What a gorgeous national park. Skyline drive felt like every twist and turn was another postcard…read moreworthy spot. I love to hike and was excited to arrive at Big Meadows because I've read about it in books about thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. We actually saw some thru hikers while we were at the Visitor Center and that was special watching their journey in real life. I grabbed a t shirt, a baby book for our new granddaughter and of course had to get some stamps for my National Parks passport book. Then we decided to head over for an "easy hike" at Dark Hollow Falls Trail.

October, 2025. There are four entrances to Shenandoah National Park; the Swift Run Gap Entrance is…read moreat mile marker 65.5 on Skyline Drive (which runs the length of the park for 105.5 miles). Swift Run Gap is the most convenient entrance if you're coming on U.S. 33 from Harrisonburg or Massanutten from the west or Stanardsville from the east. The entrance is usually manned by a national park ranger, who collects entrance frees and gives you a map of the park. We most recently visited in mid-October (height of the leaf-peeping season), but also during a government shutdown. The ranger at the entrance station informed us that the park was "open" but with very limited staffing, and that they were not authorized to collect fees during the shutdown. We selfishly appreciated that the park was open, but were dismayed to think about the forgone revenue that the national park lost during the shutdown. As a result, we spent a lot of money in the bookstore, which is run by the nonprofit SNP Association, with proceeds used to support educational programming in the park (and some staffing during the shutdown). There were a lot of people in the park, but they were following good "carry in, carry out" principles.

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Cute local library with local events throughout the year.read more

This marker is located in downtown Harrisonburg near the county courthouse. It points out the…read moreearliest settlement of this area. The marker is in good condition and there is parking nearby. It reads, "Here Thomas Harrison and wife deeded land for the Rockingham County public buildings, August 5, 1779. The same act established both Louisville, Ky., and Harrisonburg, May, 1780. Named for its founder, the town was also known as Rocktown. It was incorporated in 1849. In its vicinity battles were fought in 1862 and 1864. The present courthouse was built in 1897. Harrisonburg became a city in 1916." Harrisonburg is the county seat of Rockingham County. is home to James Madison University, a public research university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, and Eastern Mennonite University, a private, Mennonite-affiliated liberal arts university. The city has become a bastion of ethnic and linguistic diversity in recent years. Over 1,900 refugees have been settled in Harrisonburg since 2002.. As of 2014, Hispanics or Latinos of any race make up 19% of the city's population. [Review 15622 overall - 1353 in Virginia - 1126 of 2021.]

A beautiful town and one not to miss. I veered left off the main highway (went out of my route) to…read morevisit here. I read so many nice articles about Staunton and how historic it is. Voted a best small town of America and what a well deserved title for this amazing town started 1800. I'm amazed at so many original buildings are still here and how beautiful the vibe is. I saw some amazing unique types of business that you won't see anywhere else. They even had a camera museum full of all the old cameras we had as kids given to us by our great grandparents. The rectangle Kodak camera, Polaroid cameras. That place was great. The antique shops were full of everything my great grandma had in her house that's just gone nowadays. Telephones of course, sewing machines, washboards and jewelry boxes. Staunton was a wonderland you just have to see! Enjoy my photos and put Staunton on your road trip list!

Staunton has been recognized as one of "The 20 Best Small Towns in America." After a few days here,…read moreI can understand why, especially if you are interested in the history of the American South. Incorporated officially in 1801, its founding goes back at least to 1747 when the plan for a town at this location was developed by the colonial governor of the Virginia Colony, and given the name Staunton after the popular governor's wife, Rebecca. I guess the name "Gooch," didn't pass muster (The actual name of the appointed official). The arrival of T.J. Collins in 1891 was the primary factor in the town having such a rich and diverse commercial and residential architecture. He and his two sons designed over 200 buildings downtown, primarily along Beverley and Augusta Streets, the main intersection. A guided or even unguided walking tour will show you many styles of classic architecture, including Romanesque Revival, Second Empire, Chateauesque, Richardsonian Romanesque, Queen Anne, and Italianate. The Staunton Public Library is a result of the refurbishment of the original schoolhouse drafted and built under the guidance of T.J. He left behind a town center that make it unique and worthy of a few days exploration. When exhausted from all the intricacies of architecture and physically tired from climbing up and down the hills, you can take a break and visit The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum and catch a live performance at Blackfriars Theater. While there aren't many five star restaurants here, there are enough local kitchens to keep you satisfied and a brace of taverns and breweries to keep your stomach full and whistle wet almost any hour of the day, except Monday, when it seems most of town is closed up tight.

What started off as visiting all the states in a lifetime, has evolved to capturing the background…read moreof the individual, history, and national/world events held within each Presidential Library. The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library in Staunton, VA is absolutely worth a stop while in Virginia! Located in a charming downtown neighborhood, (already a treat), parking is easy and convenient. Inquire at the front for a tour - the guides are well-versed, and excited to share their knowledge of this president's childhood, upbringing, schooling, and political rise; it's fascinating to reflect on how his tenure helped shaped the country's view of the world.

Visiting this area during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and I suggested to family members that I…read morewould like to visit here. I was not very familiar with what this former president accomplished while serving during his term and we all learned something we didn't know. This museum has a lot of interesting things to look at and learn from and they offer tours as well. Was glad I had this museum on my list of places to explore and we spent over an hour looking through various rooms that were able to be viewed. I would suggest this as a place to visit.

Located in downtown Staunton and not far from the Amtrak station, this marker points out the…read morehistory of a local citizen who practiced medicine nearby. Marker A-63 was erected in 1987 by the Department of Conservation and Historic Resources. It has the same text on both sides. It reads, "Dr. Humphreys (1757-1802), an important teacher in 18th-century Virginia, received his M. D. from the University of Edinburgh. He practiced medicine in Augusta County and Staunton from 1783 to 1802 in an office facing the county courthouse. Among Dr. Humphreys' many students were Dr. Ephraim McDowell, the "Founder of Abdominal Surgery;" Dr. Samuel Brown, a pioneer in the use of smallpox vaccination; and President William Henry Harrison. Dr. Humphreys is buried in the churchyard of Trinity Episcopal Church." There is more information online that explains why the marker is right here - it's near the courthouse. Dr. Alexander Humphreys also served as a Justice of Augusta County, reflecting the civic stature he gained soon after settling in Virginia. He became a trustee of the newly founded Staunton Academy in 1792 and was elevated to president of its board the following year, showing his influence in early regional educational development. One of Humphreys' daughters, Elizabeth L. Humphreys, later married Robert Smith Todd and became the stepmother of Mary Todd Lincoln, adding an unexpected presidential connection to his legacy. [Review 1212 of 2026 - 1577 in Virginia - 26391 overall]

I had a very welcoming experience yesterday at this library. I was immediately how can we help you…read moreby 2 front desk people. Then directed upstairs to the reference information desk. I asked for a notary-Alison then appeared within moments. She kindly waited for the others I needed for paperwork. She knowledgeable went through the specifics of the document to ensure accuracy. The price was phenomenal for such a service. Thank you staff and Alison!!!!!!!!

If you know me you know I will find a local library while roaming the streets of a new place. It…read morecould be the public library, a college campus, or some obscure historical collection but my internal compass will find books on shelves (also quality coffee, pastries, and unique hideaways). So as I spent a beautiful morning canvassing block after block of Harrisonburg I soon discovered that in the heart of downtown resides this library. Now the immediate feature you'll notice outside is the brick-built amphitheater. Just enough space for individuals to sit while watching a poet, small play, or traveling musician. But once you step inside you see this place is kept up to date. Modern decor and signs of technology are everywhere. Also there is a community board with events, gatherings, and such as well as local publications. Take a moment to stay informed. The library has the usual amenities; computers with Internet access, restrooms, a designated children's area, and of course books. You will find it more open and quieter on the second floor, if that is a desire. I will also highlight the helpful staff who are answering my out-of-town questions every time I come (now up to four). And on ground level, there is a used book space in case you want/need more tomes for your collection. These range from novels to table sized to children centric to copies of National Geographic. All at a great price. So here, and wherever you may be, use the local resource that is your library. Every community needs them!

I love to stop in here and chat with the staff. They always have answers to my local questions. I…read moream new in town and they help guide me. They also love my dog and she loves them, so we stop in and say "hi," maybe weekly or every other week.