Traversing the Maury River in Lexington lies the easy to walk or ride Chessie Nature Trail. The seven mile path, formerly the Chesapeake & Ohio railroad bed, is about 45 minutes from Staunton and those who do the entire 14 miles should be rewarded afterwards with a stop at nearby Devils Backbone Brewing Co. What … Continue reading Cruising with cows on the Chessie Trail
Author: msanders1313
Hello,
My name is Martha and I am a writer, marketing professional and all around wiseguy trying to get through a difficult juncture and put my pants on one hoof at a time, just like everyone else!
Rockin’ and a Rootin’ – St. Mary’s Falls
Our intrepid guide (everyone needs one) described our latest venture into the Staunton-area hiking world, with two simple adjectives: “rocky and rooty.” He did not lie. But that does not diminish the enjoyable nature of hiking the 4.5 mile round trip to St. Mary’s Falls near Raphine in Augusta County. Our guide, who has completed … Continue reading Rockin’ and a Rootin’ – St. Mary’s Falls
Explore Maple Flats Ponds
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
Pack Yer’ Flashlight!
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!
The Caverns at Natural Bridge
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
Walk Therapy
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
Up in Smoke: Centralia PA
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
Natural Chimneys – Natural Wonder
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
Lake Shenandoah
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
Vibrant Vienna
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
Stanton with a "u" 