Spring bursts forth early most years in the southern Shenandoah Valley. Rockbridge County awakens in a symphony of soft pastels and delicate hues. This enchanting season ignites nature’s joyful bloom, with wildflowers, trees, and waterfalls painting the landscape in Easter-inspired colors—a perfect retreat for anyone seeking rest or renewal in a place both locals and visitors find nearly impossible to leave.The Forest and Meadows Awaken   Crocuses...

The Cosmic Curtain RisesFall 2024 was the showstopper so far, but the heavens are not done bestowing dazzling gifts on the Shenandoah Valley. May 10, Oct. 10, and March 24 have been the confirmed standout dates where the aurora borealis—nature’s own kaleidoscope—swirled across our sky in radiant greens, purples, and reds, leaving locals spellbound and stargazers breathless. Known in Latin as the "northern dawn," this...

Bloodroot, also known as Sanguinaria canadensis, a perennial flowering plant native to eastern North America, is a botanical gem that dazzles with its fleeting yet stunning blooms each spring. For about two weeks, usually late March and early April, its delicate white flowers and vibrant red root sap captivate onlookers, hinting at the rich history and untapped potential beneath its surface. Used for centuries by...

The Intergalactically awesome Little Marvin and The Martians are landing tonight at Smiley's BBQ on the full moon, March 14th, from 8-11 PM! Don't miss this cosmic alignment! If you've never seen them, catch a preview medley of The Martians on our last post, but of course, it's so much better live. Some call this full moon the "Crow Moon" and it’s fullness peaks on March...

What Is Up and Special in the Shenandoah Sky?  Get ready, stargazers! The 2024/2025 season is lining up to be an extraordinary procession. First, we had the arrival of the Aurora Borealis, putting on its lightshow in the Shenandoah Valley for the 2nd time in recorded history or the Valley. The first time being December 14, 1862, when both Confederate and Union troops witnessed the lights...