Shenandoah County Might Be the Best-kept Secret in Virginia

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Stay at Shrine Mont, a historic mountain retreat with 19th-century architecture, cozy cottages, and communal dining.
• Sip Virginia vintages at Muse Vineyards, where tasty fare and sweeping Blue Ridge views capture the easygoing spirit of Shenandoah wine country.
• Descend into Shenandoah Caverns to see unique formations like the shimmering Diamond Cascade and the Capitol Dome.
• Dine at Sal’s Italian Bistro, a family-run favorite in Edinburg with handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and genuine Shenandoah hospitality.
• Climb the Woodstock Tower for panoramic views of the Shenandoah River’s famed Seven Bends and the valley below.

Located roughly an hour and a half from Washington D.C., Shenandoah County, Virginia, is home to Blue Ridge views, boutique wineries, and charming valley towns steeped in history. Growing up in northern Virginia, I spent countless days leaf-peeping on the Skyline Drive and taking field trips to Shenandoah Caverns, but it wasn’t until I returned as an adult that I realized just how special the area truly is. 

Here, life moves at a gentler pace—one marked by winding backroads, vineyard picnics, and hospitality that feels old-fashioned in the best way. That mix of deep roots and genuine warmth is what makes Shenandoah County unforgettable. “Hospitality is really the root of this area,” says Meredith Norris, co-owner of local eatery Flour & Water Co. She’s watched her hometown’s culinary scene flourish over the years, celebrating what’s grown right in the region.

History also runs deep here in a way that’s not just confined to museums, but woven into daily life. As Mount Jackson’s vice mayor, Rod Shepherd, puts it, “You can’t really walk through any of the fields without kicking up an arrowhead at some point.” It’s that tangible sense of the past, layered with natural beauty and modern-day appeal, that makes the region so captivating.

From sunrise bike rides along the Shenandoah River to unhurried afternoons at family-run wineries, Shenandoah County is the kind of place that reminds you why Virginia really is for lovers—of nature, history, and homegrown charm.

Best Hotels & Resorts

A couple playing guitar on the lawn at Shrine Mont.

Shrine Mont

Inn at Narrow Passage

Tucked along the Shenandoah River, Inn at Narrow Passage has been hosting travelers for nearly three centuries. The five-acre property boasts 12 cozy guest rooms, heritage gardens, a suspension bridge, and original 18th-century elements like thick stone walls. Guests love its rustic feel and easy access to nearby hiking, kayaking, and local restaurants.

River Bluff Farm Bed & Breakfast

This intimate bed-and-breakfast, perfect for nature lovers, pairs countryside charm with postcard-worthy views. Stays at River Bluff Farm start with farm-fresh breakfasts and often involve floating down the river, picnicking atop the bluff, or basking in golden-hour views from the expansive deck. 

Shrine Mont

Shrine Mont is one of the region’s most storied mountain retreats, offering accommodations for up to 550 guests. The Virginia House, built in 1873, anchors a cluster of small cottages set against the Alleghenies. Expect to trade modern distractions for communal dining, screened porches, and summer nights soundtracked by the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival.

Best Things to Do

A couple enjoying a bottle of wine at Star in the Valley Vineyard.

Haley Hutson/Travel + Leisure

Hit a winery.

The Shenandoah Valley’s wine scene rivals that of northern Virginia—a surprise to many DMV natives used to Middleburg day trips. Locals love Muse Vineyards for its Blue Ridge backdrop, vineyard fare, and dog-friendly patio. Cave Ridge Vineyard draws visitors with wine flights and laid-back vibes, while Star in the Valley ranks as my top pick for its breathtaking views and adorable flock of sheep. 

Visit Seven Bends State Park.

A favorite of Norris, a Woodstock resident, Seven Bends State Park offers nine miles of hiking and biking trails along the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. “It’s beautiful, accessible, and has some great views,” she says. Don’t miss the short climb to Woodstock Tower for a panoramic look at the river’s famous bends.

Head down into Shenandoah Caverns.

An elevator descent into otherworldly beauty, Shenandoah Caverns features crystalline formations like Diamond Cascade and the cathedral-like Capitol Dome. Above ground, quirky exhibits such as American Celebration on Parade add nostalgic flair. At a steady 56 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, it’s a great all-weather adventure.

Stop by the Route 11 Potato Chips factory.

Few stops capture Shenandoah’s Americana spirit like the Route 11 Potato Chips factory. Both locals and travelers rave about it: “You’ve not smelled anything lovelier than fresh-cooked potato chips,” shares Shepherd. Stop by on a cooking day to watch the process through large glass viewing windows.

Get adventurous at Bryce Resort.

A true four-season playground for outdoor enthusiasts, Bryce Resort offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter, then shifts to lift-access mountain biking, zip lines, golf, and lake fun during the summer. Lake Laura is known as a warm-weather hub for kayaking and swimming, while fall brings mountain vistas perfect for leaf-peeping.

Best Restaurants

Pizza and drinks served at Pale Fire Brewing.

Haley Hutson/Travel + Leisure

Woodstock Cafe

Conveniently located on Woodstock’s Main Street, this bright cafe serves seasonal salads, fresh pasta, and chef-driven dishes like black cod and roasted half chicken. In the back, a small market showcases regional wines, craft beers, and locally made goods. It’s a popular local gathering spot where you’ll often find artists and hikers mingling over lunch.

Pale Fire Brewing Co.

At the Basye outpost of this Harrisonburg-based brewery, expect a wide array of local brews, specialty cocktails, and Detroit-style pizzas—including delicious gluten- and dairy-free options. Grab a slice, then walk next door for frozen custard at Smiley’s or a drink by the fire pit at The Burn Barrel.

Southern Kitchen

A Shenandoah Valley staple since the 1950s, Southern Kitchen doles out fried chicken, peanut soup, homemade pies, and malt milkshakes that taste straight out of a bygone era. “Peanut soup is a requirement,” jokes Shepherd, who considers this nostalgic diner a must-stop for travelers exploring the county’s historic towns.

Swover Creek Farms & Brewery

Set on a working farm, this quaint brewery is beloved for its wood-fired pizzas, house sausages, and relaxed outdoor setting. Its wide lawns, fire pits, and dog-friendly atmosphere make it a local favorite for unwinding on a sunny afternoon in the valley. Catch a game on the big screen, play a round of cornhole outside, or sit back with a beer while cows graze nearby.

Sal’s Italian Bistro

A family-run fixture in downtown Edinburg, Sal’s is a classic Italian spot known for handmade pastas, fresh seafood specials, and welcoming service that feels like home. “It’s where chefs go to eat,” says Norris, praising its consistently excellent food and warmth that defines Shenandoah County’s hospitality.

Best Time to Visit

Landscape of near a vineyard in the Shenandoah Valley.

Haley Hutson/Travel + Leisure

The best time to visit Shenandoah County is from late spring through early fall (May to October), when the valley comes alive with festivals, outdoor concerts, and farm-fresh flavors. Spring brings bright-pink apple blossoms and ideal hiking weather, while summer offers adventures on the river, winery visits, and peaceful nights under the stars.

Between mid-July and Labor Day weekend, the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival fills the mountains with live performances in a timeless tradition that has drawn artists and visitors alike for more than 60 years. Fall steals the show with vibrant foliage, apple picking, and community events like the Edinburg Ole Time Festival, which Shepherd calls “a gem of an event” celebrating local artisans, food, and music. 

Whether you’re here for music, mountain views, or the slow pace of small-town life, every season in Shenandoah is worth experiencing.

How to Get There and Around

SkylinSkyline Drive Road in Shenandoah National Park.

JacobH/Getty Images

Shenandoah County sits about 90 minutes west of Washington, D.C., making it an easy weekend getaway by car via I-66 and I-81. For those flying in, Dulles International Airport (IAD) offers the most direct access, with scenic drives through Virginia’s wine country. 

Travelers can also opt for Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) near Staunton, a smaller option served by United Express with convenient connections through IAD and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). New direct flights from SkyWest will arrive in 2026.

Once you’re here, the best way to explore is by car; country roads and scenic byways are part of the experience, with small towns, vineyards, and dramatic overlooks around every corner.

Towns to Visit

Historic district in town of New Market, Virginia.

Mona Mäkelä/Adobe Stock

Woodstock

As the county seat, Woodstock blends small-town charm with rich history and easy access to the outdoors. Stroll its walkable downtown for art galleries, cafes, and the historic courthouse, or head to Seven Bends State Park for hiking, paddling, and sweeping river views from the Woodstock Tower.

New Market

Known for its Civil War history and gateway-to-adventure feel, New Market sits close to local attractions like Shenandoah Caverns, Bryce Resort, and the Route 11 Potato Chips factory. History buffs can tour the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, while foodies shouldn’t miss comfort-food classics at Southern Kitchen.

Edinburg

This storybook town along Route 11 is home to the Edinburg Mill, one of the last original grain mills in the Shenandoah Valley. Spend an afternoon exploring its artisan shops, sampling wood-fired pizza and local brews at Swover Creek Farms & Brewery, or savoring handmade pasta at Sal’s Italian Bistro.