Yes, we’re a little biased. We do think that the Shenandoah Valley is one of the most beautiful places on earth. There, we said it.
However, we do think you’ll feel the same way once you gaze upon the billion year old Blue Ridge Mountains. We live here and we never get tired of the majesty of these ancient mountains!
So, let’s start there, with the mountains, and then we’ll give you four more compelling reasons to visit us in the Fall.
#1-Mother Nature’s Stunning Leaf Display in the Shenandoah Valley
Visitors come from all over the world to watch nature’s dance with a changing season. And it’s no wonder. The painted mountains against a fall sky is so breathtaking it’s hard to capture the full beauty with a picture.
We recommend taking some pictures, of course. But take the time to really experience the Blue Ridge by taking a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, or the Shenandoah National Park. Let us pack a picnic lunch for you. Then take off to explore the beauty of some of the oldest mountains in the world!
#2-Shenandoah Valley Fall Festivals
There are so many to choose from! And best of all, the mountains will accompany you no matter which festival or event you choose to attend.
The 8th Annual Chiles Orchards’ Fall into Fun
Chiles Orchards’ celebrates the change of season by picking apples, making apple butter, and encouraging visitors to visit their pumpkin patch. But that’s just for openers!
There will be wagon rides, face painting, and clogging demonstrations. Get the two day lowdown of all the fun here. Then check out their full calendar for all of their fall events, including orchard jams, pancake breakfasts, and their Sunset Series.
September 21-22, 2019.
Queen City Mischief & Magic
The downtown streets of Staunton magically disappear as the Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival transforms into a world of wizardry and fun! You’ll need to make lodging reservations in advance because this much-loved event attracts 10,000 fantasy lovers each year. A ton of fun!
Check out the schedule here.
September 27-29th.
Oktoberfest! at the Frontier Culture Museum
The Frontier Culture Museum ushers in October with Oktoberfest! This traditional German festival is fun for the entire family. Enjoy a tour of the museum, games on the Museum’s German farm, traditional food, music, and of course, German beer!
October 5, 12:00 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Fall Foliage Festival in Downtown Waynesboro, VA
The 49th annual Fall Foliage Festival will take place in downtown Waynesboro. This is an extraordinary art show that features 150+ very talented artists. It has been consistently voted among the Best of Virginia. Plus, it’s the largest outdoor art festival in the Valley!
Beautiful exhibits and tempting food are a great way to shop for Christmas gifts!
October 12-13.
#3-The Shenandoah Valley Has Craft Breweries and Award-Winning Wineries
Another fall favorite is getting in your car and hitting the brewery trail. Here in our part of the Shenandoah Valley, we’ve got Shenandoah Beerwerks. In Central Virginia, there’s the Brew Ridge Trail.
No matter which one you choose, you’ll come out a winner because they are all exceptional! As for wine lovers, enjoy the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail and Central Virginia’s Monticello Wine Trail, considered the birthplace of American wine.
It’s a beautiful time of year to enjoy the drive as well as exceptional libations!
#4 History Calls to the History Lover
If you love history, there is so much of it here, we don’t even know where to start! There are the well-known favorites, of course, Monticello and Montpelier. Always a must-see.
In Dayton, VA, there’s a fantastic museum called The Heritage Museum with the most extensive genealogy library and history museum in the Shenandoah Valley.
The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum contains the President’s birthplace and explores his life and times.
The Frontier Culture Museum is a living history museum which tells the stories of those who migrated from the Old World to create a life in the Shenandoah Valley.
Love cameras? Visit the Camera Heritage Museum in Downtown Staunton. Tour antique cameras and their place in history!
#5-Enjoy the Shenandoah Valley from the Inn
Want to just kick back, hole up, and see the Blue Ridge Mountains from your room, cottage, or cabin? You can easily do that at the Iris Inn.
With nearby walking trails, take some time and just enjoy nature. The point is, a Virginia fall getaway should be exactly what you want it to be.
See as much of the Valley as you want. Or, let the Valley come to you with breathtaking views right from your accommodations.
We hope to see you soon! Book here.