Shenandoah Valley

 

The Shenandoah Valley is a breathtakingly beautiful area that covers part of western Virginia and part of West Virginia. The northern border is the Potomac River and the southern is the James River. At the eastern edge of the valley are the Blue Ridge Mountains. To the west are the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians.

The region is abundant with caves, caverns, fertile farmland, hills, forests, lakes, streams, and meadows graced by wildflowers. The Shenandoah is home to many native birds, including wild turkey, grouse, and songbirds, and several migratory species pay regular visits to the valley. Wildlife includes black bears, whitetail deer, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, bats, skunks, bobcats, and other mammals, along with many species of reptiles and amphibians. Because of its unique ecosystems, the Shenandoah is a great place to view 74 rare or endangered species, including the Peregrine Falcon and the Shenandoah Salamander.

The valley is lush in vegetation. More than 1,600 higher plant species are found in the region. The thick stands of oak, hickory, and maple provide vibrant foliage in the fall, and many types of wildflowers add color to the landscape in the spring and summer months. In winter, the hills and valleys are sometimes tucked in by a light blanket of snow.

The Shenandoah once contained a major migratory trail for the Delaware and Catawba tribes. Later, this same trail, the Valley Pike, became known as the Great Wagon Road when it was used by early colonists on their migration to the South. Today, the area is served by Interstate 81, the Valley Turnpike,  Interstate 66, Interstate 64, and several US Highways.  The Maryland Access Rail Commuter trains run between several stations and Washington. Public transportation bus transits provide another method of traveling in the valley.

The Shenandoah is a top tourist destination, not only for its spectacular natural beauty, but also because of its many opportunities for entertainment and recreation.  Numerous festivals are held throughout the year, and the valley is blessed with fascinating historic sites. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, rafting, horseback riding, and golfing. Area zoos, museums, galleries, thoroughbred racetracks, casinos, gardens, and theme parks provide fun for a wide variety of interests and ages.

The valley is popular with retirees. Many upscale Virgina adult communities and Virgina retirement communities offer gated neighborhoods with wonderful amenities like swimming pools, lakes, boat launches, fitness centers, libraries, cafes, and ballrooms. Shenandoah is also home to outstanding medical facilities that provide health care and preventive medicine. Shenadoah Retirees enjoy the best of both worlds in the Shenandoah Valley – quiet living in gorgeous surroundings with easy access to all the excitement of big cities.