Ralph’s Classic Itinerary

We personally evaluate and update the following recommendations on a regular basis. We hike the trails, eat at the recommended locations, visit the shops, drink the wine… and strive to surpass your high standards of expectation during your stay SME.

For 2-night reservations consider specifically picking activities from Day 2 and Day 3 to best personalize your itinerary – always factor your drive times along the many country roads and the 35 MPH max Skyline Drive in the National Park. Consider adjusting your plans in accordance with the seasons and weather. We are happy to assist you in selecting activities during your stay to ensure you get the most out of your leisure time.

Hot Hiking Tip: When planning hikes in the Shenandoah National Park, generally, if the visibility is limited or the weather is too hot or wet, stay in the forest and hike under the tree canopy and along streams; if the sky is clear, go to the peaks and seek the views. Always wear proper shoes and gear for the season and bring some snacks and water. A hiking stick is recommended as the trails are all rocky.

Hikers – check out our favorite hiking trails: Our Favorite Hiking Trails

Hot Dining Tip: For an unforgettable and exquisite experience, our region is privileged to host some of the finest dining establishments in the Mid-Atlantic region featuring world-class Chefs. For those guests serious about fine gourmet or celebrating special occasions, consider making advanced reservations at one of the three following fine dining restaurants – located within 30 mins of Shadow Mountain Escape.

Skyland Restaurant in the Shenandoah National Park~ Such a treat and open daily – plan your dinner around an evening sunset. (Open March – end of November)

Chop House Bistro – stunning new restaurant in Luray – Reservations required. 

The Mimslyn Inn Speakeasy – is a fun atmosphere – no reservations required.

The Blue Door Kitchen, Flint Hill, VA. ~ A charming restaurant open Thursday – Sunday. Reservations required – open for dinner only.

Inn at Little Washington, Little Washington, VA ~ A World Famous 3 Michelin star restaurant open every day except Tuesday. Reservations are usually easily available in this large, elegant restaurant. New!  Check out their new cafe –  Patty O’s Cafe & Bakery – open daily except Wednesday and Thursday.

Day 1 (Evening Arrival)

• Make yourself at home! Take a ½ mile stroll on SME nature trail with your favorite beverage or a nice glass of wine (choose a SME wine package and select from wine rack in your cabin) … wind down from your travels in your lovely authentic timber frame cabin.
• Either cook up a favorite on our provided grills or order out for a New York Style Anthony’s Pizza (540-743-9300) delivered directly to your door.
• After dinner, spend the remainder of your evening taking in the sounds and sights of nature from your deck or relaxing in your timber frame cabin with your favorite beverage (see our select Italian wines or Prosecco for your convenience).
• Get a good night sleep in your comfortable timber frame bedroom to prepare for your day ahead.

Day 2

• Fix a hardy bacon and eggs breakfast in your timber frame cabin (all except Ladybug cabin) or get a hot breakfast at Hawksbill Diner in Stanley or Gathering Grounds in the old town of Luray.
• Pack a picnic and take a hike in the Shenandoah National Park (hiking trails and access is open all year long). Drive 5 Mins up the mountain to hike to Mary’s Rock (Moderate – about 2 hours hike total) and take your camera for spectacular views once on top. For more ambitious folks, consider the longer drive/hike time and hike Little Devil’s Stairs or Old Rag Trail (Advanced – about 4 + hours total hike time). For less ambitious folks, hike to Stony Man Peak next to Skyland (Comfortable – about 1.5 hours total) for wonderful views.

Hot Tip: Consider hiking our favorite ridge line trail from the Jewell Hollow Overlook Pinnacles parking area along the Appalachian Trail to Mary’s Rock and back (about 3.5 hrs. total) … ask Ralph for more hiking ideas and details. After your hike, be sure to take a slow scenic drive on the Skyline Drive and, if you’re hungry, grab a sandwich or meal at either the Skyland or Big Meadows Lodge

Hot Tip: order the Blackberry Ice Cream Pie… a must. We really like the fried chicken there too. (The National Park lodges are open late March – November)

• Exit the Shenandoah National Park in the afternoon at Thornton’s Gap (at route 211) and go down the east side of the mountain towards Sperryville.
• Visit Quievermont Winery, Gadino Cellars Winery, Copper Fox Whisky Distillery, and/or Hopkins Ordinary Ale Works and relax and enjoy before dinner! (Check operating hours for Mon – Thurs visits… Rappahannock Cellars, DuCard Vineyards and Copper Fox Whisky Distillery are open every day).
• On the way back to Shadow Mountain Escape, stop in Sperryville and either dine in or pick up an Artisan wood fired Pizza at the Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen (across from Hopkins Ordinary). Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen is open Friday– Sunday.
• For Monday – consider the Speak Easy Pub in the Mimslyn Inn where you will often find live music and a vibrant local atmosphere in Luray.
• On Thursday night through the weekend, the popular and fun the Valley Cork in Luray is open. Also, in the town of Luray, Rancho Viejo is a quality and enjoyable Mexican restaurant.
• For a quick bite, many of the major fast-food establishments can be found in Luray.
• The Blue Door Kitchen and The Dark Horse Irish Pub in Flint Hill are nice dining choices which are opened Thursday through the weekend. We recommend calling ahead and making a reservation

Hot Tip: Hopkins Ordinary Ale works is a small quality and charming craft brewery located directly across the street from Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen. The Ale works is open after 4:00PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday… on those days, have a fine craft brew at the Ale Works (a wonderful beer garden) and order your pizza across the street.

• After dinner come back over the mountain to your timber frame cabin at Shadow Mountain Escape. Enjoy a hard-earned glass of wine while you stroll up the timber frame tower in the Bear Dance Lodge taking the self-guided tour “Journey through the world of ancient timber framing.”

Day 3

• Breakfast in your cabin or enjoy a hardy Hawksbill Diner country breakfast with the locals (20 min country road drive from SME).
• After breakfast, tour the Luray Caverns.

Hot Tip: included in the ticket price is entry to the old car museum and the adjacent Luray Valley Museum… they are very interesting and will not take too much of your time.

• Take a delightful stroll along the Hawksbill creek at Luray’s Greenway Park and then visit the old town Luray shops and have lunch at the Gathering Grounds, The Valley Cork or West Main Market Deli.

Hot Tip: Appalachian Outfitters on Main Street Luray is a nice little quality apparel and equipment shop where you can find whatever you need for hiking.

• Return to SME in the afternoon to freshen’ up. Then depart over the mountain to visit Rappahannock Vineyards and Distillery near Flint Hill. After Wine Tasting, return to Flint Hill and have dinner at The Dark Horse Irish Pub or the Blue Door Kitchen.
• Return to your cabin at Shadow Mountain Escape to close out the day.

Hot Tip:  give yourselves 25 – 30 mins to get to Flint Hill – pay close attention to the speed limit whenever on route.

Day 4 (Check-out)

• After check-out, consider another hike in the Shenandoah National Park prior to departing home; or take in other wineries along the Loop.
• If you are heading south towards Charlottesville, take the Wine Loop’s southern excursion to DuCard Vineyard. (Open daily)
• If you are going north towards I-66, and you haven’t yet visited the town of Flint Hill and Rappahannock Winery and Dida’s distillery (open daily) consider taking 522 North along the Wine Loop.
• Before jumping back on Interstate 66, a must stop on the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop is Chester Gap Vineyard (Friday—Sunday) in Front Royal with some of the best mountain views of all.

Top 10 Seasonal Things to Do – Shadow Mountain Escape