Located throughout western Virginia and West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle region, the Shenandoah Valley is an Appalachian valley region that serves as a popular cultural and tourist destination, offering a variety of outdoor recreation activities, scenic drives and trails, and retail and dining amenities.

  • What is the origin of the name Shenandoah?

    • The Shenandoah Valley region is named for its Shenandoah River, which spans across much of the valley’s length.

    • The exact origin of the word shenandoah is unknown, but it is assumed to be an Anglicization of several indigenous words, including the Iroquois term for “big meadow.”

    • Several other legends suggest the term translates to “beautiful daughter of the stars” or relates to Iroquois Chiefs Sherando and Skenandoa.

  • Where is the Shenandoah Valley located?

    • The valley is bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountain range, the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachian range, the Potomac River, and the James River.

  • When was the Shenandoah Valley first explored and settled?

    • The valley was first visited by European explorers in 1671.

    • It was later settled using the indigenous Great Wagon Road, which is now roughly paralleled by Interstate 81.

  • What was the significance of the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War?

    • During the American Civil War, the valley was of strategic importance to the Confederate Army as a backdoor route into Union sites in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C..

  • How has the Shenandoah Valley been represented in popular culture?

    • The valley has been immortalized in films, television programs, and popular music.

    • Notable references include the 1965 feature film Shenandoah and John Denver’s folk hit “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

  • When was the Shenandoah Valley American Viticultural Area established?

    • In the late 20th century, the valley became a popular vineyard region.

    • In 1982, the 2.4-million-acre Shenandoah Valley American Viticultural Area was established.

  • Which cities are located in the Shenandoah Valley?

    • The valley spans eight counties in Virginia and two in West Virginia, with a cultural extension into an additional five Virginia counties.

    • Notable cities include Roanoke, Salem, Lexington, Covington, Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Winchester, Staunton, and Waynesboro.

  • What outdoor recreational activities are available in the Shenandoah Valley?

    • Shenandoah National Park, opened in 1935, spans 200,000 acres near the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers 500 miles of hiking trails.

    • The park features 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, open for foot, bike, and backpacking travel.

    • Other sites include the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, which span 1.8 million acres and offer hiking, swimming, camping, and horseback riding.

    • Scenic drives include the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

    • The valley is also known for its caverns at sites such as Virginia’s Natural Bridge State Park, Grand Caverns, Luray Caverns, Skyline Caverns, and Shenandoah Caverns.

  • What cultural attractions and historic sites are in the Shenandoah Valley?

    • Museums include the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, the Strasburg Museum, and the historic Belle Grove Plantation.

    • Historic sites connected to the Civil War include the New Market Battlefield Historic Park and the Virginia Museum of the Civil War.

    • Theaters include the American Shakespeare Center, the Wayne Theater and Ross Performing Arts Center, and the Shenandoah Summer Music Theater.

  • What shopping and dining options are available in the Shenandoah Valley?

    • Farmer’s markets include Showalter’s Orchard and Greenhouse, Shenandoah Heritage Market, and Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market and Bakery.

    • The valley offers both casual and fine dining, featuring traditional and international cuisines.

    • Award-winning breweries, wineries, and cideries include Peaks of Otter Winery, Pale Fire Brewing Company, and Old Hill Cider.

    • Lodging options include hotels, motels, historic bed-and-breakfast facilities, and RV and campground sites.

  • What annual events take place in the Shenandoah Valley?

    • The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival features 40+ events, including parades, band competitions, and a 10K race.

    • The Virginia Wine and Craft Festival offers wine tastings, live music, and 100+ arts and crafts vendors.

    • Other special events include the Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival, the Wildflower Weekend and Youth Art Contest, and the ValleyFest Beer and Wine Festival.

33229 Old Valley Pike, Strasburg, VA, 22657, Phone: 800-VISIT-SV, Map

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