Hidden away in the breathtaking Shenandoah Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a place steeped in heritage, from pre-Colonial times to modern-day history makers. Bursting with charm, Winchester, Va., is a great getaway from the stress and busyness of the city. In the fall, the Blue Ridge Mountains, named for their color, exhibit a rainbow of fall colors in place of their trademark blue. Visitors enjoy this excursion into the countryside and are surrounded by beautiful vistas of the valley in its fall foliage.

Known as the Apple Capital, Winchester is one of the largest apple exporters in the nation. Visitors marvel at the 8-foot decorated apples that can be seen all over town. Every fall, Winchester hosts an Apple Harvest Festival, held the fourth weekend in September. Visitors can enjoy more than 150 crafters, ethnic foods, apple butter-making championship, regional apple pie contest, apple growers’ exhibits and much more. A similar apple harvest celebration, along with a pumpkin festival, takes place at the Marker-Miller Orchards in October.  

Local attractions

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is great place to start your trip. It consists of the museum, gardens, and Historical Home of James Wood, founder of Winchester. The museum in itself is worth the trip. The 50,000 square feet of museum depicts the life, art, history and culture of those who made the Shenandoah Valley their home. It's a self-guided tour with hands-on exhibits. Walk through the beautiful six-acre garden and top off your visit by grabbing a bite in the team room. The coconut cream pie is outstanding. The museum is open year-round and the historic house and gardens are open March–November (small fee).

You don't want to miss Historic Old Town with its tree-shaded pedestrian walkway. There are many shops and restaurants of all kinds. Many of the eateries have outdoor dining. An outstanding restaurant, One Block West, serves tasty and appealing entrees.   Gourmet in taste and presentation was the overall theme. Dinner entrée prices range from $18 to $30.

If you are a Civil War buff, you'll want to spend some time in the Civil War Museum in the Old Court House right in the middle of the pedestrian walk. Old Town also has the log and stone building that houses the George Washington Museum at the south end of the pedestrian walkway and Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters at the north end. For information, visit www.winchesterhistory.org.

Nearby points of interest

Travel south just a short distance to Front Royal where you can sit back and relax and enjoy a live local production at the Wayside Theatre, which is in its 46th season of bringing acting workshops and performances to youngsters. Visit www.waysidetheatre.org for a list of upcoming events.

The Wayside Inn and Restaurant, located in Middletown, is the oldest continuously operated inn in America. It has been in operation since 1797. The historical buildings and furnishings make you feel like you are stepping into the past. The waitresses dress in period costume and I was told that a fifth-generation original family member helps prepare all those delicious meals. The salmon was cooked to perfection. Visitors should be sure to try the melt-in-your-mouth bread pudding and mango cheese cake. After a tour of the lodging, banquet rooms and old slave quarters, you should visit the terrace and grounds, which are beautifully landscaped and a perfect setting for a weddings and all kinds of events. 

Also in Middletown you will find Belle Grove Plantation, a 1797 Manor House of President James Madison's sister Nelly and her husband Major Isaac Hite.  Tours run from April through November with special tours at Christmas.  The plantation hosts seven different events during that time, including the Cedar Creek Civil War Reenactment on October 20-21. For information, visit www.bellegrove.org.

Nearby gems

Coming home from the Winchester area, take old Route 50 through Middleburg, Upperville and Aldie. The rolling hills, massive stone estates and trees with the mountains in the background remind you of the countryside of England. Old stone fencing lines each side of the road for miles.

Stop in Middleburg and go through the unique shops and be sure and eat at Historic Red Fox Inn, which dates back to 1728 and is included in the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The inn stocks wines from local vineyards, which are scattered throughout the Shenandoah Valley for your touring and tasting. For those who like antiquing, there are antique shops along Route 50 and throughout the Winchester area. The area is very versatile in choices of lodging and dining, from the very elaborate to the standard.

Winchester-Frederick County is only 100 miles from Baltimore along Interstate 81.

For information, contact the Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.VisitWinchesterVA.com.