Kwoo- it was great! Just unpacking; will report tomorrow.

Cass Scenic Railway in south central West Virginia is worth the drive, and the scenery along the way is beautiful (http://www.cassrailroad.com/). Nearby is the Greenbriar River Trail, a "Rails to Trails" site with scenic level cycling and places to rent bicycles and run shuttles (http://wordpress.greenbrierrivertrail.com/). West Virginia really is quite beautiful this time of year!

Sorry, the URL for Cass Scenic Railroad didn't post properly. Here it is: http://www.cassrailroad.com/

Rumseydog,
Thanks for the info and the links. Cass Scenic Railway & Greenbriar River Trail sound great!

Virginiafish, looking forward to your report!

Okay, Kwoo and everyone--here is is. We stopped in Purcellville, VA and had lunch at Magnolias at the Mill www.magnoliasmill.com/ In fact, we loved this restaurant so much that we ate there 3 times in our four day visit. We explored the town some and headed off to our B&B, Carriage Inn in Charles Town www.magnoliasmill.com/ It was one of the best B&Bs. It was conveniently located to explore the area and the owners were helpful. The breakfasts were delicious and health consciously prepared. Rooms were spacious. They provided snacks and drinks always. That evening, we went to downtown Harper's Ferry, walked across the railroad bridge and along the river trail. We had dinner down the block from the B&B at Dish, www.wvdish,com--also delicious, with music, too. The next day, we biked along the C&O Canal Towpath from Harper's Ferry to Brunswick and back. We explored Harper's Ferry town afterwards. We took a stroll around Charles Town that evening, visiting a newly opened book store/cafe., we went to Shepardstown, crossed over into Maryland and walked along the canal and had lunch at Bistro 112, good, but not special. Explored the town a little and returned to Harper's Ferry for a more in depth visit. The park service has done a great job. That evening, we went on a ghost tour which was informative and fun. Sunday, we returned to Brunswick, MD to bike more along the canal and to lunch at Magnolia's on the way home. Biking is delight--flat, shaded and along water. All in all, a relaxing 4 days. There was a crafts festival which we didn't even visit...

Sorry about the typos.
The Carriage Inn
www.carriageinn.com/ offers 3 rooms and 3 suites with private baths in an 1836 restored home.

Also, the scenery, rolling hills, and gorgeous horse country were bucolic. We didn't have time to do any water adventures--tubing, kayaking or rafting this trip, but DH and DD did that on another trip and enjoyed it.

Kwoo, we can offer advice or suggestions for Loire Valley if you would like.

Hi virginiafish,
Your weekend sounds just wonderful, and I definitely would like to visit Harpers Ferry and other parts of WV. What state is Shepardstown in?

Can you recommend some restaurants in the Loire Valley? We are staying in Blois for 2 nights. Forgot the exact name of the hotel, but it was an All Seasons hotel & I just got an email informing me they have changed hands & are now an Ibis hotel. Then we are staying in Chinon for one night, at the Plantegent. What chateaus did you visit?

Cannot remember restaurants, as it was some time ago--2006. In terms of chateaus, we enjoyed Bois, Angers and Azay-le Rideau. They were each unique and fascinating and...not the ones with huge crowds. We stayed at a B&B.

p,s, Thanks for everyone's help in planning yet another trip!