Blog/Experiences
Don’t Miss the ‘Smiley Face’ in the Sky: Triple Conjunction Visible Over Rockbridge
Stargazers in Rockbridge County and the Shenandoah Valley have a special celestial event to look forward to on the morning of Friday, April 25, 2025. A rare triple planetary conjunction will create a unique "smiley face" in the predawn sky, visible just before sunrise. This cosmic alignment features Venus and Saturn as the "eyes," with a delicate crescent Moon forming the "mouth," creating a charming...
Easter Week’s Sky Lights Up with Shooting Stars, Plus Two Meteor Showers Coming in May
As Earth journeys along its path, it sweeps up trails of comet debris that ignite our skies with meteor showers, also known as shooting stars. This year, the Lyrid meteor shower is poised to deliver a spectacular celestial show, peaking on the night of April 21 into the early hours of April 22. As the first major meteor shower since the Quadrantids, it’s a highly...
The Pink Full Moon Rises Tonight – And It’s Showing Up With A Few Surprises…
Tonight, Saturday, April 12, step outside a little before 8 PM to witness the fourth full moon of 2025 rising above the horizon. Known as the Pink Moon, it’s the first full moon of spring — and this year, it’s showing up with a few surprises.Called the Pink Moon, it marks the first full moon of spring. Its name comes from Phlox subulata, or moss...
Wildflowers and Waterfalls: Hope Blooms in Rockbridge County
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...
Beyond Iceland: Northern Lights Continue to Dazzle Rockbridge County and the Blue Ridge Mountains
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...
The Bloodroot Flower: A Rare Spring Gem with Untapped Potential
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...
World-Class Live Music for the Full Moon in Seven Out of 10 Days in Rockbridge County – #I Feel Lucky
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...
Battle of the Rockbridge County Smash Burgers: Hardens vs. Holy Cow
What is a Smash Burger?
A Smash Burger is characterized by one or two thin, crispy beef patties formed by smashing a loose ball of beef onto a searing hot griddle. This technique creates caramelized, jagged edges packed with flavor while locking in a juicy, tender center. It's typically crowned with a unique special sauce for an extra taste dimension.
I have enjoyed smash burgers from Holy...
2025’s Cosmic Spectacle: The Planet Parade of Seven
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...
Savoring Nature’s Bounty: The Story of Halcyon Days Cider Company
Halcyon Days Cider Company, located at 4135 S Lee Hwy in Natural Bridge, Virginia, invites visitors to enjoy its scenic surroundings and taste the product of their authentic cider-making process in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The cidery offers a peaceful atmosphere where guests can explore its 1.7-mile labyrinth that winds through thousands of apple trees, sample a variety of small-batch ciders, and relax in a...
