Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2024 64 I then refuelled at Harrisonburg's first handcrafted cidery, Sage Bird Ciderworks, located in the north end Renaissance area. Here, husband and wife team Zach and Amberlee Carlson have been making small-batch, national award-winning hard cider ever since they launched in the summer of 2020. FROM WAYNESBORO TO SHAKESPEARE IN STAUNTON Farther south, I drove to Waynesboro to explore the Crozet Tunnel Greenway, a three-kilometre trail inside an abandoned historic train tunnel below the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a flashlight to safeguard from sloshing into puddles that accumulate inside. After another 20-minute drive I heard the sounds of The Bard at the American Shakespeare Center Blackfriar's Playhouse in Staunton. This recreated Shakespeare theatre has ongoing productions of the renowned English playwright. NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK My last stop on my road trip in the Shenandoah Valley was a 65-metre limestone arch that stood majestically in a lush natural setting. As I walked along Cedar Creek Trail my eyes kept arching upwards to see this geological wonder from every possible angle. It's hard to believe that this rocky bridge has been on Earth for an estimated 500-million years. "It's older than the dinosaurs!" Chief Ranger Kenneth Horowitz announced on my tour and further divulged how amazing things occur "when small forces are at work over a couple of hundred thousand years." Indeed. Your road trip through the Shenandoah Valley will undoubtedly feature colours and landscapes more poignant and striking than those reflected in any painting but veer off Highway I-81, to explore the culture of historic and charming towns full of vim and vigour, and you'll experience the heart and soul of Virginia. TRAVEL PLANNER To help plan your summer trip to Virginia, see Virginia.org i DS LURAY CAVERNS Drive south on the I-81 and veer off toward the town of Luray. In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Massanutten Mountains, there's an old-timey outpost that's home to seven- million-year-old wonders. The Luray Caverns, discovered in 1878, features a collection of limestone formations considered some of the most perfect in the world. As I stood by Dream Lake and inside Giant's Hall, gazing at these stalactites and stalagmites, a guide explained how these living rocks grow just one cubic inch in over a century. SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK My road trip took a scenic upgrade at Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. This 168-kilometre road, which runs the entire park length, offers extraordinary valley views. See dramatic slopes and peaks, waterfalls and a kaleidoscope of rich foliage. While taking a photograph, I noticed growing traffic. Ahead a family of deer was slowly crossing the road as motorists looked on in delight. The drive here is meant to be savoured and in fact, there's a 35- mph (56-km/h) speed limit so take your time, stop and enjoy as many of the 75 overlooks as you can. UNUSUAL MUSEUMS AND CIDER IN HARRISONBURG Heading back toward the I-81, I took another detour to wander the streets of Harrisonburg, known for its charming downtown and vibrant arts scene. I especially enjoyed visiting the Virginia Quilt Museum. Once regarded as "humble household" crafts, these intricate designs on display are true American craftsmanship that are showcased as the verified art forms they are. This tri- level museum celebrates Virginia's quilting cultural heritage. PHOTOS: JONATHAN KOZOWYK/VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION | LINDSAY DAVIES/VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION | JEFF MAURITZEN/VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION D I S C O V E R I E S INSIDER TIP Get a closer look at the magnificent Shenandoah River navigating it by kayak, canoe, raft or floating lazily in a tube on a summer's day. Shenandoah River Outfitters will make sure you have everything you need. shenandoah-river.com

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