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Apple Blossom Time in Winchester
Winchester, Middletown & Frederick County Tourism Information
One of the biggest festivals in the state, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival (this year April 23–May 2) brings 300,000 people to Winchester for a week-long celebration. There are all the festival favorites—food, fireworks, parades, entertainment, and even celebrities.
Spring is a great time to be out and about in Winchester, and when it’s Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival time, there’s something exciting going on at nearly every hour of the day and night! From the Grand Feature Parade, to the crowning of Queen Shenandoah, to parties and lunches, a circus, a fun run, music, a midway, and all things apple (including an all-American apple pie baking contest), you’ll have a busy social calendar, for sure!
People really do come from all over to attend this festival—even as far away as Hollywood! Through the 82-year history of the festival, ‘The Bloom’ has enjoyed visits from the likes of George Hamilton, Dorothy Hamill, Katie Couric, Jerry West, Bob Hope, and even two sitting US presidents.
As anyone who’s ever been there knows, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is always even better than its publicity. So, if you haven’t made your hotel reserations yet, you’ll need to scramble. But, trust us, it’s worth it!
While you’re here, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the great local restaurants. At Violino Ristorante Italiano, owner/chef Franco Stucco has been singing opera and cooking fine northern Italian food for decades. And there’s no way you’d want to miss Ed Matthew’s fresh daily specials at One Block West. Both restaurants offer great menu selections for the discerning palate!
The Winchester area is best known for its long history, and to reinforce that notion, the city and surrounding countryside boast many fine museums and historic sites, including George Washington's Office Museum, Stonewall Jackson's Winter Headquarters, the Old Courthouse Civil War Museum, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, and Belle Grove Plantation.
The Civil War Museum, just a few years old, is the location of a prison used by both Union and Confederate armies. The graffiti on the walls—including a famous curse on Jefferson Davis—is exposed, revealing how common soldiers really felt. The common soldier is the museum’s focus, exhibited in a fascinating collection of unearthed artifacts, illustrating what life was like for these ordinary men, caught up in the extraordinary events of their time. The admission fee is nominal, and the building is handicapped accessible.
A litle further south lies Middletown, home of Belle Grove Plantation, whose manor house was built during the late 18th century. At its peak of operation, the plantation spanned more than 7,500 acres, maintained by the labors of more than 100 slaves. During the Civil War, Belle Grove was often commandeered for use by officers on both sides of the conflict, and its lands were the center of the October, 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek. The manor house is presently open for public tours during the warm weather months and hosts occasional events throughout the year. The battle itself is reenacted on the grounds each autumn.
If you’re traveling with children, the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, a 6,000-square foot, hands-on, interactive learning center, is a ‘must stop’. It is f-u-n!
Of course, there’s much more to do while you’re in this area. (Shopping on the downtown pedestrian mall should be on your list!) Head to the Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau to get information on activities, attractions, dining, museums, and tours. (Did you know that singer Patsy Cline was from Winchester? Ask about Patsy Cline tours, too!) The folks at the Visitors Bureau will also be delighted to help you with lodging choices for this visit or the next!
Article text ©2009-2010, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.
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