| The Shenandoah Valley | | | | of wildlife that inhabits the region. Firstly, this is a must |
| The historic and very beautiful Shaenandoh valley | | | | see for bird watchers as more than 200 species both |
| stretches some 200 miles from the small town of | | | | and migratory can be viewed in the area of the |
| Harper's Ferry in West Virginia to Roanoke and Salem | | | | Shendaoh Valley. There are of course other animals, |
| in the state of Virginia. The steep slopes of the valley | | | | too. These range from the large Black Bear to both |
| floor rise majestically skywards to provide the base of | | | | red and gray foxes and the white tailed deer. The |
| the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is of course the home of | | | | deer favor more open spaces and can often be seen |
| the Shenandoah River and because of its strategic | | | | from the road as one wends along the Skyline Drive. |
| location has provided the site for many a battle both in | | | | Another treat for Summer Visitors is the Shendoah |
| the War of Independence and the Civil War. | | | | Music festival located in the rustic village of Orkney |
| The impressive Shenandoah National Park, perhaps, | | | | Springs. Forty-two years ago some local residents got |
| dominates the valley. These lands were presented by | | | | together to bring well know musicians and orchestras |
| the State of Virginia to the US Federal Government in | | | | to their remote rural community. The festival has |
| 1935 and were officially opened by then US President | | | | grown in stature and popularity ever since. The |
| Franklin Roosevelt the following year. | | | | concert venue is the old Orkney Springs Hotel, which |
| To the east of the valley lies the world famous Sky | | | | served as a spar, and health retreat throughout the |
| Line Drive, which allows you to drive comfortably along | | | | years until it was taken over by the Episcopalian |
| a spectacular highway to view this region of | | | | Church. Last year concerts took place over10 |
| unsurpassed natural beauty. Around you,lies acre upon | | | | week-ends, acting as a magnet for music lovers from |
| acre of rolling woodland.The deciduous forest is best | | | | the region itself and much further afield. |
| seen during the fall months when leaves turn from | | | | This area, perhaps, not one of the better known |
| natural green to glistening russet red. The autumn | | | | vacation haunts, has much to offer the visitor. Maybe |
| "color fest" begins as early as mid-September and | | | | it's time you gave it a glance when the time comes to |
| lasts until the first week or so of November. | | | | decide where to go for a simple week-end or |
| For the more adventurous and perhaps those lithe of | | | | something much longer. |
| life and limb the area provides a hiker's paradise. Hiking | | | | Interested in this subject? |
| is really the best way of catching sight of the plethora | | | | |