Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah Valley

October 24, 2021 Tynisha Seiler

Discover the best top things to do in Shenandoah Valley, United States including Virginia Military Institute, American Shakespeare Center, Explore More Discovery Museum, Rocking S Ranch, Zeus Digital Theater, Stony Man Mountain Hike, River Hill Wine & Spirits, Luray Caverns, The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, Skyline Caverns.
Restaurants in Shenandoah Valley

1. Virginia Military Institute

319 Letcher Ave, Lexington, VA 24450-2148 +1 540-464-7232 http://www.vmi.edu/VMI_Museum/
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 461 reviews

Virginia Military Institute

Reviewed By SusanRoAne - San Francisco, United States

We visited VMI whose son is a cadet. We coincidentally met and spoke with both General Peay, the Superintendent as well as second in command. My host, Patrick Morin, was well-informed about practices, policies and history of VMI. We were able to spend time with his son and roommates in the PX and that was unusual. We visited the Jackson Memorial Hall and Museum, Saw the Stonewall Jackson House, The chapel, Barracks (though we had to stand outside, and the spectacular George C Marshall Museum. We watched the RATS walk the yellow line and cadets on their way to classes. VMI is our history and worth a visit.

2. American Shakespeare Center

10 S Market St, Staunton, VA 24401-4350 +1 877-682-4236 [email protected] http://www.americanshakespearecenter.com
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 894 reviews

American Shakespeare Center

The Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre. "Stunning", says Frommer's. Located in historic downtown Staunton, VA, this 300-seat Renaissance theatre offers productions of Shakespeare and classic plays year round that the Washington Post says are "shamelessly entertaining" and the Boston Globe says are "phenomenal...bursting with energy”.

Reviewed By Love_Renoir - Virginia Beach, United States

We attended the closing night of Twelfth Night and it was just wonderful. My whole family was entertained. The cast performed impeccably and it felt so good to be in a theater again! The theater is very serious about health and safety during this pandemic. Masks, stringent social distancing between seats, hand sanitizing stations-- they didn't miss a beat. The venue is clean and airy, yet cozy, thanks to the wood paneling and warm lighting. Additionally, they unexpectedly upgraded our seats and that was such a treat (not a bad seat in the house, though, so no worries of not being able to see or hear no matter where you sit). I can't wait to go back!

3. Explore More Discovery Museum

150 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-3629 +1 540-442-8900 [email protected] http://www.iexploremore.com
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 121 reviews

Explore More Discovery Museum

Reviewed By GrandmaGrandpatime - Leeds, United States

We had a great time at the museum! My triplet grandchildren are 7. We were visiting Massanutten Resort and decided to take the drive. I was a bit concerned about the area after what I had seen on the television and the racial tensions that are well documented.....BUT what a lovely section of the city we experienced. The people we encountered were very friendly, warm and inviting. The hands on activities were awesome! The kids were able to touch EVERYTHING! When you are 7 and curious, what a treat!!

4. Rocking S Ranch

564 Glaize Orchard Rd, Winchester, VA 22603-2408 +1 540-678-8501 http://www.therockingsranch.com
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 386 reviews

Rocking S Ranch

Reviewed By anna7753TK

Had an amazing ride with Mr. Bill, he is extremely friendly and a great guide. The trail was beautiful and the horses were very calm and enjoyable to ride. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun getaway, day activity, etc.

5. Zeus Digital Theater

120 Osage Ln, Waynesboro, VA 22980-1669 +1 540-416-0536 http://www.zeustheaters.com
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 147 reviews

Zeus Digital Theater

6. Stony Man Mountain Hike

At Mile Marker 41.7 Turn off Skyline Drive To Skyland Upper Loop Inside Shenandoah National Park Stony Man Parking, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, VA +1 877-313-2586 http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/StonyMan/
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 448 reviews

Stony Man Mountain Hike

Reviewed By MarkUSNA1998 - Odessa, United States

After a much longer hike the day before, we wanted a shorter, easier one for our last day. Since this one is right next to Skyland where we we're staying, it was perfect. In short, it is easy to find the trail head, there was ample parking (at 10am), and it was a pretty easy hike up to the best view I have seen yet in the park. All in all I think it took is about an hour round trip, with about 15 minutes standing at the top. Highly recommended!

7. River Hill Wine & Spirits

356 Ruffners Ferry Rd, Luray, VA 22835-4402 +1 540-843-0890 http://www.riverhilldistillery.com/
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 116 reviews

River Hill Wine & Spirits

River Hill Wine and Spirits is a family owned, farm based winery and distillery located along the Shenandoah River in Luray, Page county, Virginia. We pride ourselves in small batch high quality Wines and Whiskeys. We also have a full selection of farm raised beef and pork products as well as farm fresh eggs available for sale at the distillery building

Reviewed By renfield1969

You have to drive through a neighborhood that turns into a farm to get to River Hill, but it is well worth tracking down. It is a pretty small operation as distilleries go, but the owners are really down to earth and enthusiastic. Pop is happy to give a tour of the unassuming place: there is the tap room, and the small room behind it is the distillery. "This is my vat, those over there are my barrels." The bourbon and corn whiskey he makes are all worth picking up. If they aren't the best you've had, you will appreciate the taste of down home honesty. My wife was happy to chat with Mom and sample the fruity wines they sell (yes, including Sweet Potato.) I find those type of wines good for desserts or pancakes, but my wife likes the occasional spritzer. They were out of one that my wife selected, but she got a kick out of watching Pop decant her bottle directly from a barrel, and he let her label it and put the seal over the cork. The property itself is pretty large, and they do a number of other things aside from the distillery. You can buy meat at the counter with your wine, and they also board horses and I understand they have a shooting range. This is a place you want to visit just so you can recognize it when some author inevitably includes it as a setting in a novel.

8. Luray Caverns

970 US Highway 211 W, Luray, VA 22835-5260 +1 888-443-6551 [email protected] http://www.LurayCaverns.com
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,625 reviews

Luray Caverns

Discover Eastern America’s largest and most popular caverns. 4,000,000 centuries in the making, this “must see” U.S. Natural Landmark is noted for the profuse variety of formations and unsurpassed natural color. One hour tours from well-lighted, paved walkways lead visitors through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high. Enormous chambers are filled with towering stone columns, shimmering draperies and crystal-clear pools. Also in this subterranean wonderland, “hear rocks sing” as you experience the haunting sounds of the world’s largest musical instrument, The Great Stalacpipe Organ. Completely unique are the beautiful tones created by this one-of-a-kind instrument, which makes music of concert quality from the surrounding stalactite formations covering more than three acres.

Reviewed By drcrawford240 - Tuckerton, United States

My best friend was there 30 years ago with her parents and couldn't wait to bring her son and me and my daughter there to see it and as soon as we went down the steps into the cavern, I was in awe of the beauty that this natural wonder is. Our tour guide, Phillip, was a very knowledgeable and friendly young man that answered every question we asked and even have us some great ideas for where to hike in Shenandoah Valley when we asked him. The food concessions were very reasonably priced and tasty and the prices in the gift shop were surprisingly reasonable as well. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone.

9. The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum

Luray Caverns, Luray, VA 22835 +1 540-743-6551 http://luraycaverns.com
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 805 reviews

The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum

Located at Luray Caverns, this specialty museum features rare antique autos.

Reviewed By fairwayBarbie

Everything from Conestoga Wagons, Model T’s, horse drawn carriages, bicycles, luxury cars, to baby carriages are in this excellent collection. The vehicles are well maintained and beautiful. It was a delight to behold!

10. Skyline Caverns

US Highway 340 10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630 +1 800-296-4545 http://www.skylinecaverns.com
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 473 reviews

Skyline Caverns

Caves in the Shenandoah Valley that feature anthodites, rare rock formations.

Reviewed By T88DZpeggyh - Beaver, United States

Compared to Luray these caverns are much more real! Small spaces at times, beautiful lighting, only a mile walk! Our tour guide Christina was excellent! She was well informed, funny, and had a beautiful singing voice( you’ll find that out in one section of the cave) We learned so much about the history of the caverns, the rare formations that are here and only a few in the world! Everyone in our group respected each other’s space and there was no problem with social distancing! The tour guides are allowed to accept tips and Christina deserves a big one! The gift shop has great clothing, glassware, rocks, etc. to choose from and things are packaged nicely for safe transport in your car. These caverns are a must see, and don’t forget to ask for tour guide Christina!

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