Exploring and checking out what Virginia has to offer!

We've been exploring and checking out different ways to get to the Orlean Market in the village of Orlean. Today we're going to start our road trip in Front Royal west of Orlean.

We've outlined two route of travel: one is fairly fast; the other is  more scenic. Take your pick!

For the fast trip, pick up I-66 east outside of Front Royal. Enjoy the scenery as you travel to Exit 18 (Markham). If it is summer or spring time and fresh fruits and/or veggies are calling you, go left on Leeds Manor Road (Rt. 688) to Hartland Orchard (follow the sign). Hartland Orchard is owned by the Green family and provides a wonderful variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables either already picked or pick-your own.

If you turn right onto Leeds Manor Road, Fall will provide peaches and apples at Stribling Orchard. Pumpkins are also available plus an assortment of baked goods for your pleasure. Lunch is also available during the fruit season. Mt. View, the home of the Stribling family for five generations, is presently under renovation and will soon be occupied by another generation of the Stribling family.  There is a log structure near the driveway which was used for slave quarters. Enjoy the mountain view while you have lunch.

After you have finished your shopping, continue south on Leeds Manor Road past historic Leeds Episcopal Church and into the village of Hume where you will see The Inn at Barbee's Crossing, a former coach stop which is now available for lovely weekend and holiday stays.

Continue on from Hume to Orlean where you can visit the Orlean Market for light refreshments, dinner, music and other fun activities. The village of Orlean will observe more than 200 years in existence on Saturday, October 13, 2018 with a full day of family fun, fellowship and entertainment. Please join us.

The second more scenic route to the Orlean Market takes one east on Rt. 55 towards Markham. An interesting stop is at The Apple House near Linden where all sorts of gift and touristy items are for sale. A very good lunch is available there with scrumptious homemade doughnuts. After lunch, proceed east and visit The Giving Tree which has a variety of plants and homemade jams, jellies, etc.for your pleasure.

For the rest of your trip continue to Markham where you may visit the previously described markets and orchards. Then pick up Leeds Manor Road and continue on to The Orlean Market. Enjoy a friendly visit with the staff there while you partake of food, rest and special beverages. It's a great place to visit.