Okay, let me begin by saying this area has a serious addiction to ice cream.  And let me be clear that this isn’t a criticism in any way.  In fact, pair this with the affinity for great coffee (see our local coffee shops post), and you’re pretty much set when you visit over the summer.

Now, I’ve occasionally had to make some tough sacrifices for this job, and one of them is the many ice cream cones I’ve had to eat in order to accurately write this blog.  You’re welcome.  Somebody had to do it.

Seriously, though, I sincerely hope you have a chance to check out at least one or two of the below listed shops the next time you’re in the Winchester area (by the way, don’t hesitate to let us know if I missed anything!).

Ice Cream

A&L Scoops and Swirls

Our southernmost sweet tooth haven, this small family-owned ice cream shop offers up soft serve, scoop ice cream and a full ice cream menu, with many delicious desserts to choose from. Located just down the street from Laurel Ridge Community College, they’ve got that coveted outside patio seating to fully enjoy our beautiful, laid back warm summer evenings. 7597 Main St, Middletown, VA 22645

Bonnie Blue Ice Cream Hut

Featuring fresh creamery ice cream from Country Creamery in Pennsylvania, this new addition to one of our most popular restaurants is open weekends during the spring, summer and fall! And yes, one of their available toppings is bacon bits from their famous in-house cured bacon. Be sure to dip inside the cafe and get a cup of great local coffee while you’re there.  334 W Boscawen St, Winchester, VA 22601.

CD’s Coffee and Cream

Craig and Diana (the C and D of this establishment) have carved out a very busy little spot here on Rt 50 just a minute or two west of Valley Health Hospital. The best of both worlds, you can have your caffeine and sugar fix at the same time here. Featuring single origin volcanic soil coffee and locally made Garber’s ice cream, this is a must stop when exploring our beautiful countryside!  2953 Northwestern Turnpike, Winchester, VA 22602

New Town Creamery

Opened in early 2014, this husband and wife operation took the place of the former McCoy’s Dairy Bar.  This completely new ownership has made high quality, fun foods their focus.  In addition to regionally sourced ice cream, they have an array of quick summer foods like hot dogs, funnnel cakes and fries.  And be careful, they’ll deep fry just about anything.  Their Easter special?  Deep fried Cadbury eggs.  Their summer best seller?  Deep fried Oreo cookies…  320 Fairfax Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655

Red Fox Creamery & Country Store

Owners Kathy and Brian Lewis opened Middleburg Creamery in 1996, and relocated to the Old Town Winchester pedestrian mall in late 2010.  This is a true creamery that makes everything from scratch.  Kathy is the ice cream guru, whipping up many great classic and seasonal flavors.  Far from just a creamery, though, they have a scratch kitchen that turns out local favorites like chicken salad, rotisserie chicken, chili, soups, baked goods and more. 146 N Loudoun St, Winchester, VA 22601 

The Sugar Shack at The Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard

Located just minutes out of Winchester on Hwy 522 North, this sweet stop is right next to (and operated by) The Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard. You can get hand-dipped or soft serve ice cream here – and the best part is possibly the great market next door. Local organically grown fruit and vegetables, gifts, and of course live bluegrass music every Thursday evening during the summer and fall. 2502 N Frederick Pike (Hwy 522), Winchester, VA 22603

Frozen Custard

The Dairy Corner (formerly Pack’s Dairy Corner)

One of the very original locations of a Pack’s Frozen Custard shop, this building has been providing cold treats to the Winchester community and visitors since 1957. Under new ownership a few years ago, it continues the long tradition of great custard! Check out their Facebook page for weekly specials and seasonal hours. 177 Dairy Corner Pl, Winchester, VA 22602

JB’s Ice Cream Shoppe

While the owner’s initials are also JB, the shop is actually named after their pups Jasper & Bear! This frozen custard shop is located in the parking lot behind another one of our ice cream spots, Newtown Creamery. They each deliver great and unique experiences, so make sure to stop by both! Check out their great Facebook page for weekly flavors, hours and other specials. 380 Fairfax Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655

Mattie’s Frozen Custard Shop

This is the new(ish) physical location for the very popular food truck that has been in our area for several years. See the below listing for their touching story. 2430 Valley Ave, Winchester, VA 22601

Mattie’s Soft Serve Frozen Custard (food truck)

A few years after 5 year old Mattie, a kindergartner at a local elementary school, died unexpectedly in 2005, her aunt and uncle sought out and opened up an ice cream truck to keep her memory alive. Today, the distinctive 33-foot long purple bus can be seen around town, often parked near the Martin’s supermarket on Rt. 7 near I-81. They have creative, rotating flavors but you’ll always find Mattie’s favorite, the banana split with a cherry on top, on their menu. Check out their Facebook page for their current schedule! Location varies – check Facebook page for schedule

Pack’s Cones-n-More Frozen Custard (3 locations)

Pack’s is a local institution – a regional chain started several decades ago by the one and only Mrs. Pack – where you’ll get a very similar but not identical experience at each of our three local remaining locations.  When Mrs. Pack retired several years ago, we understand that the locations were bought by either close family or long-time employees.  Now, a word to the wise, if you’ve never had true custard before, take it easy, Chief.  This is some seriously rich awesomeness in a cone.  And go prepared for a line, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings all summer.

1) 2021 N Frederick Pike (522 North), Winchester, VA 22603 – Facebook page link with weekly specials

2) 2580 Northwestern Pike (Hwy 50), Winchester, VA 22603 – Facebook page link with weekly specials

3) 105 Full House Dr (Rt 11), Winchester, VA 22603 – Facebook page link with weekly specials

 

 

Disclaimer – no businesses paid us or gave us anything to be on this list – we just love sweet treats and our local businesses, as we hope you do when you visit!

 

 

Updated on Saturday, December 20th for the 2023 residential lights map!

We have used local knowledge, some message boards and some good old driving around to generate this resource of holiday decorations. If we missed a good one, let us know!

Here’s a map of the locations with details to help you plan out your excursion. Please use caution when enjoying these lights and be mindful of traffic patterns and traffic speeds.

↓ Click the square icon in the top left corner for a list and categories

Professional Displays

• Walking in a Winter Wonderland at Clearbrook Park.

This is a very large walking (no driving) light display put on by the Frederick County Parks and Recreation folks. There is a fee and reservations are required – please click here to find and reserve open times. It is open November 24 – January 1.

• Follow the Star Drive-Through Nativity at Fellowship Bible Church

Live walk-through nativity courtesy of the Fellowship Bible Church. ONLY OPEN Saturday December 2 and Sunday December 3, 5-8pm each day. More information on their Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/winchesterfollowthestar 

Standout Residential Neighborhoods

• Battle Park Estates in Kernstown, specifically Kernstown Court.

• Condor Ct – well-decorated cul-de-sac in Stephens City near Bass-Hover ES.

• Fair Lawn Ct – near Bowman Library in Stephens City

• Fox Drive & Whittier Ave – numerous homes in this vicinity, across from James Wood MS in Winchester

• Musket Ridge Neighborhood, specifically Cedar Mountain Dr – located off Tasker Rd in Stephens City

• Oakdale Crossing Neighborhood – located off Senseny Rd and connects to the Raven Wing Neighborhood

• Orchard Avenue in Winchester – the 900 block specifically, a few blocks south of shopping center where BroBears is

• Raven Wing Neighborhood, especially Kinross Rd – accessible by Rt 50 or Senseny Rd

• Redbud Run Neighborhood, especially Merlot Dr – located in Stephenson just off of Hwy 7 near Millbrook HS

• Wakeland Manor, specifically Auburn Hill Ct – very popular spot just off Warrior Drive in Stephens City

• Whittier Acres – in Winchester also near James Wood MS

Standout Individual Homes

• 111 Christo Rey Dr, Clear Brook “Christo Rey Glow” Tune to 93.1 for music sync, FB page: https://www.facebook.com/ChristoReyGlow/ 

• 116 Steeplechase Ln, Winchester. Synced show to music, tune radio to 93.1 FM.

• 127 N Maple Rd, Winchester (visible from Hwy 522 across from the Crossroads Grocery Store). Lots of lawn decorations.

• 130 Woolen Mills Dr, Middletown. Former 1st Place Winner of the Middletown Christmas Display Contest!

• 216 Mosaic Ct, Stephenson (Snowden Bridge). A Christmas light show synced to 99.7 FM, running from 5-10pm nightly.

• 273 Northumberland, Stephenson (Snowden Bridge). Multi-song light show.

• 335 Branner Ave, Winchester. Story can be found in the Winchester Star from December 2020 

• 587 White Oak Rd, White Post (Stephens City). Very popular home.

• 716 Crow Dr, Winchester (Mountain Falls neighborhood, west of Winchester).

• 850 Warm Springs Rd, Winchester, VA 22603.

• 1770 N Frederick Pike, Winchester (just north of 37 bypass).

• 2133 Mark Dr, Middletown. Former 1st Place Winner of the Middletown Christmas Display Contest in 2022 and 3rd Place in 2020!

• 2473 Laurel Ln, Middletown. Former 2nd Place Winner of the Middletown Christmas Display Contest in 2022!

• 3461 Apple Pie Ridge Road, Whitehall. Located just a little north of White Hall Road.

• 7820 Main St, Middletown. Former 3rd Place Winner of the Middletown Christmas Display Contest in 2022!

• 7933 Main St, Middletown. Former 2nd Place Winner of the Middletown Christmas Display Contest!

Other Displays

• Loudoun Street Pedestrian Mall (Old Town Winchester). Lights through the walking mall and the large central Christmas Tree on display.

• Shenandoah University Campus – annually lit up throughout the campus with holiday lights.

• Lights to remember loved ones, as sponsored by individual members of the public. https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/winchester-medical-center/volunteer/lights-of-love/ 

The Backstory

When our beautiful Visitor Center was first constructed back in the late 2000’s, the sloping hillside on the back side of the building that leads down to the historic Rouss Spring was cleared and planted with some rose bushes.

Unfortunately, over the years these rose bushes disappeared under a very dense cover of invasive plants, including autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, tree of heaven, english ivy, johnson grass, wine berry and others.

The Plan

In 2020, we began discussing a plan to reclaim this hillside and replant it with strictly native plants that would benefit the native wildlife and pollinators. We enlisted the services of local native ecology expert Dr. Iara Lacher and her Winchester-based company Seven Bends Nursery.

We developed a plan and with Shenandoah University’s help, we mechanically cleared out the old invasive plants in the late fall of 2021. In the spring of 2022, we laid down about 2,700 sq ft of black plastic sheeting to kill all of the invasive species down to the roots using water and light deprivation and trapped heat. We are trying to avoid using chemical herbicides everywhere possible.

Dr. Lacher crafted a detailed landscaping plan with 29 species of plants, all native to Virginia and 27 of which are native to the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

The final piece of this plan fell into place in 2022 when we received a Healing the Planet grant from the GIANT Company to help fund the project.

Later that year, with the help of the City of Winchester Parks and Recreation Department staff, we planted 34 native trees and shrubs, including Eastern redbud and paw paw trees, button bushes, river locusts, meadowsweet and winterberries.

Finishing the Planting With YOUR Help!

In early 2023 we ordered 478 native grasses, sedges and perennial flowers,  ready to be planted in the ground! They included false blue indigo, jewelweed, swamp rose mallow, sweet joe-pye-weed, wild bergamot, blue mistflower, rattlesnake master, butterfly and swamp milkweeds, little and big bluestems and numerous others.

Our incredible community was invited to help! We had over 50 community volunteers of all ages help us plant the hillside on Sunday, June 11th!

A huge thank you again to our community for their support with this project!

The good old greasy spoon breakfast is alive and well in Winchester and surrounding Frederick County. While we have our share of upscale dining in the area, often times nothing beats a hearty home-cooked breakfast. We’re very fortunate to have a wide array of spots located all through the region to satisfy your craving for eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles and yes, most even have scrapple and grits. Here’s a list, in no particular order, of some of these great spots!

As always, although we do our very best to have the most up-to-date information here, please check the hours/offerings of the restaurant before visiting!

Papermill Place Restaurant

This is one of, if not the most crowded breakfast spots in the area. Locals and visitors of all walks of life pile in here every morning of the week year-round. The coffee is hot, the kitchen is quick, and the staff is brimming with southern hospitality. Kids will love the “Millie’s pancake,” which is shaped like their favorite cartoon mouse. (540) 667-1136. 2214 Papermill Rd, Winchester, VA 22601. Breakfast served all day. Facebook page.

Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery

Located in a renovated Esso gas station, this very unique and exceptionally popular spot offers very large southern style breakfasts (try the homemade biscuits with locally cured bacon bits baked right in). You’ll also find a wide array of local products near the bakery case, including hickory syrup, farm raised eggs and local brews. (540) 686-7490. 334 W Boscawen St, Winchester, VA 22601. Breakfast served all day. Facebook page.

Big L’s Bagels

This coffee shop makes the list because of their extremely popular homemade bagels and the wide variety of breakfast bagel sandwiches and in-house baked goods that owner and guy-who-always-remembers-your-name Lenny Sweet creates on a daily basis. Open 7 days a week until around noon, this easy-access spot borders the north end of the Loudoun Street Pedestrian Mall in Old Town Winchester. 38 E Piccadilly St, Winchester, VA 22601. Breakfast served all day. **Please order online before visiting via this link** Facebook page.

Lynette & Jerri’s Diner (Amherst Diner)

Located across the street from Bonnie Blue, this small traditional diner is very popular with locals, and offers counter and booth seating and quick service with a smile. Originally opened as the Amherst Diner in 1958, it was purchased by employees Lynette & Jerri in 2015 to keep the doors open and thriving. Interesting historic fact – famed polar explorer Rear Admiral Richard Byrd was raised next door (the original house is gone but a historical marker remains). (540) 504-7995. 334 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601. Breakfast served all day.

Riley’s Chicorkfish

This is one of our newest gas/service station eateries, located on Rt 50 a mile or so west of the hospital. They’ve quietly built a dedicated following for their simple but perfectly executed breakfast and BBQ lunch items. And we know you’re going to ask, so Chicorkfish is a blend of what they regularly grill up; chicken, pork and fish 🙂  (540) 313-4978. 2765 Northwestern pike Winchester, VA 22602. Breakfast is served from 5am-10:30am, Monday – Saturday (closed Sundays). Facebook page.

Granny’s Place

Want to have breakfast in one of Patsy Cline’s old haunts? Then this is the spot for you. Better known for their fried chicken dinners and evening live music, this rustic bar and grill surprisingly opens at 6am every morning for breakfast and is very kid-friendly with cartoons often playing on the flat screen TV’s during the early hours. Located on Rt 7 headed out of Winchester. (540) 313-4965. 2294 Berryville Pike, Winchester, VA 22603. Breakfast served all day. Facebook page.

Jordan Springs Market BBQ

Another one of our famous gas/service station eateries, you’ll find warm smiles and hearty food every visit to Jordan Springs. This unassuming spot turns out award-winning BBQ and – you guessed it – great breakfast! One of our earliest opening spots, you can get breakfast on weekday mornings starting at 6:30am! Make sure to try the homemade sausage gravy, made with local Gore’s sausage. (540) 662-0601. 741 Jordan Springs Rd, Stephenson, VA 22656. Breakfast served all day. Facebook page.

Piccadilly Grill Diner

Located just a few storefronts down from Big L’s, this very intimate counter-service diner offers traditional breakfast favorites in a bustling setting right in Old Town Winchester. Street parking is available as well as garage parking across the street by the George Washington Hotel. (540) 722-7177. 46 E Piccadilly St, Winchester, VA 22601. Breakfast served all day. Facebook page.

Backseat Bar and Grill

This is the go-to spot for all-day breakfast on the north end of Winchester. Serving up all sorts of diner classics (like burgers and fries) in addition to your favorite homemade breakfast dishes, this find is easily accessible from Hwy 37 just a minute or two from I-81. (540) 722-7177. 46 E Piccadilly St, Winchester, VA 22601. Breakfast served all day. Facebook page.

High Point Restaurant

Also located in the small historic town of Stephens City, this local diner pumps out plenty of breakfast comfort classics every morning. Tip: look nearby for a replica of ECTO 1 from the original Ghostbusters, which can occasionally be seen in the area! (540) 869-2469. 5106 Main St, Stephens City, VA 22655. Breakfast served all day. Facebook page.

 

Hayfield Family Restaurant

This is a true country restaurant where you can rub elbows with the locals and meet some great folks. The menu is simple, the plates are as big as the smiles and the coffee is hot. Located about 10 minutes west of Winchester, this is a great spot to get a hot breakfast while exploring the countryside, visiting farm markets, or viewing foliage in the fall. (540) 877-1004. 5340 Northwestern Pike, Gore, VA 22637. Breakfast served until 11am.

JoGail’s Country Cookin’

Just up Hwy 50 from the Hayfield Family Restaurant is this very busy local favorite. Fast service, country smiles, and hearty servings are a benchmark here. This is yet another great spot to get a hot breakfast while exploring the countryside, visiting farm markets, or viewing foliage in the fall. (540) 877-1178. 5665 Northwestern Pike, Gore, VA 22637. Breakfast served all day. Facebook page.

Fall starts in the Northern Shenandoah Valley in September, and every year the communities of Winchester and surrounding Frederick County gear up for the many travelers that come through from all over the region, nation and world. Just like in 2020, this year it feels like everyone is looking to explore more and stay outside. Fortunately our unique experiences, great local markets and businesses are open and are ready to safely welcome everyone as new friends when they arrive.

Viewing our fall foliage is such an integral part of any trip here this time of year, we’ve just put an icon next to leaf-peeping related opportunities.

Our team has compiled a Top 10 list of Winchester area things you just can’t skip when visiting every year as the nights get cooler, the weather gets calmer, and our outdoor beauty comes into sharp focus.  Get out and enjoy!

#1 – Go to a farm market

This season is their bread and butter, and for good reason.  You’ve got the big, ever-popular ones like Marker-Miller, Virginia Farm Market, and West Oaks Farm Market and then some really unique and fun smaller finds like Hill High Farm, the Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard, Richard’s Fruit Market, Rinker Orchards, Virginia Farm Market, and Shen Val Farm Market!

#2 – Turn off that GPS and go for a country drive 

Yes, I’m telling you to get lost (but seriously, in a friendly way) out on our local roads.  We’ve got fields, orchards, rolling hills and mountains all within about 20 minutes of Old Town Winchester.  Or if, like many of our fall visitors, you’re headed to the nearby Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park, take a side road like 522 or 11 and enjoy the ride down and make a few discoveries along the way.

#3 – Roll up your sleeves and pick an apple 

Surprise, this is apple country.  I know you probably already knew that, but to really grasp the scale of it you’ve got to actually get into the trees at one of those orchards.  Marker-Miller, West Oaks and Rinker Orchards have pick-your-own operations, or just drive around the countryside and look for some “pick-your-own” signs.

#4 – Hike or mountain bike to a vista point, even if just for an hour or two

The Tuscarora Trail is truly a hidden gem, but may not remain so once people realize there’s alternative for Old Rag to get beautiful valley vistas.  We’ll make it easy for you to get magnificent views of our fall foliage – get to Eagle Rock overlook by clicking HERE and hiking about 1.75 miles northeast along the trail, or get to Pinnacle Rock (pictured) by clicking HERE and hiking from the Biby Trailhead.  Need maps, gear, or just some local expertise?  Then Mountain Trails Outfitters on the Old Town Walking Mall is a necessary stop. There are many miles of mountain biking trails in the George Washington National Forest, through which the Tuscarora Trail runs. Check out Element Sports in town for local expertise, maps and gear.

#5 – Enjoy a meal al fresco

This was our our lastest blog, but it was still a little warm when we posted it.  The evenings are perfect now – check out the list, choose at least one and enjoy!

#6 – Go on a horseback trail ride 

Okay, we’ve got lots of options regionally for trail rides, and there’s a reason for that.  Our surrounding countryside in the Shenandoah Valley provides an incredible trail ride experience.  This is a must-do for young and old alike.  Check out our professional trail ride outfitters such as Bailey’s Walking After Midnight Farm, Magic Mountain Farm or the Rocking S Ranch (the #1 rated local attraction on Winchester’s TripAdvisor page).

#7 – Have a local, seasonally brewed pint of beer or cider

In the very recent past, you couldn’t get a pint of locally crafted beer here.  Now we’ve got four different, unique and pretty awesome brewery options and an outstanding cidery.  Alesation Brewing Company, Broken Window Brewing, Winchester Brew Works, Escutcheon Brewing Co. and Winchester Cider Works all have great fall offerings and on-site tastings.  These are all sites along the Shenandoah Spirits Trail, which pulls together every brewery, winery, cidery and distillery in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Want traditional non-alcoholic apple cider?  You’ll find it at most local markets – Rinker’s apple cider is pretty famous.

#8 – Catch a show under the stars at the drive-in

There are only seven drive-in theatres left in all of Virginia, so the Family Drive-In located just outside Stephens City is truly a special place. Open throughout the fall season (not just summer!) and offering special screenings of classic films.

#9 – Get off-road and a bit dirty, then take a mountain dip

The Cove Campground offers over 40 miles of off-road trails set in a 3,000 acres mountain playground. You can bring your own 4×4 vehicle to ride the trails, or jump behind the wheel of one of the Jeeps from Appalachian Offroad Adventure. After an orientation ride, you get to drive on a guided half or full day tour on the trails. Afterward, if the day is still warm, relax on the sandy beach at their largest lake.

#10 – Challenge Yourself to a Corn Maze 

Check out the traditional maze at the Pumpkin Patch at Hill High Farm, the massive annually-themed maze at West Oaks Farm Market, or the scavenger hunt corn maze at the Pumpkin Patch at Edge-Wood Dairy. Each is as unique as the farm markets that they are attached to!

 

As always, no business or individual paid to be on this list – it’s just a fun collection of some top fall activities that should keep you busy for this fall, and probably next fall as well!  Don’t be shy to let us know if we missed anything!.

On the right day, nothing beats a relaxed outdoor meal at a great restaurant, especially during these times.  When my wife and I are looking for a place to eat, outdoor dining is a huge plus because, well, we’ve got a little girl and a toddler and aside from a generally more laid back atmosphere, any noise our kids make just seems much quieter outside.

Fortunately for us, we’ve got an over-abundance of both perfect days here in the northern Shenandoah Valley as well as restaurants with outdoor dining for every budget and taste.  In fact, Old Town Winchester has the largest concentration of alfresco dining in the entire Shenandoah Valley!

B=Breakfast, SB=Sunday Brunch, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

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50/50 Taphouse

Winchester/Old Town

If you want a burger and/or a beer, well, they’ve got 50 kinds of each here (hence their name).  They have a huge indoor space but you can also score a great seat in their enclosed, partially shaded outdoor seating area.  Located just steps from the Loudoun Street Mall and next to the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum.  L/D

Aroma Deli

Winchester/Old Town

Breakfast served most days until around 11am.  This local favorite has great rotisserie chicken with a Peruvian flair, burritos, and of course breakfast.  They’re located in a historic house about 2 blocks from the Loudoun Street Mall, and you can eat outside on their porch or patio.  Mature trees and umbrellas provide shade during the heat of the afternoon.  B/L/D

Backseat Bar and Grill

Winchester

This casual diner staple is always busy turning out dishes to hungry customers, whether it be hearty breakfasts or great burgers and sandwiches for lunch or dinner.  They’ve added a pretty large outdoor seating area in the parking lot that lets you enjoy our cooler mornings and evenings most of the year.  B/L/D

Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery

Winchester

This fairly recent addition to the area’s family of restaurants has the feel that it’s been here for generations.  Very popular for their breakfast and barbecue, this great find has fresh coffee and great pastries as well.  Umbrella covered picnic style seating outside is more lively than intimate. B/L/(D on Fridays)

Creekside Town Center (multiple restaurants)

Winchester/Kernstown

This outdoor shopping area has recently become a dining hotspot, with nearly all of their restaurants offering alfresco dining.  Located in Kernstown just minutes from the extremely popular Alamo Drafthouse, this upscale area is quite a find.  Below are the restaurants offering alfresco dining:

The Butcher Station – Local farm-to-fork hotspot with burgers and seasonal items. Also a stop on the Virginia Oyster Trail. L/D

The Chocolate Café – Creative sandwiches, fresh bakery goods, and covered patio dining. L

Firefly Café & Bakery – Fast casual, fresh sandwiches and bakery goods with a social mission.  SB/B/L

I J Cann’s American Grill – Casual, affordable upscale American cuisine.  SB/L/D

George’s Food and Spirits

Old Town Winchester

The attached upscale casual restaurant to the beautiful George Washington Hotel, this lower level dining experience boasts an intimate, relaxed atmosphere just a block from the Loudoun Street Mall.  And believe it or not, they were the first inland stop on the famous Virginia Oyster Trail.  Limited outdoor seating available.  B/L/D

Oak Stone Craft Pizza & Bar

Winchester

This very popular craft pizza joint is located across the beautiful Handley High School, and offers a large brick patio seating area. They have a very creative menu offering outstanding pizzas but also a variety of sandwiches and dinner entrees.  SB/L/D

Old Town Walking Mall (multiple restaurants)

Winchester/Old Town

This is the biggest concentrated hub of alfresco dining options in the entire Shenandoah Valley.  Nearly every restaurant has taken advantage of the beautiful, recently renovated Loudoun Street Mall on Loudoun St.  We’ll just list out all of the ones with alfresco dining so you can relax and people watch any day of the week, year-round!

Awabi Sushi Bar – Extensive and creative sushi menu, beer, sake and wine. L/D

El Centro – Classic Mexican food and very popular margaritas. L/D

Espresso Bar & Café – Full espresso bar and some pastries; front and rear patios available. B/L

Old Town Snow White Grill – Tiny, classic no-frills grill; no better place for a slider! L/D

Roma Wood-Fired Pizza – Local Italian in a cozy atmosphere; craft brewery located upstairs. L/D

Thai Winchester – Award-winning chef-created Thai food. L/D

Union Jack Pub & Restaurant – Famous fish & chips, creative pub fare, many beers on tap. L/D

Water Street Kitchen – Traditional Southern cuisine favorites in the heart of the walking mall. L/D

Village Square Restaurant – Upscale chef-inspired dining with an oyster bar.  L/D

Violino Ristorante Italiano – Upscale, family owned authentic Italian landmark restaurant. L/D

Papermill Place

Winchester

This no-frills local favorite diner is hopping most mornings. We suggest you take a look here before heading to one of those big chain breakfast spots – you’ll get big servings of good food here for great prices. They offer a nice side patio with umbrellas for dining outside. B/L/D

Piccadilly’s Public House

Winchester/Old Town

Popular for lunch but usually hopping for dinner and after, the large outdoor seating area here offers a peaceful afternoon meal spot or energetic evening scene with sports games often projected on the side of the adjacent building.  Burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads and a full pub menu promise something for every taste.  L/D

Region’s 117

Lake Frederick

This brand new addition to our family of unique local restaurants boasts lake-view dining with some outstanding locally-sourced menu items.  Casual visitors are encouraged to grab a cup of coffee or espresso from their separate grab and go counter and relax outside on the elevated deck on huge hanging sofas (they’re too nice to be called swings).  This is a great stop before or after a few hours kayaking or fishing on Lake Frederick.  SB/L/D

Roma Casual Italian & Greek Dining

Stephens City

A very popular local Mediterranean (Greek & Italian) restaurant.  The Stephens City location has a small but comfortable outdoor seating area.  See Old Town Winchester section for other location.  L/D

Shaffer’s BBQ & Market

Middletown

This is the least fancy entry on our list, but it possibly offers the best views. This very popular and locally-focused BBQ market in a former gas station has a picnic shelter that overlooks the Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historic Park and the Appalachian Mountains. They also offer lots of locally sourced goodies, such as local beer, canned goods, cider, and more. Definitely worth a stop! B/L/D

Umberto’s Pizza & Pasta

Winchester/Delco Plaza

Too hot or cold outside?  Well, you can still get your alfresco dining fix at Umberto’s.  Their outdoor dining patio is, well, inside.  They offer inside inside dining as well. Very popular Italian cuisine and pizzas keep the tables filled at this unexpected gem. L/D

 

As always, no business paid to be on this list – we just love dining outdoors and wanted to share a thorough list of the bounty of offerings we have.  Enjoy!