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Front Royal is for Lovers! Six Ideas for Romance in Front Royal 2022

1/28/2022

 
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As the calendar turns to February, thoughts of romance begin to warm the winter air. If you’re planning an evening with a special someone look no further than the Front Royal area! You’ll find that a small town Valentine’s Day is the perfect setting for your romance to blossom. Read on for five tips (plus a bonus!) on celebrating Valentine’s Day (or any romantic occasion) in the Front Royal area. With fine dining, fun activities for couples, special events with local businesses, and wineries aplenty, there’s a way for everyone to keep the romance going (and maybe fall in love with Front Royal, too!)

1. Sample Front Royal’s Fine Dining
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Nothing says “I love you” quite like dinner at an elegant table for two. If you’re in search of a traditional dinner date Front Royal’s fine dining eateries are at your disposal. Don’t forget to make a reservation! With Valentine’s weekend being one of the busiest of the year in restaurants, you’ll want to make sure you secure your table well in advance.
 
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ViNoVa Mediterranean Bistro - Main Street, Front Royal
Mark your calendar for Saturday February 12 to take advantage of the four course Valentine’s dinner at ViNoVA Mediterranean Bistro. Go here to make your reservation and enjoy four delicious courses, a bottle of wine, and a special dessert cocktail. Eat, drink, and fall in love!
 
For a local craft brewery in a modern setting with delicious pub food, plan your Valentine’s Dinner at Front Royal’s own Vibrissa Beer. You may even catch a glimpse of Cupid while you eat. 

The Element on Main Street is Front Royal’s classic fine dining option. You’ll find gourmet food and the atmosphere to go with it. Or for another fine dining options, lovers of Asian cuisine, should visit Try Thai on Main Street.
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Try Thai - Main Street, Front Royal, VA
2. Explore a Casual Dining Spot that Locals Love
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​If you’re not in the mood for formal dining, a fun, casual eatery can also be a setting for great date. Today, we’re featuring two old Front Royal favorites where locals have been making great memories for years!
 
If there’s one restaurant in Front Royal that pizza lovers shouldn’t miss, it’s The Melting Pot! This local favorite has been feeding pizza to Front Royal for over 50 years. Some locals have been making memories here for a lifetime! 
 
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The Apple House - Linden, VA
​For a fun twist on the traditional dinner date, why not try a breakfast date instead? The Apple House is an old Front Royal area favorite that gets you out of town, but doesn’t involve a long drive. Don’t forget to end your meal with one of their famous apple butter donuts! Or come back in the evening for a drink, appetizers, and a sandwich at the Apple House’s newly opened Bushel Pub. With a drink menu full of Virginia wines and Virginia Craft Beers, it’s a great date-spot for lovers of local products.

3. Take a Dance Class
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Jig'N' Jive Dance Studio - Main Street, Front Royal, VA
What could be more romantic than enjoying a dance together? If you or your partner have two left feet, don’t worry! Jig ’N’ Jive Dance Studio offers private ballroom and swing dance classes for couples. Have fun together, learn a new skill, and listen to romantic music, all at the same time!
 
4. Enjoy Special Valentine’s Events with Local Businesses 
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It’s impossible to enjoy all the Valentine’s fun on one day! That’s why Front Royal’s favorite local businesses have banded together to plan some fun events leading up to the big fourteenth. 

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Warren County Chocolate Crawl - DELICIOUS
The week of February 7-14, take part in the second annual Warren County Chocolate Crawl. Explore Front Royal and receive a special treat or discount at participating businesses.

​Bring five receipts from participating businesses to the Visitors Center to enter their I LOVE Main Street $250 Giveaway! The winner will receive $250 in gift cards to all your favorite main street businesses. Stop by the Visitors Center for details.

​On February 12, enjoy extra fun on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the I LOVE Main Street event.

February 12th and 13th are also a great days to try out axe throwing with your date! Shenandoah Valley Axe Co. is offering a Valentine’s special that features 1.5 hours of axe throwing as well as coaching and refreshments. Make your reservation today!
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Shenandoah Valley Axe Co. - Front Royal, VA

​If you’re coming into town a week early, no worries! Main Street’s local businesses also have some Valentines-themed fun planned for the “First Friday” weekend of February 4-6. 

5. Sip on a Glass of Virginia Wine
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Fox Meadow Winery, Linen, VA - Join the club!
There’s something about the experience of sharing a glass of wine that is both memorable and romantic. If you’re in search of a wine date, the Front Royal area has a wealth of amazing local wineries. Rappahannock Cellars, and Fox Meadow Winery are two nearby favorites that combine delectable wines with all the classy winery atmosphere you love.   
 
6. Don’t Forget to Plan Something for the Kids
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Battlegrounds Fitness - Front Royal, VA
Not strictly a date idea, but all parents know that the babysitting is an essential aspect of date planning. If you’re planning your night out for Saturday February 12, you’re in luck! Entertain them and let them burn off some energy at Battlegrounds Fitness. They’ll enjoy a night of fun, games, and healthy exercise. Bonus: they should be tired enough to collapse into bed right when you get home, giving you even more quiet time together! All ages from “potty-trained” on up are welcome.

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Parents Night Out with Code Ninjas - Front Royal
You deserve a night on the town and it helps knowing your  kids will be playing and having fun too! That's why Code Ninjas offers Parent's Night Out - definitely a win-win evening for entire families! Drop the kiddos off where they will play games, assemble puzzles, build robotics, and more! Code Ninjas is offering this service on Saturday, February 12th from 6 PM to 9 PM and on Valentine's Day, February 14th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Once you've had a chance to unwind, swing by to pick them up (please) and hear about all the fun they've had!
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Bonus: Take your picture by the LOVE Sign
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While you’re out and about town on your date, don’t forget that Front Royal has a great spot for a fun photo shoot. Stop by Front Royal’s LOVE sign (located by the downtown gazebo and Commerce Street by Pavement). It’s the perfect background for taking a memorable picture together. While you’re there, stop by the Visitor Center to claim a special treat just for visitors to the area.
 
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Gazebo - Main Street, Front Royal, VA
There really are almost unlimited options for romantic outings in the Front Royal area. After all, anything can be romantic when you’re with the love of your life on Valentine’s Day! To get more ideas for a fun activity that you’ll both enjoy, see our posts here and here. It’s easy to fall in love in Front Royal!

Celebrate Virginia Wine Month in Front Royal

10/10/2021

 
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October is Virginia Wine Month
With vibrant fall hues sweeping across the mountainsides, October is a month that typically sees a lot of tourist traffic heading for the Front Royal area. But October brings with it another reason to head to Front Royal, too. It’s Virginia Wine Month! There’s few better places to enjoy Virginia Wines that the Front Royal area! We’re marking the month with five fun facts about Virginia Wine, followed by five suggestions for places to enjoy Virginia Wine in and around Front Royal.

Five Fun Facts About Virginia Wine
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1. Virginia is the Birthplace of American wine

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​When you think of American wine, you might automatically think of California. But Virginia has a prior claim to wine fame! English colonists begin attempting to produce wine in Virginia as early as 1609, making Virginia the birthplace of American wine. 

 2. Wine Production in Virginia Failed Many Times
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You’d never guess it from the many flourishing wineries in Virginia these days, but early attempts to produce Virginia wine were fairly unsuccessful. European colonists found native Virginia grapes unpalatable. However European vines did not flourish in the Virginia climate. 
 
3. Thomas Jefferson Failed to Grow Virginia Wine
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When you think of Thomas Jefferson you may think of brilliant innovation, success, and an amazing legacy. However Jefferson himself was one of the early leaders in the Virginia wine movement. Despite dedicating plenty of money and even 2000 acres of his Virginia estate at Monticello to grape growing and wine production, he never really met with much success.
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4. The Virginia Wine Industry Didn’t Really Take off Until Recently
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Historical events also made difficulties for the Virginia wine industry. The Civil War, Prohibition, and then the Great Depression each in turn contributed to pushing wine production aside for many years. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Virginia saw a real rebirth in wine production. Italian Gabriele Rausse finally managed to successfully cultivate European grapes in Virginia. His great achievements won him the title: Father of the Modern Virginia Wine Industry
 
5. Front Royal is Near the Heart of the Booming Virginia Wine Industry
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Once Virginia wines finally took off, there wasn’t much looking back! The Virginia Wine industry has grown rapidly since. Just six Virginia wineries in 1980 increased to 107 by 2005. Now there are over 280 wineries in the state of Virginia. With its fast-draining mountain soils, the Front Royal area has become the ideal home for many of them. Plan a trip to Front Royal to explore all that Virginia Wine has to offer. 
 
Five Places to Enjoy Virginia Wine in the Front Royal Area
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With wineries out in the country, and wine shops right in town, you can enjoy wine either in a stunning rural setting or on the quaint main street of Front Royal, Virginia. There are many options for the wine drinker in the Front Royal area, but here are five picks to get you started.
 
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​1. We’ll start here because it’s our newest wine establishment, Front Royal Wines just opened up on Main Street. Stop in to purchase Virginia wines by the bottle, or enjoy a free tasting.  ​
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2. If a quaint town setting is the ambiance you’re looking for another option is to stroll down the street to ViNoVa a wine bar that serves European style tapas to pair with your drink.  

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​3. Heading out into the country, you’ll find the rolling fields and family friendly atmosphere of Rappahannock Wine Cellars. See their events calendar to plan a visit where you can enjoy live music and food truck food with your wine.

4. If you’re looking for mountain scenery, Chester Gap Cellars is another great option in the area. Enjoy a scenic tasting room and delicious wines. Bring your own food, or choose from a wide selection of meat, cheeses, crackers, and breads. 
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​5. It’s a bit further out of town, but if you’re in search of wine with a view, Fox Meadow Winery is well worth the drive. There are jaw dropping mountain vistas to take in while you sip! Plan your visit on the weekend to enjoy small-bite food and wine pairing. 

October is a fantastic month to enjoy Virginia Wines in the Front Royal area. The welcome coolness in the air, the stunning fall colors, and the delicious wines all combine to make it the perfect wine-drinking haven. Plan your trip today for a wine-tasting adventure you won’t forget!

A Front Royal Wine Lovers Itinerary

9/1/2021

 
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​A Wine Lovers Itinerary!
PictureFront Royal is for Wine Lovers
Here's a sample itinerary just for Wine Lovers looking for a  mid-week or weekend getaway along the  Shenandoah Valley  Wine Trail -  perfect for your visit!

​Summary: Savor Virginia wines and soak up mountain vistas in the unmatched setting of Front Royal’s rustic vineyards.
 
Location: Front Royal, VA.

​Day 1: 
Settle into lodging late afternoon/evening
 
Dinner: ViNoVa 

​Day 2: 
Relax at the hotel in the morning or enjoy Saturday morning Zumba at Jig 'n' Jive or  Explore Art and Clay
 
Pick up a picnic at Blue Wing Frog
 
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon picnic at Glen Manor Vineyards
 
Dinner at Osteria 510 if you’re still hungry

​Day 3:
Morning:

Get a coffee and see Murals downtown. Walk down Chester Street  and pop into the  Virginia Beer Museum (opens at noon)

Afternoon: 
Visit the beautiful Chester Gap Cellars winery
 
Evening:
Dinner at The Element, a local  favorite

​Ideas to extend the stay  ...
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Visit one of the area's great Meaderies

Hike, camp or rent a cabin at  Shenandoah National Park
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Skyline Drive - Autumn

Whatever  your plans, there's so much to DISCOVER in Front Royal! 

Eat. Drink. Love. in Front Royal, VA

7/27/2021

 
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Eat. Drink. Love. Front Royal Photo Credit: Virginia Tourism Corporation
With scenic mountain wineries, a fast-growing craft brewery scene, and restaurants sourcing delicious food from local farms all around, rural Virginia is a foodie’s dream destination. This year, Discover Front Royal is joining with the Virginia Tourism Corporation to highlight all the fantastic epicurean experiences you can enjoy in the Front Royal area.

​A wide range of wineries, breweries, and unique eateries await you in this scenic town of the Shenandoah Valley. Read on to find out how you can eat and drink what you love in Front Royal, Virginia. You’ll find a quick rundown of some recommended eats and drinks, as well as a section on the best ways to merge your edible experience with the Front Royal area’s fabulous outdoor attractions.

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Eat – Front Royal’s Foodie Scene
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Front Royal is full of fabulous restaurants, and foodies will find plenty to explore. For today’s post, we’re featuring several local eateries that we’ve specially selected for their diversity. No matter your taste or budget, you should be able to find a fit on this list. 
 
For a classic fine dining experience in Front Royal, don’t look any further than Element, where you’ll find gourmet cuisine and an atmosphere to match.
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The Element

​Italian food lovers should head to Osteria 510. It’s a farm to table Italian dream come true! Or if you’re in search of something a little more exotic, Try Thai, on Front Royal’s historic main street might just fit the bill. Here you’ll find gourmet Thai food and sushi. 
 
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Try Thai
You’ll see the smokers working away in the parking lot when you pull up at Pavemint Taphouse. Delicious smoked food in a trendy renovated gas station, along with brewed-on-site craft beers. It’s a fun, one-stop shop for lovers of gourmet food and craft beer.
 
Wine lovers in search of a bite to eat, make your way to ViNoVa. A wine bar serving gourmet tapas, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy perfectly paired wine and eats.

Drink – Front Royal’s Wine, Beer, Mead, and Coffee
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DL Campus Coffee on Main
Of course a foodie’s adventure doesn’t stop with eating. If you’re looking for an gourmet weekend, you’ll want to plan out some delicious drinks too. In Front Royal, you’ll find a wide range of great sipping! Start the day with a perfect coffee from Happy Creek, Daily Grind, or DL Campus Coffee. Move on to wine, craft beer, or even a glass of mead.
 
​Front Royal’s wineries are the perfect combination of delicious Virginia wine, stunning countryside, and that unbeatable winery feel. For fields and rolling hills, visit Rappahannock Cellars, or for a mountainside experience try Fox Meadow Winery. See a full list of Front Royal’s wineries here.
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Beer lovers will find plenty to love among the craft breweries of the Front Royal area. If you’re looking to get out in the countryside, head to Backroom Brewery. For an in town brewery experience, check out the Front Royal Brewing Company. 
 
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Honey & Hops Brew Works
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Saga Meadery
Finally, if you’re looking to try something new and unusual, don’t overlook Front Royal’s meaderies. Mead is an ancient alcoholic beverage that’s making a comeback. If you’re curious to try out honey wine in Front Royal, visit Saga Meadery or Honey and Hops Brew Works for a tasting you won’t forget. 
 
Love – Where Food Meets the Front Royal Outdoors
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While you’re in Front Royal, don’t forget to plan an outing where you can satisfy your love for food while immersing yourself in the great outdoors of the Front Royal area.
 
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Valley View Farm
 A great way to enjoying eating and the outdoors is to visit a local pick-your-own fruit farm. Valley View Farm is a great destination where you can eat, drink, and love all at once! Start at the pick your-own-orchard and enjoy in-season fruit. Then head on over to the farmers market, where you can buy organic vegetables and local farm produce. End your visit with some wine or hard cider tasting in the farm tasting room. Other pick-your-own options in the Front Royal area include Stribling Orchard, Hollin Farms, and Hartland Orchard. 
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Hartland Orchard
Another way to enjoy Front Royal’s food and outdoor attractions is to bring some Front Royal food with you on an outdoor adventure. Blue Wing Frog will pack a gourmet picnic lunch for you. Or try Manor Line Market for locally sourced take-out or eat-in food.
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Blue Wing Frog
If you’re planning a visit to Front Royal, plan on some fabulous food while you’re here! With a wide range of restaurants, Virginia wine and beer, and food for every outdoor adventure, Front Royal is the destination your taste buds are rooting for! It’s time to Eat. Drink. Love. 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

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