New to Waynesboro? Looking for cool rock climbing  spot while in town for aunties 90th b-day?

Shaffer Rocks.

The rocks.

Shaffer Rocks provides the easy access and numerous fun routes for any level of climber.  Turn north off route 16 onto Old Forge Road (between an AC&T gas station and the Patriot bank). Proceed north for approximately five miles and then turn left on Swift Run Road. Drive up the dirt road for .9 miles until there is a sharp left-hand curve in the road and there is obvious parking to the right.  Pull off here, the top of the rocks are 100 yards to the right.

Shaffer rocks has been used by local climbers, school groups, day camps and boy scouts for decades.  No bolted lines exist, so bring your trad gear if you planning on leading but most groups prefer to set up top ropes.  Climbs run from 5.3 to 5.12-.  The most popular climbs are Leap of Faith (5.7) and Yellow Pages (5.8) for their pronounced cruxes and dynamic moves.

“The Hermitage” cabin sits a hundred yards below crag is an unbeatable accommodation if the climber plans ahead.  The cabin is rented out by the PATC and the keys are mailed so plan a few days in advance.

Having grown up in Waynesboro understand that persisting problem we have, what to or in this case, where to go with your BF or GF. In this post I’m going to give my ideas – my experience – then ask for yours.

1. Picnicking at Chimney Rock.

Believe you-me there is nothing like looking out over the valley and reservoir from on top of the rocks and seeing the sun splashed across the rolling forest below. The rocks are just a 30 minute hike up the Appalachian Trail.

2. Picnic at Renfrew Park

Its Sunday, its already noon,  and there is still time to be spontaneous. The last museum tour is at 3:30 on Sundays so pack a light dinner, I’m thinking sparkling cider, apples, cheese, some nice salami, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, dark chocolate…  you get the idea. I like to eat up on the hill near that little cemetery [if that's to grim for the barn is nice too].

3. Your idea here ….

I like to travel, no I love to travel and as the summer comes to a close (I know it’s long gone, I’m in denial) I thought I would look back at my favorite day trips from The Boro. If you have any ideas let me know I’ll add them.

Harper’s Ferry site

On a nice summer day you can’t beat Harper’s Ferry. If you are into history like me you will love this place. There is tons to do, tons to see, plenty to eat. I suggest after a day of walking and having your picture taken in top hats and crazy old time clothes you should take a dip in the Potomac river. The sunset is killer.

Washington Country Museum Of Fine Arts site

You might be thinking ‘day trip? your kidding right, to Hagerstown?’ but hear me out. I was also a little skeptical at first. After living in DC for a few years I was getting kind of snooty about art. Long story short, this place blew me away, very nice architecture amazing setting (pack a lunch eat in the park) and a crazy dynamic array of art on display, every thing from Asian ceramics to local oil paintings. Also I think they have student discounts -  somebody correct me if I’m wrong.

Bubes Brewery (bubesbrewery.com)

This has it all, a muesum, brewery, art gallery. Bottom line, if your need get out of town for a nip Bubes Brewery is not bad. Here is a cool review of it.

So I have been prowling the town, happy for a reason to try any and all of Waynesboro’s fair. After all this I have my results, drumroll please……

1.  1912 Hoover House

The Hoover House! Yes I know its an obvious choice but a good one none the less. I love the salmon and the service is always great.

2.  Red Run Grill

Surprised? Then you haven’t had their pulled pork or BBQ. Get in the car, go there, eat it.

3.  Kimmie’s Kreations & Johnny’s Java

This is a great little place, open mic, good coffee and great cakes, these tender little morsels of goodness, they just sit all day long in the case, waiting for us.