We actually used to live in this area of Virginia before moving to New England. We lived in Northern Virginia for about 5 years and loved the area but grew tired of the constant traffic that came with living so close to Washington D.C.
Before moving we did do the Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive once during fall and it was beyond gorgeous. Corey is going to Virginia for a hunting trip so I figured I would use this time to check out some of the area that I never got a chance to while living in the state.
Does anyone else ever find that they end up going back to states that they’ve lived in for trips and realizing how little of the state they actually explored while living there?
Luray Caverns – I always wanted to visit Luray Caverns while living in Virginia. I’ve read about the caverns many times and I can’t wait to see them in person. The wishing well sounds magical and I can’t wait to check it out.
Shenandoah National Park – I’ve been to Shenandoah National Park once before but only to do the famous Skyline Drive. This time I’m hoping to do a bit of hiking and I’m bringing the boys along, so I will let you know how dog friendly this national park is. I’d love to give the Stony Man Trail a try!
Small town charm – Virginia has one of the richest histories in the United States and the small towns are arguably the best way to enjoy that history. I’d love to check out the Victorian and Colonial home in Culpepper or the cobblestone streets of Abington.
Visiting a few vineyards – There are roughly a dozen vineyards within the area that we are staying and I would love to visit a few during out visit.
If we have time I would love to visit Jefferson’s Monticello or Washington’s Mount Vernon, however, with only 72 hours in Virginia I don’t know that we will have time for either.
Trip Unplanner: Shenandoah, Virginia
Staying
This AIRBNB in Front Royal, VA
Shenandoah National Park
A vehicle pass is $30 for 7 consecutive days.
Shenandoah National Park
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
Great news for those who are traveling with 4’leggd babies – according to the NPS website Shenandoah is one of the rare national parks that allow pets on trails as long as they are on a 6ft leash at all times.
Of course there are a few exceptions and pets are not permitted on the following trails:Fox Hollow, Stony Man, Limberlost, Dark Hollow Falls, Story of the Forest, Bearfence Rock Scramble, Frazier Discovery, Old Rag Ridge and Old Rag Saddle Trails.
Two of the most popular hikes I’m finding are Stony Man Trail and Dark Hollow Falls but neither will be an option for us because I will have the boys with me.
Hiking
Trails I’m Interesting In:
Hawksbill Summit Trail – moderate, 1.5 miles
Crabtree Meadow to Pinnacle Rocks, easy, 3.3 miles
Humpback Rocks Loop via the Appalachian Trail – moderate, 3.6 miles
Spy Rock Trail – moderate, 5.7 miles
Mount Pleasant Trail – moderate, 6.2 miles
Hanging Rock – moderate, 7.3 miles
Waterfall Trails –
Panther Falls – moderate, 1.3 miles
Rose River Trail (Falls) – moderate, 3.5 miles
Saint Mary Falls – moderate, 4.3 miles
South River Falls – moderate, 4.6 miles
White Rock Falls Loop – moderate, 5.3 miles
Best Sunrise Spots
These are all along the Skyline Drive which is the main road in the park.
Tunnel Parking Overlook (milepost 32.5)
Buck Hollow Overlook (milepost 32.8)
Hazel Mountain Overlook (milepost 33)
Hemlock Springs Overlook (milepost 40)
Thorofare Mountain Overlook (milepost 40.5) (very popular)
Best Sunset Spots
Timber Hollow Overlook (milepost 43)
Spitler Knoll Overlook (milepost 48.1)
Hazeltop Ridge Overlook (milepost 54.5)
The Point Overlook (milepost 55.5)
Brown Mountain Overlook (milepost 77)
Rockytop Overlook (milepost 78)
Outside the Park:
Caverns
Luray Caverns – 101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, Virginia 22835
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am – 4 pm
Sat-Sun: 9am – 5pm
Cost: Adults – $28
Children (6-12) – $15
You can purchase tickets upon arrival.
Shenandoah Caverns – 261 Caverns Road, Quicksburg, VA 22847
Hours: 9 am – 4pm
Monday to Friday guided tours leave on the hour, beginning at 10 AM.
Tours run more frequently on weekends and holidays.
Cost: $25 per person for adults
The caverns are 56 degrees no matter the temperature outside.
Skyline Caverns – 10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630
Hours: 9 am – 4pm
Cost: $22 per person for adults
Starry Nights Program – Shenandoah offers something that not many places in this area do – very little light pollution. There are free stargazer programs held weekly at the Skyland and Big Meadow lodge.
Historical Sites
Belle Grove Plantation – 9221 Belle Grove Drive, King George, Virginia 22485
Hours: It’s technically a BNB now so I am going by touring hours.
Wed-Sun: 1pm – 4pm (last tour leaves at 3:30pm”
The mansion was built in 1797 and was the birthplace of President James Madison. They offer tours and even afternoon tea voted the best in Virginia!
Mansion and Grounds Tours:
Cost: $15 per person for Adults.
Afternoon Tea:
–Reservations required within 48 hours.
Cost: $35 per person not including tax and gratuity.
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District – 9386 S Congress St, New Market, VA 22844
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am to 5 pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
According to NPS, “The peaceful beauty of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley was shattered during the American Civil War. Today you can still view much of the landscape as it was seen by soldiers and civilians during the war, and you can explore the region’s dramatic Civil War story at historic sites, battlefields, courthouses, cemeteries, walking trails, and museums that tell the story of those storm-tossed years.”
Mount Vernon – Just over an hour away from out AIRBNB. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
Cost: $18 per person with online discount
Mount Vernon really has something for everyone. They offer several different tours or you can go as you please. There is even a distillery on the grounds that still makes whiskey today.
Eats
Papermill Place – Breakfast suggested. 2214 Papermill Road
Winchester, VA 22601.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 6AM – 8PM
Saturday: 6AM – 3PM
Sunday: 7AM – 3PM
Blue Wing Frog – Amazing sandwiches. 219 Chest Street, Front Royal, Va 22630
Hours: Sun – Thurs: 11 am – 9 pm
Fri – Sat: 11 am – 10 pm
Po’ Greens Southern Food & BBQ – 240 S Commerce Ave #2, Front Royal, VA 22630
Hours: Closed Mon-Thurs
Fri-Sat: 12 pm – 6pm
Sun: 12 pm – 4 pm
Three Blacksmiths – 20 Main Street, Sperryville, VA 22740
Hours: Closed Sun – Wed
Thurs – Sat: 7 pm – 11 pm
Triple Crown BBQ – 1079 U.S. 211, Luray, VA 22835
Hours: Closed Mon – Thurs
Fri-Sun: 11:30 am – 6:30 pm
Sips: Breweries & Wineries
Front Royal Brewing Co -122 E Main St, Front Royal, VA 22630
Hours: Sun – Thurs: 11 am – 10 pm
Fri-Sat: 11am – 12 pm
Hawksbill Brewing Co – 22 Zerkel St, Luray, VA 22835
Hours: Closed Mon-Wed
Thurs: 4pm – 8pm
Fri- Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Sun: 1pm-6pm
River Hill Wine and Spirits – 356 Ruffners Ferry Rd, Luary, VA 22835
Hours: Closed Mon-Thurs
Fri-Sat: 11am-5pm
Sun: 1pm-5pm
Glen Manor Vineyards – 2244 Browntow n Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630
Hours: Closed Tuesday
Mon – Wed – Sat: 11 am – 5 pm
Sun: 12 pm – 5 pm
Chester Gap Cellars – 4615 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630
Hours: Closed Mon – Thurs
Fri: 12 pm – 5 pm
Sat: 11 am – 6 pm
Sun: 11 am – 5 pm
Tune in for the next few weeks and find out how this trip was definitely classified as a misadventure, what to do when the skyline drive is closed and which caverns we loved!
I know that was a lot of information so feel free to pin this and come back to it later when you are trip planning!
Please Note: I have no affiliation with any of these places and I aim to provide the most up to date information that I can find.