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Things to do in Winchester, Virginia
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items Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester has made a name for itself in history through the Civil War, several historical figures residing in it (including a young George Washington), and the infamous Apple Blossom festival. Located roughly an hou...
Map
Sections
6
Entertainment
Historical Sites and Museums
Outdoor Adventures
Food, Coffee and Dessert
Farmers Markets and Shops
Festivals and Seasonal Activities
Entertainment
Winchester has a lot to do--from great movie experiences to kids activities and more.
Alamo Drafthouse is a chain of movie theaters that started in Texas. Alamo is known for providing food and a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcholic drinks, having a strict no talking policy, and hosting a slew of special events.
The Winchester Alamo was the first location in Virginia. It hosts several clubs and special events throughout the year--including but not limited to Psycho Cinema (for horror fans), a Film Club, and movie festivals.
The Winchester Alamo was the first location in Virginia. It hosts several clubs and special events throughout the year--including but not limited to Psycho Cinema (for horror fans), a Film Club, and movie festivals.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Winchester
Located on the Downtown Mall, Back to the Media is a video game and record store with an arcade in the back. They have a healthy assortment of machines ranging from pinball games like the Addams Family and Metallica to arcades games like galaga and D...
Back to the Media Arcade
The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is located on the downtown mall and offers a range of activities for kids of all ages. I've taken friends kids here before and they always have a blast!
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum
The Family Drive-in located in the neighboring town of Stephen City. The Family Drive-in is one of the few remaining (a little over 300 left) drive-in theaters in the United States. It's well-run and there are two screens of movies to choose from, a ...
It is highly recommended you get here at least an hour before the movie starts in order to get settled and avoid the heavy traffic that ensues.
It is highly recommended you get here at least an hour before the movie starts in order to get settled and avoid the heavy traffic that ensues.
The Family Drive-in Theatre
One of the quirkest things around Winchester, Dinosaur Land has been around since the 70s and features dozens of giant dinosaurs. They actually add one additional dinosaur a year (though some older dinosaurs are looking like a t-rex took a bite out o...
Though this is targeted to kids I can safely recommend it for adults who love dinosaurs.
Though this is targeted to kids I can safely recommend it for adults who love dinosaurs.
Dinosaur Land
The Hanley Regional Library is a beautiful building and worth venturing into just to see. Take some time to explore it--its a huge building and that spiraling staircase is something to behold!
There are also some great archives in the basement.
There are also some great archives in the basement.
Handley Regional Library
Located on the downtown mall, Bright Box has an assortment of different entertainment featured on a regular basis. The Bright Box has a little bit of everything from comedy shows to plays, dueling pianos and musical acts.
Bright Box Theater
Worlds Away is an escape room located in Old Town. They change their theme every two weeks and are well constructed. A must-visit if you enjoy escape rooms!
Worlds Away Escape
Historical Sites and Museums
Winchester was a hot spot during the Civil War (it changed hands between the Union and Confederate armies over 70 times!) Additionally, Winchester was a prominent town in Virginia's early history and is host to several historical sites. It's the perf...
I can't say enough great things about this amazing museum! Not only is the museum itself massive and well curated, it features a massive, well-maintained garden. This is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or relaxing morning. They also often hav...
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Abram's Delight is a beautifully, well-preserved home that's over 200 years old and serves as a museum. The property is quite beautiful as well!
Abram’s Delight
There once was a young man named George Washington who was a surveyor and later became the first president of the United States. This building (which was acutally moved from its original location) served as George Washington's office when he worked a...
George Washington's Office
The home of the infamous country singer who hailed from Winchester. She is also buried nearby.
Patsy Cline Historic House
A large historical site that offers a ton of historical markers and trails. This is a great place to spend an afternoon walking around and exploring.
Third Winchester Battlefield Park
A museum located on the downtown mall that focuses on the Civil War. The first floor is free but the upper floors will cost money.
Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum
The Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters Museum preserves the 1850s-era house used by Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson during the winter of 1861–1862. The museum offers a glimpse into Jackson’s military planning and personal life through or...
Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum
Outdoor Adventures
Winchester is located in the Shenandoah Valley and offers several fantastic places to take it all in.
A beautiful park and great place to talk a leisurely walk through or a relaxing picnic.
Jim Barnett Park
Located a few miles outside of Winchester in Boyce, Blandy Experimental Farm will be one of the best arboretums you ever visit. Run by the University of Virginia and serving in part as a research site, Blandy is Massive and has offers for everyone. F...
I venture to it at various times throughout the year to catch new things in bloom. Even in the dead of winter there's something to see.
I venture to it at various times throughout the year to catch new things in bloom. Even in the dead of winter there's something to see.
Blandy Experimental Farm
Abram's Creek is great for bird-watching and if you want a place to enjoy a walk. It is short and can be finished in around 20-30 minutes (depending on your walking speed).
Note: Make sure you don't put the wetlands preserve into google because it will take you to a private residence. You'll want the actual trail (parking is on the side of the street as designated or in the parking lot where Children of America is)
Note: Make sure you don't put the wetlands preserve into google because it will take you to a private residence. You'll want the actual trail (parking is on the side of the street as designated or in the parking lot where Children of America is)
Abrams Creek Nature Park
Located a couple miles outside of Winchester, Sky Meadows is a beautiful park worth venturing to. It hosts a variety of trails and a peaceful setting to take in the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.
Sky Meadows State Park
Rose Hill Park is a scenic park with a short walking trail and idea for a quick stop or refresher.
Rose Hill Park
Food, Coffee and Dessert
Great places to eat a meal, grab a coffee, or a dessert while you're visiting Winchester.
Mr. Noodle and Rice has been around for over twenty years and offers an assortment of Asian dishes ranging from sushi to bento boxes and bulgogi.
This is a must-stop stop for my husband and I whenever we're in the area and for good reason. Their sushi is especially good (especially the lasagna roll--do yourself a favor and get it).
This is a must-stop stop for my husband and I whenever we're in the area and for good reason. Their sushi is especially good (especially the lasagna roll--do yourself a favor and get it).
Mr Noodle & Rice
Sabai Thai is a great Thai resturant located on the in Old Town. They offer a wide variety of dishes ranging from pad thai, drunken noodles and curry. There are plenty of pescatarian and vegetarian options as well.
I highly recommend their red curry!
I highly recommend their red curry!
Sabai Thai Winchester
Papermill is a local favorite for breakfast. They offer standard breakfast fare ranging from omelettes to pancakes, breakfast sandwiches to southern breakfast favorites. Their pancakes are quite good!
Papermill Place
Taqueria Guadalajara is a great Mexican restaurant offering a variety of menu options.
Taqueria Guadalajara
Tropical Island Coffee & Cafe is a cozy Jamaican restaurant located on the downtown mall. They are well-known for their chicken (I recommend getting their jerk chicken).
Tropical Island Coffee & Cafe
Hideaway Cafe is a cozy coffee shop located in downtown Winchester. It has a good amount of seating and offers an assortment of teas, matcha, coffee, food and pastries.
Hideaway Café
Awabi is a great Japanese restaurant located on the down town mall. They have really good sushi and a cozy atmosphere.
Awabi Sushi Bar
Moo Thru is a chain of ice cream shops in Virginia and one of their newer locations is in Winchester. They have a variety of flavors and options to customize your ice cream.
MOO THRU
Farmers Markets and Shops
There are several great farmer's markets in Winchester and surrounding towns. There's also quite a variety of shops and shopping centers to scratch that shopping itch
Blue Plate is a wonderful local bookstore that has been around for almost twenty years. They predominately sell used books and offer a wide variety of options ranging from history to fiction, science fiction and young adult.
Blue Plate is my favorite used bookstore I've been to. Not only do they have a carefully curated collection (all their books are in good condition) but they clean all their used books before putting them on the shelf. I also love that they have a lot...
Blue Plate is my favorite used bookstore I've been to. Not only do they have a carefully curated collection (all their books are in good condition) but they clean all their used books before putting them on the shelf. I also love that they have a lot...
Blue Plate Books
A fantastic farmer's market that has a nice market and has the option to pick your own fruit depending on if its in season. It also has a lot of space to wander around and a great playground for kids!
Marker Miller Orchards
Nibblins is a must visit for anyone who enjoys baking or cooking. Located on the downtown mall, Nibblins is a huge 2-story building offering everything you could imagine needing in your kitchen and several things you didn't even know existed!
They also have a large clearance room on the second floor. Warning, the stairs are quite steep and hard for anyone with knee issues.
They also have a large clearance room on the second floor. Warning, the stairs are quite steep and hard for anyone with knee issues.
Nibblins
Bell's Fine Clothing is a mens clothing store that has been around for almost 100 years. Stepping inside is a nostalgic trip to a by-gone era.
Bell's Fine Clothing
Back to the Media gets two mentions in this list--one for the great arcade it hosts in the back of the shop, the other for being a good video game and record store. If you're a gamer, its fun to explore the shelves and see if they have that game you'...
Back to the Media - Video Games Records & Comics
A great shoe shop known for its customer service and selection that has been open for almost 100 years. It's located in Old Town and worth a stop if you're looking for a new pair of shoes.
Wilkins ShoeCenter
Festivals and Seasonal Activities
Taking place in May, the Apple Blossom festival hosts a wide variety of events. It features plenty of food, live music, a parade and much more over the course of a few weeks.
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
Horror fans rejoice--there's a haunted house in Winchester! Opening in September and running through Halloween, Haunted Nightmare offers a fun horror experience.
Haunted Nightmares
The annual county fair that offers exhibits, rides, performances and delicious fair food.
Frederick County Fair