The Candlewick Inn is a beautifully restored Pre-Civil War home that sits amidst the historical riches of picturesque Shenandoah County. Enjoy a romantic evening or two while you step back in time to a quaint setting of "Alpine" beauty in the historic town of Woodstock.

Woodstock actually dates back to before the Revolutionary War, and many of the homes located within its historic district were built during the late 18th century. Much of the lore surrounding the town's colorful past centers on the Civil War. Main Street, otherwise known as Old Valley Pike or Route 11, used to be an old Indian Trail that doubled as a byway for Civil War troops. There are several stories about Mosby, the "Gray Ghost", who fought with a band of Confederate soldiers who withdrew to the Massanutten Mountains, which frame so nicely from the inn's front porch.

The antique-filled Candlewick Inn houses four air-conditioned bed and breakfast guestrooms, each with a private bath and sitting area, as well as a brass bed with down comforter. A traditional parlor provides entertainment with a player piano for guests' enjoyment. Lovely country gardens invite relaxation with a hammock and various sitting areas. The porch swing is a wonderful place to relax, visit, and listen to the church chimes.

A sumptuous Candlewick breakfast featuring homemade bread and jam is served in the dining room. And at 5:00 p.m., guests gather on the veranda for tea, lemonade, or hot cider and dessert.

Of course, the river, mountains, and forest provide all sorts of recreational diversions such as fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, and downhill skiing. If you really want to get elbow-deep in local color, you can roll up your sleeves and pick a bushel of apples or berries for your trip back home.

Woodstock's historic district is home to an eclectic collection of antique shops and malls. The district also boasts a farmers market and multiple cinemas. Nearby attractions include the George Washington National Forest, the Bryce Ski Resort, New Market Battlefield Park, the Belle Grove Plantation, the North Mountain Winery, and two underworld delights -- the Endless Caverns and the Shenandoah Caverns. There also are some fine museums and picturesque covered bridges in the area. And if you visit the top of Woodstock Tower, you can watch the Shenandoah River gracefully snake its way through the countryside.