Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley and the Skyline Drive

Front Royal, Virginia

Originally called LeHewtown after Peter LeHew, a French Huguenot who purchased 200 acres here in 1754. The Town was later purchased by a group of speculators who arranged to have it incorporated as Front Royal in 1854. Rail service was established in 1854 with the construction of the Alexandria, Orange and Manassas Gap Railroad between Manassas and Riverton. This line was soon extended to STRASBURG in time to become a factor in the Battle of Front Royal on May 23, 1862 and throughout the Civil War. In the spring of 1862, Union Forces under Colonel John Kenley occupied Front Royal and Confederate troops under Stonewall Jackson swept through town on May 23, 1862. Following Route 340 and information found at www.civilwartraveler.com will help visitors follow the Battle of Front Royal driving tour.

Front Royal has a charming downtown with small shops, antique stores and coffee shops. Located within walking distance of this area are two fine Civil War museums; the Warren Rifles Confederate Museum and the Belle Boyd Cottage. Civil War artifacts and the home of the Confederate “spy” are located nearly side-by-side. The Warren County Courthouse is at the other end of Main Street (all within walking distance). Marylanders on both sides fought each other in the streets surrounding the courthouse as civilians greeted the Confederates.

When you get back in your car it is a short ride to Prospect Hill Cemetery. Confederates got a good look at the town from this high point. Confederate dead and some of Mosby’s men are buried in this old cemetery.

Front Royal borders the famed Shenandoah River immortalized in the song Shenandoah. Beautiful views of the river are seen as you cross the bridges into town. Front Royal is known as the Canoe Capitol of Virginia and canoe rentals are available through the Downriver Canoe Company and Front RoyalCanoe as well as the Raymond R. Guest/Shenandoah River State Park.

The natural beauty of Front Royal is not limited to the Shenandoah River but also includes the vista of mountain ranges and hikers have easy access to George Washington National Forest, Appalachian Trail, Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park. After a morning of hiking there are many local wineries to visit and some suggestions can be found at www.svwga.org. For those visitors that prefer to spend their outdoor time playing golf, Front Royal has two beautiful golf courses nearby Bowling Green and Jackson’s Chase. If your fellow traveler is not a golfer and would like to check out the local antiques and other unique shopping opportunities there are lots nearby options.

Strasburg, Virginia

Strasburg earned the name of Pot Town in the post Civil War period
because of the numerous potteries manufacturing stoneware and
earthenware in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Examples of local pottery are on display in many prominent museums in the United States. Today there is Strasburg Potters Guild continuing the traditions started a century ago.
Once a major pottery-making center, Strasburg is now called the "Antique Capital of Virginia." It has earned the title by virtue of its large number of fine antique shops centrally located in he historic downtown area, anchored by the 65,000 (almost 1 1/2 acres) square feet. -the Great Strasburg Emporium. .Just down the road is the famous Wayside Theatre, where seasonal performances offer theatergoers the rare opportunity to experience off-Broadway performances in intimate surroundings.

History and Civil War buffs will enjoy Stonewall Jackson Museum, Belle Grove Plantation and the Strasburg Museum - all close by.

For outdoor adventure, trek into the wilds of the Shenandoah National Forest, the Massanutten Mountains, and the breathtaking Skyline Drive. Enjoy the many hiking, canoeing, or horseback riding opportunities. And for the wine enthusiast, Strasburg is just a short drive from North Mountain Vineyard.

The book 50 Best Small Southern Towns stated, “Strasburg is an enchanting village situated in a beautiful valley between the Massanutten Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains…” and “Magnificent beauty is a focal point.”

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