Shenandoah National Park Itinerary
If driving through Shenandoah National Park is on your bucket list but you’re looking for more to do during your visit, consider a day or weekend trip with a drive along the northernmost section of the Park plus a visit to several charming towns in Shenandoah County where you’ll find great places to stay, antique shops and boutiques, wineries, breweries and locally owned cafes, farm markets and restaurants.
It’s easy to drive a loop where you get to experience the best of the National Park and the best of the Northern Shenandoah Valley
At the top of the county and only 15 miles west of the northernmost entrance to the National Park at Dickey’s Ridge is the town of Strasburg which is perfect for a stroll along the riverwalk and in the downtown area which features the Strasburg Antique Emporium, Box Office Brewery and an Art Mural self-guided walking tour.
Travel along Route 11, also known as the historic “Valley Pike”, South of Strasburg to the Town of Woodstock. you can stop at a number of great locally owned businesses, shops, galleries, a bakery, ice cream shop and restaurants. Some of the great gems in this town lie just outside. The newly opened Seven Bends State Park has wonderful trails for hiking, and a place to put canoes, kayaks or tubes on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. For a short hike with spectacular views, try taking a visit to the Woodstock Tower which sits atop Massanutten Mountain.
Make your way south to the town of Edinburg to walk through the historic Edinburg Mill and museum that highlights the history of Shenandoah County from the perspective of its inhabitants from pre-Civil War times through the present. The Edinburg Mill also serves as a Visitor’s Center where you can find maps, brochures and ask questions about the area. In the downstairs area, there is a great restaurant, and a wine shop.
Along the way, you’ll find some of Shenandoah County’s best attractions including Shenandoah Caverns, American Celebration on Parade, Route 11 Potato Chips and The Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, Shenandoah County is also home to 8 different wineries.
At the southernmost end of Shenandoah County is the town of New Market, stop in for a home style meal at Southern Kitchen, an authentic 50’s era establishment with great homemade pies and the best fried chicken. Then find your way to Jon Henry General Store where you can stock up on snacks for the car, including locally grown produce and organic snack bars, meat jerkies and some of the most interesting and unusual candies. New Market is also a crossroad to get you right back to Shenandoah National Park via State Route 211. From here, it is only 18 miles to the Thornton Gap entrance.