After a long, cold winter, consider heading south for a day in the Shenandoah Valley. You can breathe in fresh air and catch stunning mountain views. And to help you plan, we’ve rounded up some places to eat, shop, hike, and explore in the region.
Shenandoah National Park
There’s lots to explore in this national park, and the views don’t get any less breathtaking no matter how many times you visit. Make your way through the park on the famous Skyline Drive, rife with scenic overlooks.
For a quick hike with a great summit, head to the Stony Man trail. It’s a 1.6-mile round-trip hike graded “easiest” on the National Park Service’s website. It offers panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below from the top.
Mary’s Rock is another classic hike, but this one is for slightly more experienced hikers. It’s 3.7 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain on 1,210 feet and a “moderate” difficulty rating.
Of course, ambitious visitors can tackle Old Rag Mountain — just be prepared for steep climbs and a rock scramble. If this is on your bucket list, remember to book a time slot ahead of time, a policy the park implemented to reduce overcrowding on the popular trail.
Other Attractions
Shenandoah National Park is the biggest attraction in the area, but it’s far from the only one. Take a detour on your trip to visit these other locations.
At Luray Caverns, you can explore underground wonders with a tour of towering stone formations.
Farther south — but well worth the journey — is the Virginia Scenic Railway, where passengers can hop aboard a 1940s railcar for a three-hour train ride. It starts in downtown Staunton and runs east or west, depending on the line you choose.
If shopping is more your speed, check out the selection of antique shops throughout the Shenandoah area. You can hunt for antique treasures at shops like Long Valley Traders in Winchester or Hip and Humble Interiors in Berryville.
Good Eats
All that exploring will probably leave you hungry. For a casual bite, stop at West Main Market in Luray, which offers sandwiches and soups in a homey space, plus outdoor seating.
Other options include Appalachian restaurant Vault & Cellar in Middletown, or Winchester’s Crush Wine Bar for tapas.
The Shenandoah region is home to several wineries and breweries that are well worth a visit. Consider a stop at Fox Meadow Vineyards in Linden, Shenandoah Vineyards in Edinburg, or The Brewery at Hopkins Ordinary in Sperryville.
And don’t miss a stop at The Apple House in Linden to grab a box of apple butter doughnuts for the road.
Feature image by B. Raeburn, courtesy National Park Service
