Views of the Shenandoah Valley from an overlook on the Skyline Drive. Photo by L. Michael Whited
Quite a few of the buildings were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Or, take a right at the gazebo. Chester Street is a dream come true for lovers of historic homes. Front Royal is a national historic district, encompassing approximately 470 contributing buildings and structures. Main Street’s Warren County Courthouse is an imposing stone-faced edifice—the second built on this site. The first was constructed in1836. On the lawn aremonuments honoring soldiers who fought in World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam. To the right is the Confederate Monument, built to honor Warren County’s Confederate soldiers. In 1862, the town became embroiled in the Civil War when Confederate Army Maj. Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s army forced the withdrawal of a large Union army. For a free printed map / brochure of the Battle of Front Royal driving tour, stop at the town visitor center in the Train Station on Main Street. The railroad was destroyed in the Civil War and restored in the 1870s. The Train Station was built sometime before 1885. By now you’re itching to lace up your boots and start exploring. Follow Royal Avenue south to the entrance to the Shenandoah National Park. The park encompasses part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is flanked by the broad Shenandoah River and the Shenandoah Valley.
Wineries have found the Front Royal climate and soil perfect for growing grapes.
Northern Virginia’s Hub for Adventure Story by Dee Whited Small town Front Royal, population 14,000, didn’t start out to be the gateway to adventure, but that’s what it’s become. Incorporated in 1788, the early pioneers chose to settle in an area that’s bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Massanutten Mountains, and the Shenandoah River. By using Front Royal as your home base, branch out in any direction to explore natural wonders and historic venues: hiking, backpacking, birdwatching, canoeing, kayaking, spelunking, camping, photography, winetasting, hot air ballooning, and touring by automobile or motorcycle. But … before embarking on one of the many spokes to adventure, see the sights in downtown Front Royal. Begin on Old Town Main Street. From the Village Commons’ gazebo, follow the sidewalk beside giant hanging containers spilling over with colorful flowers. On either side of the street peruse the unique antique shops or relax at one of the many eateries and bakeries.
FRONT ROYAL
COAST TO COAST FALL MAGAZINE 2017
28
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