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
Tag: Travel
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
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
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
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
Shenandoah Caverns: 100 years of colorful caving
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
Taking on the Locher Tract
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
A revival meeting
The oldest church in Staunton may arguably be one of the most awe-inspiring in the city. I'm talking about Trinity Episcopal Church, which sits gracefully on the edge of the downtown area offering a respite from the bustle (as if there were any) from the shops and restaurants anchoring my Virginia hometown. I'd been meaning … Continue reading A revival meeting
Stanton with a "u" 