Why You Should Visit the Shenandoah Valley in the Fall
“There is something incredibly nostalgic and significant about the annual cascade of autumn leaves.” ― Joe L. Wheeler
Here comes fall! Have you planned your Shenandoah Valley adventure?
1. The Fall Foliage: Of course this is reason #1! The Shenandoah Valley bursts into autumn with colorful ferocity as green fades into fiery shades of fall. There is no better place to watch the seasonal shift of nature than at a Shenandoah Valley B&B in the heart of Virginia’s mountains. (Stay up-to-date with the foliage by calling the Virginia Fall Foliage hotline at 1-800-424-LOVE.
2. Fewer People: Summer is the overwhelmingly popular time to travel, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best time. Beat the crowds with a fall getaway (especially a mid-week vacation when the streets are still and the beds are available).
3. The Outdoor Activities. Whether you’re hiking, biking, horseback riding, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, fall is the ideal time to venture outdoors. You’ll find cooler weather that has left behind the humidity of summer but hasn’t quite entered the chill of winter, and you’ll have the opportunity to experience the colors of nature firsthand.
4. Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival. If you’re an avid biker, a casual cycling enthusiast, or a supporting observer, then you won’t want to miss this festival! “A perennial favorite with cyclists up and down the mid-Atlantic states and beyond, the Fall Foliage Bike Festival offers a full weekend of riding, sightseeing and warm Virginia hospitality.”
We look forward to seeing you on a fall adventure in the Shenandoah Valley! Click here to check out our member inns, and book your lodging soon, as our B&Bs fill up fast in the fall.
4 Ways to Spend Great Outdoors Month in the Shenandoah Valley
Did you know that June is Great Outdoors Month? “This June, celebrate the natural wonder and outdoor spirit of America by getting outside during Great Outdoors Month. Once you come outside, you’ll never want to go back inside.” The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is a particularly breathtaking portrait of the great outdoors, and the natural world holds endless adventures to enjoy during your visit. Check out 5 of our favorite outdoor activities:
1. Fly Fishing: Enjoy casting classes, fish guiding, or just some casual angling in Virginia’s waters. To start your fly fishing activities, visit Murray’s Fly Shop in Edinburg or Mossy Creek Fly Fishing in Harrisonburg. (Also, if you’re a fan of fly fishing, you may want to mark your 2016 calendar for the annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival in Waynesboro, VA!)
2. Grand Caverns: While the weather outside is heating up, cool off underground. Discovered in 1804, these historic caverns boast the title of “America’s oldest show cave.” Now you can tour the various rooms and formations and examine the Civil War signatures that decorate the cavern walls.
3. Hiking: It’s the classic outdoor activity for a reason! The Shenandoah Valley is home to winding trails, rolling mountains, and stunning views. Trek through the forests of Shenandoah National Park, relish the waterfalls of Crabtree Falls, and explore portions of the Massanutten Recreational Trail.
4. Geocaching: Grab your GPS, create a free account on Geocaching.com, and start your treasure hunt! If you’ve never been geocaching before, this activity uses GPS coordinates to lead you to a hidden cache, which may hold everything from a book of signatures (to which you can add your own) to small trinkets that you can claim. Just remember that if you take an item from a cache, be sure to leave something behind!
Don’t forget to reserve lodging at a Shenandoah Valley Bed & Breakfast! We look forward to seeing you for Great Outdoors Month.