Shenandoah
Showmegal,
Just a little throw in from me,
As I have spent many years there, not as an actual resident of the Valley, but my parents were, and as they lived there from '77 to 2002, plus, during my teen aged years, I used to 'prowl' the likes of Front Royal, Winchester, Warrenton and Berryville, quite often. There is so much to see, so much the Valley has, in the way of War Between the States history, it's hard to narrow it down. You may just have to study up on just what you may want to see.
I suppose you could just start at the north end of the Valley, and perhaps work yourself Southward. As has been mentioned, there is much to view in the way of WBTS history, and not only that, just the beauty of the Valley itself.
Front Royal, still much to see, and still in fairly good condition as far as WBTS sites goes. The cottage of Belle Boyd, the famous Confederate spy, is there. The Warren Rifles museum is there, with some good articles of WBTS history, and a worthwhile visit. There is even a driving tour that you can take. I can send you that, right to this board.
There are other sites as you tour the Valley. Fishers Hill, still pretty much as it appeared during the War, but 'civilization' is creeping in.
Tom's Brook- It too, is still in fairly good condition, but again, development is creeping in.
Cedar Creek, in Middletown- I have been to the reenactment there many times, at least 7, and it is an awesome spectacle. That reeenactment is in Oct. on the closest week end to the 19th. Belle Grove Plantation is worth a visit there, as well, as the battle was fought over it's grounds........also Hupps Hill is fairly good and gives a good overview of the battle.
New Market- Fairly good, a lot of the battle field is still there and in fairly good shape. Beware of development creeping in around the area though. It's a worth while visit.
There are also smaller areas to visit as well, that have a lot of significance as far as the Valley is concerned,
Strasburg and Woodstock.
Then, of course, you head South, and up the Valley to Charlottesville, the home of the Univ of Virginia. Not too far away, is Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home, and well worth the visit, even if it's not WBTS related.
Yes Ma'am, there is much to see and visit, and difficult to really see if you're hard pressed for time. But, it is a special place, and no matter how or how much, you choose to see any part of it, it is well worth the time you put into that visit. You will never regret it, of that I can promise you.
Respectfully yours,
SgtCSA