Did you know that January 30th is National Plan a Vacation Day? Since traveling promotes happiness and helps reduce stress. You might just be inspired by all there is to do in Shenandoah County and start planning your 2024 getaways!
Whether it’s a romantic trip for Valentine’s Day or just hoping to spend some alone time away from the daily grind we have you covered.
You’ll find rustic cabins surrounded by mountains and forests. Explore outdoor adventure, soak up the mountain views and unique culture, dine on wonderful farm-to-table meals, or just chill and listen to some local music at a local craft brewery or winery.
The Family Farmhouse Inn is nestled on seven private acres in Mount Jackson. Each of the four bedrooms in the restored 1830s farmhouse is updated for modern comfort and has a private bath. Amenities include wifi, mini-fridges, microwaves, tea and coffee facilities, and grounds with lawn games and propane fire pits. The inn is close to both the Meems Bottom Bridge and the Rt. 11 Potato Chip Factory.
Cozy Mountain Escape (Mount Jackson) is hidden away in the trees, but it provides great mountain views from large windows and a deck. Amenities include a gas fireplace, high-end linens, games, and baby items for those who are traveling with family.
The Light-Filled Mountain Retreat (Basye) sits high in the mountains near Bryce Resort and Lake Laura. The cabin is decorated in a sleek, modern style. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen and has both open and screened porches for sipping coffee or wine on warmer days.
You’ll need a 4-wheel drive to access The Bear Den (Maurertown), but this cozy cabin is a dream come true for a couple seeking some alone time in the mountains. Just steps away from the Massanutten Circuit Trail and the Shenandoah River, the renovated cabin provides a home base complete with fireplace, deck, and hot tub.
If you prefer to stay in town within walking distance to restaurants and shopping, try the Geary House in Woodstock. This early 1900's home sleeps 8 and its huge dining area makes it perfectly suited for large family gatherings or a friends weekend away.
For more lodging ideas, check out Visit Shenandoah County’s lodging page.
Where to Eat
If you’re spending time at Bryce Resort or staying nearby, there are a few great places to eat in Basye. Bryce Resort has two eateries, The Copper Kettle and a more casual Carter’s Hutte which is an outdoor bar & grill. During the winter it’s open Friday-Sunday during slope hours offering warm food, cold beer and weekend music. Just up the Road in Basye you'll find Pale Fire Brewing Co. which has been a staple in the downtown Harrisonburg area for more than 15 years, and now has a second location here. Not only do they have delicious beer and cider on tap, but they also serve wine and have a terrific food menu.
There are plenty of other great spots around the county to fuel up after a good hike, The Woodstock Cafe is a popular lunch spot in town, but in the evenings from Thursday thru Saturday it is a fabulous fine dining experience. In Strasburg there’s a great lunch and dinner spot called Blue Wing Frog which serves the most creative dishes from scratch and with local ingredients. For terrific Seafood in Strasburg, you can’t beat Crabby Maggie's. This little restaurant offers a no-frills super-seafood experience with abundant baskets of shrimp oysters, po-boys and weekly specials.
What to Do
Hit the slopes at Bryce Resort for some epic downhill skiing or snowboarding. You might also explore Bryce Mountain at sunset or by the light of a full moon with a guided snowshoeing excursion. This sport is fun, low impact, burns a lot of calories, and is easy to learn, even if you’re an absolute beginner.
Sip a local cold beer at any of our three breweries, each with a very different vibe. Swover Creek Farms and Brewery in Edinburg is considered a farm brewery located on a century farm. They offer wood-fired pizza and homemade sausages in a family and pet friendly environment. You may wish to explore some of our historic downtowns along US Route 11, also known as the Old Valley Pike. There you’ll find the Woodstock Brew House in Woodstock, and Box Office Brewery in Strasburg, both offering delicious bites and an extensive beer menu.
Thanks to a mild winter climate, Shenandoah County offers year-round hiking that will still cause a sweat even in winter. Tackle some of the best Shenandoah hikes without the summer crowds, and enjoy beautiful mountain views before spring and the leaves fill back in.
With over 74,000 acres of Shenandoah County covered in National and State Forest, an abundance of trails is just waiting to be explored. Pleasant scenery, fresh mountain air and diverse wildlife are just an hour and a half from Washington, D.C.