You're on a real working farm in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley — we're glad you're here. Whether you're chasing waterfall hikes, mountain overlooks, or the best breakfast biscuit in the valley, we've put together everything worth knowing. Cheers, and enjoy the ride.
Parks & Nature
Hiking, waterfalls, overlooks & mountain lakes
Most recommended · 1,049 locals
Shenandoah National Park
World-class hiking, wildlife, and Skyline Drive overlooks spanning the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hundreds of miles of trails for all abilities. About 30–45 minutes from the farm — the crown jewel of the Valley. nps.gov/shen
Crabtree Falls
One of the tallest cascading waterfalls in the eastern US, with multiple overlooks along the trail. A moderate hike — every step is worth it. nps.gov/blri
Humpback Rocks
A steep 1.6 mi out-and-back to a massive greenstone outcrop at 3,080 ft. The summit views are unforgettable. Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. nps.gov/blri
Grand Caverns
America's oldest show cavern — open since 1806. Stunning stalactites and stalagmites on a guided underground tour. About 20 minutes away in Grottoes. grandcaverns.com
Sherando Lake
A peaceful forest lake in the George Washington National Forest — swimming, picnicking, and easy lakeside trails. About 20 minutes south of the farm. fs.usda.gov/gwj
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
Walk through Claudius Crozet's 1858 railroad tunnel — cool, flat, and fascinating. Kids love it. About a mile long with light visible from both ends. nelsoncounty.com
Ravens Roost Overlook
One of the most dramatic pull-offs on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The valley drops away beneath you. Go at sunset — you won't forget it. nps.gov/blri
Reddish Knob
One of the highest driveable summits in Virginia at 4,397 ft — 360° mountain views with almost no hiking required. Perfect when the legs need a rest. fs.usda.gov/gwj
Natural Chimneys Regional Park
Seven towering limestone columns rising 120 feet from the valley floor — a striking natural wonder near Mount Solon, about 25 minutes away. co.augusta.va.us
Saint Mary's Wilderness
The only designated wilderness in the George Washington National Forest — beautiful waterfall hike with stream crossings. More secluded than national park trails. fs.usda.gov/gwj
Blackrock Summit
Short hike to a dramatic talus field in Shenandoah NP with gorgeous sunrise and sunset views. A quieter, less-crowded alternative to Humpback Rocks. nps.gov/shen
Shenandoah River
Float, kayak, canoe, or fish this legendary river. Several outfitters nearby rent canoes, kayaks, and tubes — a perfect lazy afternoon after a morning hike. dcr.virginia.gov
Turk Mountain
Easy-moderate Shenandoah hike with a big open summit for relatively little effort. One of the park's hidden gems — rarely crowded. nps.gov/shen
George Washington National Forest
Millions of acres of public land surrounding the valley — trails, mountain lakes, ATV roads, and dispersed camping. An entire lifetime of exploration right outside the door. fs.usda.gov/gwj
Elkhorn Lake
A remote mountain lake in the national forest with misty morning views. Worth the drive for the solitude and quiet beauty. fs.usda.gov/gwj
Horsehead Mountain Overlook
A stunning mountain overlook with wide open valley views. A quieter alternative to the busier Parkway pull-offs.
Riprap Trail
One of the best ridge hikes in Shenandoah — exposed rocky sections, sweeping valley views, and a real sense of wildness. More rewarding than most park trails. nps.gov/shen
Blue Ridge Parkway – Humpback Rocks Visitor Center
Trailhead and visitor center for the Humpback Rocks hike right off the Parkway. Great starting point with interpretive displays and mountain panoramas. nps.gov/blri
Trayfoot Mountain Overlook
Beautiful Blue Ridge overlook with fall foliage views in season. Lightly visited and well worth a stop along Skyline Drive. nps.gov/shen
Crimora Park
A peaceful local lake park great for a quiet walk, some fishing, or a picnic close to the farm. co.augusta.va.us
Betsy Bell Wilderness Park
Wildlife sanctuary in Staunton with trails for hiking and mountain biking. Dog-friendly and free to visit. ci.staunton.va.us
Ridgeview Park
A community park in Waynesboro with playgrounds, picnic areas, and green space. Great if you have kids with you. waynesboro.va.us
Montgomery Hall Park
Large park in Staunton with playgrounds and wooded trails — a great family outing, about 20 minutes away. ci.staunton.va.us
Big Levels 4x4 Trail
Off-road enthusiasts' paradise in the George Washington National Forest. Rugged and remote — bring a capable vehicle. fs.usda.gov/gwj
Arts & Culture
Museums, theaters & historic landmarks
Top pick · 754 locals recommend
Monticello
Thomas Jefferson's iconic hilltop home in Charlottesville — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of America's great architectural treasures. About 45 minutes east. Book tickets in advance. monticello.org
Frontier Culture Museum
Outdoor living history museum in Staunton bringing to life the settlers who shaped the Valley — reenactors, working farms, hands-on exhibits. About 20 minutes away. frontiermuseum.org
Blackfriars Playhouse
The world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's original indoor playhouse, in downtown Staunton. Candle-lit, fully immersive, and outstanding. Check their schedule online. americanshakespearecenter.com
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
The birthplace and presidential library of the 28th president — a beautiful Greek Revival home in downtown Staunton. A fascinating stop you won't find anywhere else. woodrowwilson.org
Shenandoah Valley Art Center
Local and regional art gallery at 126 S. Wayne Ave in Waynesboro. A great spot to discover Valley artists and bring home something handmade. svacart.com
Activities
Things to do beyond the hiking boots
Sunspots Studios
Watch master glassblowers at work and try making your own glass piece in Waynesboro. A unique hands-on experience and a great souvenir. Walk-ins welcome; classes book fast. sunspots.com
Massanutten Indoor WaterPark
Large indoor water park at Massanutten Resort — a hit with families year-round. Book online in advance, especially on weekends when it fills up fast. massresort.com
Crack The Code Escape Room
Escape room experience in downtown Waynesboro. Great for a fun group evening out — book your room ahead of time at their website. crackthecodeescaperoom.com
Pine Bluff Park & Pool
A beloved outdoor pool and park. Primarily member-only but occasionally allows day visitors — call ahead before making the trip out.
Middle River Outfitters
Guided fly fishing trips across the Shenandoah Valley, with private stocked waters nearby in Waynesboro — great for beginners and experienced anglers alike. middleriveroutfittersva.com
Star B Stables
Guided horse trail rides through rolling farmland near Staunton — no experience needed, gentle horses, and about an hour of relaxed countryside riding. starbstables.com
Flying Rabbit Sporting Clays
NSCA-registered sporting clays course in Mt. Crawford — a 16-station course, 5-stand, and elevated wobble trap. Open to the public, no appointment needed for walk-ons. flyingrabbitsportingclays.com
Golf
Local courses, from a quick par-3 to a full round
Orchard Creek
A classic 1950s Waynesboro course with bentgrass fairways and Blue Ridge views — the closest full 18-hole round to the farm. orchardcreekva.com
Waynesboro Golf & Games
Waynesboro's only public par-3 course, plus a well-kept mini golf course — an easy, low-key option for a quick round or a family outing. waynesborogolf.com
Gypsy Hill Golf Club
A historic 1919 municipal course in the middle of Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park, with some of the most affordable rates in the Valley. ci.staunton.va.us
Ingleside Resort & Country Club
A challenging par-72 course near Staunton with scenic views, open to the public year-round. visitstaunton.com
Lakeview Golf Club
A well-regarded 27-hole facility just east of Harrisonburg with three distinct nines — Lake, Forest, and Mountain — plus a driving range and pro shop. lakeviewgolf.net
Stoney Creek at Wintergreen
Rees Jones-designed course winding through the Rockfish Valley at Wintergreen Resort, with Blue Ridge views across three scenic nines — Shamokin, Tuckahoe, and Monocan. wintergreenresort.com
Old Trail Golf Club
A championship course at the base of the Blue Ridge in Crozet, with bentgrass greens, zoysia fairways, and a full-service clubhouse restaurant. oldtrailclub.com
Packsaddle Ridge Golf Club
A Russell Breeden-designed course near Keezletown with dramatic elevation changes and sweeping Valley views — rated 4½ stars by Golf Digest. packsaddleridge.com
Birdwood Golf Course
Davis Love III-redesigned championship course at Boar's Head Resort in Charlottesville, home to UVA's golf teams, with a six-hole par-3 course and putting green. boarsheadresort.com
Breakfast & Café
Morning spots worth the short drive
Staff favorite · 34 recommend
Reunion Bakery & Espresso
A stunning bakery in a gorgeous historic building in downtown Staunton. Outstanding pastries, serious espresso. Arrive early — the good stuff sells out fast. reunionbakery.com
The French Press
Staunton's popular coffee shop with excellent espresso and a welcoming space. Great for a slow morning or catching up on work over a good cup. thefrenchpressva.com
Cranberry's Grocery & Eatery
A charming locally-loved spot in Staunton for breakfast and lunch with fresh, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Cozy patio seating out front. gocranberrys.com
Weasie's Kitchen
No-frills local breakfast diner in Waynesboro with loyal regulars and generous portions. The kind of place where everyone knows each other.
D & L Donuts
Fresh donuts and coffee in Waynesboro. Perfect if you're heading out early for a hike and need something quick and delicious.
Shopping
Local shops, markets & one very special farm
Don't miss · 31 recommend
Downtown Staunton
One of Virginia's best-preserved historic downtowns — independent boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and excellent restaurants. Plan a full afternoon. Park at the Wharf Lot and explore on foot.
Polyface Farm
Joel Salatin's world-famous regenerative farm. Farm store open select days — check their website before visiting. Grass-fed beef, pastured pork, and more direct from the source.
G & W Motorwerkes
A jaw-dropping vintage and classic Porsche showroom in downtown Staunton. Even if you're not buying, the collection is worth a peek.
Essentials
Gas, pharmacy & practical needs
BP Verona — closest gas station
The BP in Verona is your nearest 24-hour gas and convenience stop. Head north on Rt 11 — a quick, straight shot.
Target
For anything you forgot to pack. In Waynesboro, about 20 minutes away. Full grocery section, pharmacy, and household needs all under one roof. target.com
CVS & Walgreens
Both located in Waynesboro for medications, pharmacy needs, and convenience essentials. Open late most evenings. cvs.com · walgreens.com