WHY SHENANDOAH, VIRGINIA?

I wanted somewhere quiet that I could retreat to. I travel a lot, spend a lot of time on the road, and many of the places I travel to are kind of loud. I mean loud volume-wise, but also energy wise, and coming back home to the mountains allows me to literally breathe easier. I also don’t feel I lack for anything living here. I could pop out to Luray for a movie and dinner. I feel “away” from it here, but not “out” of it here.

WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST WHEN YOU’RE AWAY?

The quality of the light and the people. Maybe it’s my age, but cities are getting kind of unbearable to me. Most of the cities seem awfully managed and invasive. I’ve lived in the biggest cities in the world: LA, New York City, etc, and they feel different to me now. Certainly less artist friendly. I find myself traveling to them as a kind of long distance commuter. Do whatever I have to do for work, and get out. As a writer, I need a place to commune with literally nothing and just have silence. And living close to nature has done wonders for my blood pressure.

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE PACK IF THEY VISIT THERE?

A good pair of hiking shoes. A hiking stick. A slicker or an umbrella as the clouds can formulate pretty quickly. Also, try to just slow down a little bit. Don’t eat as fast. Have a cup of coffee, but not on the go. Find a bench in a park—especially Carillon Park in Luray, and just sit there. Try not to micro-plan too much. Give yourself time to visit New Market, Mount Jackson, the Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, attend a service at a church.

WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU DO ON RETURNING HOME?

Sit on my deck and stare at the mountains. Then I check in with my neighbors, many of whom have become my buds by working on my home with me. Work on the house is really therapy for me. We talk about what animals have been hanging around. Any bear sightings? Then I unpack, maybe play a little music and try to get to work writing. I also try to sleep a lot out here, because it’s quiet and I feel I could catch up with a lot of rest.

WHY IS YOUR PLACE CALLED “WYATT’S HILL?”

It’s named in honor of Wyatt, the best dog in the whole world. My kids and I were blessed with him for fourteen years, and it wasn’t nearly long enough. It still kills me that dogs get a sliver of a life time, and humans—some of whom are awful people—can live to be a hundred. Not fair.

WHERE SHOULD PEOPLE STAY AROUND THERE?

I really dug the Country View Lodging Motel in Elkton—and stayed there when I was first exploring the area. It’s reasonably priced, close to some restaurants and they even have an actual pay phone. Neat place.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL COFFEE PLACE?

The Coffee Shop in Stanley. And they have great food and baked goods too. But the ladies there are what you go for. They’re positive and welcoming and a breath of fresh air.

WHAT IS THE BEST PLACE FOR LUNCH?

There are several, but I really dig West Main Market in Luray. And they’re super dog friendly.

AND FOR DINNER?

I think the Mimslyn Inn in Luray is great. And it has a cool history. It’s also a nice place to stay if you’re on that side of the valley as well.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN WHEN YOU’RE HOME?

I try to hike and explore the park and work on the cabin as much as I can, but when we need a break we pop over to the New Page Theatre in Luray and see a movie. It’s like a theatre from the 1950’s, literally. It’s clean, there aren’t twenty five commercials before the feature, the prices are reasonable and the kids who work there are sweet as heck. It’s just a pleasure going there.

WHAT SHOULD WE AVOID?

Driving too late on the mountain roads, or if there’s snow. Also, be aware of deer and other animals. Play it safe.

WHAT SHOULD WE BRING HOME WITH US?

You can buy some wonderful artwork and clothes in the shops in Elkton, Shenandoah, New Market, and Luray. Also, New Market has a great store called Jon Henry General Store that has great gifts and things to take home. Also, anything at Cooter’s Place in Luray, which is a must see—not just for fans of The Dukes of Hazzard, but just for people with a sense of humor. But do try to buy local. There are really talented artists and craftspeople in this area and they deserve the support.

Charles Evered is a writer and director who has written for theatre, TV and film. His new collection of plays called “Fourteen Short Plays and Monologues—1984-2024” is out now. His play “CLASS” will have its New York City premiere in November. He is the proud father of Margaret Evered and John O’Hara Evered.