Walk with History – Explore the Valley's Past
Friday, April 26
AFTERNOON
Arrive and check into your accommodations. Stay in the historic district at one of Old Town Winchester’s charming bed and breakfasts - Fuller House Inn (c. 1830), or Nancy Shepherd House (c. 1772), or consider one of the many hotels just walking distance from many Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival events and Winchester’s museums.
EVENING
Have dinner at a local restaurant. Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery is conveniently located near Candy Hill Campground and Old Town Winchester, and is well-known for its BBQ, fried oysters, and shrimp and grits. If you are in Old Town Winchester, try one of nearly 30 restaurants, many with outdoor dining. After dinner, take in a movie at the Family Drive-In Theatre. Opened in 1956, this two-screen theatre offers car speakers, retro pre-show music, and a concession stand!
AFTERNOON
Arrive and check into your accommodations. Stay in the historic district at one of Old Town Winchester’s charming bed and breakfasts - Fuller House Inn (c. 1830), or Nancy Shepherd House (c. 1772), or consider one of the many hotels just walking distance from many Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival events and Winchester’s museums.
EVENING
Have dinner at a local restaurant. Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery is conveniently located near Candy Hill Campground and Old Town Winchester, and is well-known for its BBQ, fried oysters, and shrimp and grits. If you are in Old Town Winchester, try one of nearly 30 restaurants, many with outdoor dining. After dinner, take in a movie at the Family Drive-In Theatre. Opened in 1956, this two-screen theatre offers car speakers, retro pre-show music, and a concession stand!
Saturday, April 27
MORNING
Spend some time exploring the historic district on your own. A self-guided walking tour brochure detailing the history and architecture of Old Town is available online or from the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center. Historic museums in the city center offering guided tours include Abram’s Delight Museum, George Washington’s Office, Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters, and the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum.
MID-DAY
The buildings in Old Town Winchester have unique histories and you can enjoy a meal in some of them – Union Jack Restaurant and Pub in the restored c. 1878 Union Bank building, Village Square and V2 Oyster Bar in the former Miller’s Drug Store (founded 1764), and the Cork Street Tavern, an 1830s building that took fire during the Civil War and is long rumored to be haunted.
AFTERNOON/EVENING
After lunch, enjoy the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival’s Bloomin’ Wine Fest in Old Town Winchester, featuring over 20 of Virginia's finest wineries offering wines sold by the glass or bottle. Craft beer lovers can also enjoy beer by the glass. Browse displays from artisans, enjoy tasty festival foods and music from regional artists.
MORNING
Spend some time exploring the historic district on your own. A self-guided walking tour brochure detailing the history and architecture of Old Town is available online or from the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center. Historic museums in the city center offering guided tours include Abram’s Delight Museum, George Washington’s Office, Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters, and the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum.
MID-DAY
The buildings in Old Town Winchester have unique histories and you can enjoy a meal in some of them – Union Jack Restaurant and Pub in the restored c. 1878 Union Bank building, Village Square and V2 Oyster Bar in the former Miller’s Drug Store (founded 1764), and the Cork Street Tavern, an 1830s building that took fire during the Civil War and is long rumored to be haunted.
AFTERNOON/EVENING
After lunch, enjoy the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival’s Bloomin’ Wine Fest in Old Town Winchester, featuring over 20 of Virginia's finest wineries offering wines sold by the glass or bottle. Craft beer lovers can also enjoy beer by the glass. Browse displays from artisans, enjoy tasty festival foods and music from regional artists.
Sunday, April 28
AFTERNOON
For a relaxing end to your trip that includes mountain views, spring gardens, and Shenandoah Valley history, visit Belle Grove Plantation in nearby Middletown. The 1797 Manor House was built by Major Isaac Hite and his wife Nelly Madison Hite, sister of President James Madison. Breathing in the fresh country air will leave you feeling refreshed.
You may also consider the Cider Tastings & Orchard Tours at Richard’s Fruit Market. Half-hour walking tours of the orchards will begin at 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
Before you depart, consider ending your visit with a local tradition at Apple Blossom time - a leisurely drive among the apple orchards. (Your route could include: Cedar Creek Grade, Marlboro Road, Middle Road, and Barley Lane). View the rows and rows of pink and white blossoms set among the backdrop of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in the distance.
AFTERNOON
For a relaxing end to your trip that includes mountain views, spring gardens, and Shenandoah Valley history, visit Belle Grove Plantation in nearby Middletown. The 1797 Manor House was built by Major Isaac Hite and his wife Nelly Madison Hite, sister of President James Madison. Breathing in the fresh country air will leave you feeling refreshed.
You may also consider the Cider Tastings & Orchard Tours at Richard’s Fruit Market. Half-hour walking tours of the orchards will begin at 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
Before you depart, consider ending your visit with a local tradition at Apple Blossom time - a leisurely drive among the apple orchards. (Your route could include: Cedar Creek Grade, Marlboro Road, Middle Road, and Barley Lane). View the rows and rows of pink and white blossoms set among the backdrop of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in the distance.
