Shenandoah National Park is a scenic jewel rising high atop Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. What makes Shenandoah so special? First the sheer beauty of the panoramic views from overlooks scattered along the lofty Skyline Drive. This stunning route runs the length of the 800-square-kilometre National Park. And then, beyond Skyline Drive, lies another Shenandoah where bears roam the hollows and brook trout ply the tumbling streams. Trailside flowers colour the woods. Quartz, granite, and greenstone outcrops stick out above the diverse forest, allowing far-flung views of the Blue Ridge and surrounding Shenandoah Valley. It is this beauty, near and far, that create the unforgettable Shenandoah experience.
Shenandoah - Virginia’s first national park - was dedicated on July 3, 1936. Cobbled together along the Blue Ridge, this long narrow preserve divides the Shenandoah Valley from the rolling Piedmont to the east. The park contains a wide array of flora and fauna as it rises from a mere 550 feet at its lowest elevation to over 4,049 feet at its highest point atop Hawksbill. Animals including deer, black bears and wild turkeys flourish among the rich growth of oak-hickory forest and Shenandoah National Park serves as a refuge for a multitude of species. There are over 190 resident and transient bird species, over 50 species of mammals, over 50 reptile and amphibian species, and over 35 fish species found in the park.
Virginia's Skyline Drive is a National Scenic Byway that runs 170 kms along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains starting in the north of the Shenandoah Valley at Front Royal and arriving at Waynesboro, where it meets the Blue Ridge Parkway. Skyline Drive is Shenandoah National Park’s linear conduit, with 75 overlooks connecting travellers to all the major visitor centres, campgrounds, lodges, picnic areas and most trailheads. Concrete mileposts keep you appraised of your whereabouts.
Always a worthy destination in its own right, Fall is the most popular time to travel along Skyline Drive, with its blazing fall foliage from late September to mid-November. Spring also promises a colourful drive with wildflowers at their peak, as well as blooming azaleas and mountain laurel. Alongside the works of Mother Nature, apple trees, stone foundations, and cemeteries are reminders of the families who once called this place home. Camping, horseback riding, cottages, and lodging are available at different locations along the drive.
Whilst Shenandoah National Park is a year-round destination, by happy coincidence, when the Park is at its peak in Fall and Spring it is also the time when any Canadian Snowbirds are driving by on the way to and from Florida. So this is a great place to break the journey for a few days and Luray and Charlottesville are charming places to choose to stay. Charlottesville is under 10 hours from Toronto or a little over 11 hours drive from Montreal, and just off the i-95.
Charlottesville and Albemarle County are filled with history, horse farms and vineyards. In Charlottesville itself you will discover a thriving community: a foodie destination with a myriad of world-class restaurants, a Downtown Mall and over 120 unique shops, various hotels, live music, theatre, art, sports and more!
If you chose to stop in Luray - Luray and Page County celebrate Fall with the Annual Heritage Festival (Oct 8 - 9, 2017). It’s the perfect opportunity to take in the changing colours and the crisp air of the season. Plus you can meet crafters displaying their skills in spinning, crocheting, apple-butter boiling, tole and oil painting, wheel-thrown pottery, blacksmithing and other traditional handiwork.
Whether you are planning a break on your drive down to Florida, or choosing a base from which to explore the natural wonders of Shenandoah National Park – consider Luray and Charlottesville as delightful options. Luray offers a stay in authentic small town Virginia, while Charlottesville offers a more sophisticated vibe and it is the home of the University of Virginia.
Luray is a town in Page County, Virginia, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley in the northern part of the state and with a population of just 5,000. The town was started by Willian Staige Marye in 1812, whose family was from Luray, France. The Luray Downtown Historic District is a Virginia Main Street Community and a registered National Historic District.
Nowadays Luray has become the northern gateway town for Shenandoah National Park and it is only a 90-minute drive from Washington Dulles Airport. Luray provides a range of accommodation and restaurant options for those planning to spend time in the park. The community's proximity to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River also provides recreational opportunities such as boating, white water rafting, and fishing as well as hunting in the Fall.
Luray Caverns is located in the western part of Luray and it is the nearest town to the Thornton Gap entrance to Skyline Drive - as well as serving as the headquarters for Shenandoah National Park.
Luray Caverns are Eastern America’s largest and most popular caverns. A U.S. Natural Landmark, the caverns are noted for the wide variety of formations and unsurpassed natural colour. From well-lighted, paved walkways you can explore cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high, filled with towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools. A unique feature is the haunting sounds of the world’s only Stalacpipe Organ.
The Luray Valley Museum is included in the Luray Caverns general admission. Step back in time and discover the rich history of the Shenandoah Valley from pre-contact Native peoples to life in the bustling 1920’s. Continue your exploration across a seven-acre re-creation of a small 19th century farming community. Knock on the door of the 1835 home of the county's first Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly. Peek into the Hamburg Regular School, the area's first school for African American children. Read the actual signatures of Union and Confederate soldiers scrawled into the walls of the Elk Run Dunkard Church.
Charlottesville is a small but exquisite city - surrounded by Albemarle County in the heart of the glorious, rolling Piedmont region of central Virginia. An amazing array of historical, cultural, natural and gastronomical wonders lie concentrated in this hidden Southern gem!
Albermarle County is a delightful part of Virginia, where the foothills begin to rise toward Shenandoah National Park, and the historic city of Charlottesville sits surrounded by vineyards, farms and glorious countryside. You can simply take a relaxing drive along the peaceful county lanes, or you can follow Artisan and Wine trails through the beautiful countryside. Plus there are countless opportunities to get outdoors – be it to play the excellent local golf courses, hike in the National Park or to fish or canoe the local waterways.
The charming downtown of Chalottesville has a pedestrianized Main Street spanning 10 blocks. Stroll through this quaint neighbourhood and browse amongst unique, privately owned boutiques, art galleries and eateries. Visit The Glass Palette, where you can create your very own glass art piece or City Clay, where you will be able to spin your own wheel and fabricate a unique pottery item. The producers-only City Market at the corner of Water and First Streets has enlivened Saturday mornings for more than four decades. Vendors sell handcrafted ceramics, living herbs, artisanal cheeses, wines from area vineyards, fresh fruits and vegetables, unique jewelry and gifts.
When you tire of walking there is a free Trolley service that runs roughly a figure eight and takes you close to the local attractions, including the heart of Thomas Jefferson’s Academic Village at the University of Virginia. There, you will want to explore the campus, stroll the Lawn and take a guided tour of the historic Rotunda.
Because Charlottesville is a University Town it enjoys a thriving arts and culture scene that visitors can dip into when they stay in town. There are many live music performances presented at venues such as the nTelos Wireless Pavilion, The Jefferson or the John Paul Jones Arena. You have a choice of theatres - The Paramount welcomes you with its world-class shows, or if you prefer high-quality volunteer theatre, don’t miss the productions at Live Arts. Charlottesville is also home to dozens of art galleries and museums that highlight the works of internationally and locally renowned artists. At one time Georgia O'Keeffe moved to Charlottesville: a few University of Virginia art classes later, she was on her way to becoming one of America's most revered artists.
Plus there are lively festivals happening throughout the year – here are just a few examples:
- The Virginia Film Festival is more than a four day festival of films. There are school screenings, interactive workshops, filmmaking competitions, and more. Morgan Freeman, Sandra Bullock, Anthony Hopkins have attended. The 30th Annual Virginia Film Festival will be held November 9-12, 2017.
- The Virginia Festival of the Book brings together writers and readers every year in March to celebrate literature.
- Twice a year, people flock into Albemarle Country to witness a premier steeplechase event called the Foxfield Races.
- Historic Garden Week celebrates spring blooms at their finest.
There are some countries that don’t even have one UNESCO World Heritage Site. Albemarle County has two – Monticello, the home of President Jefferson, and the University of Virginia. The area is rich in early American history dating back to the first European and native contacts in the late sixteen and seventeen hundreds.
History permeates Albemarle County, most profoundly in the spirit of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was an author of the Declaration of Independence, the third president of the United States, the founder of the University of Virginia – as well as an architect, philosopher, farmer, and viticulturist.
Jefferson’s home, Monticello, plus the Rotunda and the grounds of the University of Virginia are two among just 10 UNESCO Cultural sites in the whole of the US. Jefferson was a talented architect of neoclassical buildings. He designed Monticello (1769–1809), his plantation home, as well as his ideal 'academical village' (1817–26), which is still the heart of the University of Virginia. Jefferson's use of an architectural style based upon classical antiquity symbolizes the desire of the new American Republic to be the inheritor of European tradition. In addition Monticello exhibits the cultural experimentation that could be expected as the Republic matured.
Monticello is Jefferson’s autobiographical masterpiece, designed and redesigned and built and rebuilt for more than forty years. Its gardens were a botanic showpiece, a source of food, and an experimental laboratory of ornamental and useful plants from around the world. There is a Visitor Center and you can tour the house and gardens. The University of Virginia was Jefferson’s idea of the perfect place of learning and enlightenment. The Rotunda is half the height and width of the Pantheon in Rome, which was the primary inspiration for the building. The American Institute of Architects called it "the proudest achievement of American architecture in the past 200 years.”
Visitors to Albermarle County can also experience the homes of two other Founding Fathers. Montpelier is the elegant estate of James Madison, America’s fourth president and draftsman of the constitution. And Ash Lawn-Highland, home to the nation’s fifth president, James Monroe, is now restored as an 18th-century working farm.
The mild climate and rich soil of the region allows for the growth of abundant farms and orchards. Agriculture enthusiasts are drawn into Central Virginia from the first pink and white dogwood blossoms of the year through to the last sweet, crisp apples harvested in the fall.
Carter Mountain Orchard overlooks dramatic vistas and acres and acres of fruit trees and grapevines. Mere minutes from Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home, the Orchard welcomes visitors from mid-April through November (and weekends in December).
In spring, apple blossoms cover the orchard. In early summer, the country store is full of local goodness such as tree-ripened ready-picked peaches, nectarines, and local veggies. From mid-August until mid-December, you can pick-your-own or buy fresh-picked apples, fresh-pressed apple cider, homemade apple cider donuts tasty apple pies and apple caramel cookies. And in the Fall, the Orchard brims with pumpkins, gourds, and Indian corn. Topping off the day are hayrides around the Orchard – the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Virginia countryside.
Area farms offer a chance to take in the scenic beauty of Albemarle County, while getting a firsthand look at the inner workings of agriculture. The business of agriculture in the region has made some 21st century updates to better welcome you to homes and farms with an inventive fusion of agriculture and tourism. Many of the farms sell their products directly on site. Others offer tours that take you around the property and even let you test your hand in milking a cow. If you like to mix your travels with a specific purpose then there are some fun adventures awaiting you in the region. The “Brew Ridge Trail” links Craft Breweries in Albermarle and Nelson Counties. The Rivanna Trail is a 35km rustic "urban wilderness" hiking trail that encircles the City of Charlottesville. And the Monticello Artisan Trail is a connected network of talented artisans strewn throughout the beautiful landscapes of this area. On the trail you'll find the local artisans’ studios and retail galleries, events and workshops related to their craft. The Artisans Studio Tour this year is November 12 & 13, 2016.
There are also twelve vineyards in Albemarle County inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s vision of winemaking. Jefferson was in many ways the first “foodie” and he was responsible for founding the Virginia wineries. Encouraged to grow wine by Benjamin Franklin, and under the sponsorship of Thomas Jefferson’s merchant friend John Adams, an Italian viticulturist from Tuscany named Filippo Mazzei set off to Virginia with European vines on September 2nd, 1773. So the Monticello Wine Trail has a deep historic significance as well as excellent wines today. Lush vineyard offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and one of the most popular is the Trump Winery - this is also Virginia’s largest vineyard, combined with the luxury Albermarle Estate Hotel.
If the outdoors means the Golf Course to you, then you will discover traditional and innovative greens offering great natural beauty as well as a climate that invites year-round play. Charlottesville has four courses in the immediate area - including championship courses with 4 ½-star rankings from Golf Digest, links designed by Pete Dye and Associates and an Arnold Palmer Signature Course as well as the world's first Green Golf Trail - Monticello Golf Trail.
Of course the natural beauty of the region allows for lots of outdoor activities. Local lakes and parks offer great fishing, water sports and hiking. If you like your hiking combined with history then both the presidential homes of Monticello and Montpelier also have wonderful scenic trails to explore. And 200 kms of the Appalachian Trail run through Shenandoah National Park as part of the Park’s nearly 1,000 kms of trails. Shenandoah National Park of course is a fabulous outdoor adventure and a “must see” with its spectacular panoramas and stunning Skyline Drive along the length of the Park.
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Where to stay in Luray:
The historic Hotel Laurance is a distinctive boutique hotel located in downtown Luray. The hotel has recently been completely and sensitively renovated. Every one of the 12 rooms are different with a unique character and delightful décor. Built in 1830 as a mercantile establishment it was converted to the Hotel Laurance 1n 1883. The name comes from the owner’s wife – Laura.
www.hotellaurance.com
Experience vintage southern hospitality at the Mimslyn Inn - a member of Historic Hotels of America. The classic charm of this 1931 establishment first appears as you are greeted by a circular drive leading to a portico supported by high columns. Enter the gracious lobby, complete with winding staircase, and be transported back to the antebellum era of the Old South.
www.mimslyninn.com
Where to stay in Charlottesville:
Award-winning Keswick Hall is an impressive 48-room mansion nestled on 600 acres. It is part of the Prestigious Keswick Golf Club, site of Pete Dye's award-winning Full Cry golf course - and is packed with resort like amenities. The resort is perfect for a getaway filled with relaxation, gracious hospitality, and fresh country air. The AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Fossett’s, is named after Edith Fossett, who was Thomas Jefferson’s cook.
www.keswick.com
Where to stay in Shenandoah National Park:
Skyland Lodge, located at the top of the fabulous Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is an historic lodge established in 1888 as the perfect spot for a vacation retreat. At 3,680 feet, Skyland provides breath-taking views of the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, as well as many hiking trails, and various other guest activities like horseback riding, and rock climbing.
Skyland Lodge is one of three properties managed in the Park by Delaware North.
www.goshenandoah.com