Shenandoah/ VA recs please!

KittyRN2

Anyone have any recommendations for Shenandoah National Park, specifically around Luray, VA? We are looking to maybe do a honeymoon there, and wanted some ideas. We found a cute B&B, Piney Hill, which looks nice. We would go horseback riding, go to a winery, and get a massage...but what else is there to do? If you have been, how much time is needed?

2bJenniferT

My family used to go camping there at least once a year - it is so lovely! I haven't stayed at Piney Hill, but I have heard about it and it is supposed to be great. My family and I used to do all of the outdoor activities: canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, etc. This is a very nice park nearby: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/and.shtml. Also, wherever you decide to stay, your innkeeper should be able to make some great suggestions!

Santorini2011

We used to go there for long weekends and stay at Sky Lodge.  There is also Big Meadow in the park.  I think there are wineries nearby.  We bought local wine but it was at the ABC store.  If you have the time, you might want to start at one point and work towards the other side, staying in different places.  I can't remember how far but think there iare hot springs nearby.

phillychica85

I'd recommend a visit to the caverns and a drive (and picnic depending on the time of year you're going) along the Blue Ridge Parkway-such gorgeous scenery. It's a little bit away (I think around 90 minutes) but I would also recommend visiting Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate if you've never been. Charlottesville is also a cute town. It's been a while since I've eaten there but Michie Tavern offers really good southern food (it's a colonial era tavern).

MrsA1210

If you're going to be there for longer than a weekend, I second the suggestion to visit Charlottesville (as a daytrip or an overnight).  According to google it's about an hour and a half drive.  Monticello is a very interesting tour if you like American history.  There are many wineries in the area (the wine trail and Barboursville are very well-known) with great restaurants.  The downtown mall of Charlottesville has some cute stores, restaurants, and wine bars.

 

sunshine_day_dreams

Not sure what time of year you'll be there, but especially in the fall Skyline Drive is a really pretty drive.  It goes the entire length of the park.

My favorite hike in the area is Old Rag Mountain.  It's a bit tough in the beginning, but it's an awesome hike with some rock scrambling at the top and amazing views.  It's probably a 45 min drive from Luray, but worth it, IMO.

You could also do the caverns.

Stephanie305

Here's a link to the Virginia Wine site.  I've only been to wineries in the Northern VA region so I can't give you any specific recommendations, but there's lots of good info on the site.

 

http://www.virginiawine.org/regions 

madhatter2003

Definitely Charlottesville for a day, and wineries if you like wine.

KittyRN2

Thanks for the replies thus far!!

Anybody know if this area is really even "honeymoon worthy"?