History Lovers Tour To More Than The Civil War
Shenandoah County and the Shenandoah Valley are well known for their role in the Civil War but did you know that this area also boasts a number of historical sites ranging from Native American history, the Revolutionary War, and even modern day history with several sites even playing a role in the World Wars. Learn more about Shenandoah County’s extensive history with this two day itinerary.
DAY 1
Explore Shenandoah’s other National Park with a tour of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historic Park. Although most known for the Battle of Cedar Creek, visitors to The Park will learn about the rich heritage of the Shenandoah Valley dating back to when Native Americans first shaped these lands, through the pioneers along the Wilderness Road, the effects of the Civil War on the region and much more. Refuel with lunch in the charming historic town of Strasburg. There are numerous lunch spots to choose from, try Box Office Brewery where delicious smoked wings and smoked turkey sliders are menu favorites or Old Dominion Doggery (ODD for short) is a great lunch spot featuring burgers and hotdogs using locally sourced meats with unique toppings and combinations. After lunch, discover Strasburg’s rich pottery and railroad history with a tour of the Strasburg Museum. The museum itself is housed in a Southern Railway depot and includes exhibits featuring 18th, 19th and 20th Century pieces from Colonial farms, barns and homes as well as Native American Artifacts and Civil War articles. Located just across the street is the Strasburg Emporium, an antique lover’s dream with over 52,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles. Enjoy a leisurely drive down scenic U.S. Route 11, also known as the Old Valley Pike to the Town of Woodstock. Be sure to stop in the Shenandoah County Historic Courthouse to learn about the history of the county and the town’s famed connections to the Revolutionary War. Stroll through town and explore the quaint shops before enjoying a craft beer at the Woodstock Brewhouse. Located in a restored former denim factory from the 1920’s, the Woodstock Brewhouse offers an eclectic menu ranging from fish tacos, burgers, macaroni and cheese and salad. Stay the night in one of the many hotel chains in Woodstock including Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites or Holiday Inn Express.
DAY 2
Explore the rich history of The Valley and beyond at the Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum in Edinburg. The museum is housed in a historic grist mill dating back to 1848 and is famous for being one of the few mills in the Valley that was not burned by Sheridan during the Civil War. The museum is now home to a exhibits ranging from agriculture, textiles, the Red Cross and more. Be sure to catch a viewing of the film, “The Burning” while at the museum to learn more about Sheridan’s raid before enjoying lunch from at Beans BBQ. *Open Wednesday – Saturday *BBQ Chicken on Wednesdays *Beef Brisket available on Thursdays. *Call ahead to pre-order – carry out- cash only. Continue down Route 11 through Mount Jackson and make a play a game at Virginia’s oldest bowling alley, Shenandoah Bowling Lanes. Shenandoah Bowling Lanes still features the original duck pin bowling and still resembles the alley it was over 50 years ago. Next, make a stop at one of the best known covered bridges in The Commonwealth, Meems Bottom Covered Bridge. The bridge carried travelers for more than 80 years before being burned by vandals on Halloween, 1976. Fortunately, the bridge was reconstructed after salvaging the original timbers and still stands for visitors to enjoy and drive through. Take in a unique part of our nation’s history at American Celebration on Parade and Main Street of Yesteryear, both located at Shenandoah Caverns. American Celebration on Parade is a collection of more than 20 floats from parades such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Rose Bowl Parade and presidential inaugurations. Step back in time at Main Street of Yesteryear to the days when retail store windows told elaborate stories through detailed characters in motion. Take a scenic drive to Quicksburg Virginia to view Corhaven Graveyard, a historic burial ground for those enslaved on an antebellum plantation along Holman’s Creek in Shenandoah County. Finally, sit down for a plate of the best fried chicken and a slice of homemade pie at New Market’s famous Southern Kitchen before putting yourself in the shoes of the VMI cadets who fought for the Confederacy at the Battle of New Market at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and then explore life as it was on the homestead at the Jacob Bushong Farm.