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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.
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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.
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 are a fantastic natural wonder located in Luray, Virginia.
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.
It is easy to take a whole day for visiting the Luray Caverns and accompanying museum and grounds.
The MimslynInn
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.
Dinner special Speakeasy Mimslyn InnBrunch at Circa 31 Mimslyn Inn
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
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.
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.
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If you’re looking for sushi in Smithfield, Virginia look no further than Tokyo Thai. So many delicious and fresh sushi choices are on their menu. The dragon roll is one of my favorites! Tokyo Thai has a very large menu with a lot of variety. The menu has traditional dishes such a orange chicken, Thai dishes like curry along with many choices of sushi, and sashimi. Tokyo Thai is great for takeout too whether you’re local or taking it back to your hotel as a visitor to Hamtown.
📍Tokyo & Thai 13466 Benns Church Blvd. Smithfield, VA 23430
If you’re looking for something unique to do this holiday season I would recommend checking out a pop up bar near you!
This year more than ever before I have seen more holiday Pop Up Bars and experiences all over the state. So far I have experienced two of these holiday themed pop up bars near me. One at the Island Shrimp Company in Rockett’s Landing in Richmond, Virginia called Rum and Reindeer and another at Waterside in Norfolk, Virginia which is part of the Miracle Pop Ups going on around the country.
Miracle at Waterside Drive Pop Up Cocktail Bar
This Pop Up bar was packed with festive decor. They had a whole menu of speciality holiday themed drinks and small bites. I liked the photo opps that were offered too. During the experience we chose to prepay to building a gingerbread house. The gingerbread house was in a kit and had everything we needed to build it during our visit.
Miracle on Waterside Dr Pop Up Norfolk, Va
This Pop Up experience would make for the perfect girls night out or a date night. If you’re local to or visiting Virginia and want to go you’ll need reservations to check this out at Waterside in Norfolk, Virginia before it ends Jan 1. If you’re not local check online because there may be a Miracle Popup bar near you.
Reindeer and Rum Bar+ Igloo Experience Island Shrimp Co.
Rum and Reindeer Bar and Igloo Experience is located at Island Shrimp Co. Rockett’s Landing in Richmond, Virginia. During our experience we enjoyed tropical drinks with holiday themed names at the holiday decorated bar and then were led outside on the restaurant’s deck to our private igloo.
Inside Rum and Reindeer Bar + Igloo Dinning Richmond, Va
The igloo is reserved for two hours and seats four people. The igloo included a personal faux fireplace heater, blankets, a faux fur loveseat and a table. We enjoyed drinks and a delicious dinner with dessert followed by adult milk and cookies. All this while being cozy inside our igloo and looking at views of the illuminated Richmond, Virginia skyline. This experience was very unique and memorable!
Opinion of Pop Up Bars
Overall I think these themed pop up bar experiences are really cool. Both of the pop up bars I visited added to my celebration of the holidays and making new memories. For someone that loves taking pictures both of these locations offered plenty of photo opportunities too. If you’re looking for something unique to do this holiday season I would recommend checking out a pop up bar near you!
Searching for somewhere to go on an adventure? Look no further than St. Paul, Virginia and the Western Front Hotel
Searching for somewhere to go on an adventure? Look no further than St. Paul, Virginia and the Western Front Hotel. If you have never been to St. Paul, Virginia it is a wonderful small mountain town in western Virginia with lots of heart. Everyone I met while there was so friendly. If you’re an adventurer or atv lover like me you’ll enjoy this area. The Western Front Hotel is the perfect #mancation spot too, and would be great to surprise your guy with a trip.
The Western Front Hotel has the option to book atv packages that include an atv rental during your stay making the booking process easy. The convenience of having the atv rental at the hotel was perfect. The Western Front Hotel provided trail maps and the staff was very helpful to answer any questions we had. We were able to walk out the back door of the hotel, get in our rental and from the parking lot drive up to the trails. In addition to atv rentals the hotel sells passes for the trail if you choose to bring your own atv, utv, quad or dirt bike.
Western Front Hotel St. Paul, Virginia Tour
The trails were well kept and were labeled by their level of difficulty as well as what type of atv was allowed on them. Some of the area trails allowed for Jeeps and 4×4 vehicles and other spots were only accessible by mountain bike or hiking. Our favorite spot was an overlook of the surrounding mountains. While on our adventure we saw deer, turkey and a beer with her cub. The area was very peaceful and a great place to connect with nature.
Mountain View on the Spearhead Trail St. Paul, Virginia Atv rental from the Western Front Hotel St. Paul, Virginia
Mountain View Spearhead Trail St. Paul, Virginia
The town of St. Paul, Virginia is quaint and offers a brewery, several restaurants, grocery, a pharmacy and other shopping. I really loved that we could walk from the Western Front Hotel to the brewery and for food. The Sugar Hill BrewPub even had vegetarian options. During our stay the brewery hosted a trivia night, so make sure to check for local activities during your stay.
The Fat Boys BBQ across the street from the Western Front Hotel, has the sweetest proprietors and they encourage everyone to try the Heart Attack which is a baked potato with cheese and butter topped with BBQ chicken (seen below). Locals like to add baked beans and even coleslaw on top of this creation. This restaurant also, has plenty of other options and cooks all their own BBQ in town.
Chicken tacos with cheesy potatoes from Sugar Hill Brewing in St. Paul, VirginiaPretzel appetizers at Sugar Hill Brewing in St. Paul, VirginiaCanary in the Coal Mine a light beer at Sugar Hill Brewing in St. Paul, VirginiaOutside the Sugar Hill Brewing in St. Paul, Virginia Fat Boy’s BBQ in St. Paul, VirginiaHeart Attack potato at Fat Boy’s BBQ in St. Paul, Virginia
The area behind the Western Front Hotel has a stage for live music, a fire pit for s’mores and plenty of room for relaxing. The Western Front hotel is pet friendly as well though we didn’t bring ours dogs on the trip. The hotel has a small gift shop that had some cute merchandise including their pillows, bath products from the hotel, doggie treats and other items. One of the cutest souvenirs from the Western Front Hotel is a green ceramic rabbit that holds cotton balls (seen bellow).
Adorable ceramic rabbit made by a local artist at the Western Front Hotel in St. Paul, VirginiaStage area behind the Western Front Hotel in St. Paul, Virginia View outside the room at the Western Front Hotel in St. Paul, Virginia
The St. Paul, Virginia area is also, close to many other activities including rafting, kayaking and hiking. There is truly something for everyone to do in the area surrounding the Western Front Hotel. I can’t recommend this hotel enough especially for ATV lovers. This adventure is waiting for you and it’s only in beautiful Virginia at the Western Front Hotel.
Riding on Mountain View Spearhead Trail Virginia
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The Virginia Hype Girl| Virginia Foodie, Lifestyle and Travel Blogger 
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