The Stonewall Jackson Inn
ALANDMARK in Harrisonburg’s Historic District, the 10-room Stonewall Jackson Inn is a restored mansion ideally situation in the western Virginia outdoor playground that is the Shenandoah Valley. Surrounded by the Potomac and James Rivers and Blue Ridge and Ridge-and-valley Appalachians, cyclists have plenty of options for rides – one worth noting is U.S. Bike Route 76, which cuts through the valley en route from Yorktown, Va., to Oregon. Route 76 became the first official bike route in the U.S. bike route system in 1982.
Rooms are spacious and well-lit, each named after a significant U.S. Civil War character, a nod to the area’s rich history. Antique furniture and decor accents also pay tribute to the region’s history. For those bringing their own rides, the inn uses a barn for secure storage, and the property has partnered with Shenandoah Bicycle Company, an independent bike shop two blocks from the inn, to provide rentals (Salsa, Ibis and Trek), gear, tune-ups and advice on routes. Before hitting the road, take advantage of the inn’s “energy-charged biker breakfast” – oatmeal, peanut butter on croissants, fruit, local apple juice and extra strong coffee.
Staff are full of recommendations for things to see, do and eat in the area. If you want a break from riding there are several Civil War battlefields to tour or wineries to visit on the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail. Inn owner Wayne Engel recommends Local Chop & Grill House, Clementine and L’italia, all in the Historic District and walking distance from the B&B. WHERE TO RIDE Mountain bikers have lots of options here with hundreds of kilometres of trails to choose from, but you may want to explore the George Washington National Forest trails, including Signal Knob, Short Mountain and Jawbone, which are known for being technical and rocky with difficult terrain. For backcountry rides, head west to Camp Todd. Road cyclists have their choices as well, from the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park (stay on the pavement here), to the hilly gravel of Harris-roubaix in Singers Glen. And check out the Alpine Loop, which starts in Harrisonburg. This loop is not only Jeremiah Bishop’s favourite training route, it’s one of the toughest gran fondos in the U.S., featuring more than 3,000 m of climbing, including two dirt-road mountain climbs, over 170 km. DON’T MISS After a day in the saddle, you’ll want to take advantage of the property’s house masseuse and masseur, who are on-hand to provide deep-tissue and hot-stone massages in guests’ rooms.