The Shenandoah Valley

The historic and very beautiful Shaenandoh valley stretches some 200 miles from the small town of Harper's Ferry in West Virginia to Roanoke and Salem in the state of Virginia. The steep slopes of the valley floor rise majestically skywards to provide the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is of course the home of the Shenandoah River and because of its strategic location has provided the site for many a battle both in the War of Independence and the Civil War. The impressive Shenandoah National Park, perhaps, dominates the valley. These lands were presented by the State of Virginia to the US Federal Government in 1935 and were officially opened by then US President Franklin Roosevelt the following year. To the east of the valley lies the world famous Sky Line Drive, which allows you to drive comfortably along a spectacular highway to view this region of unsurpassed natural beauty. Around you , lies acre upon acre of rolling woodland. The deciduous forest is best seen during the fall months when leaves turn from natural green to glistening russet red. The autumn "color fest" begins as early as mid-September and lasts until the first week or so of November. For the more adventurous and perhaps those lithe of life and limb the area provides a hiker's paradise. Hiking is really the best way of catching sight of the plethora of wildlife that inhabits the region. Firstly, this is a must see for bird watchers as more than 200 species both and migratory can be viewed in the area of the Shendaoh Valley. There are of course other animals, too. These range from the large Black Bear to both red and gray foxes and the white tailed deer. The deer favor more open spaces and can often be seen from the road as one wends along the Skyline Drive. Another treat for Summer Visitors is the Shendoah Music festival located in the rustic village of Orkney Springs. Forty-two years ago some local residents got together to bring well know musicians and orchestras to their remote rural community. The festival has grown in stature and popularity ever since. The concert venue is the old Orkney Springs Hotel, which served as a spar, and health retreat throughout the years until it was taken over by the Episcopalian Church. Last year concerts took place over10 week-ends, acting as a magnet for music lovers from the region itself and much further afield. This area, perhaps, not one of the better known vacation haunts, has much to offer the visitor. Maybe it's time you gave it a glance when the time comes to decide where to go for a simple week-end or something much longer. Interested in this subject? Try this link for more of the same