District Guide

Welcome to the Shenandoah Valley, a region of the United States known not only for its sweeping natural beauty, but also for its rich national history. Located in the western part of Virginia, the valley stretches for roughly 170 miles north to south and is bordered by the Blue Ridge mountains to the east and the Allegheny mountains to the west.

Northern Shenandoah

Travelers who find themselves at the northern end of the valley should be sure to visit the town of Winchester. Founded in 1744, rolling green lawns and immaculately preserved colonial buildings keep this quaint town frozen in time. It is truly hard to go a few blocks without stumbling upon a building or area that has some local or even national historical significance. Right in the center of town, on the corner of West Cork and Braddock Streets, travelers can visit a log cabin which the then-future President George Washington used as an office from 1755-1756. Walk a few blocks north and continue the history lesson by visiting a building used as the headquarters for Confederate general Stonewall Jackson from 1861-1862. Winchester played an important role in the Civil War, and as a result there are an abundance of museums and nearby historical battlefields. The site of The Battle of Cedar Creek, which was the last attempt of Confederate forces to invade the North, is located a few miles south of Winchester, where reenactments are staged every year.

Visitors will enjoy perusing the picturesque Old Town, a remarkably walkable area featuring a pedestrian shopping mall and boutique shops and galleries. Charming bed & breakfasts, restaurants and cafes abound. The Shenandoah Valley is also fertile ground for wine-production. A tour of Shenandoah Vineyards or Wolf Gap Vineyard can be a nice way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Other notable towns to visit in the northern part of the valley include Front Royal, Middletown, and Strasburg, all accessible from Highway 81 and 86.

Central Shenandoah

Moving south from Winchester down Highway 81 toward the central part of the valley will bring visitors to the cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro. Harrisonburg in particular is the city to visit if you're looking for some lively nightlife, as the city has more bars, fine dining options and nightclubs than its surrounding neighbors. Those searching for something a little different will enjoy visiting White Oak Lavender Farm, where guests can harvest their own lavender and purchase a myriad of lavender-related items produced on site. Next stop, Staunton, to visit former President Woodrow Wilson's birthplace, then onto Waynesboro, which is situated near the south entrance to Shenandoah National Park; a must-do for nature lovers. In fact, this part of the valley is replete with natural wonders, including the Shenandoah Caverns, UVRPA Natural Chimneys, and the Natural Bridge of Virginia. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1998, the Natural Bridge is an impressive limestone arch 215 feet high and 90 feet long carved out by Cedar Creek. 

Southern Shenandoah

The largest city in the southern Shenandoah region is Roanoke. Much like Winchester, Roanoke has retained its colonial charm while still providing visitors access to modern-day amenities and  a wide range of recreational activities. Roanoke's location is ideal too, as it's one of the only cities within very close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the main thoroughfare that cuts through the most scenic parts of the Shenandoah Valley. This makes it a prime area to visit if you want to be close to both the great outdoors as well as the city life. Smith Mountain Lake State Park and Claytor Lake State Park are both within an hour's drive from the city. But don't worry, there's no shortage of things to do should you decide to stay put in town. Kids will enjoy Mill Mountain Zoo, while adults can relax at Blue Hills Golf Club or Roanoke Country Club. The Roanoke Civic Center continually hosts some of the biggest names in show business, including Jerry Seinfeld and Tim McGraw, while the Historic Roanoke City Market is an ideal place to pick up homemade and homegrown goodies.