A Shenandoah Valley road trip combines small town Americana charm, natural wonders and a multitude of attractions that are tailor-made for kids — even those with disabilities. The Big Valley of Virginia attracts budget-minded vacationers with its many moderately priced hotels, eateries and activities that make it an affordable yet culturally rich destination.
Despite being so near the Beltway, this part of Virginia could be mistaken for Mayberry, because it’s the people you meet along the way who have the most lasting impact. Leave room on your itinerary to interact with locals and you will be richly rewarded. The slower-paced life in these parts means that folks take the time to meet and greet visitors.
Since grandparents will have experienced firsthand what we consider its throwback quality, it makes the Shenandoah Valley an excellent choice for a multigenerational road trip.
Natural Wonders: Caverns Along a Shenandoah Valley Road Trip
Head underground and explore a cavern at one of the half-dozen located in the Big Valley. Those stalagmites and stalacites that you learned about in geology class are strikingly beautiful when viewed up-close. Two caverns are particularly attractive to families. Shenandoah Caverns in Quicksburg turned 100 in 2022.
It’s the only Virginia cavern with an elevator, so you can descend and ascend without lugging a stroller up and down cumbersome stairs. Once you’re in the cavern, the one-hour guided tour will have you trekking a mile on a crushed gravel pathway marveling at fabulous formations along the way.
After you’ve explored the caverns, head next door to the American Celebration on Parade. It’s a massive warehouse filled with dozens of over-the-top floats that once participated in famous parades and Presidential Inaugurals.
More Big Valley Caverns at Luray
Luray Caverns in Luray are the largest and most popular caverns in the East, thanks to their otherworldly beauty. Another plus is the cavern’s new paved walkway, which enables anyone with mobility issues to tour the entire complex without steps or obstructions. Stroll past towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools.
After the self-guided tour, try the Ropes Course or garden maze, car museum, heritage village and more. Music is part of the cave experience, as the world’s only Stalacpipe Organ is here, creating music of symphonic quality from the glorious stone formations.
Whichever caverns you visit, wear comfy shoes and a jacket, as the cavern temperature is a constant 56° F.
Road Trip through Shenandoah National Park
No trip to this region is complete without visiting majestic Shenandoah National Park. Motorists will marvel at awesome Blue Ridge Mountain views as they cruise the 105-mile, two-lane Skyline Drive. Just be sure to get out of your car to experience this park’s pristine beauty up-close.
There are over 500 miles of hiking trails. Stoney Man Trail is an easy 1.6-mile circuit with a spectacular view that is a good bet for families. Unspoiled Big Meadows, near the Visitor’s Center, is the best place to spot deer and other wildlife. The engaging Junior Ranger activity program offers ranger-led nature activities for families throughout much of the year.
Farms Galore in the Shenandoah Valley
The valley stays true to its agricultural roots with a windfall of farm opportunities. Depending on when you visit, ripe apples, pumpkins, peaches and strawberries crowd local farm stands.
Back Home on the Farm is in Harrisonburg. They offer young visitors a fully-accessible farm experience with fun extras like an antique toy collection, a 60-foot slide, and a Virginia-themed carousel with each horse painted to represent a famous Virginian. The enlightened owner makes a special effort to be inclusive and you will see children and adults who face physical and mental challenges sharing in outdoor fun.
Great Country Farms in Bluemont welcomes families with homespun activities like a seasonal corn maze, wagon rides and pig races. Let the kids connect with their food source and pick seasonal produce before heading to the farm stand for a warm homemade doughnut and fresh-pressed apple cider. If you’re there in early November for the pumpkin chunkin’ be sure to bring a change of clothes. This farm welcomes dogs, so no need to leave the pooch at home.
Mackintosh Fruit Farm is just down the road in Berryville. (I did not make this up.) Owners Bill and Lori have been together since their high school sweetheart days. Today, they grow quality produce with the help of their two kids. Pick the bountiful fruit yourself or purchase it fresh at the stand. The prepared food is truly tasty, making Mackintosh Farm a mouth-watering lunch spot and great PYO destination.
Two Fine Children’s Museums for Hands-On Learning
The Shenandoah Valley is home to two terrific children’s museums. They are located in downtown Winchester and Harrisonburg, both charming towns with pedestrian-friendly main streets. The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum in Winchester aims to give families an interactive experience. Nearly all exhibits are hands-on, with a focus on math, science, literacy, art and music. Note that the first Friday of the month has free admission.
At the Explore More Discovery Museum in Harrisonburg, the staff firmly believes that children learn through play. At this time, activities are limited in scope because visitors have to reserve their Museum Play Sessions online and the museum and maker space are open limited hours. Nonetheless, they make an extra effort to include tweens with age-appropriate offerings like a television studio where museum-goers can anchor the news.
A Variety of Other Retro Family Activities
In keeping with a destination that has attracted tourists for generations, there are some classic family attractions parents and young kids won’t want to miss.
Dinosaur Land is kitschy family fun. This roadside attraction in White Post is home to some 50 life-sized dinosaur statues made out of fiberglass. It’s a sculpture park of prehistoric creatures — even some that kids may climb on. It has been attracting visitors for more than 50 years, so they are doing something right. Closed Thursdays.
The Family Drive-In Theatre in Stephens City opened in 1956. Moviegoers from near and far come to enjoy this all-American blast from the past. Buy a ticket and make a contribution to their screen restoration fund. Beleive me, watching a movie under the stars is completely different from seeing the same film at a multiplex. From the excellent food served at the concession stand to the on-site playground for active kids, this is retro family entertainment at its finest.
Dining on a Shenandoah Vally road trip through Virginia
Comfort food rules in the Shenandoah Valley, so prepare your palate for some down-home delicacies. Favorite family dining spots include the Thunderbird Café outside of Harrisonburg, where Down South cuisine is generously served in a diner-style environment. Breakfast is an eye-opening delight, with creamy grits, pancakes, country sausage and homemade biscuits providing sustenance for the entire day.
Gathering Grounds is located in Luray, so it’s a cozy choice for lunch after you explore Luray Caverns. It’s a local hangout where the pie is always fresh and the coffee’s always piping hot. Hearty sandwiches and homemade soups are delicious options. Rumor has it First Lady Michelle Obama dined here when she visited the caverns, so it has the executive seal of approval.
Overnight Options for a Shenandoah Family Vacation
Though rural in flavor, the Shenandoah Valley is only a few hours’ drive from Washington, D.C. and within easy reach of Baltimore, Philly and New York City. Shenandoah Valley and the Shenandoah National Park has a variety of overnight accommodations for families. Camp or stay at Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge, where accommodations range from rustic cabins to comfortable suites with a view. Both are closed in winter, usually from December to March.
Massanutten Resort is a very large property loaded with recreational possibilities, including a huge indoor waterpark, zip-line, fishing, hiking, biking and golf. In winter, try ice skating, downhill skiing and snowboarding. Accommodations range from motel units to comfy condos with kitchens and the professional service reflects their 50 years of being in business.
For something more luxurious but still kid-friendly, The George Washington Hotel is a great mix of history and modern amenities. Built in 1924, the 90 guest rooms include 10 suites, some with built-in fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Families appreciate the indoor pool and fitness center, plus the refined atmosphere. It is located in the heart of Winchester, walking distance from shops, restaurants and children’s museum.
The revamped Virginia Kid’s Trail website connects the dots for you, making it easy for you to plan your vacation and choose local activities that suit your family’s specific interests. Virginia.org is another comprehensive resource for all Virginia-bound travelers.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
1 Reply to “The Throwback Charms Of A Big Shenandoah Valley Roadtrip”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
For summer vacation St John in USVI is an excellent place to visit. St. John is a true gem in the Caribbean with crystal clear waters, lush green mountains and gorgeous white sand beaches. Though it is the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John’s unspoiled beauty is perhaps the greatest found anywhere in the Caribbean. Sixty percent of the island is national park land, creating the illusion that you are as far from civilization as possible. However, fine shopping such as upscale jewelry stores and boutiques are just a short distance away. Boating is also a popular activity for visitors of the islands. Rent a boat and island hop to neighboring islands and cays or enjoy a day of snorkeling, swimming, picnicking and relaxing aboard one of many day sail charter boats.
Helpful Post
I would suggest a car seat cover it helped me and my wife a lot from our last trip to Hawaii with my baby daughter here it is
Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Hawksnest Bay, and through the termites’ nests of Virgin Islands National Park. These are some beautiful places which are really attracts travelers to visit the islands.
Yes! Go to the Dominican Republic at least one time in your life.
Travel Forum are always helpful
Hello Clary, we are not attorneys but we do not see a need to have a power of attorney over your cousin for your trip. A permission to travel letter from the guardians, as well as a medical authorization letter — in case your cousin needs medical treatment — should be fine for your trip. This letter should come from the guardians, not you, so they should do it now rather than wait till your arrival to finish the paperwork. When they fill it out does not matter, since the letter will have the travel dates that your cousin will be with you. Have a safe trip and enjoy!
Hello
I’m traveling with my cousin who is a minor to South Korea in July 2018 its less than 20 days away along with the travel to consent letter should I get a temporary power of attorney. Also should I set a specific time frame to do these things or can I do it the day before we leave. I ask because I have to travel to where she lives and we are flying out of her city two days after I get there.
Its a lovely place. My experience was very excellent. I enjoyed such an amazing camel ride. Staff was well-trained & well-dressed up. Very helpfull staff ,I am very impressed. I suggest to all to go there & have some fun.
Royal Desert Camp is one of the best tent camps in Sam, Jaisalmer. We had visited on 31st Dec and stayed here for the night. There was an extra charge for the Gala Dinner, but it was worth the money spent. We were 3 girls on a road trip and it was a safe and good place to be at.
Being in the city of Royal Tents in Jaisalmer of moving sand ridges, you can’t get away from the seat travel. A rough ride on a camel in the Thar Desert is one of the energizing things to do in Jaisalmer Royal Camps. It enables you to investigate the remote and segregated spots tucked amidst the abandon. Absolutely, the additional time you give on your safari, the more remote spots you are probably going to see and the more you may acclimate to and appreciate the abandon serenity.
Jaisalmer luxury camp in Sam Sand Dunes is an unquestionable requirement visit in the province of Rajasthan in the environs of the city of Jaisalmer. It is likely that you are going for a Desert Safari when wanting to visit Thar Desert or the consequences will be severe, the purpose of going there is pointless, making the Sam Sand Dunes an expanding significant vacation spot of the city.
Visit Us : http://www.desertdreamroyalcamp.com/rooms.php
Sharing link
There is a reason why Iceland is a favourite travel destination. It’s natural beauty of mountains, volcanoes, and bodies of water make this country seem surreal … https://www.merrchant.com/daily/2/travel-blogs/
Indeed Caribbean islands are popular with families in the summer because of less rates than in winter, and the beaches and cultural attractions are just as appealing.
If you are interested in visiting Cusco, getting in touch with its people, volunteering in our Nutrition and education projects, then visit http://www.takemeinyourheart.org
My wife and I (US citizens) want to to take my 16 year old niece (who is a FIlipino citizen) to Korea for a graduation gift. We plan to pick her up in Philippines and fly together to Korea. We have all parental permissions and have proof of ability to support her trip. Is it possible for my niece to obtain the visa? A travel agent in the Philippines is telling us no.
What a wonderful graduation present! We cannot speak on behalf of the government of Korea, as they determine their visa policy for citizens of all countries who want to visit. What we suggest is that you contact the Korea Embassy in the US – 202-939-5600 – as you are U.S.citizens, and ask them for their advice.
Regardless of the visas, it is important that when you travel with your minor niece you have the Permission Letters, so that is a great first step.
Have a safe trip, please let us know if we can be of help.
I want to know how much cost the whole trip can be required to visit this destination. I would like to specific answer on thanks in advance.
The Montcalm Club is a reward program offering free membership for all 5-star MontCalm hotels in London. Each of The MontCalm Luxury Hotels is uniquely and elegantly designed to enhance your stay whether you are in London for business, shopping, theatre or sight-seeing. We extend a diverse range of benefits for our valued guests. Become a member by registering online or at reception at any of MontCalm properties and earn 100 points straightaway & 10 points on every pound you spend on your room booking at any of our hotels. Collect the requisite points and redeem them for a free night stay at the Mont Calm Hotels in London. So, what you are waiting for? Join, Earn & Redeem at the montcalmclub. This time montcalmclub offering the loyalty rewarding in that people can save up to 15% on membership.
This is such a piece of paradise.
Love the pictures, outstanding post! You absolutely re-fueled my wish to visit Morocco. It’s been on my bucket incline for fairly some time. Sounds like you had a blast!
Indeed! Agra is one of the most beautiful places in India to visit. Taj Mahal is one of my favourites. Seeing Agra Fort in Person is quite mesmerizing too. Thank for the trip planning details. I will bookmark this for my future India travels.
A very nice information about Agra and its related places. People usually think a lot about making their trip well-organised. This will gonna help them.
Hurricanes strike without intimation, we need to take some preventive measures to reduce the impact of hurricanes. The information given here is really useful. I would like to add some of the tips that help to survive a hurricane like, create a plan for the family, secure your home with hurricane resistant products, always have a survival kit with you. Take some helpful hints from the professionals and secure your home and make sure you have an escape route ready with you.
Of course! Christmas is a magical time for children – and equally unusual for moms and dads who love nothing more than to see their little ones’ faces smiley with festive joy.
There are so many countries and their cities where people can enjoy these festivals, but I think London is the most popular place to enjoy the lightning of the festivals like Christmas.
Christmas is magical especially for kids. We were lucky enough to take our kids to Lapland when they were younger. Meeting the real Santa and his elves was wonderful.
Great article with good information
thanks for it
If anyone is looking for anything else to do in London, there is a Christmas market in Hyde Park that lasts through New Years. There are several other seasonal events that you can enjoy.
https://londonconnection.com/upcoming-events-london/
Great products!
Volunteer vacations, or voluntourism, is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry. By taking a volunteer vacation, you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people. One of my friends is a working as a volunteer for voyage humanitaire, these trips offer a great charity experience, Where you can offer your support to the needful people.
Nothing is more beautiful than Europe. Would definitely travel to Europe one day.
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is known for its vibrant street life and ornate shrines. It is a city which is exquisitely decorated with Buddhist temples all around along with various natural beauties. The city of Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world and is known as a hot and chaotic city.
How did Halloween get to be so big? The most fun we ever had was at the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, but I see now that in the US, it’s gone to a whole new level of madness.
A road trip through New England is beautiful at any time of year, but when the leaves begin to turn (anywhere from early September to late October) it can be spectacular.
The common wisdom is that the leaves get their signal to change color when night time temperatures drop below 40 F degrees. The farther north you go towards Canada, and the higher the elevation, the sooner this occurs. By mid-September you may see a whole range of colors in northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
In New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, those colors could reach their peak around early October. In Manhattan, New York City where my family lives, we always count on Columbus Day as being the height of leaf color around us, but a big storm or early frost can change all that.
The safest bet is to ask the source — tourism offices in the states you are interested in — as they monitor the climate and moisture in the leaves very closely. Here is a round up of resources for leaf peepers:
Leaf Peekers Guide Americas Fall Foliage
What a great list this is — I just got back from Norway and have to say that the Raumer railway, from Alesund up to Bergen, is another gorgeous ride. The Norway fjords are very beautiful.
I never knew South Dakota was an ice-cream hotspot, sounds like a great place for foodie familes. The local dishes–I need to try chislic–are making my mouth-water. Thanks for such an informative peice on a part of the country I know so little about.
We’ve just heard the good news that Finnair is increasing airlift to five airports in Lapland for the winter 2017-2018 season. Between Jan 1- March 24, 2018, Finnair will add four weekly frequencies to Rovaniemi, three to Kuusamo, and extra flights between Helsinki and Ivalo and Helsinki and Kittilä.
During the winter 2017-2018 season, Finnair will also operate new non-stop flights to Lapland airports from London Gatwick, Paris and Zurich.
we love this idea, to add actual storybooks to the amazing storytelling that goes on at Disneyland. Imagine you can follow up on the excitement of a thrill ride with the moral tale that influenced it, how much more meaningful that would become for our kids. thanks for sharing it!
My 16 yr old is planning to go to Costa Rica with an 18yr old and a 19 yr old. What papers do I need to fill out and have him bring?
Submitted by D.A. to moderator
This article explains the forms that we recommend and why they are needed for the 16-year-old: https://myfamilytravels.com/content/14513-permission-travel-letters-and-why-you-need-them
There is a field within the article where you can input your email address to request that blank forms are sent to you. Please check your Inbox and spam filter for a confirmation email that will ‘confirm’ your request, and once you have clicked on it, you should get a second email with the forms themselves.
My family has been in the wholesale end of the souvenir supply business dating back to 1952 when my Grandfather came out of retirement at age 51 and bought a local wholesale jobber distributor that sold some small wooden novelties made in the Ozarks.
Along with my father’s youth, energy and drive they built a small regional business into a national Importer/Distributor with regional warehouses serving the souvenir needs of Tourist attractions throughout the US. It’s an interesting story and one that started with cheap trinkets Made in Japan that transformed Asia into the powerful Manufacturing Revolution that feeds thousands of Big box Retailers today.
One of our oldest and most popular local attractions here in the midwest that is still operating under the original Family is Meramec Caverns. The attraction has been largely shut down early this spring due to some troubling environmental problems which I believe developed after a regional Flood of the Meramec washed out the visitor center. I believe its set to reopen soon. This is the type of “Attraction” that has kept families on the road and vintage souvenirs making a comeback.
Fairway Mfg. Company
Mark Sobelman, President
2424 Schuetz Rd.
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Thanks for the feedback, that travel stroller you got looks like a great solution with 2 kids, but it’s pricey! Let us know how you like using it on your trip.
Congratulations!
Traveler Carla K asks:
My eleven year old son will be traveling with his grandmother to Vietnam and Cambodia. They will have a plane change in Korea (which will be a port of entry, so I assume they will go through immigration and customs here as well).
This is my question: Do I need to sign and notarize three separate forms (one per country)?
Our answer:
We are not attorneys but we recommend that you have several copies of the same form, and that the form include the travel information about the whole itinerary. In terms of changing planes, there may not be a need to go through Immigration in Korea. However, if you have an original form that mentions all the flights/countries within a broad range of travel dates, and have photocopies that grandparents can leave behind if requested by an Immigration official, they should be fine.
We wish your son and his grandmother a safe and fun trip — it certainly sounds like a fascinating journey to us.Thank you and please get in touch with other questions.
The CPB has some useful advice on this topic on their web page: http://ow.ly/Q2WEY
Well the 1st of June started out soggy. I, along with most all the captains had to cancel due to the fact that it rained and lightened most of the day. The rest of the week was beautiful. None of my clients this week wanted to Tarpon fish, so I stayed inshore most of the week, but the reports I’m getting are still saying that the tarpon bite is remaining strong at Bean Point and along the beach. All my clients this week wanted to stay inshore to take home some fish for the dinner table. The bite this week was slow in the morning but picked up at the tale end of the high tide and was good through the outgoing tide. Most days we were able to catch 20 or so trout with about half being in the keeper range. The big trout of the week was 23″ with most of the trout being caught in 3′-4′ of water on small grass patches. The Redfish bite has been slow but we are managing to catch a couple each trip during the higher water along the mangroves. The Snook bite has been good as long as the tide is moving. Most trips we were able to catch around 15-20 with most being in the 25″ range. If you are looking to book at fishing charter or fishing trip and are near Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Pete, or Tampa areas book with Anna Maria Inshore Fishing, LCC call Fishing Guide Capt. Kyle (941) 345-7182 http://www.annamariainshorefishing.com or check out my brother Fishing Guide Capt. Ryan (941) 812-7435 http://www.bradentoninshorefishing.com
I just wanted to inquire how much a cruise is how long it is what the fees and baggage charges etc are there accommodation for children that are autistic _ is there a discount for people that are Disneyland annual pass holders
By Deb L, moved by Forums moderator
Disney cruises are really fun, and their staff is so well trained to work with all kids, that I think you will find them able to include a child with autism in the regular children’s programming. (Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line I know — see story — that has specific accommodations and loaner toy kits, for example, for guests on the spectrum.)
DCL Cruises run 4 to 7 days typically, pricing varies because some have theme park tickets bundled in, some leave from Florida, others from California and a ship will be in Europe this summer.
You can find out more about Disney Cruise Lines at their site: vhttp://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ – that would be the place to inquire if pass holders get any type of discount. One good cruise travel specialist we know is Magic For Less — http://www.themagicforless.com/ – and they can help you sort through the many choices.
Have a great trip, we don’t think you’ll go wrong!
From a quirky retail store, to a nature park with over 380 live animals, the Shell Factory is “must see” for families visiting The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida. Located in Fort Myers, this iconic, offbeat roadside attraction offers a variety of activities, souvenirs and experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
You can shop for Christmas decorations in the Christmas store (which is open year-round!), try out a hurricane simulator, watch hermit crab races, stroll through aisles filled with taxidermy, indulge in homemade fudge, channel your inner pirate in the Pirate room and more.
Thanks to Julianna Bryan for her fun suggestion.
Hello, my name is Joshua. You have a great site. I have a few questions that has branched off from reading your article by Kyle McCarthy about the road trip from Jacksonville Florida to Key West using A1A and also Route 1. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am in the navy and live in Jacksonville. I recently decided that I am going to take a long (month or longer) backpacking trip from Jacksonville to Miami (or Key west if I can make it). I am having trouble decideing which route to take A1A or Route 1. It seems as if you took both on your road trip. Maybe you can suggest which I take. If you can make any suggestions maybe you could consider I will be backpacking and looking for a decent sized shoulder on the side to walk on. I would like easier access to motels and food. I also wonder if I could plop a tent down anywhere in my travels? Also, I picture myself stopping for a cold beer here and there along my travels somewhere that a dirty backpacker would be welcomed. The problem is I am currently on deployment overseas so my research is limited and I am not very familiar with Florida at all yet. Any help for my backpacking trip would be greatly appreciated so I can start to plan it as much as I can at sea for now. The descriptions of your trip are very well detailed, I am just not sure which route to concentrate on or would be easier, more scenic and fun for a backpacker. I will continue to read your site as I love to travel and you have very detailed and relevant information. Thanks so much.
ubud would be super for a mother-daughter getaway. The Yoga Barn is terrific: it cascades down a hillside, first with welcome bungalow, then a really good restaurant, then a yoga building (photo below), then gardens and what I think are either cottages for accom or treatment rooms. And meanwhile you’re in ubud!
Some people stay at the yoga barn but it’s pretty expensive by ubud standards. I had a beautiful guest house– traditional compound with statuary and pool and ornate platforms — for $25 cDN and I left it for a better one. Plus today I went to beautiful spa, garden setting, 5 mins from yoga barn, and had massage , papaya scrub, and soak in a flower-filled tub — $27 cDN , so that’s maybe $20?
< The patio of my guesthouse.
Ubud is so very beautiful, my room is like a private bungalow by a ravine, beautiful greenery, sounds of cicadas and rushing water, and this little temple where the lady of the house does a ceremony every morning.
Ubud also has Balinese dance performances every night ($6), exquisite meals ($5)…
Contributed by user Teresa Plowright.