We’ve enjoyed exploring the area around our wedding venue — sometimes with our dog in tow! Here are some nearby activities we’d like to share with you.
Things that are close by
- Shenandoah National Park – part of the National Park Service and home to Skyline Drive. The Front Royal Entrance Station is close to our venue. There is a park entrance fee per vehicle; NPS passes are accepted.
- The Apple House – a decades-old gift shop and country restaurant, famous for their apple butter donuts. They also have a large selection of Virginia wines, beers, and ciders.
- Stribling Orchard – seasonal picking of apples and pumpkins, as well as baked goods, jams, and locally-raised meats. We enjoy apple-picking here, but please be aware that they get crowded in September.
- Marriott Ranch Trail Rides – horseback-riding for all skill levels. Book well in advance, as their schedule fills quickly. Trail rides must be booked directly and are no longer handled by the inn.
- Rappahannock Cellars – local winery with a selection of white and red wines and great views of the Shenandoah mountains. Robert’s been there several times.
- Chateau O’Brien Vineyards – local winery with a selection of white and red wines and a wonderful vantage point at the top of the town of Markham. Robert has visited once but also tasted their wines at outside events. They’re friends with Stribling Orchard and use their apples to make apple wines. Low-clearance cars not recommended, as their driveway is steep.
- Three Fox Vineyards – local winery with a selection of white and red wines, and a sprawling property with a brand-new, two-level tasting room, hills, and a small brook. Robert has visited several times.
Things that are farther away
- Luray Caverns – privately owned and operated, with beautiful cavern features.
- Sky Meadows State Park – part of the Virginia state park system, with multiple hiking trails, fishing, and camping. A portion of the Appalachian Trail cuts through the park. There is a park entrance fee per vehicle.
- Great Falls National Park – part of the National Park Service. One of the most breathtaking and dramatic falls in the region. There is a park entrance fee per vehicle; NPS passes are accepted.
- Manassas National Battlefield Park – part of the National Park Service. There are several sites connected by hiking trails. There is a park entrance fee per vehicle; NPS passes are accepted.
- Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center – part of the Smithsonian Institution. Home to historic and modern aircraft, including the Concorde, SR-71 Blackbird, and the Space Shuttle Discovery. Also features an IMAX theater and a replica air traffic control (ATC) tower. There is a per-vehicle parking fee.