Summer 2020
FREE
Inside... • “Stonewall Country” in West Virginia • Mountain Rail Adventures • Virginia Safari Park’s Rare Rhinos • Smith Mountain Lake
Visit us online at: shenandoahvalleyguide.com
Your Guide to the Mountains & Foothills of the Virginias
In this Issue... 2 Table of Contents 3 Cottages at Montfair Resort Farm 4 Welcome to West Virginia 6 Lewis County: Stonewall Country 8 Shepherdstown 10 Mountain Rail Adventures 12 Welcome to Virginia 14 Winchester-Frederick County 16 Centerfold Map 18 Rockingham County 20 Augusta Military Academy Museum 21 Stonewall Jackson House and VMI 22 Rare Rhinos at Virginia Safari Park Virginia Mountains Region (See the blue pages starting on p. 23.) 23 Alleghany Highlands 24 Bath County 26 Salem 28 Bedford 30 Smith Mountain Lake
ON OUR COVER: Silver Lake in Dayton, VA Photo by Joshua Gooden. See pp. 18 & 19 for story.
Summer 2020 Allen Publishing 30 Overlook Circle Palmyra, Virginia 22963 Phone: 434-960-9115 Publisher Edward P. Allen, Jr Art Director Adam McBryde Editor and Account Executive Michelle Scott scott@shenandoahvalleyguide.com 540-817-9075 Contributing Writers Renee Bayliss, Joshua Gooden, David Mikula, Nicole Johnson, Christopher Finley www.shenandoahvalleyguide.com Shenandoah Valley and Beyond is published four times a year and is available free of charge, at over 300 locations in Virginia and West Virginia. All creative material and text in this publication are the property of Allen Publishing, and are intended for reference use only. Reproduction without written permission of the publisher is forbidden.
Lake Moomaw in the Alleghany Highlands. See p. 23 for story.
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Š2020, Allen Publishing, LLC
Cottages at Montfair Resort Farm Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Montfair Resort Farm is a picturesque and relaxed destination for staycations, weddings and events. The wooded property offers nine eco-friendly cedar vacation cottages overlooking a small lake and stocked with all the amenities of home including self- catering kitchens, cookware, organic coffee and teas as well as Wi-Fi. Onsite outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, bikes, fishing, birdwatching, and stargazing. Stay in place for a few days of relaxation or enjoy a weeklong vacation with plenty of space to social distance, fresh air and room for kids to run. Make Montfair your home base to explore stunning day hikes in the Shenandoah National Park, cook your own meals in your cottage kitchen or enjoy great take out from local restaurants. Local wineries, breweries, cider works, distilleries all offer curbside pickup and you can pre- order produce from local farmers markets. Many stores and restaurants are beginning to open with 50% occupancy. Access into the Choice Award. Open year ‘round. See Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive is a Montfair website for special COVID Safety short 25 minute drive. Montfair’s lakeside Precautions. Events Lodge and deck are a beautiful setting for weddings, family reunions and retreats. Montfair is celebrating 55 years of eco- friendly recreation in the community and is located 30 minutes from Charlottesville and 15 minutes from Crozet, Virginia. Excellent TripAdvisor Rating and 2020 “Wedding Wire” Couples
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Lewis County, WV
Legendary Adventures Await You in Lewis County, WV – Stonewall Country!
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Lewis County, WV Located in the heart of West Virginia, Stonewall Country is easy to get to and hard to forget. Famous as the boyhood home of General Stonewall Jackson, you will discover a region rich with legendary history, outdoor recreation, arts and culture. Enjoy the best muskie fishing in the state. Tour the TransAllegheny Lunatic Asylum, the largest handcut stone masonry building in North America. Shop at West Virginia’s largest yard sale. Play 18 championship holes designed by Arnold Palmer at Stonewall Resort. Enjoy daily glass blowing demonstrations at Appalachian Glass. Dare to take scariest paranormal tour in the region. Enjoy a tour and tasting at Lambert’s Vintage Wines, or if you like your spirits a little stronger, visit ManCave Distilling. Stonewall Country is the ideal destination for history lovers. Discover the boyhood home of General Stonewall Jackson at Jackson’s Mill. Learn about the prominent role West Virginians have played in our nation’s military at the Mountaineer Military Museum. Trace your heritage at the Central WV Genealogical & Historical Library/Museum.
Built in the fashion of the Adirondack lodges of the 1920s and nestled in 1,900 acres of the state’s most picturesque countryside, Stonewall Resort features an Arnold Palmer designed champion golf course, a soothing and delightful full-service spa, and plenty of amenities for the whole family, including a full-service marina. Stonewall Country is home to the best muskie fishing in the state on Stonecoal Lake and great small mouth bass fishing on Stonewall Jackson Lake. With 1,900 acres of pristine state park grounds, it is an outdoor lovers paradise. Enjoy a full-service marina and boat rentals on the 2,600 acre Stonewall Jackson Lake, a favorite spot for boaters and skiers. Paddle the 75 mile West Fork River Water Trail for another way to enjoy the great outdoors. These and other legendary adventures await you in Lewis County. The destination for your next unforgettable get-away needs to be Stonewall Country.
Jackson’s Mill – The Boyhood Home of General Stonewall Jackson
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Stonewall Country Glass Blowing at Appalachian Glass
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Golfing at Stonewall Resort
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Shepherdstown , WV It’s easy to see why Shepherdstown is called one of the best small Southern towns and one of the best weekend getaways! Visitors will find a lively downtown with coffee shops, casual and fine dining restaurants, one of a kind boutique shopping and a variety of lodging options. A university town and home to the world-renowned Contemporary American Theater Festival, held during the month of July; the American Conservation Film Festival and live music of every kind, Shepherdstown provides a cultural experience equal to big city quality in a small-town setting. Drop by O’Hurley’s General Store any Thursday evening to hear free, live, traditional folk and dance music for a true step back in 18th-19th Century time. History, culture, and outdoor activities abound in West Virginia’s oldest town, where the steamboat was invented in 1787. Backroads and trails attract cyclists, hikers and runners with easy access to the C & O Canal. The Potomac River is perfect for a day of kayaking, fishing or just relaxing.
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Dining at the Bavarian Inn
European elegance is found nestled on limestone bluffs overlooking the Potomac River in the Alpine-styled Bavarian Inn, offering 72 elegantly appointed rooms featuring fireplaces and whirlpools. Perched on cliffs 101 feet above the Potomac River are the Infinity Pool and outdoor bar. Guests interested in a casual dining experience can eat in the Rathskeller Lounge or the new Bavarian Brothers Brewing Pub, both offering the same award-winning international cuisine and traditional German entrees as the main dining rooms, in addition to a special menu in the brew pub. The Bavarian Inn boasts a first-class wine cellar and impeccable service to hotel and dinner guests all located within walking distance of all Shepherdstown sites and activities. Stop by the Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau for a brochure featuring over fifty sites to see on a walking tour of the County and check-in with the Shepherdstown Visitors Center for additional local information and a calendar of upcoming Shepherdstown’s events and festivals.
Cass Scenic Railroad
Brewing at the Bavarian Inn and Lodge
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Mountain Rail Adventures In the highlands of West Virginia, there’s a spiderweb of scenic rail lines used to haul passengers to some of West Virginia’s most remote and picturesque locations. Once used to haul timber and coal off the Appalachians and into small rural towns, these rail lines have been preserved for a new purpose: entertaining tens of thousands of visitors each year.
with one of our seasonal events such as the Ramps & Rails Festival, an Easter-themed Cottontail Express, Bluegrass specials, or something festive like the Polar Express! And the fun doesn’t end even as the trains stop running. In Elkins, our MountainRail packages partner with other local attractions for theatre, dining and lodging partnerships for a true weekend getaway.
The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, The Durbin Rocket a company founded in 1997, and its portfolio of West Virginia MountainRail Adventures, offer train rides from three historic depots in West Virginia - Elkins, Cass, and Durbin. While relatively close in distance, the three depots offer a variety of train rides ranging from 2-hour day trips to overnight destinations, wine trains, and special holiday venues. Seasonal train rides, which typically operate April “It’s more than just a train ride. It’s about through December, afford visitors the creating lifelong memories with your chance to explore many of West Virginia’s kids, your friends, and family by truly experiencing West Virginia and this hidden treasures by rail. beautiful part of the state,” says Chase From Elkins, passengers can travel to High Gunnoe, business development manager at Falls waterfall on the New Tygart Flyer the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. or tour the entire rail line on a 128-mile “From local and unique restaurants to at journey on board the Cheat Mountain least two different theatre productions and Salamander. Both Elkins trips include a local hotels, Elkins is about more than just buffet style lunch for every passenger at a train ride - it’s about exploring and being no additional cost. If you’re looking for an a part of West Virginia’s unique mountain added bonus, plan your trip in coordination heritage for a weekend,” adds Gunnoe.
WEST VIRGINIA. BY RAIL. Book early to save! Ask us about packaging.
CALL 304.636.9477 MTN-RAIL.COM
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Cass Scenic Railroad - Bald Knob
And Elkins isn’t the only destination. If you’re looking for a true mountain getaway, the Cass Scenic Railroad and Durbin may be the destination for you. The Cass Scenic Railroad is a steam locomotive treasure and the home of a former timber hauling railroad and logging community. With more than 100-year-old company houses, remnants of a saw mill, and the largest collection of geared steam ‘Shay’ locomotives, the Cass Scenic Railroad is a household name for West Virginians and a place truly unlike anything else. “Cass is a treasure - there’s really no other way to explain it. You wake up hearing the steam train whistle echo off the hills as you sit on the porch of a company home enjoying a cup of coffee. It’s a beautiful start to the day that just keeps getting better,” says Gunnoe, who was an avid railroad enthusiast and native West Virginian who visited the railroad years prior to working for the company.
Whittaker Camp and to the very top of the mountain at Bald Knob overlook. Bald Knob is West Virginia’s second highest mountain - reaching more than 4,800 feet in elevation. Trains operate through switchbacks and up a 9 percent grade. Whether you’re visiting Elkins for arts and entertainment, history or stepping back in time on the Cass Scenic Railroad for an experience from the early 1900s, West Virginia’s MountainRail Adventures offers a variety of trips that cater to visitors with different objectives and interests. Day trips remain a popular option, but weekend getaways are increasingly popular because they give visitors the chance to experience the area, form a friendship with local tourism folks, and connect with nature.
Learn more about MountainRail Adventures, their vacation options, and more history about the uniqueness of one of West Virginia’s most hidden treasures. www.mountainrail.com and call 304-636The Cass Scenic Railroad takes passengers 9477 for a brochure and other information! to a former logging camp known as
Summer 2020 | www.shenandoahvalleyguide.com
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Welcome to Virginia
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Photo Courtesy of Montfair Resort Farm – see p. 3.
Natural Bridge State Park
Gardens at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley Photo Courtesy State Parks Summer 2020of| Virginia www.shenandoahvalleyguide.com
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Winchester-Frederick County The Winchester area offers numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors – from al fresco dining, to hiking, beautiful gardens, farm markets with wide open spaces, and evenings under the stars at the drive-in theater! The Winchester area offers numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors – from al fresco dining, to hiking, beautiful gardens, farm markets with wide open spaces, and evenings under the stars at the drive-in theater!
Day 2 For breakfast and a great cup of coffee, try bagels at the quirky but tasty Steamy’s Café, indulge with a couple of donuts at Moe’s Donut Shop, or try local favorite Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery. Spend the rest of the morning exploring the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. The museum hosts traveling art exhibitions in addition to interpreting the history and culture of the Shenandoah Valley. Take time to relax and stroll through seven acres of spectacular gardens. From June 23-November 15, 2020, the museum will host David Rogers’ Big Bugs, an outdoor sculpture exhibition of huge bugs!
Day 1 Check into the boutique historic George Washington Hotel in the heart of Old Town Winchester, just feet from the pedestrian mall, with buildings dating back 275+ years. George Washington, Stonewall Jackson, Patsy Cline and many others have walked these same streets. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, stay at the Luxury Inn at Vaucluse Spring or the rustic lakeside cabin at the Cove Head south in the afternoon for a tour Campground, both outside of town. of Belle Grove Plantation, and grab lunch on the way at Shaffer’s BBQ and Market Take a self-guided History & Architecture or West Oaks Farm Market. Belle Grove is walking tour of Old Town (brochures an authentic 1797 Manor House that was available at the Visitors Center), and then the home of Nelly Madison Hite, President grab dinner at any one of the 20+ local James Madison’s sister, and its landscape restaurants, many with outdoor dining. offers panoramic mountain and pastoral After dinner, enjoy a craft beer at one of views. our four craft breweries, try one of our While exploring the county’s country three wineries, or taste cider at Winchester roads, drop by Richard’s Fruit Market for Ciderworks. a refreshing homemade peach milkshake or Marker-Miller Orchards and Bakery for some famous apple cider donuts, baked on site daily. Finally, check out the showtimes at the Family Drive-In Theatre in nearby Stephens City and catch a flick under the stars. Purchase tickets online in advance, they sell out quickly!
Big Bugs” Exhibit at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
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Day 3 Sleep in on your second morning and have brunch on the lakeside patio at Region’s 117, or dine outdoors at Village Square Restaurant or Oak Stone Pizza.
The Family Drive In Theatre in Stephens City
Then head out to for a leisurely paddle on the nearby Shenandoah River or Lake Frederick, enjoy a walk at the State Arboretum of Virginia, or take a hike to the beautiful overlook at Eagle Rock on the Tuscarora Trail. It’s the picture-perfect ending to a refreshing getaway!
Please remember that during this time, our businesses are open, but practicing new safety guidelines. We appreciate your patience and cooperation! By Renee Bayliss
Summer 2020 | www.shenandoahvalleyguide.com
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Elki
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Seneca State Forest
Cass Scenic Railr
Droop Mountain Battlefield Watoga State Park Beartown State Park
Douth State P
Greenbrier State Forest Bluestone State Park
Pipestem Resort State Park
Moncove Lake State Park
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New Castle
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Boones Mill
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To Tennessee Ferrum Fairy Stone State Park Philpott Lake
To Greens
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Berkeley Springs State Park
MORGAN
Cacapon Resort State Park
GRANT
TUCKER
Parsons
Davis
Blackwater Falls State Park
Canaan Valley State Park
ins
Sky Meadows State Park
Lost River State Park
ANDOLPH
Shenandoah River State Park Seven Bends State Park
road
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hat Park
Natural Bridge State Park James River State Park
Holiday Lake State Park
Open to Traffic “H” Corridor
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
WVA State Parks Shenandoah Valley Virginia Mountains Region
sboro, NC
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Rockingham County Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, bounded by two magnificent mountain ranges and the impressive Shenandoah River, Rockingham County is a must see destination that boasts diverse outdoor recreation, thriving cultural attractions, vibrant and inviting small towns, numerous historical attractions, and farm-to-table dining opportunities. Situated just two hours from D.C. and minutes from the George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah National Park, its central location makes it an easy destination for a day, weekend, or weeklong trip.
Tastes for Every Appetite Not only is the area home to bustling farm stands featuring local produce, but it also houses a community of restaurants that bring farm-fresh to life in their unique dishes. Restaurants offer an array of flavors to satisfy everyone’s palate with eateries like The Cracked Pillar, The Dayton Tavern, Ciro’s Italian Eatery, Thomas House, Log Cabin Barbecue, Hanks Grille, Thunderbird Café as well as sweet treats
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from Smiley’s Ice Cream and the Mt. Crawford Creamery. You will not want to miss the opportunity to visit some of the award-winning wineries, cidery, or breweries within Rockingham County. CrossKeys Vineyard, Bluestone Vineyards, Marceline Vineyards, The Purple Wolf Vineyard, and Brix and Columns Vineyards are sure to have something for every palate. Relax with a glass of Cider at Showalter’s Orchard and Greenhouses home of Old Hill Hard Cider. For the beer lovers, check out Cave Hill Farms Brewery or Elkton Brewing Company.
Adventure for any age This vibrant destination boasts a diverse mix of county trails, bike-friendly streets, and challenging mountain bike courses and is designated as a “Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists. Canoeing, kayaking, and tubing with friends or local river outfitters are popular among locals and visitors. Head underground to visit the wonders of nature at Grand Caverns or
Endless Caverns. Whether your preferences range from tame to extreme, Rockingham County has attractions to get your heart pumping, your mind expanding or to let you relax with friends.
Places to Stay After exploring and discovering, rest your head at one of our historic bed and breakfasts, quaint inns or Massanutten Resort. Wherever you choose to stay you will find friendly folks to make sure your visit is pleasant. With over 177,000 acres of National Park and National Forest land, you are sure to find something new every day of the year. Discover your next adventure in Rockingham County!
Upcoming Events: The largest event of the summer is the Rockingham County Fair, slated to take place August 17-22. The Rockingham County Fair is the largest Agricultural Fair in Virginia and is always filled with amazing food, family fun, farm animals and more. For up to date information regarding tickets, specials, and the grandstand line up, visit RockinghamCountyFair.com.
Pulling Contest at the Rockingham County Fair
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Lexington & Rockbridge Augusta Military Academy MuseumCounty The Augusta Military Academy Museum is located in Fort Defiance, Virginia. The Museum Building sits among stately old trees and expansive lawns on the grounds of the now-closed military academy. Fort Defiance is located eight miles north of Staunton on U.S. Route 11, the historic Valley Pike. Charles S. Roller founded Augusta Male Academy in 1874. In the Civil War, he served in Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart’s cavalry and during Reconstruction, he was elected to the Virginia General Assembly, the state’s legislative body. He introduced military instruction and discipline to his students by 1879, and changed the name of the school to Augusta Military Academy in 1890. The school had a major educational, social, and economic impact on this area of the Shenandoah Valley for over 100 years.
of a typical cadet barracks room and a classroom. Another display examines the athletic programs at AMA. In one area of the first floor there is a display featuring AMA graduates who became published authors. Be sure to visit the Gift Shoppe The museum building was built in the too, well-stocked with Virginia items. 1870s by Roller for his family. The original house has been completely and carefully Another room in the museum houses renovated. One of the first floor rooms chronologically arranged material of the museum has been decorated and covering activities at the school from 1900 furnished as a late 1800s Victorian Parlor, until the institution closed in 1984. This and it contains displays showing the early display features an impressive collection days of the military school. Other rooms of uniforms and artifacts. The renovation on the first floor contain a recreation of this Augusta County landmark was accomplished by hundreds of alumni and friends of the Augusta Military Academy through the non-profit AMA Alumni Foundation, Inc. The museum opened to the public in May, 2000. It is open Tuesday thru Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. It is closed on major holidays. The museum can be open at other times by appointment. There is no admission charge, and the facility is handicapped accessible.
The Gift Shoppe at the AMA Museum
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Phone 540-248-3007 more information, or send an email to augustamilitaryacademy@verizon.net
Summer 2020 | www.shenandoahvalleyguide.com
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Virginia Safari Park Rallies for Rare Rhinos
Major conservation efforts made for Rhinos in Natural Bridges, VA. The Virginia Safari Park is located on 180-acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and actively supports the conservation of wildlife worldwide. The Park collaborates with other zoos and field experts to solve the world’s continually changing wildlife concerns, including poaching, pollution, and habitat loss. To date, the facility has provided aid to wildlife in over 130 countries. There is no shortage in animal diversity when guests visit the Virginia Safari Park; some of the most iconic species in the animal kingdom can be found there, including Giraffe, Rhinos, and Penguins. The Park’s most successful conservation story centers around the world’s second largest land mammal, the White Rhino. In the wild, it is estimated that a Rhino is poached every 15 hours. With a long gestation of 16-18 months, it is challenging to maintain stable populations in the wild.
In 2011, the Virginia Safari Park joined other zoological facilities to save this amazing species. Since that time, they have had four successful calves and are expecting two more this fall. To raise awareness, the Virginia Safari Park is offering behind the scenes tours to meet and greet the Rhino residents in honor of World Rhino Day. All tour proceeds will go to supporting anti-poaching efforts to save Rhinos in the wild. Park guests can see the Rhinos when they take a drive through the expansive natural exhibit. Virginia’s only drive-through park also allows guests to feed Elk, Zebra, Bison, Ostrich, Deer, Antelope. With so much to do and see, it is easy to see why the Virginia Safari Park has been repeatedly voted one of the top ten family attractions in the nation. The Virginia Safari Park is privately owned and receives zero tax dollars. Funding for conservation programs is made possible through the continued support of zoo guests. Conservation is fundamental in the Park’s daily operations. Learn more at www.virginiasafaripark.com.
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Lexington Alleghany & Rockbridge County Highlands Go to visitalleghanyhighlands.com, alleghanyhighlandsblueway.com or alleghanyhighlandstrails.com for more information.
Outdoor opportunities are abundant in The Alleghany Highlands of Virginia where approximately 50% of the land is located within National Forest. The Alleghany Highlands Blueway is comprised of two mountain lakes and two scenic rivers that offer great paddling, fishing, and boating opportunities. It is also home to over 100 miles of trails that can lead you to waterfalls, wildflowers, or amazing mountain views. There are trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Douthat State Park is one of the original six Virginia State Parks that opened in 1936 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. At 4,493 acres, the park offers plenty of space for adventure on the trails, and peace and quiet in the campgrounds and cabins. The park’s 50acre lake offers trout fishing, boating and swimming at a sandy beach, but Douthat State Park is perhaps best known for its excellent hiking and mountain biking on 40 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging. If you are looking for your next destination, look no further than Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands where folks are friendly, fish plentiful, outdoor and cultural opportunities abundant. It’s Uniquely Alleghany!
Biking on Middle Mountain in Douthat State Park
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Bath County
Cheers to Unspoiled Mountain Scenery There are many reasons why Bath County is a magical place to explore — unique places to stay, world-class arts and cultural experiences, great dining options, and endless outdoor recreation. Looming large above it all is the magnificent and unspoiled beauty of Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains.
For breakfast or a mid-day snack, sip an espresso paired with home-made pastries. Dinner options range from pizza and sandwiches to gourmet delights. Creative chefs are winning over food lover’s hearts with European-inspired dishes, farm-to-table experiences and amazing seafood. Don’t forget dessert. The pastry chef at The Omni Homestead recently appeared on Food Network.
A great complement to the local culinary community is a growing and thriving beverage scene. Bath County is excited to welcome a winery and cidery. Rock Roadhouse Winery is housed in a historic building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. Outside overlooking the mountains, it may be the most scenic vineyard in Virginia. Troddenvale at Oakley Farms in Warm Springs is revitalizing fruit growing for cider production in Bath County. Both Rock Roadhouse and Troddenvale are available for tours and tastings by appointment. Bacova Beer in Hot Springs may not be new. They have been serving great craft beer for two years. Not surprisingly, it has become a favorite Visitors are beginning to recognize Bath gathering place for visitors and residents. County as a destination for foodies. The culinary scene is as varied as it is sophisticated. One of Virginia’s greatest cultural gems is The mountain scenery has an undeniable effect on visitors. It lifts spirits and melts away stress. A visit to Bath County is a relaxing getaway that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. One of the keys to a relaxing vacation is the impeccable hospitality and charming places to stay. Bath County is home to The Omni Homestead Resort, which opened its doors in 1766, a full decade before the Revolutionary War. There are numerous award-winning Bed & Breakfast Inns, each with its own history and personality. You’ll want to experience all of them. There are also private cabins and homes for rent, some with breathtaking views of the mountains.
Twin Islands Overlook
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tucked away on a beautiful campus in Warm Springs, Virginia. Garth Newel Music Center is a chamber music venue that presents over 50 concerts throughout the year. Performances include the Garth Newel Piano Quartet, as well as renowned guest musicians, and are often paired with gourmet meals prepared by their resident chef. Bath County is the perfect hub for exploring the mountains of Virginia. With exceptional lodging and dining options, it’s exactly where you’ll want to be at the end of a busy day of adventure. There are many miles of hiking and biking trails plus rivers and lakes for paddling and fishing. A favorite way to see the countryside is on a scenic drive. The county is a favorite for motorcyclists and automobile enthusiasts alike because of the peaceful and winding roads. A number of popular driving loops begin and end in Bath
County. A free brochure is available at discoverbath.com. For more than 250 years visitors have been making the journey to Bath County just west of the Shenandoah Valley. One thing that has not changed is the breathtaking beauty. The views are endless and unspoiled. One can easily imagine it is exactly the same as what George Washington and Thomas Jefferson saw centuries ago. There are still no interstates, mega-malls or even a stoplight in Bath County. Visitors seeking a unique vacation experience certainly hope it stays that way. Bath County is located in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia along the border with West Virginia. More information can be found at discoverbath.com By David Mikula
Summer 2020 | www.shenandoahvalleyguide.com
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Salem
Welcome to Salem
- where we completely understand. Whether you are taking in one of these events, exploring the history of Virginia’s Blue Ridge region or enjoying a craft beer from one of the award-winning breweries You will discover that there is plenty to Yes, ways of interacting and participating sample in Salem from Main Street to the may have changed, but the Historic Main Mountains. Street corridor is still a busy place. A visit to the city’s Farmers Market, Lake Spring Park or the Salem Museum is the perfect complement to the variety of unique dining and shopping options throughout Salem. The Salem Museum You will find an array of good eats along with some unique antiques during your visit. This has been a year of uncertainty for all of us, but the opportunities to Safely Shop, Play and Eat throughout the city are still as abundant as ever!
This summer, Salem’s outstanding civic facilities will start playing host to a variety of sports tournaments and music events. Things may not be as close as they once were in these socially distant times, but the cheering and clapping generated when we come together will be a welcome sound for the athletes and musicians.
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Lake Spring Park
Summer 2020 | www.shenandoahvalleyguide.com
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Bedford
Where Ordinary Ends…
Bedford Begins! From the magnificent Peaks of Otter along the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the quaint streets of historic downtown, to the shores of Smith Mountain Lake - Bedford offers outdoor adventure and historical treasures, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or your next vacation destination! In 2019, Smithsonian Magazine named it one of the “15 Best Small Towns to Visit”!
historic downtown Bedford and tour the Bedford Boys Tribute Center. This museum opened in 2019 and features items from the personal collections of the Bedford Boys, who went in on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Historic downtown Bedford also offers a variety of art galleries, shops, antiques, and restaurants that are within easy walking distance from each other in a charming atmosphere of 19th Century buildings. The Bedford Museum, located beside the County Courthouse, showcases Bedford’s rich history. Bedford’s first craft brewery, Beale’s, is also located downtown and features a full-service Perhaps most notably, Bedford is home to the restaurant, indoor/outdoor seating, and National D-Day Memorial, a deeply moving special limited beer releases throughout the tribute to the American and Allied forces that year. fought in the largest amphibious invasion of all time. The Memorial overlooks the Two-hundred years ago, Thomas Jefferson community that suffered the greatest loss per retired from public life and began to spend capita of any in the United States. It creates a time at his private retreat, Poplar Forest, solemn atmosphere for veterans and visitors located in the eastern part of Bedford County. alike to gain insight and learn more about the Named as one of Virginia’s top 10 attractions events that shaped history. The Memorial is by readers of USA Today, Poplar Forest was open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for self-guided built in a grove of poplar trees, and the tours, and it is an outdoor facility. For more octagonal house offers great insight into the information, visit www.dday.org. After your private side of this extraordinary Founding visit, be sure to drive the short distance to Father. Guided tours are available on select “Sharp Top” at the Peaks of Otter in Bedford
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Beale’s Craft Brewery
days. Please visit www.poplarforest.org for more information. Bedford County has more mileage along the Blue Ridge Parkway than any county in Virginia. With multiple exits from the Parkway into Bedford, it is easy to explore the Bedford Wine Trail, apple and peach orchards, local artisan studios, as well as 25+ trails for hiking, biking, wildlife, and horseback riding. You will need more than a day to experience it all, so be sure to check out the many different lodging options that Bedford has to offer.
The “Love” Sign at the Bedford Visitor Center
The Welcome Center is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed some holidays) and offers free Wi-Fi, restrooms, a gift shop, firefighter exhibit, RV parking, picnic tables, electric car charging station, and information about exploring the area. Be sure to snap a photo with our LOVE sign for the perfect photo souvenir of your trip! Share your experiences in Bedford on social media using #LOVEBedfordVA!
Start your visit at the Bedford Area Welcome Center. From the Shenandoah Valley, take exit 150A from I-81 to Route 460 east. The Welcome Center is located at 816 Burks Hill Road (Rt. 460 at Rt. 122). You can also call 540-587-5681 or go to www.destinationbedfordva.com.
Summer 2020 | www.shenandoahvalleyguide.com
By Nicole Johnson
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Smith Mountain Lake Smith Mountain Lake is among the most popular residential, vacation and recreational spots on the East Coast. Set amid the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is a breathtakingly scenic destination with 22,000 acres of crystal-clear water. Vacationers from across the globe come to Smith Mountain Lake during all four seasons to fish, enjoy numerous water sports and play on more than 500 miles of shoreline. And, they usually end up discovering a variety of unexpected delights. Friendly people and genuine hospitality make everyone feel welcome, and with world-class historical sites such as the Booker T. Washington National Monument and the National D-Day Memorial nearby, unique shopping opportunities, fantastic dining and entertainment options, there’s always something new to do.
countless recreational opportunities and a close-knit community of residents. The lake itself and the community of people and businesses around it make the Smith Mountain Lake region an exceptional experience for day trips, weekend getaways and family vacations.
Sound too good to be true? Just wait until you see the beautiful sunsets! Once you visit, you’ll want to make Smith Mountain Lake your home. In fact, this little community of Smith Mountain Lake is thriving, with over 20,000 has grown in large part to the outstanding restaurants and retailers, top- many vacationers who have decided to notch health care and wellness facilities, relocate here permanently. The temperate
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weather, central location and small-town atmosphere make Smith Mountain Lake an excellent place to raise your family, start a business, or just kick back and relax. Visit the Lake online at VisitSmithMountainLake.com to request a visitor guide to help plan your trip! Better yet, stop by the Moneta, Virginia, office located at 16430 Booker T. Washington Highway inside the SML Visitors Center at Bridgewater Plaza or call 540.721.1203. By Christopher Finley
Summer 2020 | www.shenandoahvalleyguide.com
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