Potters of the past: Art exhibit reminiscent of Strasburg's history

MIDDLETOWN -- Long before the nickname had another meaning, Strasburg proudly passed itself off as "Pot Town."

Bluegrass benefits: Clarke couple's concerts aid school athletics

BERRYVILLE -- As the Berryville Bluegrass Series nears the heart of its ninth season, founders Frank and Cyndy Jurney, of Shenandoah Farms in Clarke County, can practically just sit back and watch the music program run itself.

Horse therapy: Long Branch riding center offers four-legged help

MILLWOOD -- On a wet and chilly October afternoon, the barn at Historic Long Branch in Clarke County offers a dry refuge.

Writer's flock: Classes, clubs help children to express themselves in print

Vanessa Bittel has been writing since she was 6. Her first story, "Jane is Mad," helped her realize a passion for storytelling. The Stephens City resident now enjoys writing mysteries, especially ones that begin with a death.

Fearful fundraiser: Author to be guest, read from book at library benefit

FRONT ROYAL -- If dressing up as a favorite literary character and meeting a well-known author this Halloween eve sounds like a haunting good time, Samuels Library has just the offering.

New theater offers food, beer on tap

WINCHESTER -- Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas made its long-awaited debut at Kernstown Commons on Monday.

Outside the lines: Journal project strikes a chord at James Wood

WINCHESTER -- A group of seniors gathers in an art room at James Wood High School on a recent afternoon to look back on journals they constructed during the last year. They flip through the pages, marveling at ideas they harnessed in moments of brilliance and laughing at the memories shared with friends.

Great pumpkins: Residents preparing for Halloween, carving out fun

WINCHESTER -- It's a fruit. Most call it a vegetable. It's probably a gourd, too.

Frightfully fun: Community Halloween events offer good time for whole family

There's no shortage of places to get spooked in the Northern Shenandoah Valley this month.

Check it out: Renewed interest in libraries branches out to DVDs, Web, Wii

Kate Isom reviews the audio books at Shenandoah County Library in Edinburg in search of a biography to keep her entertained during an upcoming trip. She has been a library patron her entire life, but never more so than now.