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6 of the Best Things to Do in the Shenandoah Valley

Not far from Washington, DC, is the lovely Shenandoah Valley. From scenic hikes and cascading waterfalls to historical landmarks and natural wonders, there is truly something to do for everyone. Whether you plan a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, you'll never tire of all the exciting things to do in Shenandoah Valley.  Read on for six of the best things to do in the Shenandoah Valley.

1. Cruise down the Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive

Easily one of the most popular things to do in Shenandoah Valley, the Skyline Drive offers you 105 miles of breathtaking scenery. Go during the fall so you can appreciate all of the vibrant red, yellow, and orange foliage along one of America's most cherished mountain drives.

Pro Tip: Deer, black bear, wild turkey, and a host of other woodland animals call Shenandoah home and regularly cross Skyline Drive in their daily travels. To be sure, watch carefully for these animals who may dart across your path without warning.

Where To Stay Near The Front Royal Entrance to the Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive

There are only four entrance points to access the Skyline Drive.  The Front Royal Entrance of the Skyline Drive is the northernmost entrance.  This entrance is just a short drive for Baltimore, MD or Washington, DC.

Ashby Inn and Restaurant

Nestled in a quiet village, the Ashby Inn and Restaurant is only one hour west of Washington, DC.  The village of Paris, Virginia played an important part in the lives of many prominent people in our nation's history like George Washington and Stonewall Jackson.  As a matter of fact, each of the inn's 10 elegant rooms are a nod to the village's deep historical roots.

L'Auberge Provencale

Another lodging option is the L'Auberge Provencale Bed and Breakfast in Boyce, Virginia. Here, you'll experience culinary masterpieces crafted with fresh vegetables and herbs from the B&B's own garden. This Northern Virginia bed and breakfast also has an award-winning wine list you'll need to taste for yourself. You're invited to enjoy an unforgettable stay in one of the 14 rooms at the L'Auberge Provencale Bed and Breakfast.

2. Taste Shenandoah Valley Wines

Thanks to a relatively dry climate, limestone soil, and a beautiful location between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley is well suited to producing excellent wines.  What's more, with well over two dozen vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley region, there's no shortage of wines to try.

When exiting the Skyline Drive at the Swift Run Gap entrance station, be sure to stop at Early Mountain Vineyard, where wines are paired with a menu crafted entirely from foods sourced from local farms.  Additionally, the tasting room has a beautiful rustic chic vibe with gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

After leaving Early Mountain, head south towards Charlottesville.  There you can book a tour with Monticello Appelation Wine Tours, where you'll be driven around to three local vineyards to experience wine tastings and food pairings.  The best part?  You don't have to drive yourself, so you're free to taste as much wine as you like!

Where To Stay Near The Swift Run Gap Entrance to the Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive

The Foxfield Inn

Enjoy the beautiful countryside near Charlottesville.  Visit wineries and breweries, hike or go horseback riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Afterwards, relax and rejuvenate in the warmth and casual elegance of The Foxfield Inn.

Arcady Vineyard B&B

Sitting on 14 wooded acres and a vineyard of 300 grape vines, Arcady Vineyard B&B offers a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature.  From outdoor adventure and history to romance and wine, this is the perfect place to get away from it all. Let a local vineyard owner help craft your getaway to the Historic Virginia Wine Country!

3. Visit Crabtree Falls Waterfall

Crabtree Falls, the highest vertical drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River, is located quite close to the Blue Ridge Parkway.  This impressive waterfall features 5 major cascades and falls a total distance of 1200 feet. With various overlooks along paved trails as well as more rugged trail options, this is a great experience no matter your fitness level.

4. Be Inspired by the Natural Bridge

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the Modern World, the Natural Bridge is an inspiring landmark. When you see the large bridge that resulted after years of the Cedar Creek carving out a gorge in the rocky limestone terrain, you'll understand why local Indians worshiped it, famous artists painted it, and Thomas Jefferson purchased it.

Where To Stay Near Crabtree Falls and the Natural Bridge

Steeles Tavern Manor

Set on 50 beautiful acres, the Steeles Tavern Manor  is a wondrous place at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Staunton and Lexington, Virginia. Stay in one of the 5 large guest rooms at the historic Manor house or pick one of the 3 cottages for a more private, romantic getaway.

5. Spend the day hiking the Shenandoah National Park

With over 500 miles of scenic trails, it might take you more than a few days to hike the entire Shenandoah National Park. From stunning waterfalls to breathtaking vistas, make sure you visit the park's best hiking trails if your time is limited here.

If you're searching for scenic views, try out the Stony Man Mountain Hike. Just over a mile and a half, the hike itself is easy and the views are some of the best in the Shenandoah National Park on a clear day.

6. Visit Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns is the largest caverns in Eastern America.  The enormous chambers are 10-stories high and feature towering stone columns, shimmering draperies and crystal clear pools.  Be sure not to miss the Great Stalacpipe Organ - it literally makes the stalactites sing throughout three acres of the caverns!

Where To Stay when visiting Stony Man and Luray Caverns

Inn at Willow Grove

Well worth the drive from the Stony Man Mountain Hike is the incredible Inn at Willow Grove in Orange, Virginia. This historic home is the epitome of luxurious elegance. Each of its 14 rooms reflect the inn's historical grandeur with sitting areas, gas fireplaces, private porches, and spa bathrooms complete with heated tile floors, large soaking tubs, and more.

Stay Right Outside Of The Shenandoah Valley

If you're staying right outside of the area, you can still enjoy all of the exciting things to do in the Shenandoah Valley. Here are a few Select Registry properties that are a little over an hour away.

Fort Lewis Lodge

Experience all of the luxuries of a full-service country inn at the Fort Lewis Lodge in Millboro Springs, Virginia. Start your morning with a delicious breakfast before setting out to explore the lodge's 3,200 acres of lush wilderness. After you've enjoyed a full day of mountains, forests, fields, streams, and wildlife, return to the Fort Lewis Lodge for a creative and hearty dinner before you retire to one of its 20 guest rooms.

Best Places to Stay in Boyce

exterior view of L'Auberge Provencale
group sitting outdoors at L'Auberge Provencale in the late fall
blue room
Lauberge Provencale B&B beautiful bright yellow room
plated meal at La Table Provencale restaurant
Lauberge provencale porch
plated meal
out door
lauberge soup
lauberge blue room
lauberge picnic
Beautiful pastoral views from our Virginia inn and restaurant
outdoor porch
woman sitting at picnic table on grass lawn at L'Auberge Provencale
bartender shaking cocktail behind the bar
couple dining at Northern Virginia restaurant
seafood grazing board with shrimp, oysters, mussels, and lemon
woman lounging at outdoor pool at Villa La Campagnette
L'Auberge Provencale chef and culinary staff foraging from gardens and grounds

L'Auberge Provencale Inn & Restaurant

Boyce, VA

Best Places to Stay in Charlottesville

arcady vineyard
Arcady's Madison Suite deck with wood Adirondack chairs and a table overlooking lush green grass and trees
Breakfast with pancakes
arcady aerial
vineyard
barrel table tops
outdoor patio
guest room
guest room with a view
bathroom
living room
port wine and local artisan chocolate
back patio

Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast

Charlottesville, VA

outdoor firepit infront of Foxfield Inn building
Foxfield Inn - Common Area
Foxfield Inn - Patio
Foxfield Inn - Breakfast
Foxfield Inn - Outdoor Hot Tub
hot tub and porch with shady trees
exterior grounds with shady trees and walking paths
Jetted tub for two with brass faucet
bottle of champagne with rose petals and fireplace in background
Foxfield Inn - Common Area - TV room
Foxfield Inn - Audobon Room
Foxfield Inn - Grounds in Autumn
Foxfield Inn - Grounds with building in the background
Foxfield Inn - Cheese and Charcuterie Board with wine glasses
Foxfield Inn - Chocolate covered strawberries

Foxfield Inn

Charlottesville, VA

Best Places to Stay in Hillsboro

Breathtaking Mountain Views
Front Elevation
Aerial House View
Hidden-view-bed-and-breakfast-view
ladies at firepit
Hidden-view-bed-and-breakfast-great-room
Hidden-view-bed-and-breakfast-sunnroom
Hidden-view-bed-and-breakfast-wedding-party
wine toast
blueberry pancakes
woman wearing a robe
spacious room
bathroom
plated meals
Gourmet Breakfast
Intimate Weddings
Greens, Eggs & Ham
Amazing Views
Outdoor Fire pit
Fall Aerial Mountain Views
Romance Package Available
Inviting Hammock
Outdoor Living Room

Hidden View Bed & Breakfast

Hillsboro, VA

Best Places to Stay in Millboro

The Pavilion and outdoor fireplace
Fort Lewis Lodge Cabin in wooded area
Kayaking on a river with trees in the background
Fort Lewis Lodge exterior- barn and silo in the trees
Fort Lewis Vegetable Garden
Fort Lewis Lodge Exteriors hiking
Fort Lewis Lodge vista
Fort Lewis Lodge River Fly Fishing
The Walatoola Cabin with fireplace
Biking down a gravel road
The John Lewis Cabin
The Cowpasture River
Wood-fired Sauna
A look inside The Charles Lewis Cottage
A look inside The Andrew Lewis Cottage

Fort Lewis Lodge and Farm

Millboro, VA

Best Places to Stay in Orange

Aerial of Main House at Sunset
spa waiting room inn at willow grove
Mill House Spa
Relaxation Pool
mastersuitewillow
willowgroveporch
Main House at night
tenantwillowgrove
snowwillow
The pub bar
Overlookswillow
butlerswillowgrove
Gardens at inn at willow grove
Cocktails inn at willow grove
Back of Main House and Hall Venue
Front of Main House at Dusk
Main House at Sunset
The Barn and Ruins
Fountain Garden

The Inn at Willow Grove

Orange, VA

Best Places to Stay in Paris

front entrance
aerial view
evening walk
breakfast spread
outdoor patio
guest room
guest room
meeting room
outdoor breakfast
evening by firepit
living room
event table

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant

Paris, VA

Best Places to Stay in Steeles Tavern

front entrance
view of modern cabin with mountains in background
aerial view
image of pool
waterfalls
SteelesTavernManorLake
view of overlook
couple by fire
front of steeles
front porch
guest room
back patio bar
steeles_tavern_pool
Steak on a hot grill
Young woman getting head massage from massage therapist
Captain hat and belt of military uniform
view of king bed in white room
view of king bed in blue room
front view of manor at night

Steeles Tavern Manor B&B and Cabins

Steeles Tavern, VA

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