A mere 25 miles outside Staunton in the George Washington National Forest lies an unassuming natural habitat with ponds, vernal pools and comfortable walking trails. Maple Flats Ponds near Lyndhurst offers hikers views of sinkhole pond ecology and is home to a variety of frogs, salamanders, beavers, and other aquatic-loving critters. Driving into Coal Road … Continue reading Explore Maple Flats Ponds
If you find yourself near Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, make time to walk the historic Blue Ridge Tunnel. With entrances in Waynesboro from the West and Afton in the East, this spectacular monument to the hard work and chutzpah of Irish immigrants who constructed it in the 1850's, is the longest … Continue reading Pack Yer’ Flashlight!
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
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