While the drinks are for those 21 and older, the whole family will discover something new when you visit the Shenandoah Spirits Trail through the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
As you travel through six counties, several cities, and countless towns along the Interstate 81 corridor, treat yourself and the kids to unique sights and experiences you’ll look back on for years to come. When you’re done exploring the area, the Shenandoah Spirits Trails features family-friendly options where you can spread out and enjoy the beautiful weather. With 22 wineries, 21 breweries, four cideries, and two distilleries, you’re sure to find a stop that fits your adventure.
Escape the heat underground when you visit the Luray Caverns. Follow the paved walkways through enormous rooms with towering formations around every corner. The delicate calcite fans, scarves, shawls, and columns are an awe-inspiring sight for visitors of all ages. Listen for the sounds of the stones singing as the Great Stalacpipe Organ gently taps the stalactites throughout the three acres of caverns. Afterward, you’ll want to visit the Burner Barn for intense flavors and aromas from Luray Caverns Vineyard.
For an experience that will delight all of your senses, check out White Oak Lavender Farm. The kids will love exploring the Discovery Area with its interactive gardens, life-size checkerboard, farm animals, and more. While you’re onsite, browse the selection of wines from The Purple WOLF Vineyard. Order a mini tasting, flight, or seasonal treat like wine slushies and sangria. You’ll especially want to try their specialty—lavender-infused wines like Pardon My Purple, Thumbelina, and Butterfly Kisses.
No matter the season, Back Home on the Farm has something going on, from the beautiful greenhouses in the spring to a seven-acre pumpkin patch in the fall. Be on the lookout for the Enchanted Garden opening in June, plus farm animals, tire swings, butterfly releases, and more. Soak up even more of the natural world at the Blandy Experimental Farm, the state arboretum of Virginia. Wander a variety of habitats through several gardens, the native plant trail, and the largest Conifer collection in the Southeast.
The expansive lawns and picnic areas at North Mountain Vineyard and Winery are a wonderful place for the whole family, including your pets, to spend an afternoon in a scenic spot. Stroll through the flower gardens before indulging in a glass of wine. Take in the views of the valley from 1,300 feet at Star in the Valley Estate Winery while sipping on a flight, glass, or bottle of wine. Plan your visit for the second Saturday of the month through October for live music and local food, or the annual Wine Under the Stars Event in June. If beer is more your style, Swover Creek Farms & Brewery features a delightful array of activities with easy access to the taproom, including a children’s play area, dog park, 18-hole disc golf course, and acres of pick-your-own berries.
Let the kids’ imaginations run wild at Dinosaur Land with over 50 life-size dinosaurs spread throughout the park. In the fall, stop by Wayside Farm Fun where the kids can get all their energy out navigating the corn maze, watching pumpkin smashing, bouncing on the jumping pillow, and more. Finish up the day at Twin Oaks Tavern Winery for wide open spaces and live music on the weekend.
From the wide open spaces with plenty of room to run around to boutique craft beverage venues, the Shenandoah Spirits Trail has curated a must-visit experience for travelers of all ages.
All photos courtesy of Shenandoah Spirits Trail
