{"id":31152,"date":"2017-10-19T22:51:15","date_gmt":"2017-10-20T02:51:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=31152"},"modified":"2017-10-19T22:54:14","modified_gmt":"2017-10-20T02:54:14","slug":"winchester-va-the-epicenter-of-the-civil-war-in-virginia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/winchester-va-the-epicenter-of-the-civil-war-in-virginia\/","title":{"rendered":"Winchester, VA \u2013 the epicenter of the Civil War in Virginia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just 90 minutes northwest of Washington, DC and about three hours southeast of Pittsburgh, there is a lovely little town called Winchester, Virginia \u2013 no relation to the rifle of the same name. From architectural attractions to foodie finds, Winchester is a \u2018must-stop\u2019 when you are in the area; and, it\u2019s a delightful destination even if you aren\u2019t in the area.<\/p>\n

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Winchester is tucked away in the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley. You\u2019re just minutes away from the Allegheny Mountains to the west and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east. \u00a0With a drive in any direction, you\u2019re bound to see hills on the horizon.<\/p>\n

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History<\/strong><\/p>\n

The site of many battles during the Civil War, Winchester occupied a most strategic location. Winchester changed hands between the Union and Confederate armies as many as 72 times during the Civil War \u2013 and as many as 13 times during just one day. At alternate times, General Sheridan of the Union Army and Stonewall Jackson of the Confederate Army occupied offices just one block apart.<\/p>\n

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Two other famous Civil War sites are just minutes away and are worth a visit:<\/p>\n

Battle of Cedar Creek\/Belle Grove<\/p>\n

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And the battles for Kernstown<\/p>\n

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Today<\/strong><\/p>\n

Things are considerably more peaceful in Winchester now, and much more of a getaway destination.\u00a0 While we stayed there, we enjoyed the beauty and hospitality of the historic George Washington Inn. George spent years here in his younger life, surveying much of the area.<\/p>\n

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Another storied hotel nearby is the Wayside Inn, the oldest and longest running inn in the United States \u2013 in business since 1797. They offer 22 unique rooms and suites furnished with period antiques and artwork. Seven historic dining areas and Larrick\u2019s Tavern can handle any appetite or thirst.<\/p>\n

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The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum would be ideal for younger children with floors and floors of hands-on exhibits.\u00a0 We enjoyed an evening of drinks and jazz on their rooftop while we were there.<\/p>\n

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Right next door, there’s a great burger and craft brew spot called 50\/50 Taphouse – with 50 beers and 50 burgers to choose from.\u00a0 Super tasty and fun establishment.<\/p>\n

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Suitable for all, and with many eateries to keep you fueled, don\u2019t miss Old Town Winchester \u2013 a pedestrian mall about a half-mile long with lots to see and do, including the Civil War Museum.\u00a0 Also of note, are the Red Fox Creamery for ice cream,\u00a0 the Winchester Book Gallery for books and great gifts, and Brewbakers Restaurant, which has been preparing delicious meals here for 103 years.<\/p>\n