adventure, a breakfast ride, a river/mountain ride for experienced riders only, something called Chaps & Chardonnay, and an all-day ride. What a great place for a sophisticated wedding with Western fl air and a bit of cowboy chic! Three modern carriage rooms are situated near Marshall Manor House; they have private entrances,
full baths, televisions and access to the amenities of the manor house. With prior permission, groups and Scout troops may also camp at a site along the Rappahannock River or adjacent to the sparkling pond. No mat er which accommodation style you choose, I swear y’all will feel positively Virginian.
“STAYING AT THE HOTEL STRASBURG AND RIDING AT SECRET PASSAGE RANCH (AND STAYING IN THE BUNK HOUSE) WILL PROVIDE A STRONG SENSE OF AMERICAN HISTORY AND APPRECIATION FOR OUR COLONIAL HERITAGE THAT MOST FOLKS RARELY DISCOVER.”
FORT VALLEY, VIRGINIA Secret Passage Ranch—Shhh, don’t tell anyone,
but SPR is not so secret any more. It is steeped in history and re-enactors bring the past back to life during Civil War events and cavalry drill weekends. T ose wishing to do so can even learn how to drive a team for pulling Civil War era artillery. Period-correct McClellan saddles are available for rent. T e ranch not only celebrates our military history, it also supports the Wounded Warriors project and advocates for our current military heroes. Being strong advocates for riding the way it’s sup-
posed to be, SPR folks don’t let rules get in the way of a good ride or a good time. With 850 acres of forested hills, trail riders can explore to their heart’s content and ride most any way but nose to tail. T ey accommodate riders with physical disabilities and special needs (through a non-profi t organization), and groups can take hayrides or enjoy a carriage ride. T e land is beautiful, imbued with history, and the
horses are wonderful. What more could a trail rider want? Overnight accommodations are available in the
three-bedroom Bunk House, with a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook, or they’ll cook for you. T e quaint log cabin has original beams, hardwood fl ooring, a spacious dining room with a spectacular view of the valley and a fi replace for commiserating aſt er a long day in the saddle. You can rent a single room or the entire home. T e Elizabeth Furnace Campground in the George
Washington National Forest is located about three miles from the ranch. In fact, you will pass it on your way in. You might also choose to stay at an historical prop-
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erty: T e Hotel Strasburg. Originally built as a private hospital in 1902, the hotel later became a lodging and dining anchor in the Shenandoah Valley. Your name on the guest register will mingle with the names of luminar- ies from around the world. While a guest of the hotel, history buf fs wi l l want to visit the Stonewall Jackson Museum, Belle Grove Planta- tion, local bat lefi elds and the Strasburg Museum, all close by. Staying at the Hotel Strasburg and riding at Secret
Passage Ranch (and staying in the Bunk House) will pro- vide a strong sense of American history and appreciation for our colonial heritage that most folks rarely discover.
Secret Passage Ranch
CONTACT INFO: » 321 Spring Mountain Way » Fort Valley, VA 22652 » 540.933.6564 »
don@secretpassageranch.com »
www.secretpassageranch.com/rides.html »
www.hotelstrasburg.com
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