Harrisonburg Courthouse

HISTORIC VIRGINIA

By J. Herbert Silverman

While traditional destinations such as the great battlefields of the Civil War are familiar to many Americans, this bucolic area is currently undergoing a contemporary travel renaissance. Not only for Americans but overseas visitors as well.

New Attractions to Visit
The newest tourism attraction in the history-laden Valley is the Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg, county seat of Rockingham County and the "capital" of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The theater nestles in striking new quarters, part of a handsome complex created from what was once the largest Ford dealership in the Old Dominion State.

Bev Appleton says, "We've created the Shenandoah Adventures package which includes entertainment and dinner at Calhoun's Restaurant Brewing Co., housed in the same complex which has already earned praise for its cuisine from dining critics throughout the state."

Two and three day packages include visits to the Luray Caverns, the Civil War Museum and travel throughout the valley's backwoods, scenes of such famous Civil War battles as Spotswood and Manassas.

Monticello
Thomas Jefferson introduced wine making to Monticello in the early 19th century. In fact, so successful was his pioneering effort that world class vineyards such as the Barboursville Winery and Prince Michel have emerged over the past several decades with major visitor centers.

The Beauty of Barboursville 
Barboursville has become so successful that its visitor facilities have just been expanded to include a superb dining room called Palladio where its specialty, Italian wine varietals and international cuisine, are matched to perfection. Special events include visiting chef programs and an opera series.

Bus Tours
There are bus tours that highlight the area's historic attractions. Special focus is on genealogical tracings and natural appeals such as the striking Skyline Drive over the mountains in the Shenandoah National Park on US 33.

Massanutten Resort
Also en route east out of Harrisonburg is Massanutten Resort a four-season mountain enclave with diverse facilities year-round ranging from swimming, fishing and horseback to skiing and golf.

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