Shop, Celebrate and Get Away in Luray and Page County
As the holiday season gets underway, it’s the most wonderful time of the year in Luray and Page County — where small-town charm and Valley view’s offer couples an ideal destination for a romantic “holidate.”
Celebrate the season together with Santa sightings, small-town Christmas parades and tree lighting ceremonies. Make your list — and check it twice — as you shop for unique gifts along Main Street. And cozy up in a cabin and soak in the serenity of the Shenandoah Valley with your sweetheart.
The holiday season marks a magical time to shop, celebrate and get away in Luray and Page County.
ROMANTIC ROOMS AND ‘HOLIDATES’
Take in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge and Massanutten mountains in Virginia’s “Cabin Capital”. Luray and Page County’s unique cabin expériences range from rustic log cabins to luxury cottages located in mountain hollows and ridges, along the Shenandoah River or in town.
After heading out to the shops, eat, drink and be merry. Dine indoors, outdoors or on the go at an array of restaurants and eateries. Or savor the flavors of the season with upscale dining at Moonshadows Restaurant or the Mimslyn Inn’s Circa ’31 Dining Room in Downtown Luray.
Raise your glasses with farm-to-keg craft beers by the pint or flight at Hawksbill Brewing Co., or toast to the new year with wine by the glass or bottle at the Valley Cork . Grab a bottle of fine wine or craft beer to take back to your cabin to enjoy next to a roaring fire or in a relaxing hot tub.
Home to three small towns — Luray, Stanley and Shenandoah — Page County includes three walkable Main Streets and more than a half-dozen public parks, perfect for a romantic stroll and sights of the Valley. Or take in the sights from above with a sunset drive along Skyline Drive, a 105-mile National Scenic Byway that traverses through Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Holiday events in Page County’s three towns will help ring in the season, including the Town of Stanley’s annual Christmas Parade and fireworks on Dec. 5 and the Town of Shenandoah’s annual Tree Lighting at Big Gem Park on Dec. 12. Luray will mark the holidays with two main events: a tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 4 and an annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Luray on Dec. 12.
SMALL SPENDING, BIG RESULTS
One small purchase can have a big impact on local shops and their communities — during the holiday season and throughout the year.
Observed each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the nationwide Small Business Saturday event continues to be an annual holiday shopping tradition, and just one part of the larger Shop Small Movement that supports small businesses every day and everywhere.
Each year since the event’s inception in 2010, communities throughout the U.S. have rallied behind Small Business Saturday, reminding shoppers that small spending yields big results. In 2019, shoppers came together to support their local communities more than ever, with spending hitting a record high — $19.6 billion.
During 2020’s Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28, the towns of Luray, Stanley and Shenandoah, the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce, the Luray Downtown Initiative and Page County Economic Development are encouraging holiday spending at businesses with local ties before shopping at big-box stores.
From jewelry, gifts and crafts to place under the tree, to second-hand finds and antiques to help deck the halls, to outdoor equipment to help you enjoy any season in Luray and Page County, local shops and merchants offer a variety of unique items not found at big-box stores.
SHOP SMALL AND WIN
Luray and Page County will kick off a three-week holiday Shop Small campaign on Saturday, Nov. 28 during Small Business Saturday. Through Dec. 20, shoppers are encouraged to stop by local shops for a chance to win one of several prizes.
To enter, take a photo shopping at your favorite business in Page County or capture a screenshot of an online purchase from a local merchant and email it to events@luraypage.com with your contact info. Winners will then be selected through a drawing on Monday, Dec. 21.
Coinciding with Page County Shops Small is a “Shop Late” event in Downtown Luray and in the Town of Shenandoah. Organized by the Luray Downtown Initiative, the annual event gives shoppers extra time to find the perfect gift, with shops open until 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11. Many merchants will additionally offer special sales during the Shop Late event.
For more information, visit pagecobuyslocal.com, or call the Chamber at (540) 743-3915.
