~ Shenandoah Valley Vacation Packages

Shenandoah Valley Family Attractions: Part 2

The lists of activities for the entire family to enjoy while on vacation in the Shenandoah Valley are seemingly never-ending. Whether you’re looking to be educated and entertained (while exploring one of the Shenandoah Valley’s many museums and historic cultural centers) or you’re just looking for some family fun escape time (in one of the theme parks, and/or the many musical and performance theatres that make their home here), the Shenandoah Valley is the perfect place for your next family vacation. If you come here once, chances are you and the family will be back again. Listed below are just a few more of the many recreational activities available to you in the Shenandoah Valley. This list focuses on several of the historic and culturally-significant sites found in this spectacular area of Virginia.

The Staunton Museum of American Frontier Culture:
This intriguing Museum has on display a unique collection of historic items from the 17th to the 19th century. The kids will love interacting with the costumed interpreters that provide a glimpse into the life of the original Europeans who were emigrating to the United States at the time. Here at the museum you’ll also find fully reconstructed farms of German, Ulster (Scotch Irish), and English (Yeoman’s) origin.

The Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Museum:
This memorial library and museum to the life of American president, Woodrow Wilson (who was born and raised here), is located in an historic area of Staunton. The house includes items unique to the Wilson family and to the era they belonged. There are eight galleries to peruse through with the family. Guided tours are also available.

The Staunton Blackfriar’s Playhouse:
This is a theater built as a replica to William Shakespeare’s original English-style theaters. This particular theater was built in 1620 and contains the traditional backless wood benches, towering balconies, and decidedly Tudor-style woodwork. A company known as the “Shenandoah Shakespeare Express” make use of the theater. This theatrical group is well-known and highly respected and now based permanently in the Shenandoah Valley area. If you’re looking to experience some Shakespeare in a setting very much like the playwright’s contemporaries would have, the Blackfriar’s Playhouse is the place for you.

The Augusta Military Academy Museum:
Yet another theater found in the area, this military museum is located in the AMA Alumni House in Fort Defiance, Virginia. The Alumni House is a fully renovated and authentic home first constructed in the latter 19th century. The founder of the academy built the home when the military site, which is now closed, first opened. Not only is the site historically interesting, but the area its found in provides amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and all natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.

The Virginia Metalcrafters’ Shop:
This authentic metalwork shop can be found near downtown Waynesboro. This company, which has been in existence for over 100 years, manufactures gifts and accessories of all sorts. These unique products are cast by hand in metals including: brass, bronze, aluminum, iron, and pewter. Things here are done exactly like they were a century or more ago. Come and let the entire family experience life like it was generations ago when the Shenandoah Valley was a growing frontier. Tours are available to complete the experience.