See Shenandoah tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2008-02-28:/39 2009-05-22T17:53:51Z See Shenandoah visitor guide Movable Type Pro 4.31-en Museums: A taste of what valley has to offer tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2009://39.1313 2009-05-22T14:02:00Z 2009-05-22T17:53:51Z When the weather doesn't cooperate with your outdoor plans, there's no excuse not to get to know the valley better at one of its many museums. Clarke County The Burwell-Morgan Mill is off U.S. 50 in Millwood, on Va. 255.... NVDaily When the weather doesn't cooperate with your outdoor plans, there's no excuse not to get to know the valley better at one of its many museums.
Clarke County

  • The Burwell-Morgan Mill is off U.S. 50 in Millwood, on Va. 255. The 18th-century mill was established in 1782 and is the oldest operable merchant mill in the Shenandoah Valley. 837-1799 or 955-2600 www.clarkehistory.org

  • The Josephine School Community Museum and African-American Cultural Center is housed in a restored black public school built circa 1882. 955-5512 www.jschoolmuseum.org

  • Long Branch Historic House and Farm is on Va. routes 624 and 626 in Millwood. Since the early 18th century, the rolling hills of the estate have been owned by a series of famous men -- Lord Culpeper, Lord Fairfax and Robert "King" Carter. A young George Washington helped to survey the property. 877-868-1811 www.historiclongbranch.com

Frederick County/Winchester


  • The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, which opened in 1996, features interactive, hands-on exhibits and programs that focus on the sciences, mathematics, humanities and the arts. Weekend programs and summer camps are available. 722-2020 www.discoverymuseum.net

  • George Washington's Office Museum served as Washington's military office from September 1755 until December 1756, when he served as a commissioned officer in the Virginia militia. The museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday from noon-4 p.m., April 1-Oct. 31. 662-4412 www.winchesterhistory.org

  • The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and the Glen Burnie Historic House and Gardens offer an impressive collection of fine art and antiques in four permanent galleries and one rotating gallery. The 1794 house and the gardens are open March-November. The museum is open year-round except on major holidays. 888-556-5799, ext. 235 www.shenandoahmuseum.org

  • The Old Court House Civil War Museum, in Winchester, occupies the former Frederick County Courthouse on the Loudoun Street Mall. 542-1145 www.civilwarmuseum.org

  • The Newtown History Center, on Main Street in Stephens City, is operated by the Stone House Foundation and offers exhibits and tours of the town's rich history. 869-1700 www.newtownhistorycenter.org

  • Abram's Delight, built in 1754, is the oldest house in Winchester. 662-6519 winchesterhistory.org

  • Belle Grove Plantation is an 18th-century grain and livestock farm offering events throughout the season including a Living History Camp for Kids. Daily tours are available April-October. 869-2028 www.bellegrove.org

Shenandoah County


  • The Strasburg Museum is a former steam pottery plant built in 1891, that later became a train station, and in 1970 became a museum featuring exhibits on Strasburg history, including pottery, Native American artifacts and displays from the railroad era and the Civil War. The museum is open daily May-October. 465-3175 www.csonner.net/museum.htm

  • The hands-on Stonewall Jackson Museum includes exhibits on nine battles from the 1862 and 1864 Valley Campaigns of the Civil War. The museum is open seasonally or by appointment. 465-5884 www.stonewalljacksonmuseum.org

  • The Fort Valley Museum is at Dry Run Road and Fort Valley Road in Fort Valley. Upcoming events are the grand opening on Memorial Day, an ice cream social on Aug. 26 from 2-5 p.m. and Christmas in October, Oct. 24-25. Museum is open May 23-Oct 25. 933-6036 www.fortvalleymuseum.org

  • The Woodstock Museum, also known as the Marshall House, is one of the oldest homes in Woodstock, reportedly built before 1772. The museum is open May-October. 459-5518

  • The Wickham House, a large frame residence north of the Walton building, is typical of early log homes in 18th-century Woodstock. The house is at the end of the historic Lawyers Row. Admission is free through the Woodstock Museum, which has owned the Wickham House since 1989.

Warren County/Front Royal


  • The Warren Rifles Confederate Museum, in Front Royal, is owned and operated by the Warren Rifles Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and houses a collection of memorabilia from the Civil War. The museum is open Apr. 15-Oct. 31. 636-6982 or 660-0941

  • Ivy Lodge houses a museum of local history, a gift shop and the Warren Heritage Society office. 636-1446 www.warrenheritagesociety.org

  • The Balthis House, constructed in the 1780s, is the oldest house on the oldest street in Front Royal 636-1446 www.warrenheritagesociety.org

  • Belle Boyd Cottage was the Civil War home of Confederate spy Belle Boyd and is operated as a period museum. 636-1446 www.warrenheritagesociety.org

  • Stonewall Jackson Headquarters, was used by Jackson after he took command of the Valley Army during the winter of 1861-1862. 667-3242 www.winchesterhistory.org

]]> Fishing: Valley an angler's paradise tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2009://39.1264 2009-05-22T13:42:00Z 2009-05-22T13:40:47Z From streams to lakes, the places to cast your line are seemingly endless in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, and if fly fishing is your thing, Murray's offers guided trips. A free pamphlet on fishing regulations and seasons is available at... NVDaily From streams to lakes, the places to cast your line are seemingly endless in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, and if fly fishing is your thing, Murray's offers guided trips.

A free pamphlet on fishing regulations and seasons is available at licensing agents and each county clerk's office or by writing or calling the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at 4010 W. Broad St., Richmond 23230. 804-367-1000 www.dgif.virginia.gov

A health advisory, issued by the Virginia Department of Health, recommends against eating fish caught between the confluence of the Shenandoah River and the West Virginia line in Clarke County, and on the North Fork from the confluence of Passage Creek downstream, and on the South Fork from the Mountain Road bridge to the main stem.

The advisory was issued in the 1980s for possible polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination on the bottom of the river and for mercury contamination. PCB is an organic, man-made carcinogen.

State residents ages 16 and older are required to obtain a fishing license before fishing on inland waters, and non-residents older than 12 need a license. Anyone needing a license also needs to purchase a National Forest Stamp when fishing in waters within the boundaries of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, except on the North and South Forks of the Shenandoah River. A separate trout license is required when trout fishing in designated stocked waters from Oct. 1 to June 15. Licenses are sold at authorized agents located throughout the region. www.dgif.virginia.gov

Frederick County/Winchester
Two designated trout streams are available:


  • Paddy Run, on Va. 600 in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

  • Hogue Creek, which runs perpendicular to Va. 679 and U.S. 522, northwest of Winchester.


Several lakes are located in the county as well:

  • Wilkins Lake, in Jim Barnett Park in Winchester, is open daily from dawn to dusk. The three-acre lake is stocked with trout.

  • Sherando Lake, at Sherando Park on Va. 277 east of Stephens City, offers bass and perch and is open from 8 a.m. to dusk.

  • Clearbrook Lake, at Clearbrook Park on U.S. 11 north of Winchester, offers trout and perch and is open from 8 a.m. to dusk.

  • The Cove Campground in Gore offers fishing facilities. A fee is required for fishing. The facility's three lakes are stocked with various kinds of fish. 858-2882. www.covecampground.com

  • The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries maintains the 117-acre Lake Frederick, near the intersections of U.S. 340, U.S. 522 and Va. 277, east of Stephens City at Double Tollgate. The lake is stocked with bass, sunfish, walleye, channel catfish and crappie. Lake Frederick is open 24 hours.

    Boating is permitted only with electric motors. A boat ramp is on site, as well as a privately owned bait and tackle shop with boat rentals.

Shenandoah County
Access points for boats to the Shenandoah River are available at the following locations:


  • Moreland Gap Road, between Interstate 81 and U.S. 11 at the Shenandoah Caverns exit.

  • Chapman's Landing, near Narrow Passage on the west bank of the North Fork, accessed on Chapman's Landing Road off U.S. 11, 2 miles north of Edinburg.

  • Strasburg Community Park, on Queen Street in town, along the river at the end of the park's right of way.

  • Elsewhere in the county at low water bridges. Most of the river flows along private property, so permission to fish or access the river there must be obtained from the owner.


Virginia keeps the following Shenandoah County streams stocked in the colder months:

  • Big Stoney Creek west of Lantz Mill on Va. 675.

  • Mill Creek in Mt. Jackson, off Bryce Boulevard.

  • Paddy Run at Paddy Gap, off Zepp Road at the Shenandoah-Frederick County line.

  • Passage Creek in Fort Valley's Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area, off Va. 678.

  • Peter's Mill in Little Fort, Fort Valley, off Va. 758.

  • Tomahawk Pond south of Orkney Springs on Va. 610, via Va. 263.

  • Upper Passage in Crisman Hollow, Fort Valley, off Va. 678.


Other areas to fish:

  • Fort Valley Ranch in Fort Valley offers catch and release year-round, including mostly large mouth bass. 933-6633 or 888-754-5771 www.fortvalleystable.com

  • Orndorff's Rainbow Trout Farm, at 5140 Zepp Road, Maurertown, also offers public fishing opportunities. The farm is open March-September on weekends 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 436-3384

  • Murray's Fly Shop Guide Service offers fish guiding on the Shenandoah River and nearby tributaries. 984-4212. info@murraysflyshop.com

  • The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries maintains a mile stretch of Passage Creek in front of the Front Royal Fish Cultural Station, 3957 Mountain Road in Strasburg.

    This area is a catch-and-release stream from Oct. 1 to June 1.


Warren County/Front Royal
The North and South Fork of the Shenandoah River are among the nation's best for smallmouth and largemouth bass, rock bass, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, muskellunge and channel catfish.


  • Trout and regular fishing is available along a mile stretch of stream in Front Royal's Gertrude E. Miller Park. 635-7750 www.warrencountyva.net

  • Lake Culpeper, a two-acre, man-made lake at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center, 600 4-H Center Drive in Front Royal, offers public fishing for catch and release. 635-7171


Most of the Shenandoah River flows through private land, and permission must be obtained from the owner prior to access. However, there are six public points to access the river and a low-water bridge in Warren County.

  • Catlett's Ford Road, off of Guard Hill Road, 4.1 miles from the North Fork Bridge does not have a ramp but is public and suitable for launching a canoe or similar small craft. Be cautious when launching from this landing, because the Riverton Dam is 3.5 miles downstream.

  • Riverton Landing is one of the county's only public points of access to the North Fork and is located on the North Fork's west bank, above the confluence of the two forks. Access is on U.S. 340-522 north of Riverton. A gravel parking area and a concrete ramp geared for power boats are on site.

  • Indian Hollow Boat Launch, on the west bank of the South Fork, is about a mile west of Bentonville on Indian Hollow Road, across the low-water bridge. There is a two-acre parking lot and a gravel ramp.

  • Karo Landing is five miles south of Front Royal, on the east bank of the South Fork near the entrance to Gooney Run. Accessed by U.S. 340, the site has a parking lot and gravel ramp.

  • Simpson's Landing is at the end of Downing Farm Road and has a gravel parking lot, walkway and ramp. It is one mile downstream from Karo Landing.

  • Front Royal Boat Landing, the last ramp on the South Fork, is near Front Royal's pumping station at the end of Luray Avenue. Constructed for canoes, the landing is gravel, and the site also has a parking lot. Front Royal Landing is six miles, and a three- to four-hour float trip from Simpson's Landing.

  • Morgan's Ford Low-Water Bridge, four miles north of Front Royal on the east bank of the Shenandoah River, is off Happy Creek Road at the end of the low-water bridge. The area has a gravel lot and a one-acre parking area.

    The nearest landing downstream is 11 miles and a five- to six-hour float away at the U.S. 17-50 boat landing in Clarke County. Boaters must portage around a dam at the Riverton Landing.


]]> Camp sites: Valley's campgrounds abound tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2009://39.1202 2009-05-22T13:09:00Z 2009-05-22T13:04:49Z There is perhaps no better way to get in touch with nature than to spend the night under the stars. Camping areas provide options for RVs and tents, alike. Frederick County/Winchester Battle of Cedar Creek Campground, near Middletown. Open... NVDaily There is perhaps no better way to get in touch with nature than to spend the night under the stars. Camping areas provide options for RVs and tents, alike.

Frederick County/Winchester


  • Battle of Cedar Creek Campground, near Middletown. Open year-round for RVs and tent campers. 46 RV sites, 20 tent sites. Features include swimming pool, horseshoe pits. 869-1888

  • Candy Hill Campground, Winchester. Open year-round. 100 sites. Features include recreation room with billiards and games, shuffleboard, restrooms, laundry facility, store, swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts. 662-8010 www.candyhill.com

  • The Cove Campground, south of Gore. Open daily Memorial Day-Labor Day, weekends year-round. 125 sites, cabins, shelters and restrooms. Features include beach volleyball court, mountain biking trails, three lakes open for swimming, fishing and boating, rifle and archery ranges and hiking trails. 858-2882 www.covecampground.com

  • Log Cabin Campground, Cross Junction. Open April 1. 30 tent sites, 30 RV sites. Special facilities with wood-burning stoves and refrigerators. 888-3461 www.thelogcabincampground.com

  • White Oak Tradingpost and Campground, Stephens City. Open year-round. 32 campsites. 869-2539

Shenandoah County


  • Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground, Lee Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest, near Fort Valley. Open year-round. 32 sites. Group camp available with reservation. Picnic area and fishing available. 984-4101 www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/lee

  • Camp Roosevelt, Lee Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest, near Edinburg. Open mid-May-mid-October. 10 camp sites. RV dump station. 984-4101 www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/lee

  • Little Fort Campground, Lee Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest, near Fort Valley. Open year-round. Nine sites. Adjacent to ATV trail complex. 984-4101 www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/lee/recreation/camping/little_fort.shtml

  • Creekside Campground, Edinburg. Open year-round. 35 sites, 26 of which are full hook-ups. 984-4299 www.creeksidecampgroundva.com

  • Endless Caverns and RV Resort, New Market. Open year-round. 27 RV sites with full hookups, seven non-utility sites and bath house facilities. Cave tours with special rates for groups and children. 896-2283 or 800-544-2283 www.endlesscaverns.com

  • Fort Valley Horse and Mule Camp, Fort Valley. Camping available April-Nov. 30. 18 sites with water and electric hookups, 18 tent sites and several cabins. Features include catch-and-release fishing lakes, horses for guided trail rides. 933-6633 or 888-754-5771 www.fortvalleystable.com

  • Orkney Springs Campground, Orkney Springs. Open year-round. 12 RV sites with full hookups, 12 without sewer. Six tent sites. Coin laundry and bath house facilities. 908-0494 www.campingva.com

Warren County/Front Royal


  • Front Royal-RV Campground, Front Royal. Open April 1-Nov. 1. 160 tent/camper sites, 20 cabins. Features include swimming pool, game room, nine-hole miniature golf course, free Wi-Fi, volleyball, basketball and movie rental. 635-2741

  • North Fork Resort, Front Royal. Open year-round. 350 camp sites. A member-owned, Recreation USA, Coast-to-Coast and Passport America affiliated resort. 636-2995 www.nfra.com

  • Skyline Ranch Resort, Front Royal. Open year-round. 124 tent/camper sites, eight cabins. Features include swimming pool, Jacuzzi, miniature golf course, camp store, exercise room and a summer snack bar and ice cream parlor. For members of Coast to Coast, Camp Club USA, RPI and RCI. Local memberships available. 635-4169 www.skylineranchresort.com

  • Gooney Creek Campground, Front Royal. Open April 1-Oct. 31. 46 sites, 26 electric and water sites, four full hook-ups. Public baths and group rates available. 635-4066 www.gooneycreek.com

  • Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park, Bentonville. Open year round. 10 campsites. 622-6840 www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/

    ]]> River trips: Local companies offer everything for a trip down the river tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2008://39.1212 2009-05-22T12:52:00Z 2009-05-22T17:51:34Z The Shenandoah River's calm waters make for a leisurely canoe or tube ride and rapids are ideal for kayaking. Outfitters provide everything from equipment rentals to guides to help you along the way. Downriver Canoe Company, at 884 Indian Hollow... NVDaily The Shenandoah River's calm waters make for a leisurely canoe or tube ride and rapids are ideal for kayaking. Outfitters provide everything from equipment rentals to guides to help you along the way.


    ]]> Motorcycles and ATV's: Get your motor runnin' tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2009://39.1305 2009-05-22T12:39:00Z 2009-05-22T18:01:03Z Riding motorcycles or ATVs is a favorite pastime for those with an adventurous side. Bike shops and ATV complexes have you covered. Motorcycles Shops in the area that provide service and gear for motorcyclists: Grove's Winchester Harley-Davidson/Buell Inc. 140 Independence... NVDaily Riding motorcycles or ATVs is a favorite pastime for those with an adventurous side. Bike shops and ATV complexes have you covered.

    Motorcycles

    Shops in the area that provide service and gear for motorcyclists:


    • Grove's Winchester Harley-Davidson/Buell Inc. 140 Independence Drive, Winchester 662-4468 or 800-777-4275 www.hdwinchester.com

    • Guard Hill Cycle Shop 944 Guard Hill Road, Middletown 869-1085

    • CR's Trike Shop 952 Yeagers Road, Luray 743-4179. www.crstrikeshop.com

    • Duc Pond Motosports 663 N. Loudoun St., Winchester 667-3498 www.ducpond.com

    • Winchester Motosports Open Tuesday through Saturday 722-2688 www.winchestermotosports.net

    ATVs

    Sometimes people get the urge to sling a little mud. Two all-terrain vehicle complexes in the region offer the chance:


    • MotoCove, at 980 Cove Road, Gore, has 35 miles of ATV trails. It's $25 per person per day. 858-2882 www.motocove.com

    • The Taskers Gap/Peters Mill Run ATV Complex, in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, runs 34 miles. The complex is southeast of Edinburg, in the Edinburg Gap area on Va. 675. Permit required. A daily permit costs $5. Annual permits are $30. 984-4101

    ]]>     Golf: Courses in the area beckon golf enthusiasts tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2009://39.1269 2009-05-21T17:33:00Z 2009-05-21T17:29:07Z Frederick County/Winchester Appleland Sports Center, north of Stephens City. Par-3, nine-hole course. Amenities include lighted, three-tier driving range, 18-hole lighted miniature golf course, batting cages, go-carts, golf instruction, full-line pro shop, snack bar and a party room. 869-8600 Rock Harbor... NVDaily Frederick County/Winchester

    • Appleland Sports Center, north of Stephens City. Par-3, nine-hole course. Amenities include lighted, three-tier driving range, 18-hole lighted miniature golf course, batting cages, go-carts, golf instruction, full-line pro shop, snack bar and a party room. 869-8600

    • Rock Harbor Golf Course, Winchester. Par-71, 18-hole course. A second 18-hole course is under construction. Opening is scheduled for spring 2010. Amenities include instruction, practice areas, pro shop and restaurant. 722-7111 www.rockharborgolf.com

    • Shenandoah Miniature Golf, Gainesboro 888-4407 or 336-3758

    Shenandoah County


    • Bryce Resort in Basye, west of Mt. Jackson. Par-71, 18-hole course. Amenities include pro shop, food and beverage service, miniature golf, driving range, golf instruction and Monday evening leagues. 856-2124. www.bryceresort.com

    • Stoney Creek Lilliputt Miniature Golf Course, Basye 856-3698 www.bryceresort.com

    • Narrow Passage Miniature Golf, Edinburg, at A-Way 2 Play Family Sports Center. Amenities include driving range, go-carts, batting cage, tanning, snack bar, party pavilion and golf instruction by request. 459-1819 www.a-way2play.com

    • Shenvalee Golf Resort, at New Market. 27 holes on three courses. Amenities include lessons, golf-side motel, pool-side motel, fairway house, putting green, driving range, restaurant and lounge, and pro shop. 740-3181 www.shenvalee.com

    • Klub House Miniature Golf, north of Edinburg 325-3191 www.theklubhouse.net

    Warren County/Front Royal


    • Blue Ridge Shadows, Front Royal. 18-hole course. Amenities include hotel and conference center, spa, clinics, lessons, indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness center, practice range, grass chipping and putting area and club shop. 631-9661 www.blueridgeshadows.com

    • Bowling Green Country Club, Front Royal. Two 18-hole courses. Amenities include pro shop, banquet hall, putting green, all-grass practice area, golf lessons, two full-service kitchens and outdoor wedding area. 635-2883 www.bowlinggreencountryclub.com

    • Jackson's Chase at Pine Hills Golf Club, Middletown. 18-hole course. Amenities include pro shop, putting green, golf instruction, senior rates Monday-Thursday, driving range and snack bar. 635-7814 www.jacksonschase.com

    • Front Royal Golf Club, Front Royal. Nine-hole course. Amenities include pro shop, practice green, banquet facility, boat ramp and snack bar. 636-9061 www.warrencountyva.net

    • Shenandoah Valley Golf Club, Front Royal. 27-hole semi-private course. Amenities include pro shop, banquet facilities, putting green, golf instruction, training and fitting center, driving range, a 1700s bed and breakfast house and a grill room. 636-4653 www.svgcgolf.com

      • ]]> Local Leagues: A staple of summer tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2009://39.11291 2009-05-21T16:52:45Z 2009-05-22T17:55:37Z Local leagues offer participants and spectators a chance to get outside for fresh air and old-fashioned fun that doesn't involve a TV or computer screen. Turn to the following resources for more information about the leagues available near you. Clarke... NVDaily
      Clarke County Frederick County/Winchester Shenandoah County Warren County/Front Royal If you'd rather just watch, the Valley Baseball League comprises 12 teams playing in Northern and Southern Divisions. They play a 44-game schedule each summer.

      The 2009 season marks the 48th year as an official NCAA sanctioned league and the 17th season as a wooden bat league. www.valleyleaguebaseball.com

      The league includes the following area teams:
      • Winchester Royals 662-4466 www.winchesterroyals.com
      • Woodstock River Bandits 804-795-5128 www.woodstockriverbandits.org
      • New Market Rebels 740-4247 www.rebelsbaseball.biz
      • Luray Wranglers 743-3338 www.luraywranglers.com
      • Front Royal Cardinals 636-1882 www.frcardinalbaseball.com
        • ]]> Town parks: A convenient destination tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2008://39.1267 2009-05-21T16:48:00Z 2009-05-22T13:59:34Z Clarke County Rose Hill Park, downtown Berryville 955-1099 Frederick County/Winchester Jim Barnett Park, Cork Street, across from Daniel Morgan Middle School 662-4946 www.winchesterva.gov/parks. Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve, at 1643 Meadow Branch Ave. Parking is available at the Abrams Crossing commercial... NVDaily Clarke County
        • Rose Hill Park, downtown Berryville 955-1099
        Frederick County/Winchester
        • Jim Barnett Park, Cork Street, across from Daniel Morgan Middle School 662-4946 www.winchesterva.gov/parks.
        • Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve, at 1643 Meadow Branch Ave. Parking is available at the Abrams Crossing commercial center on West Jubal Early Drive, and walking and biking to the preserve is encouraged. 662-4946. www.winchesterva.gov/parks.
        There are also the following neighborhood parks:
        • Elk Street Park, on 405 West Lane
        • Friendship Park, on Bruce Street between Battle Avenue and Kerr Street off Pleasant Valley Road
        • Frederick Douglass Park, behind the Douglass Community Learning Center on North Kent Street
        • North-East-South-West Park, between North, East South and West streets
        • Overlook Park, 50 Montague Circle
        • Park Place, 2024 Harvest Drive
        • Rolling Hills Park, on Valley Avenue in the Rolling Hills subdivision
        • Shawnee Springs Preserve Park, 301 E. Pall Mall St.
        • Tevis Street Park, adjacent to Frederick Douglass Elementary School
        • Timbrook Park, on the corner of East Lane and Piccadilly Street
        • Weaver Park, on the southern end of the city, off Papermill Road
        • Harvest Ridge Park, 805 Crestview Terrace
        • Whittier Park, 900 Whittier Ave.
        • Stephens City's Town Commons has a shelter and a stage. The town park, behind Locust Street, has baseball fields. 869-3087
        • Middletown Community Park, off Senseny Road and Second Street 869-2226
        Shenandoah County
        • Mt. Jackson's Town Park, 326 Wunder St. 477-2121
        • New Market Community Park, 9670 Cadet Road 740-3432
        • Strasburg Community Park, Queen Street 465-9197
        • Woodstock's W.O. Riley Park, 540 Park Ave. 459-3621
        • Edinburg's Madison District Park, 100 Park Road 984-8521
        Warren County/Front Royal
        • Bowman's Park, on Luray Avenue in Front Royal 635-7819
        ]]>         County parks: Counties offer parks for outdoor activities tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2008://39.1201 2009-05-21T16:18:00Z 2009-05-21T16:37:47Z Clarke County Clarke County Park is off Old Business Va. 7, west of Berryville 955-5140 www.clarkecounty.gov/parks Frederick County Clearbrook Park, U.S. 11, five miles north of Winchester Sherando Park, Va. 277 in Stephens City Neighborhood parks offering playground equipment are... NVDaily Clarke County Frederick County
        • Clearbrook Park, U.S. 11, five miles north of Winchester
        • Sherando Park, Va. 277 in Stephens City
        • Neighborhood parks offering playground equipment are in Frederick Heights, on Milam Drive off Senseny Road; Gainesboro, off Va. 684; Reynolds Store, on Northwestern Grade in Cross Junction; and Round Hill, off Va. 803. 665-5678 www.fcprd.net
        Shenandoah County
        • Shenandoah County Park, U.S. 11 between Maurertown and Toms Brook 984-3030 www.scpr.info
        Warren County
        • Burrell Brooks Jr. Community Park, Criser Road
        • Chimney Field Park, Commonwealth Avenue
        • Dr. Seide Memorial Botanical Garden, behind the Raymond E. Santmyers Youth Center on Eighth Street
        • Gertrude E. Miller Community Park, Bing Crosby Road
        • Lion's Park, at the corner of Commerce and Warren avenues, featuring Fantasyland Playground, a picnic shelter, benches and horseshoe pits.
        • Miss Florence Smith Memorial Playground, between Short and Front streets
        • Peter Lehew Park, Commonwealth Avenue
        • Riverton Park, Riverton Drive
        • Skyline Soccerplex, off of Kerfoot Avenue 635-7750.
          • www.warrencountyva.net/parks_and_recreation.asp ]]> Hiking: Region is a haven for hikers tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2009://39.1220 2009-05-21T15:28:00Z 2009-05-21T15:26:29Z Hikers with any level of experience can enjoy the sport on any of the three major trails that span the area. The Appalachian Trail runs through the area on its way from Maine to Georgia. The trail is identified by... NVDaily Hikers with any level of experience can enjoy the sport on any of the three major trails that span the area.

        • The Appalachian Trail runs through the area on its way from Maine to Georgia. The trail is identified by white swatches on trees, signs and other permanent structures. The trail can be accessed at several spots: on Freezeland Road near Linden; just off John Marshall Highway in Fauquier County; on Fort Valley Road on the Warren/Shenandoah county line; and at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center, 600 4-H Center Road in Front Royal. 304-535-6331 www.appalachiantrail.org


        • The Tuscarora Trail, a branch of the Appalachian Trail, is identified by blue swatches. It begins in Shenandoah National Park in Warren County, crosses Massanutten Mountain, runs along the valley floor to the Virginia and West Virginia state line and into Maryland, where it ends at the Appalachian Trail north of Carlisle, Pa.
          In Shenandoah County, the Tuscarora is best accessed at Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area on Fort Valley Road in Fort Valley and Shenandoah County Park on U.S. 11 in Maurertown.
          Near Frederick County, the trail can be accessed at the following points: near Star Tannery, where the trail crosses Va. 55; at Gore's Grocery parking lot in Gore; and at LeHew Road in West Virginia. 703-242-0965 or 703-242-0693 www.potomacappalachian.org


        • The Massanutten National Recreation Trail is a 71-mile circuit that can be accessed at several spots but the most common access point is at the Signal Knob parking area on Fort Valley Road. 703-242-0965 www.patc.net


        • Backpacking enthusiasts have one of the best locations right in their backyard in the Shenandoah National Park. The park has more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. A free permit is required for back-country camping and can be obtained at the ranger station. Failure to obtain the permit will result in a fine. Backpackers can stay overnight in the park. Through-hikers who are on the trail for more than two nights can use one of seven trail-side huts available through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. 999-3500 www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm


        • Sky Meadow State Park, at 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, offers 13 miles of hiking trails 592-3556 www.virginiastateparks.gov


        • Trails in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests range in length from less than a quarter mile to more than 70 miles. More than 400 miles of trails are available to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. 265-5100 www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/index.shtml
          Interpretive trails also can educate hikers along the way by telling stories of the area during the course of the trail. The Lee Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest is home to several of these interpretive trails. www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/recreation/hiking/index.shtml


        • The Discovery Way Interpretive Trail, in the forest, is paved and runs .2 miles. It details the geology and plant life along the trail.


        • The Lion's Tail National Recreational Trail, in the forest, was built in cooperation with the Lion's Club and is designed for the visually impaired. Hikers can learn about forest ecology on this .5 mile loop trail.


        • The Massanutten Storybook Trail, in the forest, explains the building of the Massanutten Mountain Range along the .25 mile paved trail.


        • The Pig Iron Trail, in the forest, is a .25 mile, self-guided interpretive loop trail that describes the pig iron industry of the 19th century. It winds past the remains of Elizabeth Furnace and tells the story of the furnace community.


        • The Charcoal Interpretive Trail, in the forest, is a .5 mile self-guided interpretive trail, that tells about charcoaling, a companion to the pig iron industry, by describing the lives of the workers and the impact of the industry on the forest.


        • The Fishers Hill Battlefield, south of Strasburg, is also home to an interpretive trail. The Strasburg Guard, Sons of Confederate Veterans, developed an interpretive trail at the 195-acre site of the 1864 battle. 540-740-4545
          • ]]>           Horseback riding: Hop on a horse tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2008://39.1217 2009-05-21T15:15:32Z 2009-05-22T17:52:23Z If you don't own your own horse, have no fear. There are a host of places throughout the valley where you can still enjoy scenery up close while taking advantage of a horse's leg power -- or where you can... NVDaily If you don't own your own horse, have no fear. There are a host of places throughout the valley where you can still enjoy scenery up close while taking advantage of a horse's leg power -- or where you can have a pony party.

        • Fort Valley Riding Stables, at 299 S. Fort Valley Road, Fort Valley 933-6633 or 888-754-5771 www.fortvalleystable.com

        • Highlander Horses, at 5197 Reliance Road, Front Royal 636-4523 www.highlanderhorses.com

        • Pony Palace Party Rides, at 4892 Swartz Road, Maurertown 436-9462

        • The Rocking S Ranch, at 564 Glaize Orchard Road, Winchester 678-8501 www.therockingsranch.com

        • Secret Passage Ranch, at 321 Spring Mountain Way, Fort Valley 933-6564 www.secretpassageranch.com

        • The Wagon Wheel Ranch, at 5522 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester 868-9427 or 303-2687 www.thewagonwheelranch.org

        • Pony to Go at Full Moon Ranch, 1691 Swimley Road, Berryville 955-5636 www.ponytogo.com

          • ]]>           Art galleries: Find beauty in region's galleries tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2008://39.1304 2009-05-21T15:09:52Z 2009-05-26T15:07:53Z Not only is the Northern Shenandoah Valley rich in scenic beauty, there's plenty of other beauty to behold -- and sometimes buy. Frederick County/Winchester Applegate Art Gallery and Custom Framing, Winchester 667-8996 www.applegateart.net Art Gallery, Winchester 535-1160 Gallery One, Winchester... NVDaily Not only is the Northern Shenandoah Valley rich in scenic beauty, there's plenty of other beauty to behold -- and sometimes buy.

          Frederick County/Winchester
          • Applegate Art Gallery and Custom Framing, Winchester 667-8996
            www.applegateart.net
          • Art Gallery, Winchester 535-1160
          • Gallery One, Winchester 662-0233
          • King James Galleries, Winchester 678-9105
          • Old Warsaw Galleries, Winchester 535-0031
          • Shenandoah Arts Council, Winchester 667-5166
            www.shenarts.org
          • Eugene B. Smith Gallery, Winchester 667-6190
            www.eugenebsmith.com
          Shenandoah County
          • Edinburg Gallery, Edinburg 984-3066
          • Harrison House Art Gallery & Framery, Mt. Jackson 477-3010
          • Gene Taylor Photography, Woodstock 459-2707
          • TAGG -- The Art Group Gallery, Mt. Jackson 477-4131 www.theartgroup.org
          • VECCA's 7 East Art Gallery, 123 S. Main St., Woodstock 459-7500. www.veccaarts.org/7-East_hm.html
          • Woodstock Gallery & Frame Shop, Woodstock 459-5366
          Warren County/Front Royal
          • The Blue Ridge Arts Council, Front Royal 635-9909
            www.blueridgearts.org
          • Delilah's Gifts for All Seasons, Front Royal 683-9688
          • Listhús Gallery, Front Royal 703-477-7265
            www.listhusgallery.com
          • On The Wall, Front Royal 636-3485
          ]]>           Libraries: Explore a local library tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2009://39.1263 2009-05-21T15:07:38Z 2009-05-21T15:03:13Z Imagination and knowledge, no matter the weather, are always on the shelf. Clarke County Clarke County Library, 101 Chalmers Court, Suite C, Berryville, 955-5144. www.hrl.lib.state.va.us. Frederick County/Winchester Handley Regional Library, 100 W. Piccadilly St., Winchester 662-9041 www.hrl.lib.state.va.us Mary Jane and... NVDaily Imagination and knowledge, no matter the weather, are always on the shelf.

          Clarke County Frederick County/Winchester
          • Handley Regional Library, 100 W. Piccadilly St., Winchester 662-9041 www.hrl.lib.state.va.us
          • Mary Jane and James L. Bowman Library, 871 Tasker Road, Stephens City 869-9000 www.hrl.lib.state.va.us
          • The Alson H. Smith Jr. Library at Shenandoah University, 1460 University Drive, Winchester 665-4632 www.su.edu/library
          • The Paul Wolk Library at Lord Fairfax Community College, 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown 800-906-5322. www.lfcc.edu/library
          Shenandoah County

          The residents of Shenandoah County have access to seven public libraries. The Shenandoah County Library System consists of the county library in Edinburg and five community libraries. www.shenandoah.co.lib.va.us
          • Shenandoah County Library, 514 Stoney Creek Blvd., Edinburg 984-8200
          • New Market Area Library, 160 E. Lee St. 740-8650
          • Mt. Jackson Community Library, 5901 Main St. 477-3327
          • Strasburg Community Library, 195 W. King St. 465-8464
          • Basye-Orkney Springs Community Library, at the Airport Building at Bryce Resort, 856-8084
          • Fort Valley Community Library, 6190 Woodstock Tower Road, (933-6714 Woodstock Library, at 134 N. Church St., a free public library, is the oldest in the county, but is not part of the county library system. 459-2774
          Warren County/Front Royal
          • Samuels Public Library, 538 Villa Ave. until construction on new library is completed, then 330 Criser Road, Front Royal 635-3153. www.samuelslibrary.net
          • The St. John the Evangelist Library at Christendom College, 263 St. John's Way, Front Royal 636-2900. www.christendom.edu/library
            • ]]> Caverns: Area's caverns are a must-see tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2008://39.1311 2009-05-21T14:55:02Z 2009-05-21T14:50:46Z An outdoor adventure underground makes for a good field trip in any weather. Skyline Caverns, U.S. 340 near the entrance to Skyline Drive 635-4545 www.skylinecaverns.com Endless Caverns, at 1800 Endless Caverns Road, New Market (740-3993 or 800-896-2283 or 800-544-2283 www.endlesscaverns.com... NVDaily An outdoor adventure underground makes for a good field trip in any weather.

          • Skyline Caverns, U.S. 340 near the entrance to Skyline Drive 635-4545 www.skylinecaverns.com
          • Endless Caverns, at 1800 Endless Caverns Road, New Market (740-3993 or 800-896-2283 or 800-544-2283 www.endlesscaverns.com
          • Shenandoah Caverns, at Exit 269 off Interstate 81, four miles north of New Market (477-3115 or 477-4300 www.shenandoahcaverns.com
          • Crystal Caverns, at Hupp's Hill Historic Park, on U.S. 11 in Strasburg 465-5884 www.waysideofva.com/crystalcaverns/
          • Luray Caverns, at 970 U.S. 211 west in Luray 743-6551 www.luraycaverns.com]]> State and national parks: National wonders are close to home, too tag:www.seeshenandoah.com,2009://39.1302 2009-05-21T14:40:08Z 2009-05-21T14:39:35Z Discover the history and outdoor beauty that state and national parks offer throughout Shenandoah and Warren counties. Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive bring more visitors to Front Royal and Warren County than any other attraction. The park and drive... NVDaily Discover the history and outdoor beauty that state and national parks offer throughout Shenandoah and Warren counties.

          • Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive bring more visitors to Front Royal and Warren County than any other attraction. The park and drive extend 105 miles over mountaintops from Afton in the south to Front Royal in the north, and parallel a 101-mile segment of the Appalachian Trail. 999-3500 www.nps.gov/shen

          • Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park, on U.S. 340 about eight miles from Front Royal, has 1,604 acres with more than five miles of frontage on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. An ideal setting for camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking or just relaxing, the park is within view of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. 622-6840 or 800- 933-PARK www.dcr.state.va.us/parks.

            • ]]>