Three years ago I was discussing photography with a fellow photographer, pictured below.  We were discussing places for good photography in the DC-Baltimore vicinity and he mentioned Shenandoah Valley.  He also showed me some photos of deer he had gotten there.  He was pretty impressed with how close he got to the deer (although - spoiler - I eventually got closer).  I was impressed with the deer photos and his description of Shenandoah Valley.  I resolved to visit it.