As part of my "cave-a-palooza" quest to visit all of the cavern attractions within an hour's drive of Staunton, I recently took a pleasant tour of the Caverns at Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County. Since I have already notched Grand, Endless, Shenandoah and Luray caverns onto my belt, I was curious as to how these … Continue reading The Caverns at Natural Bridge
Another hidden jewel that offers a peaceful respite in close proximity to Staunton is the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center STAR Trail in Fishersville. The short, albeit wonderfully manicured trail on the center grounds, offer woodland and pond-side access for an easy jaunt- regardless of your physical ability. STAR stands for: Supporting Therapeutic Access to … Continue reading Walk Therapy
When I moved to Staunton three years ago, I soon noted that I was only one among many residents who have relocated here from other parts of the country. Since my former connection of friends and family-in-laws are in New England, I find myself traversing Interstate 81 through Pennsylvania a few times a year. A … Continue reading Up in Smoke: Centralia PA
Few places within a half hour's drive of Staunton could hold a candle to the unique beauty of Natural Chimneys Park and Campground. This Mt. Solon day park with an overnight camping option is a photographers' dream. From the inspiring limestone chimney rock formations to the crystal clear North River that runs along the cool … Continue reading Natural Chimneys – Natural Wonder
Tucked under the arm of one of Harrisonburg's tonier neighborhoods is a small outdoor experience called Lake Shenandoah, a 36-acre waterway run by the Department of Wildlife Resources. I'll admit, the 1.3 mile walk around this small jewel of a lake made me homesick for my former Connecticut home that abuts a similar small waterway … Continue reading Lake Shenandoah
Should you find yourself in Northern Virginia, a couple of hours outside of Staunton on the cusp of Washington DC, make sure to take time to visit the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Finding ourselves in town recently for a Bonnie Raitt concert at Wolf Trap, we did a Google search for other activities to … Continue reading Vibrant Vienna
On the outskirts of New Market lies yet another worthwhile cavern adventure in the form of Shenandoah Caverns. Although not as heavily marketed as nearby Luray Caverns, Shenandoah has its own unique charm that make the hour tour notable. Driving onto the property you are greeted with several incongruous, larger than life (Ok, cheesy) cartoonish … Continue reading Shenandoah Caverns: 100 years of colorful caving
What is touted to be the most popular - and certainly the most advertised - underground experience in the country are Luray Caverns in the Shenandoah Valley. Since this U.S. Registered Natural Landmark is a mere hour's drive from Staunton, I would be remiss to start off my 2022 trips to Virginia caverns without visiting … Continue reading The Allure of Luray Caverns
A mere stones' throw (with a vigorous arm) from the better known Natural Bridge is a hidden gem for light hiking called the Locher Tract. With more than 370 acres, this accessible spot along the James River in the town of Glasgow, offers three shortish trails in a quiet area that abounds with local wildlife … Continue reading Taking on the Locher Tract
Have you ever noticed when you're thinking about buying a certain model car, that's all you see on the road? There is a similar phenomenon going on now during this COVID-19 crisis. I often feel books I've read or movies I watch have some connection in theme to what we are going through as a … Continue reading Steinbeck in Staunton
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