ABOUT THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA

One of the most scenic valleys in the United States, the Shenandoah Valley, bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains including the Great North Mountain to the west with elevations of 1,000 to 1,800 feet above sea level. The views are spectacular from every direction. Enjoy a drive along Skyline Drive with miles of trails featuring wild life and wild flowers, many overlooks and majestic views in the Shenandoah National Park or take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the George Washington National Forest. Bike or hike the miles of nature trails, fish in the mountain streams offering a variety of fish including trout.

The Shenandoah National Park with the Shenandoah River flowing through to the west offers approximately 500 miles of trails and includes 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

The George Washington National Forest in Augusta County is home to Sherando Lake which offers fishing, hunting, boating, camping and swimming. Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Visit Grand Caverns Regional Park and Natural Chimneys where its atypical rock formation attracts visitors to the area.

Dotted along the valley are many amazing communities, farms and small towns each with their own personality.

Along with the many recreational activities available, there are many cultural events and attractions throughout the Valley as well as in the Augusta county area.

Horticulturists will enjoy Andre’Viettes nationally known farm and world famous day lilies. During mid July Andre’ hosts his annual Wine and Day Lilly festival. Local wineries can be found along many country roads. Take time to taste the local varieties, you’ll be sure to take one home with you.

Art lovers, you will not want to miss visiting the P. Buckley Moss Museum located in Waynesboro. This nationally known contemporary artist’s works are displayed and sold in her attractive museum. Certain weekends, Ms. Moss is there to meet with her collectors to sign her works. Visit the Artisan Center in Waynesboro or Waynesboro’s Fall Foliage Festival in early October where artists from across the nation display their works. Arts in the Park is a show with mostly local artists in early May in the beautiful Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton.

Music and Theatre lovers will enjoy the Shenandoah Shakespeare Black Friar Playhouse, a replica of one of William Shakespeare’s theatres and is home to the Shenandoah Shakespeare Express, a touring troupe specializing in Shakespeare and Renaissance drama. Oak Grove Theatre in Augusta County offers fine community performances.

Staunton features the Queen City Acoustic, Jazz and Blue Grass are offered weekly in the Gypsy Hill Bandstand during July and August for a variety of musical tastes. And, of course, Staunton is home to the nationally famous Statler Brothers.

History Buffs will enjoy the rich civil War history so abundant in the Shenandoah Valley. Visit the Civil War battlefield in New Market.

The Woodrow Presidential Library and the American Frontier Museum which provides a look at farm life during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries of Europe and North America, sheds a light on life in the past. The Waynesboro Historical Museum has a wonderful collection of antiques and artifacts native to the area.

Take a walking tour of Staunton and tour the National Historical Districts.

Take in the lovely 200+ year old architecture.

Augusta County and this area of the Shenandoah Valley offer many fine colleges and Universities including the University of Virginia, James Madison University, Bridgewater College and Mary Baldwin College just to name a few.

The county and city public schools information can be found under my links section.

For your health needs, Augusta Medical Center is located in Augusta County in the Fishersville area. Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg and the University of Virginia are both located within 30 miles of Staunton.

The Weather

The weather in the area of Augusta County is characterized by mild winters and mild summers with some levels of humidity. Summer daytime temperatures range from the mid 80’s to a cool and comfortable low to mid 60’s in the evenings. The average annual precipitation is approximately 48”. Winter high temperatures range from the upper 20’s to the upper 40’s. Snow fall averages 25” annually but are usually short lived with the average day time temperatures of mid 40’s. All in all the area of Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County experience very desirable weather with few extremes.