The growing culinary scene, coupled with the city’s unique location and historic attractions, make the quaint yet vibrant town of Roanoke is quickly becoming a must-visit destination.

Located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR), Western Virginia, Roanoke is the largest city along the Appalachian Trail. The city is nestled in the Roanoke Valley, surrounded by thousands of miles of outdoor adventure, which makes it an ideal stop along the Shenandoah Valley road trip or before your visit to Mountain Lake Lodge (Dirty Dancing filming location). 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This trip was hosted by the Virginia Tourism Board who did not review or approve this story.

What to see & Do in Roanoke

For many years, Roanoke was a refugee settlement city, so naturally, it is still very diverse with nearly a hundred languages spoken in schools. This diversity is reflected in the city’s attractions and architecture. In the heart of the downtown, for example, is Century Plaza, where intricately decorated columns represent Roanoke’s sister cities, showcasing the rich cultural connections the city established with the world.

In Downtown Roanoke, everything in Roanoke is 5-15 minutes away, so exploring the city on foot is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon. The architecture in the city is mostly low-rise and historic, with colourful brick and old-school signage. Along the way, you will come across family-owned and small designer shops, antique markets, and the Historic Roanoke City Market, one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the United States. This walk can easily become an outdoor gallery experience if you choose to follow the Downtown Mural Project map. 

Downtown Roanoke is home to nine museums, quite a few of which are located inside the Center in the Square. Some of the museums are full-blown family attractions where you could easily spend hours (Science Museum of Western Virginia, The Don and Barbara Smith Children’s Museum and the two arcades: Pinball Museum and Roanoke STARcade). Others are cultural and educational facilities committed to the preservation of local and national history (Harrison Museum of African American Culture, Virginia Museum of Transportation, and Taubman Museum of Art, worth a stop just for the architecture). A lot of the city’s rapid growth can be attributed to its location on the Norfolk & Western Railway, and much of this history is shared in the O. Winston Link & Roanoke History Museum.

The biggest attraction in the city, quite literally, is the Mill Mountain Star, or the Roanoke Star. Built in 1949 by local merchants, it was originally a Christmas decoration that became a permanent attraction. The star is 88.5 feet tall, surrounded by lush greenery like an overcoat, overlooks the surrounding valley and mountains 1,045 feet above sea level. The Star is formed by 2,000 feet of neon tubing and was illuminated for the first time on November 23, 1949.

Where to eat & Drink in Roanoke 

For a smaller city, Roanoke packs a punch when it comes to culinary offerings. In addition to the wealth of homegrown chefs, the city has welcomed those looking for a quieter lifestyle, opening up new hot spots or taking over family legacies. The culinary community of Roanoke is collaborative, with chefs working with each other and nearby farmers, shining a spotlight on local seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes. 

Between the restaurants are craft cocktail bars focusing on interesting new techniques and the classics, each with its own unique vibe. And then there are, of course, a few breweries, most of which are destinations in their own right. Needless to say, this culinary scene is surprising, and one could easily spend an entire weekend in Roanoke eating and drinking their way through the downtown. 

The local breakfast and lunch favourites by far are Bread Craft and Scratch Biscuit Co.. Bread Craft is a traditional bakery with a French cafe influence serving coffee, baked goods, and fresh sandwiches. Scratch Biscuit Co., on the other hand, is where you come for a classic Southern meal to set you up for the day (think biscuits and gravy, egg and bacon sandwiches, and French toast). 

Peamento cheese sandwich at the Crystal Spring Grocery Co., Roanoke, Virginia. The Blue Ridge Bucha beverage in the background is made by a local company as well.

A short drive from the city centre is Crystal Spring Grocery Co., as the name suggests, it’s a shop and a cafe. The shop was originally Tinnell’s Finer Foods, which was famous for pimento sandwiches. The ownership has changed, but Chef Matt Lintz kept the pimento on the menu using the original Tinnell’s recipe, to honour the tradition and not upset the neighbours. The market is connected to the Yard Bull Meats butchershop and is steps away from an award-winning restaurant, The River and Rail Restaurant. With an afternoon visit to the Roanoke Star to split up the eating, this corner of the city can easily take up your entire day.

Stock Bistro & Bar is one of the newest restaurants in Downtown Roanoke. Set at the back of the showroom at the Fire Station One Boutique Hotel, this modern restaurant has an open kitchen and a semi-private terrace. Led by Chef Jeff Farmer, the restaurant serves Nordic cuisine with a few regional classics. The menu is unique, to say the least, offering items like Svamptoast (mushroom parfait, wild chanterelles, pickled celery), duck and pork meatballs with lingonberry barbecue sauce, and of course, Virginia Oysters served with horseradish, mignonette, and fried saltines. The Stock beverage program is a strong match to their food menu with a robust listing of speciality and classic cocktails, local spirits and beers, and a deep wine list.

Mid-afternoon snack at the Stock Bustro & Bar: Fried Gouda and Virginia Oysters served with a pomegranate mignonette.
Below: Interior decor of the Stock Bustro & Bar.

The Vault at The Liberty Trust Hotel is another upscale dining destination. The building, which dates back to 1910, was originally First National Bank and was considered “A Temple of Finance”. Today, it is a four-star hotel and restaurant. The original high sealings, marble columns and door trims, and the metal furnishings are eye-catching from first glance. At the back of a bar is an open vault, used as a dining room, the heavy door of which naturally draws plenty of attention. The menu at The Vault is a selection of shareable world classics paired with speciality cocktails.

The Vault at The Liberty Trust Hotel, some of the high-top tables are built with elements from the old, lower-level vault. 
Below: Cocktails from The Vault and Sidecar.

Sidecar also has an impressive food menu, from oysters to Bavarian pretzel (with mustard and beer cheese), and Empanada Criolla (with house chorizo), but among locals, this was the top recommendation for cocktails, rivalling only Lucky. Sidecar is a busy spot with loud music, energetic patrons and an old-world spirits and cocktail menu. Between classic and house features, some cocktails come with a bit of a show, torch-fired table-side. Lucky’s, on the other hand, is a smaller spot serving comfort food and craft cocktails. It’s the bar other bartenders go to, and even if you only come for the drinks, the fresh daily menu will likely inspire an appetite.

For more casual meals, consider Cedar’s Lebanese, Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint, Fortunato, and Three Notch’d Brewing Company. Texas Tavern and Martin’s Downtown are also fun options for an easy meal or a quick snack. Martin’s is also where you go for live music and late-night shenanigans with the locals. 

Blindhouse Beer Company, Roanoke, Virginia.

Golden Cactus Brewing beer flight on the left, arcade games in the middle, and the terrace mural on the left.

Roanoke has quite a few breweries, and three of them are located within spitting distance from one another. Golden Cactus Brewing and Blindhouse Beer Company are nearly next door, while Big Lick Brewing Company sits across the street, framed by its large patio. Golden Cactus is a large, open warehouse space that turns into a market once a week. The brewery has a very fun and welcoming decor with a row of classic arcade games lined up against the back wall. Their beer selection is similarly cheeky and often seasonally available for a limited time.

Blindhouse Beer Company is a smaller spot, with a few reclaimed couches and tables in the tap room, garage door open to let in the sun, and only a handful of tables by the bar. Described by casual bar patrons as the “fancier place where you get beer in stemmed glasses,” Blindhouse’s only fancy is their beer serve: cold, crisp, with a trophy-worthy foam head.

Where to stay in Roanoke, Virginia

The city’s newest boutique hotel is a beautiful historic property, Fire Station One Boutique Hotel. The building is an old fire station, refurbished to house only a few rooms, each one is unique. The main floor of the building is shared between a furniture and home decor showroom and Stock Restaurant & Bistro. The shared space also includes a large event room with multiple sitting areas and original firehouse cabinets. Read the full review here. 

The Liberty Trust Hotel is another classic with rich history and one-of-a-kind decor from window trims to lighting fixtures. The rooms are King and Queen suites with a lovely view of the city. On the ground floor is one of the city’s favourite restaurants, The Vault. 

One of the city’s oldest and most notable hotels is The Hotel Roanoke (Curio Collection by Hilton). The property has an old castle feel, full amenities including pool, spa, gym, and multiple restaurants. Connected to the city by an enclosed pedestrian bridge, this is the biggest hotel in Roanoke.

Fire Station One Boutique Hotel, Roanoke, Virginia.

Make it a road trip or a hiking adventure 

Aside from adding Roanoke to your Shenandoah Valley road trip or Mountain Lake Lodge visit, there are many other single and multi-day road trip and hiking alternatives nearby. 

Roaring Run is a great option for an easy morning hike. The trail is 1.2 miles round trip and leads to a cascading waterfall. It’s an easy and beautiful nature walk open 24/7. AllTrails directions, and here are a few other nearby hiking trails.

The Roanoke Appalachian Trail is perhaps one of the most scenic hiking trails in the world and has a few access points from the Roanoke Valley. The trail is about 2,200 miles with many breathtaking viewpoints, including Mount Katahdin as the northern trailhead and Springer Mountain South. 

Blue Ridge Parkway is the larger area surrounding the city. The parkway includes 240+ miles of the Appalachian Trail, 260+ miles of blueways, and 700+ miles of trails for hiking. Along the way, you will come across ancient caverns, Virginia’s natural gravitational anomaly, Mystery Hill, Charlottesville and the Albemarle County wine region, and many other points of interest. Find itinerary ideas on the Blue Ridge Parkway website. 

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail is a version of the above trail but focused specifically on local breweries and distilleries. Break this itinerary up into a few daytrips or a single looping road trip. Find the full itinerary here.

Roaring Run Trail, 45 minutes away from Downtown Roanoke, Virginia.

Getting to & Around Roanoke 

Downtown Roanoke is very walkable, and most things are within a 5-15 minute distance. There are also two old school trolley routes operating in the city connecting the Downtown to the Crystal Spring Neigbourhood, if you are interested in visiting Crystal Spring Grocery Co. and nearby restaurants. Find more information on the Star Trolley line here. Uber and Lyft are also available rideshare options.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is the local airport with routes connecting Roanoke to most major cities in the US. Roanoke is also a stop on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional route. If driving, the city is accessible from Interstate 81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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What now looks like a sunny gazibo used to be a boat house launching boats into the Mountain Lake.

Located in Pembroke, Virginia (USA), Mountain Lake Lodge is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, encompassing a lake and miles of untouched forestry. The Lodge is one of the two filming locations* for Dirty Dancing, arguably one of the greatest romantic movies of all time. For 36 years, people have been travelling from around the world for an immersive Dirty Dancing experience, prepared to play dress up with their friends and family in the Kellerman’s Mountain House. Naturally, these all-inclusive themed weekends sell out quickly and often carry a year-long waitlist. But there is more to Mountain Lake Lodge than movie memorabilia (though you can buy plenty of it at the Kellerman’s gift shop). From the scenic location and unique history to the disappearing lake and even a few ghost stories, the Lodge is a destination in its own right.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This experience was hosted by Mountain Lake Lodge, which did not review or approve this story.

Left: Boat launching path from the original boat house leading to a scenic walking trail across the dry Mountain Lake. Right: Hotel guests enjoying a sun break by the fire pit, surrounded by the mountains.

The world beyond Kellerman’s

Arriving early Friday afternoon, the  Lodge was already swarming with outfitted Dirty Dancing fans, but with a short walk to the Nature Centre, the buzz simmered to a quiet. Passed the wilderness attire racks and Saskwatch magnets, I found my gator guide, Cameron Duke, prepared for a history lesson, however it might look. For the next hour, securely strapped in a John Deere XUV (aka the Gator), we looped over the mountain and across the lake floor, pausing to take in the sights.

These historic property tours are a year-round offering and a great way to see the mountain top.

Expertly manoeuvring across the thick greenery, Cameron shared the long and fascinating history of the property, pointing out Dirty Dancing filming locations and behind-the-scenes stories. On the other side of the new-ish outdoor pool and the original Baby’s cabin (Virginia Cottage), a tilted metal sign greeted us ahead of the sandy path: “Keep out of the pond. No swimming, no fishing, no boating”. There hasn’t been water in the lake for over a decade. “Many studies have been done over the years about why the lake empties and refills on its own schedule, but we still really don’t understand this behaviour,” Cameron shared, pointing out the faded remnants of the shoreline. In the distance, you can see a carcass of a boat stranded in the bushes. “One of the property rules is to leave nature as it is, so since the water drained, we have not been able to move that boat,” he commented. As we paused at the bottom of the lake, contemplating its mysteries, I fell in love with the view and the wonder of it all.

The rocky edge is where the Mountain Lake used to meet the shore. It has been dry for over a decade. Mary Moody’s Endowment rules prevent intervention with nature, which has completely overtaken the lake floor, creating a beautiful field of wildflowers and bird-seeded trees.

“With so much history, are there any ghost stories at the resort?” I wandered out loud. “I personally haven’t had any encounters, but have heard stories about the original cottages from the housekeepers. Are you into paranormal?” he asked. “I’m a fan of the X-Files,” I admitted, and we both chuckled. “Well, we are in the Appalachians, so there are plenty of supernatural stories here,” Cameron added, mentally taking me back to the Saskwatch magnets. Later that night, I spent more time than I care to admit reading about “weird Virginia” on Reddit.

The immersive Dirty Dancing experience 

“We tried to separate ourselves from the film,” Mountain Lake Lodge President and CEO, Heidi Stone, admitted, “but quickly realised Dirty Dancing fans were the biggest visitor base for the resort. So we leaned in”.

On arrival, all guests are handed a pink badge detailing the weekend activities. Couples, family and friend groups move through the resort in excited clusters dressed as their favourite characters, re-enacting scenes and posing for photos. Fuzzy blue cardigans, striped t-shirts, capris, and hundreds of white Keds are the weekend uniform. Completed with watermelon-shaped purses and an occasional curly wig, the women are often accompanied by their own Johnnies, dressed in all black.

Navigating the halls and nature trails to the sounds of Eric Carmen’s “Hungry Eyes,” I kept overhearing guests discussing their favourite movie scenes and searching for insider knowledge from the staff. Having seen the movie at a young age (and many times since), I feel like I found my people, deeply connected with the cult-classic storyline.

Resort guests out on the scavenger hunt, enjoying the views from the gazebo (where Penny hosted dance lessons) and trying to spot the exact location of the infamous lift.

A side-by-side comparison of the Mountain Lake Lodge and the Kellerman’s Mountain House film still from Dirty Dancing.

“Is this where it happened?” I overhear a woman at breakfast. “Yes,” the host gestures at the table, referring to the scene in which Baby pours a pitcher of water on Robbie. “Well, actually, it was between these two tables,” she adds. The woman shrieks with excitement, easing into her seat, eyes locked on the plaque with the scene title. Multiple plaques are scattered throughout the property calling attention to filming locations – here is where they did the lift, and here Baby had a stern conversation with her father. The filming location spots add up to the Saturday afternoon scavenger hunt, just after trivia and before the picnic lunch in Mary’s Barn.

“The only thing I want to win this weekend is trivia,” a woman next to me at the bar shares. “I tell you, heads will roll,” she laughed. With two opportunities to see Dirty Dancing once again, trivia was perhaps the most competitive component of this weekend.

Dirty Dancing themed weekend attendees are lining up to showcase their favourite character costumes.

The official competition, however, is the Friday night Costume Contest. One group at a time, guests voted on the best Baby, best Johnnie, and best supporting cast. Each participant had an opportunity to showcase their character by performing a dance, reading a line, or sharing another relevant talent, often causing a wave of laughter across Mary’s Barn. 

Each evening, guests gathered for dinner at Harvest Restaurant, accompanied by a live band playing music from the film. The dinner buffet is a selection of hearty farm-to-table meals like fresh biscuits and gravy, juicy roasts, hearty pastas, and rich soups. And after dinner, there is always a dance party running well into the wee hours. By day two, having attended dance lessons, the dancefloor is in a synchronised routine, filling the room with unadulterated joy and laughter.

The original family resort

The history of Mountain Lake Lodge is nearly two centuries deep and explains some of the oddities of the property and its unique character. The original resort, Salt Pond, dates back to 1851, when it was a popular destination for stagecoach travellers. A decade later, the Porterfield family purchased the property from General Herman Haupt and turned it into a vibrant family destination.

Back then, summer vacations could last two to three months (much like in the movie). Wealthy families bought into the resort by building custom cottages, which they owned outright for 15 years. One of the resort regulars was William Lewis Moody, a wealthy man from Texas who spent every summer at Mountain Lake Lodge. When the time came for him to give up his cottage, “he did what any wealthy man would do, and purchased the property,” Cameron shared. 

Mr Moody was a wealthy man but notably careful with his money. To avoid construction expenses during the main lodge upgrades, he used, nearly exclusively, resources available on his land, using rock from the mountain. Unintentionally sustainable and meant to withstand weather and fires, the stone lodge he built in the 1930s is the lodge we see today.

Mr Moody’s daughter, Mary Moody, was equally fond of the property and purchased it after her father’s passing, becoming one of the first female CEOs of the time. To ensure future generations can experience what she has as a child, Mary created a set of rules: the resort can never be sold, there are no TVs in the rooms, no logging, and no hunting on the property, and generally speaking, nature’s choice always comes first. A series of narrow driving routes and hiking paths curve throughout the property, but much of the land is overtaken by nature, with wild flowers flourishing at the bottom of the dried-up lake.

Before Mary passed, she established the Mary Moody Northen Endowment, which operates Mountain Lake Lodge as a non-profit, called Mountain Lake Conservancy, protecting the 2,600-acre nature preserve surrounding the resort. “Without Mary, we would be a roadside sign,” Cameron noted. Mary’s portrait hangs in the Lodge lobby, looking over hotel guests and staff with a scrupulous eye. “One time they tried to move the portrait, but things started to go wrong just, everywhere. So they quickly put it back, and now when anything goes wrong, the staff checks on Mary’s portrait”.

Shared space in the lobby as a comfortably cozy environement with a set of rocking chairs facing the fire and various sittting areas.

The Endowment briefly considered closing the resort due to disrepair, but instead chose an extensive, seven-year renovation to renew and save the Lodge. Facilities have been upgraded and the guest experience improved with the addition of adventure and nature activities. Today, the Lodge is a thriving, award-winning** lodging destination. So no matter how many years pass, you will always be able to visit the resort where Dirty Dancing was filmed.

Left. Untouched wilderness along the upper mountain hiking trail. Left: One of the many signs along a walking path sharing exercise recommendations.

Year-round vacation destination

Mountain Lake Lodge is a full-service resort embedded into wilderness. Guests can find the ultimate comfort of a private cabin or cosy up in the main lodge suite. Some rooms have fireplaces, some have lake views, and some are located in the privacy of the forest canopy. 

Harvest Restaurant is the main dining stop offering flavours of Southwest Virginia prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The casual Stony Creek Tavern and Salt Pond Pub terrace are also popular spots among locals who find rest by the fire after a hike or a bike ride up the mountain. After dark, the hillside is minimally illuminated by the fire with string lights framing the terrace. And if you look up on a clear night, you just might see the Milky Way cutting through the navy sky. 

At the centre of the resort is an outdoor pool, one of the newer additions to the heritage property. In addition to the self-guided trails and activities at the Nature Center, the lodge offers hosted excursions, guided history tours and hikes to the Cascade Falls, archery tag games, bubble ball, and other hosted family-friendly activities. As of 2024, Mountain Lake Lodge is also home to the new Giles County Trail Center, connecting visitors, hikers, and the community to 20 miles of Virginia’s trails. 

The Adventure Center is open between mid-April and mid-October, weather permitting.

The family suit in the Main Lodge has a seperate sitting room with a fireplace and full bathtub.

* Other scenes were filmed in Lake Lure, North Carolina at Camp Occoneechee.

** Awards include first place in Virginia Living’s Best Resort and Best Special Event Venue, The Knot’s Best of Weddings and three TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.

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Located in the heart of Roanoke, Virginia, this hotel smoothly blends its components into one seamless experience. The original firehouse doors are decoratively propped to the side while new glass doors offer a preview of the interior. The ceilings are tall, the windows let in light generously, and the original elements (both structural and decorative) create a one-of-a-kind feel. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This hotel stay was hosted as a part of a press trip to Virginia who did not review or approve this story. 

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

The ground floor is a large open space with the storefront taking up about two-thirds of the floor and Stock Bistro occupying the rest. The Bistro is open concept with a terrace out back. All guest rooms are on the 2nd floor at the back of which is a shared common room. This large open space is where the original fireman’s pole still stands accompanied by all original cabinetry along the walls. 

There are multiple sitting areas with lush couches, a large dining table, and a minibar. Naturally, this room is used for special events like weddings and celebrations. At the back of the room are guest refrigerators and various other supplies like snacks and toiletries. 

Inside the Suite 

There are 7 rooms in total and each room is unique. Nearly all suites are bright with minimal decor accented by unique lighting pieces, mirrors, rugs, and large scale art. Room No.2 leans into mid-century characteristics with wood panelling and darker accents. Original brick is visible throughout, showing century characteristics with faded paints and architectural touches. 

I had the pleasure of staying in room No. 7, aka the Loft. This suite has a spectacular accent light fixture, a floor-to-ceiling window looking over the terrace and a spacious sitting area. Being out most of the day I had to make a conscious effort to spend time in each area of the room. 

The rooms are equipped with automated blinds and blackout layers if you prefer to sleep in complete darkness. 

It is also worth noting that Fire Station One Boutique Hotel is a pet-friendly property. 

Drinks & Dining 

Stock Bistro and its terrace is much newer than the hotel but already maintain local regulars. The bar is a showcase of local and international spirits, unique wines, and a fun selection of cocktails. On the menu are people’s choice favourites like Cosmopolitan and Espresso Martini as well as a few Bistro specials. People gather on the couches sipping cocktails throughout the evening, reinforcing the laidback, casual atmosphere of the whole place.

The kitchen offers a Northern Scandinavian fair prepared in a fully open space in front of the guests. My eyes quickly spotted local Virginia oysters which came served with a side of pomegranate mignonette and crackers, perfectly suited for the briny oyster. Among other menu items are smörgåsbord options, fried gouda, meatballs, and Bavarian half-rack hen, to name a few. 

Fire Station One Boutique Hotel, Roanoke
Room starting at $216 USD/night
13 Church Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011, United States
Book directly on firestationone.com or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

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This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The trip was sponsored by Virginia Tourism Corporation, which did not review or approve the story.

Ways to visit: Depending on the focus of your trip to the Valley you can move from county to county or set a home base in one location and take day trips in mixed directions. This region is best suited for slow travel, allowing you to take in all the natural beauty and true southern hospitality.

Travel tip: Avoid mobile charges by pre-paying for an Airalo eSIM*. The SIM gets downloaded directly to your phone and can be toggled on and off with ease in settings. This service provides internet access, no phone service.

Seven Bends State Park, Woodstock, Virginia.

See & Do

Embracing the outdoors

Shenandoah Valley consists of roughly seventy percent protected land. Home to lush forestry, curvy mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls the Valley is an ultimate playground for adventure seekers, both casual and extreme. From short trails accessible from urban centers to 544 miles of the Appalachian Trail and year-round fishing in Waynesboro the opportunities are endless. 

Harrisonburg (located quite centrally) can easily be your home base for a weekend of outdoor adventures. This vibrant university town is conveniently situated with quick access to hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing, and a mix of water sports. For a casual explorer, there is a newly opened (2020) Seven Bends State Park. Nestled in Woodstock the park wraps around the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Luray and Page County, on the other hand, are home to nearly a dozen waterfalls while Lexington shares the land with a 500 million-year-old Natural Bridge. Some of the waterfall trails could be pretty challenging but Natural Bridge State Park is a fairly easy walk with plenty of seating and even an occasional light show. An extended family stay is best suited for Massanutten Mountain Resort (Massanutten Mountain) where you can not only live, dine, and hike but enjoy a selection of hosted activities like tubing, zip lining, skiing, snowboarding, and golfing. 

The bridge is 215 feet tall and weighs roughly 15,000 tons. The park can be rented for a sunset wedding under the bridge. 

Above and below: catered dining experiences at Massanutten Resort.

Into the ancient underbelly

Many millennia ago Shenandoah Valley was under water. The ancient ocean limestone base developed a karst landscape in the region creating sinkholes and caves all throughout. The most notable, and famous tourist attraction in the region is Luray Caverns, the largest cavern in the eastern United States. A short walk will take you into the first room where you immediately see unearthly formations created over many millennia. A curvy path continues down, constantly exposing more and more spaces with out-of-this-world formations.

Your cavern tour will not be complete without a visit to Shenandoah Caverns, Skyline Caverns, Endless Caverns, Caverns at National Bridge, and Grand Caverns where you will find 200 signatures of Civil War soldiers.

Each formation style has a name based on how it was created: “stalactites,” “stalagmites,” and “columns” but some of them have given names based on what they look like ie. Washington Column or Skeleton’s Gorge. The biggest room is roughly 47 feet tall and doubles as a special event space. Yes, you can get married here too.

Another surreal stop in the Valley is Crozet Tunnel in Waynesboro. This man-made 4,700’ long abandoned train tunnel opened to the public only recently and contains no artificial lighting. Walking through the tunnel is eery. As your eyes adjust to the darkens and other senses sharpen you will hear water dripping through the rock walls, small creatures going about their day, and might even spot a crawfish in the narrow rivers at the wall’s edge.

Crozet Tunnel in Waynesboro, one of the entry points is not quite as finished as the other.

A quick dip into local culture 

To many this region is known for its Civil War history but there is more to Shenandoah Valley than war memorabilia. National treasure Patsy Cline grew up in Winchester and you can visit her home any day of the week. Downtown Winchester, Staunton, and Lexington are a wonderful showcase of historic architecture. And if time permits, on the outskirts of Winchester, is The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. This is a public park, gift shop, and museum that you can spend an entire day in. The gardens, created by Julian Wood Glass Jr., are a light maze of gentle walks showcasing mixed sculptures, plants, and thematic gardens.

Downtown Winchester, Virginia.

Above and below are images from The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.

A fun way to see Lexington is by horse and carriage with a knowledgeable local guide. 

The lights are always on, facilitating direct interaction between guests and actors. The stage seats are the moisturized seats and put the attendees directly into the play.

One of the main draws to Staunton, aside from its lively food and drink scene, is the American Shakespeare Center. Built as a replica of Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Playhouse this is a rather unique building. The theatre is operated by a group of extremely passionate individuals who work on re-creating the original “vibe” of live a Shakespeare play. This theatre is casual, comedic, and welcoming to all.

Eat & Drink

From country classics to fine dining

Like many regions situated away from urban centers, Shenandoah Valley is gentrifying. With renewed interest in the area and rising population come revitalization projects and new openings. Many of these initiatives, whether by younger newcomers or retirees looking to bring a passion to life, are in the food and beverage world.

Ridge Room in the Hyatt Place Hotel, interior on the left, Beats and Burrata on the right, patio view below. If you stay here, make sure to collect your World of Hyatt rewards.

On the upper scale side of things, Staunton and Lexington have quite a few impressive options. Owned by the same Staunton group Zynodoa and Blu Point Seafood Co., for example, are elevating standards for farm-to-table, sea-to-fork meals. A few miles over Haywood’s Restaurant and TAPS at George’s Hotel are on a mission to create seasonally fresh meals carefully pared with choice wines and craft spirits. Asian Station (Luray) and Mashita (Harrisonburg) are cooking up exciting twists on fusion cuisine with local and harvested ingredients. And for a scenic meal, take the elevator up to the Ridge Room in the Hyatt Place Hotel (Harrisonburg) where the menu offers a range of cultural influences from artisanal cheeses to blackened fish tacos. 

Winchester revitalization initiatives created space for Bonnie Blue Southern Market and Bakery which occupies an old Esso station. This traditional diner serves hearty family-style Southern meals created by a classically trained chef. Further down the road, on the outskirts of New Market, we stop for a meal at Southern Kitchen or opt-in for rustic American fair at The Restaurant at the Edinburg Mill.

Fish tacos at Devils Backbone Brewing Company on the left and steak from Haywood’s Restaurant on the right.

Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery, Winchester, Virginia. Bottom left is the Shrimp and Grits from Bonnie Blue (half portion) and the road sign for Southern Chicken

Microclimate wines & small-batch distilleries 

With a microclimate similar to the Finger Lakes and Niagara region Shenandoah Valley currently has 20 wineries and about 15 breweries. This tasting collection is spread across the valley and can be taken as a wine route or a beer trail. Whether you chose to focus on one or the other it is worth stopping by a couple, even if only for a meal.

Woodstock Brew House, for example, is a large community space where people gather for pints, chicken wings, and live music. Devils Backbone Brewing Company, perched up on a scenic hillside in Lexington, is another local staple for brews, parties, and sun-kissed lunches on the patio. Harrisonburg’s neighborhood hub is Sage Bird Ciderworks, a husband and wife-run cidery with indoor dining and an intimate terrace where people gather for trivia and other inclusive events.

Woodstock Brew House. In addition to craft beers the owner also makes cider and in-house sodas and root beer.

Owners of Sage Bird Ciderworks, Zach & Amberlee Carlson followed by the cidery’s bar.

Above and below: Ox-Eye Vineyards tasting room during a wine tasting accompanied by cheeses from Ballerino Creamery.

While in Staunton make sure to visit Ballerino Creamery for fresh, handcrafted cheese, that goes perfectly with the Oxe-Eye wines.

Standing on the corner of Middlebrook Ave and St. Lewis St in Downtown Staunton your wandering eyes will spot Redbeard Brewing Company, Ciders From Mars, and the Ox-Eye Vineyards tasting room. Ox-Eye Vineyards is an initiative of John and Susan Kiers who apprenticed in France and Oregon. The duo is currently focusing exclusively on estate-grown wines. A more traditional taste of the wine country can be found at Muse Vineyards. Another family-owned winery producing classically styled wines inspired by the Domaine wineries of France and Italy. The roads of Lexington and Rockbridge County will lead to Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery, an old dairy farm that serves as a perfect palette for an award-winning winery and brewery.

Muse Vineyards: try a tasting flight or share a bottle of white on the patio, basking in the sun and indulging in locally sourced cheese. 

Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.

Rest & Relax

George Washington Hotel 
103 E Piccadilly St, Winchester, VA 22601, United States
Rooms starting at $152 USD/night
Book: wyndhamhotels.com | booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | hotels.com

A charming historic hotel located in Downtown Winchester. The property is a Wyndham Grand Hotel with a stately exterior. Among amenities are a restaurant, lounge with live music performances on the weekend, a small gym, spa, and an indoor pool modelled after a Roman bathhouse. 

Lodging at Massanutten Resort
1822 Resort Dr, Massanutten, VA 22840, United States
Rooms starting at $111 US /per hotel | $150 USD/per condo & townhomes | $243 USD/per townhome 
Book: massresort.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | hotels.com

Massanutten, mentioned above, is a beast of a property. You can rent a simple, minimal hotel room, or a complete house with a stocked kitchen and indoor jacuzzi. The property occupies 6,000 acres and has multiple dining locations (including custom catering), outdoor activities, and a waterpark. 

The Summit at Massanutten Resort, Mountain Premium Townhomes

Hotel 24 South
24 S Market St, Staunton, VA 24401, United States
Rooms starting at $159 USD/night
Book: hotel24south.com | booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | hotels.com

Recently renovated historic hotel in the heart of Staunton. This pet-friendly property was originally built in 1924 and is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Historic Hotels of America. The rooms are light and airy, there is a fairly well-equipped gym, indoor pool, as well as a restaurant and cocktail lounge on the ground floor. 

Lounge and common area at Hotel 24 South.

The Georges
11 N Main St, Lexington, VA 24450, United States 
Rooms starting at $289 USD/night
Book thegeorges.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com 

A woman-owned boutique luxury property is spread across four historic buildings in downtown Lexington. With their clean lines, top-notch dining, and event spaces Georges is at the heart of this town. Read the full hotel review here.

Natural Bridge Hotel
15 Appledore Ln, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, United States
Rooms starting at $189 USD/night
Book: windhamhotels.com | booking.com | TripAdvisor | hotels.com

Impressively large historic hotel situated within walking distance from the Natural Bridge State Park and the Caverns at Natural Bridge. This is a pet-friendly property with two restaurants, a fitness center, and an outdoor fire pit.

Getting to Shenandoah Valley

By air: You can land at Dulles International Airport and drive to Winchester (an hour +) or land in Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport and drive to Lexington (also a bit over an hour). There are a handful of smaller municipal airports in the region as well. 

Getting around: rent a car at the airport (link link) or hire one to take your around, USA guided tours do private service. 

The post Reasons to slow-travel through Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The trip was hosted by Virginia Tourism Corporation, which did not review or approve the story.

A bit of situational history 

The hotel is an award-winning member of Historic Hotels of America. Two of its current buildings were built over 200 years ago: The Washington and Marshall buildings. The owner, Ann Parker Gottwald, began this venture with a single building and over time acquired other neighbouring properties. Today The Georges spreads across four buildings but in due time it will be five; Anne purchased the nearby Sheridan Livery Building last year (Tonic Restaurant and Inn) which will house additional guest rooms and event space. 

Room 30 in the Marshall Building, Georges Inn

Inside the Suite 

There is a persistent look and feel across all properties, modern and elegant with bright touches and playful accents but Each room is unique. According to the hotel staff, Ann Parker picks out all decor herself and personally finishes each suite, they charmingly call it her “playtime”. 

Some units have private balconies and spacious lounge areas, all rooms have soaker tubs and airy bathrooms with heated floors and towel racks. The tall windows open to a city view, letting light shine through the shutters, but blackout curtains are always an option. A stay at the Georges is comfortable and restful. The spa-like bathroom is certainly a big bonus for those who have time to relax.

There is no fridge or a coffee maker in the room but the shared area in each building has daily coffee/tea service with homemade cookies. The TV in each room is equipped with Alexa, which I discovered accidentally and took full advantage of setting my own soundtrack. 

Room 30 in the Marshall Building, Georges Inn. The hotel team leaves plenty of water bottles around the suite, one can be seen on each side of the bed here.
Below: Bathroom in Room 30 in the Marshall Building, Georges Inn

A nautical-themed bathroom in the Junior Suite in the Washington Building, Georges Inn

Dining & Entertainment 

Both Georges’ dining properties rate high on Lexington’s restaurant list and appeared at the top of my search for local cocktail bars. Haywood’s Piano Bar & Grill serves up bistro-style cuisine carefully curated by Chef Xavier Deshayes, a French chef with a focus on sustainable dining. The menu at Haywoods changes seasonally, showcasing local ingredients and hand-cut Seven Hills steaks. Heading into the summer the current menu includes buttery risottos, local cheeses, tender steaks, crisp fresh greens, and even lobster. 

Hand-cut steak and in-house-made lobster pasta at Haywood’s Piano Bar & Grill, Georges Inn.

Weekly special menu at Haywood’s and a local cheese plate followed by a steak dish.

Tap’s Terrace, Georges Inn, Lexington, Virginia.

Located across the street from Haywood’s next to the check-in desk Taps serves upscale pub fare, craft beers, and cocktails. The restaurant stretches across two rooms and an upstairs terrace. The ground floor windows open to the street creating a casual and somewhat romantic setting. The upstairs terrace is a sunny yet intimate space accented with greenery and light-coloured umbrellas. This menu is all about hearty meals like burgers, fish and chips, and fried chicken and waffles. 

Many of the Georges’ spaces can be used for private events but the most eye-catching is the Patton Room. Its dark blue exterior is immediately noticeable from Main Street, factory-style windows offering a peak into the open loft space. The room is a blank canvas with modular elements, harvest tables, lounge seating, and outdoor access. The space is thoughtfully decorated with gold and natural elements driving attention to the cluster of acorn chandeliers.

Above and below are images from the Patton Room, the event venue at the Georges Inn, Lexington, Virginia.

The Georges
Rooms starting at $289 for a classic Queen; prices change seasonally 
11 N Main St, Lexington, VA 24450, United States
Book directly on thegeorges.com or your favourite booking website: Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com 

The post The Georges Historic Inn is a destination in Lexington appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Edgar Cayce was an American 20th-century psychic and medical clairvoyant who has been often referred to as the “father of holistic medicine”. A.R.E. here stands for Association for Research and Enlightenment. It also houses a multi-experience health center, spa, library, and visitor center. All of these spaces offer a range of “opportunities for profound personal change in body, mind, and spirit”. A.R.E. offers extensive spa services, yoga, and meditation sessions, as well as lectures and workshops. The center was founded over 90 years ago by Edgar Cayce himself with the goal of equipping people to experience a profound personal change in body, mind, and spirit. Something I think we can all use on the other side of this globally shared experience. 

While you cannot stay at the center overnight there is a promisingly lovely Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club,* located nearby offering luxury accommodation and an on-site spa. This is a well-rated resort, built in 1927, and is based right at the waterfront.  

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

2. Sandy River Outdoor Adventures, Rice

The next stop is a 24-acre farm in Prince Edward Country (USA) in Rice. Sandy River is a family-owned small business focusing on the outdoors. They also generously share the fruits of their farm and garden with the guests. Here the guests are invited to take advantage of a variety of outdoor activities while staying either in a log cabin or one of the 6 luxury glamping tipis. The lux tipis have their own bathroom, AC, outdoor fire pits, and even a kitchenette. One of the tipis has a claw-foot bathtub! This is the kind of “roughing it” I can get on a level with. The outdoor activities include boats, zippiness, high ropes, bicycles, and so on.

The big news for this fall is the opening of the Sandy River Distillery right on the same property. Bonus check for me.  

3. Satchidananda Ashram Yogaville, Buckingham

Moving on to a spiritual retreat. Satchidananda Ashram Yogaville* was founded in the 1980s by an Indian Yoga master Sri Swami Satchidananda – the same one who opened the Woodstock music festival! This is 750 acres of land spread along the James River in Buckingham Country. It’s a vegetarian/vegan community offering teacher training, retreats, and guest stays. Here you can contemplate, enjoy nature, and expand on your yoga practice.  

4. Eupepsia Wellness Resort, Bland

Further along the route, located in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is Eupepsia Wellness Resort which was founded on the science and philosophy of Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. This is a full-service resort offering integrated programs around sound sleep, farm-to-table dining, health, fitness, and yoga therapies. Each guest receives an individually tailored program based on their goals and health condition.

Eupepsia has recently launched an immunity-boosting outdoor wellness staycation program focusing on eco-therapy promoting physical, mental, and emotional health. The programming variety includes yoga, treatments, hydro therapies, fitness activities, guided hikes, and even gardening if you wish, all in a safe and socially distant manner. 

5.  Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg

The last stop before returning to the every day is a five-star destination resort. Salamander Resort & Spa is a place where, in a luxury environment, you can either explore the quiet solemness by the poolside or learn a bunch of new stuff like falconry, fishing, take an art class, ride a horse, or explore nearby wineries. Each suite has a private balcony or a terrace, a marble shower with body jets, and many of them even have a fireplace. This also sounds like a fantastic place to eat: there is an on-site grill restaurant, wine bar (with billiards), cooking studio, vegetable garden, and an outdoor dining terrace. And yes, there is also a spa.

Getting here: The state of Virginia is actually accessible from Toronto by car, but given how 10+ hours on the road may not be for everyone you can fly there with a connecting flight if coming from Toronto, perhaps this would change post-pandemic. 

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