 Shenandoah River- Cindy Rodney Whether it’s relaxing by the pool with a cool drink, enjoying a cookout with friends, or spending time with kids on summer break, we all have our favorite summer activities. But there are certain adventures that scream “summer” like no other! We call them essential summer experiences! We’ve rounded up a list of nine essential summer experiences that you can enjoy in Front Royal, Virginia. So whether you’re looking for a way to entertain your kids or just yourself, read on! You’ll discover the best of the summer experiences that await you. Give them a try, and you’ll find some new traditions that’ll have you coming back year after year (or maybe multiple times in the same year!). 1. Float, Float, Float your Tube!  Tubing on the Shenandoah River If you’re in the Front Royal area, you won’t want to let the summer go by without at least one adventure on the Shenandoah River! In our book, a river float trip is the number one most relaxing way to beat the heat and enjoy the river in summer. For tube rental, check out one of Front Royal’s own river outfitters, such as Front Royal Outdoors or Skyline Canoe Company. They have everything you’ll need for a river adventure, including shuttle service! And if you’re in search of a slightly more strenuous outing, you’ll find great canoeing options here too. Front Royal isn’t called the Canoe Capital of Virginia for nothing! 2. Wine, Cheese, and a Sumer Breeze  Virginia is for Wine Lovers For an elegant summer outing, a picnic at a winery is hard to beat, and Front Royal is fast becoming a wine lover’s dream destination. With scenic wineries all around, the only problem is deciding which one to visit. Fortunately, there are enough weekends in the summer that you’ll have a chance to try them all out! Bring your own picnic and enjoy the finest in Virginia wines, against the stunning backdrop of the Shenandoah Valley. 3. Summer in a Cup or a Cone  Ice cream, a favored summer treat! An ice cream outing is one of those summer experiences that delights young and old (and everybody in between!). Whether you’re taking a break in the middle of another adventure, or making a weeknight more fun with a quick outing, you can’t really go wrong with ice cream in the summer! Front Royal is home to several winning ice cream stands and parlors. Two top picks: The Apple House in Linden for a rustic country feel, or C & C’s Frozen Treats on Main Street for a small town ice cream vibe! 4. Cool Down in Town! Make a hot, sweaty day into a memorable moment by cooling off in Front Royal! Kids will love Front Royal’s own Splash Pad at Dr. Paul Seide Memorial Gardens. And if the splash pad doesn’t satisfy the water-lover within, no worries! Front Royal’s community pool is right next door!  Splash Pad at Dr. Paul Seide Memorial Gardens 5. Take Me Out to the Ballgame! Hotdogs, sunflower seeds, and a great ballgame. It’s all you need to enjoy a summer evening in an all-American way. Front Royal’s Bing Crosby Stadium is the home of the Front Royal Cardinals, and a great place to enjoy a summer evening of baseball. Check the league schedule here to find a Cardinals home game that works for you.  Bing Crosby Stadium 6. Grill and Chill  Barbecue at the park Merge two essential summer experiences into one by planning a cookout on the banks of the Shenandoah River. Shenandoah River State Park is the home of an extensive riverside picnic area, with plenty of charcoal grills available! Swim or fish, and then relax with some food hot off the grill. Don’t forget the watermelon! 7. Splash Around on a Swimming Hole Hike  Waterfalls and swimming holes! If outdoor adventures and hiking are your passion, give your hobby a fun summer twist by incorporating a swimming hole on your next hike. Overall Run Falls is a favorite waterfall destination in Shenandoah National Park. If you enter the park at Thompson Hollow Trailhead, you can hike towards Overall Run Falls and enjoy the swimming holes and waterfalls along the way. This area of the park is also accessible from the Mathews Arm Area off Skyline Drive, but expect a longer hike before you can cool off in a natural pool! 8. Pick Your Own Farm Fresh Fruit  Fresh picked blueberries It wouldn’t be summer without the juices of freshly picked in-season fruit running down your chin! From strawberries to blueberries to peaches, there’s always something to pick in a Front Royal summer! Stribling Orchard and Hartland Orchard are two of our favorite pick-your-own locations in the Front Royal area. Most pick-your-own farms restrict picking to ensure a continuous supply, so be sure call or check social media before you arrive to avoid disappointment! You can also check ahead to find out which fruit is in season. 9. Appaloosa Music Festival  Scythian - Appaloosa Music Festival Mark your calendars for August 13-15! You won’t want to miss Front Royal’s own family friendly folk music festival. Popular D.C.-based Scythian Band has been hosting the annual Appaloosa Music Festival in Front Royal since 2014. Find camping, music workshops, local foods, local vendors, and a free kids zone, plus a great lineup of “roots music” bands from all over the U.S. And find it all right here at Front Royal’s own Skyline Ranch Resort! Buy your Appaloosa tickets today to make sure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable music festival! There’s something to love about every season, but summer might be the one with the most potential for pure outdoor fun! Our essential summer experiences have an edge on making the most of this warm and sunny time of year. So get out there and have fun in the sun in Front Royal, Virginia.  Father's Day 2021 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. 1. Get out and Golf . . . Or Try Disc Golf  Golf with dad 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. 2. Fish the Shenandoah River . . . Maybe from a Stand-Up Paddleboard  Paddleboard on the Shenandoah River 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! 3. Enjoy Family Bowling . . . Or Throw Axes Instead 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.  Royal Family Bowling Center For an alternative activity that also involves throwing items at a target and staying out of the heat, try axe-throwing! Shenandoah Valley Axe Throwing Co. recently opened up in Front Royal, so you can try this new trend without leaving your favorite town!  Shenandoah Valley Axe Throwing Co. 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.  For a different kind of brew, try out a meadery! Mead (honey wine) is an ancient beverage that’s making a comeback, and Saga Meadery and Honey and Hops Brew Works are both conveniently located right in Front Royal.  Cheers to a great dad! 5. Grill Out . . . And Change up the Chef!  Grilling with dad 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!
 Photo Credit: Virginia Tourism Corporation 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!  Photo Credit: Virginia Tourism Corporation 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.  Chester Gap Cellars 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.  Glen Manor Vineyards 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. Front Royal’s Mead – Because Honey Wine is Wine Too  Saga Meadery 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.  Honey and Hops Brew Works 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.  Franklin Manor - Front Royal, VA 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. Begin your journey to Shenandoah Valley's Wine Trail here!
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).  Outdoors, family, smores, and more! 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!”  Camping by the Shenandoah River 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!).  Low Water Bridge Campgrounds. Photo Credit: Scott Turnmeyer 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.  North Fork Resort 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.  Twin Rivers RV Campground Elizabeth’s Furnace Campground If exploring woods and mountains is more to your taste than swimming in the river, Elizabeth’s Furnace Campground might 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.  Camping and Fishing 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.  Vining Front - Photo Credit: M. Reynolds 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.  Camping, cabins, RVs, oh my! 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.
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AuthorDiscover Front Royal Archives
February 2023
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