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Make Mother’s Day Memorable with a Breath of Front Royal Fresh Air

5/4/2022

 
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. 
 
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Mother's Day 2022
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!
 
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Mom's river adventure
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.
 
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Hiking with mom
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! 
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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. 
 
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Walk around Front Royal

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. ​
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Botanical Garden
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!
 
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Wineries in Front Royal, VA
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.


Six Types of Travelers and Tourists You’ll Find in Front Royal

5/3/2022

 
May is finally here, the end of the school year is well in sight, and (if you haven’t already) it’s a great time to start making travel and tourism plans for the summer. In Front Royal, we love the many guests who pass through our small town. May 1-7 is Travel and Tourism Week, and we’re joining the celebration by recognizing the fantastic folks who find something to draw them to Front Royal. There are so many things to love about Front Royal, that tourists come into town for many different reasons. Read on for our handy guide to six kinds of tourists/travelers you’ll find passing through town!
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Front Royal from a different view
1. Hiking Legends
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​The most legendary hike in the U.S.A. is unquestionably the Appalachian Trail. Large numbers of dedicated hikers taking on the daunting challenge of hiking the over-two-thousand mile trail every year. As the Appalachian Trail passes close by Front Royal, it’s not surprising that many of them drop by our town. In fact, with an affordable shuttle service from the trail to the town, a free locker, laundry, and shower service, a premium gear shop, and fantastic restaurants to fill hungry hikers, it’s not surprising that Front Royal is a favorite stop for Appalachian Trail hikers. There’s even lodging specifically provided by and for Appalachian Trail enthusiasts. An officially designated Appalachian Trail Community, Front Royal has become a model for many of the towns that host Appalachian Trail hikers every year. 
 
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Vibrissa Beer - Basecamp

If you enjoy hiking, you don’t have to be undertaking the Appalachian Trail to find some hiking to love around Front Royal. Shenandoah National Park is another favorite hiking location, with stunning scenery and hikes ranging from easy to challenging, including the beloved Old Rag. ​

2. River Relaxers
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Front Royal Outdoors
For those who enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, tubing, or anything that requires a river, Front Royal is a dream destination. With the North and South Forks of the scenic and lovely Shenandoah River meeting right in town, there are so many opportunities for river recreation that Front Royal is known as the Canoe Capital of Virginia. Bring your own gear, or work with one of our friendly outfitters. You’ll find an enthusiastic welcome, a beautiful river, and a boatload of memories waiting to be made! Check out Front Royal’s riverside campgrounds for even more time to enjoy the river. 

3. Leaf-Peepers
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Photo Credit: Shannon Cangemi
“Leaf-Peepers” are the tourists known for pursuing the stunning sights of the changing leaves of fall throughout. Fall is a great time of year to visit Front Royal. With Shenandoah National Park one of the top leaf-peeping destinations in the country, October is a popular month for visitors. Head to Front Royal to access the park and enjoy the stunning vistas of vibrant fall colors spread across the Blue Ridge Mountains.  
 
4. Foodies
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To be found at Pavement Smokin' Taphouse
From to farm-to-table operations, pick-your-own farms, craft breweries and internationally acclaimed restaurants, the Front Royal area has plenty to keep a foodie happy for a long, long time. Plan a weekend or longer to explore the gourmet food options of the Front Royal area, and enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner Front Royal style!

​5. Wine Lovers
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Virginia Wines - Photo courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corp
With sensational sipping spaces, rolling vineyards, and stunning mountain views, Front Royals wineries are a special destination for all lovers of wine . . . from the casual to the connoisseur. Pack a picnic, enjoy a tasting, or buy a bottle. There are so many ways to enjoy the amazing Virginia wines and wineries of the Front Royal area. Don’t forget to stop by Front Royal Wines before you leave town and pick up some souvenirs to bring home. 
 
6. Big City Escapees
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WanderLOVE - Photo courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corp
Living and working in the big city takes its toll, and sometimes you just need a little WanderLOVE. For residents and commuters in the D.C. Metro area, Front Royal is the ideal destination to find that love and enjoy a country weekend. Less than a 90 minute drive from central Washington D.C., it’s convenient enough for a day or weekend trip, but still rural enough that you’ll feel like you’ve truly entered a different world. Break free of the city and head to Front Royal for fun, adventure, relaxation, and restoration.

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Come see us in Front Royal, VA
Front Royal draws visitors for many reasons, and it’s a dream destination for a variety of tourists and travelers. Do you find yourself drawn to join one (or more!) of our groups of happy visitors? If so, make plans for your trip to Front Royal today! You’ll find yourself wanting to come back again and again!


Looking Forward to Front Royal!

2/15/2022

 
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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.
 
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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
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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.
 
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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. 
 
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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
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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.
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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
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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. 
 
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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. 
 
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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!

Nine Essential Summer Experiences in Front Royal

6/19/2021

 
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Shenandoah River- Cindy Rodney
Whether it’s relaxing by the pool with a cool drink, enjoying a cookout with friends, or spending time with kids on summer break, we all have our favorite summer activities. But there are certain adventures that scream “summer” like no other! We call them essential summer experiences!
 
We’ve rounded up a list of nine essential summer experiences that you can enjoy in Front Royal, Virginia. So whether you’re looking for a way to entertain your kids or just yourself, read on! You’ll discover the best of the summer experiences that await you. Give them a try, and you’ll find some new traditions that’ll have you coming back year after year (or maybe multiple times in the same year!).

1. Float, Float, Float your Tube!
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Tubing on the Shenandoah River
If you’re in the Front Royal area, you won’t want to let the summer go by without at least one adventure on the Shenandoah River! In our book, a river float trip is the number one most relaxing way to beat the heat and enjoy the river in summer. For tube rental, check out one of Front Royal’s own river outfitters, such as Front Royal Outdoors or Skyline Canoe Company. They have everything you’ll need for a river adventure, including shuttle service! And if you’re in search of a slightly more strenuous outing, you’ll find great canoeing options here too. Front Royal isn’t called the Canoe Capital of Virginia for nothing!
 
2. Wine, Cheese, and a Sumer Breeze
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Virginia is for Wine Lovers
For an elegant summer outing, a picnic at a winery is hard to beat, and Front Royal is fast becoming a wine lover’s dream destination. With scenic wineries all around, the only problem is deciding which one to visit. Fortunately, there are enough weekends in the summer that you’ll have a chance to try them all out!  Bring your own picnic and enjoy the finest in Virginia wines, against the stunning backdrop of the Shenandoah Valley.
 
3. Summer in a Cup or a Cone
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Ice cream, a favored summer treat!
​An ice cream outing is one of those summer experiences that delights young and old (and everybody in between!). Whether you’re taking a break in the middle of another adventure, or making a weeknight more fun with a quick outing, you can’t really go wrong with ice cream in the summer! Front Royal is home to several winning ice cream stands and parlors. Two top picks: The Apple House in Linden for a rustic country feel, or C & C’s Frozen Treats on Main Street for a small town ice cream vibe!
 
4. Cool Down in Town!
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Make a hot, sweaty day into a memorable moment by cooling off in Front Royal! Kids will love Front Royal’s own Splash Pad at Dr. Paul Seide Memorial Gardens. And if the splash pad doesn’t satisfy the water-lover within, no worries! Front Royal’s community pool is right next door!

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Splash Pad at Dr. Paul Seide Memorial Gardens
5. Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
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Hotdogs, sunflower seeds, and a great ballgame. It’s all you need to enjoy a summer evening in an all-American way. Front Royal’s Bing Crosby Stadium is the home of the Front Royal Cardinals, and a great place to enjoy a summer evening of baseball. Check the league schedule here to find a Cardinals home game that works for you.
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Bing Crosby Stadium
6. Grill and Chill
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Barbecue at the park
Merge two essential summer experiences into one by planning a cookout on the banks of the Shenandoah River. Shenandoah River State Park is the home of an extensive riverside picnic area, with plenty of charcoal grills available! Swim or fish, and then relax with some food hot off the grill. Don’t forget the watermelon!
 
7. Splash Around on a Swimming Hole Hike
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Waterfalls and swimming holes!
If outdoor adventures and hiking are your passion, give your hobby a fun summer twist by incorporating a swimming hole on your next hike. Overall Run Falls is a favorite waterfall destination in Shenandoah National Park. If you enter the park at Thompson Hollow Trailhead, you can hike towards Overall Run Falls and enjoy the swimming holes and waterfalls along the way. This area of the park is also accessible from the Mathews Arm Area off Skyline Drive, but expect a longer hike before you can cool off in a natural pool!
 
8. Pick Your Own Farm Fresh Fruit
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Fresh picked blueberries
It wouldn’t be summer without the juices of freshly picked in-season fruit running down your chin! From strawberries to blueberries to peaches, there’s always something to pick in a Front Royal summer! Stribling Orchard and Hartland Orchard are two of our favorite pick-your-own locations in the Front Royal area. Most pick-your-own farms restrict picking to ensure a continuous supply, so be sure call or check social media before you arrive to avoid disappointment! You can also check ahead to find out which fruit is in season. 
 
9. Appaloosa Music Festival
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Scythian - Appaloosa Music Festival
Mark your calendars for August 13-15! You won’t want to miss Front Royal’s own family friendly folk music festival. Popular D.C.-based Scythian Band has been hosting the annual Appaloosa Music Festival in Front Royal since 2014. Find camping, music workshops, local foods, local vendors, and a free kids zone, plus a great lineup of “roots music” bands from all over the U.S. And find it all right here at Front Royal’s own Skyline Ranch Resort! Buy your Appaloosa tickets today to make sure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable music festival! 

​There’s something to love about every season, but summer might be the one with the most potential for pure outdoor fun!
 Our essential summer experiences have an edge on making the most of this warm and sunny time of year. So get out there and have fun in the sun in Front Royal, Virginia.
 
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DIRECTIONS

To say all roads lead to Front Royal is not an exaggeration. From the numerous winding state roads lined with gorgeous fields and farms, to fast-moving multi-laned interstates, you’ll find an easy commute to our community. Once here, we can personalize all your travel needs. ​

​Front Royal/Warren County Visitors Center
414 East Main Street
Front Royal, VA 22630

Phone: 540-635-5788

Winter Hours:
Open Thurs. - Sun.
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

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Directions
HELPFUL LINKS
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Front Royal Trolley (PDF)
Front Royal Visitors Guide
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Shenandoah Valley

Visit Shenandoah
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Quest Shenandoah for  Kids


ABOUT US
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Front Royal/​Warren County is conveniently located within the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and offers numerous recreational activities, historical landmarks, and annual events in and around us. Visit Front Royal to find out why it’s the perfect location for your next family reunion, business meeting,  destination wedding, get-away weekend or ... new home!
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