Skyland Resort in the Shenandoah Mountains is known for its beautiful views, but there's more to gaze at than just the mountains: You can also get the chance to star-gaze with astronomers.
NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern, an amateur astronomer/astrophotographer, offers his knowledge and passion about the solar system during 30-minute presentations at Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge, followed by star gazing in the Big Meadows area.
Upcoming dates for the presentations are Sept. 10, Sept. 21 and Oct. 2.
During Redfern's "The Sky Is Falling" presentation, he'll bring out his piece of the Chelyabinsk meteorite that fell over Russia in February 2013. The "So, You Want to Be an Astrophotographer" session will teach the basics of how to photograph the park and sky.
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To book your star-gazing stay or for general lodging, visit the GoShenandoah website for reservations. We recommend the Linger Longer package that includes a one-hour guided horseback ride, three-hour canoe trip, a tour of Luray Caverns, wine tasting and a cooking demo. This package starts at $462 for two people and will include the star-gazing presentations if you plan accordingly.
Check out their calendar of events to help choose a booking date that works for you.
A few tidbits about Shenandoah Park:
- 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail
- three lodging options: Skyland Resort, Big Meadows Lodge and the Lewis Mountain Cabins.
- Skyline Drive, 105 miles of open road
- more than 1,400 species of wild flowers bloom in the spring
- rock climbing and rappelling classes
- monthly wine tastings from four wineries
- relaxation: priceless.
Skyland Resort is located about two and a half hours from downtown D.C.
