Independence Day is an iconic American holiday, and a midsummer event that’s full of potential for adventuring and memory-making. With warm weather, schools on summer break, and tents full of fireworks everywhere, it’s not too hard to get in vacation mode whether you’re celebrating over a week, a long weekend, or just for the day. Front Royal has all you need to make Fourth of July glorious this year, no matter how you plan on celebrating. Read on for some ideas on celebrating Independence Day in the Front Royal area.
 

Plan a Back Country Camping Trip
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​What better way to celebrate independence than by reducing your dependence on modern conveniences for a weekend? Independence Day falls on a Monday in 2022, giving many of us a three day weekend. Take advantage of the opportunity for an extended break from work and get away from it all in the great outdoors. The Front Royal area has great options for backpacking and back country camping. Start with Shenandoah National Park, which has plenty of scope for adventure with over 196,000 acres of wilderness. Not sure where to start? Check out this list of back country trips in the park. They’re all categorized by level of difficulty so you can find something that’s exciting but not too much of a challenge to be safe or enjoyable. George Washington National Forest is another nearby area with primitive camping options that will provide peace and solitude and challenge experienced backpackers. 
 

Want to spend a weekend camping, but not feeling ready for the adventure of the back country? Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest both offer a range of camping options so most families and groups can find something to suit their wishes. For more camping ideas in the Front Royal area see here. 
 

Enjoy the Front Royal Outdoors with Friends and Family
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You may not have a whole weekend to plunge into a camping adventure, but spending a day of Fourth of July weekend outdoors with friends and family is still a great way to recharge and celebrate. Front Royal has so many opportunities for families and groups to enjoy themselves in the great outdoors. For epic relaxation and fun, plan a river trip in the Canoe Capital of Virginia. 
 

If a river trip doesn’t suit, why not just get everyone together for a fun afternoon of lawn games and grilled food at Shenandoah River State Park’s riverside picnic area. You can enjoy wading or fishing from the banks, and relax with some lawn games in the shade. Or see here for loads more ideas of summertime fun that’s waiting in Front Royal. 
 

Attend an Event in Front Royal
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If you’re looking for a Fourth of July Party, Front Royal is a great place to be. The celebration starts on the evening of Friday July 1st, with fireworks at the NOVA 4-H Center. With food trucks and live music starting at five, followed by fireworks at nightfall, this FREE event is an evening of classic Fourth of July fun you won’t want to miss. 

Come hang out at Mac's Roller Rink for their first annual summer fest! Featuring games, inflatables, face-paint, cookout with burgers/hotdogs, slip n slide, music, cornhole, fireworks, AND more!! A day for the whole family!

Kids wristbands $15. Supervising parents/adults are FREE.
Food Tickets $5 includes burger and drink or 2 hot dogs and drink.

Enjoy a day out and some summer fun for all ages!​

On Fourth of July itself, find the party at the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. Enjoy an afternoon/evening of live music, DJ fun, an epic Slip N Slide, and a buffet of delicious food. Get your tickets here. 

With schools out and warm temperatures, summer is the time of year when many Americans plan to travel and enjoy vacation. But in 2022 with gas prices hitting record highs, taking a trip to a distant destination will be more expensive than ever before. If gas prices are giving you pause, don’t give up on the idea of a vacation just yet! It’s time to start seeing travel limitations as an opportunity! A local vacation can be just as fun as one that involves long-distance travel, and if you’re near the Front Royal area, you have the perfect destination right on your doorstep. Whether you’re a resident of the D.C. Metro area, or hail from even closer to Front Royal, give our amazing small town a look. You’ll discover that Front Royal is packed with all the ingredients it takes to make for a great vacation. Bonus: with travel time cut down you’ll have even more time to spend relaxing and enjoying yourself. 
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​Read on for six reasons we love the idea of a local vacation in the Front Royal area! Soon you’ll be wondering why you ever took the trouble of travelling far away for a vacation!
 

1. Front Royal has Fantastic Lodging and Dining
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It wouldn’t feel like a vacation without the chance to relax and enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious food. If a local vacation has you saving money on travel expenses, you may have a little left in the budget to enjoy some extra luxuries in the lodging and dining departments. ​

In the Front Royal area, you can find truly unique lodging options for a memorable and comfortable stay. Check out the John Pope Cabin at Walnut Hill Farm and Estate, or Mountain Home Bed and Breakfast for fantastic lodging you won’t forget. Explore the rolling farmland that surrounds Rolling River Holidays’ stunning vacation homes. Or plan on some hot tub relaxation by booking a cabin with Hot Tub Heaven. See here for a fuller list of Front Royal’s lodging options including hotels, cozy cabins, and more. 

​Gourmet meals area also easy to find in Front Royal. The Element is Front Royal’s classic option for fine dining. Check out Vibrissa Beer or Pavemint Taphouse for local craft beer and delicious food. Or head to neighboring Flint Hill to enjoy other upscale options. 

2. Outdoor Adventures Aplenty Await in Front Royal
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With its location conveniently close to Shenandoah National Park and the Shenandoah River, Front Royal is perhaps best known as a destination for lovers of outdoor adventure. Adventure awaits whichever way you turn in Front Royal. Plan a hike or backpacking trip in the National Park, explore rock climbing, or plan out a whole week of outdoor fun with canoeing in the Shenandoah River, hiking, biking, and more all easily accessible from Front Royal. 
 

3. Front Royal has Lots for History Buffs
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It’s a lesser known claim to fame, but the Shenandoah Valley (Front Royal included) was the scene of some key battles of the Civil War. The Front Royal area retains a strong sense of history to this day. Explore at your own pace with the Battle of Front Royal Civil Driving Tour, or check Front Royal’s events page for Civil War talks, tours, and more. If you’re staying in Front Royal, you’ll also be within reach of Civil War Battlefields at New Market, Cedar Creek, and Antietam.

4. Find the Fun at Front Royal’s Events
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Keep your local Front Royal vacation exciting by attending some special events. Front Royal has a busy events calendar, and you’ll find there’s a lot going on. Relax at Fox Meadow Winery with their Sunset in the Vineyard events, or head to Shenandoah Valley Golf Club on a Friday Night for Fire Pit Fridays. Take in a Front Royal Cardinals home baseball game for more fun. If you’re here mid-July, don’t miss the Valley Baseball League All-Star Game on July 17. Plan your visit for the first week of August and enjoy some honest country fun at the Warren County Fair. 
 

5. Front Royal is Camping Out Heaven
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Some like a little luxury in vacation accommodations, for others it’s more refreshing (and affordable) to take it back to the basics with a camping trip. Some long-lasting family memories can be made around the campfire, and it’s a great way to unplug a little more and help the whole family enjoy being together. With fantastic scenery and lots of parks nearby, Front Royal has great camping options, from riverside to mountain top and more. Check them out here.
 

6. Front Royal is Fun for all the Family
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If you’re bringing kids you’ll want to make sure you plan some fun for them, too. From a fun splash pad for little ones to kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking fun for older ages, there’s plenty kids will love about Front Royal. Skyline Caverns is a great family attraction, and Front Royal’s delicious ice cream shops can provide the perfect sweet ending to any family adventure. See here for more ideas on keeping kids happy and entertained around Front Royal. 
 

Don’t let gas prices ruin your summer plans this year! Plan a local vacation, and discover all the fun you can have without having to log lots of miles. With convenient proximity to the D.C. Metro area, a rustic feel that makes it seem like you’re worlds away, and loads of fun and adventure waiting for you to enjoy, Front Royal is the ideal destination for a local vacation. Bonus: you may even discover a nearby attraction that you’ll be able to return to again and again over the coming year. 
 

With school age kids settled back into the school routine across the country, parents and kids alike might be missing the opportunities for family bonding and shared experiences that the summer brought. The good news is that the beginning of school doesn’t have to mean the end of family adventures. If you let your imagination take off, you’d be surprised at what you can find to do in the Front Royal area between the end of one school day and the beginning of the next. Instead of driving straight home from the school pick up line, head off on an “after school adventure.” A weeknight adventure means you’ll enjoy less crowds, lower rates, and the mid-week break you need to keep you going.

​Today’s post is all about finding adventures around Front Royal that fit in those precious hours when you’re off work and your kids are home from school. We’re calling these “after school adventures.”  The goal is family fun. We’re not trying to set any world records. So we’ve rounded up some ways you can enjoy a break from your everyday routine, while making sure you’ll be back in time for school the next morning! You may lose a bit of sleep, but you’ll give everyone a needed break, and gain some unforgettable memories. If you’d like to enjoy an after school adventure with your family in the Front Royal area, read on for some ideas of family friendly fun in the Front Royal area. 

Overnight After School Adventure Ideas in the Front Royal Area
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​For kids, nothing says adventure like spending a night away from home. Even camping out in their own back yard can be magical. But if you want to take it to the next level, there’s plenty of scope around Front Royal. You don’t have to go far to find a fun night away where you won’t be spending all your time driving or all your money on accommodations. 
 

A great, family friendly camping options is Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground. The campground is right on the banks of Passage Creek, so you can make dinner over a camp stove while the kids splash in the water or explore the banks. Gather the family for s’mores around the campfire before snuggling up together in your tent. A fifteen minute drive in the morning will bring you right back into Front Royal. An important perk of weeknight camping: you’ll enjoy less crowds, less competition for the best sites, and even cheaper rates at some campgrounds.
 

​If you don’t want to bother with pitching a tent, or if you want a little more comfort than tent camping provides, reserve one of the primitive PATC Cabins in Shenandoah National Park. Though primitive, these cabins do provide four walls around you, a roof over your head, and a bunk to sleep on. Don’t expect running water though! To build up the feeling of adventure, you’ll receive your cabin key in the mail, along with instructions on how to get to the cabin. Range View Cabin is a popular choice near the Front Royal end of Skyline Drive. Older kids will enjoy making the short hike through the woods to arrive at their housing for the night. 
 

After School Adventures that Bring You Home for the Night
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You don’t have to spend the night away from home to make it an adventure though. If you need the refreshing sleep you can only get in your own bed, you can still fit in an adventure before bedtime. Consider taking off after school for a short hike and picnic supper before heading home. Not sure where to start hiking? Two local favorites are the Compton Peak Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, or the Buzzard Rock Hike in the George Washington National Forest area. Both of these hikes do involve overlooks and steep climbs, so try to plan your evening so you’ll be back at the trailhead before dark.
 

If you can’t get out early enough to fit a hike in before dusk, you can have an adventure without going far from your car. How about driving into Shenandoah National Park after nightfall, stopping at an overlook, and making hot chocolate on a camp stove while gazing at the stars? Bring some blankets and enjoy family time under the stars before heading home to sleep in your own bed. 
 

Reward Yourself with Breakfast Out in Front Royal
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Whether you actually spent the night in the great outdoors, or simple carved out part of your evening for family time, your adventure does mean you don’t have the time you normally do for your daily chores. Why not complete the family fun by grabbing breakfast out the next morning? With a great selection of coffee shops and diners, Front Royal has you covered for a breakfast the whole family will enjoy. Try L’Dees Pancake House for a classic diner breakfast, or if a coffee shop is more up your alley, try Daily Grind, Happy Creek Coffee, or DL Campus Coffee on Main.  Celebrate your break from the everyday, before heading back to work and school refreshed and energized. 
 

If you’re looking to add some excitement to your family’s fall routine, it’s a great time to try an after school adventure. The Front Royal area is the perfect backdrop for your and your kids to make memories that will last a lifetime. 
 

 
If you’re considering a trip to Front Royal this fall, there’s a unique lodging opportunity you should consider: the NOVA 4-H Center in Front Royal is opening up its accommodations to the public!
 
This limited-time opportunity is an outdoors-lover’s dream. With tent and lodge accommodations available, hiking, fishing, and more on site, and easy access to the Front Royal area’s many attractions, it’s a perfect fit for many different types. Whether you’re heading to Front Royal for fall foliage views, a personal break, a small-group retreat, or to attend a public event, be sure to check out this lodging opportunity to make your visit extra enjoyable.
 
Read on for our list of five irresistible reasons to reserve lodging at the NOVA 4-H Center this fall.

1. A Rare Opportunity
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The saying goes that when opportunity comes knocking you should answer the door. In this case, it’s true! This is one opportunity that you shouldn’t count on coming back to later. Lodging at the NOVA 4-H Center is typically used for large groups and organized programs. Usually, this lodging isn’t available to the public.
 
This fall, cancellations due to COVID have left the 4-H Center in the unique position of being able to open up their fantastic accommodations to the public. Take advantage of this rare opportunity before it’s gone! 
 

2. Lodging that Fits Your Group Size and Your Taste
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The 4-H Center is a large complex with various accommodation options. Private rooms are available in the 4-H Center lodges for individuals, couples, or small families. A larger group could book two adjoining rooms, or reserve out an entire lodge. It’s a perfect set up for a family reunion or a getaway with friends.
 
Plenty of open space is also available for tent camping. So if being outdoors 24/7 is what rejuvenates you most, dive on in!

3. Amazing Amenities
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Staying at the NOVA 4-H Center gives you much more than just a place to sleep. You’ll also find plenty of fantastic amenities to keep you busy all day. Enjoy miles of hiking trails including access to the Appalachian Trail, a disc golf course, tennis and basketball courts, and even a lake for fishing. Fire pits and picnic shelters are also available for reservation.
 

4. Fantastic Location near Front Royal
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There’s plenty to keep you busy without ever leaving the 4-H Center, but you’ll want to tear yourself away to enjoy all that the Front Royal area has to offer. Enjoy this peaceful rustic setting just an hour from Washington D.C. With stunning fall foliage appearing all around, fall is one of the best times to visit the Front Royal area. You’ll find loads of outdoor attractions, including the famous Shenandoah National Park, which draws thousands of visitors every fall. 
 
Or head to the nearby town of Front Royal to enjoy delicious dining, fantastic wineries, and all the unbeatable charm of a small mountain town.
 

5. All in a Good Cause
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​When you stay at the 4-H Center, you’re not just planning a few days of fun for yourself and your loved ones. You’re also supporting a fantastic cause. The money you spend on lodging at the NOVA 4-H Center goes straight to supporting this worthy non-profit organization, and all the important educational programs they offer for youth. It’s a win, win, win situation. 
 
So don’t delay, make your plans today for your fall stay at the NOVA 4-H Center. For more information, or to make a reservation, call Chris Newlon at 540-635-7171, or reach her by email at [email protected].