If you’ve been to Shenandoah County, you truly know a gorgeous area of the Shenandoah Valley. And if you haven’t been, there are plenty of reasons to visit. From historic fashion shows to million of years-old caverns to old fashioned cooking, here are the best things to do in Shenandoah County, VA.
Retro Things to Do in Shenandoah County, VA
I’ve been to Shenandoah Valley a few times and it never gets old. I had the pleasure of staying at Massanutten Resort and spent a few days learning about local fun as well. But this trip was all about retro things to do. Here are my top picks.
See Retro Style at Vintage in the Valley
Vintage in the Valley in Strasburg was the main reason we visited Shenandoah County when we did, and I’m very pleased the timing was right for our road trip. It’s a day-long celebration filled with food, an antique car show, and local craft vendors.
But the main reason that we loved it was Molly had the pleasure of being in its retro fashion show. Donning a two-piece skirt set from the 1940’s, the local cosmetology school dolled her up with hair and makeup.
Walk a Swinging Bridge at Deer Rapids
I’ve walked across some fun bridges before (queue the Bridge Walk in Lansing, WV), but the Deer Rapids Swinging Bridge near Strasburg is one of the coolest. First, you need to get your bravery up as it’s barely wide enough for two people.
Second, you’ll need to climb up and down several stairs. But, once you’re on it, the view is beautiful. Yes, it does swing and bounce, but making it to the middle to see the love locks is really something.
Check Out How Potato Chips Are Made
Route 11 Potato Chips in in Mt. Jackson is sold in stores all over Virginia and vicinity (love the Dill Pickle style!), but taking a quick tour and sampling its different varieties is a fun activity when you’re in the area. Add in the fact that it’s absolutely free and that makes it a must do.
You can, literally, sample all of the flavors it has on hand (we tried 9) and buy chips in bulk by the bag or in minis. Prices are lower than in stores, too.
Visit an Authentic Farmer’s Market
Woodbine Farm Market in Strasburg is my new favorite place to shop and eat in the area. It’s filled with homemade and mom and pop company brands and has a deli and dessert counter to drool over. We not only ate dinner there on our first night, we took home dessert and apples straight from the orchard.
Additionally, it has a giant play area for kiddos that’s a great way to blow off steam after a long road trip.
Looking for unique lodging in Shenandoah County, VA? Woodbine Farm Market has an awesome lodging area, Spring Valley Cottages, that’s unique and beautiful.
Learn About Shenandoah County History
Strasburg Visitor and Information Center is a great resource for first time visitors to the county, but it really is so much more than that. In the gift shop, there are locally-made crafts and goodies for sale along with branded merchandise. Outside, my daughter fell in love with the giant butterfly – a perfect photo opp!
But what I really enjoyed was the light hike through the woods to see actual cave sinkholes. And while you can’t get super up close, you can definitely see inside.
And if you want to learn about county battlefield history, check out the Hupp’s Hill Museum. It’s super cute and informational and costs $5 per person.
Take a Mile-Long Walk Through a Cave
Since I was a child, I’ve been visiting underground caverns everywhere in the U.S. So, when given the opportunity to tour Shenandoah Caverns in Quicksburg, you can bet I jumped at the chance.
Sure, you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and bacon shaped formations, but the hour long, mile long tour is absolutely beautiful.
If I had to choose a favorite area of the caves, it has to be Rainbow Lake. Sure, it’s small, but it packs a colorful punch. Check out the full tour below:
Where to Eat in Strasburg, VA
Trying the local food is a must when you visit Shenandoah County – I have several places to recommend:
Woodbine Farm Market – I wrote about it above, but I have to mention it here. It has THE best Peanut Butter pie I’ve ever tried, amazing sandwiches, and tasty quiche for brunch. Make a beeline for it.
Flour & Water – Located in Woodstock, it has, and I can’t stress this enough, amazing pastries that are freshly baked everyday. We had a box of its pastries in our cottage when we arrived and enjoyed them for breakfast each morning.
Pancake Underground – If you love creative breakfast menus, definitely go for Pancake Underground in Strasburg. What started out as a food truck is now a bonafide restaurant with menu items like Banana Pudding Pancakes (delicious!), and giant breakfast sandwiches.
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