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Visit us for the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, and check out these two itineraries to make a full weekend out of it! To see the full listing of events, visit www.thebloom.com/events.
Family Weekend – Play Together, Stay Together
Friday, April 30
AFTERNOON
Arrive and check in to your accommodations. Home rentals are perfect for those traveling as a family. Choose from charming apartments in Old Town Winchester, farmhouses, a tiny house, RVs, cabins, cottages, and more. If you are the camping type, or have an RV, Candy Hill Campground is a great option for families.
EVENING
Take the kids to see a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. You can even choose your seats when you purchase your tickets in advance. This unique theater features full-service dining directly to your seat!
Saturday, May 1
MORNING
Held at the Apple Blossom Mall, the Fire Truck Rodeo gives families a chance to see antique and brand new fire engines, aerial ladders, and specialty vehicles up close. Firefighters also demonstrate their driving skills as they maneuver through tightly-spaced cones to the tick of a stopwatch.
LUNCH
Bring the family down to Old Town Winchester, where kids love the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, and a variety of toy stores on the Loudoun Street Pedestrian Mall. Try one of nearly 30 restaurants, many with outdoor dining, and grab an ice cream cone from Red Fox Creamery before heading over to the Carnival.
AFTERNOON/EVENING
The kids will love the rides, games, and food at the Carnival, which runs from noon-11pm on Saturday. The Carnival features more than 55 rides and a popular ticket for “ride for one price”.
Sunday, May 2
MORNING/AFTERNOON
A favorite festival event among families, Bloomin’ Sunday at the Frederick County Fairgrounds is held from 9am-5pm and includes an arts & crafts show, live entertainment, concessions, cruise-In car show (weather permitting), kid’s zone, and more. Children under 10 are admitted free!
The Frederick County Fairgrounds is also the location of the festival’s Midway this year, a festive area that has family friendly games, moon bounces, rock wall, face painting, and bungee jumping all weekend long.
Before departing for home, consider ending your visit with a local tradition at Apple Blossom time – a leisurely country drive among the apple orchards. (Your route could include: Cedar Creek Grade, Marlboro Road, Middle Road, and Barley Lane). View the rows and rows of pink and white blossoms set among the backdrop of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in the distance.
Girlfriend Getaway – Dance the Night Away in Apple Country
Friday, April 30
AFTERNOON
Arrive and check into your accommodations. The George Washington – a Wyndham Grand Hotel is located a block from the Old Town walking mall and has an in-house spa and Roman bath-style pool. Another option is the conveniently located Hilton Garden Inn, with a restaurant and bar on premises. See a complete listing of local hotels here.
EVENING
Wander into Old Town Winchester for dinner. The two-block Loudoun Street pedestrian mall is lined with outdoor cafés, boutiques and specialty shops, and entertainment options. After dinner, put on your dancing shoes and 80s attire before heading to the 80’s Dance Party at the Frederick County Fairgrounds. Dance the night away to bands playing your favorite hits from the 80’s, including a Journey tribute band, Departure. We have plenty of Uber and Lyft drivers to get you to your destination safely.
Saturday, May 1
MORNING/AFTERNOON
Relax in the morning and look for signs of spring at the beautiful gardens at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. You can also tour the exhibition, Norman Rockwell’s America, on display in the galleries.
Enjoy a spa treatment at the Saumaj Health Spa located in the George Washington hotel – you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy their services! You are also able to take a dip in their saltwater pool or hot tub at the time of your appointment.
EVENING
Make sure you have tickets for the Country Music Party if you want to see some of the hottest rising stars in country music! If you are already danced the night away last night and want to enjoy a more laid-back vibe, head to one of our upscale wine bars, like The Wine Room at the Taylor Pavilion or CRUSH Wine Bar.
Sunday, May 2
MORNING/AFTERNOON
Spend your final day in the Winchester area experiencing spring in the Shenandoah Valley.
For an incredible brunch, head down to Regions 117 on the shore of Lake Frederick for an outstanding farm to fork menu. If you want to stay close, try the Chicken and Waffles at George’s Food and Spirits in the George Washington Hotel, or wander over to Village Square Restaurant in Old Town for their Champagne and Bloody Mary Brunch.
Before departing for home, consider ending your visit with a local tradition at Apple Blossom time – a leisurely country drive among the apple orchards. (Your route could include: Cedar Creek Grade, Marlboro Road, Middle Road, and Barley Lane). View the rows and rows of pink and white blossoms set among the backdrop of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in the distance.