The Shenandoah Region

The beautiful Shenandoah Valley stretches 200 miles across the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. It's been nicknamed "The Big Valley" and immortalized in song, dance, film and television.

The  history and heritage  of the region includes many sites devoted to the pioneers who traveled westward, settled and farmed - those like the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton and Cyrus McCormick's Farm in Raphine. McCormick invented the first mechanical reaper and the company he started later became International Harvest.

During the Civil War this region was nicknamed "The Breadbasket of the Confederacy." In Lexington, visit  Virginia Military Institute  and  Washington & Lee University  - where Gen. Robert E. Lee served as president after the war and where the Lee Chapel & Museum is located. See battlefields -  New Market Battlefield State Park  and  Fisher's Hill Battlefield.

Another historical site of the region is the  Birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson.

Outdoor Wonderland

The Shenandoah Valley features picture-perfect postcard farms along country roads and the popular Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway . One of the natural wonders of this world is the  Natural Bridge. Be sure to visit the region's many caverns, which include Luray, with the only stalacpipe organ, and Shenandoah, with an elevator to take you underground!

If you're interested in the great outdoors, you'll love the hiking trails, paddle sports and horseback riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains, too.

And don't forget the beautiful Shenandoah National Park with its portion of the Appalachian Trail.

While you’re down in the valleys, be sure to take in the many wineries. There are several dozen world class wineries in the Shenandoah wine trail, many with restaurants and perfect for a wedding or celebration venue.

And if you love Bluegrass music, there’s year round performances and festivals to enjoy.

Arrive and experience this magnificent "Big Valley" for yourself.