Shenandoah Valley

All Aboard: Virginia’s Summer of Steam Celebrates America250

This summer, the legendary Norfolk & Western 611 steam locomotive is firing up her wheel—and she’s bringing history along for the ride. Built in 1950 in Roanoke, Virginia, the 611 is the last surviving member of the “J-Class” fleet, widely regarded as the pinnacle of steam technology. With her iconic bullet-shaped nose, Tuscan Red stripe, […]

by Abby Borgeson

Christmas in the Shenandoah Valley

Merry Christmas, Lexington! Luminarias & Lotto. Big red bows adorn lantern-style street lights. Pine-bough garlands, twinkling lights, and decorated storefronts add to the festive factor. Soon, carolers approach, wearing 18th-century garb, singing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Bob Cratchett waves. No, wait. This isn’t a Dickens novel. It’s Main Street in downtown Lexington. It’s time […]

by peggy sijswerda

Burger Roundup

According to locals, travelers, and our own taste buds, these joints are a must for burger lovers.

by Staff

Dinner on the Mountain

A meal with a view. Venture to Bryce Resort in Bayse for an al fresco dinner experience with an exceptional view. The resort’s Dinner on the Mountain series offers a monthly five-course dinner in the summer and fall. Enjoy a glass of champagne as you ride the chairlift to the mountaintop, where […]

by Staff

Resort Shopping

Splendid stores and beautiful boutiques in Hot Springs. The Omni Homestead Resort isn’t just known for being one of the country’s most elegant hotels. Or for its legendary hot springs and picturesque setting in the Allegheny Mountains. Yes, it’s hosted U.S. presidents, and it’s the state’s first alpine ski resort. But it’s […]

by Staff

Hikes for Beginners

The best trails for maximum views and minimum experience. Shutterstock A hiker takes in the view of the Virginian Blue Ridge Mountains from the summit of The Priest along the Appalachian Trail. You don’t have to be an expert mountain climber to enjoy the natural beauty of Virginia’s best hikes for beginners: […]

by Staff

60 Years of the Apple House

Celebrating more than half a century of hospitality. Near the Front Royal entrance to Skyline Drive, the Apple House in Linden has been a stop for travelers for 60 years. Apple House put down roots in 1963 as a shipping point for orchardists Ben Lacy and Orville VanDeusen’s apples. “This also included […]

by Staff

Star Gazer

Where and how to check out the constellations. (Photo by Greg Redfern) When the day turns dark and the mountain views are hidden, turn your eyes upward to the clear night skies of the Shenandoah Valley. On select summer and fall Fridays, head to the Big Meadows Area of Shenandoah National Park […]

by Staff

Virginia’s Black Forest

Schnitzel, spaetzle, and more in Staunton. Looking for comfort food on a chilly Shenandoah Valley day? Head to Edelweiss in Staunton for authentic German fare. Ingrid Moore, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Walter, says that she chose the area because it reminded her of the Black Forest in her home […]

by Staff

Shenandoah Secret

This college town bar is a true hidden gem. To enter, knock on the grey door behind 92 South Main Street. You’re in downtown Harrisonburg’s only speakeasy, Jack’s Hideaway. Open Thursday-Saturday nights, it’s the perfectly tucked away tavern, beckoning you for an after-dinner cocktail. Choose from a lineup of classics or try […]

by Staff

Penn Laird’s Green Burials

A different way to return to the earth at the end. The team at Duck Run Natural Cemetery in Penn Laird are stewards of the circle of life, providing a place for deceased loved ones to return to nature. On the 113-acre site of a former dairy farm, bodies are buried in […]

by Staff

Treks and Trails

This shop has everything for your next adventure. Mountain Trails, with deep roots in the outdoor community, is the area’s major outfitter for hikers, climbers, and trekkers. Its two locations—in Winchester’s pedestrian mall and a newer site in Front Royal—are staffed with real-life climbers, hikers, cross-country skiers, mountaineers, and fly-fishers, who live, […]

by Staff

Auction Houses

Auction houses offer more than you might expect. Thought auctions were all about bidding and buying? Think again. Elizabeth Evans of Green Valley Auctions in Mt. Crawford says that in addition to live and online auctions, the company also has a consignment shop. “Through this avenue, we can offer high-end furnishings directly […]

by Staff

Appaloosa Roots Music Festival

Building a community around roots music in the Shenandoah Valley. Musician Dan Fedoryka grew up in Front Royal, VA with nine siblings. His mother, a classically-trained Juilliard graduate, had all of them learn a musical instrument—Dan’s being the guitar and accordion. Classical music didn’t quite seem the thing for him, but when he […]

by Staff

Historic House Turned Inn

At the Joshua Wilton House, fine dining is also the draw. (Photography by Adam Ewing) Located in Harrisonburg’s Historic Old Towne District, the Joshua Wilton House is a restored Victorian-era mansion turned restaurant and inn. Executive chef, Tom French, creates elevated Southern flavors using traditional French techniques: think croquettes made with […]

by Staff

Thriving Art Scene

Bordered by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, the Valley is home to a thriving arts community. Looking for creative inspiration? Nimrod Hall in Bath County hosts weeklong summer workshops in painting, crafts, and writing. Affectionately known as “art camp,” Nimrod has offered creative retreats for beginning to advanced artists for more than 30 […]

by Staff

Sipping TAPS

Local food and creative cocktails drive the vibe at The Georges’ main bar. Sera Petras Welcome to The Georges, Main Street Lexington’s charming inn where rich history meets modern accommodations. In the lobby, guests will find TAPS, the inn’s bar and restaurant, serving upscale pub fare. Visitors come for the craft beer […]

by Staff

Record Setting

Hopscotch Coffee & Records offers plenty of perks. Get your caffeine and vinyl fix at Hopscotch Coffee & Records, a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown Winchester. The locally owned shop serves Virginia’s own Lone Oak coffee and fresh pastries, with a hip record store to browse while you sip. […]

by Staff

Off the Beaten Path

The Bad Apple speakeasy and restaurant is worth the search. Looking for the Bad Apple? Don’t rely on your GPS to find it. This Prohibition-themed restaurant, outside of Pembroke (pop. 1,100), is situated inside a big, red barn at the end of Doe Creek Farm Road. From Blacksburg, you’ll take routes 700, […]

by Staff

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Buc-ee’s Opens Its First Virginia Location

If you happened to be standing near the I-81 exit for Mt. Crawford in the early morning hours of this past June 30, you’d have witnessed a spectacle. Shoppers flooded into the parking lot and shuffled into block-long lines in hopes of being among the first through the doors of Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s travel station. […]

by Eric J. Wallace

Norfolk Harborfest Returns for Its 50th Anniversary

From June 19–21, Downtown Norfolk welcomes a fleet of over 60 international and U.S. tall ships to celebrate VA250. “Harborfest celebrates the rich maritime and naval heritage that defines Norfolk and the Hampton Roads region,” says Jordan Lett, marketing director of Norfolk Festevents. “With something happening throughout the waterfront each day, Harborfest offers an immersive […]

by Abby Borgeson

U.S. News & World Report Names This Virginia School as One of The Best in The Nation

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology’s streak of hard-hitting accolades continues this year with a glowing review from U.S. News & World Report. The outlet recently crowned it the top high school in Virginia—and fifth best in the nation—for 2026. The ranking praised the Fairfax-based magnet school’s STEM-focused curriculum that builds toward a […]

by Eric J. Wallace

Shenandoah Valley

All Aboard: Virginia’s Summer of Steam Celebrates America250

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Buc-ee’s Opens Its First Virginia Location

Norfolk Harborfest Returns for Its 50th Anniversary

U.S. News & World Report Names This Virginia School as One of The Best in The Nation

Shenandoah Valley

All Aboard: Virginia’s Summer of Steam Celebrates America250

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Most Popular

Buc-ee’s Opens Its First Virginia Location

Norfolk Harborfest Returns for Its 50th Anniversary

U.S. News & World Report Names This Virginia School as One of The Best in The Nation

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weekly newsletter: VL Today

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