2022 Apple Harvest Festival Continues Community Giving

The festival is back again, slated for September 17th and 18th at the Frederick County Fairgrounds near Clear Brook. Read about the Rotary Club's fundraising good works and what to expect a this year's festival. 47 Years Supporting Local Charities Since 1975, the Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival has been a key fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Winchester. Through the festival, says organizer Darla McCrary, the Rotary has donated well over $1 million to local nonprofit organizations. Here are just a few that have benefited from the She...

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Enjoy Family Adventure at 9 Virginia State Parks

Did you know there are over 40 Virginia State Parks? Enjoy family adventure at some of our favorites. And we’ve even included an Interstate Park - only one of two in the nation! Family Adventure at Virginia State Parks Pick your family adventure at one of these 9 Virginia State Parks. There are hiking trails, tranquil lakes, campsites and cabins. You’ll also find living history programs, prehistoric fossils and even fairy stones! Spend a day, a weekend, or a week at your favorite place. And before you go, stop by your local library and check...

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29 Kid Friendly Virginia Museums

Make learning fun with a trip to one of these 29 kid friendly Virginia Museums. Whether it's an afternoon adventure, an all day exploration, or part of a weekend travel itinerary, these museums are sure to engage your children - and you! Kid Friendly Virginia Museums Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, you’re sure to find just the right kid friendly Virginia museum. Here’s a quick tour of some family favorites. Be sure to check their websites for special exhibits along with updates regarding admission. To help find the museum(s) th...

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Winter Family Adventures

Whether you're a family of outdoor enthusiasts or prefer to stay warm inside, one of these winter family adventures is sure to please. Take your pick of hikes, winter sports, family-friendly museums and more. Winter Family Adventures When you’re dressed for the elements, winter is a great time to explore. The VA Kids Trail is home to national and state parks as well as environmental preserves. Winter sports rule at one of America's top family fun resorts in the Shenandoah Valley. And we've even come up with a few unique family adventures to...

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Best Winter Hikes for Outdoor-Loving Families

We've got the best winter hikes for outdoor-loving families. Bundle up and take the kids on one of these great scenic hikes in the Shenandoah Valley for fresh air, exercise, and family fun. Best Winter Hikes for Outdoor-Loving Families Even in winter, there's loads of active family fun to be had on our hiking trails, like scrambling rocks, skipping stones across streams and ogling frozen waterfalls. We asked Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia to share her best winter hikes for outdoor-loving families. Here's a sampling of regional hikes that ...

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Check Out These Shenandoah Valley Holiday Happenings

Seasons Greetings! Looking for Shenandoah Valley holiday happenings? We’ve updated last year's list for 2021 and even added some links to inspire your gift giving. Shenandoah Valley Holiday Happenings The next two weekends are stuffed like a stocking with Christmas parades throughout the Shenandoah Valley. And the Santa gang is out in force. Here are a few Shenandoah Valley holiday happenings to make things merry and bright. Enjoy a walking holiday light tour now through January 2 with Frederick County Parks and Recreation. Get your tic...

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Blue Ridge Sprouts Celebrates

Blue Ridge Sprouts celebrates community as festival goers enjoyed delicious fare and fun filled contests while learning new culinary and gardening skills. Tenth generation West Oaks Farm Market recently played host to hundreds of locals and Valley visitors. And a teenage chef, with a little help from a seasoned pro, took the title of “Sprout to Finish Cheftarian.” Blue Ridge Sprouts Celebrates Community Family Style Family fun is a top priority for the Johnstons, also known as FamilyAdventuresVA on social media. They were special guests ...

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Get Ready for Blue Ridge Sprouts!

Sometimes it's hard to find events for those ‘tweens and teens. If you have kids ages 8-15, then get ready for Blue Ridge Sprouts, a festival for “foodies” and the whole family! Get Ready for Blue Ridge Sprouts Blue Ridge Sprouts celebrates locally sourced food, agricultural heritage, and environmental sustainability. The fun takes place Saturday, November 6, 11:30am - 5pm, at West Oaks Farm Market in Winchester, VA. Sprouts brings together top culinary talent, including a former White House Chef and a Food TV Winner, farmers, food arti...

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There are No Grocery Stores in Space

Ever wonder what - and how - astronauts eat? After all, there are no grocery stores in space. From applesauce in a tube to baking cookies, here's what astronauts put on their on their plates, courtesy of Guest Blogger and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Curator Jennifer Lavasseur, PhD. There are no Grocery Stores in Space When was the last time you visited a grocery store? I would guess it was within the last few days. You probably picked up some milk, maybe eggs and bread, fresh produce, and perhaps some meat or fish. The plastic a...

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Family Fun at Virginia State Parks

Virginia is known for its mountains, beaches and history, and Virginia State Parks offer all that and more. Whether you choose to spend the day on the trails, boating, fishing, learning about nature, or just enjoying a picnic, make Virginia State Parks part of your family’s healthy lifestyle. Come along with Kara Asboth of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and learn about Shenandoah Valley family fun at Virginia State Parks. Family Fun at Virginia State Parks There are now 41 Virginia State Parks, and four are part of the...

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