- Thinking About Getting Away From It All?
By Janelle L. Plummer
10 Hotspots in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
In less than 12 weeks, the spring semester will end and many college students will be searching for vacation getaways. While many students will go back to their hometown, some just want to chill in the city. Nevertheless, many of those students anticipate getting away from it all. Just 90 minutes outside the beltway, deep in Virginia’s Shenandoah’s Valley are 10 vacation hot spots.
1. The Wayside Inn—is the oldest continuously operating in America since 1797. It is located in Middletown, Va. near the Massanutten Mountains. Some U.S. presidents and others have stayed at the Inn, including President George Washington, according to Stan Colten, the assistant to the owner. Other visitors include: Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early from the Civil War, John D. Rockefeller, Dan Aykroyd, Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks. John Bellucci is a frequent visitor of Wayside Inn, and President Johnson’s daughter and son-in-law had a reception at the Inn, Colten said. Enjoy the Inn’s traditional favorites such as the chicken pot pie and Miss Irene’s famous meatloaf.
2. Wayside Theatre—While staying at the Inn, walk about two blocks to Wayside Theatre. Now playing: “Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” a musical by Connie Ray. Upcoming spring plays include: “Romeo and Juliet” and “Driving Miss Daisy”(check Wayside Theatre’s Web site, the building is undergoing renovation. Play locations will be held at various locations in the Shenandoah Valley.)
3. Route 11 Potato Chips—While staying at Wayside Inn, walk a block to Route 11 Potato Chips. Taste different flavors of potato chips, including: sweet potato, sour cream and onion and other delicious flavors. See how potato chips are made.
4. Belle Grove Plantation—Also located in Middletown, Va. is the home of Major Isaac and Nelly Madison Hite. Nelly Hite was the sister of President James Madison. Belle Grove Plantation is one of four plantation houses in Virginia that is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
5. Cedar Creek Battlefield—Visit the original battle grounds where the The Battle of Cedar Creek was fought in the 1860s. This is located in Middletown, Va.
6. Half Moon Beach—Just a few miles down the road is a beach located in Strasburg, Va. Take time to relax and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Enjoy swimming, volleyball, camping, fishing and much, much more!
8. Family Drive-In Theater—At the end of the day before going back to the Inn, enjoy a movie at the Family Drive-In Theater in Middletown, Va. on a cool summer’s night.
9. Skyline Drive-- Enjoy hiking trails and see spectacular views at Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive is located along the Blue Ridge Mountains you can see 65 mountain peaks.
10. Luray Caverns-- Before going back to D.C. stop in Luray, Va. Discover one of the most wonderful caverns in the world.
After the spring semester take time to get away from it all—papers, exams, work and most of all city life. Jump in the car and head down I—66 West. You won’t regret it!