Take a stroll through Winchester, Virginia's historic Old Town Walking Mall, and experience some of the riches and colors of Winchester's past. This walking mall is a marketplace that has been serving the community for over 250 years.
The First Presbyterian Church, established in 1841 after moving from its Kent Street location, is a Gothic Revival-style structure with a three-story steeple, battlements, and corner capitals. It is difficult to walk past this building without taking a picture because of its beauty.
Old Frederick County Courthouse, built in 1840, is where 23-year-old George Washington began his political career. It is the most impressive Greek Revival-style courthouse in Virginia and the location of the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum. Standing in front of the courthouse is the statue representing the Confederate soldiers who served in the Civil War.
The Farmers and Merchants National Bank, built in 1902, has an Italian Renaissance Revival Structure. The detailed façade has fluted concrete pilasters, arched windows, and a massive overhang. The detail that caught my attention was the clock that accurately tells the time and is a source of advertising for the bank's name.
The Union Bank, built in 1870, is a commercial example of the classical revival style. The lower level façade still has historically accurate reproductions of its earlier structure. If you look closely, two lions' heads are up near the top.
This building is Hiram Lodge No. 21, which was built in 1867 in the Italian tradition and dedicated in 1868. President William McKinley was a Mason and a member of this lodge.
The Taylor Hotel, built in 1836, is one of the most elegant hotels in old Winchester. It was owned by Bushrod Taylor. Famous guests who have visited this hotel include Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and Stonewall Jackson. The hotel once housed a theater in its center, but it collapsed in 2007. It is known today for its restaurant, Macado's. The two statues in the photo may represent the theater that was once here.
As we approach the end of the mall, this is a photo of the signs advertising the stores that are left.
The Snow White Grill, built in 1949, was a popular hangout for locals, including famous country music singer Patsy Cline. Although it has been sold several times, the interior has been kept as much like the original as possible, so it is like taking a step back in time. The menu is the same, including their famous mini burger.
And thus, we conclude our journey through the Old Town Walking Mall, a distinctive spot that should not be missed during your visit to Winchester, Virginia.
