Quick viewing(Text Mode)

Insidersecretstoexploringcentra

Insidersecretstoexploringcentra

Brought to you by Cabin Creekwood, Your “Truly Restful Getaway” in the of .

Featuring nine unique cabins, From one to 3 bedrooms, Located near Waynesboro, Staunton, Sherando Lake, and the Blue Ridge .

For more information, visit www.cabincreekwood.com or call (540) 943-8552.

2 © All Rights Reserved Favorite Restaurants • Ming Garden--Chinese o The Ming Garden Chinese restaurant is truly an unexpected delight in downtown Waynesboro. You'd never know, from the outside, what a delightful dining experience awaits. Bring your appetite, as this buffet is quite the spread. The Ming Garden is located in Waynesboro at 245 Arch Avenue. 540-942-8800. • Mrs. Rowes Family Restaurant o Located in Staunton, Rowes Family Restaurant has really good southern home cooking In fact, they’ve been named one of the top 7 breakfasts in the South by Southern Living magazine. Breakfast is not all they serve. There is a wide variety of dishes on their lunch and dinner menu, all at reasonable prices. Bread, biscuits, pies, cookies, cinnamon and pecan sticky buns are all baked fresh daily to Mrs. Rowe’s own recipes. 540-886-1833 http://www.mrsrowes.com • Devil’s Backbone Brewery & Restaurant o Built in the style of a Colorado Rockies lodge, the Devil’s Backbone Brewery & Restaurant is one of the higher end restaurants in the area. Menu choices are a little on the pricey side, but this is still a favorite of both locals and visitors. You’ll never go hungry with their portions, and the food is cooked to perfection. All in a unique and pleasant dining atmosphere. Located just 7 miles from Cabin Creekwood on route 664, on the other side of the . 434-361- 1001. http://dbbrewingcompany.com/ • Blue Mountain Brewery o Stan & Deb love the menu at the Blue Mountain Brewery. I would describe it as more of a pub-style than the other local breweries. Think lots of amazing burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and some great appetizers like soft pretzels, crab dip, cheese plates, and more. The Blue Mountain Brewery is located in Afton on 151. Plenty of space inside, but if the weather is nice, the outdoor eating area boasts incredible views. http://www.bluemountainbrewery.com • Wild Wolf Brewery o Delicious food, great atmosphere. The Wild Wolf Brewery and restaurant is Peter & Julia’s favorite, in a century old, revitalized Nelson County schoolhouse, located on a ten-acre property featuring a wonderful outdoor eating environment. Meals are created using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Located on route 151, ten miles from Cabin Creekwood. Live music every weekend. https://www.wildwolfbeer.com • Blue Ridge Pig--Barbecue o The Blue Ridge Pig is truly a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The food is succulent, with both pork and beef barbecue slow roasted right on site. You'll appreciate the unique and tiny dining room, with heavy wooden tables and benches. If the weather is nice, take your BBQ outdoors to one of their picnic tables. The biggest drawback from the Blue Ridge Pig is the bathrooms, located next door at the car wash. Located in Nellysford on rte 151 (2198 Rockfish Valley Hwy). 434-361-1170.

© All Rights Reserved 3 • Mill Street Grill o Well known for succulent baby-back ribs, the Mill Street Grill has been a local favorite since 1992. In addition to ribs, you'll find hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and pasta dishes. The menu also boasts a wide selection of vegetarian pastas and sandwiches, and many dishes can be adapted for Vegan. Located at 1 Mill Street in Staunton, they can be reached at 540-886-0656. www.millstreetgrill.com • The Purple Foot o A pleasant dining experience, the Purple Foot is a lunch-time only restaurant (11- 2) wine and gift shop, started in 1978 and still a great place to have lunch. In addition to the Back Room Restaurant, there is a lovely outdoor patio garden and fountain - "The Garden of Eatin" - to add to your eating pleasure. The menu includes a large variety of deli, croissant and pita bread sandwiches, quiches, crepes, soups, salads, fancy baked potatoes, and special desserts. Beverages include wine and beers. The shop offers a large variety of local and international wines, and unusual gifts from around the world. Located in Waynesboro at 1035 West Broad Street. Telephone 540-942-9463.

Hiking • Sherando Lake Area Trails, http://www.fs.fed.us/outernet/r8/gwj/gp/pdf_files/sherando- lake-trails.pdf o Cliff , Lakeside Trail, and Upper Lake Trail These pleasant trails are recommended for short, leisurely walks near the two lakes. The Cliff Trail is moderately steep at times, but offers a number of excellent views of the lake area. o Slacks Trail is 2.6 miles and blue blazed. The trail connects White Rock Gap Trail and Torry Ridge Trail. For the more adventurous, a loop can be made by walking White Rock Gap Trail, Slacks Trail and Torry Ridge Trail, then returning to Sherando Lake on the Blue Loop Trail. POINTS OF INTEREST • The trail passes below Slacks Overlook, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A short path can reach the overlook easily. o The White Rock Falls Trail is 2.5 miles and blazed with yellow markers. The highlight of the trail is an impressive gorge, which has a waterfall and wading pool. A 4.7-mile circuit can be made using portions of the slacks Trail and the White Rock Gap Trail. The name “White Rock” derives from the abundant quartz found in the area. The trail begins opposite the White Rock Gap Trail, across the Blue Ridge Parkway, and then ends on the Blue Ridge parkway, 60 yards from the Slacks Overlook at milepost 20. The shortest way to visit the falls is to park at the parking area at milepost 20, cross the road and walk north about 60 yards. The falls is only about 9/10 mile from this trailhead. o White Rock Gap Trail is 2.5 miles and blazed in orange. The trail begins at the Upper Lake and follows Back Creek to White Rock Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Its gentler grade makes the trail ideal for family day hikes. POINTS OF INTEREST

4 © All Rights Reserved • Back Creek is a stream nature lovers will want to explore. Most other trails in the area follow ridges or slopes far above the water. • Popular mountain biking trail. o The Blue Loop Trail is 2.5 miles and blazed with blue markers. The trail begins in the lakeside picnic area at Sherando Lake. The trail climbs to the top of Torry Ridge and circles Sherando Lake, ending at FDR 91 near the fishermen’s access road. A loop can be made by walking back the access road to the lakeside parking lot. This will add a 0.5 miles to the total distance. POINTS OF INTEREST • Torry Spring provides evidence of the water storage capacity of the forested mountains and is about one-third of the way up the ridge. • Lookout Rock, which offers an inspiring view of Sherando Lake and the surrounding ridges. • A rockslide offers a good view of Sherando Lake. o Torry Ridge Trail is 7.0 miles and yellow blazed. The trail begins about 0.5 mile from the Blue Ridge parkway and can be reached by turning at the Bald Mountain Overlook of the Parkway at milepost 22, following the gravel road approximately 1 mile, then taking the first road to the right to the former fire tower site. Parking is available at this site. The trail follows the crest of Torry Ridge and connects after approximately 3 miles with the Blue Loop Trail above Sherando Lake. The hiker can reach the recreation area following the Blue Loop Trail (west side) 0.6 mile down the mountain to Loop A. The area can also be accessed by the east side of the Blue Loop Trail, which brings the hiker to the parking lot along the main road into Sherando Lake. The Blue Loop Trail should not be confused with the Slacks Trail, which intersects with Torry Ridge Trail approximately one mile from Bald Mountain. The Torry Ridge Trail continues along the crest of the Torry Ridge for another 3 miles to the Mount Torry Furnace on State Route 664. POINTS OF INTEREST • To the left is an excellent view of Mill Creek Drainage and Kelly Mountain. The ridge to the left is Torry Ridge, which the trail will follow. To the right you will see Sherando Lake and the ridges beyond. • Glimpses through the canopy of Kelly Mountain, of the Upper Lake and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also, there are many good views from the ridge. • The rockslides provide excellent views of Kelly Mountain, Mill Creek Drainage, Big Levels, and Sherando Lake. The slides descend the ridge, some reaching the creek below. Hikers may turn right and take the west side of the Blue Loop Trail down the mountain to Sherando Lake, continue east on the Torry Ridge Trail another mile to the east side of the Blue Loop Trail to descend the mountain to Sherando Lake, or continue along the Torry Ridge Trail to the Mount Torry furnace. • Crabtree Falls o One of the prettiest waterfalls in the state of Virginia, Crabtree Falls is billed as the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. With a series of five cascades, it is a must-see for anyone visiting this area. The nice thing about this hike is that anyone can enjoy the waterfalls, because the first cascade is

© All Rights Reserved 5 handicapped accessible! From the parking area, you'll stroll down a paved trail to the bottom of the lowermost falls. At this point the trail becomes dirt, and does the first of nine switchbacks on its way to the top of the highest set of falls. The trail is well maintained, and has wooden guardrails along its steeper portions, as well as railed observation areas at the most scenic overlooks. At 0.5 miles look for a rock formation that appears to be a small . You can pass through the cave and rejoin the trail on the other side. Arrive at the top of the falls 1.1 miles from the parking area and cross over a wooden bridge to an overlook. From here you can't see the falls as it drops away, but you still have a nice view of the valley floor and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Don't be tempted to climb over the stone wall onto the uppermost portion of the falls. The rocks are covered with a very slippery algae, and according to the Forest Service sign, 23 people have fallen to their deaths here. From this point you can retrace your steps to the parking area, or continue up the trail where the hike becomes much flatter as it follows Crabtree stream. If you continue, the trail will split in 70 yards. Take the fork to the right as it crosses the ridge, then follows the stream to the upper parking area in 1.1 miles. Retrace your steps to return. o Directions to Crabtree Falls: From Cabin Creekwood, you have two options. Option 1: (shortest route, and the only route to use if the Parkway is closed) Leave Cabin Creekwood office and turn left on 664. At stop sign turn left onto 814. Go about five miles to a stop sign. Turn left onto Blue Ridge Parkway, then take immediate right onto the gravel road 814 (Campbell's Mountain Road). Stay on 814 for several miles. The gravel will turn into pavement, and a short distance further, you'll come to a stop sign. Take a right onto 56. Crabtree Falls will be 3 1/2 miles on the left. Option 2: (no gravel roads) Leave Creekwood office and turn right onto 664. Go two miles to stop sign. Turn right onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Take Blue Ridge Parkway about 17 miles to milepost 29. Turn left onto 56. Crabtree Falls will be about 6 miles on the right. • , www.appalachiantrail.org o The Appalachian Trail spans a distance of 2,178 miles from Mt Katahdin Maine, to Springer Mountain Georgia. Although this, the nation's longest marked footpath, takes about 5 million footsteps to complete, many folks experience the AT with shorter hikes. The AT crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway at numerous places, with the closest access point being just 2 miles from Cabin Creekwood. Leaving Creekwood Lane, turn right onto 664. Go two miles to the stop sign at the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cross over the parkway. Parking for the trail is immediately on your right. • Humpback Rocks Trail o Humpback Rocks are located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, near milepost 6. The Humpback Rocks Trail, which begins at the south end of the Humpback Gap parking area, provides access to Humpback Rocks (1 mile), Humpback Mountain (2 miles), and the Humpback Rocks picnic area (3.9 miles). About a half-mile up the blue-blazed trail, hikers can reach Humpback Rocks from a spur trail on the left. The strenuous 700-foot climb rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys. Hikers continuing straight at the fork for one mile can reach the summit of Humpback Mountain to view ridges to

6 © All Rights Reserved the north. Beyond the summit, the trail winds a half-mile along the top of a cliff to a trail leading to the Humpback Rocks picnic area. Generally, the Humpback Rocks trail is marked with blue blazes on trees, rocks, and other natural features. At times, however, the trail is also part of the Appalachian Trail and may be marked in white. A single blaze indicates the trail continues straight while a double blaze indicates an upcoming turn. Wear appropriate shoes and carry drinking water. Allow one hour to Humpback Rocks, two hours to Humpback Mountain, and four hours to hike to the picnic area. • Spy Rock Trail o One of our favorite hikes for incredible views, the Spy Rock Trail is located near Montebello, behind the fish hatchery. Legend says that Confederate Soldiers used Spy Rock as a lookout for Union Troops, and when taking in the 360 degree views, one can certainly see why. The trail follows a private gravel drive for a good ways, then veers left onto the Appalachian Trail. After following the AT for about 1/2 mile, a signpost indicating Spy Rock points to the right. When you reach the rock, you'll need to scramble a little to make it onto the top. There are several ways to get up, either to the left or the right. Make sure to pay attention how you get up, because it is easy to forget once you make it to the top and become enthralled with the incredible sights. Driving directions to Spy Rock: Follow the directions above to Crabtree Falls. Once you leave the parkway and turn left onto 56, you'll go about a mile and pass the Montebello Country Store on your left. About 1/2 mile further, look for the signs to the Fish Hatchery on your right. You'll turn right, and find parking behind the fish hatchery. Signs at the parking area will guide you to the trailhead. • Fortune's Cove Preserve o This challenging Nelson County hike rewards visitors with stunning mountain views. Situated within some 29,000 acres of relatively intact forest habitat, the 5.5 mile trail takes you through a series of rocky glades that are home to rare plant communities. Plenty of wildlife inhabit this area as well, including black bear, , white-tail deer, , raccoon, and a multitude of bird species. Overall climb is around 1500 feet. The entire loop should take about 6 hours to complete, even for hikers in good physical condition. To access, leave the office and turn right at the end of Creekwood Lane. Two miles will bring you to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cross straight over and go another four miles to stop sign. Turn left onto 151. Take 151 through Nellysford, then turn right onto route 6. Take 6 to stop sign and turn right onto 29. Just before entering Lovingston, you'll turn right onto 718 (Mountain Cover Road). Go 1.5 miles and turn right onto 651 (Fortunes Cove Lane). Continue 1.2 miles to Mountain Cove Vineyard, then bear left on gravel road. Go 0.2 miles, then turn left into preserve parking area.

Mountain Biking • All hiking trails in the National Forest are open for mountain biking, with the exception of designated wilderness areas, and specifically marked trails. • The trail to Mill Creek Reservoir is a great mountain biking trail for the beginner. To access, go back the Coal Road 1 mile and park on the left.

© All Rights Reserved 7

Cycling • Cycling these mountain roads is not for the faint-of-heart. Lots of curves combined with significant elevation changes make cycling here a challenge. For those who love a challenge, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides some excellent cycling opportunities. www.blueridgeparkway.org/bicycling.htm • Cabin Creekwood maintains information on a series of circuit rides for cyclists desiring more challenging and longer rides.

Four Wheeling/Jeep Trails • The closest ATV trails are located about an hour's drive from Cabin Creekwood. One is west of Harrisonburg, the other is near Bedford. ATV's are not allowed on any other trails in the national forest, including the below mentioned jeep trails. • Shoe Creek Jeep Trail is a four mile jeep trail in the George Washington National Forest. Located about 30 minutes away, access Shoe Creek as follows: Turn right out of Creekwood Lane. Go two miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn right (south) onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Go about 4-5 miles and turn left on the gravel road 814 (Campbell's Mountain Road). Take 814 to the end. It will change from gravel to pavement, then you'll see a stop sign at route 56. Turn right onto 56 and go about 3-4 miles. Take 826 to the left, and follow it to the upper Crabtree Falls parking area. That is where the trail begins. • Stony Run Jeep Trail is a 12 mile trail from the Coal Road to Bald Mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is definitely a four-wheel-drive only trail, as sections of it are very steep and rocky. To access the lower end, leave Creekwood Lane and turn left down the hill. At the stop sign, turn right on 664 and go three miles. Turn left on the Coal Road, also known as forest service road 42. Follow the Coal Road approximately 7 miles to forest service road 162. Turn left on 162. The road gets rougher the further up you go. To access the upper end, leave Creekwood Lane and turn right up the hill. Go two miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn right (south) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go to approximately milepost 18 and look for a small pulloff on the right with just one picnic table. Take the forest service trail to the right of that picnic area. At the Y, make a left. That is the trailhead for Stony Run. Be aware that this jeep trail is subject to seasonal closures due to weather and road conditions to protect the natural resources. Call the Pedlar Ranger District (540-291-2188) to check on trail closures.

Horseback Riding • Appalachian Horse Adventures provides Pony Rides, Riding Lessons, and Trail Rides ranging from 1 to 4 hours in length. Experience our wonderful mountain trails while letting the horse do the work for you! Located in Montebello, about 30 minutes from Cabin Creekwood. Leave Creekwood office and turn right onto 664. Go two miles to stop sign. Turn right onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Take Blue Ridge Parkway about 17 miles to milepost 29. Turn left onto 56. Go about 1 mile and stop at the Montebello Country Store on your left. Call 540-377-2650 for reservations. • Star B Stables has been offering our guests hour-long trail rides in the for years. With a team of very gentle horses, even young children can enjoy the experience (We took our daughter when she was six). This ride will take you through

8 © All Rights Reserved woodlands, open pastures, and through a creek, all the while providing you with the scenery the Shenandoah Valley is famous for. For reservations, call 540-885-8855. www.starbstables.com

Vineyards, Wineries, and Breweries • Wintergreen Winery (7 miles) Leaving Creekwood Lane turn right going up the hill. Two miles will bring you to a stop sign at the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cross directly over the Blue Ridge Parkway and go another five miles. Wintergreen Winery is on the left. www.wintergreenwinery.com • Hill Top Berry Farm (12.4 miles) Follow directions to Wintergreen Winery. Continue past the winery to stop sign at 151. Turn left on 151. Go 4 miles and turn slight right onto 613. Continue onto Berry Hill Road. Winery is on the right. www.hilltopberrywine.com • Flying Fox Vineyard (14.7 miles) Follow directions to Hilltop Berry Farm. Stay on 151 another 3 miles. Turn left at Chapel Hollow Road. www.flyingfoxvineyard.com • Cardinal Point Vineyards (19 miles) Follow directions toward Flying Fox Vineyard. Stay on 151 another 3 miles. Turn right onto Avon Road. Go 1 mile and turn right onto Batesville Road. Stay on Batesville Road 4 miles. Winery is on the left. www.cardinalpointwinery.com • Veritas Winery & Vineyard. Follow directions toward Cardinal Point Vineyards, but stay on 151 another 1.4 miles. Turn left on Afton Mtn Road (VA-6). Go 1.3 miles then turn right onto Saddleback Farm. Vineyard is on the right. www.veritaswines.com • Afton Mountain Vineyards. From Veritas Winery, turn right onto Afton Mountain Road (VA-6). Go 7/10 mile then turn left onto Mountain Road. Go 1.2 miles and turn left onto Vineyard Lane. Afton Mountain is on the right. www.aftonmountainvineyards.com • DelFosse Vineyards & Winery (22 miles) Leaving Creekwood Lane turn right going up the hill. Two miles will bring you to a stop sign at the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cross directly over the Blue Ridge Parkway and go about five miles to stop sign. Turn left on 151 and go 5.5 miles. Turn right onto VA-6 and follow it to route 29 (about 11 miles). Turn left onto 29 and go 3.6 miles. Vineyard is on the right. www.delfossewine.com

Apple Orchards • Dickie Brothers Orchard, www.dickiebros.com o Pick your own apples and pumpkins every day from October 6-27. Varieties include Gala, Paulared, McIntosh, Red & Golden Delicious, Empire, Winesap, Stayman, Rome, Granny Smith, and Fuji. Open 7 days a week in September and October, Monday through Friday November through August. Route 666, off 56 West, Massies Mill. 434-277-5516. • Drumheller’s Orchard o Apple packing shed showcases Red & Golden Delicious, Stayman, Winesap, Rome, York, Granny Smith, and Albemarle Pippin varieties. Find pumpkins, cider, apple butter, and honey too. Special events and festivals in the fall. During apple season, open Monday through Saturday, 9-5, Sunday noon to 5. 1136 Drumheller Orchard Lane, Route 741 (off Hwy 29) south of Lovingston. 434-263-5036.

© All Rights Reserved 9 • Flippin-Seaman, Inc., www.flippin-seaman.com o Offering Empire, Gala, Jonathan, Red & Golden Delicious, York, Winesap, Red Rome, Stayman, Pippin, Jonagold and Pink Lady apples. Also apple butter, cider, baskets, honey, jellies, pumpkins, and gifts. 5529 Crabtree Falls Hwy in Tyro, alongside Route 56. Call for "pick your own apples" days. 434-277-5824. • Mountain Cove Orchards o Pick your own Fuji apples mid-October into November. The orchard is easily accessed and has small trees for easy picking. Open Saturday and Sundays from 8-6. Weekdays by appointment only. 108 Banton Orchard Lane, Lovingston. 434-981-1135.

Canoeing & Kayaking • Sherando Lake o This recreation area in the George Washington National Forest is known locally as the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge," and it's easy to see why. Explore this 24-acre lake up close as you paddle with our canoe or one of our kayaks. Available at Cabin Creekwood, these boats can be rented for a day, a half-day or even just two hours. Delivery is available for a fee, or you can take them yourself if you prefer. • South River o The South River runs through Waynesboro, and provides a pleasing paddling opportunity. Boats may be rented from Cabin Creekwood, but you'll need to provide your own transportation. The Ridgeview Park in Waynesboro provides one easy access point. The stretch accessible from the park is about 1 mile. • Beaver Creek Lake o Located near Charlottesville, Beaver Creek Lake is a 104-acre lake, providing great opportunities for fishing and boating. Take I-64 East to the Crozet Exit. Take route 250 to Crozet, Just past the railroad tracks, take a left onto Route 680, and turn left into park. • Lake Monocan Park o Lake Monocan offers bikes, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats, as well as swimming, fishing, horseshoes, volleyball, and more. Fees apply. Located in Stoney Creek at Wintergreen. To get there, leave the Cabin Creekwood office and turn right. Two miles will take you to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cross over parkway and drive until you reach a stop sign at route 151 (about 4 miles). Turn left onto 151. Go through Nellysford. Stoney Creek is on your left. Call 434- 325-8181 for more information.

Picnicking • Sherando Lake provides a beautiful setting for picnicking, whether you choose a table overlooking the lake, beside a creek, or simply in the woods. • The Blue Ridge Parkway offers many opportunities for picnicking, with tables at many of the pulloffs and overlooks. With the incredible views, you can't go wrong. The only suggestion is to take a jacket along, even when it's warm in the valley. The temperature is often quite a bit cooler on the parkway.

10 © All Rights Reserved History and Museums • The Pioneer Farm at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides an interpretive trail through a hardscrabble farm, depicting mountain pioneer life long after the surrounding flatlanders had embraced more modern lifestyles. Living history interpretive programs are held throughout the summer season. The Visitor Center focuses on life as the mountain residents knew it. (Free) • The American Frontier Culture Museum is a wonderful living history museum, with farms brought from England, Germany, Ireland, and West Africa, and reconstructed on site. The tour describes how the Appalachian Frontier Farm was a blend of all these different influences. See living history interpreters year round demonstrating different facets of life in the frontier. Located in Staunton. Fees apply. www.frontiermuseum.org • The Plumb House, built around 1802, is the oldest building in Waynesboro. The house was caught in the middle of the Civil War "Battle of Waynesboro" on March 2, 1865, and hosts the annual reenactment of the Battle of Waynesboro. Collections of Civil War and Native American artifacts are on display. The grounds feature a slave-built brick patio, a historic garden, summer kitchen, and other outbuildings. One block from the museum is the Old Presbyterian Cemetery where 25 Confederate Soldiers are buried. Open Thursday through Saturday, 10-4. www.waynesboroheritagefoundation.com • The P. Buckley Moss Museum houses the permanent collection of the renowned artist's work. Born in New York City in 1933, Moss attended Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, where she specialized in graphic design and fine art. After her family moved to the Shenandoah Valley in 1964, Moss used the rural scenery and culture of Mennonite "plain" people to develop a unique artistic style. She became renowned not only in America, but also in Europe and Japan, for her distinctive creations and popular appeal, and won the nickname of "the people's artist." The museum is at 150 P. Buckley Moss Museum Drive, off U.S. 340 just south of Interstate 64. Admission is free. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.pbuckleymoss.com • The Shenandoah Valley Art Center is a non-profit community art center aimed at bringing art awareness and education to Waynesboro and the surrounding communities. Three galleries hold exhibits that change monthly. Located at 126 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro, the Art Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10-4, and Sunday from 2-4. www.svacart.com • Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Museum is a lovely Greek Revival house, formally the Staunton Presbyterian Manse, fully restored and decorated to 1856 and decorated with period furniture. This National Historic Landmark is the birthplace of one of America's most important leaders, and an authentic depiction of a pre-Civil War Shenandoah Valley home. Also at the museum are historic gardens and a beautiful restoration of Victorian landscape. Experience a personal tour through the Wilson's home, a self-guided tour through the museum, and a stroll through the Victorian-style terraced gardens. While there, take a trolley ride through 19th century downtown historic Staunton to enjoy shops and restaurants. Open daily, call 888-496-6376 for current hours and pricing. www.woodrowwilson.org • Monticello--No visit to the area is complete without a tour of 's Monticello, the home designed, redesigned, built, and rebuilt for more than forty years.

© All Rights Reserved 11 Thomas Jefferson is well known for his practical inventions, many of which can be seen at Monticello. Of course, while there, you'll want to explore more than just the house itself. The gardens at Monticello were a botanic showpiece, a source of food, and an experimental laboratory of ornamental and useful plants from around the world. Jefferson grew 170 fruit varieties in his orchards, and over 330 vegetable varieties in the 1000 foot long garden terrace. Located near Charlottesville, Monticello is open Monday through Friday, from 9-5. For more information, call 434-984-9822. www.monticello.org • Michie Tavern has welcomed travelers for more than 200 years. Imagine arriving by horseback, on foot or by coach. The rooms would be thick with the scent of cooked venison and tobacco. Voices, some raised in heated political debate, would carry from room to room. As you cross the threshold of old Michie's Tavern you enter another time. Our costumed hostess welcomes you into the past as "Stranger," an early 18th-century term for a traveler. Much like the 18th-century visitor, you will be enjoying homemade southern fare based on recipes from the period. After your hearty meal, a "taste" of the past lingers while you tour through the Original Tavern. This is where your 18th- century counterpart came to dine and socialize. Taverns served not only as a place to eat, drink and sleep, but also as the center of the community. As you climb the stairs to the second floor, you enter the Assembly Room. This large, sunlit room once served as a ballroom, makeshift school room, a place for worship and for extra sleeping accommodations. The other rooms on tour, including the elaborately decorated Ladies' Parlor, also served many purposes. After touring the Tavern, guests may continue their tour through various outbuildings and then down a winding path through the woods which leads to the Meadow Run Mill and General Store. Along the path is the Clothier Shop and the most recent Marketplace shop, the Metal Smith Shop. Located south of Charlottesville, Michie Tavern is open daily. www.michietavern.com • Downtown Staunton Walking Tour--Every Saturday, at 10:00am May through October, the Historic Staunton Foundation's trained volunteers lead a walking tour of downtown Staunton to discuss and see Staunton's development into a boomingn 19th century city. Tours begin at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, located at 24 N. Coalter Street. Where comfortable walking shoes. www.historicstaunton.org/WalkingTours.html

Fun Things for Little Ones • Feed the fish at the Montebello Fish Hatchery. This a fun and educational experience allows you to see the trout being raised right in the mountain stream. Walk along the tubs, identify the various sizes and varieties of trout, and feed them fish food. This is also a great place for a picnic. Follow the directions to Crabtree Falls. The fish hatchery is on the right shortly after passing the Montebello Country Store. • Children enjoy playing in any of the creeks around here. Build dams, look for crawdads, or just get wet! • Sherando Lake provides a sand beach for kids of all ages to enjoy. Located just a mile from Cabin Creekwood, this is a great place for relaxing, picnicking, playing or sunning in the sand, or hanging out in the shade and enjoying the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

12 © All Rights Reserved • Kids always enjoy feeding the ducks at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton. Gypsy Hill is a sprawling, 214 acre multi-use recreational facility, including a public golf course, football and baseball stadiums, a gymnasium, a lake, a National Guard Armory, two playgrounds, a public swimming pool, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, a mini-train, duck ponds, and lots of picnic tables. To access, take I-64 to I-81 North. Take first exit, route 250 west. Go to the T. Turn right, go under the railroad, then turn left at the first light. Follow signs to Gypsy Hill Park. • Ride on the Gypsy Express, located at Gypsy Hill Park. Since 1957, the Gypsy Express has been carrying children and their dreams. Operated on weekends, the Gypsy Express is open from the first Saturday in May through October 31. Hours are from 12-6 on Saturdays and 1-5 on Sundays. Tickets are $1. • The Harrisonburg Children's Museum is a not-for-profit organization that offers hands-on activities where children (ages 2-12) and their families can explore and learn together. These wide-ranging activities, designed so young minds can explore more, include arts, culture, science, and technology. Located in downtown Harrisonburg, on Court Square at 30 N. Main Street. From I-81, take exit 247B which will put you on Market Street (Route 33 West). Proceed straight on Market Street through five traffic lights until you come to a T-intersection at the sixth light. Turn right onto Main Street (Route 11). You will see the museum immediately on your right. Drive past the museum and turn right at the next light onto Elizabeth Street. Parking is available in the city parking deck on your left. www.hcmuseum.com • See the doll house at P. Buckley Moss Museum. This little-known attraction is worth visiting, even if you aren't interested in Moss' art. Located downstairs at the museum, this incredibly detailed doll house is a fascination for all. With so much detail and so many rooms, you can spend quite a bit of time exploring. Tip: see how many mice you can find! Follow directions to museum above. • The Pioneer Farm is a free exhibit along the Blue Ridge Parkway that lets visitors see what life was like during the frontier days. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 5.8, this reconstructed farm is devoted to the settlers of this region. Summer months you'll find costumed actors demonstrating various activities and explaining what life was like. • The Natural Bridge Zoo boasts the largest collection of exotic zoo animals and birds in the state of Virginia. As a rescue facility, many of the zoo’s animals are bottle and hand-fed from birth, creating closer, more friendly encounters for you. One of the highlights of this zoo is a stroll through the petting area, where you’ll come face to face with llamas, miniature donkeys, tame deer, and pygmy goats. Saturday and Sunday, take a ride on the African Elephant. Located in Natural Bridge. www.naturalbridgezoo.com • The Virginia Safari Park is a premier hands-on encounter with all kinds of wildlife. Drive through the park and marvel at the ease with which the animals approach your car and beg for food. Purchase a food bucket, but hang on! These animals are quite adept at jerking the bucket out of your hand! The experience of having a huge bull elk or bison only inches away, feeding from the bucket in your hands, is difficult to imagine until you experience it for yourself. This unique animal encounter park appeals to all ages. Located in Natural Bridge. www.virginiasafaripark.com

© All Rights Reserved 13 Shopping • The Dayton Farmer’s Market is located about 45 minutes north of Cabin Creekwood in Dayton, VA. Travel back in time as you browse shops filled with all kinds of good foods, crafts, toys, and more. Open Thursday through Saturday, the Dayton Farmer's Market is well worth visiting. www.daytonfarmersmarket.com • Shenandoah Heritage Farmer’s Market--If malls and department stores leave you cold, take a trip to Harrisonburg and experience an incomparable shopping experience at the Shendnadoah Heritage Market. You will know when you have arrived when you see the two 110-foot windmills that mark the location. Outside, find fresh Produce, Greenhouses, Shrubbery, Trees, Storage Buildings, and Wooden Lawn Furniture. The smell of Kettle Korn tantalizes you as soon as you enter the market by walking through a covered bridge spanning a pond teaming with colorful goldfish. Inside, a myriad of delightful shops beckon with everything from Antiques (40+ dealers) Collectibles, Quilts, Western Wear, Hunting Supplies, Amish-made Furniture; inlcuding hickory rockers and cedar chests, Jewelry, Gifts & Souvenirs. Treat your taste buds to the "made from scratch" jellies at the The Country Canner, where they also make and can apple butter, pickles, relishes and pie fillings on-site. Grandma's Pantry will remind you of a time with your own grandma with its homemade fudge, cheese spreads, old-fashioned candy, snacks and all the best ingredients to make your favorite dishes. Hungry??? Enjoy Lunch at the Hungry Farmer Cafe. The Civil War comes alive at CrossRoads Country Store with Memorabilia, Music and Books. Shop in a Kitchenware store like no other - if they don't have it - you don't need it! Chances are you will discover things you didn't even know you were looking for when you visit the Shenandoah Heritage Market. A perfect blend of old and new! Located just south of Harrisonburg on Route 11. • The Farmer’s Markets in Waynesboro and Staunton provide locally grown produce in season. • The Cheese Shop is a great place to pick up bulk foods, specialty candies, and Amish meats & cheeses. Located at 2366 Tinkling Spring Road, ¾ mile north of US 340 in Stuarts Draft. 540-337-4224. http://www.thecheeseshopva.com/ • Milmont Garden Center & Greenhouses is the perfect place to find plants of all varieties, as well as gardening supplies. This family owned garden center is known for having the largest selection of plants in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. In addition to plants and gardening supplies, you’ll be fascinated with their large selection of fountains and garden statuary. Even if you’re not shopping for something special, this is a great place to go and browse. Located on route 340 just north of the main intersection in Stuarts Draft. 540-943-8408. http://www.milmont.com/ • Green Valley Book Fair - Seasonal--Like books? Like bargains? This warehouse bookstore is a book lover's paradise, with over 30,000 titles displayed in the 25,000 square foot facility. You'll find books on business, fiction, literature, Christian literature, history and current events, nature and outdoors, guns and hunting, cookbooks, science, children's books, travel guides, crafts, and much more, all marked 60% to 90% below retail. The Green Valley Book Fair is located in Mount Crawford, about 45 minutes north of Cabin Creekwood. Open specific days throughout the year. See website at www.gvbookfair.com, or call 800-385-0099 for more information.

14 © All Rights Reserved • Antiques o Stuarts Draft Antique Mall--50 dealers under one roof. Located on Rte 340 in Stuarts Draft, VA. Open 7 days a week. www.stuartsdraftantiquemall.com o Factory Antique Mall in Verona--75,000 square feet and still growing! Located at 50 Lodge Lane, Verona, VA. Open 7 days a week. www.factoryantiquemall.com o 17 East Beverly Antiques--Staunton, VA. Open daily. www.bevant.com o Afton House Antiques--Rt. 6, Afton, VA. www.prospecthill.breezing.com

Golf • Country Club--I-64 to Exit 99. Go right off of exit and past Howard Johnsons. Take a right on Rt. 610. The entrance is on the right, www.swannanoa.com, (540-943-8864) www.swannanoa.com • Staunton Country Club--Exit #225 off of I-81. Go West 1/4 mile and turn right onto Country Club Dr. Make 2nd right onto Country Club Circle. Club is straight ahead. (540-248-7273) www.countryclubofstaunton.com • Ingleside Resort--From Interstate 81 (North or South) take exit Number # 225-follow 252 west to first stop light which is 1 mile from Interstate 81 and take a right at the stop light and golf course is on Resort is immediatly on the left. (540-248-1201) www.virginiagolf.com/ingleside.html • Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton--U.S. 250 W. Churchville Avenue, Staunton, VA, (540-332- 3945) • --Devil's Knob--Turn right out of Creekwood Lane. Cross over Blue Ridge Parkway and go two miles further. Turn left into Wintergreen Resort. Follow signs to Devil's Knob. (434-325-2200) www.wintergreenresort.com/golf • Stoney Creek at Wintergreen--Just 15 minutes from Cabin Creekwood. Leave Creekwood Lane. Turn right on 664. At stop sign (Blue Ridge Parkway) go straight across. Four miles to stop at 151. Turn left on 151. Go through Nellysford. Stoney Creek will be on your left. (434-325-2200) www.wintergreenresort.com/golf

Caverns • www.uvrpa.org/grandcaverns.htm o The closest cavern to Cabin Creekwood, and also my personal favorite. Grand Caverns is operated by a regional parks authority, making it less commercial and a lot more natural than some of the others. Guided tours are given seven days a week from April 1 to October 31, and the rest of the year on weekends. At Grand Caverns, you'll visit Cathedral Hall, which at 289 feet long and over 70 feet high is one of the largest rooms of any cavern in the East. Massive columns, beautiful draperies rippling , and rare "shield" formations create a variety of fascinating sights. o Grand Caverns has been open continually since 1806. During the Civil War, the cave was visited by both Union and Confederate Soldiers. There are over 230 verified Civil War soldier signatures in the cave. The most famous story is when Confederate General was asked if he were going to visit. He is reported to have said, "No, I think not. I fear I shall be underground soon enough, and I have no desire to speed the process."

© All Rights Reserved 15 o Located only 30 minutes from Cabin Creekwood in the town of Grottoes. To get there, leave Creekwood Lane and turn left. At the stop sign make a right. Travel 13 miles on routes 664 and 624. You'll come to a stop light in Waynesboro with a Hess gas station on your left. Go straight through the light, you'll be on 340N. Travel another 10 minutes. As you begin to enter the town of Grottoes, follow the signs to Grand Caverns. 888-430-CAVE. • , www.luraycaverns.com o The best-known caverns in Virginia, Luray attracts visitors from throughout and more than 50 foreign countries. During your visit, you'll stroll along the well-lighted, paved walkways that wind through huge chambers to explore cathedral-sized rooms with soaring ceilings, towering columns, and breathtaking , then gaze into mirror-perfect pools. The knowledgeable guides enrich your experience with stories about the caverns discovery and the science behind all the natural wonders being viewed. The caverns also hold the world's only "Stalacpipe Organ" that plays its hauntingly beautiful music on natural formations. o Luray Caverns is about an hour and 15 minutes from Cabin Creekwood, in Luray, Virginia. Take I-64 west to I-81 north. Get off at the New Market exit and follow signs to Luray. Tours begin each day at 9:00. 540-743-6551.

Scenic Drives • Blue Ridge Parkway--Just 2 miles from Cabin Creekwood, www.blueridgeparkway.org • --15 miles from Cabin Creekwood, www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/driving-skyline-drive.htm

Wildlife Observation • Bird watching at • Skyline Drive and , www.nps.gov/shen • Virginia Safari Park (see above) • Natural Bridge Zoo (see above)

Festivals • Fall Foliage Festival in Waynesboro--Juried art show held in downtown Waynesboro the second weekend each October. www.waynesboro.va.us/tourism-fallfoliage.php • Apple Days in Waynesboro--Craft show and sale held in the Willow Plaza of Waynesboro the first weekend of each October. www.waynesboro.va.us/tourism- appledays.php • Sweet Dreams in Stuarts Draft--A summertime festival held each July at the Stuarts Draft Park. Home to Hershey Chocolate and Little Debbie Snack Cakes, Stuarts Draft claims to be the "Sweetest Place in Virginia." sites.google.com/site/sweetdreamsstuartsdraft/ • Dayton Days--A huge art show held the first weekend of each October. Located in Dayton, VA, about 45 minutes north of Cabin Creekwood. www.daytonva.com • The Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale--Held annually the first Saturday of each October at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, the Virginia Mennonite Relief sale raises money to help the poor in third world country. This festival and auction offers a little

16 © All Rights Reserved something for everyone - quilts, artwork, crafted woodwork, homemade foods, antiques, and crafts. Includes lots of fun activities for the kids. www.vareliefsale.com

Civil War • Pre-Civil War Cabin built by a Confederate Soldier (Cabin Logwood)--Here is an opportunity like none other, to stay in a cabin that was originally built by a Confederate Soldier. • Plumb House Museum in Waynesboro--see above • Lexington, VA is home to a host of Civil War sites and information, including Lee Chapel and the Museum at Washington and Lee University, the Stonewall Jackson House, Virginia Military Institute and Museum, the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, Hunter's Raid Civil War Trail, and Goshen Pass. www.lexingtonvirginia.com

Skiing • Wintergreen Resort--Located just three miles from Cabin Creekwood, Wintergreen Resort provides all kinds of winter activities. 26 slopes and trails provide varied opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. 2 Snowtubing parks give children and adults the chance to experience an invigorating plunge down the hill without having to be an expert at skiing. Want to learn to ski? Check out their "Guaranteed Learn to Ski or Snowboard" program. www.wintergreenresort.com • Massanutten Resort--This resort is about an hour north of Cabin Creekwood, and provides skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing. Tired of all the winter sports? Check out their indoor water park. www.massresort.com

Natural Bridge • The Natural Bridge of Virginia, formed when a cavern collapsed, is a place steeped in history. According to legend, the site was surveyed by George Washington for Lord Fairfax, and the initials GW are still visible on the wall. Natural Bridge was purchased in 1774, along with 157 acres, by Thomas Jefferson for the sum of 20 shillings. Jefferson began the development of a retreat by building a two-room . Today, explore a Monacan Indian village, the Natural Bridge Caverns, the Cedar Creek Trail, a toy museum, and a wax museum. And of course marvel in the magnificent splendor of the Natural Bridge itself. Be sure to stay for the "Drama of Creation," a light show that is held nightly April through October, and on the weekends throughout the winter. www.naturalbridgeva.com

Fishing • Sherando Lake--Consisting of a 24-acre lower lake and a smaller upper lake, Sherando is home of bass, bluegill, catfish, and stocked trout. • Back Creek--stocked with trout from October 15 through June 15. • --located in Nelson County, the Tye River provides excellent trout fishing opportunities.

© All Rights Reserved 17 • Mossy Creek--This world-class fly fishing creek near Mt Solon boasts trophy-size brown trout. The required free permit can be obtained at the Verona office of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Hunting and Trapping • The George Washington National Forest (www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/) provides a myriad of hunting opportunities nearby. Abundant numbers of deer, bear, bobcat, squirrel, and many more species make this a hunter's paradise. Nowhere else in the mid-Atlantic region can you find a nearly two-million chunk of land set aside for such sporting use. Seasons and regulations are established by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (www.dgif.virginia.gov).

Nightlife/Entertainment • Blackfriars Playhouse--See Shakespeare come to life with performances at the American Shakespeare Theater, home of the Blackfriars Playhouse. This 300-seat theater is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's original indoor theater. Years of research have culminated in the creation of this unique, historically accurate performance space which provides the perfect backdrop for the American Shakespeare Theater's Elizabethan staging practices. According to Andrew Gurr, former Director of Research at Shakespeare's Globe Theater in London, the Blackfriar's Playhouse is "one of the most historically important theaters in the world." Located in Staunton, VA at 10 Market Street. www.americanshakespearecenter.com

18 © All Rights Reserved