Historic Homes, Museums & Battlefields

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and Glen Burnie Historic House and Gardens
Winchester, VA
(888) 556-5799
The museum is Winchester’s newest and finest attraction -- the perfect introduction to the Valley, its history and people. Docent led tours of the Glen Burnie Historic House display it as it was furnished by the last descendent of Winchester’s founder. The mature English style gardens and an Asian water garden are worth a visit in their own rights. The museum is open year round; the house and gardens are open March through November. Closed Mondays and major holidays.

Belle Grove Plantation
Middletown, VA
(540) 869-2028
A National Trust Historic Site built in 1797 using design principles from Thomas Jefferson. Site of the battle of Cedar Creek in 1863. Guided tours daily, April through October. Check their website for special events throughout the year, including a Beer Tasting Festival in May and weekend Christmas Candlelight Tours in December.

Historic Long Branch
Millwood, VA
(888) 558-5567
This classic 1800’s home was rescued from serious decline in 1986 by an elderly Baltimore textile executive who spent a sizable fortune to revitalize the house and furnish it with gorgeous antiques. Open on weekends for guided tours, April through October. Check their website for special event throughout the year, including a Hot Air Balloon festival in October and Christmas tours in December.

Additional Museums

Our area seems to have a plethora of small, idiosyncratic, if not downright quirky, museums to explore. We have information here at the inn we are happy to share about them.

Civil War Battlefields

Cedar Creek Battlefield Visitors Center
Middletown, VA
(540) 869-2064
Interpretive exhibit, film, bookstore. Open daily April through October. Guided battlefield tours and off-season tours of visitors center are available by appointment.

New Market Battlefield State Historical Park
New Market, VA
(540) 740-3101
This 300-acre National Historic Landmark tells the poignant story of the battle that swept up 257 young cadets from the Virginia Military Institute in its fury. Open daily year round (closed some holidays).

Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
Harpers Ferry, WV
(304) 535-6298
Not just for history buffs, this is a place of stunning natural beauty and historic charm. Visitor center open daily. Ranger led tours are given daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and less frequently throughout the year.

Battle of Antietam
Sharpsburg, MD
(301) 432-5124
Site of the single bloodiest day of the Civil War. Today Sharpsburg (population 650) is in the middle of the best-preserved Civil War battlefield in the country. Open daily year round (closed some holidays).