ANNIVERSARY GETAWAY • OCTOBER 2026

A Weekend in the Mountains

A Secret Road Trip for Laura

Silver Spring, MD ➔ Rustic Adventure
COUNTDOWN TO DEPARTURE • THURSDAY @ 10:00 AM
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MOUNTAIN CLIMATE & PACKING GUIDE
~78°F Afternoon Sun
~62°F Ridge Breezes
~52°F Chilly Evenings
WARM & COOL LAYERS INFORMAL DINNERWEAR HIKING & WALKING BOOTS A COUPLE GOOD BOOKS SNACKS FUN

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15 YEARS

Laura & Ian

Shenandoah Valley & Nelson County • October 1–3
EXPEDITION ORIENTATION October 1–3, 2026

Welcome to the Blue Ridge Highway

Three days of winding mountain byways, historic taverns, orchard stands, and panoramic ridge overlooks across the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley.

EXPEDITION CORRIDOR • VIRGINIA BYWAYS
Show Days:
Jump to: Silver Spring, MD Silver Spring, MD Start & Return Jump to: Red Truck Bakery & Piedmont Launch Red Truck Bakery I-66 Exit 27 Jump to: Stribling Orchard & Mountain Stand Stribling Orchard I-66 Exit 18 Jump to: The Apple House The Apple House Day 1 Jump to: Rockfish Gap Overlook & Tunnel Lore Rockfish Gap Overlook Day 1 Jump to: Cabin Unpack & Decompress Afton Mountain Cabin Ridge Basecamp • 3:30 PM Jump to: Historic Beverley Street Historic Beverley Street Day 1 Jump to: Dinner at Zynodoa Dinner at Zynodoa Day 1 Jump to: Humpback Rocks Basecamp Afton Mountain Cabin Ridge Basecamp • 3:30 PM Jump to: Ravens Roost Overlook & Cedar Lore Ravens Roost Overlook Day 2 Jump to: Bold Rock Hard Cider Afton Mountain Cabin Ridge Basecamp • 3:30 PM Jump to: Saunders Brothers Orchard Market Saunders Brothers Orch… Route 151 South Jump to: Veritas Vineyards & Winery Veritas Vineyards Day 2 Jump to: Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel Claudius Crozet Blue R… Day 2 Jump to: Dark Tales of Staunton Ghost Tour Dark Tales of Staunton… Day 2 Jump to: Factory Antique Mall Factory Antique Mall Day 3 Jump to: Chiles Orchard & Route 29 Chiles Orchard Day 3 Jump to: The Market at Grelen & Garden Cafe The Market at Grelen Route 29 Byway Jump to: Moo Thru Homemade Ice Cream Bar Moo Thru Homemade Ice … Route 29 North ▲ 3-Day Corridor Circuit

Mountain Crest Overlooks

Sweeping panoramas across Rockfish Gap, Ravens Roost switchbacks, and the 56°F historic Crozet Tunnel.

Orchards & Farm Bakeries

Warm apple cider donuts, stone-ground ginger pumpkin cakes, and 1819 family orchard honey stands.

Valley Dining & Cidery Creeks

Farm-to-table dinner at Zynodoa in historic Staunton and riverside hard cider flights in Nelson County.

Antiques, Curios & Dairy

Browsing 19th-century country stores, Greenwood curios, and slow-churned Guernsey milkshakes at Moo Thru.

EXPEDITION ROAD GAME

The Mountain Trail Stamp Game

Keep your eyes open along the drive! Every orchard, scenic overlook, historic tavern, and hidden detour has a collectible woodblock stamp in the Passport Book below. Tap each stamp as we arrive to stamp your official expedition record.

15-Year Passport & Trail Stamps

0 / 19 STAMPS

A record of past journeys together and new milestones to collect along the Blue Ridge.

★ STAMPED ★ Quilt Painted Barn
★ STAMPED ★ Warm Cider Donut
★ STAMPED ★ Valley Cloud Bank
★ STAMPED ★ Orchard Honey & Cider
★ STAMPED ★ Log Farmstead
★ STAMPED ★ Parkway Ridge Hawk
★ STAMPED ★ Victorian Iron Scraper
★ STAMPED ★ Lodge Stone Hearth
★ STAMPED ★ Rockfish River Rapids
★ STAMPED ★ Golden Autumn Vine Row
★ STAMPED ★ Nelson Hop Trellis
★ STAMPED ★ Factory Antique Relic
★ STAMPED ★ Cider Slushie
★ STAMPED ★ Route 29 Horse Pasture
★ STAMPED ★ Peak Foliage Leaf
★ STAMPED ★ Dusk Whitetail Deer
★ STAMPED ★ Blue Ridge Stargazing
★ STAMPED ★ Covered Bridge Crossing
★ STAMPED ★ Patch Pumpkin

Thursday, Oct 1 • Into the Blue Ridge

10:00 AM Departure 7 Stops High ~85° / Low ~60°F • Warm Sun
Detour • Bakery I-66 Exit 27 • Marshall, VA

Red Truck Bakery & Piedmont Launch

Red Truck Bakery & Piedmont Launch
Beloved 1920s historic pharmacy turned legendary farmhouse bakery. Hot artisan pour-overs, famous ginger pumpkin cakes, and savory ham biscuits to kick off the expedition.
TRK 10
AUDIO MOMENT Red Truck Bakery & Piedmont Launch
Detour • Orchard I-66 Exit 18 • Markham, VA

Stribling Orchard & Mountain Stand

Stribling Orchard & Mountain Stand
Six-generation 1819 family orchard nestled into Cobbler Mountain foothills. Fresh-pressed cider, wildflower honey, and sweeping Piedmont views.
TRK 11
AUDIO MOMENT Stribling Orchard & Mountain Stand
1
11:30 AM • Linden
Shared Anchor

The Apple House

4675 John Marshall Hwy, Linden, VA•(540) 636-6329•38.9056° N, 78.0708° W
The Apple House
Hot apple butter donuts & mountain gap air

The official threshold where highway driving gives way to Shenandoah foothills. Grab a dozen warm cider donuts and fresh coffee on the porch rockers.

Shared Anchor Fresh cider donuts on the front porch, browse local mountain preserves and orchard honey.
TRK 01
AUDIO MOMENT The Blue Ridge Threshold
Scenic Vista Point 1,900 FT • Parkway MP 0.0

Rockfish Gap Overlook & Tunnel Lore

Rockfish Gap Overlook & Tunnel Lore
The gateway gap where I-64 meets the Blue Ridge Parkway. 500 feet below lies the legendary 1850s Crozet hand-carved rail tunnel. Watch valley mist roll through.
TRK 12
AUDIO MOMENT Rockfish Gap Overlook & Tunnel Lore
2
3:30 PM • Ridge Basecamp
Basecamp
Cabin Unpack & Decompress
Unpacking at Willow Haven — 15 years in

Unload bags, boil the kettle, and step onto the deck. Zero schedule for the next hour—listen to the mountain breeze and settle into the weekend.

Unwind Track Claim the deck armchairs with a blanket, warm mug, and a book.
Active Track Scout property perimeter paths and take in panoramic ridge foliage.
TRK 02
AUDIO MOMENT Basecamp on the Ridge
3
5:00 PM • Staunton
Historic Stroll

Historic Beverley Street

Historic Beverley Street
Sloping brick walks & independent shops

Staunton's architectural gem. Preserved 19th-century storefronts, indie bookstores, artisan fair-trade goods, and modern cider taprooms along sloping sidewalks.

TRK 03
AUDIO MOMENT Beverley St & Victorian Survival
4
7:00 PM • Staunton
Anniversary Dinner

Dinner at Zynodoa

115 E Beverley St, Staunton, VA•(540) 885-7775•38.1492° N, 79.0707° W
Dinner at Zynodoa
15-year celebration dinner at Zynodoa

Staunton's premier farm-to-table Southern fine dining along historic Beverley Street. Cast iron sweet cornbread with Concord grape butter, Autumn Olive Farms pork belly, local pan-seared mountain trout, and craft cocktails.

Upscale Southern Anchor Relaxed, candle-lit dinner in a sophisticated historic brick setting. Toast to 15 years.
TRK 04
AUDIO MOMENT Dinner on Beverley Street

Friday, Oct 2 • The Ridge & Nelson 151

10:00 AM Ridge Start 7 Stops High ~86° / Low ~59°F • Mountain Breezes
5
10:00 AM • Parkway MP 5.8
High OutputLow Key

Humpback Rocks Basecamp

Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 5.8•37.9678° N, 78.9611° W
Humpback Rocks Basecamp
High rock scramble & flat historic farmstead

The quintessential parallel play morning. Dramatic jagged rocks tower directly above a peaceful 1890s Appalachian mountain farmstead.

Active Track Challenging 1.0-mile, 800 ft vertical climb up stone steps to the 360° summit ledge.
Unwind Track Completely flat 0.25-mile walk past original log cabins and gardens; thermos of tea on a shady bench.
TRK 05
AUDIO MOMENT Humpback Rocks & Homestead
Scenic Vista Point 3,200 FT • Parkway MP 10.7

Ravens Roost Overlook & Cedar Lore

Ravens Roost Overlook & Cedar Lore
Famous solitary wind-bent cedar clinging to granite cliff edges. Look down directly into Torry Ridge wilderness and watch ravens ride the ridge drafts.
TRK 13
AUDIO MOMENT Ravens Roost Overlook & Cedar Lore
6
12:30 PM • Nellysford
Basecamp

Bold Rock Hard Cider

Bold Rock Hard Cider
Timber lodge & river patio lunch

Massive timbered lodge with soaring ceilings, stone hearths, food trucks, smokehouse BBQ, and open river lawns right on the Rockfish River.

Shared Basecamp Order lunch at the food truck/grill; snag leather armchairs by the fire or riverside deck.
Active Track Take a gentle walk down the level perimeter river path while keeping basecamp in direct sight.
TRK 06
AUDIO MOMENT Rockfish Valley & Bold Rock
Detour • Orchard Route 151 South • Piney River, VA

Saunders Brothers Orchard Market

Saunders Brothers Orchard Market
Five-brother 1915 orchard homestead. Known across Virginia for homemade peach and apple ice cream, cider donuts, and heirloom mountain apples.
TRK 14
AUDIO MOMENT Saunders Brothers Orchard Market
7
3:00 PM • Afton
Afternoon Sip

Veritas Vineyards & Winery

151 Veritas Way, Afton, VA•(540) 456-8000•38.0125° N, 78.8378° W
Veritas Vineyards & Winery
Plush couches & panoramic mountain vistas

Deep leather sofas, wood-burning hearths, covered verandas, and panoramic vistas looking straight up at the Blue Ridge foothills. Top-tier Virginia wines.

Shared Relaxation Reserve tasting flight, local cheese & charcuterie board, quiet mountain breeze for reading.
Vines Walk Stroll along the perimeter vine rows while taking in early autumn colors across the ridge.
TRK 07
AUDIO MOMENT Veritas & The Hodson Story
Scenic Vista Point 56°F Year-Round • Historic 1850s Tunnel

Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel

Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel
Historic 1850s train tunnel carved 4,200 ft under Rockfish Gap. Completely level, paved gravel walk that stays 56°F year-round. Bring a small flashlight.
TRK 15
AUDIO MOMENT Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel Walk
8
8:00 PM • Staunton
Night Out

Dark Tales of Staunton Ghost Tour

32 South New Street, Staunton, VA 24401•38.1496° N, 79.0717° W
Dark Tales of Staunton Ghost Tour
Lantern-lit walk through Staunton's haunted history

A guided evening walking tour through Staunton's historic downtown, covering ghost stories and dark history. Meet at the City Parking Garage beside the former Stonewall Jackson Hotel.

Guided Walking Tour 90-minute lantern-lit walking tour through downtown Staunton's haunted history.
TRK 18
AUDIO MOMENT Dark Tales of Staunton

Saturday, Oct 3 • Antiques & Foothill Byways

10:30 AM Valley Start 4 Stops High ~67° / Low ~50°F • Crisp Autumn Air
9
10:30 AM • Verona
Indoor Browse

Factory Antique Mall

50 Lodge Ln, Verona, VA•(540) 248-1110•38.1963° N, 79.0142° W
Factory Antique Mall
America's largest vintage treasure hunt

The largest antique mall in America. Completely climate-controlled, dry, and flat for slow, nostalgic indoor treasure hunting across mid-century and Appalachian relics.

Together Treasure Hunt Wander wide aisles of vintage books, vinyl, and folk art without hills or weather friction.
TRK 08
AUDIO MOMENT Factory Heritage & Relics
10
1:00 PM • Crozet Byway
Scenic Homeward

Chiles Orchard & Route 29

1351 Greenwood Rd, Crozet, VA•(434) 823-7158•38.0700° N, 78.6989° W
Chiles Orchard & Route 29
Apple cider slushies & gentle rolling Albemarle hills

Bypass interstate semi-truck traffic. Pick up frozen cider slushies and pumpkin butter in Crozet, then cruise scenic Route 29 through Warrenton horse country.

Scenic Drive Home Windows cracked, classic road playlist, rolling pastures and equestrian estates back home.
TRK 09
AUDIO MOMENT Chiles Orchard & Route 29
Detour • Nursery Cafe Route 29 Byway • Somerset, VA

The Market at Grelen & Garden Cafe

The Market at Grelen & Garden Cafe
Charming tree nursery & glass greenhouse cafe in Orange County horse country. Peaceful garden terrace for an iced tea or coffee before the final drive home.
TRK 16
AUDIO MOMENT The Market at Grelen & Garden Cafe
Detour • Dairy Bar Route 29 North • Remington, VA

Moo Thru Homemade Ice Cream Bar

Moo Thru Homemade Ice Cream Bar
The undisputed Virginia road trip pilgrimage. Founded by 4th-generation dairy farmers serving rich, slow-churned Guernsey ice cream and thick milkshakes right off Route 29 before crossing back to Silver Spring.
TRK 17
AUDIO MOMENT Moo Thru Homemade Ice Cream Bar
★ EXPEDITION ARCHIVE • FIELD RECORD ★

Archive Details

EXHIBIT & RESERVATION PASS

Check-in Pass

QR Pass
CODE
AUDIO GUIDE ACTIVE • STEREO
SELECT A STOP TO LISTEN • SHENANDOAH TRAIL
Exhibit Liner Notes
SIDE A • ROAD TO SHENANDOAH • STEREO NARRATIVE

Select any audio guide to load the full exhibit transcript.

Edit Trail Station

Schedule Revision History

Share Schedule Updates

Scan QR code with another device or share the compressed payload over SMS/AirDrop.

Import Schedule Updates

— OR —

Expedition Driving Circuits

Full Expedition Closed Loop

Entire 3-Day Corridor Circuit

Day 1 Circuit Stage Route

Thursday, Oct 1 • Into the Blue Ridge

Day 2 Circuit Stage Route

Friday, Oct 2 • The Ridge & Nelson 151

Day 3 Circuit Stage Route

Saturday, Oct 3 • Antiques & Foothill Byways

TRAVELER PREFERENCES

Settings & Controls

Navigation Directions App

Select which mapping app launches when tapping driving route actions.

Temperature & Climate Units

Converts mountain forecasts, packing guides, and station temperatures.

Mountain Soundscapes & Breeze

Volume control for procedural mountain breeze, crackling hearth, and ridge mist audio.

Spatial Atmosphere & Dressing (Law 11)

Controls 3D perspective landscape, roadside silhouettes, and ambient motes. Plain disables the canvas to maximize battery life.

Restores navigation app, units, and audio volume to default without changing your itinerary, custom notes, or stamps.

Advanced & Curator Tools
▾
Itinerary Curator Mode
Inline Station Edit Buttons

Reveal edit icons on timeline station cards to tweak stops during the drive.

Curator Tools & Schedule Editor
Use ▲ / ▼ arrows in the table below to reorder stops or update times.
Visual Roadtrip Theme Style
Car Games Look

Pick a visual style for the car games. "Just the facts" motion mode always shows the plainest one (Concourse) regardless of this pick.

Motion & Animations
Offline Mountain Readiness
Precaching active
Audio guides: checking...
Acknowledgements

Icons made by Lorc (game-icons.net, CC BY 3.0)

Icons made by Delapouite (game-icons.net, CC BY 3.0)

Icons made by Bonnie Beach (Noun Project, CC BY 3.0)

Icons made by Richard (Noun Project, CC BY 3.0)

Icons made by Vectors Market (Noun Project, CC BY 3.0)

Icons made by Laymik (Noun Project, CC BY 3.0)

Icons made by Ishaq_hmad (Noun Project, CC BY 3.0)

Icons made by Studio Danro (Noun Project, CC BY 3.0)

Icons made by Cak Badrun Arshakam (Noun Project, CC BY 3.0)

Icons made by KR (Noun Project, CC BY 3.0)

Icons made by Viktor Turchyn (Noun Project, CC BY 3.0)

Icons made by Nanik haq (Noun Project, CC BY 3.0)

Audio guide music: "Americana" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) (Internet Archive, CC BY 4.0)

Expedition Gate Lock

Lock the arrival gate to replay the teaser countdown and passcode entry.