Shenandoah Valley: Scenery, Sip & History

DAY 1

Nestled in the heart of Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley is a breathtaking natural wonderland, offering a perfect escape for those seeking stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and touch of television memories. This 3-day adventure will immerse you in the scenic beauty of Shenandoah National Park, renowned for its iconic Skyline Drive, and an amazing underground natural wonder in Shenandoah Caverns, while allowing you to explore the history that shaped us as a nation with visits to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and Woodrow Wilson's Presidential Library & Museum. Also, relive the memories of John Boy and his family with a television flashback visit to the Walton's Mountain Museum. After a brief coffee stop enroute, your first stop will be at Shenandoah Caverns where admission is included for an hour-long, guided walking tour. (Please wear comfortable walking shoes for your 1-hour long, Guided Walking Tour. The temperature inside the caverns is 56 degrees, so you may want to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt. The cavern is accessible by elevator service for those with mobility concerns, though parts of the natural pathways may still have inclines and declines to navigate.) Formed over millions of years by underground rivers and earth movements, Shenandoah Caverns showcases the intricate beauty created as water seeps through the soil, depositing minerals to form stalactites, stalagmites, and other flowstone formations. Marvel at the spectacular rooms and passageways, providing insights into the caverns' history and geology during your tour. Shenandoah is known for its wide variety of crystalline formations, including the famous "Breakfast Bacon" formations (so unusual they were featured in National Geographic Magazine), Diamond Cascade, Rainbow Lake, Capitol Dome, and soaring rooms like Long View Hall. Next, you have lunch included at a local restaurant. Afterwards, retrace the inspiring journey of our 28th President, Woodrow Wilson, as you take a self-guided stroll through seven galleries that chronicle his early years, his eventful presidency, suffrage, prohibition and World War I. Highlights of the museum include the World War I trench exhibit, take a peek at Wilson's Pierce-Arrow limousine, walk the halls in the house where he was born, and experience tranquil beauty with a leisurely walk through the surrounding gardens. From his humble beginnings in the Shenandoah Valley to his transformative tenure in the White House, you will learn about it here at the Presidential Library & Museum. Following your visit, you board the motorcoach for dinner included locally, before you make your way to your host hotel for two nights, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Staunton (540-213-4100). Guest rooms feature a microwave, mini refrigerator, complimentary Wi-Fi (hairdryers are not provided). Hotel amenities include an indoor pool and fitness center, a business center and a sundries center. Relax and unwind after a busy day of touring.

DAY 2

Wake to a deluxe continental breakfast before you board the motorcoach to explore more of Virginia's beauty and history. Your first stop of the day is one of nostalgia allowing you to relive the memories of the television series featuring John Boy and his family's trials and triumphs at the Walton's Mountain Museum. "The Walton's" creator and John-Boy's alter ego, Earl Hamner, grew up in the home across the street. The Walton's Mountain Museum offers replicas of John-Boy's bedroom, Ike Godsey's Store, "The Walton's" Kitchen, "The Walton's" living room, and the Military Museum annex. They have a 30-minute video featuring Earl Hamner and the stars of the "Walton's". The museum displays hundreds of photographs and pieces of memorabilia. Visit the Recipe Machine, Exhibit, and Scripts rooms. You then board the motorcoach and depart for Michie Tavern, proudly owned and operated by the same family for more than 55 years. Get a taste of the 18th-century as you enjoy your buffet with a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Afterwards, you travel a short distance down the road for a guided tour of Monticello - Home of Thomas Jefferson. Monticello, meaning "little mountain" in Italian, was the primary residence and sprawling plantation of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and a true polymath. Monticello stands as a testament to Jefferson's lifelong passion for architecture, design, and innovation. Enjoy a 45-minute guided walking experience including first floor spaces in Thomas Jefferson's home, the West Lawn, and the South Wing. You'll learn about Jefferson and his vision for American, the realities of slavery on the Monticello plantation, and the mountaintop's iconic architecture. In addition to the tour, you will have access to the gardens, grounds and exhibits at your leisure. Your day continues with a stop at the King Family Vineyards situated in the heart of the Monticello American Viticultural Area. This farm is home to some of the best vineyard sites in Virginia and located only 16 miles from where Thomas Jefferson first planted European grape vines at Monticello. You will have a chance to taste a few select wines. Dinner is on your own and at your expense while at the vineyard. Local food trucks are set up on their Vineyard's Wine Wednesdays. Following time to grab a bite to eat, you return to the hotel to turn in for the night.

DAY 3

Begin your day with breakfast included at the hotel before you check out and board the motorcoach for some free time to explore delightful downtown Staunton, VA, a friendly combination of small-town USA and a vibrant cultural scene. Stroll red brick sidewalks, admire stunning architecture and shop locally owned downtown boutiques. Grab a bite of lunch on your own and at your expense before you board the motorcoach and depart for Skyline Drive, a scenic National Parkway that traverses the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains within Shenandoah National Park. A major highlight of Skyline Drive is its scenic overlooks. These pull-offs offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley each providing a unique vantage point and opportunity for photography. Your leisurely drive will include a few stops (as time permits) to take advantage of the breathtaking views. You will also stop at the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center to allow for a restroom break, gather information about the area and briefly browse the bookstore. Following your scenic exploration, you depart Skyline drive and begin your journey home with memories of magnificent beauty and fascinating history that abound in the Shenandoah Valley. A dinner stop at your expense will be made along the way.

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***ALL WOLF'S TOURS - Times and Itinerary are Subject to Change***

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner