Discover Front Royal
    • Home
    • Winter 2022-23
    • Events Calendar
      • Autumn 2022
      • Summer 2022
    • Plan Your Visit
      • Adventure and Stars
      • Off the Beaten Path
      • Wine Lovers
      • Pawfect Adventures
      • Adventurous Eats
      • Adventure Awaits
      • Get Out and Golf
    • Explore, Eat, Stay
      • Get Outdoors
      • Eat & Drink
      • Play & Stay
    • Photo Contest Winners 2022
    • Contact
    • Blog
    • Visitor Guide
    • Tourism Partnership Resource

Blog

  • MEDIA/PRESS
  • CONTACT US
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • VISITOR GUIDE
  • VIDEO
Picture

Motorcycles and Front Royal, Virginia

7/24/2022

 
Picture
Guest Post written by Warren Massey of Front Royal, VA. 
Twitter @ijustwant2ride and https://ijustwant2ride.com/

​
I have ridden along many national parkways including the Natchez Trace (TN/MS), Great Lake Seaway Byway (NY), Blue Ridge Parkway (VA, NC) and, of course, the Skyline Drive Parkway (VA). I have also attended multiple motorcycle rallies along the east coast including Daytona.
​
Picture
Outside of rallies, I have never seen as many motorcycles in one location as I do in Front Royal, Virginia. During motorcycle riding season, it is not uncommon to see hundreds of motorcycles in Front Royal, either singular or riding in large groups daily. You can see these large numbers of motorcycles passing through almost every day but especially on weekends. In my opinion Front Royal could be the motorcycle destination of Virginia much like Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee. 
 
​Why are so many motorcycles passing through Front Royal? It is because the town is located at the northern terminus of Skyline Drive and about an hour from the nation’s capital.  All these motorcycle riders are passing through the town on the way to Skyline Drive or to parts unknown as they leave the Parkway.
Picture

​By just passing through Front Royal motorcyclists are missing out on opportunities for some great local rides and the great local flavor.  For example, a rider can take a loop from Front Royal to Luray via Fort Valley Road. That ride would last about two+ hours, depending on stops, and would have you back in town by lunch time.

Picture
After lunch, mount the motorcycle and head south out of town to cross under Skyline Drive at it two gaps.  But be careful, they are quite technical, and the northern gap is designated as a high crash area. Two+ hours later you will be back in town with enough time to get to dinner and a stroll along main street.

​After dinner, riders could visit the Virginia Beer Museum for brew and live music or Shenandoah Valley Axe Throwing for a unique activity or any of the many other venues in town.  Front Royal has lots of hotels and restaurants and a main street that could be considered a throw-back to another era. Check out the movie theater that has a 1950’s vibe with a state-of-the-art projector and sound system.

Picture
​Front Royal may be the gateway to Skyline Drive, but it should also be a destination at the start or end of your motorcycle ride.  Stay a day or two, there are plenty of hotels and campgrounds, to explore both our local roads and our small-town atmosphere.
 

Front Royal’s Local Summer Fare 2: Peaches, Peanuts, and Pies

7/9/2022

 
Picture
Find the best local produce in Front Royal
As gas prices continue to climb this summer, it’s a great time to appreciate all we have close at hand. Those in the Front Royal area have plenty of fun to enjoy without travelling too far, and in the summer there’s also lots of food being produced close to home. No need to buy in food from far away and pay for the costs of transporting it!
 
Here at Discover Front Royal, we’re providing a guide to some of the fantastic local food that’s produced right in our area. Today, we’ve rounded up three local favorites that all begin with a “P”: peaches, peanuts, and . . . pies! Read on to learn more about these classic local foods, and how to enjoy them in the Front Royal area. 
 
Pick your Own Peaches in Front Royal
​
Picture
Pick your own peaches
Biting into a delicious, juicy peach is one of the pleasures of summertime, and if you have a freshly picked, local peach in hand, it’s going to taste all the better. Virginia has a great climate for peach production, and has ranked as the fourteenth largest peach producer in the United States. In a rural area like Front Royal, it’s not too hard to find orchards with delicious fresh peaches ready to pick and eat! Peach season runs through July, August, and sometimes into early September, so most of the summer is a great time to eat fresh, local peaches. 
 
To pick your own peaches, head to one of Front Royal’s nearby fruit farms. Hartland Orchard is a popular option, and conveniently close to I-66. To get a bit more off the beaten path, try Valley View Farm. After peach picking, you can enjoy wine and cider tasting as well as exploring the extensive “locavore farm market" filled with local products. Hollin Farms is another great peach-picking option, where you can also pick in-season fresh vegetables. Stock up on summer garden classics like corn, tomatoes, beans, zucchini, peppers, and more, including some you may never have heard of. 
 
To ensure availability, always call ahead before heading out on a pick you own expedition. 

Front Royal’s Virginia Peanuts
​
Picture
Virginia peanuts, yum!
From peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to roasted peanuts and peanut butter cups, it’s safe to say peanuts are a favorite staple of the American diet. But did you know that Front Royal’s own state of Virginia was the first known U.S. location where peanuts were planted, and remains one of the nation’s top producers of peanuts? First arriving in Virginia in the early 1900s, peanut plants thrived in Virginia’s warm summers and sandy, loamy soil. Today, Virginia’s peanuts are an exciting and delicious local product.
 
Picture
If you’re thinking of peanuts as a nut growing on a tree, think again. Despite their nutty name, peanuts are actually legumes that grow beneath the soil. In the Front Royal area, you can enjoy a close encounter with a peanut plant at Hollin Farms, where dig-your-own peanuts are typically available in September and October. Bring the kids for a fun and unique outing, and make some homemade peanut butter when you get home! 
 
To find Virginia Peanuts that you don’t have to dig up in Front Royal, check out the gift shop at the Apple House, where you’ll find shelves full of local products, including peanuts and lots more. Or explore Dusty’s Country Store where you’ll find delicious, small-batch made peanut butter made with peanuts from the great state of Virginia. 
 

Enjoy a Local Pie in Front Royal
​
Picture
Fresh baked pies at Down Home Comfort Bakery
“As American as Apple Pie” is how the saying goes, and it’s true that pies are a classic favorite American dessert. During the summer and fall, using in-season fruit for a pie is a great way to make an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, and give a fresh, local touch to your table. To make pie-making a snap, try this easy “no-roll” pie crust recipe. Make the crust right in your pie dish, add your filling, and you’ll be cooking up a delicious pie before you know it.
 
Want the pie without the work? Find delicious local-made pies in Front Royal at Down Home Comfort Bakery. Freshly made with all-natural ingredients, Down Home Comfort Bakery’s baked goods are sure to put a smile on your face and leave your guests asking for more.
 
There’s so much delicious local bounty to enjoy around Front Royal in the summer. Explore the “P’s” of local produce this summer and celebrate all that the great state of Virginia has to offer. 
 

Five Ways to Have Water Fun with Kids in Front Royal

7/6/2022

 
Picture
Where to swim in Front Royal
Finding a way to get into (or close to!) the water is a great way for everyone to relax in the summer. For kids, a day of swimming or playing by the water can be an adventure like no other. If you’re looking for an opportunity to let your kids cool off and have fun this summer, read on! You’ll find our top five ways to get kids in enjoying the water in Front Royal. Discover swimming lessons, kayaking, fishing, and more, and plan some fun outings to make this summer memorable. 
 
1. Head to the Pool
​
Picture
Claude A. Stokes Community Pool
Swimming pools are a classic summer favorite for kids and their parents alike! With lifeguards on hand and controlled water conditions, swimming pools are among the safest places for kids of all ages to swim. Parents can enjoy relaxing in the sun or jump in and cool off themselves!
 
There are two fantastic outdoor pools to explore in the Front Royal area. Claude A. Stokes Community Pool is located right in town, and open every afternoon through the summer months. With a water slide, diving board, and zip line, as well as wading and fountain pools, there’s something here for kids of all ages to enjoy. Let the games of Marco Polo begin!
Picture
Northern Virginia 4-H Center Pool

Another great option for a summery outdoor pool in a rural setting is the Northern Virginia 4-H Center. The pool opens to the public Thursdays-Sundays in June and July. 
 
Both pools offer swimming lessons, so if your little swimmers need some coaching they can find it in Front Royal, too!
 
2. Relax at the Splash Pad
​
Picture
Splash Pad - Dr. Seide Memorial Botanical Gardens
If you have small kids or limited time, you may not feel the need to go all in with a pool day to satisfy your family’s need for refreshing water fun. For these situations, Front Royal’s Splash Pad is a great fit. Head to the Dr. Seide Memorial Botanical Gardens to explore this fun, kid-friendly water attraction. You'll leave with a wet, happy, and refreshed crew.
 
3. Take a River Trip
​
Bigger kids will love the adventure of taking on the Shenandoah River in a kayak or canoe. Bring some fun snacks, load up with water, and plan your outdoor adventure with one of Front Royal’s fun and helpful river outfitters. It’s a great way to get everyone outside and enjoying the fantastic natural beauty around Front Royal without undertaking a more strenuous activity like a hike. Bonus: with the outfitter doing all the planning, parents can relax too, without having to sweat the logistics!
 
4. Wade in the Shenandoah River 
​
Picture
Shenandoah River
Getting outdoors together is a great way to enjoy family time in the summer, and kids will love it if you can plan your next outdoor time somewhere they can enjoy the water. In Front Royal, an evening on the banks of the Shenandoah River is easy to plan and fun for everyone. Head to one of Front Royal’s many river access points. Adults can enjoy the scenic beauty, while kids explore the banks of the river, and maybe even get their feet wet. Our top picks: Eastham Park and Shenandoah River State Park.
 
Don’t forget that a flowing river can be much more dangerous for children than a pool. Children should explore parts of the river where they can easily walk on the bottom, and should be closely supervised at all times. Sharp items can end up of a river bottom, so shoes are a must too!
 
5. Explore Happy Creek
​
Picture
Happy at Happy Creek
Much smaller than the Shenandoah River, but overflowing with fun for kids, Happy Creek flows right through Front Royal. Head to the Lions Park/Gertrude E. Miller Park complex for access to the creek that is perfect for a family adventure. Kids can enjoy exploring the water, and even try their hand at fishing. If the stocking truck’s been by lately, they may just get lucky. Happy Creek is also a great place to observe other water wildlife. Maybe you’ll come home with some tadpoles to raise. When they’re ready for a break from the river, there are playgrounds aplenty to choose from right there in the park!
 
From the pool to the river, with a lot in between, Front Royal has it all when it comes to finding a place for kids to enjoy getting wet in the summer! Get outdoors in Front Royal with your kids this summer, and enjoy cooling off, making memories, and experiencing water adventure in lots of different ways!

    Author

    Discover Front Royal

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020

    Categories

    All
    Activities
    Adventure
    Apple Picking
    Autumn
    Biking
    Bird Watching
    Blue Ridge Mountains
    Cabin
    Camping
    Canoeing
    Civil War
    Climbing
    Contest
    Craft Beers
    Craft Festivals
    Day Trips
    Dining
    Discover Front Royal
    Discovery Series
    Downtown Rebound
    Entertainment
    Events
    Family
    Family Fun
    Farms
    Festivals
    Fishing
    Foliage
    Food
    Fun
    Fun Facts
    Gardens
    Getaway
    Gifts
    Golf
    Halloween
    Health
    Hiking
    Historic
    Historic Sites
    History
    Holidays
    Homesteading
    Indoors
    Kayaking
    Kids
    Leaf Peeping
    Local
    Local Farms
    Local Produce
    Locals
    Lodging
    LoveVA
    Main Street
    Meadery
    Motorcycling
    Mountain Biking
    Movies
    Music
    National Parks
    Nature
    Orchards
    Outdoor Recreation
    Parks
    Pets
    Photography
    Picnic
    Real Estate
    Recreational Activities
    Restaurants
    Rock Climbing
    Scenic Drives
    Seasons
    Shenandoah National Park
    Shenandoah River
    Shenandoah Valley
    Shop
    Shopping
    Shops
    Skiing
    Skyline Drive
    Special Needs
    Sports
    Spring
    Star Gazing
    Staycation
    Summer
    Swimming
    Things To Do
    Tourism
    Town Of Front Royal
    Trails
    Travel
    Vacation
    Virginia
    Virginia Tourism Corporation
    Visit Front Royal
    Warren County
    Wildlife
    Wine Festival
    Wineries
    Winter

    RSS Feed


DIRECTIONS

To say all roads lead to Front Royal is not an exaggeration. From the numerous winding state roads lined with gorgeous fields and farms, to fast-moving multi-laned interstates, you’ll find an easy commute to our community. Once here, we can personalize all your travel needs. ​

​Front Royal/Warren County Visitors Center
414 East Main Street
Front Royal, VA 22630

Phone: 540-635-5788

Winter Hours:
Open Thurs. - Sun.
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

​
Directions
HELPFUL LINKS
​
Front Royal Trolley (PDF)
Front Royal Visitors Guide
​Front Royal Weather Forecast
​
Shenandoah Valley

Visit Shenandoah
Battle of Front Royal Quest
Quest Shenandoah for  Kids


ABOUT US
​
Front Royal/​Warren County is conveniently located within the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and offers numerous recreational activities, historical landmarks, and annual events in and around us. Visit Front Royal to find out why it’s the perfect location for your next family reunion, business meeting,  destination wedding, get-away weekend or ... new home!
Read More

​CONNECT

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
© 2021 Discover Front Royal | Contact Webmaster | Privacy
Theme by ROOMY THEMES
Site powered by MMES inc
Theme by ROOMY THEMES
  • Home
  • Winter 2022-23
  • Events Calendar
    • Autumn 2022
    • Summer 2022
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Adventure and Stars
    • Off the Beaten Path
    • Wine Lovers
    • Pawfect Adventures
    • Adventurous Eats
    • Adventure Awaits
    • Get Out and Golf
  • Explore, Eat, Stay
    • Get Outdoors
    • Eat & Drink
    • Play & Stay
  • Photo Contest Winners 2022
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Visitor Guide
  • Tourism Partnership Resource