Shenandoah Valley Things To Do

The Shenandoah Valley is a diverse collection of small towns and rural communities rich in history and natural resources. While the metropolitan areas of the east coast continue to expand, we enjoy a slower and more peaceful way of life. Yet, there are still many wonderful activities to enjoy and places to visit.

The nearby town of Staunton is an old frontier town with a thriving downtown area. It’s home to the American Shakespeare Center and the Frontier Culture Museum. The downtown streets are lined with cafes, wine bars, restaurants and eclectic shops. From May-October on weekends, the main thoroughfare through downtown is closed to vehicles, and the shops and restaurants spill out onto Beverly Street for visitors to enjoy. The farmers’ market on Saturday mornings (spring through fall) is the best in the area.

Lexington, about 20 minutes away, is home to both Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute. Like Staunton, it too, has a vibrant downtown area. The Lexington Carriage Co offers horse drawn carriage tours of the downtown familiarizing you with the area while telling you about the history of the town. A favorite music venue is the Lime Kiln Theater. It’s an outdoor music venue that hosts folk, roots, and bluegrass bands in a beautiful setting in the summer.

Of course, a trip here wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Crabtree Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. It’s a 3.4 mile roundtrip hike following Crabtree Creek as it cascades 1200 feet down the mountain.

The North Rockbridge Trail is a collection of small businesses in our area that offer visitors a chance to see what rural life is like in the Valley. From Wade’s mill, an active grist mill that dates to the 1750s, to Alpaca farms, lavender farms, breweries and wineries, you don’t have to travel far (and not on the highway at all) to have a fun filled day in the country.