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. 

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!

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, or Down River 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. 

Be sure to attend C & C Frozen Treats 7th Annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 7th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on East Main Street! It's the perfect event for a family outing! 

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 whole family can enjoy playgrounds, sand volleyball, tennis, basketball, and more. ​

For the art appreciation moms, ARTFEST maybe the perfect end to a perfect day! Come and enjoy beautiful live music and more!
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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 for some refreshment. Here you’ll find craft beers made with hops grown right on the farm. The brewery is open from 12-8 on Sundays, so on Mother’s Day you can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner!
 

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!
 

Celebrate Mom in the Front Royal area this Mother’s Day weekend. With a range of options to suit all tastes, you can get out in the fresh spring air of the Valley and enjoy a memorable day together.

In the Northern Hemisphere, December is the darkest month of the year. The good news is that there are thousands of tiny, twinkling lights around to keep all of our spirits up during this season of long nights and short days. The holiday light displays across the U.S. are one of the most magical sights of the holiday season. Whether you enjoy holiday lights simply by taking a walk around your neighborhood, or think it’s worth jumping in the car to check out local lights near you, holiday light viewing is a great way to enjoy the magic of the season. Bring some hot chocolate to sip on, and enjoy a Christmassy adventure for all the family!

1. Have a Wonderful Walk at Clearbrook Park
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Head north of Front Royal to Clearbrook Park to enjoy Walking in a Winter Wonderland! The 0.5 mile trail is surrounded by stunning light displays with just the right holiday tunes playing to surround you in a magical experience. It’s a fun outing for all the family. Be sure to plan ahead as advance ticket purchase is required. 
 

2. Enjoy Gardens Transformed into a Winter Wonderland
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You’ll need to venture closer to the big city for this one, but if you want to see one of Northern Virginia’s Botanical Gardens transformed into a magical winter wonderland, it’s worth the trip. The Meadowlark Botanical Garden’s Winter Walk of Lights includes displays of flowers, animals, and trees, as well as seasonal holiday themes. If you need to warm up, hot chocolate and coffee are available for purchase, as well as snacks, and even cold drinks if you’re in the mood! Tickets are required: plan ahead and reserve your tickets now to avoid disappointment!
 

3. Cruise through Miles of Magic at the Bull Run Festival of Lights
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If you want to enjoy some holiday lights from the comfort (and warmth!) of your car, the Bull Run Festival of Lights in the nearby town of Manassas is for you! Turn off your headlights and enjoy the magic of this 2.5 mile display. There’s even a special radio station you can tune to so you can enjoy seasonal music while you drive. After enjoying the light display, stop by the Holiday Village and Carnival. Here you can enjoy bonfires, s’mores, camel rides, carnival rides, and much more! Buy your tickets here.
 

4. Enjoy Lighting Small-town Style on Main Street, Front Royal
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Though perhaps not as grand as some of the displays around, don’t forget that Front Royal’s own Main Street is picturesque during the holiday season! Take a stroll one evening and enjoy wreaths and lights on the lampposts, and a lit up tree at the gazebo.
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5. Get Away from it All and Gaze up at a Star-filled Sky
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If you’re a lover of nature, and also looking to escape some of the crowds and hustle and bustle, why not switch out a holiday light viewing outing for a removed stargazing adventure. Mother Nature’s display of thousands of twinkling lights is more magnificent than any other! The night skies around Front Royal are dark and free of light pollution, and with Shenandoah Nation Park on our doorstep, it’s a great place to plan holiday stargazing trip for yourself or your whole family. Don’t forget to pack hot chocolate and blankets! See here for more of our tips on stargazing in the Front Royal area. 

​So if you’re in the Front Royal area this holiday season, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy the magic of holiday lights. Whether you’re looking for a magical walk, an enchanted car ride, a stroll in a pretty village, or the silence and majesty of a starry night sky, you’ll find it around here. Guaranteed to lift your spirits, and delight children and adults alike, an outing to see the lights could be the next staple tradition for your holiday season!