Certainly beautiful any time of year, the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains explode with color each fall and lure leaf peepers from throughout the DMV. We think it’s perfect for a weekend getaway, whether you enjoy roughing it in a tent and cooking on an open fire or relaxing at a luxury resort and dining on fine local cuisine.

Once considered the American frontier, the Shenandoah Valley runs approximately 140 miles from the top of Virginia southwest to Rockbridge County. The Blue Ridge Mountains are to the east and the Alleghenies to the west. There is also a small part in West Virginia to the north that we explored this summer in our Harpers Ferry post. While the most well-known excursions for visitors are exploring the Shenandoah National Park and driving the famous Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, the charming towns are great places to discover art galleries, locally made crafts, and antique stores.

Things to Do

Photo Courtesy of: National Park Service

Hiking is at the top of any to-do list for the Shenandoah Valley. A long stretch of the Appalachian Trail winds through the region, and the Shenandoah National Park website has a great list of day hikes for various lengths, skill levels, and interests. The most popular destination is Old Rag, which offers several different routes to the summit. Other great hikes worth checking out include the following: Whiteoak Canyon, Hawksbill Loop, and Doyles River Falls. Canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing on the Shenandoah River are also great ways to explore the area from a different point of view.

Besides hiking, there are so many other great outdoor activities in the area from guided rock climbing and rappelling to horseback trail rides. Top nature attractions include Luray Caverns, Skyline Caverns, and Natural Bridge. And of course, winter sports are popular at Bryce Resort and Massanutten.

If your interests lean towards history, art, and culture, there is plenty to discover. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester is a regional cultural center that includes galleries, gardens, the Glen Burnie House, and a Makerspace Studio. Staunton is home to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, the Frontier Culture Museum, and the American Shakespeare Center.

Where to Stay

Photo Courtesy of: The Inn at Vaucluse Spring

Places to stay in the Valley range from campgrounds and cabins to cozy inns, bed & breakfasts, and luxury resorts. Here are some worth checking out:

Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge are located within Shenandoah National Park; both offer rooms in the main lodge or detached cabins.
L’Auberge Provencale Bed and Breakfast – a quintessential French Country Inn – is anchored in beautiful White Post and houses an award-winning restaurant.
The Mimslyn Inn in Luray offers sophisticated rooms, suites, and cottages within walking distance to downtown.
Frederick House Hotel in Historic Staunton is a 20 room inn serving a hot, homemade breakfast.
The Inn at Vaucluse Spring in Stephens City is a romantic bed and breakfast in a peaceful setting. Guests may stay in the beautifully restored manor house built in 1785 or reserve a private cabin.
Iris Inn – perched atop the hills of Waynesboro – offers private cottages and cabins in addition to the main inn. Breathtaking views and a visit to the spa create the perfect couples’ getaway.
The George Washington, a Wyndham Grand Hotel resides in Winchester. Relax and rejuvenate at the health spa and indoor pool of this Georgian Revival hotel.
Massanutten Resort in Massanutten is an all-season resort with condo and hotel accommodations, an indoor/outdoor waterpark, a ski and adventure park, two golf courses, a day spa, and dining. Great for a family getaway!

Campgrounds and Cabins

Shenandoah National Park has five unique campgrounds for tent and RV camping throughout the park. Reservations are highly recommended for those sites. Backcountry camping is also allowed in the park for the most immersive experience.
Lewis Mountain Cabins, located within Shenandoah National Park, are furnished with private baths and outdoor grill areas.
Shenandoah River State Park is nestled in Bentonville on the South Fork of the River. This park’s varied amenities – including a large riverside picnic area, picnic shelters, trails, river access, and a car-top boat launch – make this a popular destination for families, anglers, and canoeists. Twelve riverfront tent campsites, a campground with water and electric sites, cabins, camping cabins, and a group campground are available as well.

Food and Drink

Photo Courtesy of: Zynodoa

Popular dining ideas like “farm to table” are deliciously realized throughout the Valley. Restaurants like Zynodoa in Staunton and La Table Provencale in White Post are true culinary delights, and the 3-Star Michelin restaurant at The Inn at Little Washington is world-renowned.

Shenandoah can also boast about its numerous craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Check out Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, Shenandoah Spirits Trail, and Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, or search at VirginiaWine.org to learn more.

Festivals

Photo Courtesy of: The Shenandoah Bike Foliage Festival

Mark your calendars! We picked autumn for our exploration of the Shenandoah Valley when the leaves put on their best show, but the towns and communities play host to events all through the year. You might want to bookmark these festival websites.