The Frederick House, an intimate bed and breakfast providing lodging in Staunton in Virginia's historic Shenandoah Valley, consists of several 19th-century homes tied together with a renovated Victorian twist.

The oldest part of the collection of century-old estates dates back to 1810 and features a winding Federal-style staircase. The property's garden plots, terrace, and steps make artful use of the hillside setting, and culinary herb gardens and flowering trees add fragrance and color to the walkways. The surrounding museums and other historical sites echo the Frederick House's rich heritage.

The inn accommodates guests with 12 guest rooms and 11 suites. Each guest room and multi-room suite is uniquely decorated and elegantly furnished with period pieces and includes a private bath, cable television, radio, alarm clock, hairdryer, robes, air conditioning, high speed Internet access, and telephone. Many accommodations also feature separate entrances, living rooms, decorative fireplaces, and private decks or balconies. For business travelers, there are facilities for small meetings.

A wholesome breakfast featuring scrumptious hot entrees and a wide selection of fruit is served daily. The Shenandoah Valley's broad range of eateries offers everything from a candlelit dinner in a restored train station to appetizers and spirits in a lively pub. A selection of six great restaurants is within walking distance.

Visitors to Staunton have easy access to the natural beauty and dramatic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive. Several Civil War sites, Lee Chapel, Stonewall Jackson's home, the Grand Caverns, Monticello, Virginia Metal Crafters, Wade's Mill, Cyrus McCormick's workshop, and the Virginia Horse Center are all within 40 minutes of Staunton. The P. Buckley Moss Museum and the Museum of American Frontier Culture are just a short drive away as well.

Wherever your interests lie, you'll find a wealth of possibilities in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Your hosts, Karen and Denny, know that your stay at Frederick House will also prove to be a memorable experience -- one you will want to repeat.

Frederick House guests are within walking distance of several points of interest, including Mary Baldwin College, Stuart Hall, Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Museum, and the Historic Staunton Train Station complex, which combines Amtrak service with two excellent restaurants, an ice cream parlor, and an eclectic collection of antique shops.

As for those who want to mix their sight-seeing with entertainment, the Shenandoah Shakespeare Blackfriars Playhouse is two blocks from Frederick House, and there's a movie theater in downtown Staunton. Summertime guests will also want to check out Staunton's weekly outdoor concert series. The Shenandoah Valley has proved to be a hot spot for those who enjoy golf, tennis, cycling, hiking, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, and alpine and cross-country skiing.