Visit Shenandoah County

Winter is here and with it loads of outdoor fun and indoor experiences to keep you and the entire family excited to explore and play in the colder months. While there are loads of things to do in Shenandoah County throughout the year, winter may just be our favorite.

Why? Snow of course! And yes, even if you don’t see snow in the forecast, they are making snow over at Bryce Resort. But if snow isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can also wander underground in caverns, ride a horse in the national forest, take a hike, and even learn about the local history as you explore across the county.

Winter mornings in Shenandoah County
As you make your way into the area, stop at Pancake Underground in Strasburg to enjoy homemade chicken and waffles before your morning hike or you strap on your ski boots. Owners Christopher Kemp and Shenan Hahn, both Virginia natives, even do a Nashville-style hot chicken and waffles, along with pancakes, French toast, potato bowls, sandwiches, yogurt bowls and sweet treats. If you are in a hurry, they are happy to make your order to go.

Learn to Ski and Snowboard at Bryce Resort
The best place to find snow and learn how to ski or snowboard in Shenandoah County is at Bryce Resort. This local mountain is beloved by those who live in Basye, VA, but also as a weekend getaway for Washington, D.C. residents. Since the resort is only about a hour and a half from the Nation’s Capital, you can even make a day trip out to the slopes.

The ski and snowboard school at Bryce offers group and private lessons, as well as snow camp for younger kids to hang out in while their parents hit the slopes. There are five trails of various difficulties, but most are Blue with one nice winding green for those looking for a slower pace.

Food options range from the full sitdown experience at the Copper Kettle Restaurant, Bar & Lounge to cafeteria style eatery at the Shenandoah Center, and an outdoor bar that serves beer, hard ciders and hot waffles covered in baked apples. There is more than enough seating inside and outside, even on weekends to accommodate everyone.

Snowshoeing with Rev3Endurance
Not everyone was born to be a skier or snowboarding, which is when alternative snow activities come in handy. Rev3Endurance teamed up with Bryce Resort to bring sunset snowshoeing to the mountain.

Work up a sweat as you hike up the ski slopes, going as quick or slow as you like. For those not familiar with Bayse, VA, you can learn a lot about Shenandoah County from owners/guides Christi Manning and Michael Spiller as you hike. Excursions are for every skill level, so if you aren’t quite ready to spring up a snowcovered hill in snowshoes, don’t worry. Christi and Michael know where to hike and at what pace for all skill levels.

Book a snowshoeing excursion now. 

Once you are done your snowshoe excursion, grab a drink and tapas at RHouse Wine and Coffee. Juan Lucca and his wife Chef Gisela will wine and dine you with beautiful wines, local beers and delectable bites. Do not miss the flan. It’s incredible!

Ice Skating in Shenandoah County
If you have ever dreamed of twirling on the ice, you can do it at Bryce Resort, the only ice-skating rink in Shenandoah County. Grab a combo ticket with snow tubing to save some money, or just tickets to an ice-skating block, along with a few warm layers to skate in. You will get warmer than you think as you slip and slide trying to perfect that triple axel.

Winter Hiking in Shenandoah County
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.

In Strasburg you can hike Buzzard Rock North, a 4-mile hike, or pop over to Toms Brook to hike all or a portion of the Tuscarora- Little North Mountain trail (8+ miles). If you are in Woodstock, you can include a hike up the Woodstock Tower Trail  or check out the waterfall on the Falls Ridge Hike. Families love the leisurely hike around Lake Laura at Bryce, while hardcore hikers will want to save time hiking Big Schloss.

Check out more Shenandoah County hiking trails. 

If you have built up an appetite, make sure you grab a reservation at Woodstock Cafe for a dinner like no other in the county, filled with gourmet entrees, exquisite homemade bread and a stellar wine list. If you don’t have time for dinner, make sure you go into the shop to pick up wine, local beers, a slice of cake to go and a few gifts. The prices are incredible.

Shenandoah Caverns and American Celebration on Parade
Shenandoah Caverns are open year round, thanks to a steady temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit underground no matter the season. Look for special events like UNCORKED (wine tasting below ground), cider candlelight tours, and the Shenandoah Souvenir and Gift Show, which will show you a different side to this underground wonderland, even if you have already visited.

Grab tickets to Shenandoah Caverns before you go to secure your spot. 

Winter Golf
Golf in Shenandoah County doesn’t stop just because the calendar changes. Mild days are the perfect time to hit the links, especially when courses offer beautiful mountain and lake views with fewer crowds than you might see in the summer. Book a tee time at Bryce Resort’s 18 hole championship course filled with treeline fairways and a small creek that winds through the links.

Alternatively, you can book a time to visit the 27-hole PGA Shenvalee Golf Resort. It was first opened to the public by Bobby Jones in 1927. Families will love that there is lodging and a pool onsite for the kids.

Go on a Trail Ride with Fort Valley Ranch
Horse lovers, and those who enjoy a leisurely trail ride, will want to book a one-hour, 90-minute or half-day ride through George Washington National Forest. Wander through trees, up hills and enjoy the quiet beauty around you. Reservations must be made ahead of time for all trail rides, by calling the Fort Valley Ranch to make a reservation. 

Dig into the hot chocolate scene in Shenandoah County VA
Winter means hot cocoa, especially for kids, so why not enjoy a few across the region. Start at Flour & Water, a bakery with sublime pastries, bread and amazing lattes, who also happens to have hot cocoa on tap for kids (and chocolate lovers).

Alternatively, if you want to bring a little hot chocolate back home or to your rental cabin, you can pick up hot cocoa bombs at Happenings on Main Street in Woodstock, VA.

More spots to enjoy hot chocolate in Shenandoah County, VA:

• Woodstock Cafe (Woodstock, VA)
• Woodstock Garden Cafe (Woodstock, VA)
• Jacksons Corner Cafe (New Market, VA)
• Curtain Call Coffee (Mt Jackson, VA)
• Nancy’s Coffee Bar (Strasburg, VA)

 

Explore Route 11 Through Shenandoah County
Winter is the perfect time to wander down Route 11 in Shenandoah County to see the historic sites, like Meems Bottom Covered Bridge and Fisher’s Hill Battlefield.

Pop into John Henry General Store for a few souvenirs, jams, jellies and snacks as you wander. You can also visit Route 11 Potato Chips to see how this beloved local chip is made, and sample a few as well.

If you are interested in Civil War history, Virginia’s Museum of the Civil War is a must. Ski in the morning and check out this museum that digs deep into American history and the war between the North and the South.

For a walk-in nature, there are plenty of scenic options in Shenandoah County thanks to an abundance of forest lands and green spaces. From Strasburg to New Market, it’s a cinch to find an easy hiking trail or paved path. Walk across a battlefield, stroll alongside a river or traipse through a vineyard. There are so many scenic walks to love. Lace up your sneakers. Here are 10 fantastic choices to help you get in your steps. As a bonus, we’ve included a spot or two to stop for a pre-hike coffee or a post-hike bite.

 

#1: Storybook Trail (New Market)

 

The paved Storybook Trail may be less than one mile, but it wows with spectacular views. From the trailhead, walk along a whimsical curved wooden footbridge, which leads to a fully accessible path to a mountain overlook. Along the way, placards educate on the Massanutten Mountain Range. Post-hike, make the short drive into town for a bite at Kathy’s Home Cooking Café.

 

#2: New Market Battlefield State Historical Park (New Market)

 

At this 280-acre battlefield park, there are two grassy hiking trails, both of which are half-mile (one-way) with some elevation. One trail sets off from Bushong Farm and crosses an open field to scenic views across the North Fork of the Shenandoah River from two overlooks. The second trail guides visitors to the 54th Pennsylvania Monument. There is a fee to access the grounds.

 

#3: New Market Community Park (New Market)

 

At New Market Community Park, you’ll find an easy-going and stroller-friendly walking trail that loops around this green space with ball fields, playgrounds, restrooms, and picnic pavilions. There are also outdoor fitness stations adjacent to the trail. Stop for coffee or a sandwich at Jackson’s Corner Café & Coffee House, which is located inside the visitor center on Congress Street.

 

#4: Lion’s Tale Trail (New Market)

 

Set in the George Washington National Forest, the Lion’s Tale Trail is an interactive half-mile loop trail that encourages visitors to use their senses to explore the forest. Kids will love Lop Ears the Mountain Lion, the cartoon guide on trail placards who urges visitors to rub bark, feel tree roots and wade in the stream. Note that access to this trail is closed from February 1 to the Friday before Youth Spring Turkey Season in April.

 

#5: Lake Laura (Basye)

 

Near Bryce Resort, you’ll find a scenic 2.5-mile walking loop around 44-acre Lake Laura. As you walk the perimeter of the lake, note weekend cabins just steps from the hiking trail. In summer, look for a grassy beach, a snack shack, lounge chairs and picnic tables. You can also rent canoes, tubes, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. There is a fee for non-members of Bryce Resort.

 

#6: Seven Bends State Park (Woodstock)

 

At Seven Bends State Park, there are eight short hiking trails, including Eagles Edge Trail, a one-mile loop trail that features corn stalks and river views, as well as a working apiary. Enter by way

of the Lupton Road entrance for easy access to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, as well as a instagram-worthy LOVEworks sign. For lunch, Muse Vineyards is next door to the state park.

 

#7: Muse Vineyards (Woodstock)

 

Before you settle in with a glass of wine and a hummus plate, plan to walk across the property along a 1.8-mile walking trail. Pick up a wine trail guide inside the winery, then follow bright orange signs to see the winery, a historic spring house, a swinging bridge, and several vineyards before returning to the tasting room for a glass, a bottle, or a flight of wines.

 

#8: W.O. Riley Park (Woodstock)

 

At this city park, you’ll find a short walking trail that leads across the green space, including picnic areas, tennis courts, basketball courts and an incredible children’s playground. There’s also a refill station for water bottles and a dog drinking fountain. From here, you’re a short drive from Main Street in Woodstock. Flour and Water is a fan favorite for grab and go sandwiches and delicious savory and sweet pastries.

 

#9: Strasburg Town Park (Strasburg)

 

Strasburg Town Park is home to a playground, a children’s garden, a dog park and the town pool. It’s also home to the Strasburg River Walk, a gravel path that guides visitors along the Shenandoah River. The dog-friendly path is about .9 miles (one-way). Start this walk in the East End for early river views. After your walk, stop in Box Office Brewery for brews, burgers, pizza, and wings.

 

#10: Karst Interpretive Walking Trail (Strasburg)

 

Pop in the Strasburg Visitor Center, then walk a few steps along the forested trails on the property, which is home to multiple caves and caverns. Placards along the trail educate visitors on the historical location as it relates to the Civil War. You can also catch a glimpse of several caves, including Hupp Cave and Keyhole Cave. From here, it’s a short drive to Fox’s Pizza Den for lunch.

With cooler nights, long evening shadows, and the smell of apple butter in many shops and farm stands Shenandoah County in the fall season is a feast for the senses. Foliage colors fill the Mountains to the East and West which feels like a warm hug from Mother Nature.

A fine scenic drive with the windows rolled down is one great way to enjoy the beautiful season but several stops along the way provide highlights of experience to round out a perfect leaf-peeping day.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Take in the trails and fall leaves on horseback through the George Washington National Forest with a guided tour at Fort Valley Ranch. There you can also bring your RV, bring your own horses, Rent a cabin or do some rustic camping on site. They offer 1 hour, 90-minutes, a half-day, or full day rides, as well as 2-day Ranch Packages.

PUMPKIN PICKING
A great stop for picking pumpkins is Sycamore Banks Farm in Mount Jackson where you can grab a wheelbarrow and pick your pumpkins straight from the vine. No ordinary pumpkins are grown here, there are many heirloom varieties and gourds of all shapes and sizes.

They also have plenty of extra activities for the entire family like a horse drawn wagon ride on their beautiful farm property. They are open from late September through October 31

FARM MARKETS
Your one-stop-shop to celebrate fall, Woodbine Farm is an open and airy farm stand that appears to come alive when the seasons change. Large pumpkins and gourds line the front walk on haystacks and a perfect array of garden chrysanthemums and other fall plantings. Inside are gifts and produce, birdhouses, and apple butter, cheeses, country ham and some of the best homemade cookies in the world. Seriously, it’s hard to walk away without one!

Jon Henry General Store in New Market offers a huge selection of pumpkins and gourds, some for decorating and some for cooking. While you’re there you can check out the “Art-o-Mat” and stock up on natural and local foods.

KINDRED POINTE CIDER
Not your typical fall cider experience, leave the kids at home because this is sparkly hard cider with flavors to get excited about The Winery at Kindred Pointe was originally a Horse farm and stable but the barns and outbuildings have been transformed into a winery and tasting room, the grazing fields all lined with grapevines now. A few years after opening the owner couple began making cider as well, and the title “Life is Hard Cider” emerged with flavors such as “Hard Times” “Hard Core” and “Hard Up”. Seasonally there are special flavors like “Seasons Greetings” with hints of all the best holiday spices or “Cherry Bomb” a cherry flavored cider with a jalapeno kick at the end. It is available only for a limited time. Their tasting room is warm and cozy with plenty of room to relax and enjoy Life is Hard Cider.

FALL CULINARY & FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
After a brisk hike, horseback ride or picking out pumpkins, celebrate Shenandoah County’s agricultural roots by dining in one of many establishments that value locally-grown foods and sustainable farming. The owners of  Swover Creek Farm Brewery in Edinburg, and the Woodstock Garden Café all source their ingredients from their own family farms and are committed to serving the freshest foods at their tables.

RIVER BLUFF FARM B&B
After a visiting a few of Shenandoah  County’s Wineries, Breweries, Cideries or Distilleries the River Bluff Farm Bed & Breakfast is a quiet and idyllic place to settle in for the evening, then sit outside and watch the Shenandoah River flowing  slow and lazy with a warm beverage and good company  from the comfort of an Adirondack chair. Accommodations are described as “rustic elegance” in this lovely log and timber lodging on 20 private acres. River Bluff Farm Bed and Breakfast is located at 183 Quicksburg Mill Lane, in Quicksburg near New Market, VA.

The word Shenandoah evokes a sense of beauty. Shenandoah County is filled with beautiful scenery around every turn, and sweet small-town charm in its daily life. There is plenty to do and see over a weekend visit in the Fall, an easy weekend excursion only 90 miles west of Washington DC. Immerse yourself in the landscape, enjoy the friendly atmosphere and have an adventure in Shenandoah County.

Other fun things to do in the fall season:

• Hike the Woodstock Tower to get 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley and the 7 Bends of the Shenandoah River.
• Visit Mowery Orchard or Paughs Orchard for fresh picked apples and other goodies.
• ATV along Peter’s Mill Gap or Tasker’s Gap OHV Trails.
• Taste fresh potato chips at Route 11 Potato Chips and watch them be made right before your eyes.  Fall also means it’s time for their seasonal Yukon Gold flavor.
• Enjoy fresh produce 365 days a year at  Adam’s Apples & Herbs ©2021, Shenandoah County Virginia | Made with  in Virginia by Converge Local 

Shenandoah County has a long history as an agricultural community and historically was nicknamed “The breadbasket of the south.” The landscape still reflects that history, and many family farms are designated “Century Farms” a distinction that honors a farm that has been continually in use by one family for more than a hundred years.

While the term “Sustainability” has a modern feel to it, the concept is not one that is new to Shenandoah County. More than ¼ of the land is covered in National Forest and the town of Woodstock, centrally located, and the county seat is proud to be in its 17th-year as an Arbor Day Foundation “Tree City”. This year, the Town also won the Tree City USA Growth Award for the 10th year in a row, which shows that Woodstock continues to build on its tree program’s success. All of this, of course, helps to promote cleaner air and a natural canopy to keep our area an average of 10 degrees cooler than the large cities to the east. Woodstock is also home to the Indian Spring Wetland. An environmental, interpretive area located on the southern end of town. More information about the wetland and how it functions as pollutant removal, flood control, groundwater control, and wildlife habitat can be found HERE.

The landscape in Shenandoah County is not where the sustainability features end. It is with great pride that many of the restaurants and farm stands boast locally sourced foods on their menu and in their shops. Beginning as extensions of family farms, Mowery Orchard, Jon Henry General Store and Woodbine Farm Market are all well-established places to shop for local food items and most of all, fresh produce. Jon Henry General takes it to the next level by offering SNAP and EBT benefits, plus a refund on public transportation so that more members of the community have access to local produce.

This commitment to locally sourced foods not only helps the local economy but lessens- even if just a little- the amount of fuel burned and emissions spent trucking things in.

A few more businesses that source locally are Pancake Underground in Strasburg. Not only are their menu items creative and cool, they’ve created a list on their website of all of their local and regional sources. In Woodstock, the Woodstock Cafe sources fresh produce from Adam’s Apples and Herbs just down the road. Not to be confused with the Woodstock Garden Cafe whose owners source many fresh foods from their own farm as well.

In Edinburg, Swover Creek Farms is a Century Farm that grows its own foods for its wood-fired pizza and hand-crafted beer. Then, neighboring J&L Green Farm provides high-quality pasture-raised meats & specialty farm products for Swover Creek’s delicious sausages made on-site.

The town of Mount Jackson is home to the factory where the most delicious potato chips are made.  Though originally established in 1992, Route 11 Potato Chips current location was built in 2008 with sustainability principles in mind so that they “could minimize our environmental footprint and get as close as we can to waste-free production.”

Some of these efforts include:

• feeding a local herd of cattle with potato peelings and chip rejects
• recycling paper, glass, metal, and plastic
• using local sources of potatoes as much as possible
• warming the kitchen in the winter through heat exchangers on the cooking kettles
• reflecting summer heat off of the white membrane roof, reducing energy use
• They even recycle the dirt off their potatoes.

Visitors can stop into a chip-tasting and fry-viewing room to see the process, then purchase their chips and some very cool merch!

There are plenty of other ways that the community is educated about sustainability here in Shenandoah County. There is a strong presence of Environmental Science and Agroecology taught at the high school level and there are several non-profit organizations dedicated to maintaining our beautiful landscape and our river including Sustainability Matters, which now serves a much larger footprint regionally, educating and promoting sustainability. It was “rooted” right here in the town of Edinburg. Their mission is to bring sustainability to unexpected places, whether it’s planting native wildflower meadows at landfills, teaching novice gardeners to grow their own food, or helping farmers access funding for conservation.

 Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River (FNFSR) is an organization that strives to keep the North Fork of the Shenandoah River clean, healthy, and beautiful through advocacy, community action, education, and science. They have also created a partnership with Seven Bends State Park which borders a 1.5-mile stretch of the North Fork. Both organizations are excellent ways to get the community and visitors involved. Their websites offer many opportunities to volunteer.

The breadbasket in Shenandoah County is still abundant after all these years, and “sustainability” might just be a new name for a lifestyle that is second nature to its residents, the people who visit and all who are inspired by its beauty.

Strong bodies pull against the weight of the carts behind them. Manes flying, nostrils wide, sucking in as much air as possible, the horses follow behind the moving gate waiting for the moment the wings come in and the race begins.

The crowd roars as the race starts and the horses and drivers head into the first turn, jockeying for position. Twice around the track and the winner crosses the line in front of the grandstand to the cheers of the crowd.

Shenandoah Downs at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, VA, is the only harness racing venue in the state of Virginia.

In April and May and mid- September through October, the racetrack is open to harness racers. Previously 188 horses are registered to participate in 25 races over a weekend.

Harness racing has been part of the Shenandoah County Fair for more than 100 years. Many local families have participated in the sport over the years as well. One such family is the Lineweavers. Doris “Dee” Lineweaver has been a trainer and driver since she was in her teens and now is the director of Shenandoah Downs. Her young children, Weston and Maggie, help at the Downs, continuing the tradition by working with the horses in their stalls and taking care of them both before and after the races.

“It has been something our family has been involved in forever,” Dee said, from her seat in a golf cart as she watched the horses fly by in front of her.

When Shenandoah Downs was established four years ago, it was announced as a pari-mutuel track which means that race-goers can place bets on their favorite horses. Pari-mutuel is a betting system in which all bets are placed together in a pool; taxes and the house take are deducted and payoff odds are calculated by sharing the pool among all winning bets for that race. Winnings are awarded to win, place, show and exacta in every race.

No entry or parking fee is charged to people who want to come and watch the races. Typical crowds are full of people of all ages who have come to enjoy this historical sport.

To draw larger crowds, simultaneous events are held at the track on race day. The race early October will take place at the same time as Autumnfest, a chamber-sponsored event which will feature whole-hog barbecue, chicken barbecue, 35+ crafters, a wood-splitting competition, music and beer, wine and spirits tasting.

Dee noted that Shenandoah Downs is sponsored by the Virginia Equine Alliance which is a non-profit association comprised of members from the Virginia Harness Horse Association, the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, the Virginia Gold Cup Association, and the Virginia Thoroughbred Association. The purpose of the Virginia Equine Alliance is to sustain, promote, and expand the horse breeding and horse racing industries in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Standing outside the barn area where the horses are prepared for racing is fascinating and offers an up-close view of these beautiful racers and all that goes into getting them prepared to run.  The horses are excited, waiting for their turn on the track. Their ears are pointed and some paw at the dirt in their stall as their harnesses and tracings are checked for a final time. They will get on the track for a brief trot until it is time for the race to begin.

Each racer pulls up behind a car which has wings sprouting from its sides. Inside, the back has two bucket seats facing the horses. The rear driver has control over the wings and the gas. The front driver does the steering. He increases the speed of the car until the race is ready to begin and he draws in the wings as the driver moves off to one side to let the horses pass.

Shenandoah Downs is a wonderful way to spend the day.  For  more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/Shenandoah-Downs or www.shenandoahdowns.com.