 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!
 Autumn Hike - Shannon Cangemi Hiking is truly a sport that has something for everyone. It can be as simple as a walk in the woods, or as complex as an expedition that’s several days long (or more!). One thing’s for sure; those who’ve discovered the joys of hiking keep on coming back for more! It’s the feeling of accomplishment as you put the miles behind you, one step at a time. It’s the companionship you find along the way. It’s nature’s beauty and the reward of a enjoying a stunning view after a tough climb. If the hiking bug has bitten you, and you’re looking for more ways to get out and explore the hiking trails of the Front Royal area, this post is for you! Read on for five tips on getting the most out of your Front Royal hiking adventures! 1. Get the Right Gear (It’s Worth It!)  Get the gear! If you’ve fallen in love with hiking, you may have become an enthusiastic hiker while making do with gear you already had in your closet. We’re here to tell you that it’s worth investing a little money on some high quality gear. For your adventures on the trails, you want to make sure you have long-lasting equipment that won’t let you down. The proper gear can also make a huge difference in making your time on the trails more enjoyable. It’s time to make the switch from from random-backpack-lying-at-the-bottom-of-the-closet to properly-designed-hiking-backpack. You’ll find the difference is magical! Stop by Mountain Trails in Front Royal to have all your equipment needs met.  Mountain Trails - Main Street Front Royal, VA 2. Make a Hiking Bucket List  Morning Light - William Fitzgerald With fantastic hikes all around, deciding where to start can be overwhelming. That’s why we recommend keeping a bucket list of hikes in the area that you’d like to check out. Take your hiking to the next level by committing to a weekly or monthly hike. When the hiking day rolls around you can pull out your bucket list and you’ll have a list of great hikes calling your name! No more wasting time trying to figure out where to go. Having trouble figuring out what to put on the list? See here for some ideas to get you started. Shenandoah National Park and Shenandoah River State Park are two prime locations for hiking in the Front Royal area. Have a chat with a park ranger at either of these parks. They’ll be able to put you onto some more great hikes to add to your list. 3. Get off the Beaten Path  Get off the beaten path We don’t mean this literally! We know one of hiking’s prime safety and conservation rules is to stay on marked trails. What we’re talking about is choosing a less popular hike; one that sparks your interest, but perhaps isn’t on everyone’s “top ten hikes” list. Don’t be afraid to strike out on your own and check out a hike that’s calling your name, even if no one’s recommended it. You may discover a hidden treasure! And you’ll probably enjoy a more secluded adventure in the process. 4. Learn About Nature as You Hike  Butterfly Joy - Susan Madagan Hikers love being out in nature, but it’s possible to spend many hours outdoors with only a vague idea of all that’s going on around you. Diving in to learn a little more about the natural world can be a great way to make the landscape around you come to life even more! Try bringing along a field guide to trees, birds, flowers, or wildlife, and identifying some of the species you come across as you’re walking. Tip: if you aren’t interested in spending long periods standing still while you wait for animals to appear, it’s probably better to start with trees or flowers! 5. Enjoy a Fantastic Post-Hike Meal  Vibrissa Beer - Main Street, Front Royal, VA There are few things more satisfying than enjoying a delicious meal after a long day out on the trails. It’s the moment you can relax with a burger and a beer (and muscles that are just sore enough to remind you that you’ve thoroughly earned it!). When you’re back from your hike and looking to satisfy your hunger, fueling station Front Royal is here for you! For that classic post-hike burger and beer combo, check out Vibrissa Beer or PaveMint Taphouse. Or if you’re looking for something more unique, Front Royal has you covered, too. From fine dining, to oriental cuisine, to delicious Mexican eateries, there’s definitely something for everyone. So whether you’re a local or a visitor, don’t forget to stop in town after your hike and fill up with a delicious meal from one of Front Royals’ many delightful restaurants.
With exciting hiking trails to keep you supplied with adventure, fantastic restaurants, and a handy supply store, Front Royal is a hiker’s dream come true. Get your hiking boots on and explore all the hiking fun that awaits you in the Front Royal area.  Walnut Hill Cabin - Browntown, VA Have you ever wished you could host a party at a charming, Virginia Estate? Or dreamed of a getaway to a historic rural cabin? Walnut Hill Farm and Estate in Browntown Virginia may be the place where your dreams come true.  Event Planning and Venue What Makes Walnut Hill Magical  Weddings, reunions and more! Whether you’re planning a major event like a wedding, or looking for an intimate private getaway, Walnut Hill Farm and Estate might be just what you’re looking for. There’s lots of beautiful outdoor spaces, a large gazebo with an open stone fireplace, and plenty of room to add a tent. It all adds up to a fantastic location for a special events. Weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions and more, they’ve all happened here. You and your guests can roam through the meadows, relax by (or in!) the pond, or explore the wooded hiking trails. Don’t forget to go find the waterfall! Open up a bottle of wine and unwind around the fireplace or fire pit in the evening. Don’t forget to glance upwards; the stars here are unbelievable!  Cozy up by the fire! Don’t think you’ll be able to tear yourself away at the end of the day? Don’t worry! Small groups can stay overnight at Walnut Hill Farm and Estate. Book the historic John Pope Cabin for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for up to four people. The cabin, built just after the end of the Civil War, retains the historic charm of its log walls and all-wood interior, but is updated with all the modern amenities. A wood burning stove and large front porch swing add final touches to make you feel right at home.  Room for four! With a quintessential farmland feel, historic buildings, and stunning vistas all around, this 500 acre piece of paradise is nothing short of magical. Read on to learn more about this special treasure, tucked away in the countryside of the Front Royal area.  There’s Plenty Going on All Around There’s so much to do at Walnut Hill Farm that some guests may feel no need to leave. But for those who do want to get out, there’s easy access to attractions, restaurants, shopping, and more in the town of Front Royal. An easy and scenic twenty minute drive will bring you into town, where you can explore to your heart’s content. Other options: head to Shenandoah National Park, or check out one of several fantastic local wineries.  Follow the path, come to Walnut Hill! Due to icy conditions on the surrounding roads, Walnut Hill typically closes to guests each year in mid-December, reopening annually in March. So if you’re intrigued, consider this your reminder to start planning your 2022 getaway, event, or retreat. Reservations are sure to fill up quickly at this special destination. Start planning today to make sure you don’t miss out on the magic!
Getting outdoors and spending some time at a park is a fantastic and inexpensive way to get some exercise and make memories with family and friends. There’s plenty of reasons to go to the park. You might be:
 Lions Park No matter what you’re envisioning for your time at the park, you’re sure to find a perfect fit among the diverse parks of the Warren County park system. Read on for a quick guide to Front Royal’s parks to help plan your next park day in Front Royal. Eastham Park: Riverside Walks and Dog Play  Eastham Park (Photo Credit: All Trails) We’ll start with what’s fast becoming one of Warren County’s most popular parks. Eastham Park boasts a fantastic location on the banks of the Shenandoah River. It’s also conveniently located close to Front Royal’s historic downtown area. If you’re looking for a walk in the park, you’ll love Eastham Park’s riverside walking trail. You’ll also find the Warren County Dog Park here, so if you looking for a place where your pup can play without a leash, you’ve found it! The boat launch area makes this park a top pick for boating enthusiasts and fishing enthusiasts alike. Other amenities you’ll find here:
Find Everything Park at Front Royal’s Classic Town Parks Complex  Getrude Miller Park - Front Royal, VA Grouped around Bing Crosby Stadium, you’ll find a complex of several connected parks. It’s a great place to plan a gathering, as there are facilities here for everyone to love. Older kids and sports enthusiasts will enjoy the tennis and basketball courts, at the Gertrude E. Miller Park as well as sand volleyball. In the summer, the whole family can enjoy the community swimming pool, or watch at baseball game at Bing Crosby Stadium. At this site, you’ll also find Lions Park, which has extensive playgrounds, including a handicap accessible area. Or stroll over to the Botanical Gardens, where you can enjoy walking among flowers and shrubs, sitting (or fishing!) on the banks of Happy Creek, or letting kids play at the Splash Pad. There’s truly something for everyone in this complex of parks. Other amenities you’ll find here:
Escape to the Country at Rockland Park  Rockland Park, Warren County You have to drive a bit further to get to Rockland Park, but if you want to feel like you have plenty of space, you won’t be disappointed. Rockland Park’s most unique attraction is its 18-hole disc golf course. You’ll also find a wooded walking trail to the Shenandoah River and an outdoor fitness center. Other amenities you’ll find here:
Outdoor Space for the Whole Community at Warren Memorial Hospital  Warren Memorial Wellness & Recreation Trail It’s a widely acknowledged fact that spending time exercising in the outdoors is essential for both mental and physical health. The new Warren Memorial Hospital has taken this need for outdoor exercise seriously, with a public walking trailon the hospital campus. Having a loved one in the hospital can be a highly stressful time. Now family and friends of Warren Memorial Hospital’s patients will have a beautiful place to clear their heads and renew their spirits. Patients undergoing rehab can also benefit from the trail, as will hospital staff, and members of the local community at large. With over three miles of wooded trails and two scenic overlooks, the trail is a great addition to the hospital facility, and a boost the health of the whole community! Skating, Soccer, Strolling, and Great Views at Skyline Soccerplex  Skyline Soccerplex Skyline Soccerplex is a town park with expansive athletic fields and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Warren County Skate Park here spells lots of fun for skating, biking, and scootering enthusiasts. Other amenities you’ll find here:
Play Sports at Chimney Field Park  Chimney Field Park Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at Chimney Field Park. Explore the basketball and tennis courts, as well as the softball fields. The rentable picnic shelter makes it a great place to plan your own sports league, or just get together with a few friends for a game and a picnic. Keep it Simple at Burrell Brooks Jr. Community Park Burrell Brooks Jr Community Park is small but packed with everything you need. Enjoy basketball, sand volleyball or horseshoes, or let kids explore the playground. Outdoor exercise equipment and a walking trail complete the park. The rentable picnic shelter provides tables for a picnic meal, or a space to plan a fun get together. Playground Pit Stop at Florence Smith Memorial Playground  Florence Smith Memorial Playground If you’re looking for a quick and simple playground stop, check out the Florence Smith Memorial Playground. This small but convenient playground with a picnic shelter available is a great stop for an outing with children.
There’s plenty to choose from in Front Royal’s parks. Use our handy guide to find the park that best fits your needs, and then relax and enjoy fresh air and fun in Front Royal. |
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February 2023
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