely-developed visual vocabulary. districtarts.com/ robin-davisson.

”On Beauty and Revolution” — through Aug. 27, Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Featuring the work of Sasa

Aakil. For gallery hours, call 301-4737680.

“The Hot Button” — through Aug. 27, Hot Button Gallery, 129 E. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. Carol Williams exhibits textiles and poster art that reflect her passion for social responsibility through artistic communication. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The artist will be available for conversation at these times. anothercarolwilliams.com.

Crestwood Gallery Spring Exhibit — through Sept. 8, Crestwood Center, 7211 Bank Court, Frederick. Original artwork including photography, watercolors, oil, acrylic, mixed media and wood carvings by Frederick artists. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240215-1460, frederickhealth.org/ crestwoodart.

”Mandy Chesney is gaudy” — through Sept. 10, Black Rock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown. Baltimore resident’s first solo show, born in Mississippi. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Reception and artist talk 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 18. 301-528-2260 or blackrockcenter.org.

”Landscapes & Legends of Norway: William Singer & His Contemporaries” — through Sept. 17, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. This exhibition uses Singer’s work and that of his contemporaries in the museum collection to look at the impact of Norway on the imaginations of various artists. A series of watercolors depicting Norse legends (yes, Loki and Thor) by American artist Frank Morse Rummel are also a highlight of the exhibition. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301739-5727 or wcmfa.org. would have access to what we do at the main campus. Replicating in Frederick what happens at the main campus is really what our goal and vision is.”

”Treasures of State: Maryland’s Art Collection” — through Oct. 22, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. This collaborative exhibition, coorganized with the Maryland State Archives, features over 90 American and European paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and decorative arts from 1750 to present. Notable artists represented include the Peales, Jasper Cropsey, Thomas Wilmer Dewing, George Inness, Hugh Bolton Jones, Eastman Johnson, Giuseppe Ceracchi, and Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-739-5727 or wcmfa.org.

”This Majestical Roof: Impressions of Sky” — through Oct. 28, Gallery 50, 50 W. Main St., Waynesboro, Pa., Eight artists participating. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and by appointment. artsalliancegw.org.

Mathieson said there will be a fulltime campus manager employed for the site, and as offerings increase, more staff will be added.

Private lessons are now being accepted for weekly lessons that will begin in September. Students will receive 32 lessons over the course of the academic year and will have the opportunity to perform in repertoire classes and recitals, as well as broader Peabody Preparatory school-wide programs.

Mathieson said the long-term goal is to see all of the Peabody Preparatory programs offered

Learn More

To find out more about classes at The Peabody Preparatory at The Y Arts Center at 115 E. Church St., Frederick, go to peabody.jhu. edu/preparatory.

elsewhere also being offered in Frederick — “being able to offer every instrument, being able to have good, healthy group classes that support our private lessons instructions, and maybe even looking at some of our larger scale programs, our orchestra programs,” she said.

Mathieson also hopes to bring the Tuned-In program to Frederick, which is a major scholarship program that is offered at the downtown Baltimore campus. She would like to provide a scholarship program for students in need and who might not otherwise have access to music education.

Colville said this partnership shows the importance of the arts and humanities.

“To the Frederick community, I think it demonstrates that we have the ability to recruit top-talented organizations and instructors that work and support those organizations to come to Frederick,” she said, “and that they see Frederick as a growing market for that type of talent, which I think is pretty cool.”

Crystal Schelle is a journalist whose work has been published locally, regionally and nationally. She enjoys trivia, cats and streaming movies.