Escort Notes

West Virginia

Historic towns of Harpers Ferry, Charles Town and Shepherdstown are found in this area of spectacular beauty. From the Washingtons to the Civil War, sites and attractions mark this area a must for group travel. Absorb its history; enjoy its festivals, flea markets, and antique stores; thrill to its horse and car racing; and experience water and other outdoor activities. Nearby you will find Antietam Battlefield, C&O Canal and Prime Outlets.
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Winchester-Frederick County

Once a Shawnee Indian camping ground, Winchester was settled in 1732 and is named in honor of the ancient English capital. The town changed hands more than 70 times during the Civil War. General “Stonewall” Jackson was sent to Winchester by General Robert E. Lee due to the strategic importance of the Shenandoah Valley. Visit the downtown National Historic District with its many historic buildings and museums, Confederate and Union cemeteries, and leisurely shopping.
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Front Royal-Warren County

Front Royal, known as the canoe capital of Virginia, is the northern entrance to Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive is at Front Royal. A short distance away, the north and south forks of the Shenandoah River join to form the final body of that beautiful and historic river. Historic sites fascinate the Civil War enthusiast, and you’ll find an abundance of recreational opportunities. Nearby you will find Andy Guest State Park and world famous caverns.
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Shenandoah County

In the northern Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah County is surrounded by the beautiful Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains. History buffs will be fascinated with Stonewall Jackson’s Museum, Museum of American Presidents, and the New Market Battlefield Park. Sample the local wines made at Shenandoah North Mountain Vineyards. Discover our famous Shenandoah Caverns and American Celebration on Parade. Be sure not to miss the summer season of the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival. Let us show your groups our natural beauty, great hotels, and friendly hospitality!
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Luray-Page County

This is the site of the Luray Caverns, visited by nearly half a million people each year. Luray is just minutes from one entrance to the Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive. Many locations offer imposing views of the Blue Ridge mountains. Enjoy the Luray Singing Tower, a carillon of 47 bells, where recitals are held from March to November. Less than 30 minutes from New Market and 1-81.
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Harrisonburg-Rockingham County

Centrally located, Rockingham Country provides visitors with a wide range of activities and accommodations and an excellent “hub” for daytrips through out the entire Shenandoah Valley. Harrisonburg brings an urban flavor to one of the nation’s most valuable agricultural centers in Rockingham County. Civil War buffs delight in exploring the area, the Port Republic and nearby Cross Keys Battlefields are some of the most pristine and well preserved battlefields in the Valley.

Antique lovers look to the area as a precious resource for primitive 18th- and 19th-century artifacts. Small towns in the area provide an abundance of historical attractions, specialty shops and country restaurants amid lovely pastoral views. Arts and entertainment are becoming increasingly abundant with the new Court Square Theatre and the Cultural & Arts District forming downtown.
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Staunton, Waynesboro-Augusta County

Staunton, the Queen City of the Shenandoah, with its picturesque buildings, and Augusta County, with its neat farms and meadows, present a delightful panorama. Settlers came soon after Governor Alexander Spotswood and his “Knights of the Golden Horseshoe” topped the Blue Ridge in 1716. The city has the largest remaining sampling of 19th-century architecture in Virginia (walking tour brochures are available). Here is the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace, Museum of Frontier Culture, and diverse specialty shops.
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Waynesboro is situated at the western foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The city’s beginning dates to a land grant from King George II. Entrances to both the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are just a few miles east of town. Art galleries, conveniently located just off I-64, will bring out the art lover in everyone. You have an outlet shopping paradise with the Waynesboro Village Factory Outlets.
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Lexington-Rockbridge County

Rockbridge County, Virginia, is located midway in the great Shenandoah Valley. Settlement began in the early 1730s when Scotch-Irish and German immigrants moved south from Pennsylvania. Lexington always has been a very special place for the many visitors who come to enjoy its history and gracious hospitality. One of this 19th-century college town’s unique features is that visitors can see the homes, colleges, churches and final resting-places of the two most famous confederate generals — Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
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Roanoke Valley

The Roanoke Valley, Capital of the Blue Ridge, is the largest metropolitan area in western Virginia and the gateway to the southern Shenandoah Valley. Roanoke is home to the Roanoke Star, built in 1949 and chosen as a reflection of the name “Shenandoah,” which means “daughter of the stars.” The Roanoke Valley also is recognized for its railroading heritage, which is highlighted at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Nearby is the Historic Farmers’ Market, officially established in 1882 and offering a central location to tour museums, eat and shop for Virginia specialties.
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