The 10 Best Things to Do in New Market, United States

Shenandoah Caverns has been thrilling visitors since 1922. It is the only Virginia cavern with elevator service, making it one of the easiest caverns to tour. It's also the closest major cavern to I-81 (Exit 269). Our famous bacon formations are so unusual they were featured in National Geographic. Personally guided tours through our 17 soaring rooms take approximately one hour. Also see our other attractions: Main Street of Yesteryear, American Celebration on Parade (open seasonally), and the Yellow Barn. Open all year. Located 2 minutes from I-81, Exit 269, five miles north of New Market, VA in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Let the exploration begin! Please keep in mind that while Shenandoah Caverns does have an elevator, it is not considered handicap accessible. The pathway is crushed gravel with slight inclines throughout the tour, so assistance is required to navigate the tour via wheelchair. There is also one small portion that is not accessible by wheelchair at all. If you are walking the tour, you must be able to stand for one hour and walk one mile. If you have any questions about accessibility, please give us a call.

This is the only state-owned Civil War museum in Virginia and is administered by the Virginia Military Institute. The site consists of three elements: The Virginia Museum of the Civil War, the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park and the Historic Bushong Farm.The site is on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail System. The museum focuses on the whole war in the Commonwealth of Virginia with special attention paid to the Battle of New Market on May 15th 1864 and the role played by the corps of cadets from the Virginia Military Institute. A total of 257 cadets from VMI participated in the battle with 47 wounded and 10 killed because of the fighting. The museum features exhibits, dioramas, artifacts from the battle and an Emmy-award winning film called Field of Lost Shoes shown hourly in the theater. Outside visitors will enjoy three hundred acres of core battlefield property accessible by foot or car. The New Market Battlefield State Historical Park offers two walking trails across the farm and battlefield terminating atop Bushong's Hill and two scenic overlooks 100 feet above the Shenandoah River. Historically-named features include the Field of Lost Shoes, a wheatfield so named by cadets because of lost footwear, and the Fatal Orchard, a dangerous part of the battlefield next to the farm. Finally, the Bushong Farm features seven buildings to explore. The two frame houses were witnesses to the battle that day. Exhibits inside tell the story of what life was like in the Shenandoah Valley before and during the Civil War.

American Celebration on Parade is a museum of over 20 full size parade floats and props from Presidential Inaugurals, Rose Parades, Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parades and more. See the floats up close, at your own pace. You can even board some of the floats to stand where presidents and other famous Americans have stood. It's a once in a lifetime experience! American Celebration is open seasonally, please call for more information. American Celebration on Parade is part of Shenandoah Caverns Family of Attractions. The venue also offers over 9,000 sq ft of open space for corporate events, banquets, trade shows and more. It can table seat up to 600+ or stadium seat up to 1000. The Celebration can also host trade shows of up to 50 booths. To learn more about event rentals, please visit our website.

You will find De Mello Vineyards nestled in the folds of the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley. We sit directly under Third Hill, one of the conspicuous landmarks in the valley, used as a signal station during the Civil War. Our little winery has amazing views and beautiful sunsets with a westerly exposure which our vines adore. Our terrior has the ideal components for an excellent wine with its limestone and clay soils. Our tasting room embraces the essence of the valley with reclaimed wood, an intricate walnut bar. Come and wine down at Third Hill Winery and experience the Shenandoah piece of mind.

A cave complex that is still being explored and offers more than five miles of mapped areas.

The Yellow Barn is part of Shenandoah Caverns Family of Attractions. It is a display of antique carriages & farm equipment. Country themed gift shops and a Virginia wine shop are throughout the building. The Yellow Barn can also be rented for private events and weddings. Please contact us for more information.

Site of the 1864 Civil War Battle of New Market