WHY GO: Just 90 minutes from Washington DC, Virginia’s Shenandoah County VA is seeing a surge of long and short-term visitors seeking wide-open spaces and outdoor recreation in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Lately, hiking and other outdoor excursions have inevitably become preferred local getaway activities. Not only are they pleasurable, but these activities contribute to your health – a win-win.
Start in the northernmost town of Strasburg, and then, wend your way 30 miles down Route 11 to Toms Brook, Woodstock, Edinburg, Mount Jackson, Bayse, and New Market.
In the 1800s, Shenandoah County was the “Breadbasket of the Confederacy,” torched by Union General, Philip Sheridan, during the Civil War. Destroying every last sprig of wheat, a stalk of corn, and a storage barn, the raid succeeded in cutting off Confederate food supplies.
Now, “The Burning Raid” is generally relegated to the history books. The Shenandoah Valley is verdant, beautiful and open to all.
There are caverns to explore, Rose Bowl floats and murals to ogle, superb potato chips to munch, summits to climb, wine to sip, and, surprisingly, a number of passionate artisans and craftspeople.
Shenandoah County is on our list of 20 Surprisingly Romantic Getaways in VA. Check it out if you wish to explore the state further.
Looking for someplace dreamy outside of Virginia? Check out our 150 Best Romantic Getaways in the Northeast US (Virginia to Maine,) or our massive list of 150 Surprisingly Romantic Getaways In The USA.
Things to Do in Shenandoah County VA
Interestingly enough, Shenandoah National Park (see Park Ranger John’s epic guide) is not actually in Shenandoah County. However, it’s close enough–only a 20-minute drive from Strasburg VA. Likewise, another popular regional attraction–Luray Caverns–is only a 45-minute drive along Stonewall Jackson Highway.
Things To Do In Strasburg VA
WALK: Strasburg Mural Tour – Strasburg VA
Amble down Main St. Strasburg and you’re rewarded with cool art by “people from all over the world” – thanks to The Staufferstadt Mural Project. (Staufferstadt is Strasburg in German).
Mural Artists from other lands immerse themselves in the community, absorb Strasburg’s essence, and then create impressions of their time here. Some of the results are thrilling, others, disorienting.
But all ten murals tell a story, like a husband/wife collaboration of a rainbow, complete with fawn. (David and Desiree Guinn saw one on their way to Virginia and had to add it in).
Another depicts a young woman from a black and white photo that artist Lula Goce found in the Strasburg Library. That scene can be found on the exterior library wall.
Other murals include one about Father and Sons – on the side of an ice cream shop. Another – the house-painted River Tributary, and spray-painted black/white Baby With Grandparents by Over Under.
EXPLORE: Downtown Strasburg VA
Do you still have your slot car from childhood? I do! Then, don’t forget to bring it along. Yep – Strasburg accommodates this Boomer pastime with slot car racing at Strasburg Hobbies.
Stop into Strasburg’s only Coffee Bar, Nancy’s Coffee Bar. Even if there are no events at the immaculate town park (with a covered stage), check it out if only for one of the many LOVEworks “LOVE” signs throughout Virginia.
VISIT: Strasburg Museum – Strasburg VA
You might first dismiss the Strasburg Museum as a dusky place with a lot of old dusty stuff but resist the urge and plan at least an hour here. You’ll see some amazing things related to Shenandoah County. Inside a former steam-driven pottery factory in use until 1913, and a railroad station until the ’50s, it was turned into a museum in 1970.
Strasburg citizens delved into attics, barns, and closets to create the exhibits you see now. Black history, Native American History, Civil War, German heritage, farming – you’ll find it all here.
Representing two sides of a conflict and then Unification, Confederate and Union Flags hang alongside the American Flag from a soaring 40-foot ceiling.
If you have only 30 minutes, be sure to see these three things:
Two intact Colonial Era German bibles: One saved by a dead cat.
This 1773 bible was owned by the founder of Strasburg, Peter Stover. The larger one, printed in 1739, was in the possession of the Miller Family.
The 1739 bible was nearly destroyed during a Native American raid when many in the Miller family were massacred. The Bible was set afire, saved only by the weight and blood of a dead cat tossed on its cover. The last of the Millers donated it to the museum.
The Pottery Room Collection.
Strasburg was so famous for its pottery that the town was nicknamed “Pot Town.” This museum happens to be a repository for what is considered the best public display of Strasburg Pottery in the same place where said pottery was made.
A thriving industry in the 1800s, most clayware companies in Strasburg turned out utilitarian ceramic food storage vessels. By the turn of the last century, glass bottles and tin cans had effectively put pottery companies out of business.
John Schreiner’s Golden Age of Rail Model Train Set.
Out back in a restored railroad car, you’ll find a version of September 21, 1939 writ small. Constructed in great detail by the model-train set wizard, Schreiner, this multi-media diorama incorporates the Arthur Godfrey radio broadcast from that day, Gone with the Wind.
It’s playing at a tiny drive-in-theater, a passenger train with interior lights, four smokestacks pumping out steam, night scenes with neon lights and stars in the sky, a very believable sunrise, and so much more.
Schreiner’s latest project involved photoshopping 300 images to use as a backdrop for his 55 ft by 5 ft creation. This pulls the whole incredible scene together. If you have just a few minutes to spare – make a beeline to this dynamic historical wonder.
VISIT: Hupp’s Hill, Battle of Cedar Creek Museum – Strasburg VA
This little-known museum is a must-see for every Civil War buff. It tells the story of the last battle of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign on October 19, 1864 (which began in New Market in May of that year).
On General Grant’s orders, Union General Sheridan had taken a torch to Confederate food supplies in the valley on a destructive raid called “The Burning.” Once the breadbasket of the South, the Shenandoah Valley was so decimated, it was said, “a crow flying over would have to carry its own knapsack.”
Outside, a walking trail has signage about the battle, and the museum itself is worthwhile for its exhaustive database and printout of soldiers killed, captured, and wounded in the Battle of Cedar Creek on both the Union and Confederate sides. $5, open daily 9-5.
TOUR: Battle Of Cedar Creek National Park – Strasburg VA
A Confederate victory at dawn and a Union victory by early evening, October 19, 1864, the Battle of Cedar Creek, was one hell of a whirlwind day during the Civil War. Marching at night, the greatly outnumbered Confederate unit stealthy snuck around the clueless Union camp. Surrounding them on three flanks by 5 am, the soldiers pushed them north to Middletown.
General Sheridan heard the cannon fire as he rode south from Winchester, and quickened his pace to rally his troops (later commemorated as “Sheridan’s Ride”). The men rose to the occasion with a Union victory by 5 pm.
The 6th Regiment Volunteer Vermont Infantry sustained the greatest loss- out of 164 men, 110 were killed or wounded. Visitors from that State often want to see the Vermont Monument sculpted from Vermont granite that honors them.
The Battle was fought over a ten-mile range, and there are lots to see on both public and private land, including the location of the bridge where the Confederate Army crossed at 3 am.
Covering 3,700 acres, this somewhat confusing site is not your typical National Park. For starters, it’s managed by 6 entities and is still improving with signage and mission.
And the Contact Visitor’s Center is located in a strip shopping center. But do stop there first. You’ll get an overview of the Battle and can pick up a free audio tour – or, if you’d like, arrange for a 2-hour car caravan or step-on tour led by Park Rangers.
Things To Do Near Strasburg VA
TOUR: Belle Grove Plantation – Middletown VA
The Battle of Cedar Creek was fought in part across the street from Belle Grove Plantation – with its distinctive 1797 limestone home, quarried from the still-operating open-pit mine down the road.
Owned by Isaac Hite and his wife Nelly (James Madison’s sister), the 7500-acre gristmill, sawmill, livestock and whisky-making plantation kept 101 slaves at its peak. (Copper Fox Distillery now makes a 1797 Belle Grove Whiskey using the same recipe as Hite’s).
Thirteen ft. ceilings are more Antebellum than Colonial – very high for the era – and have been restored to original bright colors. Nellie died in 1803, and Isaac remarried Ann Morey who bore him ten children in 14 years. The bourgeoning family necessitated the addition of another wing.
A 45-minute tour will take you through the house, out onto the front porch where you can see indentations from Civil War bullets on one of the columns, and cannonball holes on the limestone façade.
You’ll continue into the original children’s bedroom, where Civil War General, Stephen Ramseur, died surrounded by his best West Point friends, General George Custer, and Captain Henry A. DuPont. A photo of that scene is posted on the wall.
Things To Do In Woodstock Virginia
HIKE: Woodstock Tower Trail in George Washington National Forest, Woodstock
The Woodstock Tower hike up from the parking area is pretty easy, but the switchback drive up Massanutten Mountain is an experience in itself. Tight corners are an understatement. Just take your time.
The spindly steel tower, built in 1935 by the CCC for tourism (it isn’t a fire tower, in other words), is fun to climb. Just don’t expect unobstructed views. Surrounded by overgrown trees, this is not the best vantage point for sweeping vistas of the valley.
If you want the best overview of the landscape and snaking Shenandoah River below, take the gravel path to the hang-gliding launch point (you’ll see the road beneath you to your left as you walk down from the tower). If you time it right, you might see humans flying off the mountain as well.
Woodstock Tower is one of the best quirky Places to Propose in Virginia.
HIKE/WALK: Seven Bends State Park – Woodstock VA
Seven Bends SP, referencing the seven turns and curves in the Shenandoah River here, is Virginia’s newest State Park (previously Camp Lupton).
With over a thousand acres – some leased by corn farmers – and eight miles of trails that loop along the river and through meadows and woods, this exquisite place has proven popular with dog walkers and groups of friends.
At sunset, with cornfields aglow, 7 Bends is absolutely enchanting.
WINE TASTING: Muse Vineyard – Woodstock VA
The Estate Wine Muse Vineyard sits on a fork of the Shenandoah River. In fact, when the river swells, and the road is impassable, visitors can access the tasting room via a swing bridge. Award-winning wines are made strictly from grapes grown on Muse’s 50-acre property. Find even more delicious vinos on the Shenandoah Wine Trail.
STOP: Shenandoah County Historic Courthouse and Visitors Center, Woodstock
A symbol of Shenandoah County, the Shenandoah County Historic Courthouse is the oldest working courthouse west of the Blue Ridge. Until 2012, trials were still held here, but local citizens wanted this historic building opened to the public.
A bit of Revolutionary War history. In January 1776, Pastor John Peter Muhlenberg had his Patrick Henry moment. Ending his sermon with, ‘There is a time to preach and a time to fight. This is the time to fight,” Muhlenberg threw off his frock to reveal his Continental Army uniform.
The current building has stood here since 1795, and was a prison for both Union and Confederate soldiers whose graffiti you can still see on the walls.
SHOP: Woodstock VA Main Street
Nate + Main
For creative home decor in a restored 1797 log building.
Travelers Treasures
Owner of Travelers Treasures, Joy Ann Nault, is aptly named – a joy to be around. She sells handmade crafts, food, and body creams – among many other things that you won’t find anywhere else.
Flour + Water Co.
Stop in for a sweet baked treat, coffee, tea, and even beer at this twee shop in downtown Woodstock. You can also pick up some merch (a Flour + Water t-shirt or hat) to gift your favorite baker.
Kary Haun Studio, Woodstock
Haun’s painting-like glazes are distinctive works of art. She works “slow and steady,” concentrating, for example, on the shape of geranium blooms, or woodland scenes.
Things To Do Near Woodstock VA
TASTE/WINE: Wolf Gap Vineyard, Edinburg
Named for a notch in the far mountains visible from the winery that bears its name, Wolf Gap Vineyard is spectacularly located. JC and Janel Laravie purchased this existing vineyard in 2021, and ever since have been putting their own stamp on it.
The most interesting conversation piece is the central table in the newly tasting room – created from a Cedars of Lebanon tree that Founding Father, James Madison, had planted on his property nearby. The tree died in 2023, and the wood salvaged for furniture. The Laravie’s won it at an auction – and call it their “witness table.”
Stake a seat at that historic table and taste some best sellers: Juxtaposed (a Cab Frac, Cab Sav, and Chambourcin blend), and Chambourcin Blue – mostly dry and tinted with blueberry juice. If the weather’s nice, take a glass to a seat on the lawn, and gaze at the mountains, for the ultimate Zen experience.
VISIT/TASTE: Swover Creek Farms and Brewery – Edinburg VA
Who knew this little obscure place could hold so many surprises? A “Century Farm,” – meaning it’s been in business for at least 100 years – Swover Creek Farms and Brewery moved into beer-making as a “Farm Brewery” several years ago.
The farm grows its own hops and utilizes homegrown ingredients in the making of its Dirty Blonde, Red Clay (my favorite), IPA, and other small-batch brews. Walk into this unassuming building to find a pretty tasting room and bar shelves lined with local-potter-thrown mugs, representing 130 members of the Swover Creek Brewery Mug Club.
Even more amazing – Woodfired pizzas are made right on site. And house-made sausages, served snug inside pretzel rolls, are incredible. No surprise that they took the 1st Prize in Virginia Living Magazine a few years back.
TOUR: Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum @ Edinburg Mill
The Edinburg Mill is one of the few mills to survive “The Burning,” though some scorched timbers are still visible. A 40-minute documentary about Sheridan’s torching of the Shenandoah Valley is presented here four times a day.
This is reason enough to stop by, but you may also want to wander through this somewhat slapdash trove of local artifacts, donated by Edinburg residents.
Most notable is an extensive collection of Red Cross memorabilia, and a display of the First Civilian Conservation Corp’s (CCC) camp in America – Camp Roosevelt. Established in 1932, it’s just nine miles from here.
VISIT: Route 11 Potato Chips – Mt. Jackson VA
Route 11 Potato Chips is the South’s version of Cape Cod Chips – and comes in all kinds of flavors (e.g Old Bay). Come into the factory to see 100 pounds of potatoes sliced in 42 seconds, then fried in 300-degree sunflower oil.
Chips are inspected and “bad ones” – with holes, green etc. – are pulled out and fed to local cattle. Lucky cows.
TOUR: Shenandoah Caverns and Main Street of Yesteryear Quicksburg VA
Descend 60 feet into Shenandoah Caverns, the only cavern in Virginia with elevator service to a wondrous subterranean world. This is the most formation-rich cave I’ve ever seen.
Throughout 17 rooms – this one-hour mile tour will expose you to some of the best of them. Opened in 1922, Shenandoah Caverns has employed most of the surrounding population (within a 15-mile radius) at one time or another.
There are visual delights around every bend. You’ll see the multi-colored lit Grotto of the Gods, Cathedral Hall (most popular for weddings), Diamond Cascade glittering with calcium crystals, the “Capital Dome,” and let’s not forget the bacon.
In 1964, National Geographic proclaimed Shenandoah Caverns to have some of the most realistic bacon formations on earth.
Access Main Street of Yesteryear from the Cavern gift shop. This collection of electrified, dynamic department store window displays from the 40s and 50s are in mint condition and still thrill. Circus scenes, Nutcracker reproductions, Cinderella at the Ball – you can stare for hours at these animatronic scenes.
TOUR: American Celebration on Parade – Quicksburg VA
You’ll find this homage to Rose Bowl and Presidential Inauguration floats – American Celebration on Parade – in a humongous warehouse just down the hill from the Shenandoah Caverns.
Opened in 2000, this Technicolor extravaganza of a museum showcases over 20 full-sized parade floats created by Hargrove, Inc, a company that originated with a horse-drawn float for Truman’s 1949 Inaugural Parade.
Don’t miss the 47 ft wide, 20 ft. tall glittery woman used for the Miss America Pageant, the Rose Parade, and Philly’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The ginormous 60 ft. long American Flag, appearing in both Reagan’s and Obama’s Inaugural parades, is arguably the most popular float here. Hargrove still creates these movable pieces of art for events all over the country.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES: Bryce Resort – Basye VA
This small and quaint member-owned resort is a tight community that also happens to be open to guests. There’s a seemingly endless array of activities on offer: from non-motorized boating on large man-made Lake Laura to golfing on an 18-hole course, pools, tennis courts, zip-line, mini-golf, a climbing tower, and a small ice rink.
The centerpiece: skiing in winter and downhill biking in summer (both accessed via chair lift). When the snow flies, enroll your kid in ski school, and/or try snow tubing downhill.
Book a condo (some slope-side) through Airbnb or directly, and avail yourself of all the outdoor adventures. Drive or fly in. Bryce Resort maintains its own small-plane airport.
On Wednesdays in warmer months, pick up baked goods, produce, and condiments at on-site Farmers Market – held in the main parking lot.
PROVISION: Paugh’s Orchards – Quicksburg VA
On your way to or from Bryce Resort, provision up at this roadside Paugh’s Orchards Farm Stand. Pick up apples, peaches (each in season), and other produce.
SHOP: Jon Henry General Store – New Market VA
Though Jon Henry General Store was “Est. 2018,” it occupies a former General Store that opened in New Market in 1802 and closed on the eve of the Civil War. Afterward, this main street building became a bank, overflow for a funeral home, and other businesses, before Henry decided to restore and turn it into one of the most (probably the most) eclectic General Stores are known to man.
On the day I visited, outside bins were filled with oversize produce. One box held 15 to 70 lb. Naples Green Squash. Honestly, these veggies are the size of a young human. Henry sources all these foods from his farm in Mt. Jackson – and if you do nothing else, they are a sight to see.
But Henry has a flair for the fun and obscure. So step inside a warren of rooms to find a trove of treasures from birdseed to olive oils, Dippin Dot’s to Matchbook cars. The store sells towers of gently used Levi Blue Jeans, all manner of chips, and pickles from inside the “Pickle Vault” (formerly the bank vault).
Novelty socks are huge sellers, as are Vegan Burgers. In fact, Gluten-Free Vegans will go wild here. I’m married to one, so I stocked up on gluten-free flour, candy, chips, and yep, vegan toothbrushes.
And, wait, there’s more! Dog treats. Toys for kids. Amish Herbal Tonic. Fudge. Dram CBD Water. And hot sauces from Henry’s Jumpin’ Run Farms. I left off 90% of what the Jon Henry General Store carries. So, you’ll just have to visit this antic place to find stuff for yourself. It’s worth a stop off of I-81.
VISIT: Virginia Museum of the Civil War, New Market Shenandoah County
Every Civil War battlefield has its own dramatic story. This one involves kids. The Battle of New Market was the first time in history that 257 cadets, ages 15-21 from Virginia Military Institute, were called up as Confederate reinforcements to face the encroaching Union Army. And, you can find out all about it at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market.
They marched 85 miles in five days, and fought on an open field so muddy from rain, it sucked the shoes right off their feet. (The battleground was subsequently called, “The Field of Lost Shoes”).
The Southern victory came at great cost. Ten cadets were killed and 47 wounded on May 15, 1864. Along with a stained glass wall by Israeli artist, Ami Shamir, depicting the battle, the museum houses uniforms, body armor, and copies of letters that the cadets sent home.
Those letters, imploring parents “not to be uneasy” about the upcoming battle, are the most heartrending of all.
Where to Eat in Shenandoah County VA
EAT/DRINK: Woodstock Brewhouse, Woodstock
Belly up to the curved poured concrete bar in the repurposed Casey Jones Work-Clothes factory (which manufactured Wrangler jeans), now the Woodstock Brewhouse. Eight friends – all with other careers – got together to open this brewhouse. In 2015, “there was no place like this to go. So we created it.” Ten years later, it remains one of the most popular spots in town.
Sit overlooking fermenting tanks or in the main or back rooms. Elevated pub-grub, like burgers, wraps, bowls and salads, hit the spot. Especially if it’s washed down with Brite Blonde, Tipsy Squirrel (nut brown ale), 7-Bender (referencing the Shenandoah River), Crow’s Provender IPA, or other fresh brews.
EAT: Woodstock Garden Café, in the Fort Valley Nursery, Woodstock
“On a stressful day, I love coming here to reset,” says a frequent patron of Woodstock Garden Cafe, a true farm-to-fork café. Owners Brooke and Bryce Long source all their produce, eggs, and pork products from their family farm.
Take your tasty Truffled Grilled Cheese or another fresh dish to the pretty outdoor covered patio and revel in the beauty all around you. The Woodstock Garden Café stays open year-round (with heaters).
EAT/BEER: Box Office Brewery – Strasburg VA
For those keen on really good pub food with their craft brews, plan a meal at the Box Office Brewery, in the former historic Strand Theater. The wings and fries are especially delectable. It’s a hot spot for sure in this small VA town that’s getting artsier and foodie by the minute.
EAT: Burn Barrel, Pale Fire Brewing Basye
The Burn Barrel – a small, casual cafe – sits rather arbitrarily at the base of a mountain. Half the fun is traveling the twisty-turny steep roads to get there. Less than two miles from Bryce Ski Resort, it’s walls are festooned with skis and snowshoes, etc. There’s a bar downstairs, but if you’re here during the day, Burn Barrel’s burgers, franks, and other pub food is good eatin’ – and will certainly fuel you for a day on the slopes or trails.
EAT/DRINK: Pale Fire Brewing Co, Basye
There’s a taproom in Harrisonburg – opened since 2015. But this Pale Fire Brewing outpost opened right next door to Burn Barrel, in early 2024, and quite the find.
EAT: Locals Also Love
Old Dominion Doggery & Burger Shop for unusual beef franks (Strasburg). Woodstock Café in Woodstock – always a staple, now with gourmet dinner served Thurs-Sat nights. And the relatively new Edinburg Mill Restaurant (Edinburg) for fine Woodstock farm-to-table meals.
Where to Stay in Shenandoah County VA
STAY: Airbnb, Woodstock
Stay smack in the middle of town at this sweet, “above the store” one bedroom (with two beds) Airbnb. The bathroom is lovely, and sitting room cozy. And best yet – it sits one block from restaurants and shops.
STAY: Airbnb, Strasburg
For now, the best place to stay in downtown Strasburg is in a private, historic, 250 year old 4-bedroom, 4-bath home right in town via Airbnb. Rooms are richly and beautifully appointed – and the whole house is the bargain of the century at less than you might expect.
F.Y.I. – Belle Grove and the National Park visitors center are not in Shenandoah County. They are in Frederick County.
Lovely write up, just FYI, it is 5 fellas and 3 ladies that started the Brewhouse, not all guys 😉
Thanks for catching that, Jessica. I changed to “eight friends” to make it more clear. Thanks for reading and commenting! Malerie
Hi Joy- Thanks for letting me know. It’s close, though!! Malerie
Hi Belinda – your comment made me smile. I was referring to the words coming from the singer’s mouth, not the name of the song! But nitpick away – at least I know that you are are giving my posts a close read! Malerie
Thank you, Malerie, for the write up. We love sharing with folks the County we love. It’s’ a very special place.
The Edinburg Mill is finally opening a restaurant, I hear! And don’t forget to stop in at Sal’s Italian Bistro in Edinburg; Sal is an Italian immigrant and expert chef, who for some reason, decided to open an authentic Italian eatery in our little neck of the woods. He’s been there around twenty years now and the locals are very attached to the place. My parents eat there several times a month. Never a bad dish!
Thanks for the tips, Kristen – and for reading and commenting! Malerie