Springtime in Shenandoah

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Graced with breathtaking views, a rich history and charming downtowns, the valley has cast its magic on generations of travelers. What is there to love about the Shenandoah Valley? 

– Vibrant Downtowns – Food, Farms and Vineyards – Music, Performances and Festivals 

– History, Culture and Museums – Artisan and Traditional Crafts – Caverns, Forests, and Rivers 

– Springtime abounds with all its beautiful blossoms – Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park – Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway 

Day 1 – Home to Le Roy, IL

We travel today from our home in Minnesota to our stop for the night in Le Roy, IL, with coffee and a lunch stop in between. We will arrive late afternoon, unload and freshen up a bit, before we head down the road to our great “all made-from-scratch” dinner destination, Jacks. Our home for the night will be The Holiday Inn Express.

Included Meals: Dinner 

Hotel: Holiday Express 

Day 2 – Le Roy to Ashland, KY

After a great hot included breakfast we will continue our journey to Ashland, Ky. We’ll travel across central Indiana before enjoying a beautiful drive through Kentucky on the scenic John Brown Highway. After checking into the Hampton Inn, our included evening meal will be at Bob Evans, before we retire for the night.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Hampton Inn 

Day 3 – Ashland to Lexington, VA

Our travels this morning will take us to the lovely, one and only, Greenbrier Resort for our delightful noon lunch at Sam Snead’s at the Golf Club. After our lunch we will be amazed by a tour of the World Famous Underground Quarters. The history of this building and the “once secret” underground place is nothing short of spectacular. Wait until you hear the story behind the Greenbrier, one you shall never forget! Our travels next lead us to Lexington. On the way we will have a great picture stop at the unique Humpback Covered Bridge, a one-of-a-kind unusual site. Moving on, we drive through historic and quaint Covington before entering Clifton Forge and the historic Masonic Temple. Our stay the next two nights will be at the wonderfully nostalgic and charming colonial Hampton Inn, Colo Alto. We will enjoy strolling the lush grounds of this historic site. The Southern Inn Restaurant, established in 1932, is where we will dine this evening. You will love the cozy ambience. Tonight you are free to just relax and enjoy the setting.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Hotel: Hampton Inn Colo Alto (2 Nights) 

Day 4 – Lexington

After an included breakfast at the hotel in the original historic house, we will stop at the Visitor Center, where we will be treated to a carriage ride and tour of the fascinating city. Later in the morning we will pick up our step-on guide for visiting the Washington and Lee University, the Virginia Military Institute and Lee Chapel, all very historic and prestigious. Lunch will be on our own in downtown Lexington providing many options. Our afternoon takes us by the Hills Drive Inn, operating since 1950. McCormick Farm outside of Lexington will be our afternoon activity. It is the former farm of Cyrus McCormick, the famous inventor. Enjoy walking in his footsteps as we stroll the grounds and view the historic buildings. Finish the afternoon with a visit to the Virginia Horse Farm. Head back to our hotel and get ready to enjoy another great meal as guests of the Sheridan Livery Inn, a very historic venue, originally opening in 1887.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 5 – Lexington to Staunton, VA

This morning after enjoying breakfast, we will head over to The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum in Staunton, which is one of the earliest towns in the valley. A step-on guide will give us a tour of this charming town. Lunch will be on our own in downtown Staunton. Our afternoon will take us to the one-of-a-kind Frontier Culture Museum. There will be many learning stations to visit, teaching us about what early life was like on the frontier. Our evening meal will be at Kathy’s, a restaurant so good she put her name on it. We have a very exciting night of entertainment as you will be treated to a performance at The BlackFriars Playhouse. The Worlds only re-creation of London’s original Shakespeare Theater and the world’s first English speaking indoor theater.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Hampton Inn 

Day 6 – Staunton to Harrisonburg, VA

Today we will be off to Churchville and its surroundings, stopping first at a boutique filled with local products. Traveling through Mt. Salon, a very quaint and historic town off the beaten road, we will view the Natural Chimneys, a very unique and awesome rock formation. Our next stop will be the Hardesty-Higgins House, the second oldest house in Harrisonburg, which also houses the Visitor Center, the Valley Turnpike Museum, and the Civil War Orientation Center. For the sweet tooth in everyone, there’s a snack shop serving homemade goodies. Within this block are other eating areas for you to enjoy a quick lunch. If your interest includes quilting be sure to check out the shop across the street. After dinner on your own we will treat you to Klines Dairy Bar, in operation since 1942. Amazing spring flowers in all their bright & beautiful glory can be seen as we explore the Edith Carrier Arboretum and Turners Grist Mill.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Snacks 

Hotel: Hampton Inn (2 Nights) 

Day 7 – Harrisonburg

Today you are in for a real treat, very scenic views on Skyline Drive of The Shenandoah National Park! We then travel to the incredible Luray Caverns, the most popular and largest cavern in the East. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the cavern’s cafeteria before heading across the street to visit The Singing Tower Carillon (maybe even get in on the bells playing for us.) Tonight’s dinner is at the Wood Grill Buffet.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 8 – Harrisonburg to Winchester, VA

We have planned a fantastic day for you, beginning by touring The American Celebration Parade. You are soon to find out what this gigantic, incredible display is all about! Then we head on to New Market, where we will tour the battlefield and farm and eat at a great little place called Southern Kitchen. After your included lunch you will view Union Church and cemetery where some 400 civil war soldiers are buried. Next tour the historic Belle Grove Plantation, dating back to 1797. Today this site includes the original icehouse and smokehouse, and a slave cemetery. Enjoy a snack at this beautiful site with splendid mountain views in the background. Dinner is on your own in Old Town Winchester before heading to our hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Hotel: Hampton Inn 

Day 9 – Winchester

Our day starts with our included breakfast before we head over to the Visitor Center for an orientation of Winchester. Then we visit Abrams Delight Museum, the oldest house in Winchester, and home to five generations of the Hollingsworth family. This site served as the first Quaker meeting house. Next we visit the childhood home of Patsy Cline. Afterwards we stop at the Visitor Center at Harpers Ferry, where we board the shuttle to lower town and enjoy lunch on our own. This quaint community, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, is like stepping into the past. After departing Harpers Ferry we will then take in The Long Branch Mansion established in 1740, a fine old plantation and a very scenic spot. It has always been the main settlement for the Shenandoah, and it retains much of the valleys history. Dinner tonight will be at Granny’s, where we will partake of Patsy Clines favorite foods and be serenaded by none other than a likeness of Patsy Cline.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 10 – Winchester to Wilmot, OH

We will start the morning with our journey to Wilmot, with coffee stops and lunch along the way. Tonight our stay will be at The Amish Door Inn where a lavish Amish meal will be prepared for us.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Amish Door Inn 

Day 11 – Wilmot to St. Charles, IL

Today we traverse through Illinois and overnight in St. Charles where we will dine at one of our favorite spots, Sweet Tomatoes.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Hampton Inn 

Day 12 – St. Charles to Home

After various stops along the way, we will arrive home with fond memories of Springtime in Shenandoah.

Included Meals: Breakfast