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Shenandoah Valley

Appalachia

Bridge

Rockbridge County

P.O. Box 57

U.S. 11

Washington surveyed the Natural Bridge and the site, one of the seven

natural wonders of the world, was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. A hike

beyond the bridge leads to Lace Waterfalls. The Natural Bridge Caverns

hold stalagmites, stalactites, hanging gardens, streams and waterfalls,

which extend 34 stories below the earth’s surface. Bring a jacket as it’s

constantly 54 degrees within the caverns. Also on site: the Natural Bridge

Wax Museum with over 150 life replicas, which, document the Shenandoah

Valley history.

Horse Center

487 Maury River Road

acres of beautiful Shenandoah Valley scenery is the home of the Virginia

Horse Center. Ten show rings, a five-mile cross-country course, an indoor

coliseum and seating for up to 4,000 people make up the facilities. And

is completed there will be a steeplechase course, a steeplechase timber

and a carriage-driving course as well. The Center also offers such amenities

as a campground, a restaurant and catering service.

Telephone:

(540)463-2194 (540) 464-2222

Culture Museum

1290 Richmond Road

Staunton

visit to this museum allows you to visit four countries and 300 years

of history. Four unique historic farms and a working blacksmith’s forge,

which offers 17th, 18th and 19th century European and American history,

can be found here. Costumed interpreters illustrate life in Europe before

immigration to America with period furnishings, beautiful gardens and

crops and plenty of livestock. See the culture the early settlers bought

with them and built upon in the new frontier of America. Time periods

include early 1700’s Germany and Northern Ireland; late 1600’s England

and mid 1800’s Shenandoah Valley prior to the Civil War. Open 9 a.m. to

5 p.m.

Telephone:

(540) 332-7850

Caverns

970 US Highway 211 West

Luray

largest caverns in eastern America, Luray is a U.S. Natural Landmark noted

for the abundant variety of formations and natural colors. Crystal clear

pools, towering stone columns, and ceilings 10 stories high can be viewed

from well-lighted, paved walkways. Covering more than three acres, the

caverns boast the world’s only Stalactite Organ, which makes concert quality

music with haunting beautiful tones. While you’re there check out the

Historic Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, which features over 140 items

including cars, carriages and coaches dating from 1725.

Telephone: 540-743-6551

Drive

Shenandoah National Park

Luray

105-mile historic Skyline Drive traverses Shenandoah National Park with

views from peaks and overlooks of orchards, farmlands and an abundance

of wildlife, with as many as 200 species of local and migratory birds.

Campsites are available as well as local lodging.

of Otter

Milepost 86, Blue Ridge Parkway

Bedford, Va.

Scenic sunrises and mountain vistas can be seen atop twin mountain peaks

that rise to an elevation of 4,200 feet. Walking trails, wildflower walks,

picnic areas, campground, interpretative programs, lodging and a restaurant

are all here. A shuttle bus service is available to Sharp Top Mountain,

which rises to 3,875 feet. Don’t forget the winery at the foot of the

Peaks of Otter. Turning native apples, peaches, pears and more into wine,

cider and butters, the winery

is open daily August-November from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Telephone: (540) 586-4357; (540) 586-3707 (Winery)

Shakespeare/Blackfriar’s Playhouse

11 E. Beverly St.

Suite 31

Staunton

world’s first re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre, the Blackfriars

Playhouse is in the heart of downtown Staunton and is open year-round.

Shenandoah Shakespeare promises “shamelessly entertaining,”

productions at affordable prices, and has been praised by critics for

“blowing the cobwebs out of Elizabethan drama.” Telephone:

(540) 885-5588

National Park

3655 US Highway 211 East

Luray, Va.

the crest of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the park stretches over

75 miles. Walk the more than 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail, which

runs through the park, or choose from more than 500 miles of hiking trails!

Camping is available as well as modern lodging facilities. “Waysides,”

with lighter food along with full service restaurants, are also located

in the park.

Telephone: (540) 999-3500