Winchester is an independent city located in the northwestern portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 26,203.[3] It is the county seat of Frederick County,[4] although the two are separate jurisdictions. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Winchester with surrounding Frederick County for statistical purposes.
Winchester has long been known as the “Apple Capital” surrounded as it is by vast orchards and constituting one of the largest apple export markets of the nation and the largest producing area in Virginia. Downtown Winchester hosts an expansive historic district as well as over 30 places to eat and 50 retail shops. Festivals, live music and patio seating enliven the Old Town Pedestrian Mall (Loudoun Street) throughout the year.