​Did you know that various studies like the “bridge study” seem to indicate that experiencing a rush of adrenaline with someone special can help you fall more in love? This phenomenon may be related to the fact that adrenaline is one of the primary hormones that surges through your body in the early stages of falling in love. Adrenaline also peaks during moments of excitement or risk. Enjoy a different kind of Valentine’s Day this year, by planning adventure and excitement with your significant other. Going on an adventure together can help you fall in love, stay in love, and rekindle the spark. And there’s no better place to do it than Front Royal!
Pair a fun outdoor adventure with the beautiful scenery surrounding the Front Royal area (and a gourmet dinner to finish the day off!), and you have the perfect recipe for romance. Read on for eight ideas on introducing adventure into your relationship in the Front Royal area. 

1. Take a Romantic Hike
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A hike is a classic way to adventure in the great outdoors and share great conversations. If you’re looking for a romantic hiking adventure, the Front Royal area is a great place to be. Check out one of the many fun hikes surrounding the Front Royal area. To make your hike extra adventurous, try one that’s not familiar. Or head to a scenic outlook such as Buzzard Rock or Old Rag (starting March 1st you’ll need to reserve tickets in advance) and experience the thrill of the mountain top together.

2. Scale a Rock Face
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If you’ve ever tried rock climbing, you’ll know it’s a great way to bond with friends and experience an adrenaline rush. For a special date, book a rock climbing class in the Front Royal area, or if you’re an experienced climber, plan an expedition of your own. For indoor climbing, check out the bouldering wall at Front Royal’s BattleGrounds Fitness.
 

3. Watch the Sunset
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Watching the sunset together is a classic way to enjoy being with someone you love. Front Royal’s Skyline Drive has some great overlooks for watching the sunset from the gorgeous crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s best to pick a roadside overlook (on the west side!) so you don’t have the unplanned adventure of trying to hike back to your car in the dark. But lingering in the outdoors as darkness settles over the landscape can be a great opportunity to enjoy some beautiful moments together. Head back to town after the sunset for a delicious dinner date. Or for a more extended adventure, pack a picnic and stay at the overlook for some stargazing. 

4. Stare up at the stars
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The Front Royal area is a great place to stargaze, and enjoying a starry sky together is another classic way for lovers to bond over natural beauty and a sense of adventure. See here for some great tips on stargazing around Front Royal. For extra romance bring a camp stove to make hot chocolate and some blankets to keep cozy.
 

5. Throw Axes Together
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For an adventurous activity that’s less “out there” and more conveniently close to Front Royal’s fantastic restaurants, check out Shenandoah Valley Axe Co. Offers super friendly atmosphere where you can bond over the thrill of trying out a new and unique activity that will make you feel like a Viking warrior. P.S. - They have  some fabulous food and  drinks  too! Hint, hint!

6. Start Training for an Adventure Race
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Taking on a challenging adventure race together as a couple can be a great way for lovers of each other and the outdoors to bond, get fit, and experience tons of adrenaline. The Front Royal area is the host of two epic adventure races in the spring, the Shenandoah Epic and the Shenanduro. Both are stiff physical challenges and have a category for two person teams. You won’t be participating in either race on Valentine’s Day, but surprising your significant other with a race registration and joint training program could be a truly special gift.
 

7. Give the Gift of an Adventure to Look Forward to
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With Valentine’s Day falling in winter time, it’s not the best time of year to experience all aspects of the outdoors. But surprising a loved one with tickets for an adventure in warmer weather can be a great way to make them feel loved. Skydiving might be the ultimate adrenaline rush experience for adventure seekers. For a more relaxing adventure, plan a river trip with a Front Royal outfitter.
 

8. End your Adventure with that Romantic Dinner in Front Royal
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Whether you’re looking for a way to unwind after a day of adventure, or have simply decided that you’d prefer to keep it traditional this Valentine’s Day, Front Royal has loads of options for a less adventurous celebration, including gourmet dining, dance classes, art studios and more. See here for some great ways to get cozy and relax on Valentine’s Day (note that special events listed in this article may not be up to date – check directly with the individual businesses). Don’t miss Front Royal’s Chocolate Crawl leading up to Valentine’s Day to support and get to know our local businesses better and maybe even win some chocolate.
 

We don’t have anything against candle-lit dinners and bouquets of flowers, but if you’re looking to spark some extra excitement in your romance this Valentine’s Day, planning an adventure date may be just what you’re looking for.  Feeling that adrenaline rush together can help stir up feelings of romance, love, and excitement. With scenic beauty, adventure awaiting, and cozy restaurants to unwind in, Front Royal might just have it all. Head to Front Royal for a truly memorable Valentine’s weekend. 

Buying and giving gifts is a beloved tradition of the holiday season, and a great way to spread good will and seasonal cheer. The shopping end of things can be time consuming or stressful, though. If buying gifts has you in a tizzy this year, fear not! Front Royal has you covered. We’re here with a gift guide to help you find something for everyone on your list while supporting local businesses.
 

If you’re concerned about waste and clutter and are jumping on the clutter-free gift trend, we have ideas for you too. There’s no need to feel obligated to burden your loved ones with unwanted stuff. In Front Royal, you can give the gift of a gift card or a Front Royal experience that your friends and family will love and remember for years to come. 
 
So read on for ideas that will delight your loved ones and make this year’s gift shopping simple, easy, and fun.

Front Royal Gifts for the Art Lover
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You shouldn’t have a hard time finding a gift for the art lover in your life in Front Royal. Stop by Turnmeyer Galleries for fine art, and gorgeous photography prints. You’ll also find beautiful gifts, such as puzzles, coasters, and more. Any lover of beauty will be thrilled with a gift from Turnmeyer Galleries. Christmas ornaments are another classic gift, and you’ll find beautiful and unique ones here that’ll remind your loved ones of the fantastic Front Royal area.
 

Want to give an artistic gift, but not sure what to buy? Give a gift that’s both an experience and a treasured art piece by signing a friend or family member up for a class at Explore Art & Clay. They can have a great time learning new skills, and will come home with a piece of art of their own.

Front Royal Gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer
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Front Royal is a haven for lovers of the outdoors, and it’s a great place to shop for them too! Even the most committed outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy their adventures more with a gear upgrade. Check out Front Royal’s Mountain Trails to find great outdoor shoes and clothing as well as everything your favorite outdoors lovers might need in their backpacks. 
 
Looking for a clutter-free gift that keeps on giving? How about an annual pass to Shenandoah National Park? The outdoors enthusiasts in your life can enjoy adventures on you all year long!

Front Royal Gifts for Kids
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New toys usually bring smiles and excitement on Christmas morning, and in Front Royal, Play Favorites is a great place to shop for the kids of all ages in your life. You’ll find great toys and games that will not only keep your kids entertained, but allow opportunities for spending quality time together. 
 
Don’t want to add more stuff to your home? For many kids, the best gift can be time spent doing something fun with the adults they love. Consider planning a family bowling adventure at Royal Family Bowling Center. Or give the gift of fun and fitness by signing the kids up for classes at Battlegrounds Fitness.
 

Exploring Front Royal’s Gift Shops
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When hunting for the perfect gift, it can be much easier to explore gift shops in person. Online shopping doesn’t give you the same chance to browse for ideas or handle an object before buying it. If you’re looking to go on a treasure hunt for unique and perfect gifts, Fornt Royal’s downtown in the perfect location. Explore several antiques on Main Street, and find unique gifts at White Picket Fence, Inklings, Explore Art and Clay, and more. Make your shopping trip fun by taking a break for a delicious coffee at DL Campus Coffee on Main, The Daily Grind, or Manor Line’s Back 40. 

Front Royal’s Food Gifts for the Foodie or the Person who’s Hard to Shop For
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We all have at least one of them on our list. Every year, it’s a struggle to come up with a great idea for a gift that they’ll love. Good news: everyone loves food! Foodies dream of receiving edible gifts, and even the most difficult person to shop for will appreciate (and actually use!) a restaurant gift card or some gourmet foods to enjoy at home during the holiday season. In Front Royal, there’s a great range of places to buy gourmet local foods, wines, and more. Or check out our extensive restaurant scene and find a gift card to suit any taste!
 

To give the gift of delicious treats to enjoy at home, check out Front Royal’s Manor Line Market and Dusty’s Country Store. You’ll find gourmet, healthy and local food items at both. Or head out of town to the Apple House for an extensive selection of local products and gifts. For wine lovers, check out Front Royal Wines, or give them something new to try with the gift of Front Royal-produced mead from Saga Meadery or Honey and Hops Brew Works. 
 

Don’t forget that the Front Royal area is Virginia Wine Country. Another great alternative for a wine lover might be the gift of a membership to one of Front Royal’s many fantastic wineries.
 
Exploring Front Royal’s shops and local businesses is a great way to make your gift shopping experience fun this year. You can support local businesses, and find exciting and memorable gifts at the same time. Say good bye to gift shopping stress and say hello to Front Royal’s fantastic shopping scene.
 

With gift-giving, parties, Christmas celebrations and more, the holidays are an exciting time of year. Heading to a holiday event can be a fun way to celebrate the season with the wider community. Check out Front Royal’s events calendar and find the best events where you can celebrate with our small town community this winter. Choose the event that suits your mood, or try to make it to all of them. You can bundle up for a Christmas parade and some local shopping, relax and restore with a musical performance, or enjoy a fun, historic celebration. Read on to discover the events you’ll find in Front Royal this holiday season.

1. Front Royal Christmas Parade and Festivities
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​The first Saturday of December is the date of a beloved Front Royal tradition: the Christmas Parade! Mark your calendar for December 3rd to enjoy a full day of fun. The celebration starts in the morning with the Kiwanis annual pancake day, lasting until 3 pm. Stop by Warren County High School to support a good cause and charge up with a plate of pancakes before a day of fun. 
 

Head downtown around noon to find an open air market where local vendors can provide you with unique, beautifully crafted gifts to get you started on your list (or help you finish!). Enjoy entertainment from Front Royal’s talented youth while you shop. Need a break? Stop by Royal Cinemas at 1 pm for a FREE Christmas movie showing! With horse-drawn carriage rides available too, there’s plenty to keep you busy until 5 pm rolls around and it’s time for the Christmas parade. The ceremonial lighting of Front Royal’s Christmas tree ends a magical evening.

2. Music to Uplift your Spirit
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The busyness and gaiety of the holiday season is exciting, but it can also be draining. It’s important to take the time to recharge and refresh your spirit. What better way than by reflecting on the real meaning of Christmas with beloved choral classics of the season. Give yourself or a loved one the gift of an evening of Christmas song in the Front Royal area. 
 
The Blue Ridge Singers is a local group of musicians who perform classic choir music throughout the year. This year’s free concert of Christmas and Advent music will be held at three different times and locations around Warren County. Check it out to see which one works for you! 

​Another option for a free concert is Night of Wonder, a performance of historic and well-loved Christmas music by the Valley Chorale. Performances are in Staunton, Winchester, and Front Royal on December 9, 10, and 11. Pick the one that works for you. ​

 
If you’re a fan of big bands, Front Royal has that too! On December 13, enjoy Christmas music of the Front Royal based American Legion Community Band at Front Royal’s RMA. Can’t wait until the thirteenth? Head to the nearby historic town of Harper’s Ferry for their performance on December 11.

3. A Christmas Celebration of Front Royal’s History
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Take a break from all the music, and enjoy a Christmas Celebration with a historic twist with the Warren Heritage Society’s Christmas Open House on December 14th. The Warren Heritage Society is the proud owner of three fantastic historic homes in Front Royal. Check them out and enjoy chatting with 17th century reenactors. Refreshments keep the mood festive. You can enjoy a little bit of Christmas and learn some history too! 
 
With band music, choir performances, festivals, and more, there’s plenty to enjoy in Front Royal during the holidays. Make your plans today for a memorable holiday season in Front Royal!

There’s a seasonal rhythm to human eating that comes with making an effort to eat local and produce some of your own food. Summer and early fall are a natural time of year to be outdoors, growing and harvesting fresh produce. But as the weather cools and the days shorten, there’s a lot less growing happening in the great outdoors. Many of us feel an urge to get cozy inside instead. It’s a great time to enjoy the tastes and scents of home-baked goods or preserved produce. 
 
If you’re feeling a craving for cozy baked goods and preserved local produce as fall turns to winter, you’ll find plenty to satisfy you in Front Royal. Read on for the best local places to pick up baked treats or stock up on local preserves. 

Front Royal’s Baked Goods
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Down Home Comfort Bakery is Front Royal’s number one stop for freshly baked goods all year round. But in the fall, there’s something particularly appealing about cozying up with one of their tantalizing treats. You’ll even find seasonal produce in your treats here. Try out the Pumpkin Moonshine Cake or Apple Caramel Cake for melt-in-your-mouth flavors of fall. Their cinnamon rolls and pecan sticky buns are favorites all year round. Need a hand with your Thanksgiving dinner? Down Home Comfort Bakery has you covered with a huge selection of delicious pies available for preorder now!

Head to Manor Line's Back 40 for a cozy coffee shop with many local products on the menu. Enjoy delicious coffee and seasonal baked goods. Couches, a stash of board games, and toys for kids make it a great place to spend a cozy few hours. ​

Or explore a few blocks north of Main Street to find Garcia and Gavino, a friendly family bakery. You can enjoy cupcakes and other sweet treats, as well as a selection of empanadas and breakfast burritos.
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In the mood for warming up with a cup of coffee and a baked treat on the side? Front Royal’s Daily Grind is another great option. This cozy coffee shop on Main Street is a long time local favorite. With fresh scones, muffins, turnovers, Danishes, and more, you’re sure to find the perfect sweet treat to pair with that warming mug of coffee or hot chocolate.
 

Let us not leave out DOUGHNUTS, wonderful doughnuts! And anyone knows that the most memorable doughnuts around are Strites Doughnuts! You can get your fill at 50 Water Street in  Front Royal, open Friday and Saturday's from 7am to sold out or Noon. (Note they accept cash only).
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Local Pickles and Preserves in Front Royal
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For many years, preserving food to last through the winter has been one of the major tasks of human life. During the summer and fall, people would “put up” a supply of canned and preserved goods, such as pickles, jams, sauces, pie fillings, dried fruits, and more. The colder moths were a time to rest from the labor of growing and harvesting, and enjoy the food prepared earlier in the year. 
 

With grocery stores now bringing fresh food into our hands from all corners of the earth, preserving food is no longer a necessity for many. Nevertheless it can be a fun and money-saving hobby, and the results are still delicious. If you’re not interested in preserving your own food, shop for local preserves in Front Royal. The Apple House has a wide range of local products such as chutneys, jams, jellies, and pickles. Dusty’s Country Store is another great place to stock up on preserved Virginia produce including peanut butter and traditional chutneys. Pick out some unique gifts at either location to get a jump start on your holiday shopping.
 

​It’s the season for cozy fires, candlelight, spicy baked goods, and delicious jams and jellies. Look no further than Front Royal to stock up on all your edible supplies for a cozy and delicious winter.