Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog – The Virginia Hype Girl| Virginia Foodie, Lifestyle and Travel Blogger

History meets southern hospitality at this Virginia Wine Country Inn. In this blog I’m sharing three of the many reasons you need to book a stay at the Inn at Meander. So grab a glass of wine or cider and come find out what makes this rustic Inn in Locust Dale, Virginia so special.

In April 2023 I was lucky enough to stay at The Inn at Meander which is composed of 12 cottages and guest rooms. During my stay I stayed in the Shearer Suite a tribute to former owners, the Shearer sisters. This room has a beautiful spacious balcony overlooking the patio and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

History of The Inn at Meander

Circa 1766 this tavern and Inn merge the perfect mix of history and hospitality. The Inn at Meander’s history links it to several famous visitor’s including Thomas Jefferson and General Lafayette. The building is full of history and maintains a historic design with creaking hardwood floors, vintage fixtures and period colors.

In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains the property comprises 80 acres. The Inn at Meander, has multiple trails for exploring, gardens, and natural beauty to take in satisfying both the adventurous and those seeking peace and quiet. The trail to the river is especially beautiful and ends with a bench overlooking the water.

In addition, The Inn at Meander has a large game room complete with a pool table. This is one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen to play billiards in. It was lovely to have dinner and retire to the fireplace in the parlor, have a couple of beers and then play a few games.

Dinning and Hospitality at The Inn at Meander

One of the many perks of staying at the Inn at Meander is being able to have your food brought to your room or having a picnic on the grounds. On my spacious balcony overlooking the garden patio and the beautiful Virginia mountains set the perfect picturesque setting for a memorable dinner. The food was delicious and the views and ambiance unmatched.

Inn at Meander Virginia Wine Country Balcony — Eating dinner on the room’s private balcony at the in at Meander

Inn at Meander Virginia Wine Country Dinning — Eating dinner on the room’s private balcony at the in at Meander

Imagine drinking chilled sparkling wine from a local vineyard and taking in the sounds of the crickets and sheep mewing from a nearby farm. As you watch the evening grow darker and put all cares aside. Soaking in the moment with the one you love or in your own peaceful solitude. These are the type of memories and moments that the Inn at Meander gives.

Horton Wine Inn at Meander Virginia Wine Country — Soaking in the views and the moment with Horton Wine at the Inn at Meander

The dinner menu by Chef Jenae Jenkins has a great variety and can be purchased as a 3 Course Dinner option or a la cart. During my stay the first course incuded a spring mix salad: cucumbers, feta, sunflower seeds, and basalmic vinaigrette, the second course salmon with spring greens sauce, basmati rice pilaf and roasted asparagus and for the third course the chocolate lava cake with whipped cream. The portion size of food was very large and everything was very flavorful and delicious.

The dinning room of the Crooked Run Tavern is intimate and inviting. I enjoyed the special touch of fresh flowers on the tables. The fireplace made the room look and feel cozy. I couldn’t think of a better way to end a Virginia wine country day than a relaxing meal at the Crooked Run Tavern. Even if you’re not staying at The Inn at Meander and in the area you should make a reservation and check them out.

breakfast Inn at Meander Virginia Wine Country — French toast breakfast the Inn at Meander

Breakfast which is included with your stay was amazing with beautiful mountain views from dining on the patio. The breakfast menu includes so many breakfast favorites including French toast and omelets. Everything is fresh and made to order. On the weekends brunch is served in the Crooked Run Tavern past the normal week breakfast time. Weekend brunch is also, open to the public with reservations.

Proximity to Virginia Wine Country

Nearby The Inn at Meander is a variety of award winning wineries to visit including Barboursville in Orange, Virginia. The ruins of the once magnificent home of James Barbour, Virginia’s 18th governors still stands today to be marveled at. The house was designed by Thomas Jefferson and built in 1814. Sadly it burned on Christmas Day 1884 leaving only ruins.

On top of seeing the ruins at Barboursville its vineyards and winery are beautiful as well. My interest was peaked to this location because I had tried the Barboursville Prosecco at The Inn at Meander during dinner and then decided to visit the Barboursville winery. A charcuterie in the 1812 Library and a glass of Pino Grigio at Barboursville made for a lovely lunch overlooking their vineyard.

The dessert wine Philéo was also, a refreshing choice and I enjoyed how light this wine was. You’ll want to pick up a bottle or two of wine to take back with you. The staff at The Inn at Meander can even provide an ice bucket for you to chill your wine in your room to enjoy. In addition to brining your own The Inn at Meander has a large list of local wine for purchase.

Besides it’s close proximity to Virginia wineries and breweries The Inn at Meander is near the famous Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park and Montpelier; home of our 4th President James Madison and, “Father of the Constitution”. The grounds, gardens and museum at Montpelier are worth visiting and a true national treasure.

There was so much to explore on the ground of Montpellier including a guided tour of the house. If you enjoy your visit you can also, become a member and come back for return tours. Membership includes free daily tours, discounts and special member activities as well. The membership is well worth the price in my opinion and helps preserve President James Madison and Dolley’s home for future generations.

All these choices can be overwhelming, but The Inn at Meander has several packages to assist with your activities during your stay. You can inquire more about these special packages when you make your booking. Visits to local wineries, Montpellier, Inn picnics, dinners and more can be prearranged for you. I would highly recommend having dinner in your room at The Inn at Meander or a picnic on the grounds during your stay.

Why Stay at The Inn at Meander?

The true gems of The Inn at Meander are the staff I met including Chef Jenean, Rhonda, Susan, Karen and Aaron. These individuals go above and beyond their duties and I watched them make everyone have the best experience possible at The Inn at Meander. In addition if you are planning a special event or looking for a venue to get married you should definitely check out Meander. While at The Inn at Meander, I saw both a lovely wedding and a bridal luncheon take place complete with special table settings.

Staying at The Inn at Meander, truly is a relaxing and calming experience. Making memories and having experiences is what this beautiful Inn is about. The Inn at Meander, reminds visitors to be in the moment and enjoy what they are partaking in. The worries of the outside world truly disappear in these #meandermoments if you let them. The history, hospitality and the close proximity to Virginia Wine Country with all it has to offer makes The Inn at Meander a unique and memorable destination.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog on The Inn at Meander. Please send this blog post to anyone you know planning a trip to Virginia Wine Country and be sure to pin it to your vacation board. Please comment any questions you have and you can book your own trip to the Inn at Meander here.

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Review of Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness with RVshare

April 2, 2023May 10, 2023 thevirginiahypegirl

Welcome to the Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort Sign — Welcome to the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offers guests a unique camping experience in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort. The resort compromises 700 wooded acres of cypress and pine forest and features around 800 campsites, each equipped with picnic tables, charcoal grills, and access to water and electrical hookups. The campsites available for guests are spread out on 21 camping loops and includes sites designed for tents, popup campers, full hookup sites and preferred or premium sites giving more room and a closer location to the amenities. In addition to these options Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort also, has rental cabins on property.

Using RVshare at Disney

It has been a dream to camp at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, but even after buying my own RV I really didn’t want the expense or hassle of traveling with it over 1,500 miles to Walt Disney World. Then I was introduced to RVshare. You can think of RVshare as an AirBnB, but for camping where you can rent someone else’s RV. There are many different RV choices to pick from including towable, drivable or delivery. For this trip I opted for delivery directly to the Campground at Disney’s Fort Wilderness so I didn’t have to worry with moving the unit around or setting anything up. I just wanted to arrive and checkin.

Get $25 off your next rvshare.com rental here.

Booking with RVshare was a breeze and each listing had so much information to help me make the right decision. RVshare also, has live agents that can help you book your trip and give you ideas if you need it. For the price of one night at some the Walt Disney World Resorts during the same dates I booked three nights at the Fort Wilderness Campground with a RVshare rental including setup/breakdown and delivery! You can even get $25 off your next rvshare.com rental here.

21’ Bunkhouse rental from RV Share at the Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort — 21’ Bunkhouse rental from RVshare at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Bed inside our 21’ Bunkhouse rental from RV Share at the Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort — 21’ Bunkhouse rental from RVshare at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The choices I made with RVshare allowed me to have a RV that was walk-in ready. All I needed was to bring my luggage and necessities.

When booking a RV with RVshare you will need to decide on a few things for example if you want the owner to furnish the linens or to deliver the RV to a certain location or set/breakdown the RV for you. Each owners may offer different options and prices with their unit. The choices I made allowed me to have a RV that was walk-in ready. All I needed was to bring my luggage and necessities. This experience was like checking into a hotel and how I had hoped it would be. You may have different requirements for your needs and vacation making your cost different than mine.

Checking Into the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The RV owner I worked with advised me to select early checkin to the Campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. I prepaid my Walt Disney World Resort reservation and completed checkin on the My Disney Experience app requesting a before 7:30am checkin weeks prior to arrival. On the day of arrival the RV owner had also, instructed me to call the campground for a campsite number at 7am. Getting a campsite assigned that early isn’t guaranteed and in my case I wasn’t assigned a campsite until around 2:30pm.

The map of the campground at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort is accurate in the fact that the area is HUGE and laid out.

After being assigned a campsite number in the 1800s loop I conveyed it to the RV owner and he brought over the RV and got it setup by 5pm. If you are planning to explore the campground while you wait for your RV delivery or plan to use the amenities you are going to want to rent a golf cart either from your RV owner if they offer one or the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. I like to walk, but the campground is HUGE and without some sort of transportation (golf cart, bikes ect) you won’t be able to get around to everything. Using a personal vehicle is limited because of where you can drive them vs a golf cart and bike path access.

Golf Carts Fort Wilderness Resort Disney World

Don’t expect to get to your campsite early and make a plan of what you will do while you wait at the campground or make plans to go to Disney Springs or the parks the day of your arrival. You can always go to the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and park your vehicle at the campground and use Disney transportation. You could even hop a boat from the dock and go check out some of the other resorts around Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon or make a dinning reservation for one of the resort’s restaurants. There is plenty to keep you and your family occupied while you wait to get into your RV. If you are flying and didn’t rent a vehicle at the airport you can also, easily get the campground to store your luggage for you while you go explore.

Amenities at the Campground at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

The 50th Anniversary Walt Disney World Electrical Water Pageant made its way to the campground around at 9:45pm and was a highlight of my stay!

Guests of the Campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including horseback riding, fishing, and archery for a fee. Plus, the resort is just a short boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom entrance. I didn’t partake in any of the amenities during this trip, but have gone on a carriage ride during Halloween from the stables and I would recommend it or horseback riding if you and your family like horses. A visit to the stables might be something fun to do during your stay at the Campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

child on horse with helmet — A visit to the stables might be something fun to do during your stay at the Campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

There is a lot to explore around the campground itself including two pool areas and a private beach. One of my favorite things about this Walt Disney World Resort property was the private beach that over looked the Seven Seas Lagoon. Putting my feet in the sand and soaking in the warm Florida sunshine was a vacation in itself. In the evening from my same lounge chair I was able to watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom and see the 50th Anniversary Walt Disney World Electrical Water Pageant as it made its way to the campground around at 9:45pm.

Fireworks from the Magic Kingdom in front of the Campgrounds of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

50th Anniversary Walt Disney World Electrical Water Pageant in front of the Campgrounds of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort — Fireworks from the Magic Kingdom in front of the Campgrounds of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Watching the 50th Anniversary Walt Disney World Electrical Water Pageant from the beach was truly a magical experience and I always find so much nostalgia in the Disney Electric Water Parade. The campground even has food trucks that come out to the area giving more food options than just P and J’s Southern Take Out. P and J’s does offer mobile ordering from the My Disney Experience App and has many food options. If you’re a Disney adult without children it is so much fun to grab some snacks and enjoy a quiet evening on the beach while waiting for the evening fireworks. Likewise, the area is also, fun for children to dig in the sand and play while waiting.

Boat leaving the dock at the Campgrounds of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. This is also, the view from the private beach area

P and J the quick service restaurant sign at the Campgrounds of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort — Boat leaving the dock at the Campgrounds of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. This is also, the view from the private beach area

The campground also, has the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue which you can make reservations for. I have been to the revue on a previous trip to Disney and thought it was really entertaining as an adult and was glad to see they offered meatless food options. Another fun feature of staying at the campground is the free Campfire Singalongs and Movies Under the Stars. You will need to check with guest services to see what is offered during your stay.

Saving Money Camping at Disney

One of the most commonly posted topics posted related to camping at Disney is cost effectiveness. Having now camped at Disney I can say that camping is a great way to stay on Walt Disney World Resort property, enjoy all the resort options available and also, have a unique cost effective experience. Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness even with the cost of renting a RV was dramatically cheaper than many of the other Walt Disney World Resort options for the same time period.

The amenities at the Campground at Fort Wilderness as mentioned are wonderful. Typically a Walt Disney World Resort with access to the Seven Seas Lagoon and multiple transportation outlets can be pricy. The campground also, allows one to stay on property, but have a campground experience giving the best of both options. If you are not a seasoned camper this campground has all the bells and whistles that you might not find at other campgrounds along with staff to help you along the way.

The campsites are well laid out, the grounds are well manicured, the comfort stations are clean and spacious with apparent Walt Disney World Resort special touches. While at the Campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness I didn’t even realize sometimes I was in central Florida at Walt Disney World. The area really gives such a rustic feel and is vastly different from the bustle of the Walt Disney World parks. The campground even had quiet spots for example to watch nature and I saw several deer and turkey.

Turkey at Fort Wilderness Campground Disney World — Vastly different from the bustle of the Walt Disney World parks the campground had quiet spots where I could watch nature and I saw several deer and turkey.

Another thing to consider is that hotel rooms don’t typically give one access to a full kitchen. With RVshare you can have your choice of renting a RV with a full kitchen. This can add up to cost savings in itself by getting groceries and cooking your own food while at Walt Disney World. If you have dietary restrictions this may also, be a comfort knowing you have a space to prepare meals.

Disney Parks are very welcoming of dietary issues and try their best to accommodate guests. There are many options for vegan, gluten free and vegetarian options at the restaurants within the campground at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, other Disney resorts and in the parks. If you choose you can even bring in your own food to the parks (within reason) if you need special foods. I have had no problem bringing in medicine or food while I have visited the parks and always alert security to what’s in my bag.

What was it like to camp at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort?

If you are on are the fence about trying out camping I would recommend booking for just a few days. Give enough time to have a day to check in and get settled and then a couple days to enjoy the experience. You can then book a second Walt Disney World Resort for the other half of your trip and not commit the entire trip to camping. Which in my opinion this experience is more like glam-ping thank camping because you are at a Walt Disney World Resort.

Stanley Cup and Florida bird in sand — One of my favorite things about this Disney property was the private beach that over looked the Seven Seas Lagoon. Putting my feet in the sand and soaking in the warm Florida sunshine was a vacation in itself.

RVshare takes all the work out of camping and let’s a renter truly enjoy the experience even if you are a novice at camping. A seasoned camper can find exactly what they need too with RVshare. In addition a RV owner can choose to make some extra money by joining RVshare and renting out their RV at this link. Over all it was a dream come true to go camping at Walt Disney World and you can have it too even if you don’t own a RV by using RVshare. No matter what type of RV you choose camping at Walt Disney World will be memorable and fun.

If you enjoyed this article please share it with your friends, pin it to your Disney or vacation boards on Pinterest and leave me a comment ☺️ You can also, read more about camping adventures here!

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Review of the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort-Cavalier Resort Area

March 15, 2023May 3, 2023 thevirginiahypegirl

The Historic Cavalier and resort area is a must visit if you’re planning a trip to Virginia Beach.

The concept of a resort within a resort at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is well executed and laid out. The Cavalier Resort consists of 3 hotels within one resort area including the Historic Cavalier Hotel, the Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront and the newly opened Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort.

30 Second Review Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront

The near 100 year old historic and ionic Cavalier Hotel which reopened in 2018 after a $85 million remodel sits across the street from the Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront and the newly opened Embassy Suites Resort Hotel. The Cavalier Beach Club is in the middle of the Marriott and Hilton properties which both face the ocean.

Inside the lobby of the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

The Embassy Suites Resort Hotel was designed as a signature addition to the Cavalier. The resort hotel has 157 hotel suites, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill and soon to open TNT (Tacos ‘N Tequila). The hotel rooms boast beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Embassy Suites Resort Hotel has a very modern feel to it, but vibes of big band and hints of a bygone era are woven throughout.

I stayed in room 1084 during my visit to the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. The room was a one room king suite and consisted of a bathroom with a walk-in shower, lighted mirror, sofa, small kitchen table, kitchen area with refrigerator, coffeemaker,microwave, flatscreen smart tv, king sized bed and a large balcony with side views of the Atlantic Ocean and beach. The room was comfortable and the wifi was fast enough for remote working.

The outdoor pool at the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is beautifully landscaped and the pool deck has a fire pit area for lounging.

Resort status is only given to locations that have elevated amenities and this hotel holds up to its name. During my stay I wasn’t able to partake in any of the resort amenities like the free bike or metal detector rentals as the weather wasn’t for it. The outdoor pool was also, closed due to the season. The indoor pool I could imagine is lovely when the doors are open and the sound of the ocean waves can be heard. The outdoor pool at the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is beautifully landscaped and the pool deck has a fire pit area for lounging.

Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill inside the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront

The new hotel carries signature Embassy Suites by Hilton amenities such as an evening reception and made to order breakfast for hotel guests. The evening reception held at the hotel restaurant Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill consisted of light snacks and two drinks per overnight guest. During my stay hummus, pita chips, vegetables, ranch dip, potato chips, various cheese and crackers were served at a set time for overnight guests to enjoy.

History on the Arbuckle restaurant’s name sake found inside the menu at Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill at the Embassy Suites Resort Hotel Virginia Beach

Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill is named after film star Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle. The actor was know to rent out entire floors at the Cavalier in the late 20s and 30s. The history surrounding Arbuckle can be found on the wall outside the restaurant and inside the menu. It is a very interesting read and I enjoyed their nod to the history of the Historic Cavalier.

The menu at Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill has everything from delicious appetizers like local oysters, burgers with even a meatless option, salads, seafood and desserts. During the evening reception I tried the oysters Rockefeller and they were delicious. The complimentary made to order breakfast is also, served at Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill. The breakfast items are served buffet style.

Choices at the complimentary breakfast were plentiful at Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill inside the Virginia Beach Embassy Suites Resort Hotel.

The made to order omelet station was my favorite and had so many fresh choices like mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes and jalapeños. There was an area with different types of breakfast meats, breakfast potatoes, French toast, a wide variety of bread items, cereals, fresh fruit juice/soda machine, coffee and a large selection of hot teas. The staff were very welcoming and accommodating. I like that the restaurant was decorated with pictures of Arbuckle’s films and life.

Dinning Options Cavalier Resort Area

There is no shortage of places to eat within walking distance of the Virginia Beach Embassy Suites Resort Hotel. The Cavalier resort area boasts multiple award winning options. Out of 3,000 restaurants in Virginia Beach on TripAdvisor the top 1-4 are at the resort. Orion’s Roof on the top floor of the Marriott Resort Virginia Beach has some of the most spectacular views of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Additionally next door at the Marriott Resort Virginia Beach is Tula a health-conscious seaside restaurant and between the two hotels the Cavalier Beach Club. Sitting in Adirondack chairs on the Marriott lawn and mobile ordering from Tula was one of my favorite things in the area during warmer days.

Lobster roll at Orion’s Roof inside the Marriott Resort Virginia Beach

At the Historic Cavalier across the street one can enjoy Becca, the Hunt Room and the Raleigh Room for dinning. Becca has some of the most amazing oysters I have ever eaten in both flavor and presentation. The Eisenhower Filet is a must try as well at Becca along with the Signature Mile High Cake or the Apple Cobbler Cheesecake. The Hunt Room’s Wedge All the Way and Virginia Smoke and Cure with some Hunt Room Brunswick stew are perfect to eat while enjoying the restaurants large fireplace.

Tarnished Truth Distillery inside the Historic Cavalier Hotel

The Historic Cavalier is a must visit if you’re staying at the Embassy Suites Resort Hotel. The architecture and sheer luxury of the hotel alone are captivating. Make sure to check during your stay to see if the Cavalier Hotel is hosting any special events. I have enjoyed several special events at the Cavalier Hotel including Christmas Tree Lighting, Halloween Party and a Luau which were all very memorable. In addition the Cavalier Hotel is home to its own distillery Tarnished Truth. The distillery is award-winning and creates locally crafted specialty spirits, rye whiskey, bourbon, vodka and gin. Tastings and tours are available Thursday through Sunday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.

The Historic Cavalier Hotel and resort area simply is a must visit if you’re planning a trip to Virginia Beach. The new Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort offers great amenities, a beautiful location, outstanding dinning choices and offers a great location as a base for Virginia Beach exploration or staying solely at the resort. The Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is a more modern option to the Historic Cavalier Resort and a guarantee you will love it!

Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to pin this article for later on your Pinterest vacation board 🫶🏼 or book your trip to the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront now! (if you book via my link I will receive a small commission at no cost to you for sharing the link)

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Hilton Garden Inn Manassas, Virginia

February 22, 2023March 3, 2023 thevirginiahypegirl

Hilton Garden Inn Tour Manassas, Virginia

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them, and make a purchase I’ll receive a commission at no charge to you.

I’m in and out of a lot of hotels traveling for work and for personal leisure. I’m always confident in the quality of stay I will receive when booking at Hilton Hotels. Their rooms are always spacious, clean, comfortable and the staff prompt with checkin. I have a lot on my mind and knowing I don’t have to stress over my accommodations is a big deal when traveling. I highly recommend checking them out when you book your next hotel stay.

The Hilton Garden Inn Manassas was close to the historic area, battlefield and had a lot of choices for food and shopping around it. Definitely a convenient spot. Book your next trip now and save $30!

If you enjoyed my article please share/pin it and if you know someone planning a trip to Virginia please share my article with them. Read more travel post here.

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Three Reasons You Need to Visit Luray, Virginia

February 20, 2023April 10, 2023 thevirginiahypegirl

Located in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia Luray is both a beautiful and exciting place to visit. With amazing natural attractions like the Luray Caverns, and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Luray is also, home to a wide variety of history and culture.

There are several historical sites in Luray, like the Luray-Page County Heritage Center and Shenandoah Herring Village offering a glimpse into the town’s past. From the charming small towns that dot the landscape, to the Luray Caverns there is plenty to see and do in this vibrant corner of Virginia.

Luray Caverns

The Luray Caverns is a natural wonder located in Luray, Virginia. The caverns are one of the most popular show caverns in the eastern United States and feature incredible stalactites and stalagmites, as well as other fascinating rock formations. The caverns were discovered in 1878 and have since been opened to the public, drawing millions of visitors each year.

The caverns are a National Natural Landmark and a great place to explore and learn about the geology of the region. The Luray Caverns are alluring and offer a unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else. The caverns are home to some of the world’s largest cave formations, making them a must-see for any cave or rock enthusiasts.

Hearing the organ inside the Luray Caverns is a memorable experience.

The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction are also, included with every Luray Caverns ticket. The Car and Carriage Museum is home to 75 Historic vehicles and with the Heritage Village is part of a 3 acre museum complex. It is easy to take a whole day for visiting the Luray Caverns and accompanying museum and grounds.

The Mimslyn Inn

Additionally, the town of Luray is filled with unique restaurants, shops, and cultural events. Located in historic downtown Luray, the Mimslyn Inn has been in operation since 1931. The architecture and design of the Mimslyn Inn is stunning and the inn has been featured in magazines like Southern Living and Travel + Leisure. The inn offers a great place to start a Luray visit and can help with planning a variety of local activities.

Staying at the Mimslyn Inn Luray, Virginia

The Mimslyn Inn has a very boutique feel and a unique touch of class. The inn takes visitors back to a bygone era. I personally enjoy dinning at the Speakeasy in basement of the Mimslyn Inn. The Speakeasy Restaurant is decorated in prohibition era style while the upstairs Circa 31 restaurant boast style and elegance with formal touches. I have had the pleasure of dinning at both restaurants multiple times while visiting Luray, Virginia.

The menu at Circa 31 is always fresh and changes with chef specials and seasonal delights. Brunch is one of my favorite times to eat at Circa 31 and the mimosas are always delicious. The Speakeasy has a delightful menu too and boasts its own unique drink concoctions. The restaurant staff are always very courteous and knowledgeable.

The Mimslyn Inn offers a variety of activities for guests such as guided tours of the property. The staff at the Mimslyn Inn are incredibly friendly, welcoming and happy to help guests plan their stay. I always appreciate the hospitality and detail to service I receive when visiting. The Mimslyn Inn is truly a hidden treasure of the Shenandoah Valley and a beautiful Virginia hotel.

Outdoor Activities in Luray, Virginia

The area around Luray, Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley is known for its stunning mountain views, lush forests, and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. There are plenty of natural attractions to explore around Luray like the Newmarket Battlefield. The nearby area is also, home to some of the best wineries in Virginia, providing visitors with a chance to sample the local flavors.

Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the country especially in the fall of the year. From the nearby towering peaks of the Shenandoah National Park to the pristine waters of the Luray Caverns, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque corner of the world. Located just 90 Minutes from Washington, D.C., Luray, Virginia can easily be a day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Outdoor activities help make Luray the perfect destination for a getaway. With miles of hiking trails, fishing spots and opportunities for camping and biking, there is something close by Luray for everyone who enjoys being active outdoors. If you are looking for a Virginia staycation, a relaxing weekend away or an adventure-filled trip you will find Luray, Virginia is full of more than just three reasons to visit.

Category: Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

The Inn at Meander- Visit Virginia Wine Country

History of The Inn at Meander

Dinning and Hospitality at The Inn at Meander

Proximity to Virginia Wine Country

Why Stay at The Inn at Meander?

Review of Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness with RVshare

Using RVshare at Disney

Checking Into the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Amenities at the Campground at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

Saving Money Camping at Disney

What was it like to camp at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort?

Review of the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort-Cavalier Resort Area

Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill inside the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Dinning Options Cavalier Resort Area

Hilton Garden Inn Manassas, Virginia

Three Reasons You Need to Visit Luray, Virginia

Luray Caverns

The Mimslyn Inn

Outdoor Activities in Luray, Virginia

History of The Inn at Meander

Dinning and Hospitality at The Inn at Meander

Proximity to Virginia Wine Country

Why Stay at The Inn at Meander?

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Using RVshare at Disney

Checking Into the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Amenities at the Campground at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

Saving Money Camping at Disney

What was it like to camp at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort?

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Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill inside the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Dinning Options Cavalier Resort Area

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Luray Caverns

The Mimslyn Inn

Outdoor Activities in Luray, Virginia

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