The Shenandoah Valley is an ideal destination for your summer family vacation because there are so many avenues for fun, education, and relaxation. Find inspiration here and begin planning your trip today.
Step Back in Time
Learn something new by looking into the past at places like Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton or New Market Battlefield in New Market.
Frontier Culture Museum spans 200 acres, 300 years, and showcases five Old World homesteads as well as American Indian and frontier settlement. It is the largest open-air museum in the Shenandoah Valley.
Frontier Culture Museum
Open daily, costumed interpreters demonstrate the ways of life for each immigrant culture and time period, from blacksmithing to farm chores. Additionally, the 1700s West Africa village educates visitors about the Igbo. It is estimated that 30,000 Igbo involuntarily arrived in Virginia between 1716 and 1755 to work plantations. The Frontier Culture Museum is a place to ask questions and get an accurate representation of who the early occupants of the Shenandoah Valley were.
This Summer at Frontier Culture Museum:
- May 25-27: Rebellions and Revolutions
- June 16: African American History Day
- July 4: Independence Day Celebration
Visiting New Market Battlefield State Historical Park is putting yourself on 273 acres of preserved hallowed ground. The Battle of New Market was part of The Lynchburg Campaign and one of the last Confederate wins. The battle occurred on May 15, 1864 and resulted in 1,372 deaths, including the loss of 10 Virginia Military Institute Cadets. Be sure to take the time to watch the Emmy-winning film “Field of Lost Shoes” which is shown every hour at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War.
New Market Battlefield
Also within the Virginia Museum of the Civil War are artifacts from the battlefield and the Bushong Farm, Civil War firearms, a 28-foot stained glass mural, and the Robert Raeburn Civil War Art Gallery. Outside, the Battle of New Market Driving Tour will prove to be an asset.
The 160th Commemoration of the Battle of New Market will be held May 18-19, 2024. Walk through battle encampments, observe artillery demonstrations, Civil War era dancing, and more.
Go Caving
The interesting thing about a cave is that it can appeal to different people for different reasons. What will you notice first?
Luray Caverns is the most popular show cave on the East Coast. It was discovered on a hot day in August 1878 thanks to a cool shaft of air felt by three men walking above it. The Caverns feature paved walkways for easy accessibility and is open daily. Inside you’ll find soaring ceilings, formations reaching incredible heights, and even music from The Great Stalacpipe Organ. Gorgeous reflecting pools give pause as illusions; be sure to have your camera at the ready.
There is more to Luray Caverns than the caverns. Spend time exploring the Garden Maze, Toy Town Junction, Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, Gem Sluice, and more, all on site.
The oldest show cave in the country is Grand Caverns in Grottoes. The cave was discovered in 1804 and opened for tours in 1806. A guided 70-minute tour gives you all the info about the cave, including both history and geology.
Grand Caverns boasts a sister that is not at all commercialized (no proper paths, no electricity) but is open for exploration. Touring Fountain Cave is authentic spelunking, but supervised by professionals. It’s not for those who mind dirty clothes.
Whitewater and Paddling Fun
Keep your head above water while you push through it with an outfitter on the Shenandoah River, a northward flowing tributary to the Potomac River.
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Front Royal Outdoors will entertain any way you want to get on the water, whether it’s SUP, kayaking, tubing, fishing, etc. Their self-guided trips span from a half day to multiple days with lodging accommodations. Those looking for whitewater will find Class I-II rafting trips pre-planned with FRO. Simply book your trip and all of your equipment is included.
Shenandoah River Outfitters in Luray also specializes in Shenandoah River aquatic excursions. Choose your trip length and duration aboard the craft of your choice: kayak, canoe, raft, or tube. Meals and lodging are available to make it an overnight or longer experience.
Ride Horses
If you’ve never ridden a horse, it’s not too late. Throw a leg over and add a new experience to your life story.
Fort Valley Ranch is located in Fort Valley, just north of and between Mount Jackson and Luray. They offer weekend getaways with guided horseback riding and lodging. They’ll even work with you to create a special experience, whether it’s a themed ride or proposal.
Fort Valley Ranch
At Star B Stables near Staunton an hour-long guided trail ride is offered every Thursday through Sunday by appointment. All riders must be age 6 and older and weigh less than 250 pounds.
See a Show
From small town theater to world renowned music, entertainment abounds.
The Wayne Theater in Waynesboro is an historic 1926 entertainment venue that was first a vaudeville house. In 2016 it was reopened by a community group and is now home to an education program and also hosts music, movies, art exhibits, guest speakers, and more.
Upcoming at The Wayne:
- May 23-August 18: Rae Abraham Yoder: Art Educator with a Mission
- May 29, June 26, July 31, August 28: Wayne on Main Outdoor Concert Series under the marquee
- June 1 & August 3: Mark Riccadonna & Friends Stand-Up Comedy
- June 5-July 31: Summer Movie Series – every Wednesday; children’s movies
- June 7: Rock the Block Gala
- June 13-16: Three Sisters, a play by Anton Chekov
- June 21: Jimmy Fortune in Concert
- August 23: Curtis Salgado in Concert
- SEE THE CALENDAR FOR MORE
For more than 60 years the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival has brought joy to music lovers making their way to Orkney Springs in the Shenandoah Valley. Year after year fantastic national musicians have commanded the stage and 2024 is no different. Get your tickets before they’re sold out.
2024 SVMF Line Up:
- July 19: Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
- July 20: Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra
- July 26: Dionne Warwick
- August 16: The Atlanta Rhythm Section & Orleans
- August 17: The Oak Ridge Boys
- August 30: The High Kings and Eileen Ivers & The Brigideens
- August 31: Mavis Staples
- September 1: Hot Strings & Cool Breezes Americana Minifest featuring Steve Earle, Dom Flemons, and more TBA
- BUY TICKETS
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Epic Fun
Get some adrenaline going with epic fun at Massanutten Resort. Centered around the family, there are a number of activities available, but it’s the waterpark and mountain biking that can really get your family pumped.
The WaterPark at Massanutten is both indoor and outdoor, plus on-site dining and an arcade for taking a water break. When everything you need is right at hand, there’s no need to rush off.
The Western Slope Trails at Massanutten Bike Park number 32 miles across 800 acres and has the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition working to maintain and improve the trail system. Check out the pocket map.
Try Real Rock Climbing
No shade to indoor climbing facilities, but the natural world is a different beast. Literally get hands-on with some of the Valley’s best climbing when you hire an experienced guide like Wild GUYde Adventures or Shenandoah Mountain Guides.
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Ride a Train
Some families prefer to travel by rail while others have never experienced such a mode of transportation at all. Climb aboard the Virginia Scenic Railway in Staunton and enjoy a sightseeing excursion. The Blue Ridge Flyer heads east to Crozet every Thursday through Sunday at 3:30 p.m. while the Alleghany Special goes west to Goshen at 10:30 a.m. Passengers never deboard the train; it’s a three-hour out-and-back experience with lunch included. Tickets are released quarterly.
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See Wild Animals
The Shenandoah Valley is home to many hundreds of mammals and has areas known for great birdwatching thanks to being on the north-south migration route. Just about anywhere is great for wildlife watching, but we especially like these two: Virginia Safari Park and Skyline Drive.
The Virginia Safari Park is home to exotic animals that are certainly not native to the Shenandoah Valley, let alone the United States. Not a zoo experience, but a drive-through safari, guests at the park interact with these animals in unexpected ways. Drive through in your own vehicle and a bucket of safari feed to get more up close and personal with large animals than you ever thought possible.
Skyline Drive is the main thoroughfare through Shenandoah National Park. It’s along Skyline that you’ll see wildlife thriving within their habitat. Expect to see black bear, white tail deer, skunk, opossum, bobcat, and much more.
Header Image: Massanutten Resort WaterPark. By Sarah Hauser and courtesy of Virginia is for Lovers.