Natural Bridge—Prepare to be Amazed!

Fall-Winter 2007
by Susan Erwin

Natural Bridge Tourism Information

For almost 200 years, travelers have been making their way to a natural treasure tucked into the southern part of the Shenandoah Valley… Natural Bridge. In every season, visitors marvel at this massive stone bridge, carved from solid rock over the eons by the tenacious flow of a small creek. As the leaves fall, even more of this massive structure and the surrounding cliffs come into view. While you are there, be sure to take a stroll along Cedar Creek Trail under the bridge. At the end of this mile-long nature trail, you'll be rewarded with the sight of beautiful Lace Falls tumbling 50 feet over rocks and pools. On weekend evenings, enjoy the spectacular Drama of Creation sound and light show held beneath the bridge.

If cooler breezes make you want to go inside and warm up, there are many indoor wonders here, too! The Natural Bridge Wax Museum has recreations of famous moments from Virginia and Natural Bridge history, brought to life with narration, music, and lights. You'll also spot George Washington, Daniel Boone, and many Civil War heroes—both blue and grey. Downstairs take a self-guided tour of the Wax Museum Factory and see how these amazingly realistic figures are made. You'll have fun identifying the 'heads' lining the shelves!

The Toy Museum at Natural Bridge offers a trip down memory lane, with the largest collection of childhood memorabilia on display in the world.

And you'll also enjoy browsing the Natural Bridge Gift Shop for unique treasures and gifts just right for the holidays.

Are you ready for an outlandish, fearsome, awesome, monstrous Halloween spectacle? Plan to see Professor Cline's Hallowscream at the Haunted Monster Museum, October 19-20, 26-28 and 31. This is truly a one-of-a kind thrill and chill!

There's so much here to see and do that you'll probably want to stay a while. The Natural Bridge Hotel offers lodging and dining in style! Relax in one of their spacious rooms—be sure to ask for one with stunning mountain views. Feast on the chef's specialties in the Natural Bridge Colonial Dining Room, which is justly famous for awesome buffets—on Fridays seafood takes center stage, and on Sundays, the country buffet starts at noon. Holiday buffets are offered at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and Natural Bridge's New Year's Eve Gala includes dinner, entertainment, beverages, and overnight accommodations. Nightly dining from an extensive menu is available Sundays through Thursdays.

Just down the road from the bridge is the Natural Bridge Zoo, open every day 9-6, through Thanksgiving weekend. From the huge, rare white tiger and twin white tiger cubs, to bears, cougars, camels, and talking parrots, this zoo offers a great experience for the entire family. On the weekend you can even ride an elephant!

Closer to I-81, you'll find Virginia Safari Park, a 180-acre adventure, offering 'up close and personal' experiences with free-roaming herds of animals from six continents, including camels, llamas, bison, elk, zebras, antelopes, ostriches, deer, and giraffes. Here, feeding the animals is encouraged! Get your buckets of special grain at the Safari Gift Shop, and get ready for a wild experience! Drive through at your own pace in your car, or take a weekend guided Safari wagon ride along three miles of trails, meandering through some of the most beautiful hills and dales in the Shenandoah Valley. Visit monkeys, kangaroos, and giant tortoises in the Safari Village and Petting Area; walk through the World of Birds Free-Flight Aviary, as beautiful birds soar and swoop by; and climb up onto the Giraffe Feeding Station to offer special giraffe crackers to these graceful, long-necked creatures at their eye (and mouth) level. Don’t miss the new Tiger Territory! Virginia Safari Park is open daily through Thanksgiving weekend, but closed Thanksgiving Day.

Visit Natural Bridge, and you'll discover natural wonders in every season!

Article text ©2007, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.

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