With the COVID-19 crisis throwing travel plans into chaos, it may be tempting to give up on the idea of a vacation this year. But the benefits of some time off are well-documented. Taking advantage of paid vacation time improves your health, your happiness, your family relationships, and even your productivity at work. If you want to take a break, but aren’t able to make travel plans we have a solution: a Front Royal staycation! Block out some time to rest, rejuvenate, and explore your hometown!

If you’re lucky enough to live in the Front Royal area, there are plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation right on your doorstep. Not sure where to start? Read on! We’ve rounded up some of our best ideas to make your Front Royal staycation feel like a vacation. You should find something below to suit everyone in the family. And don’t forget: your Front Royal staycation will help the small local businesses that have taken a hard hit during the COVID-19 crisis.
 
(COVID-19 policies change frequently. Avoid disappointment! Be sure to double check directly with the company for any policy updates before you finalize plans.)

​Front Royal Staycation Dining

One major perk of vacation is taking a break from the never ending tasks of meal-planning, grocery shopping, and cooking. On your Front Royal staycation, you should make sure you still give yourself a break. In fact, since you’ll be saving money on travel and lodging, consider enjoying an extra fancy dinner or two. You might be dying to get out of your house and enjoy a meal in a restaurant. The good news is that many restaurants are now reopening with limited and outdoor seating.
 
COVID-19 has a lot to answer for, but it may also give you a chance to enjoy an old favorite restaurant in a whole new way. In an effort to follow COVID-19 guidelines, several local restaurants have added outdoor dining, and even carry out or delivery services. Outdoor dining definitely has a vacation feel to it. If you don’t feel like going out, you have the chance to enjoy your favorite restaurant in the comfort of your home.

​Some Front Royal favorites that have added a COVID-19 carry out service include The Element, the Front Royal Brewing Company (also offering delivery), and Pavemint Taphouse,. Or bring home an old favorite such as Spelunkers Burgers or Melting Pot Pizza.
 
See here for a more extensive list of Front Royal dining options.

Front Royal Outdoor Adventure Staycation
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Enjoying the great outdoors is a great way to have some summer fun while observing COVID-19 guidelines. Front Royal is the perfect place for a range of outdoor staycation activities (to suit varying levels of adventurousness!).

​Nothing says “summer” like relaxing on the river. Many people happily travel for hours to spend some time on a scenic river in the summer. If you live in Front Royal, you don’t have to. A Shenandoah River staycation is at your fingertips! Front Royal’s river outfitters have reduced services due to COVID-19, but if you’re interested in boating or tubing, Front Royal Outdoors has limited river trip offerings. And if you have your own boat, Skyline Canoe is offering a shuttle service so you can enjoy a trip down the river without having to worry about getting back to where you left your car. Fishing and swimming at public river access points are great options for enjoying the river while complying with social distancing guidelines. Water enthusiasts can easily plan a whole week of different river activities in and around Front Royal.

For another day of outdoor summer fun, consider hiking or biking one of Front Royal’s popular trails. Pack your own picnic, or stop at Blue Wing Frog and have them pack one for you.
 
Other options for outdoor fun in and around Front Royal include rock climbing, golfing, and horseback riding stables. You can even enjoy a horseback ride through the Shenandoah National Park.
 
It wouldn’t be a summer vacation without some ice cream. Don’t forget to cool down at the end of the day at one of Front Royal’s favorite ice cream spots. Try The Apple House Ice Cream Stand, the ever popular Spelunker’s, or C&C’s Frozen Treats on Main Street.
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The Indoor Front Royal Staycation
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If being outdoors and active in the heat of summer doesn’t sound relaxing, don’t worry. There’s still plenty to do in Front Royal. And many indoor-based businesses have established COVID-19 policies that allow them to remain open. Here are some slower-paced ideas for your Front Royal staycation fun in Front Royal.
 
If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon in town, Front Royal’s quaint Downtown area is an excellent choice. Happy Creek Coffee, and Main Street’s Daily Grind are two of the town’s most popular coffee shops. If you’re not a coffee lover, The Vine and Leaf offers teas and fine wines. Peruse the shop or enjoy a beverage in the “sipping room.” 

​It’s also fun to take your time exploring Front Royal’s selection of unique shops. Royal Bookshop is a charming used bookstore that’s a walkable distance from Main Street. Arts and crafts lovers will have fun painting their own pottery at The Kiln Doctor. Or for an activity that has you in nature, but out of the sun, take a tour of Skyline Caverns.
 
For beer and wine lovers, Front Royal has plenty of opportunities for a relaxing afternoon or evening. On Main Street, try ViNoVa Tapas and Wine Bar or the Front Royal Brewing Company. Or take a drive into the country for an afternoon at one of several scenic wineries and breweries in the Front Royal area.

​COVID-19 has led to many disappointments. It’s not easy to deal with the cancellation of a summer vacation. But a week of Front Royal staycation fun may be just what you need to lift your spirits.

Spring with its restrictions sprang into oblivion quickly and the outlook for summer is not looking much less restrictive. Gym space and time is limited; running in the heat is not fun; and public swimming pools are closed. So, what is the best physical activity in the summer of 2020 in our beautiful Shenandoah Valley?
 
Riding a mountain bike on one of our scenic trails could be the answer!
 
Mountain biking is the ideal experience for anyone who wants to exercise and connect with nature. There are some skills that mountain bikers need to possess while acknowledging the difference in mountain bikes, biking styles, techniques, and terrains.
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Everyone knows any physical activity is good for you. We have all heard about the “runner’s high.” But when you do any activity that gets your blood flowing and triggers the release of endorphins.
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You never get bored with mountain biking as the trail is always changing. No route is ever the same. The texture of the dirt on the trail is different and there can be more rocks, fallen branches, or other unexpected obstacles.

Mountain biking gets you places much faster than hiking. In warm weather everything around is more beautiful. The stillness and majesty alone are worth it.
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Here are a few of them to get you started on your mountain biking journey:
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• Make sure your bike is well-maintained and serviced

Having your bike properly serviced and checked before any ride is the thing to do first. Being sure you have a bike tool/repair kit with your essentials, well ... is essential!

• Building a Strong Foundation

It is crucial to build a strong foundation before working on speed and intensity. This can be achieved through working on endurance, strength, and balance. An amateur should spend at least 1–2 months building this foundation base.

• Stay Healthy

Workouts and rides exhaust the body in the beginning. Be sure to take consistent breaks to give your body a rest. In addition to eating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains, do not forget to drink lots of water! (Plan ahead and pick up a great prepacked lunch and snacks at one of Front Royal’s great restaurants, like the Blue Wing Frog for a super healthy option to have along the way!)

• Break biking routine into two parts

Most of those who are new to mountain biking, likely to get tired every 15 mins. But do not stop practicing, just do not go overboard. Take turns between immense effort for 15 mins and taking it easy for 15 mins. This flow pushes the body.

• Braking correctly

The key to riding safely is to use brakes wisely. Practice riding a bike before going on any trails to determine how much braking power the tires have. Learning how much or how little to squeeze the brake levers, is what prevents falls over the bike on many dangerous hills!

• All eyes on the trail

It is vital to know exactly where to look while biking. Do not look directly down at the wheel or what is in front of it. Instead, use peripheral vision to keep track of the trail, to avoid any obstacles. Small rocks and roots are okay to ride over; make sure to adjust speed and position accordingly.

Special considerations on bicycling on the Skyline Drive
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Bicycling is permitted along Skyline Drive and on paved areas in the park. Bicycling (road and mountain bikes) is not permitted on trails, unpaved roads or in grassy areas.* Because Skyline Drive is a two-lane road with steep hills and numerous blind curves, cyclists are urged to use extreme caution.

Visitors should be prepared to operate their bicycles during periods of low visibility, or while traveling through a tunnel, or between sunset and sunrise, by exhibiting on the operator or bicycle a white light or reflector that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red light or reflector visible from at least 200 feet to the rear. During periods of fog, reflectors will not provide necessary safety for bicyclists. Lights on both the front and rear of the bicycle are required. Mountain areas can experience dramatically different weather than what is being experienced in the lowlands, so be prepared!

Donations were received by the Shenandoah National Bicycle Coalition and Planet Bike of 150 lights to be given to visitors at the entrances for safety of the bicyclists arriving without a rear light. Lights are supposed to be dropped off as the visitors exit.

*Bicycling from Skyline Drive is permitted on Rapidan Fire Road for approximately one mile. At the end of this mile, there is a sign indicating no bicycles are permitted beyond that point.

BIKE TRAILS AND BIKE PATHS

Local Trails & Greenways
414 E Main St Front Royal
 
Sherando Park Mountain Bike Trails
Address: 200 Landgrant Ln.
Stephens City, VA 22655
Phone: (540) 665-5600
 
Eastham Park
Address: Luray Ave.
Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone: (540) 636-4600
 
Elizabeth Furnace Recreational area
Address: Fort Valley, VA 22652
Phone: (540) 984-4101
 
Buzzard Rock Trailhead
Address: 3087 Mountain Rd.
Front Royal, VA 22630
 
Shenandoah River State Park
Address: 350 Daughter of Stars Dr.
Bentonville, VA 22610
Phone: (540) 622-6840
 
Rockland Park
Address: 250 Rockland Park Way
Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone: (540) 635-7750
 
Sherando Park
255 Lakeview Circle
Stephens City, VA 22655
Phone: (540) 665-5678
 
Low Water Bridge Campgrounds
Address: 192 Panhandle Rd.
Bentonville, VA 22610
Phone: (540) 635-7277
 
Sky Meadows State Park
11012 Edmonds Ln.
Delaplane, VA 20144
Phone: 540-592-3556
 
Shenandoah River State Park
350 Daughter of Stars Dr.
Bentonville, VA 22610
Phone: 540-622-6840;
 
Whitney State Forest
Address: Lee, Morton Ridge
Warrenton, VA 20186
Phone: (804) 492-4121
 
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove
Address: Middletown, VA 22645
Phone: (540) 869-3051
 
Shenandoah National Park
17157 Skyline Dr.
Front Royal, VA 22630
540-999-3500
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Shopping for Bicycle or Bicycle Repair
 
Do you need a new bike or maintenance/repairs done on your bike? Here are some bike sales and repair shops to check out.
 
Mountain Trails Front Royal
120 E Main St.
​Front Royal, VA 22630
540-749-2470

Blue Ridge Bicycles
2228 Papermill Rd # G
Winchester, VA 22601
540-662-1510
 
Shenandoah Bicycle Company is open and operating, ready to assist you!
135 South Main Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-437-9000
 
Wyse Cycles
540-383-4119
ben@wysecycles.com
 
Haymarket Bicycles
4414 Costello Way
Haymarket, VA 20169
703-754-1911

​Some final, yet important considerations:

Remain on open forest roads

• Get tips and learn about the area from locals if you can.
• The intent of road closures is to balance popular public use with the sustainability of natural resources.
• Closed roads will be posted. Not all bicycle trails are open to off-highway vehicle use.
• Wilderness areas are off-limits to all vehicles, including bicycles.
• Comply with signs and barriers and leave gates as you found them.
• Some trails cross private property and are subject to deed restrictions, which prohibit vehicular travel of any kind.
• Respect public and private property by practicing minimum impact cycling.

Watch over the environment

• Stay on trails and roads designated for use.
• Minimize erosion by staying on trails and not cutting switchbacks.
• Avoid wet, muddy areas as they are more susceptible to erosion.
• Do not ride on snow-covered roads!
• Do not disturb wildlife or livestock.
• Teach new riders trail etiquette—lead by example.
• Don’t litter.

Ride carefully, remain in control

• The forest is for everyone. Be considerate of hikers and equestrians.
• Always wear a protective helmet and other gear. 
• Ride single file in the middle of the trail to avoid widening the trail.
• Yield right-of-way to other trail users. Horses spook when they see an unfamiliar object, especially one that moves quickly and quietly.
• Slow down and use caution when passing others. If necessary, dismount your vehicle or bicycle on the downhill side and wait for horses and hikers to pass.
• Control speed always. Approach turns in anticipation of someone around the bend.

ALWAYS be prepared

• Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
• Don’t ride alone. Tell someone where you plan to ride and then stick to your plans.
• Don’t take unnecessary chances—help for emergencies may be miles away.
• Make sure you have a first aid kit and other safety gear with you when riding in the forest.

 
Remember: You are responsible for your own safety
and for the safety of those around you.