Come for the leaves. Stay for the wine.
Whether you “leaf-peep” by car along one of the Valley’s scenic routes, or by hiking any number of backcountry trails in Shenandoah National Park, you will see the Shenandoah Valley at its spectacular best in October. Peak color occurs at different times throughout the Valley, but one way monitor it and plan your visit is through Shenandoah National Park’s Fall Color updates.
October is also Virginia Wine Month—the ideal time to tour one of the Valley’s many picturesque vineyards. Long known for its apple crop and other agricultural delights, Virginia’s wine industry is growing dramatically. As of September 2015, Virginia ranked fifth in the number of wineries in the nation with more than 275. Sales of Virginia wine increased by 26 percent from fiscal year 2010 to 2015, according to Governor Terry McAuliffe. And if beer is more to your liking, tour the new Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail.
The Valley’s festival calendar in October focuses on everything from “Oktoberfests” and arts to cycling events, mud runs and Halloween. Click here to see the options.
Of course touring scenic roads, sampling fine wines and strolling through festivals are only a few of the things to do in the Valley. Shop, dine, explore museums, rent a remote mountain cabin or stay in a five-star downtown hotel. (Click “Places to Stay.”)
Lead photo of Blue Ridge Parkway scene by Sarah Hauser, Virginia Tourism Corporation