Below are several outing options for our time at Peggy's Barn. They are grouped by categories that reflect type of activity OR activities in geographic proximity to one another . Event attendees are welcome to pre-plan or spontaneously plan an outing using these suggestions. There are some website url's and links included for further research.
If you would like to organize an outing and would like other attendees to know about it, please let the planning committee know by filling out the Outing RSVP form on the Outing RSVP page of this site. Then we'll include it in the Event Schedule/Info booklet for each attendee.
Alternately you can sign up for the pre-planned scheduled outings described on the Outing RSVP page of this site.
Please direct questions about local attractions/outing options to Peggy Feldmann at Peggy.Feldmann@veap.virginia.gov
Category A: MONTPELIER AND VIRGINIA WINERIES
Montpelier
Home of James Madison
the Father of the Constitution
www.montpelier.org/
In the splendor of the Virginia countryside, a national treasure is being recovered. Experience the rediscovery of the mind and the man who forged the framework of a nation, who created the Constitutional charter that defines our democracy, our thinking, our society.
Horton Cellars Winery
http://www.hvwine.com/
Taste nationally acclaimed wines in our old-world Tudor winery. Over 30 wines include Marsanne, Viognier, Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, Tannat, Malbec, Syrah, Nebbiolo, Pear, Peach, Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry and Blackberry.
Barboursville Vineyards, Palladio Restaurant, & Historic Ruins
http://www.barboursvillewine.net/
Three great destinations in one historic estate. Virginia's most honored winery, creative Northern Italian dining at Palladio Restaurant, and Historic Landmark Ruins designed by Thomas Jefferson. Open all year with guest accommodations available.
All of these are within an hour of the Barn and within 25 minutes of each other. There are also some antique shops along the way.
Category B: SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, SKYLINE DRIVE, AND LURAY CAVERNS
Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive
www.nps.gov/shen/
http://www.waterfalls-guide.com/va_whiteoak_falls.htm
Remember when driving was fun and relaxing? No? Well, believe it or not, your car can be your escape. A slow meander down Skyline Drive will give you a whole new driving experience.
The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the park.
Heading south along Skyline Drive from the Thornton Gap Entrance (rte 211 form Luray) you will pass several pull-out vistas and parking areas with hiking trails A park brochure can describe the trains and hikes to waterfalls.
There are two waterfalls close to the Luray entrance to Skyline Drive. Dark Hollow Falls and Whiteoak Falls. Dark Hollow is the closest waterfall hike to the parking areas. It also tends to get crowded. Whiteoak is probably nicer falls but a more strenuous hike.
Luray Caverns, Antique Car Museum and Garden Maze
http://www.luraycaverns.com/
Stroll along the well-lighted, paved walkways that wind through the huge chambers to explore cathedral-sized rooms with soaring ceilings, towering columns and breathtaking stalactites, and then gaze into mirror-perfect pools. Our knowledgeable guides enrich your experience with stories about the caverns' discovery and the science behind the natural wonders being viewed. The caverns also hold the world's only “Stalacpipe” Organ that plays its hauntingly beautiful music on natural formations. Tickets to the Caverns include a tour of the Antique Car Museum and there is a also a Garden Maze.
The entrance to Skyline Drive is about 30 minutes from the Barn. Whiteoak Falls are about 20 minutes south on Skyline Drive. Luray Caverns is on the way to Skyline Drive, about 25 minutes from the Barn.
Category C: SWIMMING, TUBING, FISHING AND CANOEING ON THE SHENANDOAH RIVER
The Barn has approximately 450 feet of river frontage on the south fork of the Shenandoah River. The river in our area is shallow with slow moving currents and some very low class rapids and riffles. An adult can easily walk across the river from our property. There is a 20 minute tube trip starting upstream and ending at the Barn or some longer ones going down stream and ending a nearby boat landing.
We have two canoes available for use. Canoe trips to the boat landing from the Barn take about 1 – 2 hours. It is also fun to take the canoe out from the shore near the barn and just explore.
Fishing is excellent and includes small mouth bass and sunfish. These activities can take place all day from our property.
Category D: Other Historic Sites
NEW MARKET BATTLEFIELD
http://www4.vmi.edu/museum/nm/index.html
Where 257 Cadets from the Virginia Military Institute made the difference between victory and defeat. Your exploration of the Civil War in Virginia begins here in the legendary Shenandoah Valley. The three-hundred acre New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, 19th Century Bushong Farm, and Hall of Valor Civil War Museum, commemorate a unique moment in American history--- when college boys, Cadets from VMI, engaged in pitched battle and helped win a victory for the Confederate Army.
This is a very well done museum and exhibit and is an interesting story. The Battlefield is about 20 miles/30 minutes west of the Barn over Massanutten Mountain. There is a nice valley overlook on the way there. The Town of New Market has restaurants and antique stores.
Category E: JOG/RUN/WALK
3 MILE RUN from the Barn
Peggy will share a 3 mile running route from the Barn with attendees (check the Event Schedule/Info Booklet). Liz Rowe will lead a run on Saturday morning, but attendees can do the run anytime.