Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
marked. You'll finish at the 1700-acre Appomattox Court House National Historic
Park (
434-352-8987; www.nps.gov/apco ; Jun-Aug $4, Sep-May $3;
8:30am-5pm) . Most of
the 27 restored buildings are open to visitors.
If you need a place to stay, consider Longacre ( 800-758-7730; www.longacreva.com ;
1670 Church St; r from $105, ste $275; ) , which looks as if it got lost somewhere in the
English countryside and decided to set up shop in Virginia. Seriously, amid the six eleg-
antly furnished rooms there could be children lost in magical kingdoms after slipping
through wardrobes.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Shenandoah Valley
Local lore says Shenandoah was named for a Native American word meaning 'Daughter
of the Stars.' True or not, there's no question this is God's country, one of the most beau-
tiful places in America. The 200-mile-long valley and its Blue Ridge Mountains are
packed with picturesque small towns, wineries, preserved battlefields and caverns. This
was once the western border of colonial America, settled by Scotch-Irish frontiersmen
who were Highland Clearance refugees. Outdoor activities - hiking, camping, fishing,
horseback riding and canoeing - abound.
Shenandoah National Park
One of the most spectacular national parks in the country, Shenandoah (
540-999-3500; www.nps.gov/shen ; week pass per car Mar-Nov $15) is like a new smile from
nature: in spring and summer the wildflowers explode, in fall the leaves burn bright red
and orange, and in winter a cold, starkly beautiful hibernation period sets in. White-tailed
deer are a common sight and, if you're lucky, you might spot a black bear, bobcat or wild
turkey. The park lies just 75 miles west of Washington, DC.
DON'T MISS
SCENIC ROUTE: SKYLINE DRIVE
A 105-mile-long road running down the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shen-
andoah National Park's Skyline Drive redefines the definition of 'Scenic Route.'
You're constantly treated to an impressive view, but keep in mind the road is bendy,
slow-going (35mph limit) and (in peak season) congested. It's best to start this
drive just south of Front Royal, VA; from here you'll snake over Virginia wine and hill
 
 
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