The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

There are many interesting historic sites in Northern Virginia, making it an interesting destination for a weekend excursion from the Washington D.C. area. Of particular note are the several historic homes, plantations, and museums near Paris Virginia Bed and Breakfasts. One of the most interesting historic sites and museums near Paris Virginia Bed and Breakfasts is the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. It encompasses the Glen Burnie Historic House, the Glen Burnie Gardens, and the Museum of Shenandoah Valley itself. It easy to spend several days exploring these three venues; indeed, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley houses four large gallery spaces within its 50,000 square feet. The Four Galleries of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley:

• The Shenandoah Valley Gallery uses multi-media presentations and historic objects to bring the history of the valley to life.
• The Julian Wood Glass Jr. Gallery exhibits fine art and antiques. Look for paintings by John Constable, Thomas Gainsborough, and many more.
• The R. Lee Taylor Miniatures Gallery features the work of more than 70 miniatures artisans.
• The Changing Exhibition Gallery is currently showcasing Come In and Have a Seat: Vernacular Chairs of the Shenandoah Valley. Learn all about the history of chairmaking in the Shenandoah Valley through June 20, 2011.

The Glen Burnie Historic House dates from the late 18th century. It houses antique furnishings and art purchased by the original owners and their descendants, as well as many art pieces, decorative objects and furnishings purchased by Julian Wood Glass Jr., who acquired the house in 1955. It was Julian Wood Glass who had the gardens created in the mid 1950s; today they are considered some of the most lovely public gardens in the state of Virginia. Visitors are invited to stroll down the Grand Allée, discover a tiny Hidden Garden, and sit by the Water Garden. Boxwood, roses, dahlias… the garden is an explosion of fragrant color spring through fall. We hope you'll have time to visit the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley while staying at Northern Virginia Bed and Breakfasts. Spend a day there, or return several times over the course of your vacation. Docent tours are now offered in the Glen Burnie Historic House and the Glen Burnie Gardens are now open. Additional information may be found at Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.