Where to Eat, Stay, Play, and Explore in Shenandoah, Virginia
When people hear “Shenandoah,” images of beautiful blue mountains, summit hikes, and towering waterfalls typically come to mind. And while Shenandoah National Park is magical in its own right, there is so much more to explore in Shenandoah County beyond the National Park. From charming small towns to award-winning wineries to underground caverns to 105 miles of the Shenandoah River, this Virginia destination is packed with opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.
The region has called us back again and again, and this time around, our trip was in partnership with Travel Shenandoah. We revisited some of our favorite haunts and explored some new-to-us spots that made us fall in love all over again. So if you’re looking for all of the best things to do in Shenandoah County, you’re in the right place.
Where is Shenandoah County, Virginia?
Located less than two hours from Washington, DC, Shenandoah County, Virginia, is nestled in the greater Shenandoah Valley and boasts the Shenandoah River as its centerpiece. The County is 34 miles long and dotted with farms and trails and charming small-town Main Streets that are all within 45 minutes of each other.
It’s also just a few hours away from many other mid-Atlantic cities, including Baltimore, Maryland (2.5 hours), Richmond, Virginia (2.5 hours), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (4 hours), and Philly (4.5 hours), so it makes for an ideal road trip destination. And all of the places we’re highlighting below make for a pretty perfect road trip.
When is the Best Time to Visit Shenandoah?
The Shenandoah Valley was voted one of the “10 Best Summer Travel Destinations in the USA” by the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and the warm weather months are ideal for farmers’ markets, mountain biking, and cooling off with a soak in the area’s lakes and spring-fed mountain ponds.
That said, one of the best things about planning a trip to Shenandoah County is that there’s truly no bad time to go—it just depends on the kind of magic you’re looking for. Spring brings trailside wildflowers, raging rivers, and perfect temps for hiking in George Washington National Forest. Fall might be the most vibrant, as the surrounding mountains transform into a sea of crimson and gold, making it the perfect season for scenic overlooks, leaf-peeping drives, and cozy cabin stays. And come winter, Bryce Resort offers ice skating, tubing, and 12 ski slopes ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced.
10 Must-Have Experiences in Shenandoah, Virginia
We’re sharing all of our favorite spots in Shenandoah County below, but first, promise to do your part to protect our beautiful public lands by practicing Leave No Trace when you visit, so this area continues to be the best for generations to come. Here are some tips for making your outdoorsy travels more sustainable.
Explore George Washington National Forest
George Washington National Forest is home to over 170 miles of trails within Shenandoah County, as well as Virginia’s largest publicly maintained OHV trail system, so there is no shortage of adventures to be had! Some summit hikes that we particularly love are Buzzard Rock, Strickler Knob, Big Schloss, Yellow Cliffs, Duncan Knob, and the Massanutten Storybook Trail— just to name a few!
Float down the Shenandoah River
Running through the entire county, the Shenandoah River provides habitat for countless bird and wildlife species as well as opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and floating. And if you’re looking for a super relaxing place to spend a day on the water, Seven Bends State Park is your spot! Located in Woodstock, this park offers 9 miles of trails, a swinging bridge, and easy access to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.
They also have a really cool contactless kayak rental system where you reserve a kayak online and get a code to pick it up at the Hollingsworth access site. From there, you can float at your own pace all day, and when you’re done, just drop your kayak off at the Lupton access site. The two launches are approximately three river miles apart, and depending on conditions, floats generally last between one and two hours. Rentals cost $25/day and include a life jacket, whistle, and a kayak paddle. You can secure your rental seven days in advance, and you should be sure to check river conditions before heading out.
We saw deer, turtles, herons, and bald eagles along the way. There’s also a massive Bald Eagle nest along this stretch of the river, and we could hear the baby eagles chirping from our kayaks… which was pretty magical. And while there are no designated swimming areas in the park, there are some deeper spots along the river where you can hop out and take a little swim.
Towards the end of the trip, you’ll float under a swinging bridge, and after locking up your kayak, you can head over to Muse Vineyards for some local wine, live music, and a walk on their winery trail that also features a swinging bridge.
Sip and Savor Shenandoah Valley Wine
Speaking of wine, with over 300 wineries statewide (eight of which are in Shenandoah County) contributing 1.37 billion dollars annually to the economy, Virginia’s wine industry is booming. The commonwealth’s wineries have long been known for their beautiful vistas, but they’re not just pretty places to drink a glass of wine.
The Shenandoah Valley’s deep, rocky soil and low rainfall make it an ideal destination for growing grapes, and the wines produced here are both diverse and delicious. Not to mention, Virginia is known as the “birthplace of American wine,” ranks 6th in US wine production, and has its own native grape, the Norton grape, which happens to be the oldest wine grape in the country. Watch out, Napa Valley! Below we’re sharing some of our favorites, and if you want to visit all of Shenandoah County’s award-winning wineries, you can take a guided tour with Shenandoah Wine Tours.
Muse Vineyards was named “Best Vineyard in Shenandoah County” for the last three years and is home to a swinging bridge; Wolf Gap Vineyard & Winery in Edinburg was voted the “#1 Best Winery Tour in America” by Newsweek; and Shenandoah Vineyards is the Valley’s oldest winery. All are beautiful, and all come highly recommended by us!
If beer is more your speed, we love Pale Fire Brewing in Bayse, Woodstock Brewhouse, Box Office Brewery in Strausburg, and Swover Creek Farms Brewery (they have pizza, disc golf, and berry picking too)!!
Send it down the Mountain Bike Trails
Seven Bends State Park
Bryce Bike Park
Seven Bends State Park offers 9 miles of hiking/biking trails, and the ribbon was just cut for the newest mountain bike trail: Wanderers Way. It connects to the Massanutten Mountain Trail and was built by the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and Appalachian Dirt. The climb is steep (over 1,000 feet of elevation gain steep), but worth it for a fun and flowy descent. Plus, there are multiple terrain changes (dirt, sand, crushed shale, and rock gardens), so it feels like a new trail every half mile.
If you’d rather skip the climb, Bryce Bike Park offers lift-serviced downhill mountain biking across 13 different trails that range in difficulty level from beginner to advanced. And if you’re looking to just take in the views, you can stop by for a scenic lift ride.
After your last run, head inside for an elevated meal at Bryce Resort’s restaurant, Copper Kettle, or drive a few minutes over to Pale Fire Brewing for local beer and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Take a Scenic Horseback Ride
If you’re looking for something fun to do outdoors with your person, friends, or family, a horseback ride at Fort Valley Ranch is a really fun and unique option. Guided trail rides are offered both on the ranch and through the mountains of George Washington National Forest year-round and vary in length and price, starting at $60pp for one hour. Rides are family-friendly (ages 6+), and hand-led rides are also available for younger kiddos.
We booked a chocolate-themed ride and got to sip/snack on chocolate everything, make s’mores, and brand wooden ornaments around the fire after our ride. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (540) 933-6633.
Drive through a Covered Bridge
Not only was Meems Bottom Covered Bridge named one of the “Most Beautiful Covered Bridges in America” by Travel & Leisure Magazine; it is also the longest covered bridge in Virginia and a really fun addition to any trip to Shenandoah County. It’s located in Mount Jackson and open to vehicles looking to cross the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. There’s also a small parking area in case you want to check out the bridge on foot.
Venture Underground into Shenandoah’s Caverns
Shenandoah County is home to not one but two award-winning show caves that are worth checking out. Both of the caverns are home to beautiful, ancient formations, and cave tours are led by expert guides. Plus, these underground wonders remain 55°F year-round, so they’re ideal if you’re looking to beat the summer heat or escape the winter chill.
Endless Caverns
Located in New Market, Endless Caverns boasts the title of being “Virginia’s Longest Cave Tour,” and sections of this six-mile cave system still have yet to be explored. Tours are offered April–November, last 75 minutes, and cost $30 per person. While you’re there, you can hike up to their massive “Endless Caverns” sign or spend a few nights at their campground.
Shenandoah Caverns
Shenandoah Caverns is home to beautiful chambers covered in stalactites, stalagmites, crystalline formations, and what National Geographic called the most realistic piece of cave bacon in the world! It’s also the only cavern in Virginia with elevator access, making it more accessible for those with wheelchairs and strollers. Tickets cost $34 and include an hour-long guided tour.
The campus also features an old-time cafe (with original 1957 barstools, a soda fountain, and delicious milkshakes), the country’s smallest post office, a massive collection of vintage store window displays, and a museum featuring some of the nation’s grandest parade floats.
Learn How Local Potato Chips Are Made
Route 11 Chips is a must-stop for potato chip lovers. They fry up sustainable, small-batch, kettle-cooked chips in their Mt Jackson factory, which is open to the public Monday – Saturday from 9am – 5pm. When you visit, you can purchase chips to take home, view their process through big windows in their retail store, and sample as many flavors as you’d like— FOR FREE!
Swim in an Emerald Pond
This vibrant spring-fed mountain pond doubles as a massive swimming hole and is the ultimate spot to cool off in the summer. There are two ways to access this one, and we’ve made our way there via both routes. The first one requires almost zero physical exertion, and the other is an 8.3-mile lollipop with 1,600 feet of elevation gain. For the low-lift option, you can simply drive up Big Mountain Rd, park your car, and walk down a now-closed access road about 800 feet. You can find the parking location here.
For those looking to earn a refreshing dip midway through the 8+ mile trek, you’ll start your hike at the old Massanutten Visitors Center and head out on the Massanutten South Trail, which later turns into Bird Knob Trail. You’ll find the pond halfway through the hike as you turn back towards the trailhead, and the trail can be found here via AllTrails, aptly named Bird Knob Trail.
Climb a Lookout Tower
Shenandoah’s lookout towers provide great vantage points to catch a sunrise or sunset, and afterwards, you can head into Woodstock for either breakfast or a post-hike beer.
- George Washington National Forest’s Woodstock Tower offers sweeping, panoramic views of the winding “Seven Bends” of the Shenandoah River, mountains, and the Shenandoah Valley. This is one of those great “bang for your buck” kind of spots, as getting there only requires a short hike or drive along a gravel mountain road.
- If you’re looking for more of a challenge, Kennedy Peak’s lookout tower provides 360° views of the surrounding mountains. To get there, you’ll hike 5.1 miles along the Massanutten Mountain Trail and gain almost 900ft. of elevation on an out-and-back trail that begins on Fort Valley Road.
BONUS: Eat Your Way around Charming Small Towns
The six towns of Shenandoah County and the mountain communities that surround them are some of the cutest destinations in the Shenandoah Valley, and they are home to some pretty great restaurants and cafes. In Woodstock, we love Woodstock Cafe, Flour & Water, and Woodstock Garden Cafe for fueling up in the mornings after a sunrise hike, and Woodstock Brewhouse for grabbing dinner and drinks after sunset. And if you’re looking for a sweet treat, Sugar Creek Snowy & Sweet Ice Cream Shop is your place! They host fun events for families on the weekends and have tons of outdoor seating.
If you’re in the market for an upscale meal in Basye, head to Bryce Resort’s restaurant, Copper Kettle, or to Pale Fire Brewing or the Burn Barrel for local beer and a more relaxed atmosphere. In Edinburg, Beans BBQ is a must-stop for lunch, and if you’re looking for an elevated dinner with a side of history, the Edinburg Mill Restaurant is your spot.
If you find yourself in New Market, we love Jackson’s Corner Coffee Roastery and Cafe. It’s located in the Historic Strayer House and shares the space with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation’s Civil War Museum, so it’s another great place to both have breakfast or lunch and learn.
Where to Stay in Shenandoah, Virginia
There is a wide variety of short-term rental options available in Shenandoah County, all with different amenities and price points. We’ve stayed at several properties over the course of our many visits to the area, and we’re sharing some of our favorites below.
Exhale Getaways’ Lakefront Chalets: Best for Couples + Water Access
This place feels more like a resort out West than anywhere we’ve ever stayed in Virginia. It’s located right on Bryce Resort’s Lake Laura, and your stay here comes with kayaks/SUPs, a sauna, and a private hot tub.
Check availability and book your stay: Chalet 1 | Chalet 2 | Chalet 3 | Chalet 4
There are four 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom chalets on the property that are perfect for couples or friends/families looking to stay close to each other yet have their own space. Each chalet has a full kitchen, a spa-like bathroom with a rain shower and soaking tub, a living room with massive windows, and a deck with a fireplace, and a private hot tub overlooking the lake.
The Ascent at Bryce Resort: Best for Big Groups + Ski Chalet Vibes
Take a Virtual Property Tour – Booking Information
This newly built A-frame style chalet is located 10 minutes from Bryce Resort, sleeps eight, and is the perfect spot for a group of friends or a family getaway. The owners drew inspiration from properties in Colorado and Utah, and the après vibes are on point. Think massive windows with mountain views, a hot tub for relaxing after hitting the slopes, a mudroom complete with mitten and boot dryers, a cozy, outdoor fire ring, and a vintage lift chair that now serves as a swing. Your stay even comes with all the fixings needed for s’mores!
In the upstairs loft, you’ll find built-in bunks (perfect for a little adult slumber party) and a dedicated workspace, and downstairs, there’s a game room/common space with a TV, board games, a record player, and a pair of Meta Googles for gaming.
The Shack: Best for Dog Parents
Take a Virtual Property Tour – Booking Information
This dreamy A-frame sleeps six across three beautifully designed bedrooms. It also boasts two spa-like bathrooms and a cutie little dog nook, making it ideal if you’re bringing your pups! There’s also a coffee/tea bar and s’mores station in the fully furnished kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Outside, there is a spacious deck with a seating area, Blackstone Grill, fire pit, and hot tub. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind with your friends and family and has to be one of the most elevated stays in Virginia.
Endless Caverns Resort: Best for RVers, Campers, & Cave Lovers
With a cave, wildflower-covered trails, and an arcade, Endless Caverns Resort is the ultimate glamping destination. It’s located on 265 acres in New Market and boasts a swimming pool, cornhole boards, a catch-and-release pond, playground & jump pad, pickleball court, hiking/biking trails, live music/entertainment, golf cart rentals, communal fire pits, and the country’s largest lit sign that aptly reads: Endless Caverns.
We stayed in one of their new glamping cabins, which have two bedrooms and are equipped with a stocked kitchen and a full bathroom. Plus, all of the cabins have A/C, Smart TVs, and WiFi, so you’re definitely not giving up any amenities while you’re embracing the outdoors. They also have screened-in porches, rocking chairs, and private fire pits, making their indoor/outdoor living factor a 10/10.
Shenandoah County has been named one of the Best Small Towns in America to Visit, and in our book, this destination wins the title of being the perfect getaway for anyone seeking time spent relaxing or exploring the outdoors. We know this guide only scratches the surface of everything that this county has to offer, so let us know what we missed in the comments below. Even though we’ve visited dozens of times, there is always more to experience here!
