Explore the Shenandoah Valley

Page County · Shenandoah Valley

Explore the valley from Canoe

Our corner of Page County sits between the Shenandoah River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. These are the places our family loves, from caverns and vineyards to the best custard in town.

Don't miss

The big four

10 min

Shenandoah River State Park

Perfect for bird watchers, with well-kept trails, valley views and the peaceful sounds of nature.

15 min

Luray Caverns

Marvel at the natural world underground. Your ticket also includes the car museum and the Luray Valley Museum.

25 min

Shenandoah National Park

Pack a picnic, hit the trails along Skyline Drive, and don't forget your camera for those views.

40 min

The Inn at Little Washington

Celebrating? This world-famous three-Michelin-star restaurant is the treat of a lifetime.

Our local guide

Tap a category to explore

Sightseeing
  • Skyline Caverns A 1-hour guided tour of underground streams and rare “anthodite” crystals, plus a mini train and mirror maze for kids.
  • Front Royal Entrance Station The northern gateway to Shenandoah National Park and the start of 105-mile Skyline Drive.
  • Shenandoah Heritage Village Step back in time among historic homes, barns and a schoolhouse.
  • Car & Carriage Caravan Museum More than 140 cars, carriages and coaches dating back to 1725, at Luray Caverns.
  • Carillon Park (Luray Singing Tower) A 117-foot tower with 47 bells and free recitals in spring, summer and fall.
  • Birdsong Pleasure Garden Picturesque gardens, mountain vistas and strolling paths. By appointment.
Food scene
  • Pollock Dining Room at Skyland Dinner with a view inside the national park. Plan to dine around sunset, and save room for the Blackberry Ice Cream Pie.
  • Spelunker'sOur pick Fresh-ground burgers and hand-cut fries. You MUST have the frozen custard.
  • Osteria MariaOur pick Amazing Italian. The lasagna is the best, and don't skip the crème brûlée.
  • West Main Market Beer & Wine GardenOur pick Fresh-baked sandwiches and a beer garden overlooking the mountains.
  • Chop House BistroOur pick Warm, inviting and perfectly cooked. A real gem.
  • Talk of the Mountain Crab CakesOur pick Pure crab meat, no filler. Try the fried fish and the mac ’n cheese.
  • PORCH+VINE Contemporary American, tucked behind a historic Main Street home in Luray.
  • Triple Crown BBQ Small-batch, slow-smoked BBQ with sides that hold their own.
  • Ollie Cat Cafe Homestyle comfort food from a classically trained chef.
  • The Speakeasy Bar & Restaurant Comfort food, Prohibition-style cocktails and live music.
  • Three Blacksmiths An intimate multi-course dinner with local ingredients, 35 minutes from Canoe.
  • The Apple House Famous for its apple cider donuts.
  • Blue's Dog Bowl Food truck burgers, dogs and fries with distillery cocktails.
  • Cooter's Place A must for “Dukes of Hazzard” fans, with a museum and Daisy's Dixie Diner.
Coffee, bakeries & sweets
  • 104 S Royal AveOur pick Amazing pastries and Costa Rican–inspired coffee. Try the Key Lime cookie and the iced Turkish latte.
  • Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Cafe A calm espresso bar with house-baked pastries and pies.
  • Broad Porch Coffee and Cafe Easygoing coffeehouse with toasted sandwiches and baked goods.
  • Luray Artisan Bakery Breads, pastas and desserts. Order ahead.
  • Main St Flavors Ice cream in unique flavors like Graham Central Station and banana pudding.
  • Froster's Ice Cream Soft serve, shakes, sundaes and shave ice.
  • Flotzie's Soft Serve A Luray favorite since 2003.
Wineries, breweries & nightlife
  • Castle Vineyards Fantastic mountain views and a great wine selection.
  • DuCard Vineyards Blue Ridge views on the edge of the national park.
  • Glen Manor Vineyards A beautiful setting and amazing wine.
  • Shenandoah Vineyards The oldest winery in the Shenandoah Valley.
  • Sharp Rock Winery A small artisan winery with award-winning wines.
  • Hawksbill Brewing Company Beers made with hops grown right in Luray.
  • Bald Top Brewing Co. Wood-fired pizza and live music through mid-October.
  • Brothers Craft Brewing 14 rotating drafts, from classic lagers to experimental brews.
  • Vibrissa Beer Taproom, beer garden and live music venue.
  • Blue Shepherd Spirits Small-batch vodka, gin, rum and whiskey from local grains.
  • Virginia Beer Museum Beer history with a tasting room.
  • Chester Street Tavern Pub food and live music.
  • Stone and SparrowNew An intimate new performance venue and bar. Tell us what you think!
On the river: canoe, kayak & tube
  • Front Royal Outdoors Kayak trips for all experience levels, with riffles, small rapids and mountain views.
  • Front Royal River Adventures Kayaking, canoeing and tubing with well-kept equipment.
  • Downriver Canoe Company Canoes, kayaks, rafts and tube floats on the Shenandoah.
Activities
  • Luray Hawksbill Greenway A paved riverside walking and biking trail. Great with kids (so many ducks!).
  • Skyland Stables Guided horseback rides in the national park May through October, plus pony rides for kids.
  • Garden Maze at Luray Caverns One of the largest hedge mazes in the Mid-Atlantic.
  • Rope Adventure Park at Luray Caverns A two-level ropes course the whole family can try.
  • Luray Zoo A small, family-run rescue zoo.
  • Jellystone Park Luray Water slides, splash pad, mini golf, pedal boats and more.
  • Shenandoah Valley Axe Throwing For adults and kids, with food and drinks.
  • Royal Family Bowling Center Hyperbowling and an arcade at fair prices.
  • Fireball Arcade Nostalgic ’80s games for the whole family.
  • Royal Cinemas A local three-screen cinema with first-run films.
  • Ruffner Plaza A pocket park on Hawksbill Creek in downtown Luray, with murals and a stage.
  • Route 11 Potato Chips Watch chips being made through big factory windows, 45 minutes from Canoe. Call ahead.
Kiddos & toddlers
  • Pretty On Y'AllOur pick A charming craft studio and one of our family's favorite finds. Kids make jewelry, adults make dream catchers, and everyone can paint.
  • Lions Community Park An awesome castle-style playground near lunch spots.
  • Fantasyland Playground A big wooden playground with a separate toddler area.
  • Rockland Park Trails, a playground, disc golf and big pavilions.
  • Royal Kids VANew An indoor kids' playground in Front Royal.
Groceries & local markets
  • Heard's Cedar Hill Farm Market8 min Local produce, meats, baked goods, craft beer and wine. Open seasonally, Wednesday to Sunday.
  • Fairview Grocery & Market20 min A local market in the Luray area.
  • Food Lion (Luray)22 min Full-service supermarket.
  • Massanutten Country Corner (Luray)23 min A country market popular with locals.
  • Walmart Supercenter (Luray)25 min Groceries plus anything you forgot to pack.
  • Martin's (Front Royal) Full-service supermarket.
  • Target (Front Royal)36 min Groceries and essentials.
  • Two Fat Butchers (Front Royal) A family-owned butcher with grass-fed beef and seafood.

Your basecamp

Come home to the river

After a day of exploring, end with the hot tub, the fire tables and a game of pool.

Check Availability