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The Shenandoah Valley: Endless Adventure
November 2013
By Nikki Madures
When planning a vacation, most people think of exotic locations and lofty price tags. In truth, you don’t need to travel overseas or empty your bank account to enjoy your leisure time. Instead, consider a unique travel destination that suits your lifestyle and that offers a break from your routine surroundings. For example, if you work in the city or frequently visit an urban setting, an ideal vacation might include wide-open spaces and lush green landscapes. The vibrant colors and fresh aromas of plant life and the freedom of open spaces will help you decompress and will reawaken both your senses and your creativity.
One noteworthy alternative to the typically expensive summer vacation is Virginia’s own Shenandoah Valley. The Valley is a beautiful travel destination that offers various attractions and stunning scenery. Rather than staying in one spot, the ideal vacation in the Shenandoah Valley involves travelling from one destination to the next. In driving from one attraction to another, you have a chance to see more of the Valley’s boundless nature and to experience a wider variety of events. The following are some highlights to consider for your trip:
A breath-taking cave, Luray Caverns has captivated people for over a century. The caverns are full of natural formations that include large stalagmites, stalactites, dripstones, and more. This unique location is more than 4,000,000 centuries old and, according to their website, attracts “one-half million visitors annually from around the globe.”
The American Shakespeare Center in Staunton is a re-creation of William Shakespeare’s original indoor playhouse. It boasts a stellar acting troupe and an impressive repertoire of plays that rotates with each season. This playhouse performs in true Shakespearean conditions but offers a modern flair. Actors interact routinely with the audience members and make Shakespeare accessible and enjoyable for all who attend. The audience can even sit onstage on one of the gallant’s stools.
When planning a vacation, most people think of exotic locations and lofty price tags. In truth, you don’t need to travel overseas or empty your bank account to enjoy your leisure time. Instead, consider a unique travel destination that suits your lifestyle and that offers a break from your routine surroundings. For example, if you work in the city or frequently visit an urban setting, an ideal vacation might include wide-open spaces and lush green landscapes. The vibrant colors and fresh aromas of plant life and the freedom of open spaces will help you decompress and will reawaken both your senses and your creativity.
One noteworthy alternative to the typically expensive summer vacation is Virginia’s own Shenandoah Valley. The Valley is a beautiful travel destination that offers various attractions and stunning scenery. Rather than staying in one spot, the ideal vacation in the Shenandoah Valley involves travelling from one destination to the next. In driving from one attraction to another, you have a chance to see more of the Valley’s boundless nature and to experience a wider variety of events. The following are some highlights to consider for your trip:
A breath-taking cave, Luray Caverns has captivated people for over a century. The caverns are full of natural formations that include large stalagmites, stalactites, dripstones, and more. This unique location is more than 4,000,000 centuries old and, according to their website, attracts “one-half million visitors annually from around the globe.”
The American Shakespeare Center in Staunton is a re-creation of William Shakespeare’s original indoor playhouse. It boasts a stellar acting troupe and an impressive repertoire of plays that rotates with each season. This playhouse performs in true Shakespearean conditions but offers a modern flair. Actors interact routinely with the audience members and make Shakespeare accessible and enjoyable for all who attend. The audience can even sit onstage on one of the gallant’s stools.
Downtown Staunton is a lively yet quaint area that has a variety of interesting shops. Enjoy a stay at the Frederick House, a local bed and breakfast, park your car and explore. Stop by the coffee shop on the corner, shop for that unique item to help you remember the trip, eat dinner at a local restaurant, and top off the evening with a ghost tour. The Mill Street Grill offers a variety of made from scratch food and delicious BBQ ribs. Alternatively, The Clocktower Restaurant and Bar is a favorite destination for homemade pasta or the immensely popular crab cakes.
Take another day to visit the wineries in the area. Mt. Crawford’s Cross Keys Vineyards is a lovely outing that offers wine tastings and vineyard tours. The surrounding terrain is stunning and the experience at Cross Keys Vineyards is delightful.
Skyline Drive is part of Shenandoah National Park that has stunning views of the glory of nature in the valley. Take the time to drive down this scenic mountain route to truly appreciate views that are only available in the Shenandoah Valley.
The Shenandoah Valley is a place of unsurpassed beauty and endless variety. You can choose to escape the bustle of the city, marvel at the splendor of nature, or participate in the local culture. However you choose to shape your adventure, your time in the Valley will certainly be a vacation to remember.
Take another day to visit the wineries in the area. Mt. Crawford’s Cross Keys Vineyards is a lovely outing that offers wine tastings and vineyard tours. The surrounding terrain is stunning and the experience at Cross Keys Vineyards is delightful.
Skyline Drive is part of Shenandoah National Park that has stunning views of the glory of nature in the valley. Take the time to drive down this scenic mountain route to truly appreciate views that are only available in the Shenandoah Valley.
The Shenandoah Valley is a place of unsurpassed beauty and endless variety. You can choose to escape the bustle of the city, marvel at the splendor of nature, or participate in the local culture. However you choose to shape your adventure, your time in the Valley will certainly be a vacation to remember.
