​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
​

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
​

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
​

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
​

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
​

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
​

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
​

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
​

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. 

​Winter is a season with its own special perks, and getting cozy and eating warm treats are two of them! Finding warm and delicious food in a cozy setting is a great strategy for enjoying the winter in Front Royal. Read on for a rundown of some of Front Royal’s coziest eateries. You’ll find suggestions for treats, casual dining, cozy pub-style restaurants, and more. 
 

Cozy Treats for all Day Long
​

If you’re looking for a warming treat on a winter’s morning (or afternoon!), Front Royal’s cozy coffee shops are a great place to start. Between Manor Line’s Back 40, DL Campus Coffee on Main, and the Daily Grind, you can find ambiance, delicious coffee, yummy baked goods and more. With all this caffeinated goodness within Front Royal’s charming walkable downtown area, you can enjoy some crisp fresh air as well as a cozy mug of coffee to warm you from the inside out.

A Cozy Dinner to Suit your Style
​

With a range of locally owned restaurants all serving delicious food, the Front Royal area has a cozy place for you to eat whether you’re looking for a casual family pizza night or an upscale date night. 
 
Pizza lovers, head to The Melting Pot. This casual pizza restaurant has been a Front Royal Tradition since the 1970s, and one bite will show you why. Fill up on thin crust pizza piled with all your favorite toppings. 
 

For a really rural vibe, head a bit out of town to The Apple House in Linden, and enjoy the Bushel Pub. With local wines and beers on tap, it’s a great place to enjoy a craft beverage with a burger or some pub style finger food. The atmosphere is casual and family friendly, and the open fireplace and taxidermy decor make it a great place to enjoy on a winter’s night.

Maybe it’s because it originated in the chilly British Isles. Pub food seems like a perfect fit for cooler weather. Formerly Griffin Tavern, now The Dark Horse Irish Pub, in nearby Flint Hill offers delish Irish fare in a renovated 1800s home. With three dining rooms to choose from, you can have cozy any way you like it here. ​

The Blue Door Kitchen and Inn in Flint Hill is an upscale dining experience, and a great option for a special day or date night. Find locally sourced and seasonal ingredients on a frequently changing menu, and enjoy some of the best flavors that winter has to offer. Be sure to make a reservation if you’re planning an evening here. 

​Whether it’s a hearty pub dinner or a warm cup of coffee that makes you feel like you’re celebrating winter, head to the Front Royal area. You can find warming eats any way you like them, and enjoy all the coziness that the colder weather calls for. 
 

Summer and fall are typical times of year for harvesting and preserving fruit and vegetables. But there’s still more of the year left for another kind of harvest as the weather turns cold. Late fall and early winter are the traditional season for butchering animals. There are several reasons for this seasonal rhythm. First of all, it makes more sense for farmers to butcher meat animals in the fall, rather than providing them with food and water through the harsh temperatures of another winter. In addition, in the ages before refrigeration, butchering animals in cold weather (40 degrees and below) reduced the risk of meat spoiling during processing. Without modern freezing and refrigeration, butchered meat was commonly preserved in many of the ways we now choose primarily for their flavor such as curing (think bacon and hams!), smoking, or drying (jerky).
 

Of course, with modern refrigeration and freezing devices, butchery isn’t primarily confined to the cooler months of the year as it once was. Nevertheless, fall is a great time to shine a light on local, humane meat production and some of the delicious meat products you can find around Front Royal. Read on to discover Front Royal’s local meats.
 

Front Royal’s Local Meat Farms
​

Grass is a healthy cow’s natural diet, and grass-fed beef is a healthy and delicious food for humans. In the Front Royal area, you can find local, grass-fed beef at Cottonwood Ranch, a family-owned and operated farm just a few miles from town. Cottonwood’s cows receive humane treatment throughout their lives, graze happily on pasture, and have their diet supplemented by high protein beer mash from local breweries. Manor Line Ranch in nearby Browntown, VA is another great source of local grass-fed beef. You’ll find the same high standards of humane treatment, environmental stewardship, and delicious food here too. Manor Line Ranch also produces high quality pork, lamb, and goat. 
 
Head to their websites to purchase meat from both farms directly. Save some money and stock the freezer by placing a bulk order. You can purchase a whole, half, or quarter cow and enjoy a variety of healthy, grass-fed steaks, roasts, and hamburger, while having your freezer stocked so you’re never caught off guard.
 

Restaurants Serving Local Meats in Front Royal
​

If you want someone else to cook your local meat for your, check out you can find some great farm-to-table restaurants in the Front Royal area. Head to PaveMint Smokin’ Tap House to find delicious, local, smoked meats, burgers from local farms, and more. You’ll even find some meat from Manor Line Ranch on the menu. The made-over gas station provides a fun and unique atmosphere for enjoying your food.
 

For another local food experience, try Region’s 117 at Lake Frederick. This local fine dining option boasts a menu of “regionally inspired” dishes, with most of their ingredients sourced within 117 miles of the restaurant. Head here for beautiful views, delicious cuisine, and a fine dining experience you won’t forget!

Pick up more Meats and Local Products
​

In search of even more local products? Stop by Dusty’s Country Store and explore a wide variety of local, Virginia-produced food. Check out their jerky for meat preserved the old-fashioned way. The Apple House in Linden is another local favorite; find Virginia hams in the gift shop, as well as a range of other local products, or grab a bite in the restaurant or Bushel Pub.
 
Celebrate fall by bringing home some delicious local meats to enjoy with your family. Whether it’s Thanksgiving Dinner, another special occasion, or a simple weeknight meal with the family, local meat is a great addition to any table. 
 

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.
 

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.
 

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. 
 

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.

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. 
 

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. 
 

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!