Shenandoah Battlefields
The sun is shining, the weather is hot, and the Virginia scenery is green with that mid-summer verdancy. People are venturing outdoors for various summer adventures, and we have a suggestion if you’re looking for one of the these said adventures. If you enjoy an exploration of the outdoors along with a love (or at least mild interest) in history, then a tour of a historic Shenandoah Valley battlefield is perfect for your Virginia itinerary.
“Using military significance criteria, the National Park Service included 20 Shenandoah Valley battlefield sites in its 1993 Report on the Nation’s Civil War Battlefields…These sites were among the 384 conflicts identified nationwide that were ‘of special strategic, tactical, or thematic importance to local operations, campaigns, theaters, or to the war as a whole’” (Shenandoah at War)
You can see some of these historic battlefields on a Signature Tour in many of the Valleys breathtaking cities. Explore Winchester and Frederick County or the Signal Knob area which “bore witness to many serious engagements during the Civil War.” Check out the location of Stonewall Jackson’s 1862 Valley Campaign with a tour of the Harrisonburg area, or take in the sights and sounds of the Clarke County area. Whatever your destination, you’ll be treated to a piece of the past. Click here for a full list of Signature Tours.
And of course you’ll need lodging, so how about enhancing your historic getaway with a stay at one of our BBHSV member inn: https://www.bbhsv.org/shenandoah-valley-virginia-inns.htm.
Rock Out with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
“I grew up in a world that told girls they couldn’t play rock ‘n’ roll.” –Joan Jett
Summertime seems to be synonymous with outdoor musical performances. Visitors from all over gather picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and cold drinks and join together to listen to their favorite musicians play in spite of the muggy heat of summer.
Roanoke, Virginia is a hub of musical talent, so it should come as no surprise that our city will be rocking out in a few weeks. August 20, 2015 will bring a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend who “helped build the groundwork for America’s punk-rock scene with her hard-changing guitar prowess, altitudinal vocals and a string of anthems so positively vibrant, they could’ve been recorded yesterday.” If you haven’t guessed by now (or seen the title of this blog), we’re talking about Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
As part of a tour to promote their new album “Unvarnished,” Joan Jett & the Blackhearts will be performing in downtown Roanoke’s Summer Concert Series. Tickets for this concert are going quickly, so grab yours now, and don’t forget to book your room at a Shenandoah Valley Bed & Breakfast!
Fast Facts:
Where: Elmwood Park, 706 S Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA
When: August 20, 2015, 7:30 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $25 plus tax at the Berglund Center Box Office. $27 online.
Lodging: A BBHSV inn!
The Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail
“Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.” –Benjamin Franklin
Did you know that Virginia wine made Forbes’ Magazine’s list of “Six Exciting Wine Regions to Explore” in 2014? We’re pretty proud of the high quality (and tasty!) wines that our Commonwealth is producing and distributing, and whether you’re an experienced wine connoisseur or you’re a casual taster, we think you’ll love Virginia wine. Furthermore, not only can you sample the vino for yourself during a Shenandoah Valley visit, but you can also tour some of the nearby vineyards and wineries that are part of the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail.
Try Ox-Eye Vineyards’ Chardonnay with its “tropical notes of banana, pineapple and citrus” or CrossKeys Vineyards’ Meritage a “classic Bordeaux Blend comprised of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot.” Savor Rockbridge Vineyard’s 2013 Rockbridge Chardonnay, which won silver at the 2014 Virginia Governor’s Cup. Taste Valerie Hill Winery’s 2013 Cabernet Franc, which boasts “Hints of vanilla and tobacco” and “flavors of dark cherry, ripe dark berries, currants, and a touch of cinnamon.” Click here for a full list of the vineyards and wineries that comprise the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail.
Need lodging during your wine-themed getaway? Our member inns are at your service.
Member Feature: Stonewall Jackson Inn, Harrisonburg, VA
Harrisonburg, Virginia’s Stonewall Jackson Inn Bed & Breakfast certainly lives up to its motto of “a night’s delight & a breakfast to remember.” This restored 1885 establishment boasts a Virginia Green standing, a prime location, lavish rooms, hearty Southern breakfasts, and fantastically warm and welcoming innkeepers.
So, let’s start with the rooms: “Every room is unique in décor and ambiance with different combinations of shape, original fixtures, high ceilings, and hardwood floors.” But don’t think that the historic aspect of these rooms means that they lack any modern conveniences; each is outfitted with everything you could want or need on a B&B getaway, including private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, personal TVs, fireplaces, and more. Relax and refresh in any of these historically named rooms, and you won’t want to leave!
That’s one-half of a B&B, so now how about the other half—the breakfasts? At Stonewall Jackson Inn, you will be treated to mouthwatering dishes like Eggs Benedict, croissant French toast, and blueberry sausage breakfast cake, all served with fresh fruit, juice, and hot, rich coffee.
Whether you’re in need of a romantic getaway, a “just because” vacation, a local staycation, or a getaway with the girls, Stonewall Jackson Inn is there to accommodate you (and they provide packages and discounts as well). Book your room now, and explore the rich history and culture and Harrisonburg, VA has to offer.
“It was our first time in a B&B but this place set the bar high! Wayne, Candy, and the rest of the gang were incredibly nice, welcoming, and helpful. They gave us some great recommendations on vineyards around the area, and if you didn’t want to do those, the proximity to downtown was a huge plus! The breakfasts were absolutely phenomenal, and the rooms…were comfy and had nice views of the yard and mountains. Overall, an awesome trip!” –TripAdvisor Reviewer
Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread from Belle Hearth B&B
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups sugar
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups mashed ripe banana
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 8-oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and sugar. Stir in nuts and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, oil, mashed banana, vanilla, and pineapple. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and stir just until flour mixture in moistened.
Divide batter between 2 greased and floured 9×5-inch loaf pans. Bake for 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool bread in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
Eat and enjoy!
Thanks for BBHSV member Belle Hearth Bed & Breakfast for this recipe. (Originally published in the Virginia Bed & Breakfast Cookbook.)
Photo by TwoPeasandTheirPod.com
4 Things to Do in Front Royal, VA
Front Royal is a fascinating, historic town in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. With its Civil War history, its downtown offerings, and its outdoors adventures, it’s definitely an excellent place to enjoy a getaway to the Commonwealth. Check out these four things to do in Front Royal to get started on your itinerary planning:
- Tour the museums and historic sites. Explore the Civil War relics and records at the Warren Rifles Confederate Museum or the Ivy Lodge Museum. Observe the Mosby Monument and the Soldiers’ Circle at Prospect Hill Cemetery. Discover the Belle Boyd Cottage, home of the famous Confederate spy.
- Discover the outdoors. When the weather is warm, Front Royal provides everything from canoeing and kayaking to golfing to horseback riding. Or if you’d prefer to view Front Royal from an aerial perspective, then consider enjoying a hot air balloon or a scenic airplane
- Indulge your palate. Treat yourself to local favorites like Happy Creek Coffee, B & L Custard, Melting Pot Pizza, and Spelunker’s Frozen Custard and Cavern Burgers. Enjoy a gourmet meal at Apartment 2G or Wine & Duck. You most certainly won’t go hungry in Front Royal (especially if you’re starting your stay with a B&B breakfast!)
- Stay at a B&B. We’re the BBHSV; of course this has to be a Front Royal activity! Luckily for you, the BBHSV offers a wonderful Front Royal B&B with fantastic innkeepers, delicious breakfasts, and comfy beds—Lackawanna Bed & Breakfast.
Photo by killahevlin Bed & Breakfast
Stargazing in Shenandoah National Park
“The crisp, clear Blue Ridge Mountains air in Shenandoah National Park makes everything brighter in the night sky. Stars sparkle with more intensity, and constellations come into clearer view….National Parks are becoming a refuge for people from city light pollution. Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution as you gaze at the heavenly stars through telescopes.”
Picture this setting: The air is clear and cool, cicadas hum somewhere in the darkness, and the dark blue night sky stretches out above you, peppered with stars and streaming with the cloudy lines of the Milky Way. If you’ve never experienced the sights and sounds of a night underneath Virginia’s sky, then you are definitely missing out! But luckily for you, there is an upcoming event that can remedy that—Shenandoah Stargazing.
On July 17, August 7, and September 18, visitors of Shenandoah National Park are invited to join others at the Big Meadows Area (inside the Rapidan Camp Gate at mile 51) for a free night sky presentation. Your visit will have you observing Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, galaxies, the Milky Way, and more all under the guidance and instruction of Greg Redfern, a NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador and professor of astronomy.
A couple of tips before your visit: Be sure to bring a jacket, flashlight and blanket (you may not need them, but better safe than sorry). Also, the presentations are dependent on good weather, so on the day of the event, call 540-999-2222 to check the presentation status. Finally, don’t forget to reserve your lodging at a Shenandoah Valley bed & breakfast!
Visit Valley ArtsFest, Harrisonburg, Virginia
“As the first designated Arts & Cultural District in Virginia, Harrisonburg is home to a thriving arts community. Our galleries glorify the dedicated work of local artists and artisans, our theaters proudly boast exciting lineups of performing arts entertainment, and our museums capture enriching history and culture. During the month of June, Valley ArtsFest celebrates the best of the arts in Harrisonburg.”
Whether you’re a fan of dancing, modern art exhibits, musical performances, children’s art activities, or all of the above, you’ll want to attend as many of the upcoming Valley ArtsFest events as possible! From railroads to Civil War history, this celebration of the arts covers it all. Here are some examples of what you can experience at the 2015 ArtsFest:
June 12, 26: Fridays On The Square Summer Music Fest, featuring The Woodshedders (Americana) and The Nighthawks (Blues) (Location: Location: Court Square Lawn, Court Square, Downtown Harrisonburg)
June 19: Open House and Celebration of National Milling Day (Location: Breneman-Turner Mill, 5001 Turners Mill Lane, Harrisonburg)
June 19-21: Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival (Location: Lehman Auditorium, Eastern Mennonite University – 1200 Park Road)
All of June: Rockingham Railroads: A 100 Year Review (Location: The Heritage Museum, 382 High Street, Dayton, VA, 22821)
Click here for more info. (Need lodging? Check out By the Side of the Road Bed & Breakfast and Stonewall Jackson Inn.)
4 Ways to Spend Great Outdoors Month in the Shenandoah Valley
Did you know that June is Great Outdoors Month? “This June, celebrate the natural wonder and outdoor spirit of America by getting outside during Great Outdoors Month. Once you come outside, you’ll never want to go back inside.” The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is a particularly breathtaking portrait of the great outdoors, and the natural world holds endless adventures to enjoy during your visit. Check out 5 of our favorite outdoor activities:
1. Fly Fishing: Enjoy casting classes, fish guiding, or just some casual angling in Virginia’s waters. To start your fly fishing activities, visit Murray’s Fly Shop in Edinburg or Mossy Creek Fly Fishing in Harrisonburg. (Also, if you’re a fan of fly fishing, you may want to mark your 2016 calendar for the annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival in Waynesboro, VA!)
2. Grand Caverns: While the weather outside is heating up, cool off underground. Discovered in 1804, these historic caverns boast the title of “America’s oldest show cave.” Now you can tour the various rooms and formations and examine the Civil War signatures that decorate the cavern walls.
3. Hiking: It’s the classic outdoor activity for a reason! The Shenandoah Valley is home to winding trails, rolling mountains, and stunning views. Trek through the forests of Shenandoah National Park, relish the waterfalls of Crabtree Falls, and explore portions of the Massanutten Recreational Trail.
4. Geocaching: Grab your GPS, create a free account on Geocaching.com, and start your treasure hunt! If you’ve never been geocaching before, this activity uses GPS coordinates to lead you to a hidden cache, which may hold everything from a book of signatures (to which you can add your own) to small trinkets that you can claim. Just remember that if you take an item from a cache, be sure to leave something behind!
Don’t forget to reserve lodging at a Shenandoah Valley Bed & Breakfast! We look forward to seeing you for Great Outdoors Month.
Visit the 29th Annual Virginia Wine and Craft Festival in Front Royal, Virginia
Every year, spring is accompanied by a huge variety of outdoor festivals with everything from live music to historic gardens to wine tasting. Speaking of wine tasting, there’s one upcoming festival in Front Royal, Virginia that will be offering its patrons a change to taste some Virginia vintages and peruse the wares of talented craft vendors. Now in its 29th year, the Annual Virginia Wine and Craft Festival is set for Saturday May 16, 2015, starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m.: “Covering more than 7 seven blocks and featuring over 100 vendors, artists and crafters from all over the east coast, there won’t be anything you can’t find to fit your style, mood or need… Fine handmade jewelry, hand painted wine glasses, hand crafted musical instruments, pottery and ceramics, clothing, original paintings and artwork, antiques, the list goes on.”
But if you think that wine and crafts are the only festival offerings, then you’ll be delighted to hear about all of the food! Feast on funnel cakes, crabcake sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs, shish kabobs and more. Between the food and the wine tasting, you’ll certainly be full and satisfied at the Virginia Wine and Craft Festival.
Quick Facts:
Where: E Main St, Front Royal, Warren, Virginia 22630
When: May 16, 2015, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tickets: Free general admission. $25 in advance and $30 at the gate for wine tasters.
Lodging: A Shenandoah Valley B&B!