Discover the Top Things to Do in Virginia Wine Country For an Incredible Getaway

Virginia’s 36 state parks are as diverse as the state itself. Parks are dotted along the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, on historic sites, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and just outside of major cities. Our parks have more than 500 miles of trails and convenient access to Virginia’s major waterways.

Fauquier County
Our neighboring county has a rich pastoral heritage that includes agriculture and many wineries, as well as steeplechase racing. Meet Virginia’s version of the Napa Valley on the Blue Ridge Wine Way, which includes nine wineries open for tours and wine tastings.

Luray Caverns
The Caverns, Car Museum, Zipline and Ropes Course, Garden Maze
It might seem like a tourist trap, but the caves are truly spectacular. Don’t be deterred by a full parking lot or a long line – it’s worth it for the unhurried, small-group experience you get inside the caves.

There are many fantastic options near Glen Gordon Manor for hiking and biking. Sky Meadows State Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails with rugged terrain, stunning views, and convenient camping facilities. For those seeking a memorable outdoor adventure, a portion of the Appalachian Trail winds through the park, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience. If you’re visiting Bealeton, don’t miss the thrilling Flying Circus Airshows, where vintage biplanes, wingwalkers, and hot-air balloon rides create an unforgettable spectacle. To make the most of your stay, consider our Take a Hike! package, designed to enhance your outdoor experience.

• Shenandoah River State Park – With more than 24 miles of trails, this park has plenty of options for hiking and biking. See Map
• White Oak Canyon – This scenic 10 mile out and back trail features a waterfall and 2,591 feet of elevation gain. Rated difficult. See Map
• Little Dickey Ridge/Snead Farm Trail Loop – An accessible 3.4 mile loop trail features beautiful wildflowers and only 574 feet of elevation gain. Rated easy. See Map
• Old Rag Mountain – This challenging 9 mile loop trail features a river, beautiful views, and a challenging 2,493 feet of elevation gain. Rated difficult. See Map
• Mary’s Rock – A 9.6 mile out and back trail featuring beautiful wildflowers, great views, and 2,933 feet in elevation gain. Rated moderate. See Map
• Little Devil Stairs – This 5.3 mile out and back trail features waterfalls during the spring and a moderate 1,548 feet of elevation gain. Rated difficult. See Map
• Stoney Man – A 1.5 mile loop that is great for all skill levels, featuring beautiful wildflowers and only 318 feet in elevation gain. Rated easy. See Map

Whether you’re tackling the challenging terrain or enjoying a leisurely stroll, there’s something here for every adventurer. For those seeking a more relaxed outing, be sure to check out our recommendations for easy hikes in the Shenandoah Valley, providing a variety of options for all skill levels. With these trails, your visit to Shenandoah will be filled with natural beauty and unforgettable experiences.

Read more about our local trails with our Shenandoah National Park Hiking Guide.

The Shenandoah Valley and surrounding Piedmont region boast a deep-rooted equestrian tradition, from leisurely trail rides to thrilling steeplechase races and elegant polo matches.

• Steeplechase Racing: Witness the excitement of steeplechase racing, a beloved tradition in Virginia. See our Guide to Steeplechase Races in Shenandoah Valley for top events and tips.
• Polo: Experience the fast-paced action of polo at Great Meadow Field Event Center. Enjoy stadium polo on Saturday nights from May to September, or attend full-field polo matches on select weekends.

Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the park. This scenic drive provides access to numerous trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, and resorts.

Front Royal Entrance Station
You can enter Shenandoah at several places however, the closest is Front Royal, accessible via U.S. 340 in the north (Mile 0.6). This is the beginning of Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the park on a clear day. The speed limit on the drive is 35 MPH. Get a map and directions.

Looking for a great family experience? Take a half-day, full-day, or multi-day trip down the Shenandoah River, with kid-friendly options for a more mellow floating experience or intermediate/advanced options for groups looking to challenge themselves with some exciting rapids and other water features. Fishing and SUP experiences are also available!

Front Royal Canoe
Enjoy nature by kayak, canoe, tube, or raft and the chance to spot wildlife like bald eagles, blue herons, beavers, turtles, or even the occasional cow in the river. Explore further with a fishing or SUP expedition.

Explore the best wineries in the Shenandoah Valley, renowned for their exceptional wines and picturesque vineyards. Spend your day tasting the region’s finest selections and immersing yourself in the local wine culture, then return to the Manor for an exceptional meal. Keep an eye on the Houndstooth Restaurant website for announcements about exclusive wine-pairing dinners.

• Crimson Lane Vineyards: The Ultimate Vineyard Experience
  Distance from the Manor: 25 minutes \ 15 miles
  Spanning 200 acres in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Crimson Lane Vineyards is rooted in some of Virginia’s best terroir and features an elevated, adults-only tasting room. See our exclusive Vineyard Experience Package with Crimson Lane, offering our guests a unique wine country getaway experience in the Shenandoah Valley.
• Rappahannock Cellars: Revolutionizing Virginia Wine
  Distance from the Manor: 3 minutes \ 1 mile
  Recognizing the promise of Virginia wines, the Delmares moved their family-run winery from California to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of Virginia. With careful tending of the vineyard and exacting knowledge of the cellar, they strive to create rich, supple, and elegant wines dedicated to the winegrower’s art.
• Linden Vineyards: Expressing the forces of earth, weather, and vine in the bottle.
  Distance from the Manor: 14 minutes \ 7 miles
  One of Virginia’s premier wineries, Linden Vineyards is best known for single-vineyard bottlings of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Bordeaux variety red blends.
• RdV: Daring to Do Something Great
  Distance from the Manor: 30 minutes \ 21 miles
  RdV is known for world-class red wines (they’re even served at state dinners at the White House!) RdV is ushering in a new chapter as “Lost Mountain”, with a commitment to cherish the same foundational values: family, exceptional products, respect for the land, and a visionary approach. Tastings are by appointment only.
• Glen Manor Vineyards: Wines with a Sense of Place
  Distance from the Manor: 21 minutes \ 14 miles
  Situated on the Western Flank of the Blue Ridge Mountains, ranging from 1400 to 3400 feet in elevation, this natural glen gives the vineyards a unique environment. The vines grow high on very steep mountain slopes characterized by deep, well-draining, and rocky soils. The farm is recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Century Farm for being owned and farmed by five generations of the family for over 100 years.
• Quièvremont Winery: Award-Winning Virginia Wine
  Distance from the Manor: 18 minutes \ 14 miles
  The wine’s name derives from an old French meaning goat hill and is appropriate to the vineyard’s setting amidst the farm’s cattle and goat herds. The ideal microclimate means the vines enjoy plenty of sunshine, gentle breezes, and fine soils. This combination produces grapes that yield memorable wines with unique characteristics.
• Chester Gap Cellars: Local Virginia Winery
  Distance from the Manor: 7 minutes \ 4 miles
  Full flavors and quality are captured through minimal intervention.
• Sharp Rock Vineyards: A Small, Artisan Winery
  Distance from the Manor: 30 minutes \ 25 miles
  Taste fabulous wines, meander through the vineyards, settle at a picnic table or hammock, absorb the exceptional scenery, and sample gourmet cheeses, bread, and summer sausage. If you prefer, bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the vineyard or by the river.
• Narmada Winery: Taste Virginia, Experience India
  Distance from the Manor: 18 minutes \ 12 miles
  Narmada Winery delivers excellence in Virginia wine, offering 15 unique wines in their Tasting Room. The owner’s knowledge of complex spices acquired during her childhood in India allows her to coax unique flavors from her grapes and to produce critically-acclaimed wines of the highest possible quality.
• Gadino Cellars: Taste the Tradition
  Distance from the Manor: 18 minutes \ 12 miles
  Relax with an assortment of fine wines, gourmet cheeses, and sausages in their Italian-inspired tasting room or sun-splashed deck overlooking the year-round gardens. Some of the best vineyards in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ask us about packing a picnic lunch to bring with you!
• Gray Ghost: Exceptional Wines, Southern Hospitality
  Distance from the Manor: 20 minutes \ 14 miles
  Gray Ghost, a family-owned and operated winery, is placing Virginia on the international wine map by producing internationally acclaimed wines from immaculate vineyards. All grapes are hand-picked, and the wine is aged in premium oak barrels. Full-bodied reds are unfiltered, and lighter-styled wines are fermented at lower temperatures to enhance fruit character. This emphasis on quality resulted in Gray Ghost being named “Best of the East” by Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine for four consecutive years!

This area of Virginia has more great stores than we could possibly list, but antiques have a special place in these historic towns. Here are a few of our favorite stores for antiques, home décor, and more:

• Copper Fox Antiques
  Come antiquing in the cozy town of Sperryville in rural Rappahannock County, where there isn’t a stoplight, fast food joint or Wal-Mart to be found – and the cows outnumber the people. In addition to more than 53,000 sq. ft of antiques, estate furniture, collectibles, and books. Copper Fox also offers interior design services and a complete line of women’s clothing.
• Red Schoolhouse Antiques
  This shop is located in historic Millwood, but the owners are based in Scotland – allowing them to source antiques from all over Europe. Red Schoolhouse boasts over 8,000 square feet brimming with authentic furniture, decorative objects, and artwork.
• Strasburg Emporium
  There are truly some hidden gems at this diverse emporium! One of our guests found a first-edition book here that he had been seeking for quite some time. The 52,000-square-foot showroom includes antiques, art, coins, furniture, and more.
• Vilnis & CO Antiques
  This shop has been a fixture since 1975 and features a curated collection with an emphasis on neoclassical (1780 – 1840) high-style furniture. The proprietor regularly sources historic furnishings for individual clients, collectors, museum curators, designers, connoisseurs, architects, and movie productions. Located in Strasburg, known as “The Antique Capital of Virginia.”
• R.H. Ballard
  An eclectic assortment of fine gifts and home décor. Don’t miss the beautiful hand towels, napkins, and candles, as well as a tasteful selection of jewelry, handbags, and accessories at reasonable prices. Be sure to check out the art studio downstairs. We bought a very nice painting by Patton Wilson that is featured in the dining room.
• Tavern Shops at The Inn at Little Washington
  Luxury gifts and home décor. Housed in the Tavern building, which was built in 1740, it now showcases a series of 5 charmingly decorated period rooms offering a wide variety of tableware, furnishings, gifts, antiques, jewelry, kitchenware, and delicacies from The Inn at Little Washington – Virginia’s only Michelin-rated restaurant.
• Wine Loves Chocolate
  Named the “Best Retail Wine Shop in Virginia” by Virginia Wine Lovers Magazine, this delightful shop is loaded with artisan wines and chocolates. Don’t miss the Choco~Vino Challenge to learn to pair wines with chocolates or the DIY Truffle Bar. Or you can taste a flight of higher-end wines, and their experts will create the perfect chocolate pairing for you!

More Civil War battle sites can be found in Virginia than in any other state, and many of them are right here in Huntly, Virginia. In fact, the Union troops marched right in front of the Manor! Discover Virginia’s dynamic role in U.S. history during your getaway.

• Belle Grove Plantation
  Belle Grove is an authentic 1797 Manor House, located near Middletown, Virginia. The Manor House was built by Major Isaac Hite and his wife, Nelly Madison Hite, who was the sister of President James Madison. The historic site of Belle Grove includes the Jeffersonian-inspired Manor House, an original icehouse and smokehouse, a slave cemetery, a heritage apple orchard, a teaching garden, and an early 20th-century barn.
  25 – 30 minutes away
• Manassas Battlefield Sites
  There were two major battles at Manassas. The First Battle of Manassas, also known as Bull Run, was fought in July 1861. The Second Battle of Manassas was fought in August 1862 with a Confederate victory. Much of the landscape within Manassas National Battlefield Park still retains its wartime character.
  30 – 40 minutes away
• Tom’s Brook & Woodstock Battlefields
  Tom’s Brook was a battle of strategy and maneuvering in 1864 that pitted cavalry against cavalry. The battle resulted in a Union victory, but not before there were an estimated 407 casualties. With the victory here, the Union cavalry attained overwhelming superiority in the Valley. Today, most of this battlefield remains in private ownership but almost 500 acres have been preserved, including walking trails and historic markers.
  25 – 30 minutes away

The towns of Rappahannock County and the surrounding areas are full of history… and are also home to internationally acclaimed restaurants. The food is rivaled only by the spectacular views of rich pastureland, native wildlife, and the rugged Blue Ridge.

• Patty O’s Cafe & Bakery
  This former gas station is now a charming sidewalk café, bar, and European-style pastry shop across from its sister restaurant, The Inn at Little Washington. Stop by for a French take on classic American dishes.
• The Blue Door Kitchen
  Chef Andrea brings old-world Italian cuisine to the rustic fine dining experience of the Blue Door kitchen.
• Thunwa Thai Cuisine
  Located in the town of Front Royal, Thunwa Thai is family-owned and operated, offering authentic Thai food at reasonable prices. Available for take-out or dining in.
• Inn at Little Washington
  Virginia’s only Michelin-rated restaurant (with a dazzling three stars) is owned by James Beard Award-winning chef Patrick O’Connell and uses fresh, local ingredients to create a fusion of American and Classical French cuisines. In addition to the two seven-course tasting menus, it boasts an award-winning wine cellar.
• Three Blacksmiths
  This twenty-seat neighborhood restaurant offers one seating per night and a fixed dinner menu of local, seasonal, handcrafted foods that changes every week.
• Osteria Maria 510
  This family-owned and operated business is a casual authentic Italian restaurant in Front Royal, Virginia. Offering homemade pasta, Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, and desserts.
• Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen
  Pizza Nirvana! Wood-fired artisan pizza in the heart of Virginia. Hand-tossed sourdough crusts are made fresh daily with local, farm-fresh ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven. Enjoy your pie indoors or al fresco on the pleasantly breezy deck. The Corner Store has nice craft beer and a selection of wines you can bring to your table, or you can go to Francis Bar for a mixed drink by a herbologist.
• The Dark Horse
  Enjoy a community-centric dining experience in a beautifully renovated 1800s mansion, featuring three private dining rooms, seasonal outdoor seating, and a pub-style area that is reminiscent of the classic show “Cheers” but with a unique, elevated bar menu. Don’t miss the live music and trivia nights!
• Mikado Hibachi & Sushi
  Experience the interactive hibachi style of dining at this Japanese steakhouse, or satisfy your craving for fresh, well-prepared sushi and sashimi. They offer a special roll daily, and the staff are personable and attentive. We recommend sitting at the sushi bar and enjoying a pot of green tea or maybe a pitcher of sake.
• Spelunkers
  Fast and inexpensive food for dining in or taking on the go. Choose a hand-crafted burger and know that they grind their own fresh meat. Enjoy hand-cut French fries or homemade custard.