Archive for July, 2010

The Shenandoah National Park

Sunday, July 25th, 2010
Sunset at Appalachian Trail

Sunset on the Appalachian Trail

The great Wagon Road was once a principal travel route for early American settlers heading south from Philadelphia. A portion of it traverses the length of the Shenandoah Valley, where Virginia bed and breakfasts have been welcoming travelers for centuries.

Today, the Shenandoah Valley welcomes visitors from around the world, many of whom travel here to visit the nearby Shenandoah National Park. Less than two hours from the nation’s capital, the Shenandoah National Park offers scenic drives and a plethora of outdoor activities. It’s impossible to experience all the park has to offer in just one day. They best way to experience it is to take up residence at a Virginia bed and breakfast near the Shenandoah National Park for a while, and take your time exploring it.

Over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail runs through the Shenandoah National Park, along with hundreds of miles of other trails. It’s possible to enjoy a short, easy hike to a pretty waterfall or scenic overlook, or a long, strenuous hike deep into the back woods; know your capability, and bring lots of water and snacks with you. In addition to hiking, it’s possible to explore the park on horseback or bicycle. Innkeepers at bed and breakfasts Virginia near the park are a wonderful resource – ask them how they most enjoy the Shenandoah National Park.

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The Virginia Highlands Festival

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

The first Virginia Highlands Festival took place in Abingdon in 1948. It was born out of a desire to preserve and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Virginia’s Appalachia Mountains region. And what a culture it is!

Appalachia is considered the birthplace of old time, country, mountain music. In fact, the Carter Family Memorial Music Center is less than 40 miles west of Abingdon, in Hiltons, VA. Central to the Virginia Highlands Festival is traditional Appalachian old time and bluegrass music. Each year, we look forward to hearing music by folks who spend a whole lot of time pickin’ on the porch, and this year is no exception. The Bearded, Houser & Co., and Wolf Creek are just a few of the musicians featured this year. In addition to mountain music, the Virginia Highlands Festival now brings in musicians from around the globe, making this a truly exciting musical event.

The Virginia Highlands Festival, in Appalachia. Photo by Festival Photographer Claude Kelly.

The festival is more than music, of course. It also features antiques and arts and crafts from Appalachia. There are literary events (including a creative writing day), performing arts, and living history events. Abingdon is a charming town, with a large historic district, stunning examples of Federal and Victorian architecture, and brick sidewalks; it feels like living history just to walk down the street.

The Virginia Highlands Festival runs Saturday July 24 through Sunday, August 8, 2010, from 10 am to 6 pm. It is located at Virginia Highlands Community College and in historic Abingdon. For more information, visit the festival website. Lodge in a Virginia Appalachia bed and breakfast during the festival for a truly authentic experience.

The Virginia Appalachia region is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Once you glimpse its charm, you’ll need to return again and again. Virginia Appalachia bed and breakfasts will welcome you every time.

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Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
BRP_HDR_23

Wonderful views from the Blue Ridge ParkwayThe Blue Ride Parkway runs almost the entire length of Virginia. It joins the Skyline Drive just east of Waynesboro, VA, in the Shenandoah Mountains, and it slowly meanders its way for nearly 475 miles to Cherokee, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway is the type of road that requires a leisurely pace. Time slows down on the Blue Ridge Parkway if you let it. The views will take your breath away, whether they span valleys and mountains or reveal a small, almost hidden waterfall. As you travel, plan on staying at a number of Virginia bed and breakfasts near the Blue Ridge Parkway – that way, you’ll have plenty of time to fully enjoy each leg of your journey.

Virginia bed and breakfasts near the Blue Ridge Parkway have much to offer. Aside from being a place to sit and enjoy great views, they are great bases for exploring the area. The innkeepers can be your local insiders – people who know the area well and who can provide priceless travel tips.

Take advantage of your stay by heading out to listen to mountain music; opportunities for this include the Floyd Country Store Friday Night Jamboree, Pickin’ Porch, and several festivals throughout the year. Spend a day or two visiting Blue Ridge Parkway area wineries, sampling wines produced in the fertile valleys. Vow to stop at every antique shop you see.

Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway when flowers are in bloom. the parkway website handily provides a Bloom Schedule, so you’ll know when your favorite trees, flowers and shrubs are at their most beautiful. These times can be ideal for hiking the trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Ask bed and breakfast Virginia innkeepers about favorite hikes near their inns.

You are sure to enjoy your time traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially if you treat yourself to lodging in Virginia bed and breakfasts.

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