The gazebo is the gathering place in Historic Front Royal. Photo by L. Michael Whited
The 2,000-plus mile Appalachian Trail passes through the Shenandoah National Park adjacent to Front Royal.
Once a year, the Warren County Fair hosts 4H members who show off the livestock they’ve been raising.
Chester Street is dotted with historic homes. This one houses the Virginia Beer Museum. Photo by L. Michael Whited
spectacular foliage in the fall provides colors unmatched anywhere. Let your taste buds have an adventure at one of Front Royal’s vineyards. High elevation, an eastern exposure, well-drained rocky soils, nearly frost-free conditions, and cooler summer days and nights all add up to grapes that can hang in the vineyard until optimal ripeness is achieved. The result? Well, come taste for yourself. Or tour the first official beer museum in Virginia on Chester Street. The Virginia Beer Museum tells the story of the state’s 400-year history with beer. You may also taste some of Virginia’s award-winning craft beers. You may want to explore wineries further through the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop. This compact wine- tasting route offers seven wineries and a whiskey distillery to explore, along with gorgeous natural scenery tracing the northern part of Shenandoah National Park. For more information visit www.discovershenandoah. com/whisky-wine-loop/. If you prefer a birds-eye view, Blue Ridge Hot Air Balloons offers a one-hour aerial tour, followed by the traditional champagne toast upon landing. A stop by the Warren County Fair in August will get you close to your roots. Cheer on the young people who’ve
worked tirelessly raising farm animals to be judged and sold. There’s also plenty of music, motorsport events, pulling contests, animal events, and a Monster truck event. It’s your chance to taste fresh-picked roasted corn-on-the-cob, crispy funnel cakes, hot dogs, French fries, popcorn, and many more fried delicacies. Because Washington, D.C., is just an hour east, plan a day or two exploring the nation’s capital. Drive your vehicle into the city or find the closest Metro station and don’t worry about city parking. In addition to touring iconic museums and public buildings, you can continue to experience nature by hiking on the Capital Crescent Trail, horseback riding at the Rock Creek Park Horse Center, rent a Tidal Basin paddle boat for a new view of the monuments, or see the sights via bicycle or even Segway with Bike and Roll. Visit Front Royal, the hub for adventure, and explore one or more of the exciting spokes radiating from this historic Northern Virginia town. You won’t regret it.
FRONT ROYAL
COAST TO COAST FALL MAGAZINE 2017
30
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter