“August is like the Sunday of summer.” — Anonymous
Summer is slipping away, so it is important to book a fun distraction before school begins. Why not a “staycation” in our beautiful city? The George Washington Hotel might be just the desitination. It has a storied history and a vibrant present. Read on.
Opened in 1924, the red brick five-story hotel contained 102 rooms and 45 baths; the lowest level offered guests a barber-shop, cafeteria, candy shop and men’s furnishing shop. In 1950 the hotel was remodeled to include a Howard Johnson’s restaurant, a popular southern food chain.
After varioius incarnations, the George Washington was purchased and restoration began in 2004. It had been vacant for over a decade. Since 2008, it has, once again, been in the social network of Winchester. It was listed on the National Register of HIstoric Places in 2010, but its current sassy vibe is very 2021.
Jazzy lounge.
Doesn’t this look cozy? The Half Note Lounge features live entertainment on weekends. You can also stop by, enjoy a snack and catch up with friends. Here, bygone charm intersects with big city culinary sophistication — all in the historic Shenandoah Valley. Downstairs, there are a indoor pool modeled after a Roman bathhouse and George’s restaurant, offering spirits and food.
Hollywood heydey.
The George Washington Hotel continues to build on its legacy as the social headquarters of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. Notable guests include Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Jack Dempsey, Luci Arnez, Debbie Reynolds, among many others. Modern day celebrities still reign at the festival each year. Parties and galas dot the calendare during festival week!
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The Feltner Group is a full-service real estate team that specializes in providing a concierge-level of service for all clients. Your home is the set where life’s big and small moments are staged. We can help find a house worthy of your memories.
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