Beauty that will leave you breathless
Written: Feb 04 '01 (Updated Feb 04 '01)
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Pros: Breathtaking vistas that will stop you in your tracks
Cons: A long car ride for younger children
The Bottom Line: Pristine beauty in the shadows of Washington, DC. Two hours from crowds, and a million miles away from the typical family vacation.
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| Bonies7's Full Review: Shenandoah National Park |
What is it about a top of the mountain vista that can literally take the breath out of your body?
Is it the realization that nature can stretch for countless miles without the scar of human intervention?
Or is it the simple fact that the view below reminds each of us that we are simply a minor fragment of dust on this beautiful landscape called earth?
I had those two distinct epiphanies while standing with my wife and children in Shenandoah National Park on a crisp summer morning as the sun rose over the Shenandoah Valley below.
We had traveled half of the 100 mile distance of the famous Skyline Drive the day before and found ourselves stopping every five minutes at a seemingly endless number of breathtaking overlooks. The wildlife was abundant, with both deer and black bear crossing our path along the way.
And although only a couple of hours west of Washingon, DC, we felt like we had left the crowds of civilization far behind. It was a stark contrast, and a welcome relief from the masses of humanity that populate our nation's capital during July.
The Shenandoah National Park is vast and tranquil. And its most famous attributes are the views. Views that often allow a person to remain in their vehicle and feel like they are atop the world, with a 360 degree viewpoint beckoning their eyes.
Did you know that, during the Civil War, the vaunted Stonewall Jackson hid his army in these same mountains as the much larger Union armies tried in vain to catch him? When you look over the vastness of the landscape, you will understand why.
That tidbit is but one of many you can learn if you take the time to stop at the overlooks and read the Park Service markers the dot the way.
There are two government licensed motels about midway along the drive. They both offer pedestrian rooms, with little in the way of creature comforts. Yet - they are often sold out because they offer a commodity seldom available for $79 a night. An early morning sunrise that will rank as one of the visual highlights of your life.
Grazing deer in the morning mist bracketed by pine trees and rock formations that look like a Thomas Kinkaid painting. Couple that with a panoramic vista that shows a winding river and clouds that float lazily below your view, and you have a moment that will stay with you long after your return to civilization.
A trip to Shenandoah is a treat for your eyes, your mind, and your heart. And no matter how jaded you've come to look upon vacations, this one is truly different.
No roller coasters, no fast food restaurants, no souvenir shops to mar your trip.
Simple beauty to remind you that nature truly is the most powerful builder of magical moments in one's life.
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Familes
Review Topic: Overview
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Epinions.com ID:
Bonies7
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 - Top 500 |
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Member: Jeff Clow
Location: The Lone Star State
Reviews written: 132
Trusted by: 1018 members
About Me:
Father, Husband, Consultant, Photographer, Writer, Conservative, Inquisitive, Texan
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