With school starting up in the fall, it’s important to keep making an effort to spend quality time with the whole family. Fortunately, fall is a great season to enjoy being together and exploring the outdoors. Cooler temperatures can be a relief from the heat of summer, but there are still plenty of days that are pleasantly warm. When those beautiful fall days hit, you’ll want to have a game plan in your back pocket so you can get straight out there and enjoy them. If you’re in or near the Front Royal area, there’s loads of classic country fall activities to explore. Don’t waste the warm weather while it’s still here! Read on to plan a Front Royal fall adventure for the whole family.

Apple Picking in Front Royal
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Picking fruit is a great outdoor activity for all ages. You can enjoy some of nature’s sweetest treats while getting in some fresh air and exercise together. Near Front Royal, head to Stribling Orchard for apple picking fun. You can pick you own apples, check out the farm animals, and visit the store for more yummy local products. Find live music and favorite Front Royal vendors here on the weekends. 
 
Hartland Orchard is another great local option for apple picking. You’ll find it conveniently located near I-66. Or head a little further from the interstate to explore the apple orchards at Hollin Farms and Valley View Farm.

Fall Farm Fun
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Fall is a great season to enjoy local farms, with many putting together extra family fun attractions. Head towards Winchester to find a few. Wayside Farm Fun has the classic fall attractions you’d expect, and some you’ve maybe never heard of. Enjoy a corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin smashing, giant slides, and even giant jumping pillow. Don’t forget to pick a pumpkin before you go home. 
 
For more classic fall fun, check out High Hill Farm for a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and hayrides. The farm remains open after dark so you can enjoy a family friendly (not “haunted”) moonlit hayride too. 

​Great Country Farms is a local farm that’s open all year round. Families can enjoy meeting the animals, exploring u-pick fields, catch and release fishing, and an exciting play area. Attend the Pumpkin Festival this fall to find a great destination for all year round. The Pumpkin Festival includes pumpkin picking, pig races, cider pressing demos, and more, as well as access to the play area.  

Pumpkin Baking and Carving
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It wouldn’t be October without some pumpkin carving (and eating!) fun. Most fall farm adventures involve buying more pumpkins (in more unique colors and sizes!) than you may have originally intended. But once you get them home, pumpkins are the basis of some fun fall activities you can enjoy without leaving your house. Get everyone together for a pumpkin carving party. Stick with a simple jack-o-lantern face, or explore more intricate designs. Enjoy baking pumpkin flavored treats from pies to muffins and more. And don’t throw away those seeds! You can roast them for a tasty treat that’s full of health benefits.
 
Don’t waste the beautiful days of early fall in Front Royal. There’s so much to do outdoors as you enjoy mild temperatures for the last time in a few months. Pick (at least) one activity from this post and make a point of having seasonal fun with your kids in Front Royal this fall! 

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
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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!

3. Enjoy Family Bowling . . . Or Throw Axes Instead
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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. 
 
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!
 

4. Relax with a Beer . . . Or give Mead a Try!
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Sipping on a beer together is another classic way to relax with Dad, and Front Royal has a great range of craft breweries where Dad can enjoy a locally brewed cold one! Our favorites include Pavemint Taphouse, the Bushel Pub at the Apple House, Virginia Beer Museum, and Vibrissa Beer.
 
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.
 

5. Grill Out . . . And Change up the Chef!
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Finally, nothing says Father’s Day like a good old family cookout. Bring your 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 irreplaceable 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! 
 

Is Dad a pie lover? Another fun twist on cooking with Dad is attending Down Home Comfort Bakery’s Taste of Comfort Event. Head over on June 17 to prep your own pie, all with expert guidance. Leave the mess behind, and bring a fresh pie home! Register now to pick your filling and reserve your spot.  
 
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!

Summer can be a fun time for the whole family, with kids home from school and enjoying lots of extra free time. But too much freedom can quickly turn into boredom and frayed nerves. To keep summer fun and exciting, it can be helpful to plan some structured family activities. That’s where we come in. Read on and follow our blog to find fun posts full of ideas for keeping summer fun for kids in Front Royal! Today we’re kicking it off with a summer classic: planning a picnic in the park for your kids. Affordable, fun, and easy to plan, a picnic in the park with all the family together can become a treasured memory. Read on to discover four Front Royal ingredients you won’t want to leave out to create a memorable picnic. Maybe you can aim for a weekly or monthly picnic through the summer so everyone has something to look forward to. 
 

Secret Ingredient Number 1: Picking the Perfect Park
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Front Royal’s park system is full of great facilities with something to interest big kids, little kids, nature lovers, young athletes in training, and everything in between. If you have a group with lots of different interests, Gertrude E. Miller Community Park is our top pick for keeping everybody happy. The large complex includes a stretch of Happy Creek for fishing, basketball and tennis courts, extensive playgrounds, and more. The adjoining Lion’s Park even includes specially designed accessible play area for children with special needs. Our other favorites include Eastham Park and Rockland Park. For a bigger adventure where you’ll have to pay a park entrance fee, try Shenandoah River State Park or Shenandoah National Park. 
 

Secret Ingredient Number 2: Packing Fantastic Food without Stress
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The food you bring is a key ingredient to your picnic, and it’s fun to pack something special so everyone can enjoy the treat. If you’re making your own at home, check here to find some fun ideas kids will enjoy. Choosing a simple recipe that kids can help assemble can add to the fun for everyone. To give your meal a special touch, why not stop for some fun, local food, at Manor Line Market, or grab a treat from Down Home Comfort Bakery to enjoy after your food. For a special treat and a totally stress free picnic, head to Blue Wing Frog, where they’ll take care of providing delicious, picnic-appropriate food and packing it all up for you. 
 

Secret Ingredient Number 3: The Activities
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While free play time at the playground is a hit with most younger age groups, planning some organized activities for your picnic can be a fun way to make sure everyone has a good time and burns some energy. 
 
Older kids will enjoy competing in disc golf at Sherando Park or Rockland Park. Tennis is another great option for a smaller group of older kids. Find courts available at Chimney Field Park and Gertrude E. Miller Community Park). If you get a group together and end up with more kids than court space, why not get everyone involved with a fun tournament? An organized softball or baseball game can be another great way for a larger group of friends to make some memories together.
 

For a less competitive atmosphere, a nature scavenger hunt can be fun and educational! Or try out geocaching for an adventure where everyone can be on the same team.  
 

Secret Ingredient Number 4: The Ice Cream on the Way Home
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With a hot, tired, and happy crew ready to go home, stopping for an ice cream on the way can be the perfect ending to a fun outing. Front Royal has loads of friendly ice cream joints, and the ice cream is delicious all over town! For a downtown treat on Main Street, stop by C & C Frozen Treats. Try out Spelunkers for their legendary frozen custard, or stop at The Apple House for delicious soft serve and more, right before getting on I-66. 

​Use Front Royal’s secret ingredients to plan fun summer picnics that will stave off boredom and keep kids outdoors and having a great time. Make it a day with friends, or a chance for just your family to spend time together. Either way, you’re in for a treat and a family tradition that will make this summer one to remember!
 

There’s nothing that says “I love you” to a mom quite like the chance to spend some special time with family. And on Mother’s Day, the beautiful spring weather makes spending time outdoors together a perfect fit. This Mother’s Day, head to Front Royal and give the gift of a fun outing in the Shenandoah Valley. You and Mom can connect over something you both love to do. 

Read on for ideas on a range of delightful outings in the Front Royal area for you and Mom. You can enjoy the beautiful spring of the Shenandoah Valley together. We’ve given suggestions for moms of all kinds, so you’re sure to find something your mom will love! 
 

For the Mom who Loves Outdoor Adventures
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We think of mothers as a safe-haven, and rightly so. But moms are also some of the most adventurous people there are! Taking on responsibility for one or several tiny humans is not for the fainthearted!
 
Does your mom love to adventure in the great outdoors as much as she loves the great adventure of motherhood? If so, you’ll have no problem finding a Mother’s Day outing she’ll enjoy in the Front Royal area!

With the Shenandoah River winding through Front Royal, a day on the river is a great way to adventure and relax at the same time. Front Royal has a range of friendly outfitters who’ll take care of your needs. Check out Front Royal Outdoors, Down River Canoe Company, or Skyline Canoe Company to find a river trip that works for you.

If you’re more interested in getting out on some hiking trails, you have some great options in the Front Royal area too. With the George Washington National Forest, the Shenandoah National Park, and the Appalachian Trail all within easy distance, you can find an iconic hike without too much trouble. If your mom is a serious hiker or biker, combine this outing with the gift of an All Trails Pro subscription. All Trails Pro is like a GPS app, but for hiking trails! Mom can enjoy the trails with a whole new sense of security.

For the Mom who Loves a Small-Town Vibe
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Depending on your tastes, spring weather can be just as enjoyable on the streets of a quaint small town as in a mountain landscape. If your mom is a lover of small town life, she’ll definitely enjoy an afternoon in Front Royal. 

To give your outing a bit more structure, consider following the Front Royal Walking Tour. This self-guided tour takes you through Front Royal’s most historic and picturesque streets. You’ll learn some local history along the way. Feel free to take a break along the way and enjoy hunting for treasures in an antique store, sipping on a coffee, or savoring an ice cream cone. 
 

Another great idea for enjoying Front Royal’s small town atmosphere is an afternoon at the Dr. Seide Memorial Botanical Gardens. Within the 3.5 acres of beautifully planned gardens, you’ll find benches, walking paths, and even a stretch of Happy Creek. The same complex is also home to one of Front Royal’s most extensive parks, so the family can enjoy playgrounds, sand volleyball, tennis, basketball, and more. 
 

For the Mom who just Wants to Relax
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For some Moms, a slower-paced day in the countryside is the best way to relax and rejuvenate. If you’re looking for an outing along these lines, you might consider heading to Sunflower Cottage in Middletown. Mom can enjoy this picturesque herb farm, and visit the retail garden center to pick out herbs, flowers, or planters for the coming season. Don’t forget to include a stop at the farm’s Backroom Brewery on the farm for some refreshment. Hops for the unique range of craft beers are grown right on the farm. Backroom Brewery is also offering a special Mother’s Day lunch on Sunday March 9, complete with specialty herbal cocktails such as Lavender Martinis and Basil Whiskey Sours. 

For another relaxing option, consider planning a picnic at one of the many fantastic wineries surrounding Front Royal. Sipping on a glass of Virginia wine in a gorgeous setting will be a restorative experience for anyone!