Father’s Day is a great opportunity to let Dad know how much you appreciate him by planning a special outing to suit his tastes. There are many beloved Father’s Day traditions, and a cook out or a fishing trip is sure to be a success (as long as Dad reels in something spectacular . . .)! But sometimes it’s time to try something different, too! This year, Discover Front Royal is marking Father’s Day by offering suggestions for traditional Father’s Day activities, as well as ideas for something new to try with Dad. 
​

If you plan on celebrating Dad in Front Royal this year, read on. You’ll find opportunities in Front Royal for all the quintessential Father’s Day activities. We’ve matched each one up with an idea for putting a fun new spin on this traditional holiday.
 

There could hardly be a more classic Father’s Day outing than a golfing expedition. And there could hardly be a better place to do it than Front Royal! Front Royal’s golf courses combine stunning scenery with classic golf play. It’s not hard to understand why they’re drawing loyal golf lovers from near and far! 
 
Need a break from golf? No problem! Try disc golf for a fun twist on this classic. Golf meets Frisbee meets Father’s Day fun! With two courses to choose from in the Front Royal area, you won’t have to go far to enjoy this fast-growing sport! Head to Rockland Park or Sherando Park and enjoy a round of disc golf with dad. 

If golf is a sure-fire recipe for fun for some Dads, fishing’s the answer for many others. Fortunately Front Royal is full of great fishing spots! Enjoy fishing the Shenandoah River in Front Royal this Father’s Day! You can access the Shenandoah River from one of several public access points in our town, and enjoy fly fishing or spin-cast fishing. 
 
To enjoy fishing from a new angle, consider renting a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) from Front Royal Outdoors. These innovative water-craft are fast becoming popular among anglers looking for the perfect vantage point to spot the biggest fish!

With Father’s Day falling in June, most Father’s Day activities are geared towards getting out in the summer weather. But if you need a break from the heat, a family bowling game is a great choice for some classic indoor entertainment. Visit Royal Family Bowling Center to enjoy this long-time favorite family past-time. 

4. Relax with a Beer . . . Or give Mead a Try!
​

Sipping on a beer together is another classic way to relax with Dad, and Front Royal has a great range of craft brewerieswhere Dad can enjoy a locally brewed cold one! Our favorites include Pavemint Taphouse, the Bushel Pub at the Apple House, Virginia Beer Museum, and the Front Royal Brewing Company. 

5. Grill Out . . . And Change up the Chef!
​

Finally, nothing says Father’s Day like a good old family cookout. Swing by The Giving Tree, Manor Line Market, or Two Fat Butchers for some great locally sourced meats to grill! Then bring your steaks, burgers, hotdogs, or marinated chicken (reminder: start marinating now!) to your favorite Front Royal park and enjoy eating outdoors. Maybe throw in some lawn games while you enjoy the unreplaceable smell of grilling food! 

The only problem with grilling on Father’s Day is that often it involves Dad doing all the cooking. That’s where our twist comes in! Give Dad a break by having (older and more capable) kids take charge of the grill this weekend! 

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Father’s Day outing or a fun new adventure, head to Front Royal this weekend. We have all the old favorites covered, plus some new ideas that are well worth a try!

There’s something about sipping on a glass of wine that brings a sense of relaxation and refinement  . . . no matter where you are! Now imagine that glass of wine and but add the following ingredients: mountain vistas, orderly lines of rustic grapevines, the warm breezes of summer, a picnic table in the shade. Have you just imagined a wine lover’s paradise? You’ve imagined Front Royal, Virginia!

If you’re a lover of Virginia wines, head to the Front Royal area! You’ll find a great selection of stunning rural wineries, all within ninety minutes of the Washington D.C. area. And don’t forget to try out Front Royal’s meaderies if you want to mix it up with a little honey wine. Read on to plan your wine tasting trip to Front Royal today! If Virginia is for Lovers, then Front Royal is for Wine Lovers!

​Our Featured Front Royal Wineries
​

It’s the high elevations and fast-draining mountain soils of the Front Royal area that make it ideally suited for growing grapes . . . and producing wine. With these outstanding conditions, it’s no surprise that the Front Royal area is the home of many wonderful wineries. There’s plenty of potential for long afternoons of wine-sipping relaxation. For today’s post, though, we’re narrowing it down to two recommendations for your Front Royal winery trip.

First up is Chester Gap Cellars, recently featured on ABC 7’s Road Trippin’ series. Just a ten minute drive from downtown Front Royal, the gorgeous mountain views of this rural vineyard/winery could hardly be more convenient. Visit to enjoy the high quality wines that you’ll only find in a small-scale enterprise. You can complement your wine with a purchase from their selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, and artisan breads. Outside food is welcome, so feel free to pack your own picnic too.
 

For a winery with an irreplaceable historical feel, check out Glen Manor Vineyards. This officially designated “century farm,” has been in the same family for five generations and over 100 years. Here, you can experience a glass of fine Virginia wine on a historic estate that includes over 200 acres of pastures and woodlands. You won’t find food available here, but pack your own picnic hamper, and you can match up the wine with your favorite complementary foods. Visits are by reservation only, so contact the winery in advance to avoid disappointment.
 

​If you’re planning a wine-tasting trip to Front Royal, and want to change things up a bit, consider making at least one visit to a Front Royal meadery. The most simple definition of mead is “honey wine,” and this ancient form of wine has been making a big comeback in recent years. With two different meaderies right in town, Front Royal is a great place to enjoy mead as well as wine! Visit Honey and Hops Brew Works or Saga Meadery to discover this unique and delicious beverage. You may well find yourself adding “honey wine” to your list of favorites. 

Lodging to Pair with a Front Royal Wine
​

If you want to make a weekend (or more!) of your Front Royal winery ramble, you’ll easily find comfortable accommodation in our welcoming small town. If you’re looking for a traditional hotel experience, there’s a wide choice of chain hotels such as Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, or Townplace Suites. Or if you’re coming with a larger group, consider booking a house where you can all stay together. Franklin Manor is a vacation cabin near Front Royal that offers the perfect combination of luxury, rustic charm, and convenient proximity to town. It’s a great choice for a group getaway. 
​

Don’t wait to discover the wineries of the Front Royal area! You’ll find they pair perfectly with mountain views, Virginia charm, and the unmatched charm of a small mountain town. 
 

​Camping. It’s the crackling of the campfire, and the stickiness of the s’mores. It’s the renewal that comes from totally unplugging.  It’s a chance to connect with loved ones, or to enjoy some alone time. It’s the unparalleled taste of breakfast cooked on a camp stove (or better yet, an open fire).

Camping offers a host of benefits for your physical and mental health. As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, it’s time to start looking forward to warm weather activities, and camping should definitely be on the list. If you’re a veteran camper, don’t forget to make time for this special activity, and if you’re a newbie, don’t worry. It’s never too late to go on your first camping trip. 
 

Of course, camping can mean different things to different people. But Front Royal has a camping option to suit just about anybody. Whether you’re looking for a wilderness adventure, a comfortable cabin in the woods, or a riverside camping vacation, you can find it in the Front Royal area. Here’s our guide to the camping opportunities in the Front Royal area. Read on to find the perfect setting for your next camping adventure. 
 

Note: Please check carefully to ensure you are fully updated with the most recent COVID policies at these campsites. Some facilities (such as bathhouses) may be temporarily closed. As these restrictions change frequently, it is best to check directly with the campsite, and to do so close to the time of your stay.
 

Camping by the Shenandoah River
​

Camping by the side of a river is a great recipe for a fun getaway that the whole family can enjoy. As the picturesque Shenandoah River wends its way through Front Royal, there are several campgrounds right on its banks. It’s a great river for recreation, so pick one of these campgrounds, and you can add swimming, fishing, or boating to your “camp-out to-do list!”

Low Water Bridge Campground is a riverside campground in Bentonville (just south of Front Royal). This campground makes it easy for campers to enjoy the river by offering a river rental service. You choose: tube, kayak, or canoe. They’ll shuttle you to an upriver drop off location. Take your boat or tube down the river, and you can land right back at the campground (just in time to cook up some burgers on the campfire!). 

North Fork Resort is a Front Royal riverside option that offers RV and tent camping in a resort-style setting. The resort hosts a variety of family friendly events and programs, and has activities including tennis, mini golf, horseshoes, shuffleboard, volleyball, and more. There’s river access for fishing, and an outdoor stage for programs such as live bands and dancing. 

Finally, Twin Rivers RV Campground in Front Royal lies close to where the two forks of the Shenandoah River meet. All the sites have river frontage, and full RV hookup, so no matter where you are in the campsite, you can enjoy watching the river go by. 
 

Elizabeth’s Furnace Campground
​

If exploring woods and mountains is more to your taste than swimming in the river, Elizabeth’s Furnace Campgroundmight be your perfect match. Located in the George Washington National Forest, this campground features RV and tent sites. It’s first come first served, so with no reservations necessary, it’s a great pick for a spontaneous camping trip (although on a busy weekend, you’ll want to get there early). It’s surrounded by some fantastic hiking and it’s right on the banks of picturesque Passage Creek, a stocked trout stream. The fishing is great here too. Fun, hiking, peace and quiet, this campsite has it all. 
 

Embrace the Adventure: Rent a PATC Cabin
​

For a unique and adventurous experience, consider renting one of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) cabins. You can find them dotted along the Appalachian Trail as it winds down from Maryland through Northern Virginia (including the Shenandoah National Park). Some are primitive, with woodstove heat, spring water, and outdoor privies, while others are more modern, closer to small houses or cottages. Many of the primitive cabins require a significant hike from the nearest parking area, so they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a rugged, backwoods adventure. 
 

Explore the Parks of the Front Royal Area
​

Last but not least, the fantastic parks that surround Front Royal are also a great option for camping and cabin-type accommodation. 
 
The Shenandoah National Park has several tent and RV campgrounds. Cabin accommodations are also available in throughout the park. This park draws crowds from all over the nation, so reservations well in advance are a must.
​

Shenandoah River State Park also has a range of camping and cabin options to suit every camping style. Tent campers will find river front sites available here. At the opposite extreme, there’s a six bedroom lodge, perfect for a big family reunion. Additionally are small cabins, yurts, and RV sites. 
 

Eating outside is a great way to enjoy the warmer weather, and with Memorial Day around the corner, the summer picnic season is fast approaching. Whether you’re a local looking for a change of pace, or a day-tripper wanting a scenic getaway, the Front Royal area is fantastic for picnicking! You’ll find a huge range of great picnic spots ranging from town square to Shenandoah River, to scenic mountaintop, all within easy distance of our small town. 
​

Looking for the perfect picnic spot this summer? Here’s our list of five ways to enjoy a picnic around Front Royal. Choose one to suit your preference, or for a fun summer challenge, make it a goal to try out each one this year!
 

1. Picnic in the Town
​

If you’d like to watch the world go by while you enjoy a picnic, Front Royal’s downtown Gazebo area is a fun option. You’ll find benches, low walls to sit on, and convenient trash cans.  Kids can enjoy exploring the historic caboose, and checking out the sundial by the Visitors Center. 

Give your picnic a sweet ending with an ice cream from C & C’s Frozen Treats. You’ll find this cheerful ice cream parlor right across the street. 
 

2. Picnic in the Park
​

For an evening of fun with the whole family, a picnic in the park can be a great fit. You can combine yummy picnic food with games like sand volleyball, tennis, disc golf, and more! Or let kids entertain themselves at the playground while adults relax around the table. Many of the parks have picnic shelters available for rent. 
 

Front Royal’s parks include a wide range of amenities. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Head to the Warren County Parks and Recreation page to learn about the unique features you can expect to find at each of the parks around town. 
 

3. Picnic by the Shenandoah River
​

There’s something particularly relaxing about a picnic by the river, and Front Royal’s Shenandoah River is renowned for its beauty. Enjoy swimming or fishing, or simply relax and watch the water flow by. For a great riverside picnic in the Front Royal Area, the Shenandoah River State Park is hard to beat. You’ll find a large riverside picnic area with picnic tables and grills available. If you’re planning a gathering, picnic shelters are also available for reservation here. Eastham Park is a more centrally located riverside option that’s popular with the locals

4. Picnic in the Mountains
​

Front Royal’s famous for its river, but it’s also famous for its nearby mountain ranges. The stunning views you’ll enjoy from a mountain overlook make the mountains yet another great place to plan a picnic. The Shenandoah National Park is a favorite destination for a mountain picnic. If you want to get off the beaten path, bring your picnic with you on one of the park’s scenic hiking trails (Compton Peak is a good one near the Front Royal end of the park). If you’re not in the mood for this kind of adventure, no problem! Relax and enjoy the great views from the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, or one of the many scenic pull-offs along the park’s main road.  

5. Picnic at a Winery
​

There’s something particularly relaxing about sipping on a glass of wine in a beautiful place. For a sophisticated picnic, pack a hamper and bring it with you to one of the Front Royal area’s wineries. Most welcome you to bring your own food to pair with a glass of Virginia wine. Enjoy stunning vineyard scenery, mountain vistas, and some of the best wine you’ll ever taste!
 

So pack your picnic basket and head to the Front Royal area for some unforgettable picnicking this summer! And don’t forget to check out some of our local businesses to help you fill your hamper with goodies. Dusty’s Country Store is a great place to pick up local foods. Check out Down Home Comfort Bakery for delicious baked goods. Or take all the stress out of packing by stopping by Blue Wing Frog. They’ll make all your food and get it “picnic-ready” for you!