Feeling the sand between your toes, enjoying summer breezes, and making memories with friends and family may sound like a vacation in paradise. But there’s a favorite summer sport that allows you to enjoy all of the above for free at community parks across America. We’re talking about sand volleyball. Read on for five reasons we’re recommending sand volleyball as a perfect pick for a summer sport, as well as tips on where you can play around Front Royal. 
 

1. You Can Play Sand Volleyball in Bare Feet!
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Sand, bare feet, and the outdoors in summer just seem to go together as a combination that spells fun and relaxation. And going barefoot even has health benefits! No need to sweat in a hot pair of tennis shoes on the sand volleyball court! It’s a game that’s made for playing barefoot! Feeling the sand under your feet just adds to the fun! 
 

2. Sand Volleyball is Perfect for Large and Small Groups
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If you haven’t much volleyball experience, you may be envisioning a game that requires at least twelve players. But volleyball lovers will tell you that volleyball is actually much more versatile. Put just two or three players on each side of the net and you can enjoy a version of the game that might be even more fast-paced and exciting. Plan on fitting in some extra steps if you play this way!
 
Large group, no problem! Sand volleyball is a great game for a party. Put as many as six on each side to play the game in its full form. Or you can easily rotate in a player or two to incorporate bigger numbers. For an even larger group, try planning a tournament!

3. Sand Volleyball Is Enjoyable at Many Different Skill Levels
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Volleyball is one of those great games that can be played at many different skill levels and it’s still fun! If you’re a seasoned volleyball player, you already know how much fun it can be to play at a highly skilled level. But beginners can have a great time while learning the sport. Playing in the sand helps create a fun, relaxed atmosphere where new players can feel comfortable getting started. 
 
New to the game? Learning and practicing the simple volleyball passing sequence of bump, set, spike will help you enjoy the game more, play more strategically, and work well with your team members. See here for a simple explanation of this volleyball fundamental, or ask a more experienced player to teach it to you. 
 

4. Sand Volleyball is Affordable
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With prices rising everywhere in 2022, finding ways to have fun without spending a lot of money are even more exciting than before! Sand volleyball has to be one of the most affordable sports out there! With courts fairly easy to find in public parks, there’s often no fee to play, or only a small one. That means that so long as someone in your group already owns a volleyball, you can probably play for free! And even if you need to go out and buy a volleyball, you should be able to do it for under $30. 
 

The perfect activity for a summer evening, sand volleyball is a great way to connect with others and make new friends. The atmosphere is casual and fun, and you’ll get to enjoy the camaraderie of being on a team. Take the socialization a step further by planning a picnic or cook out for after the game, or heading to get ice cream together. 
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Sand Volleyball in Front Royal
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If you’re interested in trying sand volleyball this summer, it’s time to find a great place to play! Front Royal’s park system has you covered with two fantastic options. Head to Gertrude E. Miller Community Park to find conveniently located sand volleyball right in the middle of town. The large complex has plenty of picnic shelters for a post-game cook out, as well as playgrounds for kids to enjoy. 
 
For a less crowded option, try Burrell Brooks Jr. Community Park. The park is less extensive, but you’ll still find sand volleyball courts, a picnic shelter, and a playground for future volleyball stars to enjoy. 
 
Explore sand volleyball in Front Royal this summer, and discover all the fun that comes with this relaxing, budget friendly, barefoot and sandy summer sport. 
 

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!

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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
 

Fishing can be relaxing, rewarding, thrilling, or extremely frustrating! But the addictive lure of this sport keeps anglers coming back time and time again. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and immerse yourself in nature, while even (perhaps!) putting some food on the table. With spring temperatures slowly rising and fish becoming more active, now’s a great time to start dreaming about that trophy catch . . . and planning out some fishing spots to hit this season.  With the Shenandoah River running right through town, Front Royal boasts loads of exciting fishing opportunities. Read on for our handy guide to fishing around Front Royal. You’ll find some local favorite fishing spots, as well as ideas for making the most out of fishing in Front Royal.
 

Front Royal’s Favorite Fishing Spots
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It’s not too hard to catch sight of the Shenandoah River in Front Royal, but finding an access point where fishing is allowed can be more of a challenge. A great place to start is Eastham Park, where the Boat Launch area provides public access to the river. Morgans Ford Boat Landing is another popular public access point. As the river flows by here, it’s shallow enough for wading, and the boat landing is a popular spot for local fishermen of all ages. 
 

It won’t put you on the banks of the Shenandoah River, but the Gertrude E. Miller Community Park in town is a fun pick for a family fishing trip. With a stocked stretch of Happy Creek running through the park, it’s often possible to get some bites, especially if you arrive not too long after the stocking truck! With playgrounds, the town swimming pool, picnic shelters, and more all close by, you can plan a fishing day at the park that everyone will love. 
 
If you drive a little bit out of town, you’ll find two more easy-to-access fishing spots on the Shenandoah River. Shenandoah River State Park is a wonderful place to fish. With 5.2 miles of river frontage at the park, you’ll find access from secluded trails, as well as from a large riverside picnic area.  Or head to Front Royal’s neighboring town of Strasburg and access the river from the Town Park there. You’ll find yet another boat landing and public riverside area where you can throw in your line. 
 

For lake fishing, explore nearby Lake Frederick, where you’ll find a stocked lake that’ll give you a good chance of reeling in some bass. 
 
If you’re looking for more of a fishing challenge, head to Shenandoah National Park or George Washington National Forest. Both of these famed outdoor destination have opportunities to enjoy the adventure of fishing for trout small mountain streams. They are especially sought after destinations for lovers of fly fishing. 
 

Shenandoah River Fishing Trips
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The Shenandoah River is a beloved smallmouth bass fishing destination, and you may want to do more than fish from the bank. If so, why not book a fishing trip with Front Royal Outdoors? You can spend a relaxing day enjoying the river, and have access to many more fish than you would from a shore fishing spot. 
 
Already own a boat? Use this map of Front Royal’s boat landings to plan your own fishing trip. Or if you have a boat but need a buddy to pick you up downriver, why not take advantage of Downriver Canoe Company’s shuttle service?

Spending a Fishing Weekend in Front Royal
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For enthusiastic fishermen looking to spend a full weekend on their favorite hobby, finding a place to stay near the river can be a dream come true. We have you covered there too. Check out Low Water Bridge Campgrounds for a fun campsite that’s right on the Shenandoah River. If you’re looking for a river trip, you can rent kayaks, canoes, and tubes here too. For RV campers, Twin Rivers RV Campground is another great option. Or head to Elizabeth Furnace Campground in George Washington National Forest, and enjoy family friendly fishing and camping on the banks of scenic Passage Creek. 

​Looking for something a little more comfortable than a campsite? Rolling River Holidays may have the lodging you’ve been dreaming about. This family-owned-and-operated vacation home company has several gorgeous homes in Virginia’s farmland available to choose from, and many of them include access to the riverfront. Book with Rolling River Holidays and enjoy a vacation on the Shenandoah River with your family or friends (and lots of time to fish included!).
 

Front Royal’s Licensing and Harvest Regulations
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There’s nothing that can spoil a fishing trip like getting a ticket (except maybe not getting any bites!). Don’t forget that if you plan on exploring one of Front Royal’s public fishing spots, you’ll need to make sure you’re carrying the appropriate fishing license for the State of Virginia. If you plan on bringing your catch home, also make sure you’re aware of the specific harvest regulations for the location where you’re fishing.
 

Front Royal awaits as the destination for your Shenandoah River fishing trip. With a wide choice of river access points, riverside lodging, and fun river trips awaiting, it’s a great starting point to plan an adventure in the famed smallmouth bass waters of the Shenandoah River.