How Much Time do You need at Love Ridge?
WITH SO MUCH TO SEE AND EXPLORE, PLAN FOR AT LEAST FOUR DAYS
Love Ridge, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is surrounded by natural beauty in every direction. In addition to the plentiful hiking, biking, waterways, and vast wilderness areas that attract adventure lovers from across the globe, you’ll also find an exciting culinary and cultural scene. Plan for at least a long weekend to take it all in, and given the area’s endless options for outdoorsy fun, you’ll likely end up extending your stay even longer.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS, SHENANDOAH-STYLE
The gorgeous Shenandoah Valley is at your doorstep from our cabins here at Love Ridge. This iconic valley starts in northern Virginia and extends through the central part of the state, tracing the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With over 130 species of trees, various rivers and lakes, and an extensive trail system, it’s one of the most scenic stretches in all of America.
Start next door to our property and venture into the Three Ridges Wilderness, where you can hike a portion of the legendary Appalachian Trail, with stream crossings and sweeping vistas. If you want to be near the water, Shamokin Falls or White Rock Falls are just a few miles away, with trails that follow the flowing water and chilly but refreshing natural swimming pools. Our property has a network of trails, or choose one of the many trailheads in the surrounding area, where hikers and mountain bikers will fall in love with the never-ending routes intersecting the valley.
Plan a couple of day trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which traverses 400 miles of mountainous landscapes and 382 scenic outlooks. Head south to the cradle of the Shenandoah Valley, where you’ll find Natural Bridge state park. The bridge is a wonder of nature, at over 200 feet high and carved out of limestone over thousands of years by the rushing waters of Cedar Creek.
CULTURE IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY: WHERE THE FOOD IS LOCAL, AND SHAKESPEARE LIVES ON
Although nature and adventure take center stage, our area is also full of must-visit cultural events and restaurants. After trekking to the Natural Bridge, stop at Halcyon Days Cider Company, which is family-owned and offers tours of the farm where they produce their small-batch ciders. Their walkable “labyrinth” of 2,000 apple trees is a unique experience as you wind your way through trails lined by trees of diverse apple varieties.
Shenandoah’s lush soil is the bedrock for numerous wineries and organic farms and a boon for our local restaurants. One such restaurant is Zynodoa, in the nearby town of Staunton, which sources its inspired southern cuisine from local independent farms.
After your meal at Zynodoa, walk across the street to the American Shakespeare Center, where the Blackfriars Playhouse is Shakespeare’s “American home.” Their top-notch acting company performs 14 different productions yearly in their classically-designed playhouse and has been wowing audiences for decades.
Reserve a few nights in one of our cabins today and be swept away by the many sights, tastes, experiences, and adventures of the Shenandoah Valley!
