City Guide: Winchester

Winchester is known as "Apple Capital".

With capital credentials bestowed on Winchester, it goes beyond a mere stronghold of Virginia's power toward blossoming apple orchards in the northern end of the valley of the River Itchen. In the very beginning of May Winchester turns from a center of politicking to a carnival-like city with the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival held there.

You need a travel to Winchester to grasp its festive spirit. Be it a room in cheap hotel in Winchester to a luxury-appointed room all available at Booked.net. Our listings include maps, photos and secure forms on each hotel.

From apple orchards Winchester has recently completed a leap to a touristy playground and left its door wide open for a set of museums. Actually, the city became packed with culture like a cluster of museums, award-winning pubs, restaurants, array of shops and unique cathedrals since 2005. The best known attraction is Museum of the Shenandoah Valley introducing you to the story of the city.

Other attractions include:

• George Washington's Office, a former working place of the great politician, but today serves as a showplace for his early life

• Handley Library, designed in the Beaux Arts style and open to public eye since 1913

• Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters, a former home to Confederate general living in the area during the Civil War

• Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, a place to have interactive experience for your kids

• Antique Hospital showcases early American furniture from 1650

While touring the city, Winchester will ground you deep in its history when it was first settled by the Indians. The things changed when Pennsylvania Quakers forced them out the land in 1732. Then came the war between the French and Indian that lasted for 20 years so that city changed its early innocent appearance to more harsh life. Due to strategic setting Winchester is a record-breaking destination by the quantity of changed hands. It saw more than 72 different hands during the Civil War.

The city's glorious past is shaped by many famous personalities. For example, pop diva Patsy Cline nurtured her love to music in Winchester, while Stonewall Jackson, Confederate general and Union general Philip Sheridan made their headquarters there.

In addition, political leader George Washington launched his early military career in Winchester. Due to the fact that George Washington spent his childhood here, Winchester boasts of luxurious George Washington Hotel in his honor. You may choose this one or any other hotel to stay in at Booked.net.