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 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 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. 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 “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.
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 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 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 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. The Town of Front Royal presents, 'Let's Celebrate our Independence' on Sunday July 3! The day will begin with car show at Lindsay Chevrolet Front Royal from 12 - 4 p.m. and FREE Double Header with the Front Royal Cardinals at Bing Crosby Stadium. To top the day off, there will be a FIREWORKS SHOW after the 2nd game! 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. Whether you’re looking for family fun, fireworks, or a weekend in the great outdoors, Front Royal is the perfect small town to celebrate Fourth of July. Join us for adventure, excitement, and relaxation, and you’ll a Fourth of July that’ll leave you with great memories for years to come.
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 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 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. 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! 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! 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 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 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 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 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! |
AuthorDiscover Front Royal Archives
February 2023
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