WanderLove: Find What You Love in Luray and Page County

With warm days, cool nights, and spring sights, May marks an ideal time to “get lost” in Luray and Page County — lost in the season’s beauty, lost in outdoor adventures, and lost in mountain memories that Valley views and fresh-air fun are sure to help you create. Here, in the Shenandoah Valley, there are endless outdoor wonders and wide open spaces to wander in year-round.

While wanderlust is defined as a strong desire to travel, in the Commonwealth — where Virginia is for Lovers — that feeling’s known as WanderLove. And as more people begin to travel again, Virginia’s Cabin Capital serves as a picturesque road trip destination to unplug and reconnect with family, friends, or your special someone.

Whether it’s a day trip, overnight stay, or weeklong getaway, there’s always more to explore and discover in Luray and Page County, where WanderLove awaits you on country roads, atop mountain trails, and along the winding Shenandoah River.

PACK A BAG AND HEAD OUT ON A ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE

Grab your backpack, pack your camera, and hit the road to leave the big city in your rearview and be in front of panoramic Valley views in less time than you might think. Located about ninety minutes from Northern Virginia and Charlottesville and about two hours from Richmond and Roanoke, Luray and Page County serve as the ultimate road trip destination.

Let the adventure begin as soon as you hit the road by making the most of your ride: play a round of “I Spy” or license plate bingo with little ones; crank up the radio and try to “name that tune” as you take turns belting your favorite songs with family; or roll down the windows, let the wind whip through your hair, and savor fresh air and one-on-one time with your favorite person at the wheel.

The adventure continues when you reach your destination — and in Luray and Page County, there are plenty to choose from. Take on one of our most loved adventures by opting for one of “three levels” of fresh-air fun: the underground wonders of Luray Caverns, the storied Shenandoah River, or the scenic Shenandoah National Park. Or enjoy the splendor of the season from sunset to sunrise by renting a room with a view, booking a cozy cabin for two (or more), or experiencing Southern hospitality and Valley history with a bed-and-breakfast stay. With so much to see and do and so many places to stay, a multi-day getaway makes way for even more adventures.

EXPLORE SMALL TOWNS AND WIDE OPEN SPACES

Three small towns with three walkable Main Streets, more than a dozen public parks, two majestic mountain ranges, and fifty-five miles of the winding river adds up to endless outdoor fun. Small-town charm and wide-open spaces combine in Luray and Page County to offer something for everyone.

Take a stroll down Main Street in one of our three towns and hit the shops for jewelry, gifts and crafts, second-hand finds and antiques, and outdoor equipment. Then head to one our town parks in Luray, Stanley, or Shenandoah (many are within walking distance from Main Street) to explore short trails, water features, playground equipment, fitness stations, and picturesque picnic spots as you take in the beauty of wildflowers, spring trees in bloom, and the season’s lush greenery against a backdrop of the Blue Ridge and Massanutten mountains.

Dine indoors, outdoors, or on the go at an array of restaurants and eateries in Page County and its towns. Raise your glasses and cheers to warmer weather with local spirits, or grab a bottle from a vineyard, brewery, wineshop, or distillery to take with you for a taste of the Valley back home.

Immerse your senses in nature and the wide-open spaces of the Great Outdoors in a national park or forest, or with a water adventure on the Shenandoah River. Explore more than five hundred miles of trails in Shenandoah National Park, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, or take on the trails in the George Washington National Forest by foot, bike, or horseback. Trek through the national forest or along surrounding foothills and through creeks with an hourly, half-day, or full-day ride with Fort Valley Ranch,  River’s Bend Ranch, or Jordan Hollow Stables. Or take on a high adventure with an ATV expedition, zip-lining tour, or ropes course.

Explore and enjoy the Shenandoah River with flat-water and beginner white-water adventures. Take in a whole new perspective of the Valley from the water as you canoe, kayak, or float the day away. There are also plenty of swimming and fishing opportunities for water lovers — and with many of our outfitters, pools, and lakes officially kicking off the summer season during Memorial Day weekend, May marks an ideal time for water sports and a three-day getaway.

SPEND MORE TIME PLAYING AND LESS TIME PLANNING

Spend more time playing in the Shenandoah Valley and less time planning by letting us be your guide during your Valley vacation. To help you make the most out of your road-trip adventure or grand getaway, we’ve curated custom itineraries based on individual interests.

This month we’re debuting our first round of itineraries on a new hub page, with options for couples, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs. Plan your next date night or romantic getaway with a “Virginia (in the Valley) is for Lovers” itinerary, or explore the Great Outdoors with options for “Outdoor Adventurers” and “Three Levels, Three Days.” And did you know it doesn’t have to cost a lot to enjoy your great escape? After all, the views are free, and with dozens of parks, events, and landmarks, plus a bustling art scene, the Shenandoah Valley offers plenty of no-cost adventures.

With more on the way, the goal of the itineraries is simple: to take planning off your plate. The result, we hope, is as momentous as the mountains that surround you: to put more “play” in your stay.

Here, in the Shenandoah Valley, there are endless outdoor wonders and wide-open spaces to wander in. So pack a bag, grab your camera, slip on your walking shoes, and hit the road to Luray and Page County, where WanderLove awaits you around every bend.