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MATPRA is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.

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Fun in the Sunflowers at Maple Bottom Farm

Vickie and Mike Baker have owned Maple Bottom Farm in Dawson for 5 years, raising chickens, milking cows, and processing cheese. The couple shares a passion to educate others on agriculture and dairy, so they do just that by providing farm tours to visitors. They also have a beautiful farmhouse bed and breakfast on site, offering a serene place for visitors to rest and wake up to the sounds of the roosters, alerting them to start their day exploring the Laurel Highlands. The property proves to be a must-visit destination in the Laurel Highlands, but the farm’s sunflower maze is the crown jewel of the farm.

Orange Sunflower Maple Bottom Farm

Spanning across 10 acres on Maple Bottom Farm, the sunflower maze is open every day besides Mondays until Labor Day. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. This year, the farm planted more than 300,000 sunflower seeds across the 10 acres, including 2 acres of orange (autumn beauty) sunflowers that grow multiple blooms per stem. Throughout the maze, you will find multiple props like a 1950s gliders bench, hay bales topped with saddles, and vintage photo frames, making plenty of photo opportunities with a beautiful backdrop.

After a walk through the maze, you’ll probably work up an appetite. During the week, Maple Bottom Farm sells cheese curds, ice cream, and milkshakes made from their own dairy products, and on weekends, you can find a food truck parked on the property. If you prefer to pack a lunch, you can catch some shade under the pavilion and enjoy the views while eating your meal.

Maple Bottom Farm Flowers

Sunflowers aren’t the only flowers blanketing the farmland. This year, Maple Bottom Farm planted 26 pounds of zinnia seeds, resulting in millions of zinnias blooming across two-and-a-half acres. The colorful zinnias stand at 2- to 3-feet tall and attract swarms of beautiful butterflies. On Wednesday mornings, those who pre-register can pick up a 9-quart bucket of sunflowers, zinnias, or a combination of both!

Picnic at Maple Bottom Farm

There’s something romantic about a field of sunflowers, right? Plan your next date night at Maple Bottom Farm with an intimate picnic in the sunflowers, which includes admission to the sunflower field, seating, silverware, stemware, blankets, pillows, a cheese board, and a mason jar filled with fresh flowers that are yours to take home. Feel free to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy during your date night, they’ll have a bucket of ice waiting for you!

Maple Bottom Farm Zinnias

There will be no shortage of photo opportunities during your visit to Maple Bottom Farm, so they’re challenging you to a photo contest! Catch a butterfly in the zinnias or a goldfinch in the sunflowers, snap a pic and submit your photos to Maple Bottom Farm via Facebook Messenger! The deadline to enter is September 10, and the top photos in each category will be posted on Facebook for everybody to vote for their favorite! Each winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to the Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast.

Maple Bottom Farm Farm-to-Table Dinner

Although the sunflower maze will only be open until Labor Day, Maple Bottom Farm has big plans for this fall! Keep an eye on their website and Facebook to catch dates for farm-to-table dinners, trunk or treat, movie on the barn nights, and a fall festival complete with pumpkin picking and wagon rides.

With new blooms popping up every two weeks and props rotating in and out of the maze, no two visits to Maple Bottom Farm are the same! Regardless of when you visit, the immense beauty of the vast farmland is something you won’t soon forget.

“Sometimes we take the beauty that surrounds us for granted, and we are grateful that we can share it with other people.” – Vickie Baker
All photos were provided by Maple Bottom Farm.

Let’s Celebrate! in the Mid-Atlantic

 Thomas Point Lighthouse

(June 2022) – MATPRA is turning 20 and we’re in a celebratory mood in the Mid-Atlantic region! And what better season for a celebration than summer! From brightly colored seasonal treats, art festivals, vineyard tours, outdoor concert series, fireworks, and everything in between, there’s so much to do, see and eat this time of year. Here’s how you can celebrate summer in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and, Virginia.

For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below. For general information on the Mid-Atlantic, visit MATPRA.org.

 

DELAWARE

Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley
Take advantage of the fantastic weather at the Wilmington Riverfront. Dine al fresco, play some mini golf, take a tiki boat cruise, or enjoy a microbrew at Constitution Yards Beer Garden. Visitors can also rent a bike and cycle the 7.2-mile JAM Trail into Historic New Castle where more adventure awaits. End the day with some homemade ice cream from Woodside Farm Creamery. Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected]

 

MARYLAND

Allegany 
All aboard! After years of meticulous restoration, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad recently celebrated the inauguration of Locomotive No. 1309 into regular service. This historic steam-powered ambassador of Allegany County takes guests on a scenic ride on the rails between Cumberland and Frostburg … delivering unforgettable memories along the way. Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, Mindy Bianca, MDmountainSide.com/Western-Maryland-Scenic-Railroad, [email protected]

Annapolis & Anne Arundel
Explore the Chesapeake Bay via sail, power, stand-up paddleboard, and kayak cruises. Tour the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. Enjoy al fresco dining at Dinner Under the Stars. Celebrate the arts at Annapolis Arts week and our First Sunday Arts Festivals. Salute our maritime heritage at weekly Tides & Tunes summer concerts. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, [email protected] 

Calvert 
The Sea Glass & Beach Crafts Market at Annmarie Sculpture Garden will be on July 2, 2022. Join us for a celebration of summer and all things beachy! Browse 50+ booths featuring a variety of handmade, homemade, and homegrown products! If you love sun & sand, this is for you! Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected] 

Harford
Make your way to the top of the Chesapeake Bay in June for three full days of music, film and more. The Havre de Grace Jazz and Blues Festival is a citywide music festival with legendary jazz and blues performances. Visit Harford, Matthew Scales, VisitHarford.com, [email protected] 

Kent (MD)
There’s nothing better than the sweet sounds of summer under a starry sky. Enjoy a night of free outdoor concerts at Chestertown’s Music in the Park Concert series. Bring a chair and join the fun on Saturday evenings in Fountain Park located in historic downtown Chestertown. Kent County Tourism, MD, Jana Carter, KentCounty.com, [email protected]  

Maryland (State of)
To honor the anniversary of her 200th birthday, 2022 is the “Year of Harriet Tubman” in Maryland – Tubman’s birthplace. Take a powerful and inspiring road trip to destinations, attractions, and museums across Maryland that are celebrating her legacy through special events, curated exhibits, and driving tours. Maryland Office of Tourism, Connie Spindler, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected] 

Talbot
Talbot County salutes MATPRA on its 20th Anniversary! Celebrate with us by enjoying a cocktail at The Antique and Classic Boat Festival; bringing home a masterpiece from Plein Air Easton, one of the country’s most prestigious art competitions; or raising a glass at the Chesapeake Bay Balloon and Wine Festival. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected]

Wicomico
Celebrate summer in Wicomico County. Each Fourth of July, enjoy fireworks and festivities during Red White and BOOM. In August, have fun with the family at the Wicomico County Fair and see all kinds of performers at the National Folk Festival. Families can also catch a Delmarva Shorebirds baseball game. Wicomico County Tourism, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, [email protected]

 

PENNSYLVANIA

Allegheny National Forest Region
Summer is the season to enjoy Art in the Wilds at Evergreen Park, and to sample the local farm to table cuisine of Table 105, CJ Spirits, and Flickerwood Wine Cellars in Kane, PA. Families will enjoy camping in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF), and hiking/biking miles of woodland trails. Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Linda Devlin, VisitANF.com, [email protected] 

Butler
Celebrate tourism in the charming towns of Butler County like Saxonburg, Zelienople, and Harmony. Strollable sidewalks along Main Streets make these towns even more appealing as you learn about the area’s unique history while visiting museums, trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. During the summer months, you’ll also discover street festivals and open-air markets. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Tiffany Hernandez, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected]

Bradford
The Susquehanna Summer Solstice Fest June 17th-19th at the French Azilum celebrates the arts, music, dance, nature, and history along with environmental awareness.   The fest includes plain air (out of doors) painting competition and show, food, and live music each day.  Celebrate the arts and the scenic beauty of Bradford County! Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com , [email protected] 

Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania 
Waterways across the Endless Mountains are the place to beat the heat each season!  From a refreshing dip in a mountain creek to standing underneath a natural waterfall to a day out on the river kayaking, the freshwater resources of the region invite you to beat the heat in our own pristine natural waterpark! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected] 

Juniata River Valley
Summer has arrived, and along with it, our favorite outdoor pastimes. Join locals at the many small-town festivals, paddle the Juniata River’s 100+ mile stretch, feel the rush of excitement at Port Royal Speedway, or sit underneath the stars to watch a movie at Midway Drive-In Theatre. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, JRVVisitors.com, [email protected]

Lancaster
The 8th annual Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival on July 9-10 in Lancaster City features musicians from around the U.S. and beyond interpreting blues, jazz, folk, soul, rockabilly, funk, bluegrass, and more.  Slate of 40 (and counting!) acts at 8 downtown venues, plus the new ArtPart exhibition for emerging artists. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected] 

Lehigh Valley
From fruits to vines, Lehigh Valley is prime for the picking! Ripe strawberries, cherries, sunflowers, and more can be picked fresh this summer. The region is also considered a paradise for wine lovers, with over 30 vineyards in the area to savor and sample, including Galen Glen Winery with panoramic views of the countryside. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected] 

Potter-Tioga
Over a two week period in summer, the Endless Mountain Music Festival brings world-renowned musicians to perform at a wide variety of locations across northern Pennsylvania. Discover world-class performances presented at museums, outdoors, historic venues, and other spots across the region. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected]

Raystown Region
Summertime in the Raystown Lake Region means lake days full of sunshine, swimming, sand, and playgrounds at Seven Points Beach! Lighthouse Adventures water trampolines are a blast for every age. Stock up on new floaties and snacks on your way at Seven Points Bait & Grocery. Then grab some mouthwatering BBQ ribs and brisket at Backwoods Smoke Shack on your way home. Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, Liza Gutshall, www.raystown.org, [email protected]

 

VIRGINIA

Hampton
Celebrate family, friendship, and freedom in Hampton, Virginia. Juneteenth events honoring history and heritage will take place all month including festivals, lectures, and more. Hampton is also home to several sites that commemorate Black heritage including the Emancipation Oak where the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation was held. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Mahogany Waldon, VisitHampton.com, [email protected] 

Harrisonburg
Enjoy vibrant murals, colorful mosaics, and quaint sculptures in Downtown Harrisonburg, an original Virginia Arts and Cultural District for over 20 years. Follow the Art Walk to see Harrisonburg’s Arts Council Sculpture Garden, Oasis Art Gallery, and Virginia Quilt Museum which all also celebrated 20+ year milestones. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jennifer Bell, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected]

Lexington & Rockbridge
It’s all about freedom, fireworks, and fun during the WanderLOVE Rocking Rockbridge Summer Six event July 2-4 in Lexington and Rockbridge County, VA! Enjoy three days of celebrations with 10 bands, 19 hot air balloons, a tasty downtown street festival, and more. It’s excitement the whole family will enjoy! Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism, Patty Williams, LexingtonVirginia.com, [email protected] 

Loudoun
Sip a crisp Viognier, picnic between the vines, or enjoy live music at many of Loudoun’s 50-plus wineries this summer. Round that out with fresh meals sourced from local farms, pro sports at Segra Field and a walk on the Appalachian Trail and you will have a trip to remember in Loudoun.Visit Loudoun, Jen Sigal, VisitLoudoun.org, [email protected] 

Norfolk
Festival season is back in Norfolk, VA. Kick off June with Harbor Fest, America’s largest, longest-running, free maritime festival. Enjoy live music, a Parade Sail and one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast. Celebrate Pride Month with PrideFest, a vibrant and energetic celebration not to be missed. Visit Norfolk, Paige Hawsey, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected] 

Orange
Summer is the perfect time to sample a local vintage or sip a cold brew along the NEW Corks and Caps Trail.  Celebrating the 7 wineries and 4 breweries that make Orange County special, Corks and Caps invites all craft beverage lovers to savor the unique flavors of Central Virginia! Visit Orange Virginia, Julie Perry, CorksAndCapsVA.com, [email protected] 

Shenandoah
Get closer to nature and celebrate family! No-frills Not fancy, just make some old fashion summertime memories. Hike in the woods, feed llamas, go horseback riding, pick berries, explore caverns, tube down the river, and marvel at the views; while enjoying farm-fresh foods, sweet ice cream, and local craft beverages. Visit Shenandoah County, Brenda Black, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected]  

Stafford
Celebrate and sip your way through summer in Stafford, Virginia. Stafford’s local breweries & wineries offer entertainment for all. Feeling competitive? Play 6B&G’s disc golf putting course or bocce ball at Potomac Point Winery. Enjoy live music nights, festivals, and even a Renaissance Faire this summer in Stafford’s breweries & wineries. Tour Stafford Virginia, Courtney Swenson, TourStaffordVA.com, [email protected] 

Staunton 
We have your guide to Staunton’s summer soundtrack! Kick back on a blanket under the stars and listen to the best area music at SummerStage. Celebrate Independence Day with live music and fireworks at Happy Birthday America. Relish the sounds of chamber, vocal, & symphonic music at Staunton Music Festival. Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com, [email protected]

Town of Culpeper
Get outside in Culpeper, VA this summer. Spend an afternoon floating down the river, celebrating the 160th commemoration of the Battle of Cedar Mountain with living history, or enjoy live local music in the historic downtown district every 1st Friday and 3rd Thursday throughout the summer. Rich History, Modern Charm. Culpeper Tourism and Visitors Center, Nicole Warner, VisitCulpeperVa.com, [email protected]

 

Take a look at even more images from across the Mid-Atlantic. Please be sure to provide photo credit to the appropriate DMO.

 

About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance

The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries to  better promote common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.

Shenandoah County’s Wine and Art Scene

Shenandoah County’s Wine and Art Scene

Shenandoah County is lauded for its beauty and wealth of outdoor entertainment options. But Virginia is also known as the “birthplace of American wine,” and residents have been growing and pressing grapes here for 400 years. Shenandoah County is home to nine vineyards that produce tasty and complex wines and take advantage of some of the area’s most impressive views. And while you might think the wine and natural landscapes are all you need to be happy, Shenandoah County also has a thriving art culture. From a historical pottery exhibit to world-class street art to workshops in pastel painting, we have plenty to feed your art-loving soul.

Read on to learn how to connect to Shenandoah County’s wine scene and art scene.

Festivals & Events

In June, the Shenandoah Valley ArtFest and Vintage Woodstock will bring downtown Woodstock’s Court Square to life with local and regional art, community spirit and dancing in the street. This annual event helps the public connect with emerging and established artists in a variety of mediums. Plus, there will be live music, games for all ages, lots of tasty food-truck food, and wine and beer.

Keep an eye on the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley’s calendar for quality art programming like Strasburg photo walks and presentations on Strasburg and Shenandoah County’s 250-year history of fine, decorative, and folk art.

Wineries and Vineyards

North Mountain Vineyard and Brewery (Maurertown) uses estate-grown grapes to “present a unique array of elegant wines exclusive to [the] vineyard’s terroir.” Toast your party by the fire in the elegant tasting room, or bring your kids and spread your blanket on the picture-perfect grounds. Check the schedule for live music and events, and stop in at the gift shop for unique gifts by local artists. Nearby Star in the Valley Estate Winery (Strasburg) produces small-batch wines with flavors unique to the Shenandoah Valley. Enjoy the wine by glass, bottle, or flight in the tasting room or from your picnic space on the patio. A trip to the winery will afford you with tremendous views from Little North Mountain.

Muse Vineyards (Woodstock) is a wonderful place to taste some of the best wine around. Hungry? They serve lunch and snacks. They also host rotating monthly art shows and artist receptions in the tasting room.

Nearby Shenandoah Vineyards (Edinburg) is the oldest winery in the Shenandoah Valley and the tasting room is in a Civil-War-era barn. The vineyard takes advantage of the “viticultural potential of the limestone soils and drier growing conditions” to produce a variety of award-winning whites, reds, and rosés. Check the calendar for events like live music and wine dinners.

Family-owned Cave Ridge Vineyard and Winery (Mt. Jackson) won the 2021 Virginia Governor’s Cup Gold Medal and more for its excellent estate-grown wines. The vineyard is also known for its wide views of the Shenandoah Valley. Visit for a tasting and lite fare, and consider reserving an igloo on a cold night. Check the calendar for art exhibits, live music, and events like wine dinners. Also located in Mt. Jackson, the tasting room at the Winery at Kindred Pointe features lots of comfy seating and large doors that can be opened to let in the balmy spring air. The winery sells flights, glasses, and bottles of site-made wine, hard cider, sangria, and hot mulled wine. You can also book a private tasting in the new tasting room space. Nearby Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery boasts picture-perfect views of Wolf Gap and the Great North Mountain from the wine-tasting deck. Stop in for a tasting or a bottle of your favorite red, red blend, white, or rosé. If you’d like to learn more about the wines or wine-making process, schedule a tour. Finally, Third Hill at De Mello Vineyards (Quicksburg) can help you unwind with a glass of Virginia wine, a view, and live music most Saturdays. Relax by the fire in the cozy tasting room or kick back in a chair on the deck. Check the website for a list of the wines they’re currently serving.

Shenandoah Valley Wine Tours

If you want to enjoy your wine tastings and not worry about a designated driver, Shenandoah Valley Wine Tours is your answer. They’ll pick you up in Woodstock and then head either north or south and provide safe transportation to four vineyards. You can even complement your wine with an optional snack box.

Seven Bends Spirits Tours is another great option to tour the vineyards and breweries too without having to drive yourself.  They offer private customized tours for groups of up to 12.

Museums and Exhibits

For over a hundred years, Strasburg was famous for commercial manufacturing of stone and earthenware pottery. In fact, the Strasburg Museum was originally a steam pottery. Now it’s a museum where you can find a large collection of antique pottery and photographs, learn about more than 250 years of Shenandoah Valley history, and much more.

Since 2015, Strasburg has been making a name for itself in the street art scene with the Staufferstadt street murals. Located on and just off King Street, the 10 large-scale paintings grace the sides of buildings and were created by artists like Gilf! Alice Mizrachi, NDA, and Over Under. While you’re scoping out the murals, stop at the Stasburg Pavilion’s exterior display cases to see ShenMOCA’s  American Masters of the 20th Century Temporary Contemporary exhibit that will feature a new artist each month in 2022.

Another place to see art outside is Mount Jackson’s Apple Basket Water Tower, which rises 150 feet in the air. The design features a basket of red Gala apples to celebrate the area’s identity. It was painted freehand by mural artist Eric Henn.

Shoppers looking for art can find the work of talented local artists in a variety of media showcased at Woodstock’s Valley Educational Center for Creative Arts (VECCA). VECCA sponsors six juried shows each year as well as exhibition artists in the 7 East Gallery space. Exhibition artists offer regular demo days to the public to demonstrate their art.

Classes and Workshops

The Art Spot is a DIY art studio that lets you try your hand at canvas and pottery painting, sign making, and hand-built clay projects. Check the calender for special ladies’ night events like 80s Trivia Paint and Play or Wine & Shine. You’ll bond with the gals over crafts, refreshments, and prizes.

 

Farms, Family Fun and Ice Cream in Shenandoah County

Bring the Family together for a Summer Experience in beautiful Shenandoah County, Virginia!

Get closer to nature and build family bonds with a visit to Shenandoah County. Attractions here are no-frills and not fancy, but are guaranteed to bring smiles and warm hearts. Hike in the woods, skip rocks on the river, feed llamas, pick berries and explore caverns are just a few ideas, but imagine a place that allows for together time, marveling at the views, enjoying farm-fresh foods and creating beautiful memories.

Agricultural Experiences

Once called the “Breadbasket of the South”, Shenandoah County has deep roots in agriculture with many family farms still in operation a hundred or more years after their original ancestor first put a shovel in the land. Nowadays, family farms are diversifying, and creating spaces for visitors to pick fruits and pet the animals. One “Century Farm” has even begun brewing craft beer and serving wood-fired pizzas made with ingredients sourced within a stone’s throw.

Here are some of our favorite farm experiences in the area:

Swover Creek Farms–   is a Virginia Century Farm offering pick-your-own berries in several varieties including raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and black raspberries, and gooseberries. Their kitchen also offers wood fired pizzas, farm crafted sausages and home-made pretzels and well as farm crafted beers.

Woodbine Farms–   is a  family owned and operated farm market offering a huge variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs including peaches, plum, cherries, apricots, apples, tomatoes, green beans and much more.   Their bakery also serves up some of the best cookies around as well as fresh baked pies, artisan breads, and apple dumplings.  Enjoy local cheeses, jams, ciders and more inside the market or venture outside for their children’s play area complete with mining sluice.

Rivers, Caverns and other outdoor destinations

Bryce Resort–  This four season resort offers a variety of summer activities including biking, boat rentals, and golf.   Beginner cyclists can take a lesson on their state of the art mountain bike trail which allows visitors to coast down the mountain and take in the spectacular views. Lake Laura is also part of Bryce Resort’s summer fun where the family can enjoy paddleboarding, canoeing and tubing.

Shenandoah Caverns Family of Attractions–  Beat the heat in an underground landscape- At a constant 56°F, the beauty and wonders of Shenandoah Caverns is a family experience like no other. Check out Shenandoah County’s beautiful scenery below the surface and learn the story of two young boys who discovered it over a hundred years ago and made it their secret hideaway. Shenandoah Caverns has working elevator service and is home to the famous “bacon formations” as featured in National Geographic Magazine.  Included with your ticket to the Caverns there are several other attractions that are definitely worth seeing: Main Street of Yesteryear, the Yellow Barn and American Celebration on Parade.  American Celebration on Parade is a favorite among families who enjoy seeing floats from the Rose Bowl Parades, Thanksgiving Day Parades and Presidential Inaugurals up close and personal.  Many even come to life with the push of a button.

Strasburg River Walk–  This park offers a one of the most family/kid friendly river access points in the area suitable for canoes, kayaks and shallow aluminum boats.  Fish for redbreast sunfish or small-mouth bass along the shores or enjoy a stroll along the gravel path running alongside the river.

Woodstock Tower–    Take a short 1/3 mile round-trip hike to one of the most spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley. The Woodstock Tower was originally built as one of the first Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) projects now offers stunning 360 degree views of the Seven Bends of the Shenandoah River, the Town of Woodstock, and Fort Valley. It’s a perfectly short hike for little ones and the views are breathtaking. Note: The drive to the trail head is filled with switchbacks as it climbs over Massanutten Mountain. RV’s Trailers and buses are not allowed.

Hike to Big Schloss– For your tough-and-mighty trail warriors this 4 mile round trip hike offers a perfect day on the mountain with places to stop for a picnic. A beautiful rock outcropping at the end makes a perfect spot for a family photo. You can’t beat the views here! At the trail head are several places to set up a tent and campfire for the night. Memories made.

Ice Cream Stands:   

No matter what part of the county you visit, there’s always a good place to stop and cool down with a sweet treat. After your adventures, on the rivers, trails or underground it’s easy to find a place to stop at one of the many ice cream stands around the County. Offering classic treats such as hand-dipped cones, custard and milkshakes as well as chillers filled with your favorite candy bars. Most places are open seasonally and are enjoyed by locals and travelers alike.

Ice Cream Depot
363 E King St, Strasburg

Katie’s Custard
870 S Main St, Woodstock

Edinburg Ice Cream
101 Jillian Ct, Edinburg

Smiley’s Kustard
1562 Orkney Grade Bayse (near Bryce Resort)

Sugar Creek Snowy & Sweet
154 E King St, Strasburg

Pack’s Frozen Custard – 211 East Lee Hwy New Market

What’s Cooking? Shenandoah County for Foodies

When you’re zipping along on the interstate, it might be easy to assume that Shenandoah County is a county full of fast food. But while there’s plenty of convenience food to be found, there’s also a wealth of restaurants serving fresh-cooked food that emphasizes local meat, produce, and other ingredients. From bakeries and cafes to brew pubs, wine bars, and even a restaurant in a greenhouse, the “Breadbasket of the South” is a wonderful place to enjoy farm-to-table dining.

Basye

When you’ve worked your body hard – as you surely will skiing, biking, or hiking at Basye Resort – you’ll be hungry for the choices at the Cooper Kettle Bar & Lounge the ultimate venue to relax après ski or after a round of golf.  Offering soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees of braised beef and spring salmon.  Catch live music on the weekend in the evenings.

For an upscale experience at an extensive wine bar, try RHouse Wine & Cafe. Share plates from their menu, including charcuterie platters and dishes like mushroom fontina fonduta, which is mushrooms baked with fontina and drizzled with truffle oil. Other decadent dishes include baby back ribs with maple sauce and mashed potatoes. Save room for decadent desserts like key lime cheesecake and Spanish flan.

New Market

If you’re exploring the area around New Market and indulging your appreciation for history at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park you’ll definitely work up an appetite. Stop at the Jackson Corner Cafe in the Lee-Jackson building for a light meal of salad, quiche, pastries, and soups and sandwiches. Don’t skip that good-smelling cup of Crazy Fox Coffee Roasting Co. coffee. This local small-batch, artisan roaster buys beans from farms that emphasize sustainability.

For a nostalgic treat, a view of a retro neon sign, and true Southern cooking, plant yourself in the locally-owned Southern Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not only can you get classics like peanut soup, and sirloin barbeque beef tips, you can also gnosh on something called a 50/50 burger that’s made from a mix of ground beef and ground bacon. If you’re around on a Wednesday evening, indulge in the all-you-can-eat fried chicken wing special. Follow that up with some homemade apple fritters or fruit or meringue pie.

Mount Jackson

Mount Jackson is a terrific place to start a day of biking. Explore the quiet country roads surrounding the town, making sure to stop for photographs of the Meems Bottom Bridge and the landmark water tower that’s decorated with Shenandoah County apples. Spread out a blanket and catch some Second Sunday music at Mayor’s Park if you happen to be in town for it. A nice place to have a meal is the Curtain Call Coffeehouse Cafe. The interior is decorated with cool classic movie posters, and you’ll love the lattes, scones, and other items freshly made by local bakers. The cafe specializes in sandwiches and wraps, as well as other breakfast and lunch items. You also won’t want to leave Mount Jackson without a tour of the Route 11 Potato Chip factory facilities and a taste of local, kettle cooked goodness

Edinburg

A day in Edinburg isn’t complete without a visit to the Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum at Edinburg Mill. The 1848 mill, known for being spared when Sheridan burned the Shenandoah Valley, provides hands-on history exhibits about the Civil War and America’s first Civilian Conservation Camp. Head downstairs to dine on pub-style food in the Edinburg Mill Restaurant. Chefs Jason Burns and Dennis Stickley emphasize local products in their seasonal menu items. Start with an order of braised pork belly prepared with local apples and fresh herbs. Next, dig into an entree of blackened Virginia catfish or pecan chicken. The restaurant also serves steaks, burgers, as well as breakfast and lunch selections.

You won’t leave hungry after a meal at Beans BBQ, but you’ll want to pack a cooler and take some with you to eat at home the next day. The eatery is low frills, but the food is simple, but it’s to die for. Choose from pork bbq, ribs, chicken bbq, andouille sausage, brisket and a selection of sides.

Edinburg is also centrally located for touring five nearby vineyards: Muse Vineyards, Shenandoah Vineyards, Cave Ridge Vineyard, Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery, and the Winery at Kindred Pointe.

Woodstock

Whether you’re hiking or biking the trails in Seven Bends State Park or hunting for treasures in the antique shops lining Woodstock’s main drag, eventually you’ll want to slow down for a meal.

Check out the bread schedule, peruse the pastry menu, and see what’s on the drink specials menu at Flour and Water.  Your favorites will probably include olive sourdough, bacon, cheddar, and chive scones, and marigold lattes, but there’s much more to choose from on the menu of chef-designed sandwiches, fresh soups, and more.

Chef Jose at Woodstock Cafe serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Standout menu selections include D’Artagnan grass fed ribeye with fries and Shenandoah ramp butter and the homemade mafaldine pasta with asparagus, hen of the woods mushrooms, bacon, and parmesan fondue. Save room for a seasonal dessert or swing by Sugar Creek Snowy and Sweet for hand-dipped Pennsylvania Dutch-style ice cream. Choose from more than two dozen delicious flavors like orange creamsicle, coffee crunch, and coconut.

Plant enthusiasts will dig eating inside the Fort Valley Greenhouse at Woodstock Garden Cafe. The cafe emphasizes the use of fresh, local ingredients from area producers like Mowery Orchard, Shenandoah Spice Company, and Dayton Produce. They also grow ingredients onsite and change their menu seasonally to reflect what’s fresh.

Strasburg

A fun way to explore downtown Strasburg is to look for the colorful murals painted on the sides of buildings. Afterwards, widen your pancake horizons with The Pancake Underground’s savory fried chicken and pancakes doused in house-made Nashville hot or apple bbq sauce. Your tastebuds will sing with a serving of Elvis-inspired peanut butter, banana, and bacon cakes doused in bourbon-maple syrup and powdered sugar. You can even get a stack of s’mores cakes, which are flavored with cinnamon and piled high with marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker crumbles. If you’d rather have fresh seafood, Crabby Maggie’s offers a wide selection at fair prices. Try the crabcakes or a cluster of snow crab legs with sides of hush puppies and cole slaw.

If you’re sick of the hockey puck burgers and dried up hotdogs coming off your grill, take the family to Old Dominion Doggery and Burger Shoppe. Start with Bavarian pretzel logs dipped in beer cheese sauce and then build your own kosher all-beef dog or 100% local grass-fed beef burger. The extensive list of toppings includes classics like chili and cheese as well as pork rinds and crushed pineapple.

The Box Office Brewery taproom is located in a renovated 1918 theater – the first in Shenandoah County. The bar is constructed from a local reclaimed bowling alley lane and flights of beer are served in cool film reel-inspired trays. You can order local wine, cider, and a dozen refreshing craft beers on tap. Accompany you drinks with brick oven pizza, sandwiches like cheesesteaks and smash burgers, and starters like wings and nachos.

 

Meet the animals of the Salisbury Zoo in Wicomico County, MD

Lynx sitting on rocks at the Salisbury Zoo
Lynx at the Salisbury Zoo

The Salisbury Zoo is home to more than 100 animals. Get to know some of them, and look for them during your next visit.

Andean bear
Pinocchio, an Andean bear at the Salisbury Zoo

Andean Bears

Chaska, 11, and Pinocchio, 8, are the zoo’s two Andean bears. Andean bears are native to South America, and Pinocchio is a rescue from Ecuador, said registrar Jessica O’Neill.

There’s a sign outside the exhibit that makes it easier for visitors to tell them apart. Pinocchio is larger, and Chaska has more markings on her face.

Chaska’s in charge, said O’Neill, who described her as sassy and intelligent, picking up on behaviors quickly during training. Pinocchio is smart, too, but also a “lovable goofball,” O’Neill said.

The bears are both skilled at climbing, but females are usually better at it because they are smaller, she said.

It was announced this month that two cubs were born to Chaska and Pinocchio.

Wallabies

The wallabies who live at the zoo have different personalities. Casanova was the only male out on the day of our visit.

“He’s usually right in your face,” said zookeeper Hannah Buchek. He had just woken up from a nap.

Petunia is shy, and Emerald warms up to you, she said. Petunia and Emerald are both moms, and she’s noticed that the joeys seem to emulate their parents’ personalities.

Lynx

Lynx Chayne and her daughter Helga were new additions to the Salisbury Zoo in 2021. Helga was sitting in her mom’s usual spot during this visit.

They get along well, snuggling together and grooming each other, said zookeeper Brinkley Rayne. Chayne also shares her food with Helga, said zookeeper Cheyanne Storm.

Wallaby
Casanova, a wallaby at the Salisbury Zoo

Flamingos

There are eight male flamingos at the zoo, but only one has the title of “Old Man Flamingo.” He is 52 years old, even though the lifespan is about 50 in captivity, said zookeeper Hannah Buchek. He came to the zoo in 2002 from Disney, she said.

Alpacas

One male and five female alpacas live at the Salisbury Zoo, and it’s a family affair. Apollo, the only male, is the father of Skyla, Mercedes and Topanga.

“He definitely watches over his girls,” said zookeeper Brinkley Rayne.

Skyla’s mom is another one of the alpacas at the zoo, Sadorus, and Topanga’s mom, Diamond Girl, lives there too.

Skyla is the tallest, so she had a bit of an advantage when reaching her mouth out for romaine.

If you’re hoping to determine which one is which, Mercedes might be the easiest to pick out, as she is all brown. Sadorus is brown and white, Skyla is black and white, Apollo is light gray, Topanga is dark gray and Diamond Girl has “bangs.”

Macaw

Oddball the green-winged macaw, who is 21, shares the exhibit with the flamingos. Some of the words zookeeper Hannah Buchek used to describe him were “super-scaredy,” shy, stubborn and not social. He voices his disappointment, though, if a staff member comes in to take the flamingos for a medical reason, she said.

Oddball will work for peanuts. Buchek had him come to her, spread his wings and lift up a foot.

Flamingos with greenery in the background at the Salisbury Zoo
Old Man is the oldest flamingo at the Salisbury Zoo.

Let’s Go!

Where: 755 S. Park Drive, Salisbury
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Fee: Admission is free
Info: SalisburyZoo.org, 410-548-3188