About Winchester, Virginia:
Winchester was founded in 1744 and is the oldest city west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is located in the northern Shenandoah Valley and is home to significant Revolutionary and Civil War historical sites and records. With a population of 27,284 as of 2015, Winchester is a lovely blend of the modern conveniences of a big city surrounded by the lush beauty of the valley and mountains.
History
Prior to European colonization, the Shenandoah Valley was populated with Native tribes believed to be Iroquois and Shawnee. The European colonizers arrived in the valley in 1729, when Quakers such as Abraham Hollingsworth migrated to the area from Pennsylvania. Named Frederick Town initially, a city charter was granted in 1752, and the town was renamed Winchester, after the English birthplace of the county’s first clerk, James Wood.
George Washington spent several years in Winchester during his younger days as a land surveyor, prior to the Revolutionary War. Winchester was the site of strategic battles in several early conflicts in United States history, including the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. The region is replete with history and prides itself on honoring the past with preservation efforts.
HOMES
Winchester has some amazing homes. Whether tight-knit neighborhoods appeal to you, or you prefer room to roam on acreage, Winchester homes offer something for every buyer:
SCHOOLS
Winchester Public School District consists of four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, serving 4,495 students in the 2015-16 school year. The high school boasts a 93% on-time graduation rate (June 2015) and 78% seek post-secondary education. Found out more at Great Schools or School Digger.
DINING AND SHOPPING
At the heart of Winchester is the charming and vibrant Old Town district. Chock-full of specialty shops, antiques, art galleries, bookstores, and boutiques, you can find unique and wonderful things for sprucing up your new home, your wardrobe, or your pantry. Area dining highlights include the Union Jack Pub and Restaurant, which serves authentic British dishes including steak and kidney pie, a traditional Ploughman’s lunch, cream teas, and scones, plus a large selection of domestic and European beers and wines. George’s Food & Spirits is located in the George Washington Hotel and serves award-winning cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Are burgers more your speed? The Snow White Grill is tucked into the heart of the walking mall. Other culinary delights include Violino Ristorante, Piccadilly Public House, Thai Winchester, and El Centro Mexican Food and Drink.
Arts & ENTERTAINMENT
Winchester has long been known as the “Apple Capital” because of the vast orchards in the area, making it one of the largest apple export markets in the country. Winchester celebrates this bounty with the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, held annually since 1924. Other special community events include a lively Octobeer Fest, Celtic Fest, Chocolate Escape, and recurring treats such as Friday Night Live, Sunday Concerts at Taylor Pavilion and many other fun local entertainment opportunities. For history buffs, Winchester and the surrounding area boasts well-preserved and cared for landmarks, tours, and United States history education for all ages.
PARKS AND RECREATION
An outdoor lover’s paradise, the Winchester area of Shenandoah Valley offers trails, parks, hunting, fishing and boating. At the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, campers can hide away at the Cove Campground, located 12 miles outside of Winchester. The Frederick County Parks and Recreation maintain two large parks: Clearbrook Park and Sherando Park. Jim Barnett Park offers playgrounds, a rec center, walking paths, disc golf, swimming and fishing along Wilkins Lake. Find out more about all the area has to offer at the Winchester Visitors Bureau website.
With its beautiful scenery, proximity to the DC area, and hometown feel, Winchester is a place to plant roots for generations to come. Welcome home!
