Top 10 Things to do in Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah Valley

April 24, 2022 Marissa Gamble

Discover the best top things to do in Shenandoah Valley, United States including Virginia Military Institute, American Shakespeare Center, Rocking S Ranch, Stony Man Mountain Hike, Luray Caverns, Skyline Caverns, Mill Mountain Star & Park, White Oak Lavender Farm & The Purple WOLF Vineyard, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, Black Dog Salvage.
Restaurants in Shenandoah Valley

1. Virginia Military Institute

319 Letcher Ave, Lexington, VA 24450-2148 +1 540-464-7232 http://www.vmi.edu/VMI_Museum/
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 461 reviews

Virginia Military Institute

Reviewed By SusanRoAne - San Francisco, United States

We visited VMI whose son is a cadet. We coincidentally met and spoke with both General Peay, the Superintendent as well as second in command. My host, Patrick Morin, was well-informed about practices, policies and history of VMI. We were able to spend time with his son and roommates in the PX and that was unusual. We visited the Jackson Memorial Hall and Museum, Saw the Stonewall Jackson House, The chapel, Barracks (though we had to stand outside, and the spectacular George C Marshall Museum. We watched the RATS walk the yellow line and cadets on their way to classes. VMI is our history and worth a visit.

2. American Shakespeare Center

10 S Market St, Staunton, VA 24401-4350 +1 877-682-4236 [email protected] http://www.americanshakespearecenter.com
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 894 reviews

American Shakespeare Center

The Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre. "Stunning", says Frommer's. Located in historic downtown Staunton, VA, this 300-seat Renaissance theatre offers productions of Shakespeare and classic plays year round that the Washington Post says are "shamelessly entertaining" and the Boston Globe says are "phenomenal...bursting with energy”.

Reviewed By Love_Renoir - Virginia Beach, United States

We attended the closing night of Twelfth Night and it was just wonderful. My whole family was entertained. The cast performed impeccably and it felt so good to be in a theater again! The theater is very serious about health and safety during this pandemic. Masks, stringent social distancing between seats, hand sanitizing stations-- they didn't miss a beat. The venue is clean and airy, yet cozy, thanks to the wood paneling and warm lighting. Additionally, they unexpectedly upgraded our seats and that was such a treat (not a bad seat in the house, though, so no worries of not being able to see or hear no matter where you sit). I can't wait to go back!

3. Rocking S Ranch

564 Glaize Orchard Rd, Winchester, VA 22603-2408 +1 540-678-8501 http://www.therockingsranch.com
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 386 reviews

Rocking S Ranch

Reviewed By anna7753TK

Had an amazing ride with Mr. Bill, he is extremely friendly and a great guide. The trail was beautiful and the horses were very calm and enjoyable to ride. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun getaway, day activity, etc.

4. Stony Man Mountain Hike

At Mile Marker 41.7 Turn off Skyline Drive To Skyland Upper Loop Inside Shenandoah National Park Stony Man Parking, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, VA +1 877-313-2586 http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/StonyMan/
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 448 reviews

Stony Man Mountain Hike

Reviewed By MarkUSNA1998 - Odessa, United States

After a much longer hike the day before, we wanted a shorter, easier one for our last day. Since this one is right next to Skyland where we we're staying, it was perfect. In short, it is easy to find the trail head, there was ample parking (at 10am), and it was a pretty easy hike up to the best view I have seen yet in the park. All in all I think it took is about an hour round trip, with about 15 minutes standing at the top. Highly recommended!

5. Luray Caverns

970 US Highway 211 W, Luray, VA 22835-5260 +1 888-443-6551 [email protected] http://www.LurayCaverns.com
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,625 reviews

Luray Caverns

Discover Eastern America’s largest and most popular caverns. 4,000,000 centuries in the making, this “must see” U.S. Natural Landmark is noted for the profuse variety of formations and unsurpassed natural color. One hour tours from well-lighted, paved walkways lead visitors through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high. Enormous chambers are filled with towering stone columns, shimmering draperies and crystal-clear pools. Also in this subterranean wonderland, “hear rocks sing” as you experience the haunting sounds of the world’s largest musical instrument, The Great Stalacpipe Organ. Completely unique are the beautiful tones created by this one-of-a-kind instrument, which makes music of concert quality from the surrounding stalactite formations covering more than three acres.

Reviewed By drcrawford240 - Tuckerton, United States

My best friend was there 30 years ago with her parents and couldn't wait to bring her son and me and my daughter there to see it and as soon as we went down the steps into the cavern, I was in awe of the beauty that this natural wonder is. Our tour guide, Phillip, was a very knowledgeable and friendly young man that answered every question we asked and even have us some great ideas for where to hike in Shenandoah Valley when we asked him. The food concessions were very reasonably priced and tasty and the prices in the gift shop were surprisingly reasonable as well. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone.

6. Skyline Caverns

US Highway 340 10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630 +1 800-296-4545 http://www.skylinecaverns.com
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 473 reviews

Skyline Caverns

Caves in the Shenandoah Valley that feature anthodites, rare rock formations.

Reviewed By T88DZpeggyh - Beaver, United States

Compared to Luray these caverns are much more real! Small spaces at times, beautiful lighting, only a mile walk! Our tour guide Christina was excellent! She was well informed, funny, and had a beautiful singing voice( you’ll find that out in one section of the cave) We learned so much about the history of the caverns, the rare formations that are here and only a few in the world! Everyone in our group respected each other’s space and there was no problem with social distancing! The tour guides are allowed to accept tips and Christina deserves a big one! The gift shop has great clothing, glassware, rocks, etc. to choose from and things are packaged nicely for safe transport in your car. These caverns are a must see, and don’t forget to ask for tour guide Christina!

7. Mill Mountain Star & Park

2000 J B Fishburn Pkwy, Roanoke, VA 24013 +1 540-853-2236 https://www.playroanoke.com/parks-facilities/mill-mountain-park/
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,263 reviews

Mill Mountain Star & Park

A "must see" on most visitors list, an 88-foot manmade star (the largest in the world) sits on majestic Mill Mountain along with a beautifully landscaped city park, that boasts hiking and biking trails, and a zoo.

Reviewed By schultzrebecca - New Bern, United States

This is such a beautiful place -- has been in existence since I was a little girl, The star is a Roanoke landmark and the overlook gives a breathtaking view of the beautiful Roanoke Valley. I strongly recommend the visit -- free and you can take as little or as long as you'd like!

8. White Oak Lavender Farm & The Purple WOLF Vineyard

5060 Newcomer Ln, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-2403 +1 540-421-6345 http://www.whiteoaklavender.com
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 490 reviews

White Oak Lavender Farm & The Purple WOLF Vineyard

White Oak Lavender and the Purple WOLF Vineyard is a year round venue. We offer wine tasting and we have a beautiful gift shop. From Memorial weekend to Labor day there are daily guided farm tours one hour after opening. Private tours and group experiences are available by reservation at any time of year. Wine tasting, Classes, Events and Self Guided tours are offered year round. We have a Discovery Area that includes viewing our domestic farm animals. It is not a zoo but our animals do love people! We have alpaca, horses, miniature horses, sheep, goat, rabbits and free range exotic hens. We do allow picnics. Our guests also enjoy our wine tasting and our lavender ice cream all year round! Fun for all ages and a variety of interests! 10:00 AM - 6 PM April -December CLOSE AT 5 PM Jan, Feb and March WE ARE CLOSED 3 DAYS PER YEAR: THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS, AND NEW YEARS! Thank you and we look forward to your visit!

Reviewed By kayakstef

We spent an enjoyable afternoon at White Oak Lavender Farm playing chess, walking around the petting zoo and admiring the view. The ladies in the gift shop were sweet and informative.

9. Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

780 University Blvd Msc 3705 At James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807-1020 +1 540-568-3194 http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum/
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 270 reviews

Edith J. Carrier Arboretum

Reviewed By 351michellei

My whole family enjoyed our time there looking at the beautiful flowers, the different fish in the pond, & watching the ducks and turtles swim. We enjoyed the trails and listening to the birds. Great place to get close to nature.

10. Black Dog Salvage

902 13th St SW, Roanoke, VA 24016-3716 +1 540-343-6200 [email protected] http://www.blackdogsalvage.com/
Excellent
66%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 584 reviews

Black Dog Salvage

We are the home of DIY Network's "Salvage Dawgs" - episodes available on Amazon, Discovery Plus, iTunes, YouTubeTV, and streaming devices. Our inventory changes daily! We now have two warehouses located in Roanoke, Virginia. Discover architectural salvage, old house parts, custom upcycled designs, reproduction garden statuary, furniture paint, salvage inspired furniture, and decor in our main showroom. Curated regional artisans and vendors also add a constantly changing mix of new, vintage, and antique home decor. Shop for unique gifts, souvenirs, apparel, dog gear, and our expanded gourmet Market collection. Visit our nearby salvage warehouse for new arrivals and antique lumber. Explore outside for antique wrought iron, clawfoot tubs, and amazing art inspiration! Don’t see what you’re looking for? Work with our custom design team to create your vision! Staying in Roanoke? Inquire about The Stone House, our 1911 historic vacation rental property located next door.

Reviewed By paradisc - Acushnet, United States

Was back visiting family in the area and this is the second time I have visited this place. If you watch the show it’s a must see place, even if you haven’t I would recommend stopping because there are so many unique items here you’ll be amazed. The people who work here are talented and creative. The items that are saved and resold will bring back memories of the past. If you have a hour or two to kill, check out this place, you won’t be sorry.

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