 Welcome to Front Royal! Mid-February is getting here, and the end of another winter is finally in sight. It’s time to turn our thoughts to planning for the warmer seasons of the year. From the fresh spring breezes as the mountainsides first begin to come alive, through the lush greenery and fun of summer, to the majestic displays of fall, Front Royal is incredible all year long! And our small town in exploding with innovative and unique local businesses, restaurants, and more. If you’re planning a getaway or daytrip in rural America this year, there’s never been a better time to discover Front Royal.  Main Street Gazebo - Front Royal, VA Read on for some help planning this year’s trip to Front Royal. Get excited about Front Royal by exploring some of the many ways you can have fun and relax in our town. We’ll also tip you off with some of the hottest places to stay, so you can beat the crowds and make your reservation in plenty of time. It’s time to start looking forward to Front Royal! Somewhere to Stay in Front Royal First thing’s first, a great trip starts with a great place to stay. If you’re looking for something familiar, you’ll find a range of big name hotels in Front Royal. But if truly unique lodging is what your heart desires, Front Royal has treasures waiting to be discovered.  Walnut Hill - John Pope Cabin - Browntown, VA Check out Walnut Hill Farm and Estate where you can stay in a historic cabin, while exploring a stunning 500 acre estate. With woodland trails, a waterfall, and even an outdoor fireplace, there’s so much to do and see here, that you could spend a weekend without leaving the ground. Walnut Hill Farm and Estate is an event venue too, so if you’re planning anything from a wedding to a family reunion or corporate retreat, keep them in mind. Book soon to make sure you have the chance to enjoy this truly magical lodging opportunity.  Mountain Home B&B and 'Cabbin' For another memorable place to stay, reserve a room at Mountain Home B & B and 'Cabbin'. Located just 120 steps from the Appalachian Trail, this historic-house-turned-bed-and-breakfast is an ideal lodging option for outdoors enthusiasts. But even if you’re not coming to hike, you’ll enjoy beautiful rooms, delicious, healthy, locally sourced food, and a peaceful, country atmosphere. It’s a great option for anyone in search of a rejuvenating getaway. Something to Do in Front Royal If you’re planning a day or a few in Front Royal, you’ll find there’s fun and adventure waiting for all, from kids, to outdoors enthusiasts, to lovers of unique shops and delicious coffee! With Shenandoah National Park in our backyard, and the Shenandoah River running right through town, there’s outdoor fun to be had for all ages in and around Front Royal. Plan a day of hiking, take a leisurely drive through the National Park and enjoy scenic overlooks, or make your reservations for a day of fun on the river. The possibilities are almost endless.  Photo Courtesy of: Virginia Tourism Corporation If you’re looking to explore around town, there’s plenty to do too. Check out charming shopping opportunities, historic sights, fantastic coffee shops, and more! A Way to Unwind in Front Royal Of course a getaway isn’t all about filling your days with exciting activities. It’s also a great time to find some slower paced moments where you can relax and unwind while doing something you love.  Sweet treats in Front Royal What could be more relaxing than sipping on a glass of wine while taking in the view from a stunning mountain winery? Or enjoying an ice cream after a day of fun on the river? Or taking a leisurely riverside stroll? There are so many ways to unwind in Front Royal! Don’t forget to fit in a mead tasting, and, of course, check out some of Front Royal’s fantastic restaurants. They can’t wait to serve you gourmet food, craft beers, and local Virginia wines.  Photo Courtesy of: Virginia Tourism Corporation With unforgettable lodging, fantastic fun, and unparalleled relaxation awaiting you, it’s time to start planning your 2022 Front Royal adventure! There’s a lot to look forward to in Front Royal!
 Attention Foodies of Front Royal! Have you ever thought of the food you eat as an adventure? It’s not a connection we make every day, but food has numerous ties to excitement and uncharted territory. Maybe your food adventure is trying something new, savoring a dish from a distant land, or sampling artisanal food that doesn’t taste quite the same anywhere else. Or perhaps the adventure is more simply in the fact that the food you eat is the fuel for your next hike, bike ride, swim, or rock climb. Or maybe it’s a combination of the two! Whether you’re looking for a uniquely delicious dining experience, or for food that will carry you for miles in the great outdoors, you can find it in Front Royal. Try out some adventurous eats in our welcoming small town, and you’ll discover why Front Royal is the foodie’s choice in the Shenandoah Valley. Front Royal’s Unique Restaurants Front Royal’s diverse selection of gourmet eateries make the town a great destination for foodie of all tastes. If you’re after a classic fine dining experience, you can’t go wrong with the Element. It’s fine dining the Front Royal way!  Element on Main Street For a unique and delicious micro-brewery experience try Pavemint Taphouse. Pavemint has all the character you’d expect to find in a micro-brewery located in a renovated gas station. The smoker in the parking lot will tempt you inside, to enjoy delicious, locally sourced food alongside your craft brew.  Pavemint Taphouse, Front Royal, VA If wine sounds better than beer, another great option in town is ViNoVa tapas and wine bar. Pair your wine with gourmet tapas from a fresh and exciting rotating menu. The small plate format is meant to encourage guests to share and try something of everything!  ViNoVa on Main Street If you enjoy cuisines from distant lands visit Royal Spice to experience authentic Nepalese and Indian Cuisine. Family owned and operated, Royal Spice specializes in bringing exotic flavors from the foothills of the Himalayas all the way to Front Royal, Virginia. It’s hard to imagine a more adventurous eat!  Royal Spice - Main Street And the adventure doesn’t end in Front Royal! Get off the beaten by a bit by heading to the neighboring town of Flint Hill, and expand your options even further. At Flint Hill’s Griffin Tavern you’ll find pub food in a renovated 1850s Victorian Manse. Or check out The Blue Door Kitchen and Inn for gourmet offerings in the setting of a delightful four acre estate.  Griffin Tavern - Flint Hill, VA Food (and Caffeine!) to Fuel Your Adventure If it’s the desire to adventure in the great outdoors that brings you to the Front Royal area, you’ll still want to make food a part of your adventure. You’ll find that Front Royal’s business owners are ready and willing to help fuel your journey. Blue Wing Frog is a favorite hiker stop for healthy, homemade food. Better yet, they’ll even pack a picnic for you, so you can enjoy gourmet food out on the trails.  Blue Wing Frog - Front Royal, VA For some of us, when we think of the fuel that gets us going, we only think of caffeine. If coffee is an adventure necessity for you, Front Royal’s coffee shops will keep you supplied. DL Campus on Main, Happy Creek Coffee and Tea, and the Daily Grind are all located in Front Royal’s historic downtown. For an adventurous order at Happy Creek, try the Valencian. It’s coffee with chocolate and orange zest. An unexpected combination, but a great one!  DL Campus on Main Street Planning a Front Royal Foodie Getaway There are too many great places to eat in the Front Royal area for just one dinner out. If you’re a lover of gourmet food, why not treat yourself to a getaway, and spend several days in Front Royal? If you want to know exactly what to expect, Front Royal has accommodation available at several classic chain hotels including Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, and Townplace Suites. If you want to carry your adventure into your accommodations, there are also more unique options. Stumble Inn is specifically geared to the many Appalachian Trail hikers who come through our town. With shuttle service and resupply run provided, it’s a great stay for these great adventurers.  Stumble Inn For a historic local Airbnb try John Pope Cabin in Browntown. Built in 1865 at the end of the Civil War, this historic cabin was the home of a soldier along with his wife and eleven children. Now it’s a cozy, welcoming, and totally unique accommodation option for a stay you won’t forget!  John Pope Cabin - Browntown, VA With gourmet restaurants, outstanding breweries, delightful coffee shops, and hospitality for hikers, Front Royal is fast becoming THE foodie destination of the Shenandoah Valley. When you’re planning your next adventure, don’t forget to plan for some adventurous eats in Front Royal, Virginia!
 Photo Credit: Virginia Tourism Corporation There’s something about sipping on a glass of wine that brings a sense of relaxation and refinement . . . no matter where you are! Now imagine that glass of wine and but add the following ingredients: mountain vistas, orderly lines of rustic grapevines, the warm breezes of summer, a picnic table in the shade. Have you just imagined a wine lover’s paradise? You’ve imagined Front Royal, Virginia! If you’re a lover of Virginia wines, head to the Front Royal area! You’ll find a great selection of stunning rural wineries, all within ninety minutes of the Washington D.C. area. And don’t forget to try out Front Royal’s meaderies if you want to mix it up with a little honey wine. Read on to plan your wine tasting trip to Front Royal today! If Virginia is for Lovers, then Front Royal is for Wine Lovers!  Photo Credit: Virginia Tourism Corporation Our Featured Front Royal Wineries It’s the high elevations and fast-draining mountain soils of the Front Royal area that make it ideally suited for growing grapes . . . and producing wine. With these outstanding conditions, it’s no surprise that the Front Royal area is the home of many wonderful wineries. There’s plenty of potential for long afternoons of wine-sipping relaxation. For today’s post, though, we’re narrowing it down to two recommendations for your Front Royal winery trip.  Chester Gap Cellars First up is Chester Gap Cellars, recently featured on ABC 7’s Road Trippin’ series. Just a ten minute drive from downtown Front Royal, the gorgeous mountain views of this rural vineyard/winery could hardly be more convenient. Visit to enjoy the high quality wines that you’ll only find in a small-scale enterprise. You can complement your wine with a purchase from their selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, and artisan breads. Outside food is welcome, so feel free to pack your own picnic too.  Glen Manor Vineyards For a winery with an irreplaceable historical feel, check out Glen Manor Vineyards. This officially designated “century farm,” has been in the same family for five generations and over 100 years. Here, you can experience a glass of fine Virginia wine on a historic estate that includes over 200 acres of pastures and woodlands. You won’t find food available here, but pack your own picnic hamper, and you can match up the wine with your favorite complementary foods. Visits are by reservation only, so contact the winery in advance to avoid disappointment. Front Royal’s Mead – Because Honey Wine is Wine Too  Saga Meadery If you’re planning a wine-tasting trip to Front Royal, and want to change things up a bit, consider making at least one visit to a Front Royal meadery. The most simple definition of mead is “honey wine,” and this ancient form of wine has been making a big comeback in recent years. With two different meaderies right in town, Front Royal is a great place to enjoy mead as well as wine! Visit Honey and Hops Brew Works or Saga Meadery to discover this unique and delicious beverage. You may well find yourself adding “honey wine” to your list of favorites.  Honey and Hops Brew Works Lodging to Pair with a Front Royal Wine If you want to make a weekend (or more!) of your Front Royal winery ramble, you’ll easily find comfortable accommodation in our welcoming small town. If you’re looking for a traditional hotel experience, there’s a wide choice of chain hotels such as Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, or Townplace Suites. Or if you’re coming with a larger group, consider booking a house where you can all stay together. Franklin Manor is a vacation cabin near Front Royal that offers the perfect combination of luxury, rustic charm, and convenient proximity to town. It’s a great choice for a group getaway.  Franklin Manor - Front Royal, VA Don’t wait to discover the wineries of the Front Royal area! You’ll find they pair perfectly with mountain views, Virginia charm, and the unmatched charm of a small mountain town. Begin your journey to Shenandoah Valley's Wine Trail here!
 Head to Front Royal where your adventure awaits! The idea of “adventure” awakens something deep within the human spirit. After all, adventure is the topic of many of our favorite stories, books, and movies. We literally spend hours thinking and talking about adventures. So if you’re feeling bogged down with the business of everyday living, consider embarking on your own new adventure: an outdoor adventure! There’s nothing that can freshen your perspective and breathe new life into your everyday quite like spending a day (or a few!) adventuring in the great outdoors.  Discover your path in Front Royal, VA If you’re seeking to satisfy the adventure-lover within you, put the Front Royal area at the top of your list of destinations. With a fantastic location at the Gateway to Shenandoah National Park, you’ll find plenty of scope for adventure here. Oh, and did we mention that this vibrant small town is also known as the Canoe Capital of Virginia? Call it nature’s playground if you like. With river, forests, and mountains all nearby, every adventure-lover will find something to enjoy in the Front Royal area. Don’t put your next adventure on hold. Make plans today to discover the adventure of Front Royal. The Adventure of Front Royal The first ingredient in planning your adventure is, of course, the adventure itself! You’ll find plenty to keep you busy in the Front Royal area. Let us give you some ideas. The Shenandoah National Park is a great place to start. It’s Front Royal’s most famous landmark, and it’s a sought-after destination for adventure-lovers from all over the U.S. Mountain bikers and rock climbers will find plenty to enjoy in Shenandoah National Park, and in the greater Front Royal area too. If you’re looking for a memorable hike, see here for some local recommendations. Spoiler alert: two of the hikes on this list feature swimming holes!  Mountain biking adventures! Prefer to plan your next adventure on the water? There’s no better place than the Canoe Capital of Virginia! From kayaking to tubing to fishing (with lots more in between), the Shenandoah River is an endless source of adventure and fun. Check out one of our local outfitters, such as Front Royal Outdoors for everything you need to make your dream river adventure a reality. The Supplies (Find What You Need in Front Royal) Don’t forget to plan a stop in the town of Front Royal to stock up on food and any gear that you’ll need. Blue Wing Frog is a classic favorite food stop for our outdoors loving visitors. They offer wholesome, homemade food to eat in, and they’ll even pack it as a picnic for you to bring with you. Meanwhile, if you’re missing an essential piece of gear, Mountain Trails should be able to help you. You’ll find a range of high quality outdoor equipment here, from water bottles to tents and everything in between!  #SupportLocal #ShopLocal Sweet Refreshment (Front Royal’s Happy Ending) Outdoor adventures help you work up an appetite, and there’s no better way to reward yourself than with a drink and a bite to eat at one of Front Royal’s favorite breweries. Check out Front Royal Brewing Company or PaveMint Taphouse to give your adventure a perfect ending. Nothing pairs with a beer and a burger quite like the feeling of slightly aching muscles! Cheers to the adventure!  Raise a glass to great adventures! And if you think you won’t be able to tear yourself away after dinner, check out our lodging options. There’s camping, hotels, quaint bed and breakfasts, something for everyone to love. Make your visit to Front Royal all the more relaxing by settling in for the night. Maybe your idea of adventure is canoeing the river, scaling a rock face, challenging yourself with a new hike, or taking on some mountain trails with a bike. Whatever the case, you’ll find that your perfect adventure awaits you in Front Royal, Virginia. Don’t wait any longer to discover all our small town has to offer!
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February 2023
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