There are many places of interest in and around Winchester Virginia, including historic buildings, museums, and historical cemeteries. The city’s downtown is a great place to explore history, shop for souvenirs, or just sit back and enjoy the city’s rich history. Some notable sites in and around the city include the Stonewall Jackson headquarters and the Union General Philip Sheridan’s headquarters. Additionally, there is the Stonewall Confederate Memorial Cemetery, which opened in 1866. Over 2,500 Confederate soldiers are buried here. And of course, you can’t leave without checking out the Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters Museum at 4 North Braddock Street.
If you’d rather spend a day outdoors, the city is also close to several theme parks and historic buildings. Nearby, you can enjoy a day at the historic and Civil War Museum, or go horseback riding through the countryside. You’ll find a variety of outdoor activities here, too, including horseback riding and picking fruit. There’s something for everyone! If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of activities for families in Winchester.
Visitors can also explore the city’s rich history and culture by visiting the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, which is housed in a Victorian Revival style building. Visitors can also visit the Shenandoah University campus and engage in a variety of cultural events. In addition to historical sites, Winchester is near many Civil War sites, including the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields. A trip to the battlefields and the Harpers Ferry National Park is also recommended.
If you are visiting Winchester, Virginia, consider signing up for a Tinkergarten class. These classes are offered year-round and encourage families to get outside for fresh air. The curriculum is designed by educational experts who provide parents and caregivers with guidelines on raising healthy kids. Besides a fun learning community, Tinkergarten also offers a variety of curriculum and resources to supplement home-based play. You can even take your children to Tinkergarten classes if you’d like to extend their experience outside.
If you’re a fan of music, you should visit Patsy Cline’s house and museum. This historic house is only a half-mile from downtown Winchester. Patsy Cline lived here from age 16 to 21. There is a museum here with miniature furniture and houses. In addition, if you’re a wine lover, try the wines at a nearby vineyard. The wine is great in Winchester!
The apple-growing industry has given Winchester the nickname “Apple Capital” as a result of the town’s reputation as a fruit-growing center. Apples are the main crop in the area, and the town hosts the annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, which draws hundreds of thousands of people every year. In fact, Mario Lopez and Val Kilmer served as grand marshals of the festival in 2010 and 2012.
Wine lovers should not miss the Winchester Ciderworks tasting room. This historic building was once used as an orchardist’s barn and is now an iconic landmark. The cider is fermented internally, served in cellar temperatures, and carries the distinct taste of eastern England. The city’s Pedestrian Mall is also home to the Loudoun Pedestrian Mall. If you have more time to spend in the city, check out the Winchester Art and Crafts District.