Blue Ridge Country July/August 2023 - 54

History Tour
Magical
w
RIGHT: West Virginia's
Harpers Ferry National
Historical Park's rich past
unfolds near the confluence of
the Shenandoah and Potomac
rivers.
BELOW: The Museum of the
Shenandoah Valley explores
Virginia history and much
more in Winchester.
By ANGELA MINOR
ADOBE STOCK
or those who live in and love the
Blue Ridge region, the thought
of discovering a new destination
is a constant companion. So, to
celebrate our 35th anniversary,
we've collected 35 magical history
stops for all interests. Plus
13 history-themed places to eat and stay
along the way.
F
In addition to natural, cultural and
event-based locations are some unexpected
experiences from the past: music, cameras,
canals, aviation, language, railroads,
gold, petroglyphs, fishing, fried chicken
and even candy.
Take the journey as a " grand tour " via
a great big loop through seven states. Or,
plan the perfect weekend getaway to indi54
BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
vidual locales. Either way, enjoy exploring
the sights, sounds and tastes of yesteryear.
We begin near the northern end of the
coverage area, make our way south and
west before curling back east and north.
1. Harpers Ferry National Historical
Park. (Harpers Ferry, West Virginia).
Explore centuries of American history following
in the footsteps of George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether
Lewis, Frederick Douglas, W.E.B. Du Bois
and more at the confluence of the Potomac
and Shenandoah rivers. Deepen
understanding of a nation in strife at
the John Brown Wax Museum and take
a guided tour of haunted locations. Hike
4,000 acres in " one of the best walking
parks in the country; " bike the C&O Canal
Towpath; and, learn blacksmithing,
baking and other old-time skills in a living
history trades workshop.
nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
True Treats Historic Candy. (Harpers
Ferry, West Virginia). Take a trip through
time tasting sweet treats, savory flavors
and teas created from historic recipes.
Sample world war mess kit candy, Appalachian
potato candy, abolitionist
(boycotted sugar cane) flavors, colonial
grog, candied violet petals, Mann-Salwa
from ancient times and hundreds
more specialty creations. truetreatscandy.com
2.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.
(Winchester, Virginia). Come see why this
regional museum is unique, causing visitors
to ponder over artifacts and engage in
a bit of detective work. Located on land
owned by the same family from 1735 to
1997, the museum, surrounding 214 acres,
adjacent house and six-acre garden are a
delight. Guess the use of old and unusual
items; see " tramp art; " and ask about the
figurine of Benjamin Franklin mislabeled
as George Washington. Explore stunning
gardens, traveling exhibits and a makerspace.
themsv.org
3. Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. (Harrisonburg,
Virginia). Visit this small structure
to experience the large impact one woman
had on the course of history. This tribute
to her life and work with the Underground
Railroad is documented through
photos, displays and knowledgeable conversations
with the owner and founder.
MUSEUM OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEYFACEBOOK
http://www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm http://www.truetreatscandy.com http://www.themsv.org http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Blue Ridge Country July/August 2023

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