Shenandoah, Virginia

The Shenandoah Valley offers some of the most unique landscapes in not only Virginia but also the country at large: It straddles both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Valley and Ridge province of the Appalachian Mountain region. During summer and fall, Shenandoah Valley visitors can expect stunning peaks towering in the distance and beautiful mountainsides with vegetation and fauna. Come winter, the western region of Virginia is blanketed in untouched, powder white snow.

The Shenandoah Valley was originally populated by Native American agricultural communities as far back as 6,500 years ago, followed by early Virginia settlers, and it even played a role in the Civil War. Travelers can learn about the area’s deep-rooted history at a plethora of local museums. Another unique feature of the Shenandoah Valley is its numerous mountainside caverns, which form gaping rock formations that travelers can explore on guided excursions. East Coast wine lovers need not travel to the Napa Valley to sip aromatic vintages—the Shenandoah Valley is even home to sophisticated wineries. Outdoorsy travelers, meanwhile, will find worthwhile adventures in Shenandoah National Park, filled with chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers—just stand quietly and you can hear a wonderful symphony of nature.