Things to Do in Martinsburg

Hidden throughout the 6-acre corn maze at River Valley Ranch are nine map fragments. Using these clues, lucky visitors can find the hidden bridge to exit the maze, only to discover a whole host of fall-themed activities to get lost in. From hayrides and pony rides to a moon bounce and a classic pumpkin patch, Maizefest takes advantage of every aspect of the fall harvest. Adults and older kids can race each other towards victory in an inflatable obstacle course, while smaller kids have their own corny fun inside homemade corn boxes, that are kind of like sandboxes, but with more corn. Should all that fall-themed fun kindle an appetite, the ranch also offers snacks or full meals at the concession stand, with options including homemade chili, barbecue, and funnel cakes.

Blank teapots, plates, mugs, and figurines line the shelves at I Made This!, awaiting finishing touches guided by the artful eyes of do-it-yourselfers. The studio carries all of the materials necessary to complete each piece, including paints, glazes, and a 1,800-degree kiln, where pieces of pottery, like really good barbecue or really bad pizza, requires about 20 hours to cook. A team of knowledgeable employees stays on hand to answer questions regarding the glazing and firing processes. The ideal activity for a range of ages and groups, painting pottery at I Made This! can enliven a sunny Saturday morning or a ladies' night out with a customer-provided bottle of wine, with the option of reserving a private party room.

When Dan and Alyce Weinberg purchased the Tivoli in the late 1950s, they imagined its ornate chandeliers and sweeping ceilings watching over concerts and performances that would keep the auditorium as full as it was in the theater's 1920s heyday. After a devastating flood in 1976 almost decimated the space, the Weinbergs and other community members restored the historic theater, which now flourishes as a home for live entertainment, films, and the performing arts.

Rolling hills and meadows cascade toward the organic-farming grounds that surround Paris Barns, where red-roofed buildings and metallic grain silos stand as pleasant punctuations against the lush landscape. The Virginian soil hosts more than 1,500 tomato plants, as well as other seasonal vegetables and herbs. The grounds also act as a certified wildlife habitat for goats, lambs, and alpacas, as well as more exotic animals such as flightless emus, which entertain visitors with their aggressive posturing and spot-on Groucho Marx impersonations.

In addition to harvesting their crops, the zen-minded farmers share their passion for sustainable living with the community at events and workshop that dish the ins and outs of organic farming. When the weather turns warm, the staffers shear wool from the resident sheep and alpacas, demonstrate crafts, and sell fiber-based arts. Meanwhile, beekeepers raid rows upon rows of hives for pure, organic honey.

A massive figure floats across the sky, roars, and sends fire into the air as it elevates higher and higher. The creature soaring above the Shenandoah Valley isn't a common dragon—it's one of D&D Ballooning's hot air balloons. Since 1981, the company's steadfast pilots have welcomed children and adults into their floating baskets to feast upon views of lush forests and rolling mountainsides. D&D's colorful aircrafts take off just before sunset or sunrise, letting passengers gaze at a sky painted with rich reds, bright oranges, and pinks delicate enough to pad a princess's walls.