Cultural Attractions

The area is almost as rich in cultural attractions as it is in historical ones. The area is perhaps best known for the Contemporary American Theatre Festival held in Shepherdstown, WV each July. Throughout the year there are special programs of interest at Shepherd University and in Winchester, Virginia at Shenandoah University, particularly in their conservatory program. On the more scientific and natural side of things, the National Conservation Training Center, a part of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, sponsors conservation lectures and film festivals throughout the year.

There are several small but wonderful museums close by as well. The museum of the Jefferson County Historical Society is located in the public library in Charles Town. The Museum of the Shenandoah features a collection of domestic objects from the Shenandoah Valley, all located within a Michael Graves-designed building. It's located in Winchester, Virginia. Across the Potomac, in Hagerstown, Maryland, is the Washington County Museum of Fine Art, an outstanding small museum with a very broad collection of furniture, paintings, ceramics, and glassware.

Regionally there are additional museums which focus on particular cultural aspects of life in the Shenandoah Valley. We'll be glad to assist you in locating any of these smaller collections during your stay.