Hit the Mountain for Winter Sports and Fun in Shenandoah County Virginia January 5, 2024 by Visit Shenandoah County Winter is here and with it loads of outdoor fun and indoor experiences to keep you and the entire family excited to explore and play in the colder months. While there are loads of things to do in Shenandoah County throughout the year, winter may just be our favorite. Why? Snow of course! And yes, even if you don’t see snow in the forecast, they are making snow over at Bryce Resort. But if snow isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can also wander underground in caverns, ride a horse in the national forest, take a hike, and even learn about the local history as you explore across the county. Winter mornings in Shenandoah County A must stop in the morning too fuel for the day is The Burn Barrel a community Bar & Grill at the foot of Bryce Resort. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try the powdery sugar topped French toast with choice of bacon or sausage, Birria Tacos or Slow cooked Pork ribs. Learn to Ski and Snowboard at Bryce Resort The best place to find snow and learn how to ski or snowboard in Shenandoah County is at Bryce Resort. This local mountain is beloved by those who live in Basye, VA, but also as a weekend getaway for Washington, D.C. residents. Since the resort is only about an hour and a half from the Nation’s Capital, you can even make a day trip out to the slopes. The ski and snowboard school at Bryce offers group and private lessons, as well as snow camp for younger kids to hang out in while their parents hit the slopes. There are five trails of various difficulties, but most are Blue with one nice winding green for those looking for a slower pace. Food options range from the full sit down experience at the Copper Kettle Restaurant, Bar & Lounge to cafeteria style eatery at the Shenandoah Center, and an outdoor bar that serves beer, hard ciders and hot waffles covered in baked apples. There is more than enough seating inside and outside, even on weekends to accommodate everyone. Snowshoeing with Rev3Endurance Not everyone was born to be a skier or snowboarding, which is when alternative snow activities come in handy. Rev3Endurance teamed up with Bryce Resort to bring sunset snowshoeing to the mountain. Work up a sweat as you hike up the ski slopes, going as quick or slow as you like. For those not familiar with Bayse, VA, you can learn a lot about Shenandoah County from owners/guides Christi Manning and Michael Spiller as you hike. Excursions are for every skill level, so if you aren’t quite ready to spring up a snow covered hill in snowshoes, don’t worry. Christi and Michael know where to hike and at what pace for all skill levels. Book a snowshoeing excursion now. Once you are done your snowshoe excursion, grab a drink and tapas at RHouse Wine and Coffee. Juan Lucca and his wife Chef Gisela will wine and dine you with beautiful wines, local beers and delectable bites. Do not miss the flan. It’s incredible! Ice Skating in Shenandoah County If you have ever dreamed of twirling on the ice, you can do it at Bryce Resort, the only ice-skating rink in Shenandoah County. Grab a combo ticket with snow tubing to save some money, or just tickets to an ice-skating block, along with a few warm layers to skate in. You will get warmer than you think as you slip and slide trying to perfect that triple axel. Winter Hiking in Shenandoah County Thanks to a mild winter climate, Shenandoah County offers year-round hiking that will still cause a sweat even in winter. Tackle some of the best Shenandoah hikes without the summer crowds, and enjoy beautiful mountain views before spring and the leaves fill back in. In Strasburg you can hike Buzzard Rock North, a 4-mile hike, or pop over to Toms Brook to hike all or a portion of the Tuscarora- Little North Mountain trail (8+ miles). If you are in Woodstock, you can include a hike up the Woodstock Tower Trail or check out the waterfall on the Falls Ridge Hike. Families love the leisurely hike around Lake Laura at Bryce, while hardcore hikers will want to save time hiking Big Schloss. Check out more Shenandoah County hiking trails. If you have built up an appetite, make sure you grab a reservation at Woodstock Cafe for a dinner like no other in the county, filled with gourmet entrees, exquisite homemade bread and a stellar wine list. If you don’t have time for dinner, make sure you go into the shop to pick up wine, local beers, a slice of cake to go and a few gifts. The prices are incredible. Shenandoah Caverns and American Celebration on Parade Shenandoah Caverns are open year-round, thanks to a steady temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit underground no matter the season. Look for special events like UNCORKED (wine tasting below ground), cider candlelight tours, and the Shenandoah Souvenir and Gift Show, which will show you a different side to this underground wonderland, even if you have already visited. Grab tickets to Shenandoah Caverns before you go to secure your spot. Winter Golf Golf in Shenandoah County doesn’t stop just because the calendar changes. Mild days are the perfect time to hit the links, especially when courses offer beautiful mountain and lake views with fewer crowds than you might see in the summer. Book a tee time at Bryce Resort’s 18-hole championship course filled with treelined fairways and a small creek that winds through the links. Alternatively, you can book a time to visit the 27-hole PGA Shenvalee Golf Resort. It was first opened to the public by Bobby Jones in 1927. Families will love that there is lodging and a pool onsite for the kids. Go on a Trail Ride with Fort Valley Ranch Horse lovers, and those who enjoy a leisurely trail ride, will want to book a one-hour, 90-minute or half-day ride through George Washington National Forest. Wander through trees, up hills and enjoy the quiet beauty around you. Reservations must be made ahead of time for all trail rides, by calling the Fort Valley Ranch to make a reservation. Dig into the hot chocolate scene in Shenandoah County VA Winter means hot cocoa, especially for kids, so why not enjoy a few across the region. Start at Flour & Water, a bakery with sublime pastries, bread and amazing lattes, who also happens to have hot cocoa on tap for kids (and chocolate lovers). Alternatively, if you want to bring a little hot chocolate back home or to your rental cabin, you can pick up hot cocoa bombs at Happenings on Main Street in Woodstock, VA. More spots to enjoy hot chocolate in Shenandoah County, VA: Woodstock Cafe (Woodstock, VA) Woodstock Garden Cafe (Woodstock, VA) Jacksons Corner Cafe (New Market, VA) Coffee & Cream (Mt Jackson, VA) Coffee to Grow (Mt Jackson) Nancy’s Coffee Bar (Strasburg, VA) Explore Route 11 Through Shenandoah County Winter is the perfect time to wander down Route 11 in Shenandoah County to see the historic sites, like Meems Bottom Covered Bridge and Fisher’s Hill Battlefield. Pop into John Henry General Store for a few souvenirs, jams, jellies and snacks as you wander. You can also visit Route 11 Potato Chips to see how this beloved local chip is made, and sample a few as well. If you are interested in Civil War history, Virginia’s Museum of the Civil War is a must. Ski in the morning and check out this museum that digs deep into American history and the war between the North and the South.
Ten Easy Hikes in Shenandoah County November 4, 2023 by Visit Shenandoah County For a walk-in nature, there are plenty of scenic options in Shenandoah County thanks to an abundance of forest lands and green spaces. From Strasburg to New Market, it’s a cinch to find an easy hiking trail or paved path. Walk across a battlefield, stroll alongside a river or traipse through a vineyard. There are so many scenic walks to love. Lace up your sneakers. Here are 10 fantastic choices to help you get in your steps. As a bonus, we’ve included a spot or two to stop for a pre-hike coffee or a post-hike bite. #1: Storybook Trail (New Market) The paved Storybook Trail may be less than one mile, but it wows with spectacular views. From the trailhead, walk along a whimsical curved wooden footbridge, which leads to a fully accessible path to a mountain overlook. Along the way, placards educate on the Massanutten Mountain Range. Post-hike, make the short drive into town for a bite at Kathy’s Home Cooking Café. #2: New Market Battlefield State Historical Park (New Market) At this 280-acre battlefield park, there are two grassy hiking trails, both of which are half-mile (one-way) with some elevation. One trail sets off from Bushong Farm and crosses an open field to scenic views across the North Fork of the Shenandoah River from two overlooks. The second trail guides visitors to the 54th Pennsylvania Monument. There is a fee to access the grounds. #3: New Market Community Park (New Market) At New Market Community Park, you’ll find an easy-going and stroller-friendly walking trail that loops around this green space with ball fields, playgrounds, restrooms, and picnic pavilions. There are also outdoor fitness stations adjacent to the trail. Stop for coffee or a sandwich at Jackson’s Corner Café & Coffee House, which is located inside the visitor center on Congress Street. #4: Lion’s Tale Trail (New Market) Set in the George Washington National Forest, the Lion’s Tale Trail is an interactive half-mile loop trail that encourages visitors to use their senses to explore the forest. Kids will love Lop Ears the Mountain Lion, the cartoon guide on trail placards who urges visitors to rub bark, feel tree roots and wade in the stream. Note that access to this trail is closed from February 1 to the Friday before Youth Spring Turkey Season in April. #5: Lake Laura (Basye) Near Bryce Resort, you’ll find a scenic 2.5-mile walking loop around 44-acre Lake Laura. As you walk the perimeter of the lake, note weekend cabins just steps from the hiking trail. In summer, look for a grassy beach, a snack shack, lounge chairs and picnic tables. You can also rent canoes, tubes, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. There is a fee for non-members of Bryce Resort. #6: Seven Bends State Park (Woodstock) At Seven Bends State Park, there are eight short hiking trails, including Eagles Edge Trail, a one-mile loop trail that features corn stalks and river views, as well as a working apiary. Enter by way of the Lupton Road entrance for easy access to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, as well as a instagram-worthy LOVEworks sign. For lunch, Muse Vineyards is next door to the state park. #7: Muse Vineyards (Woodstock) Before you settle in with a glass of wine and a hummus plate, plan to walk across the property along a 1.8-mile walking trail. Pick up a wine trail guide inside the winery, then follow bright orange signs to see the winery, a historic spring house, a swinging bridge, and several vineyards before returning to the tasting room for a glass, a bottle, or a flight of wines. #8: W.O. Riley Park (Woodstock) At this city park, you’ll find a short walking trail that leads across the green space, including picnic areas, tennis courts, basketball courts and an incredible children’s playground. There’s also a refill station for water bottles and a dog drinking fountain. From here, you’re a short drive from Main Street in Woodstock. Flour and Water is a fan favorite for grab and go sandwiches and delicious savory and sweet pastries. #9: Strasburg Town Park (Strasburg) Strasburg Town Park is home to a playground, a children’s garden, a dog park and the town pool. It’s also home to the Strasburg River Walk, a gravel path that guides visitors along the Shenandoah River. The dog-friendly path is about .9 miles (one-way). Start this walk in the East End for early river views. After your walk, stop in Box Office Brewery for brews, burgers, pizza, and wings. #10: Karst Interpretive Walking Trail (Strasburg) Pop in the Strasburg Visitor Center, then walk a few steps along the forested trails on the property, which is home to multiple caves and caverns. Placards along the trail educate visitors on the historical location as it relates to the Civil War. You can also catch a glimpse of several caves, including Hupp Cave and Keyhole Cave. From here, it’s a short drive to Fox’s Pizza Den for lunch.
Fun Things to do in Shenandoah County’s Beautiful Fall Season September 5, 2023 by Visit Shenandoah County With cooler nights, long evening shadows, and the smell of apple butter in many shops and farm stands Shenandoah County in the fall season is a feast for the senses. Foliage colors fill the Mountains to the East and West which feels like a warm hug from Mother Nature. A fine scenic drive with the windows rolled down is one great way to enjoy the beautiful season but several stops along the way provide highlights of experience to round out a perfect leaf-peeping day. HORSEBACK RIDING Take in the trails and fall leaves on horseback through the George Washington National Forest with a guided tour at Fort Valley Ranch. There you can also bring your RV, bring your own horses, Rent a cabin or do some rustic camping on site. They offer 1 hour, 90-minutes, a half-day, or full day rides, as well as 2-day Ranch Packages. PUMPKIN PICKING A great stop for picking pumpkins is Sycamore Banks Farm in Mount Jackson where you can grab a wheelbarrow and pick your pumpkins straight from the vine. No ordinary pumpkins are grown here, there are many heirloom varieties and gourds of all shapes and sizes. They also have plenty of extra activities for the entire family like a horse drawn wagon ride on their beautiful farm property. They are open from late September through October 31 FARM MARKETS Your one-stop-shop to celebrate fall, Woodbine Farm is an open and airy farm stand that appears to come alive when the seasons change. Large pumpkins and gourds line the front walk on haystacks and a perfect array of garden chrysanthemums and other fall plantings. Inside are gifts and produce, birdhouses, and apple butter, cheeses, country ham and some of the best homemade cookies in the world. Seriously, it’s hard to walk away without one! Jon Henry General Store in New Market offers a huge selection of pumpkins and gourds, some for decorating and some for cooking. While you’re there you can check out the “Art-o-Mat” and stock up on natural and local foods. KINDRED POINTE CIDER Not your typical fall cider experience, leave the kids at home because this is sparkly hard cider with flavors to get excited about The Winery at Kindred Pointe was originally a Horse farm and stable but the barns and outbuildings have been transformed into a winery and tasting room, the grazing fields all lined with grapevines now. A few years after opening the owner couple began making cider as well, and the title “Life is Hard Cider” emerged with flavors such as “Hard Times” “Hard Core” and “Hard Up”. Seasonally there are special flavors like “Seasons Greetings” with hints of all the best holiday spices or “Cherry Bomb” a cherry flavored cider with a jalapeno kick at the end. It is available only for a limited time. Their tasting room is warm and cozy with plenty of room to relax and enjoy Life is Hard Cider. FALL CULINARY & FARM-TO-TABLE DINING After a brisk hike, horseback ride or picking out pumpkins, celebrate Shenandoah County’s agricultural roots by dining in one of many establishments that value locally-grown foods and sustainable farming. The owners of Swover Creek Farm Brewery in Edinburg, and the Woodstock Garden Café all source their ingredients from their own family farms and are committed to serving the freshest foods at their tables. RIVER BLUFF FARM B&B After a visiting a few of Shenandoah County’s Wineries, Breweries, Cideries or Distilleries the River Bluff Farm Bed & Breakfast is a quiet and idyllic place to settle in for the evening, then sit outside and watch the Shenandoah River flowing slow and lazy with a warm beverage and good company from the comfort of an Adirondack chair. Accommodations are described as “rustic elegance” in this lovely log and timber lodging on 20 private acres. River Bluff Farm Bed and Breakfast is located at 183 Quicksburg Mill Lane, in Quicksburg near New Market, VA. The word Shenandoah evokes a sense of beauty. Shenandoah County is filled with beautiful scenery around every turn, and sweet small-town charm in its daily life. There is plenty to do and see over a weekend visit in the Fall, an easy weekend excursion only 90 miles west of Washington DC. Immerse yourself in the landscape, enjoy the friendly atmosphere and have an adventure in Shenandoah County. Other fun things to do in the fall season: Hike the Woodstock Tower to get 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley and the 7 Bends of the Shenandoah River. Visit Mowery Orchard or Paughs Orchard for fresh picked apples and other goodies. ATV along Peter’s Mill Gap or Tasker’s Gap OHV Trails. Taste fresh potato chips at Route 11 Potato Chips and watch them be made right before your eyes. Fall also means it’s time for their seasonal Yukon Gold flavor. Enjoy fresh produce 365 days a year at Adam’s Apples & Herbs
Sustainability is Second Nature in Shenandoah County August 20, 2023 by Visit Shenandoah County Shenandoah County has a long history as an agricultural community and historically was nicknamed “The breadbasket of the south.” The landscape still reflects that history, and many family farms are designated “Century Farms” a distinction that honors a farm that has been continually in use by one family for more than a hundred years. While the term “Sustainability” has a modern feel to it, the concept is not one that is new to Shenandoah County. More than ¼ of the land is covered in National Forest and the town of Woodstock, centrally located, and the county seat is proud to be in its 17th-year as an Arbor Day Foundation “Tree City”. This year, the Town also won the Tree City USA Growth Award for the 10th year in a row, which shows that Woodstock continues to build on its tree program’s success. All of this, of course, helps to promote cleaner air and a natural canopy to keep our area an average of 10 degrees cooler than the large cities to the east. Woodstock is also home to the Indian Spring Wetland. An environmental, interpretive area located on the southern end of town. More information about the wetland and how it functions as pollutant removal, flood control, groundwater control, and wildlife habitat can be found HERE. The landscape in Shenandoah County is not where the sustainability features end. It is with great pride that many of the restaurants and farm stands boast locally sourced foods on their menu and in their shops. Beginning as extensions of family farms, Mowery Orchard, Jon Henry General Store and Woodbine Farm Market are all well-established places to shop for local food items and most of all, fresh produce. Jon Henry General takes it to the next level by offering SNAP and EBT benefits, plus a refund on public transportation so that more members of the community have access to local produce. This commitment to locally sourced foods not only helps the local economy but lessens- even if just a little- the amount of fuel burned and emissions spent trucking things in. A few more businesses that source locally is Blue Wing Frog in Strasburg. They believe that food should be real food, so we they make everything from the basics with love, care, and no shortcuts. In Woodstock, the Woodstock Cafe sources fresh produce from Adam’s Apples and Herbs just down the road. Not to be confused with the Woodstock Garden Cafe whose owners source many fresh foods from their own farm as well. In Edinburg, Swover Creek Farms is a Century Farm that grows its own foods for its wood-fired pizza and hand-crafted beer. Then, neighboring J&L Green Farm provides high-quality pasture-raised meats & specialty farm products for Swover Creek’s delicious sausages made on-site. The town of Mount Jackson is home to the factory where the most delicious potato chips are made. Though originally established in 1992, Route 11 Potato Chips current location was built in 2008 with sustainability principles in mind so that they “could minimize our environmental footprint and get as close as we can to waste-free production.” Some of these efforts include: feeding a local herd of cattle with potato peelings and chip rejects recycling paper, glass, metal, and plastic using local sources of potatoes as much as possible warming the kitchen in the winter through heat exchangers on the cooking kettles reflecting summer heat off of the white membrane roof, reducing energy use They even recycle the dirt off their potatoes. Visitors can stop into a chip-tasting and fry-viewing room to see the process, then purchase their chips and some very cool merch! There are plenty of other ways that the community is educated about sustainability here in Shenandoah County. There is a strong presence of Environmental Science and Agroecology taught at the high school level and there are several non-profit organizations dedicated to maintaining our beautiful landscape and our river including Sustainability Matters, which now serves a much larger footprint regionally, educating and promoting sustainability. It was “rooted” right here in the town of Edinburg. Their mission is to bring sustainability to unexpected places, whether it’s planting native wildflower meadows at landfills, teaching novice gardeners to grow their own food, or helping farmers access funding for conservation. Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River (FNFSR) is an organization that strives to keep the North Fork of the Shenandoah River clean, healthy, and beautiful through advocacy, community action, education, and science. They have also created a partnership with Seven Bends State Park which borders a 1.5-mile stretch of the North Fork. Both organizations are excellent ways to get the community and visitors involved. Their websites offer many opportunities to volunteer. The breadbasket in Shenandoah County is still abundant after all these years, and “sustainability” might just be a new name for a lifestyle that is second nature to its residents, the people who visit and all who are inspired by its beauty.
7 Places to Get Your Oyster Fix in Norfolk, VA October 12, 2022 by Visit Norfolk 7 Places to Get Your Oyster Fix in Norfolk During your next visit to Norfolk, grab some friends and nosh on a freshly-shucked batch of Virginia oysters. However you like to eat them – raw, steamed, baked or fried – we’ve got you covered! When you are in the mood for shucks and fun, check out these seven local favorites to get your oyster fix! Saltine Hilton Norfolk’s The Main hotel houses three restaurants in including the seafood restaurant Saltine, located at street level. Saltine offers an airy, open environment, with garage door windows that open to the main streets of downtown Norfolk. Their happy hour oyster deal is all the rave at 50 cents per oyster! Todd Jurich’s Bistro This downtown bistro has been open since 1992 and offers rotating seasonal menus. Chef Todd Jurich uses fresh ingredients from local vegetable gardens and Virginia produce farms. The Bistro holds the Triple AAA Four Diamond Award and serves hand-harvested oysters from Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Byrd & Baldwin Steakhouse A traditional steakhouse located in a historic building built-in 1906. Executive Chef Carlton Spurlock brings his culinary expertise to every dish served. Byrd & Baldwin serves up the tastiest James River oysters. A.W. Shucks A casual raw bar & grill specializing in oysters, seafood and an array of specialty craft beers. Their oyster menu features favorites from up and down the East Coast. Take a seat at the bar and learn more about the oysters from the bartender, who also tends to the raw bar. Captain Groovy’s Raw Bar This wharf-themed eatery offers regional seafood dishes and casual cuisine with a full bar and patio. Captain Groovy’s proudly serves an array of Virginia oysters in many variations; from oyster stew to East Beach style (topped with spinach, onion, bacon and parmesan cheese). Norfolk Seafood Company & Big Easy Oyster Bar Simply a seafood lover’s heaven, Norfolk Seafood Company & Big Easy Oyster Bar is the quintessential seafood restaurant without the fancy prices. Each night, this oyster bar serves up four to seven different types of oysters from the Chesapeake Bay to New England. Small’s Smokehouse & Oyster Bar Offers freshly caught seafood from Virginia’s Eastern Shore, along with dynamite BBQ. Enjoy a relaxed, down-home family atmosphere and daily promotional specials.
Fairfax County’s Haunted Places & Urban Legends in Virginia October 5, 2022 by Visit Fairfax Bunnyman Legend – Fairfax, VA Legend has it that, each October, the veil between this world and the spirit world grows thinner leading up to All Hallows Eve, aka Halloween. It is a time to remember the dead. And some believe it is a time for the dead to visit us. Over the centuries, however, October 31st changed into something less somber—a holiday filled with candy, pumpkins, scary stories, and haunted trails. Whatever Halloween means to you, you’ll find it in Fairfax County. Some of our most historic sites have been witness to unexplainable encounters with things that go bump in the night. Then there are the urban legends that get dusted off every October to add spice to our lives. And, finally, there are sites that have been carefully engineered by live humans to frighten you into thinking ghouls really do exist. Put it all together and there’s something for everyone, young and old, brave and frightened, living and…well, you get the point. Let’s start with the spooky stories. Founded in 1742, Fairfax County’s roots go deep into American history. A revolution was led from here. Battles were fought here. Founding fathers lived here. And a lot of hardship and triumph took place on our soil. Some say the echoes of these times remain at some of our historic sites and manifest as visions, scents and sounds that can’t be explained. Here are just a few of those tales. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Image courtesy Mount Vernon Going back as far as the 1890s, stories abound. Victorian era members of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association who spent the night in George’s chamber swore his brooding spirit appeared before them in the still moments of the night. In the 1980s, an interpreter saw a full-body apparition of a young woman on the stairs with flowers who disappeared when she reached the bottom. In 2012, a security employee had already emptied the house and locked up when he heard the jingling of a large set of keys moving across the floor in the Washington bedroom. In life, George was known for being heard all over the house, jingling his heavy set of keys. These are just a few of the dozens—if not hundreds—of stories from interpreters, staff and visitors over the years. While you may not be able to be inside the mansion at midnight, Mount Vernon does host a popular trick-or-treating event each year, as well as a Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour and Fall Harvest Festival. Who knows what you’ll encounter? George Mason’s Gunston Hall Image courtesy Gunston Hall George Mason was one of our founding fathers and the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which was used as the basis for the US Bill of Rights. His estate, Gunston Hall, was built in the south end of the county near the Potomac River’s Gunston Cove. Visitors have seen George’s apparition in mirrors, unexplained footsteps have been heard in the halls and staff have seen apparitions of people dressed in period clothing inside and outside the house. It has been suggested that having costumed interpreters working in the home triggers the entities to come forward. While not Halloween-themed, there are a couple of upcoming events at the estate. Try your hand at cooking in a hearth fireplace at the Hearth Cooking Workshops on October 8 and 22, 2022. Or attend Revolutionary War Day on November 5, 2022. The Winery at Bull Run Image courtesy The Winery at Bull Run During the Civil War, two major battles were fought in Manassas/Bull Run. And The Winery at Bull Run is located adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park on grounds that were once used for battle. Ghost stories are rampant on the battlefield. Visitors say they see soldiers, smell gunpowder, hear cannon fire and see lights where there are none. And at the Winery, it has been said that some soldiers still visit to this day. They play with lights, appear as apparitions and make their presence known. From now until November 6, 2022, you can attend a haunted wine tour where you can taste wines, “meet” the ghosts through costumed interpretation, learn history and hear the Winery’s ghost stories. But these sell out quickly, so don’t delay! Get in the Halloween mood with this urban legend. Urban legends are a form of folklore, describing events that are rarely ever experienced first-hand, rather they happened to a “friend of a friend.” While there may be a grain of truth in them, most are manufactured to scare and are passed down through word of mouth. The Legend of the Bunny Man is one such tale. It is said that a man in a bunny suit once roamed a neighborhood in Fairfax carrying an ax. Some stories have him scaring off trespassers in the neighborhood. As the legend grew, he was said to harm children who misbehave. Some say he still walks the woods of the neighborhood, armed with his ax and a bad attitude. What makes this urban legend special is its staying power. According to Fairfax County resources, it dates back to the 1940s and some of the sightings were documented at the time. Rather than go searching for a man dressed as a bunny and wielding an ax, however, we recommend the next best thing—Bunnyman Brewing. Themed around the urban legend, the folks at this new microbrewery can fill you in on all the spooky deets of the “real” Bunny Man and you can even wander into their woods for a selfie with the Bunnyman from their logo. Hot tip: Before you head out, sign up for the new Fairfax County Locally Poured Field Guide to get discounts on your beer! Find guaranteed ghosts, ghouls and frights this Halloween. Real-life hauntings are unpredictable. Urban legends are rarely experienced first-hand. But haunted houses and trails of terror always deliver the Halloween frights you seek. Here are the region’s best. None of it is real, but all of it is real scary! Workhouse Haunt: Nightmare Harvest Image courtesy Workhouse Arts Center The Workhouse Arts Center is an arts community filled with working studios and exhibits. It is also set in a former penitentiary. This adds to the creep factor for their annual Workhouse Haunt. This themed walk-through event takes visitors through spooky scenes with costumed characters, then to the site’s abandoned buildings and into the dark woods where terrifying ghouls await. Now through November 5. Not recommended for children 12 and under. Cox Farms Fields of Fear Image courtesy Cox Farms Cox Farms turns dark at night. Its normally friendly Imaginature Trail transforms into the half-mile long The Forest: Back 40 where madmen with chainsaws, creepy spiders and tales of the occult rule the night. If you survive this fright, Fields of Fear will then take you on a Dark Side Hayride or set you loose in the Cornightmare. It’s an evening your screams will never forget. Now through November 5. Not recommended for children under 12. Clifton Haunted Trail Image courtesy Clifton Haunted Trail website After a three-year hiatus, the Clifton Haunted Trail is returning to the woods of Clifton on Saturday, October 29. Explore eight acres of haunted woods featuring scary skits and spooky scenes. The trail itself is half-mile long. This one-night-only event is highly popular and tickets go fast, so keep an eye out for on-sale dates in early October. If you’re planning a visit this October, be sure to check out all our Halloween events. You’ll find pumpkin painting at Sully Historic Site, goblin golf at Burke Lake Park, a Haunted Pond at Hidden Pond Nature Center, and of course, the longstanding tradition of the Vienna Halloween Parade in the Town of Vienna. See you among the spooks! Originally published for Visit Fairfax/FXVA.com