Winchester-Frederick
County, Virginia
Winchester and surrounding Frederick County, Virginia is
fast becoming a top year-round vacation hub for outdoor
enthusiasts. Nestled at the top of Virginia’s world-famous
Shenandoah Valley, Winchester is within about 30 minutes
of the Appalachian Trail, George Washington National Forest, the Shenandoah River, Harper’s Ferry, and the Skyline
Drive/ Shenandoah National Park.
Photo credit: Bob Blair
“The secret is getting out,” explains Justin Kerns, Executive
Director of the Winchester-Frederick County Convention
and Visitors Bureau. “Winchester has for some time been a
popular weekend getaway spot for the Northern Virginia area,
but now it’s really getting on the radar of longer-stay travelers looking for a vibrant central location for their countless
outdoor adventures in the surrounding Shenandoah Valley.”
Traditionally best known for apples, Civil War history, battlefields, country music icon Patsy Cline, and a bustling,
recently renovated pedestrian Old Town, Winchester is
seeing an increasing influx of younger travelers every year.
Two new nanobreweries and one distillery are opening in
2016, and with the numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and
boutique shops already flourishing, the Winchester area is
enjoying newfound life and excitement.
The accolades have started pouring in as well:
• Listed as a Top 15 Foodie Town to Try in Virginia by
Virginia is for Lovers
• An astounding 20 local restaurants, 10 hotels, and 7
attractions in Winchester and Frederick County received
the coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015
• Ranked #1 Small Place for Business & Careers in Virginia
(and #15 in the entire U.S.) by Forbes
• Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® ranked as the #2
event in the South by USA TODAY readers
• Ranked #3 city in the United States for Athletic Trainers
to work/live by ValuePenguin
• Top 10 Nightlife, Music Venues, Active Life, and Arts per
capita in Virginia by Movoto Real Estate
Want to find out more? www.visitwinchesterva.com
116 Summer 2016 Adventure Outdoors
Photo credit: Buddy Secor