The Shenandoah Valley is a historic area that stretches 140 miles between the Alleghenies to the west and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east. The region has been memorialized in countless songs, played a major role in the American Civil War, and boasts the Shenandoah National Park. The Shenandoah Valley offers scenic drives and a rustic, down-home feeling with its small towns, farming communities, and wineries. It's a destination that encourages visitors to slow down and explore what it has to offer.
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia: What to know before you go
The valley is full of small towns that were constructed before and after the Civil War, and all have their own unique character. The town of Staunton will make you think you're in London, while Harrisonburg is an industrial-railroad town that's a cultural and dining destination. Eight caverns are open to the public, letting visitors see the geology underpinning the valley. The best times to visit are between March and May and September through November, when the weather is at its best.